MotoSAT FREEDOM Operation And Installation Manual page 10

RAIN FADE ON DOME SYSTEMS
Rain fade on Domed (Covered) Systems
Subject:
What is rain fade? Rain fade is signal degradation due to the interference of rain
droplets. It can affect the signal quality by the amount of moisture on the dome. Light
moisture may have little effect while a lot of moisture can prevent total satellite signal
reception. Rain can affect performance as well as heavy water content thunder clouds.
Satellite frequencies have a great deal to do with degradation. C band satellite
frequencies have the best resistance to rain fade, KU band satellite frequencies have the
next best performance, and KA band frequencies are the most susceptible to rain fade.
Rain fade is also known as rain attenuation. It is caused by moisture adhering to the
dome which prevents satellite signal reception.
There are quiet a few examples of rain fade or degradation.
1. There is heavy rain (large droplets); it can block the uplink channels for
reception.
2. There is heavy rain that can block the receive signal to the satellite.
3. There is also moisture build­up on the dome or cover.
Unfortunately, all these examples are caused by acts of nature, that with a domed system
you will always experience all of the symptoms in varying degrees. There are things you
can do to reduce degradation.
1. If you live in Seattle, move to Arizona.
2. Get a big fan, point it towards the sky and blow the clouds away.
3. KEEP YOUR DOME CLEAN­ Soap and water are the most efficient
methods. Some harsh or abrasive cleaners can be harmful to the outside of
the dome as well as signal interference. NOTE: Some types of cleaners as
well can eventually collect dirt. Be sure to select one that will work for
you.
4. If you experience signal outage after a rain storm, wipe the water droplets
off the Dome.
5. A bigger dish size and superior surface accuracy reduces the effect of rain
fade.
All domes on the market are susceptible to rain fade. Because of size and surface
accuracy of our dish our Dome has the lowest rain degradation of any domed system on
the market. MotoSAT can offer the best performance in rain fade situations.
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Operation and Installation Manual
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