# Equipment list: microwave RX/TX station

Fill in first: satellite, downlink, modulation, bandwidth, location, OS and measurement goal.

| Item | Model / link | Requirement | Qty | Price checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDR | | Tuning range and sample bandwidth matching the signal | 1 | |
| Antenna | | Frequency, polarisation, tracking method | 1 | |
| Cable | | Impedance, length and loss at the operating frequency | | |
| Connectors / adapters | | Type, gender, SMA vs RP-SMA | | |
| Filter | | Passband, insertion loss; optional | | |
| LNA | | Band, noise figure, gain, power supply; optional | | |
| Power | | USB / bias-tee / LNB inserter depending on the chain | | |
| Computer | | Drivers, USB and decoder performance | 1 | |
| Storage | | Sample rate x bytes per complex sample x time | | |
| Mount | | Stability, sky visibility and weather resistance | | |
| Rotator | | Optional; az/el and controller support | | |
| Instruments | | Rent or buy depending on the measurement scope | | |

## S/X/Ku/Ka extension

| Item | Parameters to request / verify |
|---|---|
| Reflector and mount | Diameter, f/D, surface accuracy, mass, torques, wind |
| Feed / OMT / diplexer | RX/TX, polarisations, isolation, power handling, return loss |
| Downconverter | RF/IF, LO, phase noise, reference, image rejection, levels |
| Upconverter / BUC | IF/RF, reference, gain, linear power, power supply |
| HPA / SSPA | Back-off, cooling, reflected power, control and mute |
| TX filter | Loss, passband, harmonics, power handling |
| Reference | Frequency, level and connector compatibility of every module |
| Tracking | Encoders, backlash, speed, end stops, park, cable wrap |
| RX protection | Isolation, limiter/switch as designed, max input |
| Test bench | Dummy load, coupler, attenuators and meters for the range and power |
| Integration | Software, controller protocols, TX interlock, logs |

Size the TX for your own system or for link requirements agreed with the operator. Ask for a specification of the whole set, not just the reflector parameters.