The U.S. NOAA Direct
Readout Satellite support group has recently installed a NOAA web site page
that is just for users like you. NOAA is trying to get an estimate
of how many direct readout users are out there.
There are some good
reasons for this effort. There is strong contention now for the satellite
transmission band to be used for TV and cellular like services. A large
piece of the band spectrum was recently auctioned off for $45 billion
U.S. And there are efforts to hold another auction soon. So, we
need to show adequate usage of the direct readout environmental band, and that
is where your participation is needed.
I am including the web
site URL that only takes a couple minutes to register what services that you
use or intend to use. When the web site opens just click on the “Register
for Direct Readout” menu tab to go to the direct readout page. NOAA
is also working to provide on this web page the option of receiving
notification of satellite anomalies and to give you the means to provide
feedback on requirements for future satellites and systems. Also, the
ability for you to cancel out at any time you lose interest is in the
works. The important thing right now is to be counted as a user of
satellite data.
I am a former NOAA
research scientist that has been asked to gather satellite data users to
register on the new site. Please do not underestimate the importance of
your support.
Also, feel free to
forward this information to anyone that you know that is a user of NOAA direct
readout environmental satellite data; we want them all to register.
Some have had problems
entering their antenna latitude/longitude location, if so just leave the box
“unknown” checked as it is. The important thing is to register.
Thanks,
times.