High performance `diamond-shaped´ offset reflector antennas for SNG applications

The authors describe a novel, high performance antenna system for use in satellite news gathering (SNG) applications in the nominal receive (10.95-12.8 GHz) and transmit (14.0-14.5 GHz) bands. The antenna is intended for use within the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and is more than compliant with the mandatory CCIR and Eutelsat requirement for sidelobes and cross-polarization. In addition to the excellent electrical performance, the system is compact and lightweight, such that it is capable of being transported by a scheduled airline, helicopter, automobile and even hand carried to the site of a breaking news event. Finally, the antenna, combined with its associated electronics package, can be assembled, set up and be fully operational by a crew of two people, within a short time, to provide uplink video program material, together with two-way talk-back control