Review by hfd1  - Location: Ithaca, Tompkins, NY, USA
- Cost: $19 per month
- Install: about 1 days
Inexpensive, fairly fast during the day and early in the morning.
Only a bit faster than a dialup modem during evening hours (70kbps downloads)
Consider this only if you have no other choice and you don't need fast service during the evening (6-11 PM)
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I had DirecTV with good results and figured that I would try the DirecDUO package. I replaced my round grey DirecTV dish with the oval white dish and had both DirecTV and DirecWAY service up and running in a couple of hours. I had no difficulty installing this system. This is the dial return DirecWAY service so uploads still go via the dialup modem using my ISP at my workplace. A small box connects to my computer via a USB port. I was attracted to this system because it is very inexpensive and the ads said that I could expect much faster performance than normal dialup. I found that downloads were quite fast during the early afternoon or very early in the morning (2-6AM). I use my home internet connection just for surfing, not for big downloads. Download speeds were consistently faster than 300kbps, and often as high as 700kbps. However, during the evening when I most frequently wanted to use the service, download speeds were consistently horrible. Usually the speed would be in the 70 kbps range, which is only marginally faster than a dialup modem. Customer service suggested that I upgrade to the newest software, but this led to no significant improvement. It was clear that the slow performance was due to insufficient capacity (bandwidth) for the number of users during peak hours. In subsequent calls, I was informed that they are aware of the problem, and that I should be patient because the satellite is in space and increases in bandwith will take hardware upgrades which will take a while. My advice would be that this service should only be considered if you have no other choice and you don't want to use it during the peak evening hours. If you look elsewhere on DSLreports you will see that my experiences are quite typical. If you have any other options available to you, those options are almost certainly better than DirecWAY. For me, my only other option is to switch completely over to cable TV and then to get roadrunner. I have decided to take that route.
member for 22.2 years, 10 visits, last login: 22.1 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
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Other Options...Ithaca has a few options. This is because of how many people live there due to the Universities. You could get cable Internet from TWC, (I think you can do it without getting cable TV.) You could also get DSL from a number of providers, or if you live on one of the college campuses, they'll provide internet. | |
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Review by Blue Coyote - Location: Yucca Valley, San Bernardino, CA, USA
- Cost: $69 per month (12 month contract)
- Install: about 15 days
Always on, fast, reliable, available
Some terrible Sales & Customer service reps, overbilling
My only option, but well worth it
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I live in an area not served by DSL or Cable. Verizon has been jacking me around for 2 years regarding DSL. My only other option was to go Satellite. Did my reasearch and when with Earthlink / Directways two way satellite system. Have been an Earthlink user for years with good results. My employer lets me work from home via the internet. Was using dial up and VPN. Via dial up VPN drops after about 2 hours, although the dial connection is good. A one way (DirectPC) will not work on VPN. When I called to order the Directway system, I told the sales girl that this system must work with VPN. She told me it would work with VPN if a static IP is not required. Checked w/ our sytem admin. and the told me that a static IP is not needed, but satallites systems do not work. Called another friend who said if I can get to the net, he will make VPN work. Called back to order the system, the sales rep told me that Directway will NOT work w/ VPN and the first girl was wrong. He then became a jerk when I questioned him on it. Called back and spoke to another sales rep, explaned the situation. He said that Direct way may work with a dynamic IP, but they cannot assist me with getting VPN working. Fair enough, so I gave them my AMEX card #. The advertised price on the web site is $399 for the dish and $199 for install. When the bill arrive online they tried to charge me $649 for the dish and $250 for install. Called back to dispute it, another arguement. Said I need a promo letter for that price, argued that price is on the web site. They finally agreed to credit may card. Then next day the installer called to set an appoinment. We set a date and got the particulars. Since I did not want the dish mounted on the house, I would set a post and dig the trench for the wires. They also told me that Directway works best on ME or 98SE. Had a friend set up a machine with ME. Installer was very proffesional, arrived on time, set it all up, very knowledgable person. >>> Note - basic install only includes bolting dish to side of house, drilling a hole in the wall for the wire, running wire into the house, aiming dish Since I wanted all the wires run in the atttic, it would cost more unless I did the work myself, which elected to do. Total time from him driving up to live was 3 hours. *** System includes a heavy duty looking dish and array, wire, two boxes (transmitter & receiver) **** The big test - VPN compatibility. Called my computer guru friend. We set the IP numbers for the VPN, and it works! No drops, not problems at all. ***** System speeds do vary. Often under as advertised, occionally over. But still much faster and more reliable that dial up. In two weeks it has only dropped a signal once. Not a system for the novice user. Overall a very happy user. Would highly reccomend for those in rural areas that cannot get DSL/Cable.
member for 22.2 years, 1 visits, last login: 22.2 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
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direcpc for vpnI just got my satellite setup (1 way). I wanted to use it for vpn to do a little work from home, but from what I am seeing vpn will not work with the one way. I also am having a problem getting wsftp to work with the sat. connection. Any help on vpn or wsftp would be appreciated | |
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warpig
Anon
2002-May-14 11:11 pm
up and downhello, i was wondering what the up and down speed is for dish. I was getting 200mb up and 400mb down on dsl how does that compaire | |
| nhansen
join:2003-10-06
Kennewick, WA |
What really works?I'm using Netscreen for my VPN, and can't get it to work over DirecWay. There are varying claims among VPN implementers regarding compatibility with satellite. Can anybody tell me which VPNs really work via satellite? Has anyone had success using Netscreen? | |
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thorny3006
Anon
2007-Jul-6 9:38 am
HughesNet and VPNI am running on a DW7000 and trying to use VPN.
I can seem to connect to VPN but cannot resolve, ping anything. I can establish a VPN connection and seems to disconnect. I transmit alot of packets but receive zero back. I have the Pro plan with no static IP. Does anyone have any ideas to get this working? | |
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Review by hhuck - Location: Roscoe, Sullivan, NY, USA
- Cost: $59 per month (12 month contract)
- Install: about 125 days
Always On,, Thats it!!!
Techless Support, Tech Support Follow-up, NEW FAP POLICY
Wouldn't recommend a DPCSRS System to anyone at the present time.
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I layed out 150.00 for their one-way system, then 399.00 for the upgrade to a 2-way system. It took American Satellite, and DPC 4 months to find an installer in my area. Mind you they already had my $399. for 4 months. Once they had the installer it only took him a week to coordinate an install with me. The installer was very knowledgable about the install, and the system, and didn't leave until I was online and surfing. Here's where the horror story begins. Your supposed to get 400kBs down and 128kBs up. You get better than that up, but disgusting upload speeds, that average aroud 20 - 30 kBs. Now to top it off, their FAP policy, which was once 169MB Hr/Session has dropped to 40 - 50MB hour. No one at DPC will admit to anything, Their techs have NO CLUE as to whats going on, so thats a wasted call. At the present time I would not recommend their system to anyone unless your going to use it strictly for browsing. I couldn't even get the SR-2 upgrade for Win2k as it's 101MB and you get FAPPED at 40MB most of the time. Hope I helped some other poor slob out before he becomes another pissed off customer of DPC.. Good Luck, Screwed by Hughes UPDATE : Fap has seemed to straighten itself out. Or the engineers fixed what they claimed was not broken. But the FAP is back to normal now. Howie Update: Dropped them like a bad habit as soon as DSL moved into my area. Howie
member for 23.1 years, 3445 visits, last login: 9.2 years ago
updated 22.2 years ago
 jmich
Premium Member
join:2001-08-28
Toms River, NJ |
jmich
Premium Member
2001-Dec-30 3:11 pm
My sympathiesI feel your pain. I lived thru that nightmare with my classic 1way. When the comcast truck rolled up to my house, I rolled out the red carpet.
Hang in there. | |
|  | numan98
join:2001-12-05
Frankfort, KY |
Re: My sympathiesWhen my truck rolled out I should have just grabbed my ankels this service sucks. 128 upload I think not how about 17-30 even with level two tech support. I can not believe the FCC has not jumped in and stop this. It is too late for me but if you have not bought the pig in a poke I suggest you keep your money This message may save you several bucks plus a lot of Tech support that means nothing .. Don't fall for this. Download works well if you want a 50 k file. After that you are screwed. If you don't like calling tech support and asking what is your signal level.. then you might as well call me.
Please save your money... | |
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Broadband's National Motto!said by numan98:
When my truck rolled out I should have just grabbed my ankles this service sucks.
Regrettably, your perspective is too often accurate with regards to installation, performance, and support. | |
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dillondoc
Anon
2001-Dec-30 7:35 pm
almost as good as dial up at twice the cost.I have to admit, the idea of a t1 line in the sky was seductive. Once the service was up, I used www.speedtest.inch.com to find my average upload was less than 50 and download speeds were around 250-500. Very unimpressive. Combine that with the vaporware pcexpress Pro (to use my vpn at work)this was a waste of time and money. | |
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Direct pc sucksUnfortunately, direct pc is the only fast connection in my area. I had it installed about 4 months ago. The speed is about 4 times what they said it would be when they don't fap you. After about 4 weeks of calls to customer service and reinstalling my directpc software about 40 times some guy told me my connection was slow because I was getting fapped. I think I hold the record for getting FAPPED.I get fapped daily sometimes within the first 10 minutes of use. I did notice that if you log off before you get fapped and log back on you can get another 20 mb before they slow you down. Someone should tell the customer service people at direct pc that they have a fap policy that way they wont assume that it's a software problem and make you reinstall software over and over agian when your connection is slow. Do not buy directpc unless you like to be fapped or you have no other options. | |
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Class-Action Lawsuit everyone!Dont You Agree? | |
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Re: Class-Action Lawsuit everyone!said by Techie420:
Dont You Agree?
Let's go! Count me in. I want to get these S.O.B.s. They are thieves and need to get caught. | |
| | Rodegod
join:2002-01-08
Calistoga, CA |
to Techie4203
I got DirecPC before I knew about this site...wish I had known...Anyway..sometimes I got 1600 down and never got above 31 up. I called 5 different Hughes dealers and asked one specific question. "what kind of upload speeds can I expect to get w/ one of your satelites" EVERY ONE OF THEM has told me the exact same tag-line "We guarantee upto 128K" SO...what does that mean when I hear it...It means they get 128k, and can get me the same thing. What does it realy mean....they guarantee 1k....thats it....1k, upto 128k means anything between 0 and 128k...so it means 1k. COUNT ME IN on the class action Re: false advertising. I can go back and get names and #'s for the dealers I called if it comes to that. E-mail me when and if you hear of the class action thing going. Kart19_91@hotmail.com | |
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bilbo frodo
Anon
2002-Jan-31 6:00 pm
Re: Class-Action Lawsuit everyone!read your license agreements folks, a-r-b-i-t-r-a-t-i-o-n.
you agreed to it. end of story. | |
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direcpc sucks
Anon
2002-Jan-31 8:22 pm
Re: Class-Action Lawsuit everyone!well lets talk about this license agreement
i guess i agreed to 169 megs per hour
but i never agreed to 169 megs per four hours
i bet you are from direcpc
way to suck it up, sucky
funny i dont get replies when i email requesting to get a response from a supervisor or manager about how tech support sucks, and fap sucks, and how no other company sucks
then i do a bunch of simple math to show i downloaded 38 megs per hour in a set of 4 hours, and got fapped
this was right when the switched it from 169 megs over a one hour period, to 169 megs over "a period of time" or now known as 4 hours
direcpc is a bunch of crap and the people who run it need to get their act together
besides my speeds have been slowing down lately, maybe its because they put more people on their network than it can handle, but the rely on the fap
heh my minds all scattered because im so pissed off at them
i hope the lawsuit wins, and i win all my money back | |
| | | |  shawn744
Premium Member
join:2001-02-16
New Jersey |
to bilbo frodo
F U JACKASS¡¦shutup..you can shove the agreements. We get the service we WANT TO GET not your BEAT UP SERVICE. Be glad the DirecTV service is good or else I¡¯d be on YOUR ass. | |
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to bilbo frodo
a-r-b-i-t-r-a-t-i-o-n. synonyms, at least for DirectPC:
f-a-l-s-e a-d-v-e-r-t-i-s-i-n-g ; b-r-e-a-c-h o-f c-o-n-t-r-a-c-t ; b-a-i-t a-n-d s-w-i-t-c-h ; d-e-c-e-p-t-i-v-e m-a-r-k-e-t-i-n-g ; u-n-f-a-i-r t-r-a-d-e p-r-a-c-t-i-c-e-s
As for me, I am still stuck with a dialup connection, and want a broadband connection so bad I can hardly stand it. Unfortunately, I have no option to get either DSL or a cable modem. So, here I am weighing my options----Dialup: $20 a month and change, SLOW BUT RELIABLE, equipment needed--$30 56k modem, no proprietary (read: crappy, AOL wannabe) required software, cheap; DirectPC: $50+ a month, SLOW AND UNRELIABLE, several hundred dollars worth of equipment needed, proprietary (read: crappy, AOL wannabe) required software. [Yes, I hate AOL with every ounce of my being because I have seen it for the virus that takes over a system that it is and how that it dumbs its users down to the point that they don't know anything about the internet otherwise, but that's another post for another day!!] Back to weighing my options: HMMMM!! It's a no brainer--I'll stick with my dialup. For a while, I seriously considered getting DirectPC, because for a while the classic one way system was getting decent reviews here at dsl reports. Not now. NO WAY!! Not until I see respectable reviews about the service here at dslreports. As I wait, I will hope that some other sort of RELIABLE broadband option will come along for me. Frodo, where do you get off insulting everybody who is a member of this site by your a-r-b-i-t-r-a-t-i-o-n post???? That is another reason why I won't get DirectPC--I'm not signing any binding arbitration agreements for anything. Ain't it funny how that many companies now are using binding arbitration agreements as a big stick to cover their a**es when THEY'RE THE ONES not delivering on the terms of their user agreements. Frodo, if you are a directPC employee, as I suspect that you are, you sure don't have DirectPC at home, but rather Telocity--what's up with that??? [Let's see if there's any substance with that sass by you figuring out how I got that information!?!?!?!] I believe enough in the reliability of the DSL service I do tech support for that I would get it in an instant if I were close enough to a c.o. and take advantage of the sizable employee discount available to me. I wish you all well in your attempts to get a class action lawsuit going in order to establish a legal precedent--the big media companies need to be taught a lesson and humbled a bit by consumers who are emboldened and not afraid to fight back--I'm sure there is a lawyer out there somewhere who would take the case, probably many of them, maybe even pro bono, if they are the social activist type. | |
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Listen, I have been a cu since before the FAP even exsisted.... They did not explain to us that down the road there would be a FAP policy. It was unread the speeds and the amount you could download. Since the FAP policy i have been pretty pisssed after all that we have been thru the install was a nightmare. It was not software config it was there service. under my profile you should be able to find out the post i madea bout my 2 way install. I just feel as if i am being ripped off that i was around before the FAP now i am getting it up the yin yang w/o vaselline. I want every red sent back. If not then everyone should sue. PEACE AND DIRECPC SUCKS AS BAD AS AOL NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | |
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Beats 56K, when it works at all.I purchased the satellite-down/phone-up version, then the two-way satellite link the first day it was offered, in hopes that it would be better. Yeah, right...
I have seen downloads at up to 150kbps infrequently, but not for long, and a lot of frozen, locked-up, dead connects. Denial of service occurs daily for 1 to 30 minute periods. They just shut it down to do "maintenance", which would be OK if the maintenance fixed anything, and if they bothered to notify you so that you could correctly interpret lockups. It hasn't fixed anything so far, and this month marks 2 years with them. Somehow, I don't think maintenance is the issue. I would have gone DSL or Cable long ago if it was available to me, but it is not. Don't bother calling tech support - they just walk you through a re-install of the software because they don't know what else to do. I finally quit calling after 18 calls and 15 re-installs. OK, so I'm a slow learner.
FAP? Regularly. I never know what the threshold will be. Today I was slowed to snail speed in less than 5 minutes after connecting (always on is NOT a happening thing), and I was only using Terminal Server. To get un-Fapped, a re-boot is necessary. How long until you have to do it again? No pattern, except when you need to download a large file.
I asked them if I could pay for two accounts and double the download quantity before being Fapped (really, I did. I have no other choice in my location). I was told absolutely not - I could just finish the next day. So, no matter what I am willing to pay, they will still whack me at the knees as they see fit.
If you have ANY other broadband option, take it! | |
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Ohhh this sucksClass action suit sounds GREAT.
I really like their disclaimer. If your not satisifed with ANY PORTION of the service your ONLY option is to cancel the service and PAY a $399 cancellation fee. And of course piss away the $600 it cost to have it installed.
I think the only option is to sue them. | |
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Misleading Misleading MisleadingAll of the above problems and more.....
CIVIL SUITE - COUNT ME IN..... | |
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What does FAP stand for?I've noticed that at times my downloads are going great and then all of a sudden they slow to a crawl. Is this being FAPPED? What is FAP and how do you detect it? | |
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The Reader
Anon
2002-Feb-1 7:05 pm
You live in New York, Right?Said by hhuck:"It took American Satellite, and DPC 4 months to find an installer in my area."
I don't get it! what was the problem? We are talking about New York, not Ruby Ridge, Idaho! | |
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RipRiley
Anon
2002-Feb-7 2:28 pm
I have been saved!I was seriously considering the Direcway system. But after reading a bunch of these reviews I can wait 6 months for DSL. I can remember seeing the upload speeds once advertised as 128kbps...now all I see is "blazing speeds". The closest to a number they advertise now is "upload speeds similar to a dialup connection"...a little more honest it sounds.
Thanks for helping me in my decision. | |
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Review by brendantai - Location: M1V 2E
- Cost: $70 per month
- Install: about 2 days
I was told dat i could use a regular 18 inch dish
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DON'T GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I ordered direcpc in Canada through bellexpressvu (» www.bell.ca) I ordered their sattelite tv and found out they had 2 way sattelite service too. I heard i wuz able to use my regular 18 inch dish  . Next day... Tech guy came 2 ma house to realign the dish. Tech guy- It's impossible to align your dish to both sattelites!!! You'll need a 20 inch dish LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! customer support said i could use 18 inch!!!!!!!!!! so i had to spend another 129 bucks on an extra dish got ma dish hooked up and received a speed of 20kbps WOW so called 400kbps!!!:( Called tech support Tech support ppl- Sorry not our prob waited a few more dayz and found out the tech guy had not installed the LNB properly and was alignment was not correct!!! Called tech guy to reinstall it... Still the same i gunna Cancel it!!!
member for 22.6 years, 30 visits, last login: 22.1 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
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...i believe the satelites are above texas, and if anything you may be on the wrong satelite, what is your west longitude,which can be found by going to the direcpc then atenna pointing,(click enter antenna location manually, it will tell you your degrees, report that. I have seen some with 70kbps, but never 20kbps, what is your signal strength, try the forums too for satelite, i find them very helpful. | |
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psy1
Anon
2002-Jan-31 7:27 pm
Re: ...i get over 100kps on mine | |
| | | dannyjr8
join:2001-12-09
Bennettsville, SC |
Re: ...said by psy1:
i get over 100kps on mine
is that on the upload or down load.... if it's upload tell me how please..... | |
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to dr_anthony
I'm not to far from canada! I live in Missouri and I get 900k to 500k down on classic one way. Sounds like installation problem to me! | |
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to dr_anthony
you know i bet the guy who installed your dish could get his fcc certification taken away for installing a transmitter wrong
or whatever the equivilant is in canada | |
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amtech4
Member
2002-Feb-14 12:19 am
Re: ...adviceI am an fcc certified installer for hugues. And i can tell you most problems are due to poor installations. But but you cannot get their certs taken away because hugues has to activate the transmitter with the installer on the phone. and they will not activate the transmitter if the signal is correct. and the test they run is fairly accurate. I've read about installers installing in 2 hours or less. these installs are suppose to take 4 hours. I usually spend 5 to 6 on mine to try to perfect it as best as possible. also if the transmitter or cableing is not grounded properly the system does not function properly. Please feel free to send me any questions or comments or ideas for improvment to amtech4@yahoo.com . This system does work granted it's installed properly. Of course the uploads do suck alot of problems are due to running through usb ports in my experiounce. Sorry for misspellings i'm tired. | |
| | | | | amtech4 |
amtech4
Member
2002-Feb-14 12:21 am
Re: ...adviceooops i ment if the signal is not correct they will not activate. | |
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to dr_anthony
Oh I forgot tier 2 tech said dont by the direct duo systems because directv and directpc have different transponders on different sattelites. Just read sattelite forums the guys and gals there are great they can help when tech support cant. I have direcpc sattelite and the dual LNB sattelite hughes direct tv recievers. My install looks pretty good and it doesnt look like an eye sore. I'd suggest call your install tech back and tell him that your gonna have someone from fcc come out and look at it if he doesn't get it fixed. | |
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to dr_anthony
I average from 400 - 800 kbps download and get about 56kbps upload from central California. Of course if the weather is lousy (rain, wind, etc), the performance goes way down sometimes to a point where I lose the connection. Check your signal strength and see what you get. Mine ranges from 45 - 65 in good weather depending on the time of day. | |
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 quientusSo Red Shoes
Premium Member
join:2000-08-11
San Jose, CA |
quientus
Premium Member
2002-Feb-1 8:51 am
I believe it is impossible to align a sat. dish totwo sats. at one time...
Please stop with the slang! It hurts my eyes and makes you look like an idiot. | |
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Re: I believe it is impossible to align a sat. dish toof course you can!!! Different sattelite channels might be on different sattelites so u hafta align it to both | |
| | | quientusSo Red Shoes
Premium Member
join:2000-08-11
San Jose, CA |
quientus
Premium Member
2002-Feb-1 6:03 pm
Re: I believe it is impossible to align a sat. dish toHUH? These are geostationary sats. they dont move because they trave at the same speed as the earth. Last time I checked, to get the best signal, you align directly at it so you DO NOT get crossfeed from a different sat. | |
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Re: I believe it is impossible to align a sat. dish toThe smaller the dish, the wider the reception angle. You can see two satellites with one dish. Also, I have seen a feed on one dish setup to see three different satellites.
GTG | |
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to quientus
The new direcway dish can recieve from three sats. | |
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birddog99
Premium Member
join:2002-03-25
Shreveport, LA |
Get our Ducks(satellites) in a RowIt's no biggie to look at multiple satellites with one dish. DirecTV does 3 with their Para Todos dish with 3 LNB's. StarBand and DirecWay can look at 3 and they are transmitting and receiving to one satellite and just looking at 2 others. It just depends on which satellites need to be looked at and whether or not they are in a usable geostationary position for whichever dish you are using.
Gobbleteegoo... somewhere ya missed a class in Satellite 101, with your theory a DirecPC dish should be smaller than a regular DirecTV dish.... and that's not the way it is. You have to have more surface area to reflect the signal of more satellites. e.g. Dish 300(1 satellite & 19.5Hx18W inches), Dish 500(2 satellites & 22Hx20W inches, StarBand(3 satellites & 26Hx36W)! | |
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Review by fvelosaanaya - Location: Miami Beach, Miami-Dade, FL, USA
- Cost: $49 per month
Its good if its the only thing you cant get
FAP sucks but you can trick it!
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Direc PC is not the best broadland service at all. but its good if you cant get anything else. I had some problems at the beggining because my receiver was messed up and it kept on freezing my computer up, but i got that solved. I bough it like 3 months ago and the first week i was going to cancel my account because i found out about that FAP thing so when i said i wanted to cancel it they offered me 2 months of free service plus the first month had used for free! so far i got a good connection for free so im happy with it. About that FAP.... that is easy to trick i mean if you got the OneWay system. If you have the oneway system the only thing you need to do when they slow down your connection is to connect with a different ISP. Besides that FAP helps every one in a way.... i got a signal strength of 80 - 82 and my connection speed is 200k - 250k. 82 signal is the best i can get cause there is a big bulding in front of my sight but i hope that when i move ill get at least 300k.
member for 22.2 years, 3 visits, last login: 17.7 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
Review by zettl - Location: Allen, Collin, TX, USA
- Cost: $59 per month (12 month contract)
- Install: about 10 days
Outsourced installation technicians were excellent (company owner came onsite)
Within every 24-hour period connection periodically is lost and then re-established.
Satellite will have to do since we can't get DSL or CableModem.
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2-way system professionally installed to SATMAX5, download speed range is 700Kbps-1.1Kbps, upload is 33Kbps-50Kbps, both upload/download throughputs appear to be time of day sensitive. I utilize dedicated gateway PC running Windows 2000 Advanced Server on a PII-400/384Mb/10GB Disk with Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) & DirecWay software version 4.0.1.128, PC appears to hang intermittently when extensive data streams & downloads are occurring, no hangups observed during PC burn-in week after OS install & prior to satellite software installation.
member for 22.2 years, 20 visits, last login: 19 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
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Too Bad You Can't Use ItI'm a former DirecPC customer. The system was everything the advertisements claimed it to be, save one; you can't use it. Looking at it is fine, casual browsing is also fine, but as soon as you start downloading, the Fair Access Policy (FAP) will take your system down for 8-12 hours.
And, you don't have to be a download hog to get hit. FAP gets everyone. See alt.satellite.direcpc to commiserate with your fellow users; I used to!
Speed is worthless if you're limited on the amount you can download.
Best Wishes with it. | |
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Re: Too Bad You Can't Use ItI've had the DirectWay 1 way system for about 6 months now and I'll tell you it is better than dial-up when you cannot get anything else. They've since fixed the FAP policy to work the way it should allowing 160-180MB of download/hour. Satellite is definitely not a replacement for DSL/Cable, but it is better than dial-up. The one way price starts around $35.00 with no contract. With ISP it comes to around $46.00. | |
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jackus to tejones3
Anon
2002-Jan-25 12:31 pm
to tejones3
I believe that the biggest problem with DirectPC is that no one understands the FAP. It is published on many places on the Web and currently stands at 170Mbs to 180Mbs per hour with a 8-12 hours delay before re-establishing service. People need to know the difference between "unlimited time surfing the Internet" and "unlimited bandwidth usage". I believe the advertisements are a bit misleading.
I don't have access to DSL or cable so this is my only choice besides dial-up. If you are saying that you are not getting the 169Mbs per hour then that is a completely different issue. Besides the minor glitches, I am mildly happy with DPC. Good luck. | |
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Review by raljar - Location: Whitesburg, Carroll, GA, USA
- Cost: $45 per month (12 month contract)
- Install: about 17 days
 BellSouth
everything straightforward; no suprises; all internet programs function well
only caveat is customer service; slow not knowledgable
Best bet in this area
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The order was great arrived within a few days and installation was easy. Lucked out on the tweaking because some friend advised me because his was installed by a technician. I find the speed (around 1.1 or 1.2 acceptable and consistent.The only hiccup is about once a week I receive a 650 error and I have to unplug the modem and completely turn off the system and then plug in the modem. Annoying yes but simple to perform. The mail server breaks down occassionally and the newserver could be better but overall I am impressed with the system.
member for 22.7 years, 21 visits, last login: 22.2 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
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one way?You must have the One way satellite setup OA by getting a 650 error? Your isp apparently is not Direcpc.com ?? 2 way is good except for the FAP policy that everyone dislikes of course. Like right now i am getting a steady lol 100 to 400kbps. ON average downloads are 500k to 1mbps. As far as the FAP, and the ping times..... its bearable, better then dial up sorta. | |
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Review by Mikeypoo02 - Location: Oak Forest, Cook, IL, USA
- Cost: $50 per month (12 month contract)
- Install: about 13 days
Yeah, right.
Somebody green-lighted the whole DirecPC concept.
Paint a bullseye on the dish.
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Tech Support:
Mail,DNS,News:
Value for money:
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The problems I have had with DirecPC go on and on, so I will try to be as brief as possible. 1. The software wasn't packed with the hardware. 2. I couldn't register for about eight hours because "the server was temporarily down." 3. Tech support is useless. My dog could come up with better solutions than they can. 4. In the four months that it actually worked (somewhat), I had constant problems connecting and staying connected. 5. I found out about FAP after four and a half months. 6. I have had NO SIGNAL since December 10. Nobody can figure out what's wrong with my system, and nobody wants to do anything about it. My rewards for chosing DirecPC: 1. I have a system that costed $400 to get up, and it doesn't work. 2. I get to spend hours on the phone a day with people who don't want to help me. 3. I get to use a free trial of America Online version 5.0 DirecPC pulls, without a doubt, the biggest marketing scam I have ever seen. They are NOT broadband. They're hardly even 56K. They have lied to myself and others time and time again, and their answers to my problems create no solutions whatsoever. Everybody who is displeased with DirecPC needs to either cancel their service or take some sort of legal action. Here is what they claim on their Web site: "Mind-blowing speed! Supersonic downloads! Screaming streams! " Everybody who knows anything about the FAP knows that claims like this are a flat-out lie. "Supersonic Downloads" of what?! JPEGs?! Whenever I would get FAP'd, my download speeds would get cut to anywhere from .01 kbps to 2 kbps! That's not exactly "Supersonic," and that isn't exactly "Mind-blowing speed," either. To sum it up: DirecPC is a huge joke and a huge rip-off. UPDATE 1/20/02 I forgot to mention this in my initial review. I got FAP'd while downloading the DirecWay version 4.0.0.40 software! How sad is that?
member for 22.2 years, 28 visits, last login: 19.5 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
 dathing
join:2002-01-09
Sykesville, MD |
dathing
Member
2002-Jan-20 11:10 am
In-DirectPC (Stinks!)I tried the DirecPC solution last year. Now the only memory left of the whole horrible experience is the empty dish mounting post which is set in concrete next to the house.  The FAP (Fair Access Policy) was NEVER disclosed, and at the time they would not even tell you what amount of downloading was considered "FAIR". It worked like this: They think you downloaded too much, and cut your bandwidth to about 2400 baud for a day. It's an automated process. Nobody could tell you how much was too much. I can tell you from personal experience that downloading a Windows Service Pack was too much, and I was "FAP'd" I was told by customer support that DirecPC was for "Web Browsing" only, and *NOT* for file downloads. -If you're thinking about DirecPC, *Dont*! -If you insist upon trying it, then just send the $400 to me instead, and I'll provide the same level of service. I'll put the phone receiver next to my computer screen and you can try to receive data. I won't answer your calls, and if you should reach me, I'll be unhelpful and rude. Oh, I almost forgot, I spent months trying to get them to stop charging my credit card after I canceled serivce. | |
| | jamesd0
join:2001-09-13
Carol Stream, IL |
jamesd0
Member
2002-Jan-20 11:55 am
Re: In-DirectPC (Stinks!)hmmm If your dog couild give better support why didn't you get help from your dog? | |
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Re: In-DirectPC (Stinks!)I think his dog was a German Sheppard and did not speak English--heheheh | |
| | | shawn744
Premium Member
join:2001-02-16
New Jersey |
to jamesd0
shutup you dumb MFer...you are so stupid..just shutup | |
| | | | jamesd0
join:2001-09-13
Carol Stream, IL |
Re: In-DirectPC (Stinks!)ummm no I think you should get an education instead of telling people to shutup about their opinions. | |
| | | | | shawn744
Premium Member
join:2001-02-16
New Jersey |
shawn744
Premium Member
2002-Apr-2 3:57 pm
Re: In-DirectPC (Stinks!)Listen, first of all the post that you replied to is 2.1 MONTHS old....second, you really are stupid...LOOK at your post and READ what you said....Get some money then get a life. | |
| | | | | | jamesd0
join:2001-09-13
Carol Stream, IL |
Re: In-DirectPC (Stinks!)LOL, hey idiot I have money do you? | |
| | | | | | | shawn744
Premium Member
join:2001-02-16
New Jersey |
shawn744
Premium Member
2002-Apr-3 4:06 pm
Re: In-DirectPC (Stinks!)You'd be surprised. | |
| | | | | | | jamesd0
join:2001-09-13
Carol Stream, IL |
I really doubt it. | |
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to dathing
I agree 100% that In-DirecPC (Way) stinks. I have also been fighting to stay up and running since I got it. I have spent countless hours with tech support only to have to reformat and start over because their solutions took me so far off base I couldn't get back. I don't think they can read their answer cards properly. I can say one thing for them though. They are the most apologetic liars I have ever encountered. All they can get right is to keep saying "I apologize". They are a sorry bunch. THEY, themselves can't explain the FAP policy! And they do keep stealing money from your credit card as often as they can. | |
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Review by Raptor_989 - Location: South Haven, Van Buren, MI, USA
- Cost: $49 per month
- Install: about 20 days
Very high speed with tweaks. Great browsing and downloads
Sometimes wont responds and you must reconnect until it works
A very good service that works for me except for the occasional annoyance
| Pre Sales information:
Install Co-ordination:
Connection reliability:
Mail,DNS,News:
Value for money:
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This is a great service, i got it about 15-20 days ago and it installed easily and wokrs great. We get a signal of around 55. The only thing that i dont like is sometimes when your browsing, it will all the sudden not recieve data and will give the 'This page cant be displayed message' If this happens you just reconnect and it works for like 40 min until it does it again (if your downloading it rarely happens, just if you let it go and not do anything for several minutes). FAP isnt really that much of an issue for me, and i download alot. It only happend to me once when i downloaded both medal of honer demos back to back (abour 300 MB). Then it lasted one hour and i was back online its a good choice. I also tried it for day of defeat (Mod for half-life) and it works much better than dial up. (Ping around 400 with 32 players). Most other games work much better than dialup also for online games. 
member for 22.4 years, 145 visits, last login: 18.8 years ago
lodged 22.2 years ago
N2DEEP
join:2000-08-26
Malvern, AR |
N2DEEP
Member
2002-Jan-15 3:30 pm
Online Gaming NO!!!!!!Gaming on Sat is alot worse than dial up, unless you have a 14.4 modem. I ping 200 with my dial up and ping 600 with my one-way satellite. On my two way at work I get a consistent 800. Gamers stay away, unless you play turn based games. | |
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dpcstinx
Anon
2002-Jan-15 9:18 pm
FEAR THE FAP!You havent had direcpc long enough to post a good review. wait till your 30 - 90 days are up. DPC will FAP you and you will beg for your modem back!
Please read about the Fair Access Police before you buy directpc DPC will cut your bandwidth off if you download very much. | |
| |  WadeHH
Premium Member
join:2001-12-07
Hood River, OR |
WadeHH
Premium Member
2002-Jan-15 10:43 pm
Glad you are HappyAt least he isn't anonynmous. Who knows if you have one at at all. | |
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??FAP??How much can you download per hr or whatever w/ the fap? | |
| | zyntax6
join:2002-01-04
West Chester, PA |
Re: ??FAP??"w/ the fap"
lolol | |
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Brad76
Anon
2002-Jan-29 7:50 pm
simply put, you can'tthere are varying FAPs, but a light FAP will take you down to .5k to 1.6k, and a cold FAP will cut you out completly, no date goes through the air at ALL. You will have to wait about 8 hours for it to start working again.
hope this helps
-Brad76 | |
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amtech4
Member
2002-Feb-14 12:56 am
Re: simply put, you can'tFap does not cut you completly off. That is another problem. | |
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 dvd536as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ |
dvd536
Premium Member
2002-Jan-16 12:55 pm
FAP40 megabytes in a set time period which isn't really stated anywhere in writing. im guessing a few hours | |
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BellSouth
