Internet Boondockin'

[grizzy]

Given how/where you want to use it, I don't see any alternative to satellite -- this can be quite expensive to get something you can use on a mobile setup but should meet your needs as long as you keep access to a southern view.

[Boondocker]

Just how expensive is satellite service? Is there any indication at all that satellite service will be coming down in price anytime soon?

[grizzy]

One example is Datastorm ( www.datastorm.com ). Equipment price is around $5000 and monthly service is around $80. I'm sure these prices will coe down, but much more slowly for mobile units since the demand is relatively small. I believe you can also get satellite TV with these systems. You might try to google (RV Satellite Internet) -- that should get you to lots of choices

[JudithT]

I hear that the Datastorm system is clearly the favorite of RVers
traveling in Mexico. Most say they get a clear signal as far south as Mazatlan.

[gadgetat]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Just how expensive is satellite service? Is there any indication at all that satellite service will be coming down in price anytime soon?

Satellite sounds like the answer to the original post, for sure. If you know you'll be somewhere with no cell coverage, no wifi hotspots, and lacking tin cans and string, satellite would work for you.

Really, the monthly satellite fees are not "horrible", it's the initial equipment cost that left me in a little shock. The high end fully automated systems are deep into the thousands, and that's not even talking installation. As others noted, Datastorm is one of the well know ways to connect over satellite.

Some of the big questions with satellite involve installation. There are several vendors that will sell you the equipment and give you the "how to's" on setting up on your own with a tripod mount. The satellite providers sometimes call this an unsupported "no-no" (had a long phone conversation about it with one of the big name providers).

The automatic setups do work most everywhere (be sure to have a clear view of the southern sky though). If you want to know tons more about satellite, check out http://www.datastormusers.com . According to one user, it's about $5400 (equip & install), and $99 per month for usage.

Also, if you want to follow along with a neat blog, powered by satellite internet, see http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/blog.html (Tioga George's site). While not an Airstreamer, George is a proud datastorm user, and it has work really well for him.

[Airstream25]

Originally Posted by JudithT

I hear that the Datastorm system is clearly the favorite of RVers
traveling in Mexico. Most say they get a clear signal as far south as Mazatlan.

I should think that it would work even better the closer you get to the equator. Aren't these satellites parked in geosynchronous orbits over the equator? Seems like going north to Alaska would be more of a problem.

[gadgetat]

Not sure if being closer to the equator would help, or wouldn't.

The dish setup on the RV side of things is what's really important though. The satellites provide their signals to a big patch of ground. But, your Dish needs to target a specific point in the sky, the satellite you're going to send data back to. And you've got a smaller power output when shooting back to that satellite.

According to the vendor's I've spoken with, that's why they recommend installations with the auto tracking systems. The system re-aligns your dish when you move to a new location. Manual alignment on a tripod might not get the exact satellite location.

[JudithT]

Originally Posted by Airstream25

I should think that it would work even better the closer you get to the equator. Aren't these satellites parked in geosynchronous orbits over the equator? Seems like going north to Alaska would be more of a problem.

Not being much of a techie, I probably shouldn't even be in this discussion:
but I've recently been gathering information about traveling to Mexico and discovered a website called rovingproductions.com. It belongs to a couple
that have spent over a year making a video guide to RVing in Mexico. They have posted an ongoing forum discussion on RV.net (under the screen name
"tahoenow"). They've spoken of their DataStorm dish using Directway
as a provider - and several others have joined in sharing their experiences.
It's a long read, but quite fascinating and chock full of great advice about
all aspects of being on the road in Mexico.

[Airstream25]

Originally Posted by JudithT

I've recently been gathering information about traveling to Mexico

If your intended Mexico travels take you near the San Carlos or Guaymas area, you might be interested in the El Mirador RV Park. Info and lots of pictures are at;
El Mirador RV Park
I have no affiliation, I just think it is a good RV Park.