How to update the SBC File (satellite information) in a HughesNet HN7000s Modem

HughesNet changes the satellites and transponders (frequencies) used to connect to their satellites from time to time.  Because of this it may be necessary to download the latest satellite configuration file into your DirecWay or HughesNet Ku Band Modem in order for you to successfully point and peak your system in fact you may not get any signal or pass crosspole until you have the latest configurations!

Here is the process for updating the satellite configuration file in your modem:

1. Download the file from our website at www.montanasatellite.com/downloads 
2. Open the archive by double-clicking on the file and save it somewhere on your computer.
3. Open a browser and enter http://192.168.0.1/fs/registration/setup.html and click the “Config File Upload” link.
4. Browse to the file on your computer and continue.  You will get a confirmation message that the upload is complete.

Your modem should now have the latest satellite, frequency, transponder information and listings in the drop down satellite list in the modem.

How to Force-Range a HughesNet HN7000s Modem

This process will work on most DirecWay and HughesNet Ku band modems!

Force-ranging a DirecWay or HughesNet modem allows it to optimize the connection between the satellite in the sky and your satellite antenna.  HughesNet recommends that you force-range every new installation or after moving your system or re-commissioning.

1. Open your browser (Internet Explorer is recommended) and enter http://192.168.0.1/fs/advanced/advanced.html into the address bar in the browser.

2. Scroll down to find the Installation link then the Force-Ranging link and click “Ok” to Force-Range your modem.

3. When the status in the pop-up box shows TX 8 – Transmitter Ready, your system has been force-ranged.

4. You can close out those boxes accordingly and we recommend power cycling your modem to wrap up all of the changes.

How to RF (reset) a HughesNet HN7000s Modem

This process will work for all DirecWay and HughesNet Ku band modems and should only be used after all other troubleshooting options have failed as this process will de-commission your modem and require you to re-commission the modem in order to access the Internet.  You will need to know the satellite you were connected or are tying to connect to, and know your SAN and PIN in order to re-commission your modem once this process has been completed!

1. Connect a Windows based computer to your HughesNet Modem.
2. Open a Command or DOS prompt on your computer (Click the RUN command and typing CMD and hit ENTER)
3. Type “TELNET 192.168.0.1 1953″ and hit “ENTER.”
4. Then type “RF” and hit “ENTER.”
5. The modem should restart to factory settings

(NOTE:  if you get an error when you enter the Telnet command, you may need to install the Windows Telnet application from the Add/Remove Programs section under Windows Programs)

How to switch satellites for your HughesNet HN7000s Ku Band Satellite Internet System

We get requests all of the time from customers to switch their HughesNet HN7000s Ku band Satellite Internet system to use a different satellite.  Some lose service due to moving, or line-of-site issues, etc. and lately it seems failing satellites or changes at HughesNet are requiring satellite changes.  For example, coming up on Oct. 30th, 2011 HughesNet is cancelling service on the Horizon 2 Satellite @ 74 degrees West.  Customers on that satellite will not have service after that date.  So what are your options?

If you need to change your HughesNet Ku Band (HN7000s) modem to another satellite, due to a change of location, line-of-site issues, loss of footprint, failed satellite, etc.  you have a couple options.  You can contact HughesNet and they will send an installer out to assist you, usually for a fee… or if you feel comfortable re-pointing your system to the new satellite, we can contact HughesNet to complete that change for you for a $50.00 service charge.

It’s important to know that you will need to get pointed to the new satellite and pass signal and crosspole tests before we can ask HughesNet to change your satellite.

Here is an overview of the satellite change process:

• First, we recommend you visit our Satellite Change Request Form here:    http://www.montanasatellite.com/hughesnet/hughesnet_satellite_change_request_form.htm to get an idea of what information we will need to request your satellite change from HughesNet.
• Second, you will want to download and install the new HughesNet SBC File which contains the most recent satellite parameters for your modem.  This file is available for download here:   http://www.montanasatellite.com/downloads
  Just download it, unzip it, and save this file to your desktop or somewhere you can get to easily.
• Next, you will need to hook up and connect your HughesNet modem to your computer and power it up (if not already connected).
  
• Once connected, open a browser in your computer and go to the HughesNet Status page at http://192.168.0.1 and click on the System Info button on the top right. If you didn’t have this page in your bookmarks, it would be a good idea to bookmark this page as we will use it later.
•  You should print this page if you can as it has your modems’ existing account information on the left and satellite information on the right.  If you can’t print it, you will want to write down the Account # (SAN), Site ID, Modem Serial number, etc. from the left side, and the satellite longitude and satellite frequency on the right.
• Once you have that information, close that out and go to the HughesNet Setup page at http://192.168.0.1/fs/registration/setup.html .  If you didn’t have this page in your bookmarks, it would be a good idea to bookmark this page as we will use it later.
• Now you will click the Config File Upload link in the modem at the bottom left and browse to that config file you downloaded earlier and load it into your HughesNet modem.
• Once that completes just power down and reboot your HughesNet modem.
• When it comes back up, enter http://192.168.0.1/fs/registration/setup.html in the address bar of your browser to get to the “HN7000s Setup Menu” and click the Registration – Installer link.
• It will ask for your postal code, and if you are not within 50 miles of a post office, you will want to click on the “Enter Location Manually” option and enter your GPS Coordinates and continue.
• Click “ok” or “Next” or whatever to continue through… it may ask for an LNB type or radio type, select the correct options if you know, otherwise just skip that and continue.
• On the next screen you see a drop down box to select the satellite that you want to move to. It may list two or three options for your satellite, just pick the top one and try it, and if you can’t get signal or pass crosspole, we’ll have to come back and select the next one down, and so on.  Make a note of which one you selected.
• The next page should give you the coordinates for your dish.  At this time you will need to get your dish pointed to the new satellite.  (You can download instructions for doing so from our site at www.montanasatellite.com/downloads if you need to.)
• Once you have your dish pointed to the new satellite, have adequate signal quality and passed the crosspole test, you have now sent the signal to HughesNet so they know that your HughesNet modem can see the new satellite and now we can proceed with a satellite change. 
  As a side note, if you can’t get it to pass, start over and select a different listing (frequency) for your satellite from the drop down menu and try again until you get it to pass!
• Make sure to write down or record your frequency, signal strength and crosspole values as you will need it for our Satellite Change Request Form!
• Now from a computer with internet access you will need to go to our Satellite Change Request Form here:   http://www.montanasatellite.com/hughesnet/hughesnet_satellite_change_request_form.htm, fill it out and submit it.
• There is a link at the top of the page to go to our online store and submit the $50 payment for this service, or you can click this link here:  http://www.montanasatellitesupply.com/HughesNet_DirecWay_Satellite_Change_Request_p/hns_satchange.htm to submit the payment.
• Once we receive your form and payment, we will contact HughesNet and request the satellite change, and notify you once the change has been processed.
• Once we notify you that the change has been completed, you will need to go back to the http://192.168.0.1/fs/registration/setup.html page and click the Registration – Installer link and go through all of that again, picking the same satellite that worked in the drop down menu and continue through, pass the test, etc. and continue.
• As you continue you will see a Contract page that you have to agree to at the bottom and so on, and on one page you may need to enter your HughesNet Account Number (SAN) and PIN, and continue.  It will download some files to the HughesNet modem and ask you to reboot it.
• When it reboots it will have one more download to do but it should now show your new satellite information in the System Info page.  You can check the status on the modem by going to http://192.168.0.1 page and clicking the red, green or yellow button in the top left.  It should show signal strength and status, such as File List Changed, Downloading New Files, or something like that.
• When it’s done downloading it should reboot on its own and then it should come online.  You will want to check the modem status page at http://192.168.0.1 and clicking the status button to make sure it says “All Files up to Date” or something like that before you try getting online.
• At some point you should and may have to “Force-Range” the modem to bring it online at its best possible connection rate.
  That is done from this link:   http://192.168.0.1/fs/advanced/advanced.html  and by clicking Installation in the left-side menu, then clicking Force Range, then OK. When it says “TX 8, Transmitter Ready” it has successfully force-ranged and you should be back online on your new satellite.

For questions about this process, feel free to contact us at 888-608-2299 or send an e-mail to tom@montanasatellite.com !

Netflix over HughesNet ? Don’t count on it!

Why would HughesNet promote streaming video when that’s the last thing they want their customers doing, and when it’s something that their system cannot properly support?  Oh ya…  SALES!

While I am finding that most of the customers that we contact for installation of their HughesNet Satellite Internet System have been told the truth about what to expect with the service, there are still far too many people out there that are being mislead about the capabilities of HughesNet!  Some are being told that it will work fine with Netflix and other streaming video services, and some even say they’ve been told that it is better and faster than their existing DSL!

Well… you tell me!  According to Netflix, their high-definition movies use around 3600mb for a 2 hour movie, while their standard-definiation movies average around 500 – 700 megabytes each!  Even an 30 minute standard-definition TV show over Netflix uses around 400mb.  Well… current HughesNet monthly service plans only allow between 200mb and 500mb PER DAY for downloading!  So, even if you pay HughesNet $119.99 per month, you will only get 500mb per day of downloading before you violate your FAP and are slowed to dial-up speeds for the next day or so!  So, as you can tell, it’s probably not a good idea to count on using Netflix over a HughesNet system! And we won’t even mention the times your movie will pause for a minute or two to “buffer” the movie! (i.e. catch up on the download).

Why do they advertise being a “high speed” network?  Well they are if you compare them to dial-up?  Why would they tell you it works with Netflix?  Well it does if you pay them $120 plus a month and only watch a 30-minute SD TV show a day, but as you can see it’s just not very feasible to do so!

And now about the DSL comparison!  Most DSL connections in the U.S. offer speeds of around 2.5mb up and 2.5mb down!  The advertised “maximum” speeds on the HughesNet’s “Pro” Plan @ $69.99 per month is 1.2mb down and 200k up which is realistically more like 900k or so down and around 160k up.  DSL usually doesn’t have a cap or Fair Access Policy or Limit on what you can download like HughesNet does either!   And, DSL doesn’t have the latency (delay) that HughesNet has either which is what makes HughesNet a poor choice for online gaming, day trading, VOIP, VPN and any other “bandwidth intense” applications!  So, unless your DSL is performing like dial-up…  you probably aren’t going to be happy with HughesNet!

So before you get all excited when you hear “High Speed Internet” in a HughesNet commercial, you are probably going to want to make sure you can’t get DSL or Cable Internet or even Wireless Point-to-Point service at your location because HughesNet is and always has been simply a “better option to dial-up” and only a “better option to dial-up!”  It cannot currently compete with DSL, Cable Internet or Wireless Point-to-Point… or 3G for that matter… not yet anyway!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dissing HughesNet, because it is a wonderful choice for remote areas where DSL, Cable Internet and other options are not available!  The problem is that some over-anxious sales people seem to stretch the truth a bit to make a sale every now and then!

As I’ve always said, don’t buy from “someone, somewhere!”  Find local dealers of the products and services you are looking into because at least then you can hold them accountable for what they tell you and sell you, unlike some call center sales person from across the country that goes by “Sales ID 19730″ or something!

Happy surfin’!

Satellite Dish Antenna Heaters – An Overview

When snow and / or ice collect on a satellite television or satellite Internet dish, it can create signal loss.  One way to prevent snow and ice from collecting on your satellite dish is to install a satellite dish heater. While snow and ice can build up on the arm and feed horn / LNB areas of the dish, most of the heaters and heating systems on the market today simply keep the snow and ice from collecting on the dish face which is typically all that is necessary to prevent signal loss.

There are a variety of satellite dish heaters and satellite antenna de-icing systems on the market today for everything from 18” residential satellite television and satellite Internet dish antennas to larger commercial and enterprise VSAT applications. 

Most residential satellite dish heaters simply stick on the front or back of the satellite dish and plug in to 110 volt power supply and keep the dish face warm enough to prevent snow and ice buildup.  Other satellite dish heating systems require a transformer to be installed in a dry location and a power cord installed to the dish.  The larger commercial and enterprise satellite dish de-icing systems use electric, propane or natural gas forced air heat to keep snow and ice from collecting on the dish surface.  Some of the heaters for satellite dish antennas are on whenever they are plugged in, while others are controlled by a thermostat that turns on and off as needed to prevent snow and ice buildup and some include a moisture sensor that helps save energy by only coming on in conditions where snow and ice can be present.

Selecting the right satellite dish heater for your dish is important for proper fit and function.  Some heaters cost less, and are easy to install, but are less likely to keep up with heavy snowfall, while others are more expensive, harder to install, but may do a better job and last longer.  Residential satellite dish heaters for satellite television and satellite Internet systems typically only cost a dollar or two a month to operate depending upon your climate and conditions and the heater, while other larger heating system can cost much more to operate.

A few simple questions for you to answer prior to ordering a satellite dish heater are:

1. What type of dish do you have?  (DirecTV Slimline, DISH 500, HughesNet .74,  etc.)
   (Check out www.montanasatellite.com/dishes for photos and size information!)
2. Is it made of metal or fiber? (Some heaters only work on metal dishes!)
3. Do you have an adequate power source at or near the dish location?
4. Do you want one that you turn on when needed or one with an automatic control?
5. Would you prefer to install it yourself or would you find an installer?
6. Do you want to spend less for a simple solution or more for a more reliable solution?

Once we have that information, we will be able to help you suggest the right heater for your needs.  In the mean time, here is an overview of some of the more popular satellite dish heaters and heating systems that are on the market today and available for purchase in our secure online store at www.montanasatellitesupply.com ! 

ICE ZAPPER w/ Thermostat:  The ICE ZAPPER “universal” satellite dish heater simply sticks to the back of any 18” to 31” metal dish and plugs in to a 110 volt electrical outlet.  This model is controlled by an integrated thermostat which turns it on and off as needed!  We typically only recommend this model on 18” – 24” metal dishes as we have heard that this model can struggle with keeping up on larger dishes in some climates and conditions.
MSRP: $ 79.95
Click Here for more information!

ICE ZAPPER – “Always On”: The ICE ZAPPER “universal” satellite dish heater simply sticks to the back of any 18” to 31” metal dish and plugs in to a 110 volt electrical outlet.  This model is always on whenever it is plugged in and is typically used for 26” to 31” metal dishes.  Some plug them in for the winter and unplug them for the summer, while others plug them in only when they expect snowfall or ice buildup. Others use this model with our optional “remote control switch” or even put them on an appliance timer so it only runs during the hours that the system is in use.
MSRP: $ 69.95
Click Here for more information!

HotShot Hot Shot Satellite Dish Antenna Heaters: There are several models of HOTSHOT satellite dish heating kits available for a variety of satellite television and satellite Internet dish sizes, types and models.  The Hotshot heater kits are designed for metal or fiber dishes.  The Hot Shot Heater kits can also be modified to be powered over a spare coaxial cable run to the dish which can provide for a cleaner, more professional installation at times.  The Hot Shot heating elements are typically installed on the front of the dish, however they can be installed on the back of some models as well.  The Hot Shot satellite dish heater kits typically use less power than other heating systems since they operate on 24 volts DC rather than on the full 110 volts AC that other satellite dish heaters require.
MSRP:  $ 99.95 to $ 229.95 depending upon the model.
Click Here for more information!

Andrew / Channel Master De-iceing Systems: Andrew and Channel Master are brands that have been around for a long time in the satellite industry.  We offer their add-on half dish and full dish heating and de-icing systems for existing Andrew / Channel Master dish antenna installations as well as complete electric 110 volt and 230 volt heated satellite dish antennas for .96m, .98m, 1.2m, 1.8m, 2.4m and larger applications.  If you have an Andrew / Channel Master Satellite Dish or are looking for an integrated heating solution, this may be the answer for you!
Click Here for more information!

Walton De-Ice Forced-air Satellite Dish Antenna Heating Systems: Walton manufacturs commercial and enterprise level forced air satellite dish heating systems that use a satellite dish cover with heating ducts where forced heated air is passed between the cover and the dish to heat the cover and prevent snow and ice buildup.  The Walton systems use either 110 volt or 220 volt electrical elements or propane or natural gas to heat the air in a furnace like device.  Walton De-ice systems are typically used on 1.2m, 1.8m, 2.4m and larger satellite dish antenna systems where connectivity is a priority!
 MSRP:  $ 1995.00 and up depending on the model.
Click Here for more information!

A satellite dish heating system is a great way to ensure reliable service from your satellite dish antenna, there are other solutions to snow and ice buildup on a satellite dish.  We have satellite dish covers specifically designed to keep snow and ice from collecting on your satellite dish as well as sources for heated covers, satellite dish vibrators, and more!  Contact us for more information or visit us online at www.montanasatellitesupply.com!

Satellite Dish Antenna Covers – An Overview

When snow and / or ice collect on a satellite television or satellite Internet dish, it can create signal loss.  One way to help prevent snow and ice from collecting on your satellite dish is to install a satellite dish cover. While snow and ice can build up on the arm and feed horn / LNB areas of the dish, most of the satellite dish covers on the market today simply keep the snow and ice from collecting on the dish face which is typically all that is necessary to prevent signal loss.  Unlike some rumors out there, satellite dish covers typically do not cause any signal interference or degradation.

There are a variety of satellite dish covers on the market today for everything from 18” residential satellite television and satellite Internet dish antennas to larger commercial and enterprise VSAT applications. 

Most residential and commercial satellite dish covers simply slip over the front of the satellite dish face and are secured at the back of the dish by a variety of methods, typically strings, cords, or straps. However there are also decorative covers on the market that simply tape to the dish face to provide a design or logo on the dish. There are a variety of satellite dish covers on the market today.  Some are light-weight covers designed to be a decorative cover to spice up an otherwise ugly satellite dish antenna, promote your business or favorite sports team or hobby.  Others are designed to camouflage the dish so it doesn’t stand out as much.  And others, like our own line of MTSAT Heavy Duty Satellite Dish Covers are designed to prevent snow and ice buildup, and protect the dish from the elements.

Selecting the right satellite dish cover for your dish is important for proper fit and function.  Some covers cost less than others as a variety of materials are used with different models and styles depending on their intended use.  

A few simple questions for you to answer prior to ordering a satellite dish cover are:

1. What type of dish do you have?  (DirecTV Slimline, DISH 500, HughesNet .74,  etc.)
   (Check out www.montanasatellite.com/dishes for photos and size information!)
2. Do you want to hide your dish, spice it up a bit, or prevent snow and ice buildup on it?
3. Will you need a cover that will withstand high winds and snow loads?
4. Do you want to spend less for a simple solution or more for a more reliable solution?

Once we have that information, we will be able to help you suggest the right cover for your needs.  In the mean time, here is an overview of some of the more popular satellite dish covers that are on the market today and available for purchase in our secure online store at www.montanasatellitesupply.com !

Dish Shades:  DishShades Offers covers for standard 18 – 20″ round, oval and elliptical satellite dishes that add style and class to your dish via a cover that slips over the dish and tightens with a drawstring for provide protection from the elements while snazzing up that otherwise ugly dish!  Featuring NASCAR images and everyday clipart that will surely bring a smile to those passing by!

Dish Skinz: DishSkinz Designer Satellite Dish Covers are quality molded satellite covers fit right over your existing dish with ease.  Custom printed images are sharp and colorful and available with any one of the NFL or NHL Team Logos or one of the other custom designs for a variety of interests.

Dish Hoodie: The Dish Hoodie is a light-weight universal dish cover that simply stretches to fit a variety of dish sizes from 18″ round up to 34″ wide x 30″ high.  The Dish Hoodie is a black cover available with a Flag logo and a few college team logos.  The Dish Hoodie is a designer cover, but also inteneded to help keep snow and ice from building up on your dish!

Wedgie Cover: Wedgiecovers are a one piece cover that fits over the front of the dish (the lnb) and over the dish. They are designed to keep snow and ice from collecting on the dish and also work well to prevent salt-creep since they cover the entire dish.

MTSAT Heavy Duty Satellite Dish Antenna Covers:  Our very own line of MTSAT covers were designed specifically to resist snow and ice buildup on your dish but can also be screenprinted with logos or designs of your choice!  MTSAT covers are built to last as they also resist rot and fading. We have covers for almost every dish on the market and if we don’t have it, we accept custom orders as well!

Walton De-Ice:  Walton covers are designed for the larger VSAT systems and services.  Walton offers two types of covers… a standard vinyl cover, and a heavy duty gortex cover.  Both covers are equipped with “heating ducts” to add optional forced air heating systems if necessary.  Our most popular sellers are the 1.0m, 1.2m,1.8m, 2.4m covers, but we carry everything in the Walton line, including covers from .6 meter all the way up to the 5 meter and larger antenna systems.

Dish Rocks – DishRocks – Virtual Rock Covers: Hide your dish under a rock! Virtual Rocks, aka Dish Rocks are great for neighborhoods that restrict satellite dishes in open view and where-ever you wish to hide your dish to protect it from the elements and vandalism, etc. Dish Rocks cover your satellite dish and make it blend into the landscape!

If you have questions regarding any of the above satellite dish antenna covers, please contact us as we would be happy to help you select the right cover for your needs!

If you would like information on Satellite Dish Antenna Heaters and Heating Systems, please click here to view our Satellite Dish Antenna Heaters – An Overview on this blog site!

HughesNet: Self-installation, Portable Systems, Multiple Locations

We get calls almost every day regarding self-installing or moving around the new HughesNet HN9000 Ka band system.  Unlike the HughesNet HN7000S Ku band system, the HughesNet HN9000 Ka band system uses spot-beam technology and cannot be used in any location outside of the original installation location, and although many have tried, the HughesNet HN9000 Ka band system cannot be self-installed since a special signal meter (DAPT) and installer identification number and password are required to access the pointing and commissioning sites and special procedures are required to do so.

If you wish to move an HN9000 system to a new location, you will need to contact us or HughesNet and have a Certified Installer re-point the system for you, change your account location with HughesNet, and re-commission the unit at the new location.  We’ve been told that HughesNet will not allow you to move the system more than twice per year.  Even if you were to purchase an additional dish and transmitter for the “second” location, an installer would still be required to “move” the account on your behalf!  Therefore, the HN9000 system is not an option for portable installations and locations and self-installations, however the HN7000S systems are still available though us and other HughesNet Dealers, and work well for portable installations, multiple locations and can be self-installed if necessary!  Please note that if you try to contact HughesNet to order, they will insist on selling you the HN9000 Ka band system, and the only way to switch to an HN7000S system is through your installer and that option is only available if there is no line-of-site to use the HN9000 system.

We offer the HughesNet HN7000S .74 1 watt and .98m 2 watt systems under standard promotions with “Free Standard Installation” in our local service areas!  Contact us for more information!

We also offer the HughesNet HN7000S .74 1 watt and .98m 2 watt systems under a “cash sale” without contracts or obligations so that they can be self-installed and used for portable installations or multiple locations.  Here are the links to purchase one of the HN7000S systems:

• HughesNet HN7000S .74m 1 watt Satellite Internet System (Cash Price / No Contract) : $ 699.98
• HughesNet HN7000S .98m 2 watt Satellite Internet System (Cash Price / No Contract): $ 999.98
• Used HughesNet Systems  - Contact us for pricing and availability!

When you choose to purchase a HughesNet system from us under a cash sale / without contract, we will setup a “month-to-month” HughesNet account for you at no charge. (Check out our blog on this topic or contact us for more information!) We will also include up to 100′ of Dual RG6 Cable with connectors in the purchase.  We also offer several mounting options for your HughesNet system as well as installation accessories and more!  We are also happy to assist you with installation and commissioning related support!

Feel free to contact us for more information!

HughesNet Account Setup Service – “Month-to-Month” Service without Contracts or Commitments

Whether you have a seasonal home where you wish to have satellite Internet access only for the months at a time, or if you have purchased used equipment from someone, or if you want to install a HughesNet system yourself, our “HughesNet Account Setup” services can help you setup an account with “month-to-month” service from HughesNet!

When you contact HughesNet to order a new HughesNet Satellite Internet System and Service, you must commit to a 2-year service agreement, and if you stop or cancel your service during this time, there are significant penalties for doing so!  This is because they subsidize the equipment costs to new customers to get them into a system for less money as long as they commit to a 2-year contract term.  And yes, HughesNet has been known to allow some customers to put the system in “vacation” mode for up to 6 months at a time, thus extending the service agreement, however for those who only need the service for 3 – 4 months at a time or maybe for a month here and there, that still isn’t a very reasonable solution.

We have another solution that may work better for you!  If you call us to order a HughesNet System, you have the option of paying an additional $300.00 up front to avoid the 2-year contract requirement, which will then allow you to start and stop your service on a monthly basis without penalty!  This is great for those who travel part of the year or for seasonal locations.  It’s also good for those who want or need to install the system themselves, or for those who have purchased used equipment from others.  Once we setup your account, you can simply contact HughesNet when you want to suspend your service.

First, you simply purchase a HughesNet Ku band system from us with the “cash option!”  Note that by purchasing these systems without the 2-year contract, the “Free Standard Installation” promotions do not apply!  There are two systems available under the “cash option” without contract or committment:

• HughesNet HN7000S .74m 1 watt Satellite Internet System (Cash Price / No Contract) : $ 699.98
• HughesNet HN7000S .98m 2 watt Satellite Internet System (Cash Price / No Contract): $ 999.98
• Used HughesNet Systems  - Contact us for pricing and availability!

Once you purchase a new or used system, you simply fill out our HughesNet Account Request Form to submit your account setup information!  If you have purchased your system from us, this “account setup service” is Free, if you have purchased your equipment somewhere else, we charge $35 for this service. You can pay this though our online store here! 

On our HughesNet Account Request Form you can select the HughesNet Monthly Service Plan you wish to use as well as the satellite you wish to use for service. (Contact us if you have any questions about which satellite you should use in your area!)  Once we receive the HughesNet Account Request Form, and payment for the service (if required), we will process your request… usually the same or next business day of your order!  Please note that HughesNet will charge the credit card submitted on the form $25.00 for account setup plus the first pro-rated month of service and first full month of service depending on when we submit your request.  We will then send you your new ”Site Account Number” (SAN), and “Personal ID Number” (PIN).  The PIN is typically the last four numbers in your phone number, or you can select a different PIN on the form if you wish!

Once you receive your SAN and PIN, you simply log into the HughesNet modem at http://192.168.0.1/fs/registration/setup.html to go through the pointing, setup, and commissioning process. Once you have commissioned your modem you should register with HughesNet so that you will be able to modify your contact and billing information, e-mail setup and so on.

Feel free to contact us for more information about HughesNet Systems and Services and our ”HughesNet Account Setup” services!

DirecWay OPI vs HughesNet DAPT

The DirecWay OPI was a device used to display signal quality and crosspole values at the dish to make it easy to properly peak the dish.  The OPI was used with the DirecWay DW6000, DW7000, DW7700, and HN7000S and HN7700 Ku band modems, however when the HN9000 Ka band modem hit the market, HughesNet discontinued the DirecWay OPI and replaced it with the HughesNet DAPT.  The DAPT will work with the DW and HN Ku band modems as the OPI did, however you will need a 22khz filter to use with it in order for it to work properly.  Also, the DAPT is now available as a stand-alone unit or in a kit which includes a nice hard plastic carrying case and the “squinters” which are required when used to point and peak the new HN9000 Ka Band systems.  Since the HN9000 Ka Band systems cannot be self-installed at this point, there is really no reason to purchase the entire DAPT kit if you are wanting to use it as an OPI with the Ku band systems.  Here are the pricing and links for the DAPT only, the entire DAPT kit w/ squinters, and the 22khz filter that you will need if using the DAPT with the Ku band systems!

EQUIPMENT:

• HNS_DAPT -  This is the DAPT only – $ 109.95
  http://www.montanasatellitesupply.com/HughesNet_DAPT_p/hns_dapt.htm
• HNS_DAPT_KIT – This is the DAPT Kit with the case and Squinters – $ 149.95 http://www.montanasatellitesupply.com/HughesNet_DAPT_Kit_p/hns_dapt_kit.htm
• HNS_OPIFILTER – 22khz Filter for use with the HughesNet DAPT or DirecWay OPI – $ 19.95 http://www.montanasatellitesupply.com/HughesNet_22K_OPI_DAPT_Filter_p/hns_opifilter.htm

INSTRUCTIONS:

• If you have any questions about how to use the old OPI Meter, download instuctions here:
  http://www.montanasatellite.com/manuals/DirecWay%20OPI%20Operating%20Instructions.pdf 
• If you have any questions about how to use the new DAPT to point an HN9000 system, download instructions here:
  http://www.montanasatellite.com/manuals/HN9000%20-%20DAPT%20Pointing%20Instructions.pdf 
• If you have any questions about how to use the new DAPT as an OPI with the Ku band systems, download instructions here:
  http://www.montanasatellite.com/manuals/DAPT%20use%20with%20Ku%20Equipment.pdf 

If you have any questions, please contact us!