Chapter 2 - The Site Survey

When a client purchases a satellite system from Ground Control, the first thing we do is send them a Site Survey form to read, fill out and sign.  You will be receiving a copy of the completed survey to help you with your installation.

Download the Fixed Site Survey Form (for printing)

Below are the contents of the Site Survey:

Do you own the facility where the dish is to be installed?
If no, do you have the landlord or property manager’s permission to install?

Obviously, if the customer does not have permission to install a dish on the roof, they need to get this before you should begin the installation.

Please indicate if you plan on using any of the following with your service: VPN - Citrix or Terminal Services - Satellite VoIP

Ground Control uses this information to help determine if services requires are matched with the appropriate service plan or plans.

How many stories tall is the building where the satellite antenna will be placed? (Additional labor charges may apply for buildings over two stories)

Ground Control uses this information to estimate the extra costs associated in cabling, linear amplifiers, etc. for non-standard installations.

Is there roof access and is it working?

You will want to make sure that you're able to take the dish up to the roof. Sometimes, a ladder access isn't large enough, and you will need to hoist the dish up from the ground. Be prepared!

Is there a 110 VAC electrical outlet available on the roof or building exterior?

While AC power isn't really necessary on the roof, some installers prefer to commission the gateway IDU on the roof next to the satellite dish. Also, one never knows when power may be needed for some other use. IT is a good idea to have 100 - 200 feet of extension cord available as well.

You will be calling the satellite NOC to perform Cross Pol tests, which is a requirement of all VSAT installations. If cell phone reception is not available for any reason, you will need a backup connection using the clients phone (or other method).

Is there an available and operational computer in the room where the modems will be kept? (This computer will be disconnected from network during install)  If yes, what operating system does it run? (i.e. MAC, Windows XP, Vista, 7)?

The final part of an installation is having a clients computer connect through the gateway so they see that the system is working with their equipment.

Are there any existing satellite antennas on your building?   If yes, can the existing cabling be used for the new satellite? What type of cabling is it? (i.e. RG-6, RG-11) If no, can the new cable be run through the existing pathway?

This helps in understanding where existing cable runs are located, so that no new holes need to be drilled, or even if the cables need to be ran at all by using the existing cabling.

Are there any permits, licenses, training, equipment, or clothing required for the technician to gain access to the work site?  If yes, please describe.

Ground Control will work with each installer if specialized circumstances arise for the installation itself.

Is the roof of your building flat and horizontal?
     If yes, you may want to purchase a non-penetrating roof mount (NPRM) $250
     If no, you may need to purchase a pole mount $200
     If you are using a pole mount, is there water for mixing concrete?

Ground Control will ship the appropriate mounting hardware at the same time as the satellite system.

Is there a designated area in your building to route the cable from the roof to the office / suite where the modems will be installed?   

This information is helpful for any installaiton.

A client may choose to have more than one public IP's for multiple devices.

Installer Obligations
The back of the Site Survey form shows the client what is expected of a installation. Please review it so that you understand what is expect of you. If there are any foreseen issues, Ground Control will normally have them resolved prior to the installation.

Please keep Ground Control installation services informed of your arrangements with the client. If they require work outside of the standard installation, Ground Control can help you make any arrangements.

Below is the reverse side of the Site Survey Form:

*** Please note that networking is not a Ground Control service***

Ground Control cannot proceed with your satellite installation until we have received a completed and signed Site Survey Form. If you have any questions regarding the information on this form, please contact your sales representative at 1-800-773-7168.

A Ground Control basic install consists of:
• 1 hour of drive time, each additional hour will be $45.
• Assembly of the unit and mounting it to the designated roof or wall.
• Up to 100 feet of coax cable from the satellite to the modems, each additional foot will be $1.
• The indoor transmitter / receiver modems connected to the satellite.
• Cross-pol of the dish with the Network Operations Center “NOC”.
• Signal test on system.
• Internet connectivity on the system by open browser to one website.

Extra charges may include:
• Non-penetrating roof mount (NPRM) or pole mount
• Required permits, training, clothing, or equipment to access work site
• Additional or special types of coax cable
• Drive time over one hour
• An install above second story
• Laying conduit to run cable through
• Trenching in any kind of soil or concrete
• Delays due to customer
• Labor to clear line of site
• Any other service or part relating to the installation not listed above

Bandwidth Services:
All bandwidth contracts are for one year. The modems shall maintain Ground Control services until the one year term is satisfied. If the service is cancelled before the one year period the customer is liable for payment until the end of the contract. Further Ground Control makes no warranties that your applications, software, VPN service, VoIP service, or other systems will perform at any guaranteed level.

Installation:
All installations must be performed by a certified technician. All installations must be preformed through Ground Control to ensure a smooth install.

Should you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at 1-800-773-7168.

I certify that the above information is correct. I understand that installation is provided under the terms of my Sales order and the Subscriber Agreement and that the Subscriber Agreement is available upon request and at groundcontrol.com. I understand that by violating these terms and conditions I may void my warranty.

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Signature