Types of Satellite Dishes

There are a number of satellite dish types available, and they're a crucial piece of equipment for receiving audio and video signals from space-based satellites. The earliest satellite dishes were much larger, but over time consumer use brought them down to around 6 to 8 feet in diameter and then finally to their current 2 to 3 feet in diameter. Smaller dishes are susceptible to frequency and satellite drift, so designs have begun to compensate for this.

Motor-Driven

Motor-driven dishes are popular with many industries. These dishes are positioned to determine and receive different signals from satellites in orbit. This receiver uses a timing motor to efficiently control the position of the dish, improve reception and compensate for any signal drift. This type is used for highly specialized transmissions that cannot afford to have interference or loss.

Multi-Satellite

Multi-satellite dishes are designed to receive both video and audio signal transmissions from several satellites all at the same time. This technology makes it possible for the dish to receive signals from different satellites without rotating or repositioning the equipment to achieve the feed. This type is used primarily by news media.

Very Small Aperture Terminal

The VSAT is a satellite dish commonly used to transmit information related to identification of different radio frequencies. The technology is also used to transfer short signals commonly used to determine and verify credit card information, and establish broadband Internet connections in some areas.

Ad Hoc and Direct to Home

Ad hoc satellite dishes are designed to receive audio frequencies. If used in conjunction with a direct-to-home dish, the function of both dishes improves reception even more. Direct-to-home dishes are generally used in one place by users to share a single dish and improve the radio frequencies they receive.

Automatic Tracking Satellite

As the name suggests, these types of dishes are useful for people on the move. These are equipped with gyroscopes to help determine positional changes and allow for them to be installed on moving vehicles. For the technology to determine the satellite and draw in the signal, automatic tracking satellites are combined with advanced decoders to allow for quick and easy reception. Some news media, government and utility company workers who need to remain mobile use this type.

Television Receive Only

Television receive only satellite dishes are made for those with problems receiving clear audio and video signals with their television sets. These dishes detect frequencies from a fixed service satellite, but, in order to receive the signals, the dish must be configured to receive them along a specific line of sight and tuned to a particular frequency. Home satellite television service is this type.

Conclusion

Satellite dishes revolutionized the way information, telecommunications and all other video and audio signals were transmitted. Recent advances in encryption and security have made their use incredibly safe and dependable.

References

• Digital Satellite TV Handbook; Mark Long; 1999
• Communication Satellite Antennas: System Architecture, Technology, and Evaluation; Robert Dybdal; 2009