Frequently Asked Questions - Mobile Satellite Systems

Who manufactures the mobile systems?
Ground Control manufactures the Toughsat line of mobile satellite systems and we are also the service provider for all Mobile VSAT systems. Other manufactures are AVL and C-Com which have created proven cost-effective solutions that compliment our product and service 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 which is far more than VSAT service. The trade off is BGAN is very portable compared to VSAT (satellite dishes). BGAN service is also one service plan for global use, 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 and service plans may need to be changed in different countries. The good news with VSAT is usage costs are far more affordable.

Who do I buy my monthly access from?
Ground Control. Ground Control is a leader in mobile satellite Internet access using premium iDirect service and iDirect satellite routers. If there is a problem, we are available for support 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 (48 inches). A .98 Square Meter dish has a diameter of about 3' 4" (39 inches).

Can I connect any kind of computer to the mobile system?
Yes. All Ground Control mobile VSAT systems create a standard local area network for any type computer. The Toughsat XP and SP create a 802.11 wireless "G" access point for any in range device.

I'm concerned about security with wireless access. Is it secure and can I turn Wi-Fi off?
Yes, absolutely. You may use the robust 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 Flyaway Toughsat that requires no installation). You do have the option of becoming a mobile VSAT certified installer for a nominal fee using our online VSAT certification course. Ground Control has professional mobile satellite Installers throughout the U.S. and Canada. If you are using your own provider, or are located outside of North America, please contact a Ground Control sales representative for your installation options.

How does the dish find the satellite?
On the Toughsat, simply press the "Find Satellite" button on the controller (or from any connected computer) and the dish deploys 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 or network connection. 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. All mobile VSAT dish systems require the vehicle or rig to be parked in order to connect on the satellite. There are In-Motion BGAN satellite domes that magnetically mount to a vehicle roof, however, service fees are much higher than VSAT (satellite dish) service.

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 dishes. Transmission may be irregular if signal quality dips, which is rare and happens only in a sever downpour. Wind can also be a factor, but our Toughsat mobile systems are designed to withstand enormous wind gusts with no-backlash braking technology, a great Toughsat feature.

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 autostow to work, the system must be turned on (note - we do offer an integrated AutoStow battery if power is accidentally shut off). If the vehicle moves more than 10 feet, the onboard GPS will recognize the vehicle is moving and automatically stow the dish. Also, if something moves in front of the dish for longer than 10 seconds, taking the signal offline, the dish will stow. While these autostow features are not a guarantee for your hardware's safety, they are good line of defense to protect your investment.

Will the mobile system fit and operate on my rig, trailer, or vehicle roof?
The system can operate on any mobile platform that gives the dish room to rotate in place. If mounting on top of a truck or trailer roof, please review the dimensions of the Toughsat XP 1.2 and 98 Meter Dishes. If mounting on top of a vehicle, we recommend using the Fly-And-Drive Toughsat that will mount a Toughsat to most any vehicle roof rack. Ground Control also sells a self contained multi-purpose T-100 communications trailer that will work with all mobile dishes we offer.

How difficult is it to use the Toughsat?
The Toughsat was designed to remove the complexities of connecting. Simply press the "Power Button" on the controller and wait a few seconds for the system to boot and the panel lights to stop blinking. Next, press the "Find Satellite" button and that is it. All mobile systems will automatically go up and lock onto the correct satellite (the Toughsat averages 3.5 minutes consistently). Once this happens, the network will activate 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 leaving power on or off. (Leaving power on is helpful for bookmobiles that perform frequent stops).

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 (or from any connected browser) and the dish will stow automatically. When you arrive at the new location, simply press on the "Find Satellite" button. There is an optional remote keypad that allows the Toughsat controller buttons to be placed on the drivers dashboard.

Can the dish be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
On our earlier mobile systems, there was a bracket that could add DirecTV and Dish Network, but satellites constantly change and many have lost their satellite TV because of these moves. If you require TV, we highly recommend the purchase of 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 has been optimized for satellite connectivity. You can buy our phones, or you may buy a $99 VoIP adapter from us and then use it with any standard corded or cordless phone. Many of our customer have had success using Skype over systems as well.

How fast are the upload and download speeds?
Our fastest iDirect solution is 5Mbps down and 2Mbps up. We have dedicated streaming services at 4Mbps x 4Mbps . For more information on our service packages please call a Ground Control representative, or review our iDirect services in North America or Internationally.

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

Does the system support VPN?
Yes. Our iDirect services work with with many VPN's. We also sell the Encore series of VPN devices if you are looking for a proven VPN solution over satellite.

How often can I use the dish?
As much as you like. 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?
Yes.. however, service is dependant on the coverage area or "footprint" of the satellite you are connected to. Please review coverage maps of service in your region. The map 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 my rig is currently located?
Yes, this is how installations are normally done. Ground Control will dispatch a certified mobile installer to your rig location.

Are there firmware upgrades?
Firmware upgrades are always free, and easy to perform. With the Toughsat, it is done by pressing one button from any connected browser. We also offer auto-updating that requires no user interaction.

Do you offer support for mobile systems?
Absolutely, 24 x 7 for all iDirect systems, and our support staff is based here in the United States. It's always free for service subscribers, and we even give you an 800 number to call us. Online mobile satellite support is available.