After the system is installed and the antenna is peaked to the best of the technician’s ability to attain the highest possible Rx C/N (minimum 12dB), the ODN NOC should be contacted for assistance. Via phone, the installer will be asked to do a push/pull test. This test entails nearly what it sounds like; pushing and pulling the reflector to ascertain which adjustments need to be made to the azimuth or elevation to get the best possible signal strength. The modem will automatically be put into a “CW” mode where it transmits a pure tone at a specific Ku-Band frequency. The tone will be re-transmitted via the EchoStar 9 satellite and monitored for quality at the ODN NOC with a spectrum analyzer. This will allow the assessment of its Crosspole/Co-Pole characteristics. More small adjustments may need to be made at this point, particularly to the feedhorn polarity skew. This process is to prevent interference to other Echostar 9 transponders or other satellites entirely. The operator at the ODN NOC will determine when the signal is “good”. After the system has been tested and tuned, the fine Az/EL adjustment bolts should be tightened down.

It should be noted that this alignment test can be completed without the submission of commissioning paperwork, but the site will not be allowed to go online until that paperwork has been submitted and reviewed (see below).

The reporting requirements are different depending on if you are a certified or non-certified installer.

All relevant documentation can be found on the ODN helpdesk at https://helpdesk.orbitaldata.net

For certified installers you must submit a completed installation assessment and associated picture attachments within 10 business days of the site being commissioned. Certified installers can self-commission without the assistance of ODN.

For non-certified installers, an installation assessment must be submitted to ODN before final commissioning can be completed by an ODN NOC technician. These documents take up to two business hours to process. To expedite processing or to complete this after hours it is important to pre-schedule or coordinate this with ODN via the helpdesk or phone.

When the job is fully completed, clean up and secure the site. Lock up the equipment shelter as well as the security fence or entry gate. Call to notify the appropriate NOC for that region that the job is complete. Their operator will likely request the reference number that was issued at the beginning of the job. Before they “close the incident” they will likely check to see if there are any remote alarms at the site, such as open doors, etc.