Satellite earth stations receive signals that people, businesses and society have come to depend on. The science and technology behind earth stations goes back way before the mid-1950s when the first satellite was launched. Radio frequency is involved—antennas, amplifiers, modulators and converters. A power source is also involved.

Just as a person can build a house, people can build earth stations. You can analyze, diagram and see how and what makes it work. In addition, there are different styles and modes. An earth station may be small and mobile versus large and stationary. Many countries offer earth station services and components. It is a universal matter. However, watch the laws, policies and regulations that are national issues, and consider the following:

1. Satellite earth stations need a strong antenna.

2. Necessary earth station parts you must locate include amplifiers, converters, modems and imaging equipment.

3. Remember the switches, controllers, modulators and trackers for your satellite earth station.

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

Find the right antenna for your satellite earth station

You need to receive the signal, whether it is sound or image, so choose this piece of earth station equipment well.

I recommend: At Vitacom, you will find modems, transceivers, BUC’s, LNB’s and antennas. Other earth station manufacturers like Applied Telecommunications supplies antenna systems. This company offers flyaway earth stations, transportable, VSAT and uplink stations. Also, try Datron for your antenna systems--transportable shipboard and ground stations. You will also find ground station controllers, demodulators and fully integrated solutions

Locate amplifiers, modems and other earth station parts

It doesn't stop with the antenna. You will need other major components to make this earth station function properly.

I recommend: Go to CPI Satcom Division and find amplifiers, modems, modulators, converters and other products and systems for satellite communications. In addition, be sure to look at Morcom satellite acquisition and processing system for the real-time reception of geostationary satellites for high-resolution images. Radyne specializes in satellite modems, broadcast modulators, frequency converters and communication system equalizers.

Buy the other necessary equipment for earth stations you need to make it all work

You need switches, controls, integrated systems, receivers and trackers for your earth station, as well.

I recommend: Look to Satellite Systems Corporation for receivers, controllers, trackers, switches and modulators. Look at the product list for converters, redundant switch, LNB’s, BDC’s and modulators. International Communications Products provides monitoring and a multiplexer for earth stations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To make an earth station and satellite communication work in unison, you need the right earth station components. This is one of the more involved technologies of our planet, yet easy enough to understand and master. Make sure your components are compatible by testing them out and working with experts.