By Jim Hart, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
Geostationary satellite communications links have found wide use in CATV during the past two years. Until recently, only 10 meter diameter antennas have been employed for domestic video receive terminals. Careful study and consideration of all requirements of the communications industry has now shown that smaller diameter antennas of 4.5 and 5 meters will satisfy requirements for a percentage of the 48 contiguous states. Consequently, the FCC has stated that they will approve those terminals which employ smaller antennas if the applicant outlines his requirements and gives adequate proof that those requirements are met. This paper is a comparative analysis of 5 and 10 meter antenna receive terminals and shows tradeoffs which must be considered for various locations in the 48 contiguous states.