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Two way satellite broadband internet (UK) |
Our starting point in creating the DataStorm broadband satellite was to create a dish that could point and peak on a satellite faster, and far more accurately than a human being could do without aid from a pointing system.
The Datastorm is chock full of sensors that allow it to be incredibly accurate in its operation. Sensors such as two compasses, a GPS (global positioning satellite) sensor, tilt sensors, skew sensors, motor sensors, signal strength sensors, the list goes on. All of this sensory information is used by the Datastorm to peak on the correct satellite every time with an amazingly high signal quality return.
The best part is that all of this happens transparently to the user.
Below is a working model of our User Interface of the DataStorm. Note that there is a Basic Screen, and then an Advanced screen when the "advanced" button is clicked on in the basic screen |
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There were many potential problems that we've overcome in developing the DataStorm broadband digital satellite. One such problem was what happens when a dish is stationed next to a large metal object that may "skew" the compass reading. Our solution was to create a GPS heading algorithm that would manually override of the magnetic compass that was being distorted. The back-up plan to the GPS heading is to allow manual entry of a compass reading so that the DataStorm compensates for the magnetic distortion.
There were many of these kinds of problems we came across. ...And we have found transparent solutions to each of them. Our goal is to make the DataStorm as "bullet proof" as can be designed.
We also want to make sure that the DataStorm is just as harmless to an orbiting satellite as a dish mounted to the Earth. While peaking, there is no way for the Datastorm to transmit to a Satellite in orbit. Transmission will not occur until a signal quality of 31 or better is read by the receive modem. The DataStorm is incapable of transmitting if signal quality drops below 31… even if it has already peaked on the satellite. This is fool-proof technology.
We're also working closely with Hughes Network Systems in their development of a Cross-Pole routine that will automatically confirm that skew of the dish accurate. Our current skew program is extremely accurate. The Datastorm, with all of its sensors, is able to align the dish to a proper skewed dish angle for any geographical location. We look forward to having the added functionality of confirming a skew angle when we implement the Cross-Pole software that Hughes is providing us.
The Datastorm is also a "learning" application. It predicts where the satellite will be in space, and if it doesn't find with its "best guess" where it believes the satellite is, it will record this offset to "teach" the DataStorm how to find the satellite with better efficiency next time it points. In the end, the more you use the DataStorm, the more efficient it will become.
Another feature of the Datastorm that we like is the "re-peaking" button. This button is useful when the signal quality drops below 31 (which places the transmitter in standby mode). A user will simply click on "re-peak" and the Datastorm mechanically re-peaks on the orbiting satellite to potentially achieve a signal quality over 31.
Safety is of great concern to Motosat. Being human, we sometime forget to stow the dish before moving. Our solution was this… if you put your brakes on, the dish will stow. Also, if you start to move, the Datastorm senses movement and will stow the dish. Other stow features are when you press the on/off button on the main controller for more than 10 seconds (even with the computer turned off), the dish will stow. Of course, you may stow the dish from the DataStorm basic user panel as well.
MotoSat has been a builder of quality satellite pointing devices for over 25 years. In fact, we were the first to do so. Quality is the reason we've stayed around for so long. …just ask anyone who has purchased one of our systems. Quality will continue to be our goal as we create the DataStorm.
From the Research and Development Team at MotoSat…
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