The MotoSat system is a complete RV two-way internet system.  It was designed from the ground up to meet the requirements of being moved from one location to another on a daily basis.  It eliminates the need for a telephone to connect to the internet and allows downloads of web pages and files at speeds far faster than a standard modem.  It includes a fully automated system to raise the dish, locate the proper satellite, and lock onto the signal.  The system includes a compass and a gps (global positioning satellite) system so that it knows where it is and therefore where to look for the satellite.

The system includes a mount that attaches to the roof of the RV, a 24" tall and 36" wide satellite dish powered by custom designed precision motor drive assembly, an inside controller unit, satellite modem(s), and the cables to connect the unit on the roof to the controller and modems.

D-1 Controller (bottom left) with Shuttle computer strapped on top.  DW4000 Modems sit on top of the computer

Until mid 2004, the MotoSat system required that the RV'er furnish a computer, either a desktop or laptop, running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.  The system could not be connected directly to an Apple computer.  One free serial port was required for the MotoSat controller.  A free USB port was required for the satellite modems.

Currently, MotoSat is offering the D-3 controller which is connected to your computer through an Ethernet connection and no longer requires a serial port.  Additionally, new systems are furnished with the HughesNet HN7000S modem (both the receive and transmit modems are combined into one enclosure) which is also connected to your computer(s) via an Ethernet connection.  With the D-3 controller and the HN7000S modems, the system can be connected directly or through a wireless router or access point to a Windows PC, a Mac or to a network.

A professional installer is required to mount the MotoSat Two-Way Internet system and an authorized individual is required to perform the initial system setup.  Internet service is provided through a special Satellite ISP that charges a flat monthly rate for unlimited service.  Standard service is $80 per month for unlimited access.

   

The system was in the expanded beta-test stage for almost a year.  Over 50 users, located throughout the United States,  used the system on a daily basis.  Final approval was received from the Federal Communications Commission in early 2003 and installation of units to the general public began.  Now, there are over 8,000 systems in use.  In November of 2003, the first MotoSat DataStorm Rally was held at Rally Park in Tampa, Florida.  Over 50 RV's with DataStorm Internet Satellite Systems attended.

The second DataStorm Rally was held September 29-October 3, 2004 in Kerrville, TX at the beautiful Buckhorn Lake RV Resort.  121 attendees in over 60 coaches participated in the 2004 Rally. 

  
DataStorm Equipped RVs At the Users Rally in Tampa, FL 

 
DataStorm Owners Show Their Blue Lights while Others Use Their Internet Systems

 

New larger DataStorm F3 Dish (left) and Standard DataStorm Dish (right)

Four DataStorm's out of 8 RV's at Newport Dunes RV Resort

8 RV's, five DataStorms at Newport Dunes RV Resort

 

2004 DataStorm Rally

DataStorms Light Up the Night in Kerrville, TX

More photos of the 2004 DataStorm Rally in Kerrville.

The DataStorm Rally returned to Kerrville in 2005.  Click for photos of the 2005 DataStorm Rally.  In 2006, the DataStorm Rally returned to Kerrville in late October with a record breaking attendance of 110 RV's and 225 attendees.  Click for photos of the 2006 DataStorm Rally.  In 2007, the rally moved to Tucson, AZ and had 116 RV's and 214 attendees.  Click for photos of the 2007 DataStorm Rally.

For more detailed discussions regarding the MotoSat system please visit DataStormUsers.Com and MotoSat.Com.  DataStormUsers.com is a particularly valuable web resource.  The site is an independently hosted site and supports forums for tripod based HughesNet Interest systems and satellite TV as well as MotoSat DataStorm units.  Thanks Don!!

Most DataStorm installations utilize the F-1 oval dish which is approximately 36" wide and 24" tall.  This dish has been replaced by the G74 dish which uses a faster set of motors and mount but looks very similar to the F-1.  An F-2 round dish, which is .98 meters (approximately 36") in diameter and the F-3 round dish which is 1.2 meters (approximately 44") in diameter are available at a significantly higher price.  For those that want faster deployment, MotoSat has released the XF-2 and XF-3 dishes.  The F-1/G74 dish has an available BOW (Bird On Wire) which allows the use to DirecTV at the same time as the Internet is being used.  This $80 option eliminates the need for a second TV dish.  This option is not available and will not work on the F-2 or F-3 antennas.

page updated 09/19/08