South Pole TDRS Relay
Joint NASA/ATSC Engineering Status
As of 8/19/97

1.  Highlight's

    A.  S-Band Filter
        Awaiting quote from K&L Filters.  Called them again on 8/18.  Now 
        expect the quote by 8/20.

    B.  Ku-Band TWTA's
        The second unit troubleshooting is focused on the high voltage power 
        supply and Logimetrics continues to try to find the problem.  Worst 
        case is that the entire high voltage supply may have to be replaced. A 
        cost estimate has been requested from Logimetrics.

    C.  Ku-Band TWT Remote Control
        Awaiting the Logimetrics quote for the computer control.  Logimetrics 
        fax'd the pin out and signals on the control to D. Israel.  The 
        pinouts are almost identical to the control of the 200W units 
        installed at GRTS.  These are controlled from the computer via PLC. 
        PLC costing is in progress.  Still waiting for the Logimetrics cost 
        estimate to provide the control though it is estimated the cost for 
        them to do the remote control to be at least $3K.

    D.  Computer Parts
        Still awaiting the chassis, motherboard, and CD ROM drive for the SPTR 
        computers.  The chassis was ordered on 6/12 and the motherboard and 
        CD ROM drive on 6/23.  Integration is on standby while we wait for 
        these parts.  The wrong parts have come in for the motherboard and 
        chassis and have been sent back.  Contacting the buyers today to find 
        out what the holdup is on making the procurements.

    D.  Antenna Mounts
        Nothing resolved while E. Blain was on vacation.  Effort to resume 
        this week.  Drawings and other building and antenna related 
        information have been exchanged to speed the process.

    E.  SPTR Project Review
        The first draft of the review package was released on Monday, 8/18, 
        for review and comment.  Final review and package is targeted for 
        8/20.


2.  Hardware Procurement

    A.  Received the UPS's.  The network module is a separate board and is 
        being ordered.


3.  Software

    A.  The interface to the South Pole File Server is complete.

    B.  The interface to the satellite modem is complete.

    C.  Started UPS control (SNMP crash course).

Hardware Configuration Items

1.0  Ku-Band Equipment

     a.  The antenna is on order and is due to be complete on 8/13.  The 
         antenna feed work would be completed and tested and the completed 
         unit would be here at BLT by 9/13.

     b.  Detailed work on the antenna mount has begun.

     c.  See Highlights for TWTA status.

     d.  The Switches and power divider require testing and 
         characterization.

     e.  The attenuator is in and requires testing.

     f.  The line coupler requires testing.

     g.  The bandpass filter needs to be obtained from RF SOC so a replacement 
         device can be ordered.

2.0  S-Band Equipment

     a.  The antenna is on order and is due to be complete on 8/13.  The
         feed work is to be completed and tested and the completed unit
         delivered to BLT by 9/13.

     b.  Detailed work on the antenna mount has begun.

     c.  The Transceiver/SSPA/LNA is on order through Miteq.  Software 
         documentation is being requested roday.

     d.  Diplexor unit effort is complete.

     e.  The line coupler requires testing.

3.0  Baseband Equipment

     a.  Satellite modem effort is complete.  Test cables should be available
         from NISN.  BER tests will be performed at building 25.  Tests 
         through TDRSS may be desired soon.

     b.  Work efforts for the Encoder have begun.  The chassis has been
         ordered.  Board detailed design work has begun.

     c.  Modulator parts are being procured.  The chassis is on order.

     d.  The router is on order and due 9/16.

     e.  Awaiting the motherboard, chassis, and CD-ROM, for the Data
         Server PC.

4.0  MCS Hardware

     a.  Awaiting the chassis and CD ROM drive.

     b.  The Spectrum Analyzer is due 8/25.

     c.  The Switch Driver unit requires testing.

     d.  The test port switches and control cables require testing.

5.0  Cables and Connectors

     a.  Information on the building penetration is required to finalize the 
         detailed design for the Hoffman box.  This is being worked with 
         ASA.

     b.  Waveguide is being shipped to BLT from WSC excess.

     c.  The cable runs list is being updated per all the system changes. 
         Cable fabrication sheet development is ready to begin.

6.0  Racks and Accessories

     a.  Rack and stack at BLT should begin when the PC chassis arrive.

     b.  The UPS's have arrived.

     c.  Ventilation discussions indicate a desire for the fans.  One tray
         has been obtained from excess.  Six top hat style rack fans have 
         been found in excess.  These units would require and additional 6 
         inches of clearance for top mounting on the racks and approximately 
         an additional foot for air flow.  The units will be discussed with 
         ASA as all six could be sent down for the SPTR racks and the GOES 
         racks.

     d.  The replacement Hoffman Box for the CEB has arrived.

7.0  White Sands Complex

     a.  A. Fortin is checking out the PTP at Bldg 12.

     b.  The routers are on order.

     c.  TDI work is in progress.


Software Configuration Items

1.0  Software

     Software orders are all complete.


Schedule

     No change.


Medical Clearance

     A. Fortin has been medically approved to go.

     K. Culin is scheduled for medical and dental the first week of
     September.


D. Israel, NASA Code 531.2
K. Culin, ATSC AS&T Dept.