Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite
Subject: SDTS TRANSMISSIONS Continue on S3
From: flash@lopez.marquette.MI.US (Gary Bourgois,Hamshack)
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 20:40:25 EST
Organization: Great White North/UPLink

I have to admit I have been extremely busy here, but have refined the SDTS
service to the point where I think it is becoming a useful addition to the
satellite community.  Those of you with NET access already and have not
bothered because you think SDTS is just a duplication should be aware that
SDTS carries conferences from OTHER networks in addition to USENET now.  Each
week we have a number of larger articles (Last week we had the entire text of
the cable bill, for example) as well as postings to THIS conference, the FIDO
and UNI satellite conferences, as well as other communications related to
technology and electronics.  While the feed is at the low 300 bps rate, this
means error free copy on ANY computer.  One of the SDTS users is reformatting
the text and offering reformatted and laser printed versions of the files at
only the cost for postage and a little for printing.  Robert Smather's
satellite chart came out really nice, and he reduced it to 41 pages by
putting 2 cols per page.  (if you want more info on getting printed versions
of the files for distribution to friends, I can provide his address).  

The 300 baud transmission runs about 8 hours, and a lot of data can be
crammed into that time.  We continue to discuss higher baud rates, though I
really want to jump to 9600 baud rather than go to the bell 202 standard,
even though chips are available pretty cheaply.  Someone really needs to
design a CHEAP 9600 baud one way box from available chipsets.  I know this
stuff is all out there.  If you are someone who likes to tinker with
electronic design and could build up boxes that could be sold for around $100
that could be used reliably over a phone line quality link, contact me.  Or
if you know a source for this equipment.  It is out there already, the
technology exists.  I have a number of avenues to donated transponder time,
but the problem I have is the phone connection costs.  We have a sponsor for
the 9 hours a week that we have available to SDTS, but 24 hours a day would
be a toughie, and here in the tundra we do not have very good net
connectivity, so if it were to originate here, we would also need to cover
long distance time to a better connected system.  The whole purpose of this
concept is to provide a more reliable link to others in positions like
myself.

I just wanted you all to know I have not gone away, though my time lately is
limited because of my OTHER NON PAYING PROJECTS.  I am trying to learn how to
say "no".  Last night I was asked to host ANOTHER radio program.  I don't
think so.  I would explode.  This one would also be more conventional in
nature, and I just could not convince the person that I prefer to do
technonerd geeky kind of things rather than main stream political talk.  She
even dangled real money and equipment at me, but I am at the point where I
just can't take on another thing.

For those interested, here is info on SDTS and how to connect to it.  If you
have a dish and a computer, come along and play this saturday morning!






How to receive the weekly skyload of


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                   The Satellite Data Text Service 
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          A service of the Great White North BBS Division of
                   Superior Shores Systems, Inc.




SDTS is transmitted via satellite from approximately 3:00AM to 11:00AM
saturday mornings on Spacenet 3 transponder 21 at 5.8 wideband audio.

This transmission consists of many files of interest to the Satellite TVRO
community, as well as interesting technical articles, directories, logs and
other files relating to home satellite, amateur and shortwave radio,
broadcasting, space science, general electronics and other topics of interest
to our readers.

All you need to do to receive these transmissions is to tune in to the
broadcast, or record it on videotape.  If you record it on video, you may
need to supply a stable video source to insure that the videotape speed does
not vary.  Plug in a TV camera, or tune the VCR to a cable or broadcast
channel and plug the audio from your satellite receiver into the VCR.  This
will provide you with a backup tape of the data, especially useful if you do
not have a large (2 meg or greater) buffer on your computer.

You need to make a special interface cable, which is easily constructed.  You
need to interface your Satellite receiver (or VCR playback) to your stereo
amplifier (which most of us do as a matter of course).  You then obtain an
audio cable with a quarter inch plug on one end.  You also need to obtain a
modular telephone cable.  Radio Shack sells both cables with NOTHING on the
other end.  Or you can just cut the ends off existing cables and connect them
together.

Connect the RED wire of the phone cable to the SHIELD of the audio cable.
Connect the GREEN wire of the phone cable to the CENTER conductor of the
audio cable.

Then tune to Spacenet 3 Transponder 21 5.8 audio and either record the data
feed, or connect to it live.  If you tune in early, from 9pm to midnight you
will hear our national technical talk show (Friday Night Live) where we
discuss the SDTS service offerings that will be transmitted, and also provide
a LOT of satellite news and technical topics, and answer satellite related
technical and programming questions.

The Satellite Data Transmission begins immediately following the FREE AIR
show.  This program is open ended, and thus we can not tell you an exact time
the transmission will begin.  We have come on as early as 2:00AM and as late
as 3:15.

When the DATA transmission portion of the programming begins, there is a one
minute connect tone transmitted.

The parameters you must use are:

300 BPS
8-N-1 

Using your telecom software, open the buffer.  You need to send the following
commands to the modem:

    ATX1       (tells it to ignore the lack of a dial tone)
    AT&L1      (tells it to use the leased line mode, it it has it)
    ATDT1      (has it dial 1 and then connect)

Resourceful users who do not want to stay up have put their software into
autodial mode and use this to connect to the service while they sleep.  Just
set your software to continually dial the number one.  Do not do this your
first try.  Make sure you are there to adjust the volume and tone controls
during the TEST portion of the transmission to make sure you have clear copy
of the data.

When you have clean copy, go to sleep.  When you wake up (the signal may
still be running) you will have a nice afternoon's reading, as well as a
number of valuable data and info files to print out.

If you have questions regarding the SDTS service, you can write to us
directly at:

    GREAT WHITE NORTH BBS
    SDTS PROJECT
    429 SPRING STREET
    MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN  49855

You can leave us feedback by calling (906) 228-4399 and typing  bird  at the
login prompt and using the (F)eedback option.

You may FAX us at (906) 228-7477.

These services are provided free to the Satellite Community by 

GWN UPLink Inc, a NON PROFIT telecommunications system.
--
    /   Gary Bourgois, WB8EOH, The Birdwatcher: Marquette Michigan  USA   \
   ([-o ~ Tune FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!  S3/21 6.2. Fridays from 9-midnight ~ o-])
    \  Now a snazzy new DOMAIN address!  flash@lopez.marquette.MI.US      /
        GEnie: SIGNALS   FAX: (906) 228-7477    GWN BBS: (906) 228-4399