DirecWay installed yesterday

Maurice · Dec 16, 2003

I tried unreal tourney once when a friend was hosting.

If I just stood in one spot and didn't move, it was almost playable.

The "warping effect" was horrible. I was either being killed by some one that I could not see yet, the hosting server had not updated them to me, or I would warp in on some one else and blast them before they knew I was there. Of course, if the latter were always the case, then it would be alot more fun /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

Mostly just sheer frustration.

PineRidge · Dec 16, 2003

RanchMan I got 783535bps or 783kbps download speeds but only 21175bps or 21kbps upload speeds. I believe that the upload speed is not correct, as my computer has always been very quick posting heavy graphics to my web site.

I use the original DirectWay system.

ejb · Dec 16, 2003

Anyone know if the satellite systems will allow you to use the real-time level II stock trading systems? (ie schwab streetsmart pro)

Also, what are the initial and monthly costs for the direcway system?

Heath · Dec 16, 2003

My initial cost was $600. The monthly fee is $59.99. The $59.99 rate is for the residential service. This service is provided via a dynamic IP. There is also a business version that uses a static IP address. I'm not sure, but I think the business version runs around $130/month.

RanchMan · Dec 16, 2003

Hmmm. Interesting. Since I don't know all the specifics of exactly how they measure the speeds (too lazy to do any research on their web site /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) I can't argue with your gut feel. Regardless, it's kindof a neat site to get an idea of where you sit on the performance scale. They have some other kindof neat tools there too worth checking out. Kindof fun if you like spitting out lots of 1's and 0's. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

OkeeDon · Dec 17, 2003

( Anyone know if the satellite systems will allow you to use the real-time level II stock trading systems? (ie schwab streetsmart pro)
)

No experience with satellite yet, but I suspect the only difference will be a slight lag from real real time; about the same amount of delay as we're used to with CNN interviews. The streaming services (I use Scottrade) are all download, so once the latency is absorbed in the first second or two, you shouldn't notice any difference.

MadReferee · Dec 17, 2003

Satellite service typically has a 1-2 second delay as the signal has to uplink and then downlink to your receiver. You can test the latency by setting up one tv using an external antenna and another connected to your satellite. Tune in a local channel on both and notice the delay.

Also if you are using a TIVO there will be a similar delay since TIVO records the signal then plays it back to your tv. Thats how they get their instant replay to work.

MadReferee · Dec 17, 2003

Rain fade is a direct consequence of the broadcast frequencies used by the DBS providers.

You can find a wealth of information at
DBS Forums

You might be able to find some related links on
TIVO forums

Additional information on DBS and especially DirecTV can be found by doing a TBN search on "DirecTV".

MadReferee · Dec 17, 2003

You should have no problem using any of the Level II stock trading systems like CyberTrader, IQChart, etc. You will always have the 1-2 second satellite latency plus any latency imposed by the normal internet traffic pattern.

You might also get double latency since I think the quotes themselves are uplinked/downlinked before they are put on the internet. I used CyberTrader for about a year on both DSL and T1 connections and "instantaneous" always had a couple of seconds of delay.

Mrwurm · Dec 17, 2003

I've used the Direcway system for about two years now. Compared to dial-up it is fantastic. I know it's not as good as cable, but I've never used a cable hook up for the internet so I don't know what I am missing. The system has been rock solid. It always works. They only time I ever experienced a problem was when there was a heavy thunderstorm in Maryland which is where DirecWay has a major uplink station. This was a one-time event that lasted a few hours. (I have dial-up for a backup system)

As far as removing snow from the dish is concerned. I let snow and ice build up on mine and it just keeps on working.

Also, I just ordered the DW6000 modem as an upgrade. I have not received it yet, but it should be here soon. The reason I upgraded is because I am tired of needing to walk upstairs to the 'host computer' to start or shutdown the service. (I don't like leaving the extra computer upstairs running all the time) This should allow me to start any of my three networked computers and get to work without worrying about starting the host computer.

Mrwurm · Dec 18, 2003

Am I correct in my assumption that the DW6000 modem will allow me to connect to the internet from any of my networked computers without a certain "host' computer running?

Also, do you leave the DW6000 modem running all the time or do you shut it down when not in use? It runs software as a stand alone unit, so does it need to be rebooted now and then?

rockyridgefarm · Dec 18, 2003

( Am I correct in my assumption that the DW6000 modem will allow me to connect to the internet from any of my networked computers without a certain "host' computer running?

Also, do you leave the DW6000 modem running all the time or do you shut it down when not in use? It runs software as a stand alone unit, so does it need to be rebooted now and then? )

No. 1 - Yup!

No. 2 - I bet an occasional reboot would be a good thing. Clear the routes and resync. Jest Guessing....

BTW, the DW6000 Does what you've said, IT DOES NOT IMPROVE PERFORMANCE. (just in case someone thought it would...) It might be an improvement sisnce the software is self updating and there is no melt down (not that a Windows box would EVER do that....)

Mrwurm · Dec 18, 2003

Mike, yes I've read that it is not any faster, just more convenient. I've had trouble with my old DW4000 system where the software startup on the host machine interferes with other programs that load into the system tray. I'll be glad to get the DW software out of my bootup sequence.

PineRidge · Dec 18, 2003

Jerry I have never had any problems or conflicts with the Direct Way software. The system is temporarily lost during a heavy rain or snow but it only lasts about 5 to 10 minutes max. On the other hand a heavy accumulation of sticking snow on my dish changes the shape and so the performance drops off till the system finally loses the satellite altogether. You can see it happening by monoriting the system signal strength status bar. So you know when its time to climb the ladder to clean it off. So this coming spring I will be adding heat tape to the dish to eliminate the snow buildup problem once and for all.

Still no gripes with the performance as its the best thing I have going for quick 2-way satellite communication in this part of the woods.

Hank · Dec 19, 2003

Hmmm. Interesting. Since I don't know all the specifics of exactly how they measure the speeds 

One thing to watch out for with the online speed tests is the Java Virtual Machine you are using. These tests are Java applets and they have been written within the Microsoft development environment, and they use calls that are not strictly Java-compliant. If you use the Microsoft Virtual Machine, you will get more accurate results. Use Sun's Virtual Machine, and you will get inaccurate results, at times results that are not even physically possible with satellite.

The DSLReports satellite forum is an excellent source of information on optimizing your system for satellite (tweaks to the TCP/IP stack).

SethO · Dec 30, 2003

Yes, your assumption is right. Just connect the DW6000 directly to your current switch/hub.

You should leave the DW6000 on all the time, as it also allows the modem to download updates when necessary.

Moon · Jan 6, 2004

Good Thread!
At one time only MS Windows pc's would work with directway. I'm hoping that has changed. I have a Linux box and a couple AIX boxes that need to be able to connect before I could go directway.
Anyone running anything other than MS Windows and making it to the internet thru directway?
Another question, is anyone running a 24/7 website with your directway connection?
TIA!

rcaretti · Jan 6, 2004

The new 6000 series modem allows for connections to operating systems besides windows. Previous versions had windows drivers. I still have the 4000 modems.

IMO, with the high degree of latency, you'd be hard pressed to run a web site.