§ 25.132   Verification of earth station antenna performance standards.

   (a)(1) Except for applications for 20/30 GHz earth stations and
   applications subject to the requirement in paragraph (b)(3) of this
   section, applications for transmitting earth stations in the
   Fixed-Satellite Service, including feeder-link stations, must include
   certification that the applicant has reviewed the results of a series
   of radiation pattern tests performed by the antenna manufacturer on
   representative equipment in representative configurations, and the test
   results demonstrate that the equipment meets the off-axis gain
   standards in § 25.209, measured in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of
   this section. The licensee must be prepared to submit the radiation
   pattern measurements to the Commission on request.

   (2) Applications for transmitting GSO FSS earth stations operating in
   the 20/30 GHz band must include the antenna measurements specified in
   § 25.138(d) and (e). Applications for transmitting NGSO FSS earth
   stations operating in the 20/30 GHz band must include the antenna
   measurements specified in § 25.138(d).

   (b)(1) For purposes of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the following
   measurements on a production antenna performed on calibrated antenna
   range, as a minimum, must be made at the bottom, middle and top of each
   allocated frequency band:

   (i) Co-polarized patterns in the E- and H-planes for linear-polarized
   antennas or in two orthogonal cuts for circularly-polarized antennas:

   (A) In the azimuth plane, plus and minus 7 degrees and plus and minus
   180 degrees from beam peak.

   (B) In the elevation plane, 0 to 45 degrees from beam peak.

   (ii) Cross-polarization patterns in the E- and H-planes for
   linear-polarized antennas or in two orthogonal cuts for
   circularly-polarized antennas, plus and minus 9 degrees from beam peak.

   (iii) Main beam gain.

   (2) The FCC envelope specified in § 25.209 shall be superimposed on
   each pattern. The minimum tests specified above are recognized as
   representative of the performance of the antenna in most planes
   although some increase in sidelobe levels should be expected in the
   spar planes and orthogonal spar planes.

   (3) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, applicants
   seeking authority to operate a Fixed-Satellite Service earth station
   pursuant to the requirements in § 25.218, § 25.220, § 25.221, § 25.222,
   § 25.223, § 25.226, or § 25.227 must submit a copy of the
   manufacturer's range test plots of the antenna gain patterns specified
   in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

   (c) The tests specified in paragraph (b) of this section are normally
   performed at the manufacturer's facility; but for those antennas that
   are very large and only assembled on-site, on-site measurements may be
   used for product qualification data. If on-site data is to be used for
   qualification, the test frequencies and number of patterns should
   follow, where possible, the recommendations in paragraph (b) of this
   section, and the test data is to be submitted in the same manner as
   described in paragraph (a) of this section.

   (d) For each new or modified transmitting antenna over 3 meters in
   diameter, except antennas subject to measurement under § 25.138(d), the
   following on-site verification measurements must be completed at one
   frequency on an available transponder in each frequency band of
   interest and submitted to the Commission.

   (1) Co-polarized patterns in the elevation plane, plus and minus 7
   degrees, in the transmit band.

   (2) Co-polarized patterns in the azimuth and elevation planes, plus and
   minus 7 degrees, in the receive band.

   (3) System cross-polarization discrimination on-axis. The FCC envelope
   specified in § 25.209 shall be superimposed on each pattern. The
   transmit patterns are to be measured with the aid of a co-operating
   earth station in coordination with the satellite system control center
   under the provisions of § 25.272.

   (e) Certification that the tests required by paragraph (c) of this
   section have been satisfactorily performed shall be provided to the
   Commission in notification that construction of the facilities has been
   completed as required by § 25.133.

   (f) Antennas less than 3 meters in diameter and antennas on simple
   (manual) drive mounts that are operated at a fixed site are exempt from
   the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section provided
   that a detailed technical showing is made that confirms proper
   installation, pointing procedures, and polarization alignment and
   manufacturing quality control. These showing must also include a plan
   for periodic testing and field installation procedures and precautions.

   (g) Records of the results of the tests required by this section must
   be maintained at the antenna site or the earth station operator's
   control center and be available for inspection.

   [ 58 FR 13419 , Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at  69 FR 5710 , Feb. 6, 2004;  70 FR 32253 , June 2, 2005;  72 FR 50028 , Aug. 29, 2007;  74 FR 47102 , Sept.
   15, 2009;  74 FR 57098 , Nov. 4, 2009;  78 FR 14926 , Mar. 8, 2013;  79 FR 8318 , Feb. 12, 2014]

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