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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Ku-Band Service

The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Ku-Band service.

Purchase | Configuration of New System | Installation
 Network Service Fees | Maintenance Agreement | NOAAPort Lite

Purchase

Has the purchase price of the new equipment been decided and where can it be purchased?
The following is the current pricing structure for the Ku-Band option: 

Dish Size Equipment Purchase Installation Cost Network Service Fee 24x7 Maintenance
1.2 meter $2,856 $1,092 $630/yr $1,071
1.8 meter $3,700 $1,733 $630/yr $1,071
2.4 meter $5,105 $2,520 $630/yr $1,071

Satellite Data Controller - $1,250

What is the price for the Ku-band option with only the receiver?
The price for the Ku-band receiver and LNB without the antenna is $2,464.

Configuration of Your New System

What is included in the Ku-Band System?
The Ku-Band system includes the following:

Can I filter products on the KU Band system like I can on the C-Band System?
No.  The KU Band system has no means of filtering products.  Many customers are using Marta Systems Skytap software for their filtering and data processing needs.  Others are writing software programs in house which are able to sort out only the products that they wish to use at their facility.

For users who require product filtering, CSC offers the SDC Box.

If I want to receive data on my PC, what is the recommended configuration for my PC?

What software vendors can provide the software programs in order to manipulate and display the data?
CSC is working on display software that would allow the user to ingest the data from the IDC receiver into a PC.  Other vendors in the industry have software that would allow the user to perform similar tasks. Marta Systems has software that will work directly with the NOAAPort Lite system.

Is there a rack mount kit/capability with receiver box?
No, the receiver is a table top box.  

Can the PC interface strictly via serial communications or is an Ethernet card required?
The Ku-Band system will receive the NWWS data via the DB9 serial port.  An Ethernet card is not needed for the Ku-Band unless the user desires to receive the other value added services on NOAAport.

If I purchase a Ku-Band system can I get the Internet as a back up for free?
Yes, this is true for both C-Band and Ku-Band options.

I have proprietary software that works with the current PIL Headers.  Will this still work with the new system?
The data format for the new system will be WMO headers instead of PIL headers.  You will most likely have to change your software to look for WMO headers instead of PIL headers.

For more information please see the WMO Message Format page.

Can you tell me what type of ports are on the Ku-Band receiver?
The Ku-Band receiver has an ASYNC DB9 port and an Ethernet port.  The Ku-Band system will not be able to allow the users to filter products.  The user will be forced to receive all the products into a PC and use software to manipulate the data. 

Can my current 0.8 meter dish be used with the Ku-Band option?
CSC does not recommend a small dish because of the signal quality.  Our recommendation for the Ku-band is 1.2 meter.  In order to receive the optimum signal strength for a Ku-band the larger the antenna the better.

Can the Ethernet interface be connected directly to our network hub?  What other data feeds are available using this box?
The Ku-Band option allows you to receive the NWWS data via the serial DB9 port on the satellite receiver.  Other services are available on the Ku-Band including the GRIB model and the Alpha Numeric Data products to include DDS, PPS, IDS, AFOS Graphics.  The Ethernet port is used to receive the GRIB and Alpha Numeric products.

How much bandwidth consumption can we expect from the NWWS data?
The NWWS system will transmit the data at approximately 9600 Bps.  This stream is cyclic causing the busiest period to be between 10 before each hour until 15 past the hour.

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Installation

How difficult is self installation/aiming?
The system is not difficult to install. The service is provided on AMC4 101 Degrees).  CSC is using Transponder 15 and it is a Vertical Polarization.  CSC will provide the coordinates to align the antenna.  Installation by CSC is optional if you purchase your equipment.  CSC will provide phone support if necessary.

Can RG-6 cable that was previously used with the CSC Weather Wire be used to link the Ku-Band dish to the computer?
RG-6 cable can be used to connect the outdoor equipment with the indoor equipment.  The Ku-Band receiver provides the power for the outdoor equipment.

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Network Service Fees

I am assuming that there is a $630.00/year service fee in addition to equipment purchase?
The $630.00 Network Service Fee is an annual fee for those customers who have purchased their equipment. This fee allows the user to receive the NWWS data feed.  In addition to the Network Service Fee, the user has the option of acquiring maintenance from CSC.  The 24 hour /7 day maintenance is $1,071 per year.

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Maintenance Agreement

Your maintenance agreement does not describe the replacement time for failed equipment.  What do you expect for turnaround time if a receiver fails?
Typically, CSC will replace a failed unit within 24 hours of the reported failure.  We will perform remote diagnostics and determine which part has failed and ship the part Fed X and our field personnel would go to replace the failed part.

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