Frequently Asked Questions

	What is VSAT?
	VSAT Stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal, historically VSAT antennas 2.4 meters and smaller.  The term is loosely used to refer to all Transmit / Receive (Tx/Rx) antennas.
	What is a BUC?
	Block Up Converter, it up converts and amplifies modem information for transmission to the satellite.
	What does LNB stand for?
	Low Noise Block down converter, it down converts and amplifies signals received from the satellite for transfer to a receiver.
	What is an LNA?
	Low Noise Amplifier, same function as an LNB except no down conversion, only amplification.
	What does OMT stand for?
	Ortho (or orthogonal) Mode Transducer, this device separates and directs signals of two different polarities, i.e. Horizontal and Vertical or LHCP and RHCP.
	What is LHCP and RHCP?
	They are orthogonal senses of circular polarization Left Hand or Right Hand Circular Polarization.
	What is a Co Pol Diplexer used for?
	To separate Transmit and Receive signals of the same polarity (not orthogonal).
	Do Patriot feed components have Transmit reject filters built in?
	Yes, in most cases the filter is built into the OMT or Diplexer, sometimes (our C- band feed assembly) the filter is a separate component.
	What if I want to use a Patriot antenna for more than one application?
	No problem, Patriot antennas have been designed to use the same boom arm on all applications.  All that is needed is a new feed assembly and holder, sometimes even the holder is re-used.
	I found the antenna I need at Patriot, but I need a custom feed design.  What do I do?
	Again, no problem, contact Patriot’s Antenna Lab and we’ll quote your custom feed requirement.  We have the design tools and personnel to complete the design in house.  Our state of the art CNC machine shop will handle the fabrication of the components.  If volumes are high enough, we’ll die cast the design for you.
	What about testing?
	Patriot tests all feed components in house in an anechoic chamber.  Bench tests are performed with Agilent Network Analyzers.  Any antenna testing that can't be done at the factory is handled at one of several ranges that Patriot engineers are familiar with.