Television Transmission Performance of an Experimental Small Aperture Earth Station

The background for the characterization of small aperture earth stations suitable for use in a proposed U.S. Domestic System is described and system considerations for transmission performance given. Three experimental stations were constructed and extensively tested to demonstrate the key features required. Test results are given for antenna gain, noise, station G/T, and television transmission performance. The system used an FM subcarrier for audio transmission, and crosstalk between the video and audio signals was determined. Interference from terrestrial radio relay systems was encountered at the test location, and the RF spectrum plotted. Sun outage was measured during the autumnal equinox.