SatSig topic:

Direcway from USA in Saudi Arabia???

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Sep 17^th, 2005 at 8:30am

Hello:

I am considering buying a used Direcway 6000 system from the USA to use it here in Saudi Arabia. I have several questions:
-Does anyone know if this would work?
-Do I really need to buy the whole Direcway kit? I mean can I buy the DW6000 modem (and outdoor transmitter) but use a standard universal LNB on a locally available dish? (I am trying to minimize shipping cost as well as avoid any legal issues with the Saudi customs)
-Is it really difficult to install/align?
-How can I get/activate a new DW account once installed?
-Are there any other issues I should consider?

Thanks.

Sep 17^th, 2005 at 12:31pm

I don't think any anticipated cost savings would offset the aggravation of trying to get the configuration you describe to work. New hardware for is often deeply discounted as a loss leader, just to get the customer into the subscriber fold. The targeted money lies in the subsequent monthly service fees.

The American-version equipment can only be used via satellites that use linear polarization. In your part of the world, circular polarization is not uncommon. The LNB is one of the cheaper parts of the configuration. A "standard universal" will not be RF shielded against the transmitter emmissions anyway, and may not respond to commands sent to it by the DW6000 indoor unit. Installation/alignment is best left for the properly trained. It's much much more involved than setting up, say - a satellite TV dish. And I don't know if the American-version firmware will even perform the European commissioning process.

Bottom line; open up your checkbook - and get it done right the first time, by qualified professionals. Plus, you've then got equity in a quality configuration that can be resold when you don't need it anymore.

//greg//

Sep 17^th, 2005 at 1:34pm

Thanks a lot for this prompt and very informative reply.

The main reason I am considering used equipment is the fact that local Direcway reps. are charging >$2000 for the equipment alone, while I could buy complete DW6000 systems on ebay for less than $400. In addition, DSL would still cost more than the monthly suscription that Direcway is charging in the US.

So what happens if I just buy the DW6000 from the US, will it work with an outdoor unit provided/installed by a local Direcway installer? Or does it too need to be designed for the "circular polarization" you expect in our area? (I'm not sure what circular polarization is)

Thanks.

Sep 17^th, 2005 at 3:49pm

-Does anyone know if this would work?
With the correct mains lead/power unit, antenna, LNB, BUC, feed and OMT the DW6000 might well be made to work, from the technical point of view.

-Do I really need to buy the whole Direcway kit? I mean can I buy the DW6000 modem (and outdoor transmitter) but use a standard universal LNB on a locally available dish? (I am trying to minimize shipping cost as well as avoid any legal issues with the Saudi customs)
I suggest you obtain a complete system locally from a service provider who also sells the satellite beam and hub service.

-Is it really difficult to install/align?
Yes. It really is difficult the first time, but it gets easier the more installations you do, but even then you need a lot of skill, patience and determination.

-How can I get/activate a new DW account once installed?
May be extremely difficult or impossible. You need permission from the existing service provider hub in the US to release the hub codes for the modem and their agreement to transfer these codes securely to your new service provider hub. If the two service providers are competitors you may have problems, as you also will if there are any unpaid bills on the old account. Never buy a second-hand DW unit unless it comes with hub permission granted and with agreement for reuse with your new hub.

-Are there any other issues I should consider?
Importing and operating a transmitter in Saudi requires a licence. I suggest you go through a local service provider. Try these people for more information: https://www.satsig.net/icces-satway.htm They are in Dubai, so ask specifically about legal operation in Saudi. Keep your options open regarding technology.

Best regards, Eric.

Sep 18^th, 2005 at 7:17am

Thank you guys for pointing these things out. I am glad I asked, and even gladder to get these clarifications.

I really did not expect it to be this difficult. I will be on business trip to the US next month, and all I thought of is that I could get a used DW6000 from ebay and bring it back home, and probably install the system myself.

I have sent an inquiry to ICCES right away. I got several offers from other providers, but they were all very high. If ICCES prices are still very high, I probably abandon this idea and look for a more affordable 1-way satellite internet for my personal use at home.

Regards.

Feb 8^th, 2006 at 2:08pm

I have tow years experience in installing Direcway products in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

If you still interesting, please send me an e-mail to saleh.abbas@gmail.com with your number and I will call you.

Saleh

Feb 12^th, 2006 at 9:48pm

DirecWay will only activate a US model system if you are military. This is done to protect their resellers in Europe against grey market systems. I think there is a company called Jinsat in Jordan that will give you a DW7000 system if you sign a one year contract. Look under the Internet Middle East forum for more information.

Richard

Jan 23^rd, 2007 at 2:30pm

Dear Sir,

Even as of Today DirecWays cannot be for US$ 2,000!This is a Rip-Off

Please email us on sales@wafa.ae , with reg to satsig and Saudi and we'll assure you a good deal

Regards
Kamal Arjundas