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In theory both the Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region satellites should be visible from Hong Kong. In practice, however, from the Government House site it is difficult to obtain optimum reception from either. Both satellites are partially masked by obstructions, the least obstructed and with the greatest chance of success is the Indian Ocean (the one chosen by the installation engineer), but even that is partially
shielded by a high rise building and the mounting ? mountain?
range. The receive level is 195/199.
During the visit, ably aided by the kind help of Mr Purlish and Mr Griggs, the Satcom was manhandled to the apex of the adjoining roof and operated using its petalised aerial. No significant improvement over the signal level of 195 from the permanent location was obtained.
Considerable time was wasted checking and rechecking the unit when after refitting it to the permanent aerial, communications could not be obtained with the UK. It was subsequently found that the coast earth station at EIK had become un-operational.
Several tests calls were made including a live traffic test with London. All were made satisfactorily although it was noticeable on several of the telephone calls that there was heavy interference on the line and the incoming audio broke up. With this signal level one would not have expected to have experienced any problems with communications especially at what are relatively slow data rates. I recommend ESD(13) or ISD (P) investigate further the problems exhibited.
ACTION ESD (13) or ISD (P)
Alternative sites for the installation were explored. Athough I consider that it is unlikely to improve the reception dramatically, from a health and safety aspect it should be undertaken as a matter of some urgency. Alternative sites I recommend are either on the flat roof area above the servants quarters or the roof to the right, facing the building, between the quarters and the tower. Access is available via French doors. The dish should be mounted on the rear parapet wall which will conceal it from the view of onlookers arriving at the house and also provide some protection against storm damage. I propose that before ESD arrange to move the Satcom a second system
hong.rpt
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