Satellite Technology Training Resources
This is a list of resources to help train new personnel that are new to satellite technology. Typically the new personnel will have some sort of technical background (e.g. in IT, or in TV/film production) but have no experience in satellite or RF communications.
General Topics Covered:
RF frequency bands (C-band vs Ku-band vs Ka-band)
Up- and downconversion (IF vs L-band vs RF bands)
Polarization: linear (H vs V) and circular (LHCP vs RHCP)
Antenna positioning (azimuth/elevation/polarization)
Digital modulation types (QPSK, 8PSK, DVB-S, DVB-S2)
Digital carrier parameters: modulation type, symbol rate and FEC
Seminars:
At the annual NAB conference in Las Vegas every April, NAB and SBE sometimes team up to offer a satellite uplink operators training workshop. Search NAB.org for latest offering.
Video Training (DVDs)
See the video titles offered by SatNews Publishers for purchase or rent:
http://www.satnews.com/products.php
In particular note the "Basic Satellite Communications" DVD:
http://www.satnews.com/products.php?product=basic_dvd
Global VSAT Forum training videos:
https://gvf.org/training/training.html
GVF500 : Introduction to Satellite Communications
GVF520 : Satcom Fundamentals (VSAT)
GVF532 : Core Uplinking Skills
Books Worth Reading
Satellite Newsgathering, 2nd edition
by Jonathan Higgins
New staff should read the first 100 pages, which covers the basics of uplink chains, modulation, frequencies, etc. This book works well even if your business in satellite is not news gathering per se.
Books Worth Skimming
Radio Frequency Transmission Systems
by Jerry C. Whit
Radio Frequency Transmission Systems
by Jerry C. Whitaker
Textbook on high-power RF, including tube amps, waveguide and antennas
RF Measurements for Cellular Phones and Wireless Data Systems
by Allan W. Scott and Rex Frobenius
Especially note Chapter 9: Spectrum Analyzers
The Digital Satellite TV Handbook
by Mark E. Long
The first chapter is good intro to satellite frequencies and orbital assignments; remainder of book is focused on direct-to-home market, i.e. receive installs, and less useful to the typical staffer of an uplink site.
Digital Satellite TV
by Dr. Frank Baylin
Good basic intro material, focused on DTH receive, but from 1997 so terribly dated.
World Satellite Communications: An Earth Station Design
by Brian Ackroyd
1990 textbook with dated information about satellite fleet but good technical info regarding principles
Communication Services Via Satellite
by G. E. Lewis
aker
(textbook on high-power RF, including tube amps, waveguide and antennas)
RF Measurements for Cellular Phones and Wireless Data Systems
by Allan W. Scott and Rex Frobenius
(Chapter 9: Spectrum Analyzers)
The Digital Satellite TV Handbook
by Mark E. Long
(first chapter is good intro to satellite frequencies and orbital assignments; remainder of book is focused on direct-to-home market, i.e. receive installs, and less useful to the typical staffer of an uplink site)
Digital Satellite TV
by Dr. Frank Baylin
(good basic intro material, focused on DTH receive, but from 1997 so terribly dated)
Other books evaluated
Satellite Basics For Everyone
by C. Robert Welti
Strictly about satellite launch and orbits, not the ground equipment.
Satellite Communications Systems
by Gerard Maral et al
Very long textbook on the science and engineering of satcom; likely intended for component design engineers, and way over the head of the typical audience.
