Para 4.10
Para 4.11
Tests from alternative ACTION ESD(13) location
Replace software Eprom
ACTION TSO
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
BACKGROUND
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Communications from Hong Kong are by means of standard MK1A workstation configuration using the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) as the main bearer and a PW as the fallback mode in the event of PSTN failure.
In March/April 1993 a Compact Transportable Satcom terminal was installed following a request from Customer Services Branch of ISD(0).
The fallback Satcom unit was installed by ISD in Government House funded by the Hong Kong Government. It was intended that the Satcom would provide a fallback circuit in the event of failure of the PSTN and allow the costly PW circuit which currently provides this service to be dispensed with. In reality the results obtained from the Satcom have been variable and would at present not be an acceptable alternative to the Private Wire.
The installation itself had been completed to a good engineering standard although the chosen site is not ideal. It is accepted that the building does not easily lend itself to providing an ideal location. but the one chosen has a number of shortcomings which need addressing. The site is only accessible after climbing out on to a small flat roof area via
a small window and then traversing a long pitched glassed tiled roof to a small gully between two roofs were the unit is installed. See attached photographs for a more a detailed explanation.
This site makes the job of changing the equipment particularly onerous. The amount of room between the metal container and the adjoining roof makes removing the satellite quite difficult, but the real problem would exist in replacing the unit which would require two people to manhandle the equipment along 60 feet of pitched roof. For personnel and equipment safety
this is unacceptable.
hong.rpt