January 2007

As first time or longer term customer for our free satellite teleconferencing programs, you may have additional questions about these broadcasts.  Here are the questions we get most frequently and their answers.  If you have others, don't hesitate to email them back to ed@dlnets.com.  Thanks for sponsoring these events in your community.

The following questions are the most frequently asked about these on-going teleconferences.

Distributive Learning Networks provides satellite logistical services support to a number of non-profit, federal and military organizations in support of their FREE teleconferences.  All of the programs that our company currently support are FREE and in the public domain for participating public and government/military organizations.  We do not currently work with any "for profit" provider that charge a fee to view their programs.

The sponsors vary greatly and include many federal, military and non-profit agencies.

A representative sampling of agencies and organizations having provided satellite broadcast programming in the past, sometimes on an on-going basis, and sometimes as a one-time basis to meet a special training mission can be found here: DLNETS, Inc. Client List.

Another large provider of satellite programming, at least within the military and federal government, is the Government Education and Training Network (GETN).  This closed, digital, encrypted satellite network includes business television satellite networks for the US Army, the US Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, the Army National Guard, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the US Coast Guard among the military services.  Federal agencies operating on the same Compressed Digital Video (CDV) satellite platform include the FAA, Fish & Wildlife, Department of Justice, US Courts, National Park Service and others.  Many of these programs are for internal use for each service/agency, but many others are also shared within the government and military.

For a schedule of GETN Interagency Shared Use Teleconferences, please visit:

Interagency Teleconference Schedule:  http://www.dlnets.com/itv.htm#current

Some other federal agencies like the US Post Office, HUD, Department of Agriculture, etc. also operate large satellite networks for training and executive communications.

The Centers for Disease Control and others also operate large ad hoc C/Ku satellite schedules.  They each have an uplink studio and originate programming, but have no downlink networks of their own and their viewers relay upon "borrowed" downlink dishes throughout the country.

Who is the target audience for these programs?

The target audience for these programs varies according to the program’s sponsor and its title.  Some of the sponsors and programs specifically target substance abuse counselors, parents and community activists.  Others target law enforcement officials.  Some others are directly targeted to high school students.  Some are for military audiences.  Others are for general audiences.  Generally speaking however, most programs will usually hold something of value for most all target audience segments.  Some programs will, however, hold more appeal to some groups than others depending upon the message that particular sponsor is trying to deliver to their specific target audience.  Do not judge all the programs by the first one you may see because sponsors and producers have different messages.  Occasionally we will do a program that, due to its sensitive content, will be classed as, "not for general broadcast".  We will inform you which programs fit this category.  We also occasionally have programs that have videotape restrictions.  We will also tell you which programs these are.

There are a number of ways to view these free teleconferences.  All of them are shown via satellite so if you can locate a steerable, analog C or Ku Band satellite downlink within your community, you can participate.  These dishes are the same as those old 5 to 7 foot diameter dishes some of our neighbors used to have in their backyards before the newer, smaller 18 inch digital dishes came on the scene (which, by the way, cannot receive these programs).  There are still over 10,000 of these older dishes located around the country.

As described above, the National Guard and other military services also operate digital satellite networks called the Warrior Network (Air National Guard, found at all ANG Air Bases and State Capitols), Air Technology Network (found at all USAF Bases) or the Satellite Education Network (found at most U.S. Army Bases) as part of the federal and military Government Education and Training Network (GETN).  These sites are sometimes available when schedules permit.  There are over 1,000 of these sites around the country though not all are available for public use (most National Guard sites are, however.)

The Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN), a private, closed satellite network serving many police and law enforcement agencies across the country also carry some of our programs schedules permitting.  The California Police Officer's Standards Training Network (POST) found at most police agencies in California also can access this programming.  The South Carolina Educational Television Network (SC-ETV) also relays most of these programs.  These are some examples of where you can locate a site.  We also are working with several other corporate satellite network providers to open additional sites.  Finally, many communities, like Syracuse, NY have arranged with their local cable TV companies to carry these commercially-content free programs as a public service for the whole community.

OK, but how can I locate a satellite downlink site in my own community?

Again, there are a number of possibilities, even for rural communities.  Now that we have already done  several dozen of these programs over each of the last ten+ years, we have a list of over 8,000 potential civilian sites and nearly 1,000 government and military sites around the country that have participated with us.  Please call or email (dlnets@aol.com) our satellite downlink and registration coordinator, at this toll free number 877-820-0305 and we may be able to identify a site within your city or town that has worked with us before.  If we cannot readily help you with a site, you may have to take the initiative and do some local detective work and coordination on your own.  Here are ideas to explore at this web site:

How to Locate a Satellite Downlink: http://www.dlnets.com/sathowto.htm

To maximize target audience penetration, many sponsors are now adopting a "blended learning approach" to program delivery missions.  This may include satellite delivery for a majority of the audience, but also live and archived webcasts for those without satellite access or ready availability to view the live program.  Webcasting is not a complete answer however, as many organizations, especially those at government and military locations face firewall and bandwidth hurdles that can prevent them from accessing a webcast program.

When will I get the C/Ku satellite coordinates?

You will be provided with the C/Ku satellite coordinates after you register, but you must register to receive them.  We need to have your site registered to account for the audience totals and locations who are exposed to each program for the benefit of the sponsor.  The coordinates are included within the site support materials that you should receive from each sponsor by mail.  We also email the coordinates 7-10 days prior to the broadcast date to you and to your supporting satellite technician (if you registered their email address).  You should always have received the satellite coordinates within 72 hours of the broadcast date.  If you have not, call or email us immediately.  Please don't call prior to the 7-10 day window unless you absolutely must have them to reserve a viewing room.  This saves us from having to respond individually to the several hundred customers who may be registered for each program.  You will get them, we promise.  If you forget to register, we will give you the coordinates right up to program air-time, but you may miss out on the program support materials.

Satellite Coordinates look like this:

Rarely.  I can only recall two times in five years (over 175 teleconferences) where we used the same satellites twice in a row.  The reason for this is that the sponsors are "occasional use" programmers and must buy satellite time on the open market using satellites available at the time the program is booked.

On the analog side, C-Band usually works best for most operators, especially in the American West.  While the programs are often uplinked on the Ku-Band, less than 10% of our customers use Ku-Band to receive them.  Many sponsors are abandoning the use of Ku-band as it is just not cost effective any longer.

That varies greatly and usually depends upon the sponsor’s desires.  Our uplink sites have previously included locations in Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Virginia, Tennessee, and other locations.  Sometimes we use a television studio, sometimes a portable satellite uplink truck and link directly to a convention center or portable classroom.  Sometimes we even relay a program via terrestrial circuits or microwave to a satellite "teleport" for uplinking to the designated target satellite.

We usually use at least three, sometimes four or more.  These include one each on the analog C and Ku bands, a military/federal digital satellite, and sometimes one or more private network satellites.  That’s why it sometimes takes us 5 minutes or so into the test pattern to transmit a program title slide instead of just color bars and tone within the test pattern.  Good old Igor, the Satellite God, sometimes plays games with us as we establish a link between all four satellites.  If you still don’t have a signal by 10-15 minutes into the normal 30 minute test pattern preceding each program, then PANIC and call the designated trouble numbers for that program.  Please don’t wait until five minutes prior to program to call, because it may take that long to help you and you might miss the beginning of the program.  If the trouble lines are busy as they sometimes are, keep redialing until you break through. DO NOT LEAVE VOICE MAIL as we may not pick it up until sometime later.

Most teleconference sponsors buy an additional period of time (usually 30 minutes, sometimes an hour) to send a test pattern of color bars, tone audio, and a program title slide.  This allows your supporting satellite technician to "find" the program on the designated satellite, transponder and channel and then "fine tune" the audio and video to the best quality.  Our sponsors generally only provide 30 minutes of test pattern time.

You can, but there may be nothing there.  Remember that these channels are for "occasional use" programmers and there may or may not be in use when you look and even then, you may not be sure what you are looking at.

Weather can be a factor in successful reception.  Heavy weather can also effect an uplink and/or a downlink if heavy snow or rain is occurring.  Dishes with accumulated snow in them usually will not work very well.  Freezing temperatures can freeze steering mechanisms so that dishes will not rotate to the desired target satellite.  (Some dishes in the North Country actually have heaters to melt accumulated snow and ice.)  High winds will also cause an unstabilized dish to deliver an unstabilized signal.

Over the years, we have to come to understand that when we do a large program with 300 or more sites, 5-10% of sites may experience some type of problem.  When the weather an/or a mechanical problem (i.e. loose cabling, equipment failure, etc.) is not at fault, then the problem generally falls into one of two other categories.  The first is:

Failure to Update Automatic Steering Software:

Many operators, especially part-timers, sometimes fail to invest the annual $100-$150 it costs to have their satellite vendor update their automatic steering software.  Satellite operators like Hughes, PanAmSat, General Electric and others, continually launch new satellites, re-position old ones, and take others out of service.  Remember when Galaxy 4 (G4 - the famous "pager" satellite failed in 1998? PanAmSat immediately moved Galaxy 6 (G6) from its previous position of 74* West to its new position of 99* West Longitude in May of 1998 to replace the now long dead G4.  Yet some operators (even some professional operators) had "forgotten" about this and failed to read the notice we provided when we last used G6 and they lost a lot of time and sometimes the whole program by looking for G6 in its old location.  UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE ANNUALLY.

This is a loose term often applied to part-time operators.  It is not meant to deride their abilities for they are usually they are doing the best they can.  But many have never had any training.  You would be surprised by the number of trouble calls we get that begin…"This is my first time doing this" …or… "Our regular technician is on vacation…"  With proper training, any operator with working equipment can use the satellite information we provide to over-ride the automatic steering software and to find the designated target satellite.  It’s just that we usually don’t have time to provide this OJT in the 30 minutes of test pattern time prior to the scheduled broadcast.

A lot of satellite technicians don't realize that audio is usually sent on two separate audio channels, 6.2 or 6.8.  Sometimes just switching between the two will dramatically improve the sound.  Then sometimes it's just a loose connection.  We also always offer a 30 minute test pattern prior to the program start time for your technician to adjust video and sound.

When all else fails, most sponsors provide a videotape at a nominal cost that covers the cost of the tape, reproduction, and shipping.  It may take up to 30 days to receive one and some sponsors are more flexible about payment options than others.

When do the programs occur and how long do they last?

Most programs occur in mid week on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.  They generally last from 90 minutes to two hours.  The start time is usually 1PM or 2PM ET to account for time zone variability across the Continental United States (sorry Alaska and Hawaii).  Remember to confirm your room availability, satellite support technician support and time zone the day before the program.  We rarely do a program on a Monday or Friday or after 6 PM ET.

Yes- Most Are!  At least when they are seen live.  (Many public access stations are videotaping these public domain programs for later rebroadcast within their communities.)  The sponsor will provide an 800 number to call in questions.  (Tip: If there is not a phone in your viewing room, bring a cell phone.)  You will also be provided with a fax number to fax in questions.  Some sponsors are also considering email as an experiment to answer follow-on questions both during the program and for those questions they are unable to answer with the available air-time.

Most sponsors will provide one free set of support materials for each registered organization.

That varies with the sponsor.  Some are very good at providing materials in a timely manner.  Some are not.  Direct your complaints to the offending sponsor.

Some sponsors maintain web sites.  Some do not.  Some post their site materials.  Some do not.  Most rarely post their entire site materials kit on their web site.  It’s still best to register early and hope the sponsor mails the materials early as promised.

Yes, especially if you want to receive the satellite coordinates and the free site materials kit.  Satellite coordinates are NEVER posted on a sponsor’s web site.  It is important for sponsors to account for organizations and sites and estimated viewing audiences so that they can justify continued funding for these free programs from their financial underwriters.

You can register on-line at the web site below if you have internet access.  There’s a form for first time or new customers and one for returning customers.  Register on-line at this site:

http://www.dlnets.com/registration.htm

You’ll see a couple of choices depending upon which type of programming you are registering for.

Your completed registration should generate a return registration confirmation and/or (eventually) a satellite coordinates message.

You can also register via fax that some sponsors send out as a program announcement.  A fax however is not reliable and will not generate a confirmation fax in return.  Our fax rings several times a day and nothing shows up or a blank page emerges because the operator inserted the page upside down.  We have no way of knowing where these calls came from.  The toll free fax number is 877-820-5238.

You can also register via phone by calling the toll free number at 877-820-0305, but the volume of calls is sometimes heavy and it may take up to several hours or even a day to return some calls.  (Remember to speak you return telephone number s-l-o-w-l-y and leave an area code too!)  Still, this method is more reliable than a fax… and the call is FREE!!

Email is best for general communications.  It gets read and responded to several times a day.  But please try to use the web site above to register if you can.

The reason is because as an occasional programmer, we can only schedule C/KU satellites about 6-8 weeks in advance of a particular date and time and are unable to confirm the dates and times months ahead of time.  Very occasionally the satellites are changed at the last minute, the sponsor cancels the program date or changes the program’s title and/or content.  We will let you know when the registration window opens for each program.  That is usually about 6-8 weeks prior to the program date.  Remember, you MUST REGISTER FOR EACH PROGRAM to receive the site materials and the satellite coordinates for each program.  And please let us know when your Contact Person, email address and other registration elements change.  Thanks.

PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!!!

Yes, you can see the free Counter Drug Satellite programming at this web site:

http://www.dlnets.com/cdsch.htm

An inter-agency satellite listing show open satellite teleconferences offered by selected military, federal, and some civilian providers can be seen at this web site:

http://www.dlnets.com/ITV.htm

It stands for Integrated Receiver-Decoder.  The fixed military and federal digital satellite dishes, which do not move, can have up to three separate "channels" depending upon the service.  Each channel is "addressable" and must be "illuminated" or "authenticated" to receive these programs.  It is therefore possible to get up to three separate programs simultaneously through the same dish.  If you are using a military/federal digital CDV site and your technician does not identify which IRD(s) he wants illuminated, all of them at that site will be illuminated and we could possibly unintentionally "step on" someone else's program (it's happened).  The numbers we need are the site identifier (e.g.; ANG-019) and the IRD(s) (like 069563 and 068547) otherwise, WE WILL ILLUMINATE THEM ALL.

I looked at the calendar, but there was only a paragraph of information on each program.  When will I get additional detailed information to do local promotion about looks like it might be a great program?

Our goal is to provide you with detailed information about each program's target audience, its objectives, and biographical information about the scheduled panelists about 45-60 days prior to each program date.  Ultimately, we are dependent upon our sponsors to give us this detailed information as soon as possible.  Some are better at it than others.  We are continuing to work this issue.  We know you need this information as soon as possible.  As soon as the sponsor provides an expanded program description or web site description we will update their one paragraph description on the main calendar so check it often.  (Remember to "refresh" your browser each time you visit.)

The site coordinator is usually, but not always, the local point of contact for receiving the program.  This is the person that arranges for the downlink facility, promotes the event and oversees its management.  This is not usually the satellite technician.  Some of the other responsibilities of the site coordinator are described in a site facilitator guide we will forward if you register for the program.

Yes.  There is no registration fee.  Any local costs you may incur for site rental, food, or copying of materials is the responsibility of the hosting organization.  All we ask in return is that you provide us with some feedback about the program and its content.

Most of these programs are in the "public domain".  There are usually no videotape restrictions so you may videotape and re-broadcast the program as you desire.  There are also usually no copyright protections on any of the materials we may send you.  These programs are completely free of commercial content.  If there are videotape restrictions from a particular sponsor, we will tell you.  You may not charge a fee to reshow these programs at your site.  (This rule does not apply to Public Access TV Channels with normal subscription fees.  It does apply to "for-profit" organizations.)

Not at this time, but we are working on it.  Some states, like West Virginia, through its Community Mental Health Network, do offer these credits for their attendees.

We generally send 3-5 general email messages each month related to customers subscribing to the CounterDrug Series.  If you have a question you can call the toll free number (877-820-0305) and ask.  You will also get a site confirmation message with the satellite coordinates at least 3-5 days before each program.

I know there is a potential downlink location nearby. Why don’t you display other information about locations and or a way to contact them like some others do?

Believe it or not, some folks DON'T WANT TO BE CONTACTED. Other sites are not open to outside viewers.  We try to respect everyone’s privacy when we can.  Please call us and we will put you in touch with those that have open sites or are willing to assist others.  If you have other questions about the information you provide us, please review our privacy policy seen here:

Distributive Networks, Inc. Privacy Policy: www.dlnets.com/privacy.htm

When do the programs occur and how long do they last?

Most programs occur in mid week on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.  They generally last from 90 minutes to two hours.  The start time is usually 1PM or 2PM ET to account for time zone variability across the Continental United States (sorry Alaska and Hawaii).  Remember to confirm your room availability, satellite support technician support and time zone the day before the program.  Our sponsors rarely do a program on a Monday or Friday or after 6 PM ET.

Yes- Most Are!  At least when they are seen live.  (Many public access stations are videotaping these public domain programs for later rebroadcast within their communities.)  The sponsor will provide an 800 number to call in questions.  (Tip: If there is not a phone in your viewing room, bring a cell phone.)  You will also be provided with a fax number to fax in questions.  Some sponsors are also considering email as an experiment to answer follow-on questions both during the program and for those questions they are unable to answer with the available air-time.

Most sponsors will provide one free set of support materials for each registered organization although more and more program sponsors are choosing to mount their site support materials on-line.

That varies with the sponsor.  Again, some sponsors send materials in the mail.  Some mount them on-line.  Some do not provide any materials at all.  Some are very good at providing materials in a timely manner.  Some are not.  Direct your complaints to the offending sponsor.

Some sponsors maintain web sites.  Some do not.  Some post their site materials.  Some do not.  Most rarely post their entire site materials kit on their web site.  It’s still best to register early and hope the sponsor mails the materials early as promised.

Yes, especially if you want to receive the satellite coordinates and the free site materials kit.  Satellite coordinates are NEVER posted on a sponsor’s web site.  It is important for sponsors to account for organizations and sites and estimated viewing audiences so that they can justify continued funding for these free programs from their financial underwriters.

You can register on-line at the web site below if you have internet access.  There’s a form for first time or new customers and one for returning customers.  Register on-line at this site:

http://www.dlnets.com/registration.htm

The National Guard Counter Drug Programs are open to the public.

The GETN/Interagency Programs are for federal and military sites.  They are closed to the general public and use satellite platforms not available to the general public.

Submission on the on-line registration form should generate a return registration email confirmation and/or (eventually) a satellite coordinates message.

You can also register via fax that some sponsors send out as a program announcement.  A fax however, is not reliable and will not generate a confirmation fax in return.  Our fax rings several times a day and nothing shows up or a blank page emerges because the operator inserted the page upside down.  We have no way of knowing where these calls came from.

You can also register via phone by calling the toll free number at 877-820-0305, but the volume of calls is sometimes heavy and it takes up to several hours or even a day to return some calls.  (Remember to speak you return telephone number s-l-o-w-l-y and leave an area code too!)

Email is best for general communications.  It gets read and responded to several times a day.  But please try to use the web site above to register if you can.

The reason is because as an occasional programmer, we can only schedule C/KU satellites about 6-8 weeks in advance of a particular date and time and are unable to confirm the dates and times months ahead of time.  Very occasionally the satellites are changed at the last minute or the sponsor cancels the program date or changes the program’s title and/or content.  We will let you know when the registration window opens for each program.  That is usually about 6-8 weeks prior to the program date.  Remember, you MUST REGISTER FOR EACH PROGRAM to receive the site materials and the satellite coordinates for each program.  And please let us know when your Contact Person, email address and other registration elements change.  Thanks.

PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!!!

Yes, you can see the free Counter Drug Satellite programming at this web site:

http://www.mctft.com/telecasts/upcoming_telecourses.shtml

An inter-agency satellite listing show open satellite teleconferences offered by selected military, federal, and some civilian providers can be seen at this web site:

http://www.dlnets.com/itv.htm#current

It stands for Integrated Receiver-Decoder.  The fixed military and federal digital satellite dishes, which do not move, can have up to three or more separate "channels" depending upon the service.  Each channel is "addressable" and must be "illuminated" or "authenticated" to receive these programs.  It is therefore possible to get up to three separate programs simultaneously through the same dish.  If you are using a military/federal digital Convergent CDV site and your technician does not identify which IRD(s) he wants illuminated, all of them at that site will be illuminated and we could possibly unintentionally "step on" someone else's program (it's happened).  The numbers we need are the site identifier (eg... AG-134A) and the IRD(s) (like 2544781-1).

I looked at the calendar, but there was only a paragraph of information on each program.  When will I get additional detailed information to do local promotion about looks like it might be a great program?

Our goal is to provide you with detailed information about each program's target audience, its objectives, and biographical information about the scheduled panelists about 45-60 days prior to each program date.  Ultimately, we are dependent upon our sponsors to give us this detailed information as soon as possible.  Some are better at it than others.  We are continuing to work this issue.  We know you need this information as soon as possible.  As soon as the sponsor provides an expanded program description or web site description we will update their one paragraph description on the main calendar so check it often.  (Remember to "refresh" your browser each time you visit.)

The site coordinator is usually, but not always, the local point of contact for receiving the program.  This is the person that arranges for the downlink facility, promotes the event and oversees its management.  This is not usually the satellite technician.  Some of the other responsibilities of the site coordinator are described in a site facilitator guide we will forward if you register for the program.

Yes.  There is no registration fee.  Any local costs you may incur for site rental, food, or copying of materials is the responsibility of the hosting organization.  All we ask in return is that you provide us with some feedback about the program and its content.

Most of these programs are in the "public domain".  There are usually no videotape restrictions so you may videotape and re-broadcast the program as you desire.  There are also usually no copyright protections on any of the materials we may send you.  These programs are completely free of commercial content.  If there are videotape restrictions from a particular sponsor, we will tell you.  You may not charge a fee to reshow these programs at your site.  (This rule does not apply to Public Access TV Channels with normal subscription fees.  It does apply to "for-profit" organizations.)

Just send us a message and ask to be taken off the list...

We have a question you didn’t answer here? Can you help us?

Sure, just send us an email at ed@dlnets.com

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