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Mike Kirk, Senior Satellite Systems Engineer for NPR Satellite Services, answers your most commonly asked questions about equipment, repairs, and technical support. Just click on the links below to jump to the FAQ most relevant to your particular need. If you have other questions that are not addressed in this FAQ, please email your questions to us.
Q) What downlink antenna size is generally recommended?
A) Basically, the bigger the better. Our experience indicates 3.7 meter (12 feet) antennas of solid reflector material generally give the minimum performance required for reliable reception. The 3.7 meter will provide the necessary gain and a narrower "beamwidth" for better sidelobe rejection of adjacent satellite interference. In addition, better rejection of terrestrial interference will be provided. Downlink footprint locations, particular satellite performance, type of transmission, and many other variables also enter into the equation when sizing downlink antennas.
Q) How does the physical condition of my dish affect its performance?
A) The physical condition of the antenna is paramount to achieving necessary performance. Antennas should be checked annually to verify conformance with manufacturers' specifications. Buying an antenna and forgetting about it will only lead to problems down the road. Antennas, like all other equipment at the station, go through wear and tear. Antenna must be checked to insure optimal performance.
Q) I get a lot of snow build-up in my dish that takes me off the air. Is there a relay in the receiver I can use to trigger an alarm when there is loss of downlink signal?
A) Yes, there is an alarm status relay that is part of the receiver. It changes state upon detection of a fault condition in the receiver. You can wire this function to alert you to downlink failures. Additionally you may want to invest in an antenna snow cover or antenna heating system. These items are readily available for most antenna sizes and manufactures.
Q) Whom do I call if I'm experiencing downlink problems?
A) Start with your network provider, which in most cases is your network uplink provider. Each network provider is the contact point for the affiliate's troubleshooting and repair. If necessary, your network provider will contact NPR Satellite Services for specific assistance and support.
Q) Can the network provider (uplink) get a check as to the status of their carrier(s)?
A) Yes; they can contact the Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC is available 24/7/365. They have the ability to check the power and bandwidth of your carrier(s), and in most cases the ability (equipment) to decode your signal. The NOC is a vital source to uplink providers in helping you maintain the "health" of your network. The NOC may be contacted at 800.433.1283.
Q) Must I program the new Comstream ABR receiver I purchased from NPR Satellite Services?
A) No; as standard operating procedure NPR Satellite Services pre-programs and checks every receiver it sells prior to shipping. Our intent is to make the receiver a "plug and play" product for your network.
Q) Are the ABR receivers that go back to NPR Satellite Services for repair pre-programmed by NPR Satellite Services?
A) Yes; they are pre-programmed by NPR Satellite Services. Our standard operating procedure for repair is to pre-program and check every receiver repaired prior to returning it to the customer. Again, our intent is to make the receiver a "plug and play" product for your network.
Q) Whom does the network provider call to assist with equipment problems identified in the network?
A) Each network provider can contact the Satellite Equipment Maintenance and Repair Depot (Depot). The Depot will work with them to identify equipment problems, and if necessary, will issue an equipment RMA# for repair. The Depot can be contacted at 202.513.2650.
Q) Can the network provider (uplink) check the status of a pending repair(s) at NPR Satellite Services?
A) Yes, the Depot keeps detailed records in regards to the status of repairs. The network uplink provider only needs to have the RMA number that was assigned to the equipment in order to get detailed status information. The Repair Depot can be contacted at 202.513.2650.
Q) I have a DRO type LNB that's worked well on my antenna for years, can I re-use this for my new service?
A) No, the DRO LNB is not suited for SCPC type operation. What's required is a PLL type LNB that is digital-ready. The phase noise and the stability of the PLL are superior to those of the DRO. It does cost more but is well worth the investment.
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