SkyDSL, Tooway, Viasat, Eutelsat, Skylogic

[DDutchman]

I subscribed to the German version of SkyDSL2+ 3500 service, presently with Ku-Band service on Eurobird 3.

I received a Tooway (Viasat) Modem SM1101-20, a Channel Master dish (105cm?), a Monolithics BUC, P/N 1067671 and a whatever LNB. I also received zero software and installation documentation.

SkyDSL customer support in Germany is non-responsive to my repeated requests, in German and English, for documentation, software, and technical assistance.

SkyDSL has its own proprietary software that you only get after you register on their website.

After weeks of searching with my poor, tethered iPhone on T-Mobile I was able to locate satellite dish installation documentation, modem installation documentation and other resources, all from companies other than SkyDSL.

All the references are to setting up and activating the modem with the Skylogic software after a steady downlink signal is achieved.

I purchased the Dishpointer AR software, and even though I think I am pointed, azimuth and elevation wise, at a satellite, I am not getting a signal response, either to the modem, or to the inline signal meter I have installed.

Other than dish pointing difficulties, which I can certainly use help with, the SkyDSL software will not go past entering my location. It says my access is either blocked or unavailable. All the documentation for other companies with Tooway(Eutelsat, Skylogic, Viasat) equipment refer to the Skylogic software that will come up first time a browser is accessed after a steady signal is achieved.

Am I correct that the elevation angle is not as critical as the azimuth? Even though I have set the elevation and LNB skew to the specs listed for this area I am uncertain the actual elevation for the dish/LNB orientation is actually the 28.9 degrees shown on the antenna elevation scale.

Another abiding issue with the SkyDSL software may be the fact I use Windows 7. Since I am computer poor in my new location I am averse to putting XP, or Vista, back on. I do not think the software will support Linux.

I would really appreciate both general and specific guidance on my options for installation and operation. If any of you Dishpointer folks out there can help me use my iPhone apps dishpointer software more effectively, in case it is my inability to use a compass that is the issue, I would be most helpful.

Considering I was an azimuth laying specialist way, way back when, and I have a doctorate in computer and industrial engineering, despite my traumatic brain injury, I still should be able to figure this out in my lifetime, but it will not be without you really smart, young folks, for sure.

Thanks!
The Dutchman

[grohgreg]

Am I correct that the elevation angle is not as critical as the azimuth?

Sorry, but that is incorrect. AZ and EL accuracy are equally critical to optimized signal strengths. An accurate POL (skew) is critical to optimized transmitter isolation and/or minimized phase distortion.

The way I read the website, the bi-directional SKYDSL+ modem only requires a USB connection, no external software necessary. Those folks with the uni-directional SKYDSL modems would use the software. It's required assist the computer in routing the data internally (RX via USB, TX via phone jack).

Typically you'd use a web browser to interface with the bi-directional modem. I don't know that address, so that's where I recommend you start. Typically, the graphical user interface (GUI) address comes from the 192.xx.xx.xx or 169.xx.xx.xx blocks. Determining that address should be your next step, as I don't think you'll get much farther till you can actually communicate with the modem itself.

//greg//