K-Band Tracking System for Domestic Satellite Communication System

System design and operational results of a tracking system for a K-band Earth station antenna with a diameter of 11.5 m are discussed. Monopulse tracking technique using higher order waveguide modes is utilized. An investigation was conducted to clarify the rainfall effect and the effect of oscillator phase noise on the tracking receiver. An autotrack system is to be manufactured on the basis of these studies. Experiments were performed using the medium capacity communications satellite. No cross coupling was seen in the pull-in patterns. Sufficiently good results were obtained in tracking accuracy: less than 0.005° (peak value) under normal conditions, and less than 0.01° under an average wind velocity of more than 20 m/s.