Micro SAT LM beyond-line-of-sight connectivity product

The Micro SAT LM is a compact satcom antenna terminal for beyond-line-of-sight links, made by Get SAT. It is a fully integrated, ruggedized satellite communications terminal that includes the modem and the block up converter, offered for Ka-band and Ku-band service, and designed for unmanned aircraft, helicopters, boats and vehicles that need a data link over satellite.

The terminal is an all-in-one unit. The modem, the antenna control unit, the BUC, the tracking sensors, the low noise block downconverter and the complete RF front end are inside the same assembly, so the integrator mounts one device and connects power and data. The maker states autonomous operation with data rates above 10 Mbps, and describes the unit as a small, light terminal that can be installed as an integral part of a UAV. A roll-on and roll-off installation is described for moving a terminal between platforms.

The RF figures differ by band. The Ka-band version transmits at 29 to 31 GHz or 27.5 to 30 GHz and receives at 19.2 to 21.2 GHz or 17.5 to 20 GHz, with a maximum G/T of 7.8 dB/K, circular polarization (RHCP and LHCP) and an EIRP of 45.5 dBW with a 25 W BUC. The Ku-band version transmits at 12.75 to 13.25 GHz or 13.75 to 14.5 GHz and receives at 10.75 to 12.75 GHz or 10.75 to 11.75 GHz, with a maximum G/T of 4.0 dB/K, linear polarization with automatic skew control and an EIRP of 42.2 dBW with a 50 W BUC. G/T describes receive sensitivity and EIRP the radiated power, so together they set the link budget for a given satellite service.

The antenna panel measures 25 x 13.5 cm and the system size is 32 x 25.5 cm. Mass is 8.7 kg for the Ka-band version and 9.2 kg for the Ku-band version. Azimuth coverage is continuous over 360 degrees and elevation covers 0 to 90 degrees. Pointing uses a combined IMU, RSSI and optional GPS control technique, with tracking velocity above 200 degrees per second in both axes, initial acquisition in under 30 seconds and re-acquisition in under 100 ms. Those values matter on a maneuvering aircraft, where the terminal must hold the satellite through attitude changes.

For integration, the terminal takes a 24 to 36 V DC supply. Power consumption is 20 W in receive and 200 W in transmit for the Ka-band version, and 20 W receive and 240 W for the Ku-band version with the 50 W BUC. Interfaces are RS-232, Ethernet and TX/RX connections, and management is through a web interface, the Open AMIP 1.16 protocol or a software ICD. The terminal meets IP66 for protection against dust and water jets.

Typical applications are beyond-line-of-sight command, control and payload data links for unmanned aircraft, and satellite connectivity for helicopters, vessels and ground vehicles.