HF satellite sound broadcasting - A preliminary assessment

The characteristics of telescoping antennas and the necessary minimum field strength for acceptable consumer portable radio receivers linked to a satellite broadcast segment are detailed. Attention is focused on the 26 MHz band and a minimum 26 dB SNR at the receiver for 90 percent of the time. A carrier modulated 30 percent by a 400 Hz tone is chosen. A 0.5-1 m whip antenna will have a 0.1 wavelength electrical length at 26 MHz, a situation which requires a minimum usable field strength of 48.8 dB for a linearly polarized wave or 51.8 dB for a circularly polarized wave. A GEO satellite will need an equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of 82.2 dB, i.e., twice the power of present GEO satellites. It is concluded that innovative or advanced designs will be needed if the necessary EIRP levels are to be met. Ongoing design efforts to meet the requirements are noted.