What is a Satellite Truck?
A satellite truck is a mobile satellite Earth station, which is mounted on a truck chassis as a platform allowing satellite transmission from any location that the vehicle can reach provided a line of sight to the desired satellite is available. In production companies in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orange country, Bakersfield, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Hollywood, Burbank, Riverside, Palm Springs, San Diego, Oceanside, Beverly Hills, Long Beach and Irvine C Band transportable uplinks were used. But in 1980’s KU band trucks were developed. It was necessary in the past to install a land telephone line. But with the development of technology digital cellular telephone is sufficient now.
With the years passed by, KU band satellite truck has undergone many changes. From large trucks with C band dishes to a series of small to large vehicles varying from a SUV, van, Sprinter, bread truck to the more common carryall. Some of the satellite uplink vehicles have TV station or network-owned and custom suited to production companies internal usage needs. But in independently owned satellite uplink vehicles are designed to perform multiple functions like straight uplink/downlink services, network news, satellite media tours, etc.
There are many manufacturers in US for satellite trucks. The prize of the truck depends on its size and compatibility. Satellite truck operators are available in various parts of US including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orange country, Bakersfield, etc. The National Association of Broadcasts offers a course on the operation of satellite trucks.