BECOMING A SITE

SCN delivers distance education on its LIVE Satellite Network via satellite throughout Saskatchewan. Live, one way video and audio is transmitted from various classroom studios to receiving sites. Post secondary classes can originate from the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, and SIAST Palliser Campus in Moose Jaw. Secondary classes originate from Campbell Collegiate in Regina, Viscount Central School, Viscount, Swift Current Composite High School and the Saskatoon Public School Division.

The receiving sites (classrooms) interact with the instructor via telephone and fax. Individual classes may also supplement interaction via the Internet.

What Equipment Do I Need to Receive Classes?

In order to participate in SCN delivered classes, each receiving location must be equipped with a Ku-band satellite receiving (downlink) station, which is oriented to Telesat Canada's Anik F2 communications satellite. The satellite downlink consists of:

• Satellite antenna (dish) which collects the signals from Anik F2. The dish is attached to a mount which holds it rigidly in place and pointed correctly at the satellite. Keep in mind the dish needs to be pointed just a little west of due south from most parts of Saskatchewan, therefore the installation location must have a clear southern exposure. There are various types of mounts available to fit different installation situations. See Dish Mounting Options for more information
• LNB/LNBF or Low Noise Block/Feed amplifier, which receives the focused signals from the dish and converts them to signals usable by the satellite receiver. This unit is typically provided with the satellite dish.
• A digital satellite receiver, or integrated receiver/decoder (IRD), which converts the signals from the LNB into video and audio. Each receiver can display for viewing only one program or class at a time.
• Television(s) for viewing the classes, and a VCR for recording classes for later review. Typically there is one TV per classroom - a 27" screen or larger is recommended.
• A Modulator (one for each IRD) is optional if the signals are to be distributed to more than one TV, i.e. if multiple rooms in a school were to be wired so more than one classroom can be used for viewing of the signals.
• Associated cabling between LNB and satellite receiver, and receiver and modulator/TV/VCR.
• A telephone is required in the viewing classroom to facilitate the interactive portion of E-Learning Network delivered classes. The telephone line need not be solely dedicated to use for distance education (i.e.: an extension of an existing number), but must be available during class broadcast times. Typically, telephone interaction occurs a few minutes per hour/class, and is dependent on the material and instructor. The telephone should be located where students have quick access while viewing the live classes. Additionally a line (even the same one) should be located near the satellite receiver to facilitate troubleshooting with the Help Desk when required. Some new sites have had success with adding a cordless phone to an existing line (the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz digital type are recommended), which fulfills both student and troubleshooting needs.
• A fax machine must be available for use by students, but need not be located in the classroom. Faxes are usually sent before or after on-air classes, but occasionally instructors may request or send information during programs.
• A computer with internet access should also be located within the receiving classroom to facilitate email, chat, www and file transfer interaction with the instructor.

How Much Will the Equipment Cost?

The cost of the downlink equipment purchase, installation and operation is the responsibility of the receiving location. Typically a receiving classroom can be equipped and installed for $1,000 to $3,000. Some of the cost differences are driven by: Local construction requirements; whether additional equipment such as a TV and VCR, phone and computer need to be purchased; and special mounting and installation requirements.

Satellite downlink equipment packages are available from SCN and can be installed by one of many locally available experienced satellite installers. SCN can arrange for installation - see Satellite Equipment Package Specifications and Pricing for more details.

Where Do I Get the Satellite Equipment From?

The downlink equipment is available directly from SCN with a purchase order from your organization. SCN stocks the special digital Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRD's) that are required for reception of its signals. Offset receive antennae are also available, with various mounting options. See Satellite Equipment Package Specifications and Pricing for more details. Equipment can be shipped by bus or courier within seven days of order.

Once you have decided to equip your site, contact SCN to go over the technical requirements and ensure the equipment is installed in an appropriate location. SCN will ship the equipment and make contact

Satellite Equipment Package Specifications and Pricing

Downlink equipment available from SCN to enable a site to participate in SCN satellite delivered E-Learning classes:

Note: You will require Item 1 and either of Items 2 or 3. See Dish Options for details.

Item	Number Required	Description	Price
1	1	Satellite receiver. Star Trak 1000, MPEG2, DVB compliant	$250.00
2	1	76cm antenna/dish, solid, offset, e/w Ku LNBF and universal wall/roof mount.	$130.00
3	1	90cm antenna/dish, solid offset, e/w Ku LNBF and universal wall/roof mount. If you select Item 3, you may need to purchase the following mount option	$260.00
4	1	Non-Penetrating Roof Mount for 90cm antenna (requires additional ballast – concrete blocks/bricks)	$100.00

This equipment is suitable for sites located south of Latitude 56° North (approximately Buffalo Narrows) more detailed engineering studies are required for sites north of 56° N. Contact SCN for more information.

The above pricing is current as of July 2002 and does not include installation, shipping and applicable taxes, and is subject to change.

Installation costs can vary depending on locations and local conditions, typically $200-$600. Travel for installation crews is often the majority of charges. SCN will ship equipment packages upon receipt of a purchase order form your organization. Actual shipping costs will be added to invoices.

SCN Site Maintenance Plan

As part of our commitment to providing quality service for our education network partners, SCN provides a Help Desk and off/on site Technical Support service, through a maintenance plan, to its distance education sites. All new distance education sites are required to participate.

Components of the maintenance agreement include:

• HELP DESK

Access to the Help Desk, toll free, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday AND during all scheduled classes and special events outside of regular hours. Help desk personnel are available to assist site coordinators in rectifying minor operating issues. Problems are usually rectified within minutes.

• SATELLITE RECEIVER, LNB, DISH ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED CABLE

When it is determined by the Help Desk that repair personnel need to be dispatched, SCN will make the necessary contacts to assure a repair is completed in a timely manner. SCN will cover all associated costs subject to the following conditions:

• The equipment must not have been previously altered, modified, or serviced by anyone other than service personnel authorized by SCN.
• The unit(s) must not have been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
• The unit(s) must not have been damaged by "Acts of God."
• The unit(s) must not have been vandalized or stolen.
• Sites must provide adequate environment and security and may wish to include the equipment in their local insurance policies.

• COST

• For new sites in their first year, rates have been set at $13.50 per month for 10 (ten) months (school year) or $135.00 per year for a basic site with 1 (one) satellite receiver. This rate takes into consideration the one year (off-site) warranty on a new receiver purchased through SCN and allows for full on-site maintenance for the site
• Rates for subsequent years will be $20.00 per month for 10 months (school year) or $200.00 per year for one basic site with one satellite receiver.
• The maintenance charge for each additional receiver at any one site will be $5.00 per month each.
• The maintenance charge for modulators, if applicable, is $5.00 per month per modulator.

Billing will be processed on September 1, January 1 and April 1 and payable upon receipt of our invoice.

For technical information or information about equipment installation, please contact the SCN Help Desk at 1-877-808-4726.

Is the Satellite Equipment Difficult to Operate?

The StarTrak 1000 satellite receiver has been designed as a consumer product and is simple to operate, with complexity similar to a VCR, except you don't have to set the time! Over the telephone technical support is available from SCN's Help Desk, reached through a toll free number. In most cases, troubles reported to The Help Desk are rectified over the phone within a few minutes.

Training for the operation of the satellite receiving equipment is provided to new sites after installation and to all sites by SCN each year in late August. Individual sites throughout the year are given supplementary training as required.