Operational aspects of AT&T's Companded Single Sideband satellite system

The first commercial use of Companded Single Sideband (CSSB) on a satellite was inaugurated on Jan. 8, 1983. The system provides a 6000 channel link between the Hawley, PA and Three Peaks, CA ground stations via a single transponder on Comstar D4. The present investigation is mainly concerned with the operational aspects of the CSSB system. Attention is given to line-up procedures, maintenance procedures, surveillance systems, and sun transit procedures. It is pointed out that Companded Single Sideband, a system which provides large voice circuit capacities, is also a highly reliable and maintainable system.