The intent of this guide is to give BLM satellite downlink sites a tool to help verify the correct alignment of satellite reception equipment when programming receiver systems at BLM field offices. These procedures may help you verify the correct operation and alignment of your equipment with the satellites in the domestic satellite arc most commonly used by BLM and others for C/Ku-Band transmissions. This is accomplished by using existing transmissions from satellite programs that are: 1. Broadcasting 24 hours per day 7 days a week 365 days per year (24/7). 2. Broadcasting ‘in the clear’ with out encryption or scrambling of the signal. 3. Broadcasting programs that are easy to identify when you see them and locate them
on a channel guide.
There are three general categories of programming that meets all these criteria. They are public programming, shopping and religious channels BLM and NTC does not endorse any of these 24/7 programs other than using these transmissions as a tool to verify the operation and alignment of the satellite reception system at BLM Offices.
The use of these 24/7 telecasts is simply the most efficient tool available for downlinks at any time to assist with programming satellite receivers. An Example Next week you have an NTC satellite training course you need to downlink for staff in your office and you want to check out your system to ensure it is working. 1.) Check Broadcast Announcement
First look at the broadcast announcement for the class. You see it in on Galaxy 4 (G4), at 99 Degree’s West and it is on Transponder 23. 2.) Turn On Your Equipment
Next turn your satellite receiver and TV monitor on.
If it powered up continue to next step.
If it did not power up trouble shoot or have it serviced. 3.) Find a 24/7 Program on the Satellite
Now look at your satellite guide or the attached 24/7 Satellite Transponder Identification Chart. Are there any 24/7 programs on the satellite?
If yes, select the desired satellite.
If not, select the closest satellite with 24/7 programming.
For this example we would select G4, since there is 24/7 programming on transponders15 and 16. 4.) Check the Satellite Transponders
Select each transponder (channel) that has 24/7 programming one at a time. Is there a program on all 24/7 transponders?
If yes, you are on A satellite.
If no, you are not on the correct satellite or you have a system failure.
For this example we will say that we had a program on 16 but not 15. 5.) Verify the Program
Verify whether the received program(s) are the correct program(s).
If yes, you are on the correct satellite.
In no, you are on the wrong satellite and need maintenance. For this example we are receiving the Shepherds Channel on 16 but again no program on 15. This tells us we are on the correct satellite but we have a system failure or require maintenance. At this point in our example we are going to say we resolved the transponder (channel 15) problem. 6.) Scan All Clear Transponders (channels)
Scan all of the transponders (channels) in the clear. Are the pictures snow and static free on all transponders (channels) that are in the clear?
If yes, the dish position and H/V skew are correct.
If no, the dish position and/or H/V skew may need alignment.
For this example we are going to answer no, as there is a fair amount of static in most pictures. 7.) Record The Dish Position
At this point we want to record the dish position. All dishes should have a dish position indicator. It should be a 4 digit number. It is a relative number that is used to record the location of each satellite. Find this number and record it at this time. If you do not and something goes wrong in the next step, it will be more difficult to get back to where you are currently at. 8.) ‘Auto Tune’ the Dish Position
Most dishes have an “Auto Tune” or “Auto Peak” feature that will automatically peak the dish position for only the current satellite. Some dishes will peak skew at the same time as well. Find that feature but make sure it is not an “Auto Track” type of feature. An “Auto Track” type of feature will automatically reprogram all satellites. You do NOT want to do that. Enter the “Auto Tune” mode and execute it. Be patient, it should move the dish back and forth and will take some time to complete. Do not be alarmed when the quality of the picture gets worse. When the dish has finally stopped moving, the picture should be equal to or better than what you started with. If the picture quality is now good, you are finished. If the picture quality is still not acceptable try doing manual position and skew. 9.) Seek Assistance if Needed Contact your satellite support vendor as needed for help. For minor problems contact NTC television staff, if at all possible NTC’s technicians will try to provide telephone support. | 
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