Satellite news in the USA sky

An user of this page known as "thefez" has reported that the heavilly damaged Echostar 4 bird is working at least partially under tests, but at 77º west instead its original designed for position. Currently only two transponders are working (which is really impresive, see this satellite history below). As this satellite can suddenly fall over our heads it will not be (by now) included in the lists but you can use this INI file to test it, cut this information, paste it in your notepad and write it as 2830.ini



[SATTYPE]
1=2830
2=Echostar 4 - Test

[DVB]
0=2
1=12341,V,20000,56
2=12516,V,20000,34


It is broadcasting some Dish Networks channels, in SD of course, with some of them in spanish (at least 8 out of 22).

The Echostar 4 was launched in May 1998, after launch 2 solar panels does not unfold, so some transpoders went out of service. In July 1999 thermal and fuel problems drop some transponders out. In October 2000 more fails drop more transponders out and 26 of 44 are out of service. In June 2002 more problems and 38 transponder were out of service. In September 2004 the not unfolded solar array suddenly unfold :) and the satellite starts a orbital movement without a position to reach until this days.

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In the other hand Anik F3 is now flying the USA sky to reach its position at 118.7 West to broadcast Telesat services, covering television, internet and some bussines mass data links. It will be ready to work some day in May and it carries 32 Ku band transponders, 24 for C band and 2 for Ka band (remember than in europe the Ku and Ka band are usually called Ku band in both cases). Dish networks will broadcast television channels from this platform.