The performance of a satellite link using the BBC Transportable Earth Station with EBU-leased capacity in the European Communication Satellite System

A series of tests on a satellite link established between the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Transportable Satellite Earth Station and a BTI fixed earth station using an EBU-leased transponder on the European Communication Satellite (ECS) 2 satellite are described. The transmitted power was limited to comply with new regulations imposed by the satellite operator, but the results indicate that a high quality television link can still be established over a potential coverage area which includes most of Europe. Also, under these conditions an adequate fading margin is obtained for all but 1.75 hours per year.