Frequently Asked Questions - Mobile Satellite Systems

Who manufactures the mobile systems?
Ground Control manufactures the Toughsat line of mobile satellite systems and we are the service provider for all Mobile VSAT systems. Other manufactures are MotoSAT, AVL and C-Com which have created proven cost-effective solutions that compliment our product offerings. We know these products from the ground up, and will support you 24 x 7 with our U.S. based technical support department.

What is the difference between the Mobile dish systems and the BGAN satellite terminals?
BGAN (short for "Broadband Global Area Network) are small terminals that can fit in a laptop case and can connect with one of three satellites for transfer speeds up to 492Kbps. However, BGAN charges by the Megabyte downloaded/uploaded at about $6 a MB. The trade off is portability (laptop size) against usage cost ($6 a Megabyte). BGAN is global, so if you're a world traveler, BGAN may be a perfect fit. Our Satellite systems on the other hand can not be carried in a laptop case, however, usage costs are fixed and affordable.

Who do I buy my monthly access from?
Ground Control. But you do have the option of using your own Ku-Band or C-Band service provider. Ground Control is a leader in mobile satellite Internet access of iDirect. If there is a problem, we are your contact 24x7.

What is the difference between dish sizes?

A 1.2 Square Meter satellite dish is slightly elliptical (normally) and has a horizontal diameter of about 4 feet. A 1.8 Square Meter dish has a diameter of about 6 feet. Two extra feet makes quite a bit of difference when comparing dishes.

Can I connect any kind of computer to the Mobile System?
Yes, both Windows and Macintosh users, as well as any TCP-IP based computer or device may connect to any system. If your computer has an 802.11 wireless card, then it may access the Toughsat controller via a wireless "G" Access Point.

I'm concerned about security with wireless access. Is it secure and can I turn Wi-Fi off?
Yes, absolutely. You may use 64 or 128 bit encryption or you may at any time disable the wireless and limit connections to the network with Ethernet cables.

Can anyone physically install the mobile dish?
No... a certified mobile installer is required since installation is fairly complicated. (This does not pertain to the TripleA Semi-Mobile System). You do have the option of becoming a certified installer for a nominal fee using our online certification course. Ground Control has professional mobile satellite Installers in the U.S. and Canada. If you are using your own provider, or are located outside of North America, then we highly recommend you become a certified installer. Please contact a Ground Control sales representative for more information.

Do you make a case-based portable dish system that can be carried by one man?
Yes. Ground Control makes a case-based Toughsat flyaway system.

How does the dish find the satellite?
Press one button on and the dish deploy and locks to the satellite automatically in about 3 to 7 minutes. All systems are completely self-contained and do not require any kind of computer to connect to the satellite and create a local area network. There is no physical labor involved in setting up the dishes. Once the satellite is found, you are online. Simply run your web browser or e-mail program.

Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?
No. The rig must be parked in order to connect on the satellite. In-Motion satellite systems can be found on this page.

How does weather affect the dish?
The larger the dish, the less that "rain fade" will hinder performance. However, it takes a fair amount of rain to knock off even our smallest .74 meter dishes. Transmission may be irregular if signal quality dips, which is rare and happens only in a sever downpour.

What is AutoStow and how does this features work?
On the Toughsat, the AutoStow is for when you accidentally drive off and leave the dish up. For it to work, the system must be turned on. If the vehicle moves a significant distance, the onboard GPS will recognize the vehicle is moving and automatically stow the dish. If the dish is online, and the vehicle is moved, the dish will stow in 10 seconds after being off signal. While these autostow features are not a guarantee on your hardware's safety, they are a line of defense to protect your investment.

May I also use the service off the vehicle?
Yes. Many who own a mobile system move the satellite modem from the rig to a second installed dish on a home/office and continue using the monthly satellite service. Obviously, for those that park the rig nearby, a wireless connection to a building is possible if the satellite system is turned on. .

Would the Mobile Systems fit on a trailer?
The system can fit on any mobile platform that gives it room to turn around in place. Please take a look at our self-contained trailer that includes a 1000W generator

How difficult is it to use the system?
Not difficult at all. Press the "Power Button" and wait for the panel lights to stop blinking, and then press the "Find Satellite" button. The system will automatically go up and lock onto the correct satellite (the Toughsat averages 3.5 minutes consistently). Once this happens, your network will light up, and you may immediately connect to the Internet at high-speed. To stow the dish, simply press the "Stow" button. The dish will stow in about 2 minutes (Toughsat), and you may then drive away.

Is it easy to stow and reconnect the satellite dish when one moves from one location to another?
Yes. Just press the Stow button on the front panel and the dish will stow automatically. When you arrive at the new location, simply press on the Find Satellite button.

Can the dish be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
There once was a bracket for an earlier dish that could add DirecTV, but satellites constantly change and many have lost their satellite TV because of this move to a different satellite. If you require TV, we highly recommend the purchase an inexpensive mobile TV system separate from your Internet/Data connection.

Can the dish be used as a telephone?
Ground Control sells an excellent VOIP package that will give you your own phone number. You can buy our phones, or you may buy and adapter from us and then use it with any wired or wireless phone off the shelf. Many of our customer have had success using Skype over systems as well.

How fast are the upload and download speeds?
There a numerous speed packages to choose from for the size of system you purchase. Please contact a Ground Control representative to find out what package is best for you.

Can I get a Static IP address?
Yes. One or more Public Routable IP addresses are available from Ground Control.

Does the system support VPN?
Yes. Our iDirect services work with with many VPN's. We sell the Encore series of VPN boxes if you are looking for an easy to integrate VPN solution.

How often can I use the dish?
If the dish is locked on satellite, and your computer is turned on, you are online.

Does the system work anywhere in North America or other parts of the globe?
That depends on the coverage area of the satellite you are connected to. Please review coverage map of your selected satellite that will show where the signal strength is stronger and weaker. Larger dishes and radios are able to connect in regions that have a weaker signal.

Can I have the system installed where I'm located?
Ground Control will send an  installer to your location for installation in North America. We do have the ability to work with other installation firms all over the world and we will help you locate the installer that can help you.

What about dish software upgrades?
From time to time, Ground Control makes available new software releases that "Flash" your mobile system memory with an improved version of code. This code can automatically be downloaded and installed on your system main screen of from our support pages here.