We have been using the system for 12months now. The initial investment was approx $3000 and we signed for a $39 a month plan which gave us 2GB peak and 10GB off-peak data. We also signed on for a $15 a month VOIP system as well.
1. The dish is larger than the ones used for TV, measuring 95cm x 105cm oval. We opted for the Rear Stowing Mount($105) to put the dish on the rear bumper of the van. Setting up the dish is fiddley but with practice and being used to the little nuances, I have got that down to about 5 minutes.
2. Aligning the dish can be complex as well, remembering that it is a transmitter as well as a receiver. Clear line of sight to the satellite will make the job easier. We have set up in WA, SA, Vic, NSW and Qld. Trees are your biggest concern as some gum trees are ok, but cypress tree will block you completely. Aligning can take be anywhere from 10 30 mins
3. You have 2 modems, 1 to convert Satellite signal and it connects to a wireless modem so you can have your laptop within 40 metres of you van. Of course you can cable directly into the satellite modem if you want for a fixed computer desk. Etc. The modems need to be under cover so you need to access for the double coax cable from the dish to the Sat modem. We a currently using a window, but plan to set up some external wall plugs to have access.
4. Power for Sat modem is 240v or 24v. We have used inverter from van battery and system worked quite well. We also have solar power panel to recharge battery at same time.
If you plan to be remote or rural a lot then this system is good as you can get TV and Net basically anywhere. The data for plan has dropped drastically $39 now gets 3GB as opposed to the 12GB when we signed up, but ANT advised that is the rate change is due to Optus change. As we a permanent Grey Nomads we are finding the system great. We still have a Telstra dongle for quick roadside net hook-ups. We have ditched the VOIP plan as it is useless because the call quality is same or worse than the old overseas calls with echoing, delay and noise making calls all but impossible

russhenn, r u trying to find the C1 satellite? If yes then have a look at this http://cgi.ebay.com.au/3-5-Color-LCD-Pro-Digital-Satellite-Finder-Meter-TV-/260735719574?pt=AU_PayTVEquipment&hash=item3cb50f5896 I've been using one of these for a few years now and it will find C1 sat in about 20-30 secs. also the item you want for the cable is called Eze Eye, scroll to the bottom of this page http://www.minicompact.com.au/tv_antenna.html no break in the cable, just goes through the wall, or in my case through the floor and the cable stay's in the cupboard when not in use.

Hi Wombat;

Firstly for Internet we are using the Optus D1 satellite, which is slightly east of C1(TV only). With the setup, receiving a signal is the easy part, we use C1 as a start marker. It's the transmit that take very fine alignment. In fact you need to have PC up and use a special application to adjust the 'cross pol' to the Sat.

ANT provide a Sat signal meter and inclinometer so you can hit D1 easy but then you have to use 'fairy touches' to move dish up, down, back and forth to get the strongest signal, then do the PC thing.

As for TV, the dish is so large, I can just point it in the vague direction of C1 and get a booming signal.

Thanks for the info on the easyeye. will get one.

I have purchased the nomad sat but I find it to be very hard to log on and up north of Qld it was imposible to log on

after paying the dues for nearly a year we have been on the net twice so it is a very expensive way to be on the net

my advice is to be on Telstra mobile broadband usb i find it to be far more reliable