New Station Planning

Selecting a Site
Standard Downlink Equipment
Frequency Coordination

This information is provided for stations that are planning to build a satellite downlink with the intention of joining the PRSS. NPR Distribution will be happy to answer any questions you may have in planning your downlink. Call Satellite Facilities Engineering at 202.513.2660 or 202.513.2632 for further information.

There are three technical requirements for each downlink earth terminal in the PRSS:

1. The antenna must have an unrestricted view of satellites located at 95°, 99°, and 127° W.L. in the geostationary satellite arc.
2. The downlink signal received from the satellite must be delivered into the equipment rack housing the station's satellite demodulators at L-band frequencies (950–1450 MHz).
3. The antenna must utilize a commercial grade solid fiberglass or aluminum reflector with a minimum diameter of 12 feet which meets the FCC's 2° satellite spacing requirements. Stations outside the 48 contiguous states should contact Satellite Facilities Engineering for an engineering analysis leading to a specific antenna size recommendation for their site.