Q&A FOR SATELLITE DATA SYSTEMS:
Q: How reliable is the satellite signal?
The signal is very stable and normally doesnt fail unless unusual problems occur.
A recent satellite failure interrupted the signal until a new satellite could be acquired
but these types of failures are very rare. In comparison to the Internet, satellite
signals tend to be more reliable since there are fewer signal paths for the satellite to
travel as compared to landline links.
Q: Does the weather affect the reception?
Ku band satellite signals are affected by heavy rain. A thunder storm is normally the
type of storm that produces sufficient rain to cause a substantial reduction in the signal
level. Fortunately thunder storms are fast moving storms that only last a few minutes in
any one area. Most of these storms occur in the summer months and last less that 15
minutes. To replace any files that are lost due to weather or other errors Planet Connect
places every files that goes to the satellite on a FTP server where who can get any files
that might not make it over the satellite without errors
Q: Will the system work with any type of computer?
Not all computers have the ISA slot that is required with the interface card that is
shipped with each system. You can connect a simple machine such as a 486 which will record
the files on to a hard drive. From there they can be copied to a different computer for
processing.
Q: What is the Bag file that the signal sends?
These files contain compressed news articles. The bag files contain raw UUCP format
news articles.
Q: How soon do the Usenet articles go over the satellite after they are posted on the
Internet?
The articles are constantly processed at the uplink and compressed into bag files. The
files are created into two different groups. The text or non-binary file and the binary
files. The text based messages go immediately to the uplink and over the satellite. The
non-binary messages should the subscribers within a few minutes of being posted on the
Internet. The binary messages are sent as soon as possible after the text only messages
are sent.
SATELLITE QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I install my own system or do I need an expert?
Many of the Planet Connect systems have been installed by inexperienced people. The
technical people at Planet Connect are experienced at working with installers who
havent installed a system before.
Q: What would most installers charge to install a satellite dish?
Normally a good installer would charge around $200 or less. This depends on the
location, distance between the dish and the receiver and other complications.
Q: What is a site check?
On a site check the installer will come out to your site and make sure that the angle
ooi
Q: How far can the dish be from the satellite receiver?
75 to 100 feet is normal. Above the 100 foot region the line may require a amplifier to
boost the signal to a higher level. .
Q: Can I use a home satellite dish or DSS Direct TV type of dish to receive the signal?
No. The dish they use is too small for go the Planet Connect system.
Q: What type of equipment do I need to find the satellite and tune it in?
A compass and angle finder is normally the only equipment needed to find the satellite.
SIGNAL PROCESSING:
Q: Which is best, one or two computers for the reception and processing?
It depends on the operating system. With NT you will nave to run two computer but with
Linux one is enough.
Q: What setup seems to work the best?
D-news works really well on a linux based machine.
Q: If I have technical questions about the system how do I get information?
Just check the web site for information by going to www.Planetc.com
Q: What news software can be used with the bag files and system?
Most any news software will work with the system. |