RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 52
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 26, 2011
• Sequence Number: 2
• Content Type: MISC

Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS
Q1. How do you propose to transmit the 300 KHz wideband FM
signal via the Quantico to Key Building Microwave System?
A. It is COMSAT's understanding that the 300 KHz signal
referred to above consists of a baseband signal with frequencies
ranging from 60 KHz to 128 KHz (300 KHz refers to nominal carrier
deviation). This signal will be applied to channel 3 of the
service channel converter (see paragraph 3.9.2 of COMSAT
International's proposal). Channel 3 has a baseband bandwidth of
16 KHz to 130 KHz. The output of the service channel converter
will be a single sideband suppressed carrier signal at a nominal
frequency of 9.023 MHz. This signal will be combined with the
video and program audio carriers and will then be frequency
modulated directly onto the terrestrial microwave link carrier and
transported over the microwave facilities to the Quantico earth
station. At the Quantico earth station all signals will be
demodulated to baseband frequencies before being renodulated onto
their assigned earth station SCPC carriers. Similarly, the SCPC
carriers from the satellite are demodulated to baseband at
Quantico and remodulated onto the terrestrial microwave link
carrier for transmission to Rosslyn.
Q2. The RFP calls for one each 300 KHz wideband FM/SCPC
channel. Your proposal talks about 60 KHz modulators and
demodulators (pg. 250). How do you explain this? On page 3-22,
the technical characteristics of the FM/SCPC exciter appears to
satisfy the 300 KHz requirement. Please clarify.
A. As explained in question one above, it is COMSAT
International's understanding that the 300 KHz wideband FM/SCPC
signal actually refers to a baseband signal of 60 KHz to 128 KHz
with a nominal RMS test tone deviation of 300 KHz. This carrier
has been referred to alternately as a 60 KHz or a 300 KHz wideband
FM/SCPC carrier. Therefore, the 60 KHz modulators/demodulators
imply the 300 KHz RMS deviated carrier.
The technical specifications provided on page 3-22 of the
COMSAT International proposal are the specifications of the
exciter which COMSAT International proposes to use for the above
referenced wideband FM carrier. The modulator will accept a
baseband signal in the range of 4 KHz to 156 KHz. The deviation
will be set so that a nominal test tone level will provide a
carrier deviation of 300 KHz RMS.
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 Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
Q3. It is mandatory to know who manufactures the proposed
antenna and equipment along with copies of their data sheets
(specifications). For example, page 3-21 states that the wideband
SCPC receiver is tunable by front panel thumbwheel switches over
3.7 to 4.2 GHz while table 3-7 makes no mention of the receiver
being tunable.
A. Attachment 1 provides the manufacturers and model numbers
of the proposed equipment and copies of all currently available
manufacturer's data sheets.
Q4. RFP says dedicated to FBIS. Introductory letter says
otherwise, please clarify.
A. COMSAT International proposes an earth station dedicated to
FBIS service, and the rate for FBIS service does not assume
additional traffic. However, we would like to point out that it
may be advantageous for FBIS to share this earth station with
circuits of such other users as are acceptable to FBIS.
Is microwave hot standby?
A. Since the proposed microwave system consists of high
quality, highly reliable equipment, COMSAT International has
concluded that hot standby equipment will not be required in the
basic proposal in order to maintain the 99% overall systei.i
availability specified in the RFP. COMSAT International has,
however, proposed hot standby microwave equipment as an option.
Q6. Are there subcarriers other than 6.6 or 6.65?
A. Audio subcarrier frequencies of 6.60 and 6.65 MHz are
standard TV audio subcarrier frequencies used in the Intelsat
system for the transmission of 525 and 625 line television signals
of NTSC, PAL and SECAM formats. The modulator and demodulator
which COMSAT International has selected for the FBIS television
transmission may be operated at audio subcarrier frequencies
anywhere from 5.8 to 8.3 MHz. As the INTERNET television signals
are carried in a dedicated transponder, the audio subcarriers need
not adhere to standard Intelsat practices, and the frequency
selected for INTERNET service will assure the proper transmission
of the NTSC, PAL and SECAM television signals. The audio and
video interface at Rosslyn will be for all television standards at
baseband (video: 1 volt p-p, 75 ohms; audio: 0 dBm, 600 ohms
balanced). See also Table 3-8 of our proposal.
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 Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
-3-
Q7. Unattended operation? Define meaning per RFP.
A. As described in Section 5.1 of the COMSAT International
proposal, we propose 24-hour per day, 7 days per week manning of
the Quantico earth station during the first year of operation.
Toward the end of the first year, the need for 24-hour manning
should be reevaluated by FBIS and COMSAT International. Thus,
Section 5.7 of our proposal applies to possible operation in later
years if the station is not manned. It is under this type of
operation that a technician would be dispatched periodically
(Section 5.7.2) to perform preventive maintenance routines and to
conduct operational checks. We regret the lack of clarity
regarding this in Section 5.7.2 and the error in the Cost proposal
regarding the proposed O&M approach.
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-4-
Equipment List and Copies of Manufacturer's Data Sheets of Major
Items (Basic Proposal)
Equipment Manufacturer Model
Earth Station
a. Antenna, 15 meter, C-band Vertex 5265
b. LNA, 35K LNR NC4335
c. Klystron, 3.35K LNR YZU-27006/GEN II
d. Upconverter LNR p/o UEV6
e. Downconverter LNR p/o DRV4
f. Modulator/Demodulator
15 KHz Coastcom 412
g. Modulator/Demodulator
8 KHz Coastcom 412
h. Modulator, 4-156 KHz STS Mod 700
i. Demodulator, 4-156 KHz STS DEM 700
j. Modulator, TV LNR p/o UEV6
k. Demodulator, TV LNR p/o DRV4
1. Upconverter, C-band STS UC 6010
m. Downconverter, C-band STS DC 4010
n. Group Delay Equalizer STS DEQ 700
Terrestrial Microwave Equipment
a.
Microwave Transceiver
Unit 2 CH
b.
Microwave Transceiver
Unit, 2 CH
c.
Program Channel Modulator
d.
Program Channel
Demodulator
e.
Service Channel Converter
130 KHz
f.
Antenna, Microwave*
g.
Dehydrator*
MACOM MA23VFM
MACOM MA-6G
MACOM PAC10
MACOM PAC12
MACOM SC1
Andrew ---
Andrew 4025A
* Data sheets not available at present.
Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
 UPLINK/DOWNLINK
GROUND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
FOR SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS
Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
 Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
LNR MODULAR SATELLITE FM RECEIVERS
Series DRM4 FM/FDM Message Receiver
Series DRV 4 Intelsat Video Receiver
MONITOR AND ALARM FUNCTIONS
The following status facilities are standard:
PERFORMANCE PARAMETER
MONITORS AND TEST POINTS
LOCAL REMOTE
ALARMS
LOCAL REMOTE
Downconverter Local
Oscillator (RF)
Phase Lock Voltage .........
Meter & TP
Analog
Light
-
RF Output .................
BNC
-
-
-
Downconverter Local
Oscillator (IF)
Phase Lock Voltage .........
Meter & TP
Analog
Light
-
RF Output .................
BNC
-
-
-
RF Input Test .................
Dir Coupler-BNC
-
-
-
Synthesizer Voltage ...........
TP
-
-
-
IF AGC (IF Level) .............
Meter
Analog
Light
Form C Contact
IF Spectrum ..................
BNC
-
-
-
Baseband Pilot* ..............
Meter
Analog
Light
Form C Contact
Out-Of-Band Noise (OBN)' ....
Meter
Analog
Light
Form C Contact
Baseband/Video ..............
BNC
-
-
-
Main Frame ?15 VDC .........
Meter
Analog
Light
-
+ 5 VDC .........
Meter
Analog
Light
-
+24 VDC .........
Meter
Analog
Light
-
SUMMARY ...................
Light
Form C Contact
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Input
Frequency Range ............................ 3.7 to 4.2 GHz
Impedance .................................. 50 Ohms
Return Loss .................................. 23 dB (typ) 21 dB (min)
Carrier Type ................................ 12 to 1872 Channels, FM/FDM 525/625 Line Video (Switchable)
Signal Level Range .......................... -75 to-35 dBm Typical
RF/IF
Noise Figure . 12 dB (typ) 15 dB (max)
First IF Frequency ........................... Above 1 GHz
Tuning (Dual Conversion) .................... Synthesized, thumbwheel-tunable (Model DRM4-D3)
Step Size: 125 KHz (other increments available)
Optional: Fixed Freq. (-Dl) or agile multifreq. (-D2),crystal controlled.
Local Oscillator Stability ..................... 5 x 10-1/day
IF Filter Bandwidths ......................... 1.25 to 36.0 MHz (Message)
36,30 and 17.5 MHz (Video)
AGC Amplifiers ............................. 40 dB Dynamic Range
Image Rejection ..............................75 dB (typ) 70 dB (min)
Output (DRM Message Receiver)
Baseband Frequency ........................ ?0.25 dB, 12 KHz to 6 MHz; ?0.5 dB, 4 KHz to 10 MHz
Baseband Level (Test Tone) .................. Adjustable, -15 to-30 dBm/channel
Level Stability ............................... ?0.2dB/day
Deemphasis ................................ CCIR Rec. 464
Impedance .................................. 75 Ohms (unbal.)
Return Loss .. ........................... 26 dB (min)
Baseband Squelch ........................... Activated by Summary Alarm (with bypass for test)
Output (DRV Video Receiver)
Video Format ............................... 525 or 625 lines
Baseband ................................... ?0.25 dB, 20 Hz to 4.2 MHz; ?0.4 dB to 8 MHz
Deemphasis . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . ............ CCIR Rec. 405-1
Baseband Level (composite video) ........... Adjustable, 1 V p-p
Impedance .................................. 75 Ohms (unbal.)
Return Loss ................................. 26 dB (min)
Clamp Rejection ... .................... 30 dB (min)
Differential Phase and Gain ................... Exceeds ICSC and EIA RS-250B requirements
Baseband Squelch ........................... Activated by Summary Alarm (with bypass for test)
General
Prime Voltage ............................... 115 VAC or 230 VAC?10% (other voltages available)
Line Frequency .............................. 47-63 Hz
Power ....................... .............. 120 Watts
Dimensions/Weight ........... ............. 7.0 x 19 x 22 inches (17.8 x 48.3 x 56 mm), 52 lbs. (24 kg.)
Connectors (RF In/Baseband Gut) ............ Type N female/type BNC female
Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
 Approved For Release 2011/05/26: CIA-RDP88-01418R000200090002-1
LNR MODULAR SATELLITE FM EXCITERS
Series UEM6 FM/FDM Message Exciter
Series UEV 6 Intelsat Video Exciter
MONITOR AND ALARM FUNCTIONS
The following status facilities are standard:
PERFORMANCE PARAMETER
MONITORS AND TEST POINTS
LOCAL REMOTE
ALARMS
LOCAL REMOTE
Upconverter Local
Oscillator (RF)
Phase Lock Voltage .........
Meter & TP
Analog
Light
RF Output ............
BNC
-
-
Upconverter Local
Oscillator (IF)
Phase Lock Voltage .........
Meter & TP
Analog
Light
-
-
RF Output .................
BNC
-
-
RF Input Test
Dir Coupler-BNC
-
Synthesizer Voltage ...........
IF Level ......................
TP
Meter
-
Analog
Light
Form C Contact
IF Spectrum ..................
...........
Baseband Level
BNC
Meter
-
Analog
-
Light
-
Form C Contact
....
AFC .. ...............
Meter
Analog
Light
Form C Contact
Dispersal Monitor .............
BNC
-
Baseband/Video ..............
Main Frame ?15 VDC .........
BNC
Meter
-
Analog
Light
-
+ 5 VDC .........
Meter
Analog
Light
-
+24 VDC .........
Meter
Analog
Light
Light
-
Form C Contact
SUMMARY ...................
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Output
Frequency .................................. 5.925-6.425 GHz
Impedance ..................................50 Ohms
Return Loss .................................23 dB (typ) 21 dB (min)
Carrier Type ................................12 to 1872 Channels, FM/FDM 525/625 Line Video (Switch Selectable)
Signal Level (1 dB compression) ................ -5 dBm (Standard)
optional output level up to + 10 dBm available.
Muting .....................................Activated by Summary Alarm (with bypass for test)
RF/IF
Tuning (Dual Conversion) .................... Synthesized, thumbwheel-tunable (Model UEM6-D3).
Step Size: 125 KHz (other values available).
Optional: Fixed Freq. (-Dl) or agile multifreq. (-D2), crystal controlled.
First IF Frequency ...........................Above 1 GHz
Local Oscillator Stability .....................2.5 x 10-1/day (Higher stabilities available)
IF Filter Bandwidths .........................1.25 to 36.0 MHz (Message) 36,30, and 17.5 MHz (Video)
IF Level Control ............................. 15 dB range (min)
Input (Model UEM Message Exciter)
Baseband Frequency* .......................?0.25 dB,12 KHz to 6 MHz ?0.5 dB, 4 KHz to 10 MHz
Baseband Level ............................. Fixed Level Between -20 to -40 dBm/channel
Level Stability ...............................?0.2 dB/day
Preemphasis ................................CCIR Rec. 464
Pilot Level .................................. -20 dBmO
Pilot Frequency .............................60 KHz (above baseband optional)
Impedance ..................................75 ohms (unbal)
Return Loss .................................26 dB (min)
Energy Dispersal Frequency ..................20 to 150 Hz continuously variable
Energy Dispersal Stability ....................?1 Hz
'Roofing filter limits response to Imax
Input (Model UEV Video Exciter)
Baseband Frequency ........................?0.25 dB, 20 Hz to 4.2 MHz ?0.4 dB, to 8 MHz
Preemphasis ................................CCIR Rec. 405-1
Level ......................................1 V p-p composite video
Level Stability ...............................?0.2 dB/day
Impedance ..................................75 ohms unbalanced
Return Loss .................................26 dB (min)
Differential Phase and Gain Exceeds ICSC and EIA RS-250B requirements
Peak Deviation ..............................Up to 12 MHz
Energy Dispersal Frequency ..................25/30 Hz synchronized to frame rate (525/625 video)
Energy Dispersal Deviation ...................1 MHz p-p with video; 2 MHz p-p without video
General
Prime Voltage ...............................115 VAC or 230 VAC?10% (Other Voltages Available)
Line Frequency ..............................47-63 Hz
Prime Power ................................120 Watts
Dimensions/Weight ..........................7.0 x 19 x 22 inches (17.8 x 46 ,: r 56 mm); 52 lbs. (24 kg)
Connectors (Baseband in/RF out) .............Type BNC female/Type N ferrr-,