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SAT Observations 97.12.05
WELCOME TO SAT-MIDEAST !
A news release from Cairo, Egypt, located at 30.3 North - 31.15 East,
sponsored by TELE-SATELLITE INTERNATIONAL, Europes Satellite Magazine.
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WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE:
- Satellite and Transponder Observations in C- and Ku-Band,
- Commented from the Middle Eastern perspective.
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Send relevant infos, interesting news, and creative comments to :
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THE HEADLINES IN THIS 97.12.05 REPORT:
(Where did you go to my lovely ?)
-- Launch Information
-- Editorials
-- Nokia Mediamaster Software
-- Transponder updates
-- Arabsats
-- Hot Birds
-- Bits & Pieces
-- SAT-MidEast Intern
LAUNCH INFORMATION, http://www.satcodx.com/launches.shtml
------------------
The next Ariane launch (V104) is scheduled for 20 December, to carry
Intelsat 804 to an unknown destination. The last official Intelsat
information gave 64 East as the target position, but there are
indications that a different location will be chosen. Expect more
surprises from the Intelsat site !
(SME, Anonymous)
The scheduled Ariane launch of the NILESAT 101 (Yes, the number has been
changed from 1 to 101) on 22 January has been postponed to a launch with
Ariane flight 108 in April 1998. The required partner satellite could
not be named yet due to expected delays in the delivery to Kourou of a
number of satellites.
(SME, source: Nilesat Consortium, Arianespace, ERTU)
ARIANE LAUNCHES JCSAT AND EQUATOR-S
-----------------------------------
Arianespace Flight 103 successfully placed the JCSAT-5 telecommunication
satellite and the Equator-S astronomy satellite into orbit after its
launch at 01:53 CAT on December 3rd. Lift-off was delayed for about 16
minutes due to cloud cover in the launch area.
JCSAT-5 will provide communication services by Japan Satellite System
Inc. Built by Hughes Space and Communications in the United States,
JCSAT-5 was placed into a geo-transfer orbit (GTO) after separating from
the Ariane rocket.
The Equator-S spacecraft, built by the Max-Planck Institute for
Extraterrestrial Physics-Munich, Germany, is designed to measure the
effects of solar winds on the Earths magnetic and electrical fields.
Equator-S is part of the International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP)
program. The mission is a joint venture between NASA, Max Planck
Institute, and the German Aerospace Agency (DLR). The spacecraft also
carries the first application of the global positioing system (GPS)
beyond geostationary orbit.
On the same day, just 26 minutes later, at 02:19 CAT, the Astra 1G
satellite was successfully launched with a Proton launcher, for a slot
at the 19.2 Eastern position, serving the Western European Territories
(only).
(SATCO DX)
Brasilsat B3 will be launched with Ariane on 23 January, to be located
at 65 West. Brasilsat B2, that currently is at 65 West, will be moved to
another location.
(SATCO DX, source: Embratel)
NEW SOFTWARE for NOKIA Mediamaster
------------
On various request here the download and installation intructions for
the new NOKIA Mediamaster software for the DVB 9200 S FTA:
* Requirements for the upgrade:
1. A PC with Windows 95 and an RS232 port.
2. A serial Null Modem Cable to connect the MediaMaster with the PC.
* Download the NOKIA FTA 1.0 Software from the official NOKIA website:
http://www.nokia.com/products/multimedia/dl.html
3. Save the MediaMaster software in a separate directory.
4. Save the Serial Download server in the same directory as the
MediaMaster software.
5. Un-"ZIP" the files.
6. Install the Serial Download server by running "Setup".
7. Start the Serial Download server on your PC.
8. Follow the instructions on the screen. The whole procedure will take
not longer than 15 minutes, and can be followed on the MediaMasters
front display.
9. You might have to erase the channel list in your receiver due to
different memory allocations in the new software. Go into menu and run
automatic installation. This will erase your channel list and run you
through a new channel search.
SME Comment: A warning given to me by NOKIA officials on the Cairo
"Telecomp" tradefair, indicate that software, even with an identical
version name and/or number which is downloaded from any other site than
the official NOKIA Website will invalidate any given warranties with
immidiate effect.
So why take a risk ? Download the software from the official site and
check regularely for eventual later updates on the same site. As a bonus
you get the updated download instructions and the freshest info's from
the producer.
ASIASAT 1, 105.5 East, http://www.satcodx.com/asia1.shtml
---------
Subscriptions for Star Movies on Asiasat 1 are no longer renewable
because Star TV are concentrating their efforts on promoting the Star
Select Package on the Orbit Network. They will leave 4.180 GHz, V on 31
December.
A replacement channel for the frequency has not been announced yet.
(SATCO DX)
EXPRESS 6, 80 East, http://www.satcodx.com/e6.shtml
---------
TV Centr has started this week on 4.125 GHz, R, SECAM, with audio on
7.50 MHz.
This used to be the frequency of TV-3, which was liquidated.
(SME)
THAICOM 3, 78.5 East, http://www.satcodx.com/thai78.shtml
---------
Thai TV5 are launching a global TV service. It is already on the air in
parts of the world. The service will consist of 8 hours of programing
repeated 3 times, to cover the whole 24hours.
The European service will be downlinked via EUTELSAT Hot Bird 1, 13 East
in MPEG-2 SCPC format. The service is scheduled to start on January 1st
1998.
A downlink frequency is not published yet.
(SATCO DX)
Thai TV 5 Global Network can be received now on 3.480 GHz, H as well as
on 3.520 GHz, H, SR 26.666, FEC 3/4.
(SME)
APSTAR 2R, 76.5 East, http://www.satcodx.com/apstar2r.shtml
---------
The test card on 4.100 GHz, V has ceased, but therefore extreme powerful
digital test carriers could be observed in Cairo and Dubai.
A programm content could not be observed.
(SME, F.Al-Gurg)
INTELSAT 801, 64 East, http://www.satcodx.com/i801.shtml
------------
Intelsat 801 is now located at 64 East. There are no analog or MPEG-2
transmissions, only test carriers.
(SATCO DX)
INTELSAT 604, 60 East, http://www.satcodx.com/i604.shtml
------------
Test carriers could be observed on 11.635 GHz, V, East spot.
(SATCO DX)
INTELSAT 703 at 57E: http://www.satcodx.com/i703.shtml
------------
RTNC on 3.798 R does broadcast some programs in SECAM and some in PAL.
This is the reason for various conflicting reports on the used color
system.
(SATCO DX)
GALS 1/2, 36 East, http://www.satcodx.com/gals.shtml
--------
NTV+ Music on 11.835 GHz, R, features stereo audio on 7.38:7.56 MHz.
(SATCO DX)
TDF 2, 36 East, http://www.satcodx.com/gals.shtml
-----
NTV (HTB) has started on 11.804 GHz, R, PAL/clear, with audio on 6.80
MHz.
They will probably switch to SECAM soon...
(SATCO DX)
SME Comment: Due to the encryption of all channels on the GALS
satellites and the confirmed unavailability of the TDF 2 beam in the
Middle East, the observation of the 36 East position will temporary be
halted.
As soon as a new satellite will be activated on that position, with
expectation of reception in the Middle Eastern area, reports will appear
again.
ARABSAT 1C, 31 East, http://www.satcodx.com/arab1c.shtml
----------
On 26 November, Arabsat 1C was sold to India for USD 40 M and will be
moved to a slot reserved for Insat by January. Arabsat 1C has enough
fuel for five more years in operation.
Insat 2D which was launced on 1 July, failed on 4 October due to
electrical problems.
(SATCO DX)
ARABSAT 2A, 26 East, http://www.satcodx.com/arab2a.shtml
----------
The promotional MPEG-2 package on 12.685 GHz, H, has ceased, a day later
ART Al-Ma'aref started in PAL/clear, with audio on 6.60 and ART 5 Music
on the sub carrier at 7.20 MHz.
(SME)
The ART Open Channel on 12.720 GHz, H, has left the transponder, it is
still available in the C-Band at 3.782 GHz, LC.
Abu Dhabi TV appeared again on high power C-Band transponder at 4.044
GHz, RC, in PAL, which doubles the transmissions on the medium powered
beam on 3.989 GHz, LC.
(SME)
EUTELSAT II-f1, 13 East, http://www.satcodx.com/e2f1.shtml
--------------
Canal 24 Horas left transponder 39, 11.658 GHz, V, and is now only on
Hot Bird 2, transponder 53, at 11.785 GHz, H. Transponder 39 shows a
France Telecom test card, with audio on 6.60 and 7.20 MHz.
(SME)
HOT BIRD 1, 13 East, http://www.satcodx.com/hb1.shtml
----------
Radio Nederland/Wereldomroep TV on 11.283 GHz, V features NOS teletext.
(SATCO DX)
HOT BIRD 2, 13 East, http://www.satcodx.com/hb2.shtml
----------
Eurotica Rendez-Vous appeared on the evening of November 30th on
transponder 78, 12.265 GHz, V, unfortunately on the superbeam, which
makes it not strong enough to be decoded in the Middle East.
SCT - Satisfaction Club TV has started on 11.977 GHz, H, PAL/PingPong,
01:00-05:00 CAT, it seems that broadcasts come now regularely seven days
a week.
SME Comment: Please refrain from questions to the adult channels. Lately
it seems that this is THE major interest in satellite television in the
Middle East. I do NOT have contacts, addresses nor informations on the
subscription or encryption systems. All these channels supply plenty of
information for a direct contact. As per immidiate effect inquiries on
this subject will remain unanswered, I really have better things to do
with my time. Thanks !
Reteotto and Radio Radio have left the Polonia 1 transponder 63 at
11.977 GHz, H.
Eutelsat-Germany reports that interruptions, even of several days, are
to be expected in the near future, due to a change in up-link site and
the transfer of equipment to the new location. The uplink of SCT from
the same site could also be interupted. It is not known if temporary
transmissions on one of the older Eutelsats will be available.
(SME)
Canale 5 tests have ceased on 11.919 GHz, V, 0203/02A8, replaced by
colour bars and irregular Mediaset feeds.
(SME)
Multichoice Hellas on 11.823 GHz, H, changed some channel namings: Ant1
instead of Test2, as well as on HOT BIRD 3, 12.168 GHz, H, MAD TV
instead of Future8.
All channels remain however encrypted.
(SME)
HOT BIRD 3, 13 East, http://www.satcodx.com/hb3.shtml
----------
Eurotica Rendez-Vous moved from Hot Bird 2, 11.785 GHz, H to 12.265 GHz,
V, after TVE Canal 24-Horas took over transponder 53 on December 1st.
The transponder was on the starting day switched in to the superbeam
modus, which was corrected the following day. Inert starts can be
observed daily from 00:30 CAT.
(SME, SATCO DX)
The digital transmissions of the SCT - Satisfaction Club TV on the
French Globecast transponder 12.380 GHz, V, could not yet be observed by
me.
(SME)
The Iranian TV channel "Jam'e Jam" should have started transmissions
last Sunday on transponder 87, 12.437 GHz, H, wide beam, but it didn't.
(SATCO DX, source: Iran official sources)
SME Comment: The official Iranian sources didn't mention which Sunday,
so don't blame SATCO DX, at least there have been several up-link test
on the frequency.
Around midnight (CET) 1/2 December, Polonia 1 was testing briefly on
transponder 70, 12.111 GHz, V, PAL, with a blue-band test card and the
"Top-Shop" shopping program. It could be that during the change of the
Polonia 1 uplink-site temporary broadcasts are switched onto this
transponder.
(SME)
All TV channels in the SBC package on 12.399 H have been in clear again
for two days starting December 2nd.
(SME)
Multichoice Hellas II on 12.169 GHz, H, added three more channels to the
package of encrypted test cards: Future 10, Test A & Test B. "MAD TV"
has replaced "Future 9". A total of eleven (almost) empty channels fill
this Greek bouquet.
(SME)
EUTELSAT II-f2, 10 East, http://www.satcodx.com/e2f2.shtml
--------------
SCT - Satisfaction Club TV has left 11.163 GHz, H and is now on Hot Bird
2 (and maybe 3).
(SATCO DX)
SIRIUS 2, 5 East, http://www.satcodx.com/sirius2.shtml
--------
Sirius 2 will enter full service on 12 December, but prior to that "SVT
Europa" will start around 10 December on 12.380 GHz, H, SR 27500, FEC
3/4, VIACCESS.
(SATCO DX)
Several analog test carriers could be seen on the European Beam: 11.727,
12.303, 12.380 Ghz, H.
(SATCO DX)
Powerful empty digital carriers could be Friday be found on various
transponders, but all did not respond on my attempts to load the
contents.
(SME)
INTELSAT 707, 1 West, http://www.satcodx.com/i707.shtml
------------
The revised line-up for the Egyptian package on 4.135 GHz, LC,
MPEG-2/clear:
0022/0021: ESC 1
1022/1023: NDC - Nile Drama Channel
1024/1025: Nile TV International
1026/1027: ESC 2
(SME)
The Israeli feeds on 10.995 V, are in MPEG-2/clear, SR 4443, FEC 3/4,
PIDs 1062/1063. The channel name is "Local Content" and normally a
colour bar testcard with the text "EMEQ - HAELA" is displayed.
(SME)
SAT-MidEast Intern, http://www.sat-net.com/sat-mideast/
------------------
The latest issues of the SAT Observations in HTML format will remain
available on the SAT-MidEast website as long as they are not have been
integrated in the individual satellite archive pages.
Next week expect some reviews reports of the 2nd Cairo Telecomp
Exhibition at the Cairo International Conference Center (CICC) and more
updates on the progress of the Nilesat 101 launch.
I managed to have some very interesting meetings with various
representatives of NOKIA, Arianespace, the Nilesat Consortium (which btw
had to bury the Chairman of the Board, today. GSHS) ERTU members,
Phillips, and satellite engineers from the complex at the 6th of October
city.
(SME)
DRDISH@TV INTERN, 28.5 East, http://www.drdish.com
----------------
DrDish@TV is scheduled on December 12th, 1997 from 21:00-24:00 CAT
(Central African Time = UTC+3)
Tranmsisions will take place at 11.548 GHz, V, with audio on 6.65 of
DFS-II, 28.5 East.
The main-contents:
* Digital Pirate-Cards: Risks and Results
* US-military satellites: holes as a swiss cheese
* Some interesting software for the different Nokia-types
* If the tape reaches us in time: some news from Brazil: reception of
European satellites with a 800 cm dish.
This time a camera-team of Deutsche-Welle TV will be in the back to
prepare a feature, broadcasted by DW-TV on January 2, 1998.
If you have any valuable information or ideas for the show, please send
a e-mail to: <drdish@drdish.com>
Christian Mass (Dr.Dish)
Editor of TELE-satellite International
http://www.TELE-satellite.com
Producer of drdish@tv
http://www.drdish.com
(Dr.Dish, Webmaster: Reto Jaeger)
That's all folks for this week; for my fellow countrymen: Gezellige
Sinterklaas !
Henk C. Room / SAT-MidEast / Cairo - Egypt
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