While current owners of this device or plan may continue to find performance to be adequate for the foreseeable tech-future, we do not recommend upgrading to or purchasing it.
Commercial satellite gear provider Expedition Communications also offers systems and plans focused on the RV market through the RVDataSat website. The entry-level offering is the RVDataSAT 845 – a consumer-focused satellite internet terminal, designed specifically for RV roof mounting. They also offer other options including up to 1.2-meter dish sizes (really big for an RV!).
The RVDataSat 840 (predecessor to the 845) installed on an Airstream (photo courtesy of RVDataSat.com)
The RV DataSAT 845 is a big dish (0.85 meters across) – and it takes up a substantial chunk of roof real estate.
When deployed it stands 42" high, potentially casting a serious shadow on any nearby solar panels.
But when compared to commercial-grade self-aiming satellite systems that cost well over $10,000 - the RVDataSAT 845 is actually a bargain. But only a bargain in relative terms.
The other RVDataSat options are larger and more expensive with 0.96 1.0 and 1.2 meter dish size options. The bigger dish size provides better reception and performance in high northern latitudes.
RVDataSat also offers similar self-aiming roof-mounted systems utilizing the KA-band Hughesnet network.
Product Specifications and Service Plans
Specifications
Specifications
Model: RVDataSat 845
Satellite Network: iDirect
Stowed Dimensions: 48” L x 40” W x 12.5” H
Mounted Weight: 93 lbs.
Mounting Base: 22” W X 48” L
Cost: $6,995 - RVDataSat 845
Standard Service Plans
Standard Service Plans
Service plans use the iDirect Satellite network.
These plans are described this way:
"The iDirect Access plans are full-time, always on, un-metered service plans. These plans allow unlimited web surfing, email, and other common web applications. But, to maintain network quality for all users, applications like VoIP, video, Skype, Netflix, Hulu, and all of the other services that require a constant non-bursting stream of data to operate are given very low data rates and very low data packet priority within the network."
Here are the Access Plan speeds and prices:
These speeds are slow, especially compared to HughesNet Gen5's which provides up to 25mbps down, and Starlink, which lists speeds from 50-200mbps for Residential & RV plans and up to 350mbps for business plans.
RV Entertainment with NightShift Plans
RV Entertainment with NightShift Plans
As an alternative to the standard plans, the RV Entertainment plans are targeted at the RV community. These plans have the same daytime restrictions on streaming applications as the Access plans, but they have some special late-night magic specifically for Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu:
If you want to binge-watch Netflix over satellite, using NightShift is your best option.
RV Entertainment service plans are for RV enthusiasts who regularly use Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime for their video entertainment. Using these streaming platforms over a cellular connection can be a very painful experience if you are very remote. The RV Entertainment plans are full-time, always-on satellite broadband plans that have a fixed monthly cost and include a late-night “Free Zone”, when Netflix movies and TV shows can be downloaded at full network speeds. We recommend using this time to download the movies and entertainment you will need for the following day.
The free zone is between midnight and 6AM eastern time, and during this time the blocks on streaming content are removed.
You can also add on a $24.95/month VOIP option, allowing you to use your satellite plan for voice calls in the US.
Keep this VOIP option in mind, because traditional Skype and FaceTime calls will likely not work well due to the daytime streaming limits in place.
News, Videos, & Status
We do not intend to obtain an RVDataSat to test firsthand, but we tracked several people who purchased this setup, and who have shared with us their first-hand experiences.
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You can also add on a $24.95/month VOIP option, allowing you to use your satellite plan for voice calls in the US.
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