There has been little progress since the last update. WE are still not broadcasting, making this the longest break in transmission since WildEarth began broadcasting LIVE 24/7on the 27th April 2007!
The splicing team arrived from Johannesburg and managed to get their part of this puzzle fixed in pretty short order. They then slept last night at the camp and left at dawn this morning. One waterhole camera ‘came up’ in final control, but stopped working again at 19h00 last night. WE do not yet know why.
The bigger problems of the backhaul line, Internet connections, phone lines and mobile phone systems remain unsolved. What we do now know is that the microwave system that connects Djuma to the outside world is in fact working, but the lightning strike damaged all the systems at Djuma. The most critical … for our broadcast … is the router on our backhaul line. This device connects our encoders to the origin servers in Pretoria via the diginet line. Everything looks good on the router, in other words the lights are on and it is correctly plugged in, but the Matis node just does not see that there is a router.
While Herman has been doing his level best to make some headway, it has been very difficult with him having to drive to Gowrie gate every hour to chat to me on the mobile phone, then go back and try a few things and then drive back to the gate. So WE are trying to get a technician in to Djuma, but that is proving challenging. Pete Braat is in Cape Town on a short break, and he is now trying to get a flight back to Nelspruit, from where he will drive in to Djuma.
WE apologise profusley to our Internet audience and to our Something TV audience in the UK, ut assure you that WE are working hard to try to get back on top of this situation as fast as WE can … it is in our nature.
Another thank you for the updates. We (out here) know that WE is doing your utmost to get us all back in communication. No need whatsoever to apologize….some things, like Mother Nature and sometimes electronic systems, just can’t always be controlled. While we are all anxiously awaiting your return, please stay safe while diagnosing and doing the repairs.
RandyWI
Amen to Judy’s comments and others as well… We’ll wait till your situation is resolved..
BCP
Please don`t apologize for the present situation, Graham. There is nothing for you to apologize for, as this is beyond anyone`s control. I feel so sorry for you all scrambling around trying to fix things. We will all be patient and are ready to wait for however long it takes to watch the drives again. Thank you for all you do.
We know you are all working hard! It will be fixed when it’s fixed. We aren’t going anywhere.
Please do not fear. You have our complete support. After all, less than 2 years ago we did not have this in our lives. While you are hard at work to solve the problem, we will patiently stand by for you to be back up and running. Love to all….
Judy
NE Florida
Thanks for the updates and all everyone is doing to get WE back up and running. Things happen that are beyond control and I’m sure all understand that nature and technology are 2 of the biggest culprits, lol. Looking forward to the next Drive and in the mean time bet there is lots of chores being done worldwide ;-)
Hello everyone! Sorry that you are having such trouble! Dont worry about us, most of us faithful watchers understand what it is like for you and are patiently (and eagerly) waiting for your return! WE is our favorite web space! Just be careful around the bush with all that water the animals are bound to be upset and more dangerous than usual..(snakes & spiders too) I live in Florida USA; the lightning capitol of the world; we KNOW how bad it can get! Anyway, take your time and be careful, we'll be here when you can pull it together. I"ve been watching almost from day one and I know how hard you try to produce what you do! Thank you for your endeavor! I wish I could help you! Feeling so helpless here.
I did have a thought; I've had lightning strikes here, killed all my own electronics; even when they "test" ok, often there is a crack in a board that interrupts connectivity, and needs to be replaced… I suspect that is what is goign on between the router & other equipment; I 'feel' the router is damaged. I often have a knack for fixing things like you are working with… anyway, you guys just be safe, we'll be here and sending you our love and encouragement, and THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO TO BRING AFRICA ALIVE TO THE WORLD!!!
Ginger In Florida USA