NAB and SBE Team to Offer Satellite Uplink Operators Training Workshop

NAB has joined with the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) to present the NAB/SBE Satellite Uplink Operators Training Workshop. Held at NAB headquarters September 30 – October 3, 2013, the Workshop will provide instruction on how to comply with FCC satellite regulations through formal training on the technical and operational practices that ensure safe, interference-free satellite transmissions.

"The SBE is dedicated to providing quality educational opportunities for its members, and is very pleased to be the co-sponsor of the NAB/SBE Satellite Uplink Operators Training Workshop in October," said Ralph Hogan, SBE president.

Sidney Skjei, P.E. of Skjei Telecom conducts the workshop. Mr. Skjei has over 35 years of experience in engineering and developing a wide range of hardware and software telecommunications products, systems and services. He is highly knowledgeable in all major satellite communications market areas – global, domestic U.S., and military.

The workshop, which has been regularly offered since 1989, provides in-depth information on the theory of satellite communications, regulatory requirements, and all operational aspects of ground equipment for uplink and downlink facilities. The workshop content is applicable to distribution of signals for both analog and digital broadcasting services. Mr. Skjei covers satellite news gathering topics, including vehicle design and safety considerations. He also feels it is useful for satellite operators to have a basic understanding of other parts of radio, TV and data broadcast systems.

The four-day workshop provides operational training that minimizes the risk of satellite transmission interference. This is important because FCC rules require that “a trained operator be present at all times during transmissions, at either an earth station site or designated remote control point” [CFR 47 Section 25.271 (b)].

In addition to classroom instruction, participants will receive hands-on training in a satellite newsgathering (SNG) truck, as well as a field trip to a nearby, large satellite teleport and operations center.

“The course offers many features that other satellite operators courses do not, such as a variety of hands-on training sessions, more hours of personal instruction, and a general satellite systems and television focus, as opposed to just training on a specific type of terminal – for example, a flyaway SNG terminal,” commented Mr. Skjei. “We also cover specific operations of SNG truck terminals, including a practical session that affords students a shirtsleeves experience in uplinking from an SNG truck.”

The workshop fee is $1,250 for NAB and SBE members, and $1,550 for all others. The fee includes a Satellite Uplink Handbook, continental breakfasts and lunches. Space is limited, so if you want to take advantage of this important training opportunity, visit the Satellite workshop Web page, or call NAB Technology at (202) 429-5346. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event, contact NAB Advertising and Sponsorship at (202) 429-5426 or advertising@nab.org.

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