ARNG Warrior Satellite Project
Frequently Asked Questions 

Last Updated:  7 December 2001 

Have a question not answered below?   Please email your question in the following format to Ed Kronholm, the Army National Guard Satellite Programs Coordinator at: edkronholm@aol.com. 

Your name:
Your grade/rank:
Your organization:
Your City and State:
Your Phone Number:
Your Question.......... 

First, from our old file of previously asked questions, here are some websites and PowerPoint presentations you can review which might answer your  own questions before you ask: 

How and why did the ARNG Warrior Satellite program come about?
As good and as numerous as the DTTP classrooms are, the DTTP management realized that for some events that a different distance learning tool was needed to reach out to large audiences simultaneously at dozens and sometimes hundreds of sites across many states.  Satellites do this most efficiently and at the best cost for this type of mission.
The concept was briefed to senior ARNG leadership in May of 2000 and subsequently approved.  That concept briefing can be seen here: http://www.dlnets.com/arngsat/index.htm. 

Why did the ARNG select the particular satellite platform and vendor that it did?
Although the selected vendor, ATT/Convergent, also operated the same common digital satellite platform for other selected military and federal agencies, there are other federal agencies who operate satellite networks with other companies.   After an intensive evaluation of several vendors, the ARNG concluded that ATT/Convergent offered the best features and benefits at the most competitive cost.  This decision also allowed the ARNG to benefit in sharing common technology, costs, sites, and programming with the other services and agencies aligned together in the Government Education and Training Network or GETN.   Although some of the statistics are out of date on this web site, you can read more about GETN at this web site: http://getn.govdl.org/what_is_getn.htm.
You can read more information about the GATE at this web site and also view or download a Powerpoint presentation of how a typical site and network (in this case the USAF) operates at this web site: http://getn.govdl.org/GETN%20Web%20Brief.htm. 

What type of programming is offered on this network?
Here’s a list of the programming categories that the ARNG offered on the Warrior Network in FY01.  In FY02, we have already scheduled 38 programs thru the end of the first quarter.

Who offers this programming?
Here’s a listing of some of our programming partners over the past several years.  Now that the ARNG has its own network, selected NG organizations like the NGB-AVN directorate and others are also beginning to originate programming as well.

Is there any cost for NG viewers?
These programs are all provided at no cost to NG viewers. 

Where can I see the most current schedule of available programming?
You can see the most current schedule of ARNG/Interagency programming at this web site.  Please “refresh” your browser at each visit to see the most current updates that occur once or twice a week.  http://www.dlnets.com/itv.htm#current 

While many of the GETN military services and agencies maintain their own web site schedules, you can also see a representative sampling, (but not all inclusive) of military and selected federal agency programming at this web site: http://getn.govdl.org/schedule_page.htm. 

I am confused about the different types of satellite platforms.  What’s the difference?
Well, you are not alone there.  There are several types (digital, analog) of satellite signals, different networks (open vs. closed) who operate a range of different platforms (analog steerable C/KU, fixed dish digital,  small digital direct broadcast system).  You can get a good explanation (with photos!!)  at this web site to help you understand the difference.  The ARNG and the rest of the GETN community operate closed networks on a fixed digital dish platform.  See: http://www.dlnets.com/sat101.htm. 

Exactly where are the ARNG Warrior dishes located?
You can see a listing of current ARNG Warrior locations at this web site.   The operational sites are in GREEN.  http://www.dlnets.com/arngwn.htm

Are there other GETN Warrior dishes we can use?
Yes.  The Air National Guard also operates Warrior dishes at over 200 additional locations around the country.  They can be found at most STARC Headquarters (State Capitals) and at all of their flying unit locations.  The USA, the USAF and USAF Reserves also have Warrior dishes at active duty CONUS locations though base access can be more of a problem in today’s environment.  Even the Coast Guard and the US Navy operate a few Warrior dishes now.  Unfortunately, there is no one single web site that has a current listing of all the Warrior locations as operated by all the various services and government agencies

Why do we have to “register” for each program we want?
Good question.  There are two reasons.  

Second, unlike C/KU analog, where you can simply steer your satellite dish to the known location of a program if you know the coordinates, all GETN networks operate on a “Conditional Access” basis.  That is, your site must be authorized or “illuminated” to receive any given programming.  This means that if your site is authorized for a program, it will be sent an electronic signal via satellite to switch from CNN, the home channel, on all the time 7/24, to the channel designated for that target program.  At the end of the program a second signal is sent that “force tunes” your set back to the home channel.  Network managers do have some options.  They can authorize a “global illumination” of all their sites and IRDs (Intergrated Receiver Decoder) boxes for any program.  Or they can authorize a “tiered illumination” of selected sites.  All “A” IRDs for example.  Or in the case of the ARNG, perhaps AVN sites.  For the majority of programs, a customized illumination list has to be created and programmed into Convergent’s computers.  This list is turned into Convergent about 72 hours prior to the program so that they can build the list.  If registered, you and your site operator will get a final site confirmation about 48 hours prior to the program with final coordinating instructions once any conflicts have been worked out.  It is to your advantage to register as soon as possible after receiving a program announcement if you are interested in the program!!

You can register for all currently available programs at this web site: http://www.dlnets.com/telereg.htm.

My boss just told me about the program and I am inside the 72-hour registration window…what now?
How does that old saying go…?   “…your failure to plan ahead does not constitute a crisis on our part…”  It used to be that we could help you right up until program start time.  Unfortunately, so many sites having been taking advantage of this last minute arrangement that it puts a burden on everyone involved.  Effective 1 January 2002, Convergent/ATT may levy a charge of $250 for last minute registrations.  The lesson again is…. REGISTER EARLY….  Otherwise, keep that impact charge card handy. 

I was registered and got a four digit program confirmation code, but still did not convert from CNN during the test pattern, what’s up?
As good as technology is, it is not perfect.  If your site IS on the authorized list and you have a four digit confirmation authorization number, we can assist in getting you illuminated on the spot.  Call us toll free at 877-820-0305.  Keep calling until you break thru as there are only two of us and only two lines to assist people during the test pattern. 

Test Pattern?  What’s that?
Every program we do on the Warrior network will be preceded by a test pattern that will last at least 30 minutes.  So if a program is scheduled to run from 1400 – 1600 ET, there will be a test pattern form 1330-1400 ET.  Sometimes the vendor will even put up the test pattern earlier than that.  The point is that you should check your set NLT T-20 minutes to see that you do have a test pattern if you are authorized to get the program.  If you do not see it…then start to call for help.  Do not wait until five minutes prior to program start or you might be backed up along with everyone else who also waited until the last minute to call for help.

What does a test pattern look like?
It varies according to the program sponsor.  Some are just color bars and tone.  Some have the program title.  Some even include a fancy countdown clock.  The point is, it will be something OTHER than CNN. 

We recommend that you leave your equipment powered up ALL THE time.  Of course you can leave your TV monitor turned off, but it is important that the IRDs have power all the time to receive the illumination authorization that may be sent hours before the program is due to begin. 

OK, I left the power on, but when I turned on the TV monitor, all I got was a black screen or a blue screen.  What’s going on there? 

If you got a black screen, the first thing to check is to see if the VCR is turned on.  If you were taping a previous program, the VCR will shut itself off and also turn off the monitor.  Remember that the satellite signal runs thru the VCR to the monitor.  Power up the VCR and the monitor should come back to CNN. 

If you got a blue screen that might say…”no signal” it may not be so easy.  In that case you have to call the Convergent Help Desk for assistance.  That number is 866-238-8495 toll free.  They may be able to help you on the phone or they may have to send out a technician.  We recommend that you turn on your monitor as soon as you come in if you are scheduled for a program that day.  If you got CNN you are good to go.  If you don’t you still have some time to work the problem before the test pattern begins.

If the technician has to come out, is there a charge?  And who pays?
The National Guard Bureau pays a yearly maintenance fee for each ARNG Warrior site.  This covers the labor and parts replacement costs for most items in the equipment set.  IRD failures are rare, but they do happen.  That’s why you have two for redundancy to start with. 

Can we use our second IRD for another purpose?
Yes.  If you are clever.  Some sites have rigged their second IRD to play CNN across their base TV network or into a second classroom or an auditorium.  You can also use it for a second program if two were to occur simultaneously.  Just be sure to get your A/V or IM folks involved who can help you with the connectivity. 

What are these Push To Talk microphones for?  It seems we never use them.
Each DTTP Warrior Equipment set comes with from 3 to 10 PTT microphones.  For most of the live programs that are delivered on the Warrior Network, there are often hundreds of both civilian AND GETN sites that are participating.  Using the PTT mikes would not be practical, so sponsors offer an 800 number, fax, or email to send in a question. 

The PTT mikes are for smaller programs, like the ones done by the NGB Aviation folks for example.  Your site can dial in to an audio bridge and all registered sites can dialogue in real time with the presenters, much like a radio net. 

Your site MUST have a plain old telephone line (POTS) in its classroom to hook these mikes into however.  There are instructions about set up and testing at this web site: http://www.dlnets.com/warrior_audiohelp.htm. 

Why can’t I just dial in to the bridge using my speaker phone or a Polycom?
That’s because, although your question goes by the terrestrial POTS line, the return audio comes across the satellite.  There is a small latency (delay) factor built in as the signal has to go from the origination point up to the satellite and back down to your site.  If you are not using the AT Products Convener and PTT mikes, you will generate a lot of audio feedback across the whole network.   …not good. 

I screwed up.  I misinterpreted the time zone.  I forgot to put in a videotape.  I forgot to turn on the VCR.  The dog ran off with the key to the classroom…   I NEED A VIDEOTAPE… how do I get one?
Well…we’ve heard most every excuse there is.  First, be sure you DO calculate the time zone correctly as we only list programming times in East Coast language because everyone knows there are no important people outside the D.C. beltway.

As for videotapes, it all depends on the sponsor.  Some have free tapes, some have no tapes, some have EXPENSIVE tapes. 

Use this format below and send a request to us at: dlnets@aol.com.  We’ll let you know what category you fall in… 

Name of program:
Date of Broadcast:
Sponsor if known:
Your Name:
Organization:
Estimated Videotape Audience Number:
Complete Mailing address:
Email:
Commercial Phone number: 

I’m a NG customer at a NG location where there is no satellite of any type, can I still receive this a Warrior satellite program?
Maybe.  If you are near a ARNG DTTP terrestrial classroom, you can possibly get a terrestrial VTC feed of the program from the ARNG Video Operations Center.  There are some other issues though.

1. They only have a limited number of videoports available.
2. They could be other missions and requests that have a higher priority than yours.
3. The video quality will not be as good.

Why won’t the video quality be as good?
That’s because of the difference in transmission rates between satellite teleconferencing and videoconferencing.  It’s all a function of bandwidth.  Satellite transmissions occur at near full motion video rates… at a rate of at least 1.2 Megabits per second.  Terrestrial videoconferencing occurs at varying rates all the way from 56 Kilobits per second (really bad) to 384 KBPS (good) to 786 KBPS (better) to fractional or full T1 rates (best).  Due to bandwidth limitations, most VTCs occur at about 384 KBPS.  Good enough for an hour or two I guess, but I am not sure I’d want to watch 8 to 40 hours worth of programming this way.  But…given the alternative… it’s your choice.  Me personally? …  I’d recommend finding a GETN satellite site if possible.

I’m an Army TNET VideoConference Customer.  Can I get these programs?
Yes, as a GETN Interagency customer, you can get a TNET Terrestrial relay from Ft. Eustis, VA; who in turns gets their feed from the Satellite Education Network at Ft. Lee, VA.  The number for TNET control at Ft. Eustis for coordination is A: 927-4815 or Com: 757-878-4818.

I’m a US Navy CNET VideoConference Customer.  Can I get these programs?
Yes, as a GETN Interagency customer, you can get a CNET Terrestrial relay from Dam Neck, VA; who in turns gets their feed from the Satellite Education Network at Ft. Lee, VA.  The number for CNET control at Dam Neck for coordination is A: 492-8053 or Com: 757-492-8053.

Are the programs also webcast?
Some are webcast live and also achieved for later use.  Some are not available for webcasting at all.  When able, the ARNG Professional Education Center at Little Rock, AR often captures many of these programs and makes them available for later viewing.  You can find a list of achieved webcasts at this website: http://170.94.24.37/webcast/.

Webstreaming technology is relatively new and each broadcast is subject to a number of technical challenges in order to be successful.  We strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with the software prior to the day of a program if you plan to receive a live webcast.  To receive this program you must download, configure and test Real Player or Microsoft Media Player prior to the broadcast.  The richness of your viewing experience may be also dependent upon the speed of your connection, any net congestion present that day and other technical factors.  If for some reason you are not able to access the broadcast from your organization's office computer it may be because of two reasons:

1. Your organization has an old firewall configuration that doesn't easily allow streaming audio and video files;  
            
2.  You organization  will not allow streaming audio and video files to penetrate its existing firewalls designed to shield it from harmful viruses.  This is often the case at many military commands.

3.  Your organization will not allow streaming audio and video files to penetrate its existing firewalls because they eat up too much network bandwidth.

If you experience problems, contact your organization's information technology office for further assistance

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