We have been dedicated to the development and deployment of control, management, monitoring and automation systems in the broadcasting industry for over a decade, accumulating extensive product and project experience. Our products are highly adaptable and widely applied to system management and control in studios, playout, transmission, Master Control Room (MCR), earth stations, OB Vans (outside broadcast vans), satellite uplink vehicles / DSNG vehicles, flyaway stations, equipment rooms / machine rooms, and more. We also provide comprehensive solutions for building large-scale broadcast command & dispatch centers.
One-Key Satellite Acquisition System
I. Overview
The satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle one-key satellite acquisition and uplink software is a centralized device management platform for the entire signal chain. This platform enables parameter modification, status inquiry, and control of all devices in the uplink and downlink chain. It features one-key satellite acquisition, one-key uplink, automatic power control, frequently-used parameter storage and recall, and one-key stow operations for simplified use by program staff. The platform supports mobile device access via Wi-Fi and remote access for remote control and link device parameter modification.
Figure 1: System interface screenshot
II. Key Points
This software addresses the complexity of manual satellite acquisition on satellite uplink vehicles / DSNG vehicles and issues with inaccurate acquisition results. It also provides intelligent solutions for the cumbersome uplink power control and frequency configuration processes. Drawing on years of satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle operational experience, the software includes fully automated one-key deployment and positioning, one-key stow, one-key satellite acquisition, automatic power control, parameter presets, and remote control, making it accessible to non-specialist operators. For example:
1. Satellite acquisition on a satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle typically requires manual operation: after the antenna is deployed, an operator must simultaneously control the antenna and observe the spectrum analyzer waveform, repeatedly adjusting azimuth and elevation to find the beacon peak on the spectrum analyzer. With one-key satellite acquisition software, the system automatically identifies the beacon peak and adjusts the antenna elevation and azimuth accordingly.
2. Automatic uplink: after satellite lock, the operator normally needs to set the uplink frequency on the encoder/modulator, then set the receiver downlink frequency, then set the spectrum analyzer search frequency, with frequency conversion calculations in between. This is a complex process. With this software, only the uplink or downlink frequency needs to be set. The system automatically calculates the downlink frequency and spectrum analyzer frequency using preset algorithms, greatly simplifying operations.
Figure 2: System interface output mode
III. Advantages
Currently, both domestically and internationally, there is no fully mature one-key satellite acquisition software available. Automatic satellite acquisition primarily relies on vehicle-mounted GPS and electronic compasses. Even antenna controllers equipped with beacon receivers still suffer from cumbersome beacon setup and excessive acquisition times. Meanwhile, features such as power control and TX/RX frequency linkage / interlock tracking are largely absent.
Figure 3: System interface weather selection
IV. Features and Functions
1. Supports one-key automatic antenna deployment and satellite acquisition, with verification via beacon and DVB carrier to ensure accurate acquisition.
2. Supports one-key antenna stow, power amplifier transmission inhibit, and reduced vehicle pack-up time.
3. Professional and intuitive parameter setup interface, reducing system commissioning steps.
4. Provides clear-sky and rainy-day modes for automatic transmit power control on the satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle, with automatic power control triggered when levels exceed or fall below preset thresholds.
5. Provides uplink frequency, downlink frequency, spectrum analyzer frequency, and receiver frequency linkage / interlock, simplifying operations and making it well suited for non-specialist operators.
6. Provides received image display, spectrum waveform display, and over-power alarm notifications.
7. Includes a remote diagnostics module for remote troubleshooting guidance by specialists.
8. Supports multiple display views including routing diagrams, rack topology diagrams, and more. Parameter monitoring charts can be embedded in topology diagrams, Equipment Room Diagrams, and other display views to build a comprehensive system status overview.
9. For alarms, the NMS can assign different alarm levels based on severity, distinguished by color.
10. Supports alarm search and event playback. Alarm search includes filtering by device type, device name, and time range. Alarm information can be displayed via message lists or charts.
Figure 4: System interface satellite search screenshot
V. Application Cases
Jiangsu TV all-media satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle
Figure 5: System settings interface
VI. User Feedback
1. Greatly simplifies satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle operation, reducing the technical skill requirements for operators.
2. Enables remote control and unattended operation, reducing personnel costs.
3. Operable by non-specialist personnel. Before this system, a dedicated satellite operator was required; with this system, reporters can operate the vehicle directly.
4. The system provides periodic statistical summaries of device operating status, facilitating early detection of anomalies and preventive measures.
5. The system can limit the transmit power of the satellite uplink vehicle / DSNG vehicle, restricting over-power transmission while ensuring normal service delivery.
Figure 6: System parameter binding settings interface
