Astra 2E: Testing at 43.5E

[Huevos]

how quick they move may well depend on if they expect to meet or avoid the Xmas clampdown.

Xmas clampdown relates to EPG, new channels, channel names, etc. Moving transponders from one satellite to another is something completely different. The transponders are going to be identical, and the satellite will already have been tested on those frequencies.

 

[Huevos]

If they rush to get 2E operational before Xmas then 1N will be freed up to go to 19E

Isn't this deja vue? If last year is anything to go by we should be taking bets on 1N staying put until 2G is on station.

 

[timo_w2s]

Isn't this deja vue? If last year is anything to go by we should be taking bets on 1N saying put until 2G is on station.

Indeed, it would certainly help as a backup (particularly for 10.7-10.95) at 28E, even if 1N wasn't actively used after 2E was fired up.

 

[Schroeder]

I would think that moving 1N before Xmas is now very unlikely. Last year they move a few Non-Sky transponders before Xmas then Sky transponder after Xmas. There are a lot of transponders to move, and it's unlikely they would try to move too many at one time, the uplinking needs to co-0rdinated with individual "owners", I'm sure it will be written into the contracts somewhere (there will be a clause on outages etc as), an exception would be a failed transponder which would need re-locating quickly but would also need to be co-ordinated with the owner/uplinker. The plans will be defined, but exact dates will not be known until the bird is in place and some test transponder, wasn't 11024H used as the live test (and maybe even for fine tweaking). Expect to see something lit up as a test before they start the moves once at 28.2E.

 

[kevjs]

Xmas clampdown relates to EPG, new channels, channel names, etc. Moving transponders from one satellite to another is something completely different. The transponders are going to be identical, and the satellite will already have been tested on those frequencies.

Arqiva have there own technical lock downs too - i.e. no changes to transmitters, launches of new multiplexes etc. Presumably the same also applied to there satellite uplinks and it wouldn't surprise me if the likes of SES and Sky have similar lock downs.

 

[satesco]

This morning-12036 H

 

[buckshee]

Expect to see something lit up as a test before they start the moves once at 28.2E.

That would be enough for me, before Christmas

 

[Huevos]

Arqiva have there own technical lock downs too [...] and Sky have similar lock downs.

Whatever policies these companies may have I can't see how they could force the satellite owner to comply with them.

 

[kevjs]

Whatever policies these companies may have I can't see how they could force the satellite owner to comply with them.

The Contract's those companies have in place with SES?

If a major infrastructure provider like Arqiva (who operate the UK's terrestrial TV and radio networks, as well as providing uplink services on Astra 2 for UK broadcasters) and a content provider like BSkyB have lock downs over the Christmas period (i.e. peak viewing time and also when the number of (experienced/senior) staff is likely to be reduced due to the large number of public holidays in quick sucession) then it's fair to assume that SES Astra has something similar in place too (except for emergencies/unexpected outages naturally) - and I dare say the contracts they have with the providers cover that too. I doubt too many broadcasters would be too impressed with SES flicking over to 2E on Xmas Eve leaving viewers in the early hours without a signal (while the transition happens) on the major channels (after all 1N currently carries the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 etc) which may take sometime to rectify should it go wrong for any reason.

 

[Lazarus]

Mod. Note

This speculative discussion about Operational Changeover Constraints is veering off onto a Topic of its own and distracting from the excellent work done by others about live Test Reports.

As repeatedly stated throughout this Thread, the odd comment not directly related to current Testing activity is probably ok, but nothing more.

 

[gambit]

With no tests reported since 7:12 AM it is beginning to look like testing is over.

 

[Lazarus]

Absolutely.

 

[skomedal]

With no tests reported since 7:12 AM it is beginning to look like testing is over.

superstitiuous maybe? todays date

 

[strs65]

With no tests reported since 7:12 AM it is beginning to look like testing is over.

Beacon and 12582H, still on...

 

[solly]

the 12610v it gone for now 12582h very weak 1db
it can be ses use wide range becon and start move to 28.2e soon

 

[BlindFaith]

I doubt the beacon theory but 12582H is still on

 

[M60]

If the orbit lowering manoeuvre has/is taking place then keep an eye out for differences in level at 43.5E as she begins her move - that is if the testing is finished for which we still don't know!

 

[Huevos]

If the orbit lowering manoeuvre has/is taking place...

If you want a satellite to orbit slower than the earth's rotation rate you have to raise the orbit. Lowering is done when you want the satellite to travel east.

 

[M60]

If you want a satellite to orbit slower than the earth's rotation rate you have to raise the orbit. Lowering is done when you want the satellite to travel east.

Apologies Huevos, I got it the wrong way round, your quite right.

 

[solly]

two test signal very quick gone
11720h 2db
11725v 4.5db