VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal which is basically a small satellite antenna (less than or equal to 4.5m diameter) as opposed to a large antenna. The word terminal refers to the fact that the antenna is attached to a system that can transmit and receive through the antenna to and from a satellite. The following tutorials will help you understand and guide you through the basics of satellite communications and the related areas up to a working level of knowledge suitable for attending further courses or education.

The courses have been designed to be worked through in order but also to be taken ad hoc if you just need some quick information. Each course has a link to the next so that you can work through without having to keep going back to the index.

Tutorials - Course 1 - Principles
The basic principles of satellite communications.

• Short & Quick - Antenna Theory ,
• All About Satellite Communications ,
• Satellite Communications Terms & Explanations

Tutorials - Course 2 - Components
A look at the component parts of satellite communications.

• Modems (Modulator / Demodulator) ,
• Anatomy of a Satcom Terminal ,
• Satellite Components

Tutorials - Course 3 - Satellite Communication Systems
An explanation of satellite communication systems.

• Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) ,
• Satellite Communication Systems ,
• Modulation Techniques (Part One) - AM, FM, PM ,
• Modulation Techniques (Part Two) - FSK, QPSK, QAM ,
• Beginners Guide To Link Budgets

Tutorials - Course 4 - Measurements & Testing
How to carry out RF signal measurements and testing.

• Principles of Spectrum Analysis ,
• Practical Spectrum Analysis ,
• Using Spectrum Analysers - C/No Measurements ,
• Radio & Satellite Frequency Bands ,
• EIRP & Power Measurements ,
• RF Radiation Hazards

Tutorials - Course 5 - Baseband (Digital) Measurements & Tests
How to carry out digital data tests and measurements.

• Data Communications - Data Interface Standards ,
• Data Communications - Data Interface PinOuts ,
• Data Communications - Test Sets & Eb/No ,
• Encryption and Bletchley Park

Tutorials - Course 6 - VSAT Installation Tutorial
Installing a VSAT Terminal, setting up the antenna and obtaining training..

• Antenna Pointing & Set Up ,
• VSAT Installation & Training

Tutorials - Course 7 - Useful Calculations
Calculations for Satellite Communications Engineers

• Antenna Gain Calculation
• Turnaround Frequency Calculation
• Eb/No Calculation
• BER Calculation
• EIRP Calculation
• G/T Calculation
• C/No Calculation

VSAT Tutorials
From the history of the VSAT Terminal to VSAT Installation.

• VSAT Installation and Training Videos and Guides:
• VSAT Access Technologies
• VSAT - A Tutorial on VSATs.
• VSAT Installation Tutorial and Information:

Additional Satellite Communications Courses
Further training and courses related to satellite communications.

• IET Satellite Communication Training Course
• African - VSAT Field Engineering Training Course
• Surrey Satellite Communications Course
• Small Satellite Terminal Communications
• VSATs - Very Small Aperture Terminals
• Additional Courses Available
  

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