The AVW Group’s Special Services Group (SSG) has recently completed the maintenance of satellite uplinks for Southern Cross Austereo.
 
Over the course of four days two 4.0m antennas were shut down, reflectors thoroughly cleaned, iBUC electronics overhauled and re-alignment checks completed before switching back on.
 
AVW Groups Project Lead, Rob Paris, reports that both the Sydney and Melbourne locations presented their own logistics challenges especially Sydney with the unique requirements of working out on the roof of a 56 story commercial building in the CBD. “Building Management were very supportive of what we were doing yet still had a strict policy for qualifying workers to be allowed out on the roof and the safety of those workers at all times.”  
 
Professional cleaning crews were sub-contracted in each city to remove years of built-up dirt caused by atmosphere and weather.
 
AVW technical staff performed the overhaul of the iBUC electronics including fan replacement and re-waterproofing of connectors. Re-powering the uplinks was completed within the allocated time and no loss of program was experienced at any stage.