Satellite Internet FAQs
March 27, 2009
If you have any questions which aren’t answered here, please contact us.
What package should I choose?
This very much depends on how you will be using your connection. If you simply want to check your email and do a bit of online shopping, 256kbps will be perfectly adequate. A 2048 connection is faster than many people have on cabled ADSL, so most people won’t need something that fast. However, if you watch a lot of streaming video (YouTube etc.), consider going for one of the faster packages.
Can I use VOIP/Skype?
Yes, you can; VOIP (internet telephony) will work on all packages.
Will I need special software? Will it work on a mac/linux?
The only software you will need is a web browser; you can use any computer with an ethernet connection.
Will I need planning permission?
Generally you will not need planning permission for the 75 cm dish if you don’t have other dishes on your buliding: this may be different if your house is listed, is in a conservation area or is close to an airfield. Please check with your local authorities to be certain: while we’re happy to advise where we can, we ask that you understand and comply with regulations applying to your own building.
How do I order?
You’ll need to download the ORDER FORM complete it and post it off, it’s all in French but if you need help there’s some GUIDANCE NOTES here.
If you have to live with a dial up connection you may prefer to give us a call or email and we can post a form to you
If you prefer to have us install it for you, please contact us.
Satellite Broadband: fitting the kit
March 27, 2009
Installing Astra2connect
This is not meant as a definitive installation manual, rather it is a guide to the processes involved in installing Astra2connect so that you can make an informed decision as to whether it is a job that you can do or if you need to call an installer.
The kit is designed for self installation and if you are happy that you can install the mounting bracket then the rest should achievable. The kit is supplied with a comprehensive instruction manual and a short video of an installation.
What’s in the Box?
Dish and Interactive LNB
Pointing tool
Alan key
30mtrs twin co-ax cable
4 cable connectors (with 2 gaiters for outdoors)
Satellite Modem
Ethernet cable
What you need to supply
Appropriate mounting bracket/pole 40-70mm diameter
and fixings
Cable ties
Grounding cable
Tools:
2 X cross tipped screwdriver (large and small)
10, 11 and 13mm open ended spanners
Spirit level
Compass
Choosing the site for the dish
The mounting site for the dish should be carefully chosen, it needs to have a clear view approximately 30degrees east of south (towards the sun at around 11.00am), it will be pointing upwards at approximately 30degrees and at this angle there must be NO obstructions.
For ease of installation the ideal position is around 3mtrs from the ground on a wall adjacent to the site of the modem, in any event the cable from the dish to the modem must be no more than 30mtrs
Installing the Bracket
Having chosen the site, secure the bracket (or pole) so that it is vertical…. Time spent at this stage will make the whole job easier.
Dish Assembly
The dish should be assembled following the instructions enclosed in the box with the elevation and skew angle set to the figures in the documentation , all the adjustment bolts should be set loose enough so that the dish can be moved but tight enough so it doesn’t slip.
The dish should then be mounted on the bracket pointing I approximately the correct direction and the clamps tightened, again these should be tight enough to hold the dish but still allow adjustment.
Pointing the dish
To correctly align the dish it must be connected to the modem. At this stage it is probably best to simply pass the cables through an open window rather than drill holes in the wall!
Fit connectors to both ends of both cables, if you look at the cable you will see that one half is marked TX (for transmit) and the other is marked RX (for receive).
Both cables should be connected to their respective terminals on the modem and the receive connected to the iLNB on the dish.
Connect the outdoor end of the TX cable to the pointing tool.
Using the supplied ethernet cable connect your computer to the modem and switch on.
Opening a browser window should bring you straight to the modem’s control panel, select pointing mode
Check the compass again and find a distant landmark that is in the correct direction and point the dish at it.
Now switch on the pointing tool an adjust the volume so you can hear a “hum” , if you now slowly move the dish (first in a horizontal plane then a vertical one) you should notice that the pitch changes, becoming higher pitched as you approach the correct angles. When you are very close you will hear an intermittent whistle and when you are spot on this changes to a continuous whistle. Tighten all the clamps/adjustments continue listening to the pointing tool to ensure that you do not move anything!
Now connect the TX cable.
Finishing off
Back indoors the modem will now update it’s internal software and should go on line after a few minutes.
Once the modem is on line check that the connection is working properly then turn off, disconnect and install the cables in their final positions (shortening if necessary) fit the gaiters to the outdoor connections and tighten the connectors.
The earth terminal on the iLNB should be connected to the bracket and this in turn should be connected to a good earth, either an earth rod in the ground or to the fuse/breaker board.
When all is secure and tidy return to your computer and enjoy your new connection
Satellite Internet Prices
March 26, 2009
What am I paying for?
You’ll need to buy the equipment (satellite dish and modem) to allow you to connect to the satellite. In addition, you’ll need to purchase an airtime service; it’s cheaper to buy this annually, but there are monthly options available too.
Your initial payment will cover the equipment and the first month’s airtime. After that, monthly accounts are automatically re-billed; annual accounts will be invoiced 30 days before expiry.
Self-install equipment
Dish and satellite modem, delivered to your door : €451
Airtime fees
To order your equipment and set up your airtime account, please click the appropriate button below to pay by PayPal, debit or credit card.
| Connection speed (kbps) | Paid annually | Paid monthly | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 256 | €298 | €32 | |||
| 512 | €445 | €44 | |||
| 1024 | €584 | €61 | |||
| 2048 | €1100 | €110 |
If you prefer to pay by standing order, please contact us.
Installation
If you prefer to have us install the equipment for you, there will be a €200 charge within Brittany; please contact us for a quote for installations elsewhere.
New Sky card issue
March 22, 2009
Starting in April with Aberdeen (AB) postcodes Sky are issuing replacement viewing cards, so if you have a Sky contract make sure that the new card will be forwarded to you.
Presumably at some stage, when the reissue is completed, Sky will turn off the functionality of the current “BlueHouse” cards tho’ in reality I suspect that they will remove the need for a card to watch C4 and five.
Discovery Shed launches today
March 20, 2009
Discovery becomes the latest network to give its channels a makeover, as Real Time Extra becomes Discovery Shed today. Described as “the place for men who like good old practical activities to escape to”, the relaunched channel will feature DIY and construction, survival, motors and other outdoors-y stuff.
Plasma or LCD…… Which TV should I buy?
March 7, 2009
As ever the answer to this question is “that all depends”. This page gives a fairly good answer
UKTV History becomes Yesterday’s news
March 1, 2009
UKTV History relaunches tomorrow as Yesterday, “where the past is always present”. According to their website,
The new channel will continue to show great history programmes like Battlefield Britain and Who Do You Think You Are, but will also include major TV shows like The Alan Clark Diaries, House of Cards and Seven Ages of Rock.
Yesterday will be found in the same place as UKTV History: Sky channel 537, Virgin TV 203 or Freeview 12.
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