Uplink Questions

[hotwire132002]

Well, we're looking at putting together an SNG trailer at the station I work for. I'm in charge of the project (since I have "the most experience with satellites" due to my FTA hobby) despite having NO experience with uplinks.

Anyway--the first question I figured I should look into is FCC licensing. I know a license is required for a microwave ENG system, but can anyone here tell me if a license is required for satellite transmission?

Also, any ideas as to what it costs to rent space for, say, a half hour of uplink time?

Finally, who would we talk to to actually buy the satellite space?

I understand if nobody here has experience with uplinks and the cost associated (after all, most of the talk here is about FTA downlinks), but I figured this would be the first place to start looking!

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[No Strings]

Well, we're looking at putting together an SNG trailer at the station I work for. I'm in charge of the project (since I have "the most experience with satellites" due to my FTA hobby) despite having NO experience with uplinks.

Anyway--the first question I figured I should look into is FCC licensing. I know a license is required for a microwave ENG system, but can anyone here tell me if a license is required for satellite transmission?

Yes a license is required for the antenna; however an operator does not require an FCC license to operate/transmit from the vehicle/trailer.

Also, any ideas as to what it costs to rent space for, say, a half hour of uplink time?

Cost can vary greatly depending on who you go through and what satellite you are on. For a half an hour digital 5MHz slice I would guess from $100 - $300. Some satellite owners/lessees lease 5 minute increments and others will do 10 and some are 15. I would recommend talking to your Networks Satellite Operations Center. They may be able to give you a break on price since they lease large amounts of space on several birds.

Finally, who would we talk to to actually buy the satellite space?

I understand if nobody here has experience with uplinks and the cost associated (after all, most of the talk here is about FTA downlinks), but I figured this would be the first place to start looking!

Thanks in advance for any help!

One other thing - you may want to look at a van instead of a trailer. Frontline Communications is where STS trucks were built.

www.frontlinecomm.com

Neal

 

[hotwire132002]

Yes a license is required for the antenna; however an operator does not require an FCC license to operate/transmit from the vehicle/trailer.



Cost can vary greatly depending on who you go through and what satellite you are on. For a half an hour digital 5MHz slice I would guess from $100 - $300. Some satellite owners/lessees lease 5 minute increments and others will do 10 and some are 15. I would recommend talking to your Networks Satellite Operations Center. They may be able to give you a break on price since they lease large amounts of space on several birds.


One other thing - you may want to look at a van instead of a trailer. Frontline Communications is where STS trucks were built,

Neal

Thanks for the advice! That helped a ton .

 

[No Strings]

No problem.

Neal

 

[Sadoun]

Neal

Who sells or where can I find a slightly used broadcasting truck/van?

TIA

 

[No Strings]

Sadoun,

Used uplink trucks are indeed a rare find. Since they cost so much to build people pick them up as fast as possible. The best bet is the companies that manufacture them:
http://www.frontlinecomm.com
http://www.wolfcoach.com
http://www.gerlinggroup.com/home.htm

Sometimes they keep used units and trade-ins on hand. Finding a van/sprinter will be much easier than finding a larger truck.

Neal

 

[aaron01]

I just came across this.. an old Empire Sports uplink truck for sale on eBay! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-GMC-5500-SATELLITE-UPLINK-TRUCK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63739QQitemZ4576852087QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[brians0105]

Also, try www.broadcastassociates.com as they have many uplink trucks and a trailer.

One thing to think about also is digital vs. analog transmissions. Digital uplinks are much less expensive, but the encoders are costly.

 

[No Strings]

Also, try www.broadcastassociates.com as they have many uplink trucks and a trailer.

One thing to think about also is digital vs. analog transmissions. Digital uplinks are much less expensive, but the encoders are costly.

Very good. I forgot about BA. They have a couple nice trucks.