1.4 Where can I find the skyDSL Customer Site?
You will find the skyDSL Customer Site under the URL http://service.skydsl.de. Here, you are able to access your skyDSL account and monthly credit and also to configure your skyEmail and skyFIP.
1.5 Will the surf speed be affected by a cloudy sky?
Even under cloudy weather conditions you will be able to use skyDSL without restriction - the surfing speed will not be reduced.
Measured signal strength may be reduced by 5-10% under such conditions, but this will not influence your Internet surfing.
1.6 Is it possible to disconnect the dial-up connection to the Internet while downloading large files via satellite?
Yes. When using your personal download service skyRFD, you do not require any terrestrial Internet connection. This is particularly useful for large files, e.g. software updates. The download is therefore included - the transferred data will not be charged (60 MB per month).
2. Ordering and Support
2.1 Where can I order skyDSL?
The fastest way to order skyDSL is via the Internet. Click here.
Upon successful completion of the ordering process, we will send you the ordered hardware and software.
Please note: You will receive your personal, secret 24-digit skyNumber, which you must keep because you will need this code (a kind of license code) for identification during your initial log-in.
2.2 How long will it take me to receive the skyDSL hardware and software package?
The normal delivery period is 7 days provided that we have received your order on a workday before 10 a.m.
2.3 In which countries is skyDSL available?
skyDSL is being marketed internationally and is available in a growing number of countries including the UK and northern Europe. See map on our web site
2.4 What kind of technical support is provided by EuroSkyNet?
These FAQs are the fastest way to find answers to many questions - please read them carefully.
You can also directly send us your individual request using our Service Support Form - we will immediately respond via email.
3. Satellite Receive System
3.1 Which satellite dish size do I need?
A large diameter satellite dish provides higher signal strength and is therefore recommended for use in those areas with a weaker receive signal. In the UK you will need a 60cm (south) or 80cm (north) dish.
3.2 I already have a satellite dish to watch TV. Can I use this dish?
If you do not need your existing dish for TV reception, you can readjust it to the skyDSL satellite. You need a universal LNB in order to use skyDSL. Otherwise you will need another dish and LNB (see next question).
3.3 Can I use a single multifeed satellite dish to use skyDSL and watch TV ?
No. A multifeed dish can only receive signals from two or more satellites if the difference of orbital position of these satellites is < 6°. Relevant TV satellite positions are: Astra 19° east *, EUTELSAT Hotbird (TV) 13° east.
The skyDSL satellite is on 8° west which means that the angle difference is well above the acceptable value of 6°.
*This orbital position refers to the zero meridian (Greenwich meridian). Please refer to your user manual for the elevation and azimuth of the skyDSL satellite.
3.4 I am using a twin-feed antenna to receive both Astra and EUTELSAT. Can I use the EUTELSAT receiver for skyDSL?
No. A multifeed antenna can only receive signals from two or more satellites if the difference of orbital position of these satellites is < 6°. Relevant TV satellite positions are: Astra 19° east *, EUTELSAT Hotbird (TV) 13° east. The skyDSL satellite is on 8° west which means that the angle difference is well above the acceptable value of 6°.
Such a receiver system can only be used for skyDSL if you do not need it anymore for TV reception. In this case simply readjust it to the skyDSL satellite. You will however need to install an additional receiver system to both watch TV and use skyDSL.
*This orbital position refers to the zero meridian (Greenwich meridian). Please refer to your user manual for the elevation and azimuth of the skyDSL satellite.
3.5 Which type of LNB can be used?
skyDSL uses the frequency range (IF) 950 to 2,150 MHz. The LNB therefore needs to cover this band. These LNBs are called "universal LNBs" because digital transmitters use the higher frequency band.
4. Installation
4.1 How much time does it take to install the skyDSL system?
Installation should not take more than 1 hour.
Installation of satellite receiver dish: 20 minutes
Running of cable from receiver to computer: 10 minutes
Installation of PCI card in your computer (real plug-and-play): 10 minutes, or connection of USB box to your computer: 5 minutes
Installation of software: 5 minutes Software configuration of receiver: 5 minutes
4.2 What are the minimum requirements for my PC to use skyDSL?
Operating system: Windows XP, Windows 2000 Processor (minimum): Pentium III or AMD >500 MHz (dual processor systems are not supported) Recommended: Pentium IV or AMD >1 GHz (this allows your PC to work at maximum data rate of 16 Mbps) Memory: minimum 128 MB RAM Hard disk: approx. 75 MB disk space required for drivers and application software, minimum 1 GB for use of skyDSL services (depending on expected data volume) Interfaces: one free PCI slot for the skyDSL PCI card (busmaster) or a free USB interface (1.1 or higher) Other hardware: a modem to establish a connection to the Internet (ISDN adapter or analog modem). Browser: MS Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, or Netscape Navigator 4.6 or higher
4.3 Can I use skyDSL with the operating systems Windows NT, Linux, OS/2 Warp or BSD?
For the time being, skyDSL operates under Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
When using skyDSL with a dial-up Internet connection, the following operating systems are also supported: Windows ME and Windows 98 SE.
Operation of skyDSL under Windows NT, Linux, BSD and OS/2 is not possible at the moment, and there are currently no plans to change this.
4.4 Can I use skyDSL with an Apple Macintosh ("Mac")?
Using skyDSL with an Apple Macintosh computer is not possible with the current version.
4.5 Which DVB-S hardware can be used?
A number of DVB-S PCI cards and USB boxes are recommended and offered by us. Alternatively it is possible to use one of the following DVB-S PCI cards and USB boxes which have successfully passed our skyDSL compliance test:
PCI cards
* Hauppauge WinTV NOVA (driver version 2.17d)
* Hauppauge WinTV Nexus (driver version 2.17d)
* Lorenzen SL DVB-S PCI (driver version 2.17d)
* SATELCO Standard PCI (driver version 2.17d)
* SATELCO Delight PCI (driver version 2.17d)
* SATELCO Highend PCI (driver version 2.17d)
* TechniSat SkyStar 1 (driver version 2.17d)
* TELES PCI-S
USB boxes
* Hauppauge WinTV NOVA USB (driver version 2.17d)
* Lorenzen SL DVB-S USB (driver version 2.17d)
* SATELCO USB-Box (driver version 2.17d)
* TELES USB-S
4.6 Can I use skyDSL with several computers (e.g. in a LAN)?
Yes, skyDSL can be used with several computers. You need to install the software on your ?main computer" to which the other PCs are connected. At the main computer, you have to make sure in the configuration dialog that all connected PCs are allowed to access the main computer. Enter the IP address and the subnet mask of the skyDSL computer in order to grant access to other PCs in the same network by means of certain protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, Socks). The connected PCs will use the main computer as their proxy for Internet access. The additional skyDSL services skyFIP, skyRFD and skyEmail can only be used on the main computer. You will find more detailed information in the user manual.
skyDSL therefore is an ideal solution for small and medium enterprises requiring fast, cost-efficient access to the Internet.
4.7 Can skyDSL be received in every house/company?
skyDSL is immediately available without requiring any terrestrial infrastructure. You only have to install a satellite antenna (so-called "dish") at a suitable location. This can be done on a wall, roof, terrace, garden etc. provided that there is free sight to the sky in the direction of the skyDSL satellite at orbital position * 8° west. Please note that the owner of your house may have to approve the installation of a satellite dish.
*This orbital position refers to the zero meridian (Greenwich meridian). Please refer to your installation manual for the elevation and azimuth of the skyDSL satellite.
4.8 Can I use skyDSL onboard a vehicle or a boat?
skyDSL can be used onboard a vehicle or a car as long as these are not moving. As soon as you move your position (e.g. going to another camping ground) you have to readjust your satellite dish. In any case you will need a dial-up connection to the Internet.
With skyDSL, you can use a mobile phone (GSM/PCN) to dial up. The maximum download rate we have been able to achieve during tests on mobile vehicles and boats was about 1.6 Mbps. This is due to the low speed of the mobile phone network (upload connection) and is not affected by the type of skyDSL tariff you have ordered.
4.9 What do I have to know when using skyDSL with an active firewall on my PC?
If you protect your Internet access by means of a personal (or desktop) firewall, this firewall will affect the use of the skyDSL service. After the installation of the skyDSL software, the firewall may block all skyDSL data packets. You will recognize this by the fact that the skyDSL Connection Wizard does not pass the firewall test.
Since each personal firewall uses different configuration options, we can only provide some very general hints. Most personal firewalls allow to ?clear" programs installed on your computer, server names or IP addresses.
The following skyDSL program files should be "cleared":
The default installation path of these files is:
"C:/Program Files/TELES/skyDSL"
* tskymtpc.exe
* tskyclnt.exe
* ccentre.exe
* skyRFD.exe
* connwiz.exe
The default installation path for the file below is:
"C:/Program Files/TELES/skyDSL/Proxy"
* craxy.exe
Our program files use a number of UDP and TCP ports, so please clear all ports for the above-mentioned program files.
Some personal firewalls allow to block fragmented IP packets. As skyDSL uses such IP packets, it is required that these are not blocked by the firewall (for Norton Internet Security e.g under: "Options" -> "Extended Options" -> "Others" -> Menu selection: "Block fragmented IP packets").
The skyDSL team has tested the following firewall products:
* Norton Personal Firewall 2001, Version 2.5 and
* Norton Personal Firewall 2003
* Norton Internet Security 2004
* ZoneAlarmProgram
* Kerio Personal Firewall
The following ports are used for UDP: 4711, 4153, 1907 and for TCP: 8080, 2121, 1080, 110, 25 and 9801.
You will find more detailed information in the user manual.
4.10 Why do I not receive skyDSL data when using AOL to connect to the Internet?
Under Windows XP and Windows 2000, skyDSL can be used with an AOL 9.0 Internet connection without having to change configuration if under skyDSL Settings/Routing the default option ?Collect all data via skyDSL" is active. Surfing and downloading have to be done using MS Internet Explorer or any other browser. The integrated browser provided by AOL cannot be used!
If you do not want to use the option ?Collect all data via skyDSL", or if you cannot use it under Windows 98SE and Windows ME, you have to use the skyDSL proxy (127.0.0.1) (option ?Only collect data via skyDSL ......"). Please create a new connection using the AOL access data (user name and dial-in number). In the skyDSL Settings dialog, select the new AOL connection you just created.
When using the AOL software (AOL browser, ...) for surfing and downloading, all data will be exchanged via the terrestrial connection. It is not possible to force the AOL software to use the skyDSL connection.
5. Surfing via skyDSL
5.1 Why do I need a return channel?
skyDSL sends you the data you have requested from the Internet to your home PC via satellite. In order to request data from the skyDSL server you need a connection to the Internet. The so-called ?return channel" can be realized via any Internet service provider of your choice.
5.2 Do I need additional hardware to dial up?
All you need for Internet dial-up is your ISDN adapter (ISDN is recommended by us), or your analog modem or your GPRS mobile phone. No other hardware is required. For fast reception of data via satellite by means of skyDSL you need a satellite dish, a DVB-S PCI card or a DVB-S USB box.
5.3 Which provider can I use to dial up to the Internet?
You are basically free to select any Internet dial-up provider of your choice. You may use an alternative access provider. During the session this ISP must allocate to you a unique public IP address. However you do not need a static IP address - IP addresses are usually allocated dynamically. If in doubt, please contact the hotline support of your Internet Service Provider.
5.4 Can I use an analog connection for dial-up to the Internet?
Yes, you can use an analog connection for dial-up to the Internet. We do, however recommend using an ISDN connection to the Internet.
5.5 Can I combine skyDSL with a traditional terrestrial DSL service?
Yes, this is possible.
5.6 Can I realize the skyDSL Internet access via a physical router?
Yes, Internet access can be realized via a physical router. It is important that the IP address must not be in the 10.x.x.x address range - you may use e.g. 172.20.0.1. The subnet mask in this case is 255.255.0.0.
5.7 Why can the page download be fairly slow when using GPRS as return channel?
Data packets have a longer transit delay when using GPRS - this may cause a slow download of web pages.
6. skyDSL Services
6.1 How are emails sent to my computer although the dial-up connection is inactive?
How do I have to configure my email accounts? skyDSL offers you your own E-Mail account. As long as your computer is switched on, skyDSL continuously forwards your E-Mails to your PC. This is how it works:
Please install your own skyDSL email account via the skyDSL Customer Site area. You should then select ?automatic forwarding" for your existing email addresses. All your emails will then be automatically forwarded to your skyDSL email account and immediately sent to your computer. This does not involve any additional online costs. Please contact your Internet provider or email provider to find out how to activate the automatic email forwarding.
6.2 What can I do if I forget my skyEmail password?
You are free to select a new password whenever you want. To do so, log on to the password-protected skyDSL Customer Site and select the item [skyEmail].
The explanatory text leads you to a special link. Click this link to open an input mask. Enter your skyNumber, which you have also used for your first log-in. You are then able to select a new password.
6.3 What is the benefit of leaving my PC switched on in order to receive E-Mails offline via skyDSL?
Your main benefit is the real-time reception of emails and also the fact that you don´t incur any costs for dialing up to the Internet and requesting your emails. Offline email reception via skyDSL works perfectly if your PC is left on. If you did not receive some emails because your PC was switched off during the time the emails should have been received, you can start offline reception via the Notify Manager.
6.4 Is it possible to request emails offline a second time e.g. in case the PC was switched off?
Please use the Notify Manager as of version 7.5.
First you need to establish a connection to the Internet via any Internet Service Provider (ISP) of your choice. Otherwise the renewed request for offline transmission will only be sent upon the next synchronization when starting skyDSL.
You can recognize an email that has been sent via satellite but not yet received on the PC by the fact that there is no entry in the column ?Remarks". Now you should mark the entry and select the item ?Start transmission" in the context menu, which you can open with a click of the right mouse button. The email will now be sent again via satellite.
You can recognize the reception of a downloaded email. In this case a detailed description including the file size and the time of reception will be displayed.
6.5 What is the maximum capacity of my skyEmail mailbox?
Your skyEmailbox has a capacity of 60 MB. Emails will be stored for a maximum of 30 days. If no more emails can be stored because the maximum capacity of your skyEmail mailbox has been exceeded, all additional emails will be returned to their sender, including a notification message.
After being informed that your mailbox capacity has been exceeded, you should create sufficient capacity by synchronizing with the skyDSL email server. This will delete from your email box those emails you have already read.
6.6 Do I have to open a skyEmail account in order to be able to receive emails via skyDSL without having to go online?
Yes, please configure your individual skyEmail account in the password-protected skyDSL Customer Site. Let all emails directed to your previous email account be forwarded to your new skyDSL mailbox. Contact your Internet provider or your email provider to find out how to do this.
6.7 Which amount of data can I receive with my skyRFD service per month?
In general, you can receive 60 MB of data per month via your skyRFD service.
You can send 30 requests per day, with a maximum of 10 files per request. Before each download, the system will check whether the maximum download volume has been exceeded in which case a warning message will pop up.
6.8 How should I use skyFIP if there is not a lot of free disk space on my hard disk?
You will need approx. 1 GB disk space in order to use the skyDSL services, depending on the expected data volume. In case you have partitioned your hard disk, you should check which hard disk partition has enough capacity. You are free to configure your local cache on any drive other than on C:.
If e.g. you have more free capacity on drive D: than on drive C:, you should configure your skyFIP cache on drive D:. You should also individually select the maximum size of the skyFIP cache and of the hard disk that has to remain free.
Please make sure that the partition used by the skyFIP cache has been FAT32 formatted because a FAT16 file system may easily be overloaded due to large data volumes.
6.9 Do I have to pay additional charges for using the skyFIP service?
No, there will be no additional charges for using this offline service. Usage of the skyFIP service is included in the monthly basic fee .
6.10 When will skyFIP files be deleted from my hard disk?
The oldest skyFIP files will automatically be deleted if the maximum hard disk capacity reserved for skyFIP has been exceeded.
6.11 How often will skyFIPs will transmitted?
skyFIP transmission times cannot be controlled via the end user client application. They will be determined by the system server and will vary from once an hour to several times a week. Current transmission schedules will be displayed next to the relevant channel in the skyFIP subscription area of the skyDSL Customer Site.
6.12 How can I stop my browser from automatically establishing an Internet connection when using skyFIP?
Go to "System ->Internet options -> Connections" in order to select the default Internet connection to be started upon opening a browser and select "No connection". If you want to go online, click your preferred Internet connection and set your web browser to online mode.
6.13 Why is my hard disk more busy when using skyFIP?
Depending on the volume of the selected skyFIPs, the large amounts of data to be stored on your hard disk when requesting skyFIP pages can cause your file system to be utilized more heavily than in normal operation.
6.14 Is it possible to adapt the skyFIP cache size at a later stage?
Yes, you are of course able to configure both the size and the cache directory at any time. To do so, use the skyDSL Settings -> Cache.
The cache size should be selected according to the volume of the skyFIPs you have subscribed to because they may require quite some disk space.
6.15 Why are links or objects missing when receiving skyFIP pages?
The channel depth (i.e. the number of levels in which corresponding links are included in the transmission) is determined upon a detailed check of the total data volume and the content. External links and objects will not be included in the transmission. This usually would not make sense because the end user would not be able to use them without having to go online.
6.16 With skyFIP, what is the difference between online and offline mode, and how should my browser be configured?
The online mode, other than the offline mode, requires a connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
In offline mode, the browser will only access pages that have been stored in local cache due to the skyFIP reception. No connection to your Internet service provider is required and there will be no online charges.
In offline mode, pages will be opened by the browser as usual. Simply enter the URL of the requested website in the browser. No special settings are required in order to be able to use the offline mode. It is sufficient to activate the skyFIP mode ("Offline skyFIP Surfing") in the context menu of the skyDSL symbol (in the task bar). There is no need to change your browser settings.
6.17 How and where can I subscribe to my skyFIPs?
Go to the password-protected skyDSL Customer Site and first select the item "skyFIP" in the navigation area. Then select the topic (group selection) in the selection bar on the right. Finally tick the required page in the relevant topic. Having finished your selection, just click the "Send" button.
If you want to unsubscribe a certain page, open your personal selection and deactivate the relevant page by clicking the tick box once again. It is also possible to modify your individual selection in the selection box.
Important note:
skyFIP reception must be activated in the skyDSL settings in order to be able to receive skyFIP pages.
6.18 How can I delete the skyFIP cache?
The cache (buffer memory) can be deleted by means of the skyDSL Settings -> Cache.
Please note the following points:
Deactivate skyFIP reception.
Close all other applications to save your data.
The deleting of files may take a long time since a large number of files may have to be deleted.
Tip:
Create a separate partition for the cache which is not used by any other programs or files. Once the maximum FIP capacity has been exceeded, the oldest skyFIP files in the cache will be deleted automatically. There is no need to manually delete the cache content!
7. Technical Hints and Tricks
7.1 How can I use the Windows Media Player in combination with skyDSL?
You will need to change a few settings in order to be able to use the Windows Media Player in combination with skyDSL.
In the Media Player, select the item "Extras" and "Options". In the "Proxy settings" section of "Network" select "http protocol" and click the "Configuration" button
Under "Use the following proxy server", enter the IP address 127.0.0.1 and port 8080.
Finally confirm all entries by clicking "OK" before exiting the Media Player.
7.2 How can I use the RealOne Player in combination with skyDSL?
You will need to change a few settings in order to be able to use the RealOne Player in combination with skyDSL.
In the RealOne Player select the item "Extras" and "Settings". Select the "Proxy" item under the "Link" category. Under "Data stream settings", click the "Change settings..." button.
In the section "PNA and RTSP proxies", click "Use proxies" and enter the local proxy address "127.0.0.1" in both entry fields. There is no need to change the port entry. In the "HTTP proxy" section click "Use proxy" and enter the IP address 127.0.0.1 and port 8080.
Finally confirm all entries by clicking "OK" before exiting the RealOne Player.
These settings will provide faster reception of data. If you now activate skyDSL and open the RealOne Player, content will be downloaded via skyDSL.
7.3 Why is the skyDSL download rate not constant?
When downloading data, the transmission rate of all Internet connections will vary to a certain degree. This may have different reasons because the conditions for transmission via the Internet are subject to constant change.
In some cases it may be possible to obtain a more constant download rate by deactivating the IP header compression for TCP/IP Internet protocol in the properties of your network connection (Network | Properties | Extended).
7.4 Does the skyDSL software have multi-user capacity under Windows XP?
Multi-user operation under Windows XP is not fully supported. We recommend not to change users while skyDSL is active. In case a change of user is required, the old user should log off before the new user logs on.
7.5 It is not possible to shut down the computer while skyDSL is active.
Before shutting down your computer, you need to exit skyDSL via the context menu of the skyDSL symbol (in the task bar).
7.6 When sending large email via MS Outlook, an error message is displayed telling me that the SMTP server does respond.
If this message appears, click the "Continue" button to make sure transmission of the email will be continued. Email transmission will however be aborted if you click "Stop".
7.7 What can I do to prevent automatic disconnection after a download has been completed and a message is displayed?
Automatic disconnection can be stopped by deactivating the time-out. Another option is to set a longer timeout delay.
7.8 After rebooting my PC, why do I get an error message that the skyClient could not be started?
This message will be displayed if no dial-up adapter had been installed at the time of skyDSL software installation. Please install the dial-up adapter first, and then the skyDSL software. It is not necessary to deinstall the skyDSL software.
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