Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire an on-site training company to train staff about satellite communications systems

On-site training takes place in your facility or place of business. On-site training is conducted by professionals that educate as many or as few employees as needed for one flat rate. This training provides a classroom-type setting where employees interact with the instructor.

I recommend: Tonex provides on-site training about satellite communications hardware. ENO.com sends trained professionals to your business to conduct satellite network components training. Visit Trainup.com for detailed information about available on-site satellite communications components training.

Find satellite systems seminars and workshops

Seminars and workshops are designed to teach employees all the information needed to keep them up-to-date in two to three, day-long session. These training courses are taught by professionals, but a fee must be paid for each employee who attends. Also, if the seminar is out of town, budget in travel expenses for those attending the function.

I recommend: Visit Application Technology Strategy for a list of available satellite systems workshops. The Applied Technology Institute conducts a number of seminars for training in satellite components. Browse the satellite communication components seminars and workshops at Eogogics.

Purchase books and other media to train employees in satellite system components

Books, videos and professional papers are available for companies that do not have the funds for professional training. The bonus to these materials is that once you own them, you can use them as many times as you need.

I recommend: Order satellite electronics component training videos from Prominent Video. Deja View Video sells educational and training videos for those working in the satellite communications industry.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many on-site satellite systems training companies give discounts to returning customers. Some of them even have programs where they contract to return every other year and teach refresher courses.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find receivers, amplifiers, RF multiplexers and other satellite radio components

Satellite communications function much like communications on the ground, but there are a few differences. The radio frequency, for instance, does not need to be nearly as strong as it is on the ground.

I recommend: Look at satellite receivers and other satellite communications components at Silicon Labs. These satellite receivers use an RF front-end fully-integrated single-chip for direct broadcast. Take a look at the transceivers, amplifiers and other satellite system components at Baluff, Inc.

Buy high-powered directional antennas for your satellite communications systems

Satellite antennas are different from ground antennas because, instead of receiving and transmitting signals north, south, east and west, they only focus toward the earth.

I recommend: Both Comtelco Antennas and A. H. Systems Inc. offer state-of-the-art satellite antennas, one of your most important satellite components.

Locate a power supply to complete your list of satellite communications components

A combination of solar panels, solar cells and batteries usually power the satellite.

I recommend: Take a look at Advanced Power Solutions and ROHM Electronics for your battery-operated satellite electronics component. Satellites need a good light-weight source of power. Sometimes a battery is used, other satellites use solar cells, and still others use a combination of both.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Transmitters used for satellites are weak. A satellite doesn't have access to local generators or power companies. Satellite system components must include solar panels covered with solar cells that provide most of the power for a satellite. Satellites must be prepared with rechargeable battery packs for the times when it is dark and the moon or earth blocks the sun rays.

Guide to Satellite Communications Components Key Terms

Understand the purpose of the components required for satellite communications

By Kristan Hart

Action Steps
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Dish antenna, dish, or parabolic reflector

For customers to receive a satellite signal, they must have a dish antenna, also known as a dish or satellite dish. Some people also refer to this as a parabolic reflector, but that term is usually saved for engineers and others who work on the technological side of the field. For standard definition programming, the dish antenna required is an 18-inch circle. The dish antenna customers need for HD programming is an oval dish that measures 18 inches by 20 inches.

I recommend: Radio Electronics.com details how the parabolic reflector (dish antenna) is used in satellite television.

Satellite receiver, or tuner

A satellite receiver connects the satellite dish to the television or radio. The dish antenna receives the audio and video satellite transmissions, and that information is deciphered by the satellite receiver. It's then transmitted to the TV or stereo. Most people use the term receiver, or satellite receiver, but it is sometimes referred to as a tuner.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ describes an FTA satellite receiver, which can receive Free To Air satellite transmissions. HowStuffWorks explains how a satellite receiver works.

LNB, or LNC

An LNB, an acronym for low noise block, is the device that sticks out from the satellite dish. It helps the dish antenna convert the signals sent from the satellite so the satellite receiver only has to decipher the appropriate signals. It's also referred to as an LNC, or low-noise converter.

I recommend: Solid Signal explains how an LNB works.

Amplifier, or signal booster

An amplifier boosts signals sometimes lost by long cable runs. The longer the cable is that carries the signal, the weaker the signal is once it reaches the source. Most experts recommend an amplifier on the line any time there is 75 to 100 feet of cable carrying the satellite signal, or if you have multiple televisions connected to the incoming cable line. Because of what it does, some people call an amplifier a signal booster.

I recommend: Motorola answers numerous questions about in-home amplifiers.

Diplexers and separators

Diplexers and separators are necessary if you want satellite television in multiple rooms. One satellite cable comes in, but a diplexer allows you to separate that one signal into two signals to transmit to two different receivers.

I recommend: Solid Signal explains what diplexers are and how they work.

Component cable, HDMI

To connect the satellite receiver to a television, a special cable will give you the best audio and video. The most common cables used for this purpose are component cables or HDMI cables.

I recommend: Satellite TV Guru compares component cables with HDMI cables.