Basically, the bigger the better. Our experience indicates 3.7 meter (12 feet) antennas of solid reflector material generally give the minimum performance required for reliable reception. The 3.7 meter will provide the necessary gain and a narrower "beamwidth" for better sidelobe rejection of adjacent satellite interference. In addition, better rejection of terrestrial interference will be provided. Downlink footprint locations, particular satellite performance, type of transmission, and many other variables also enter into the equation when sizing downlink antennas.

The physical condition of the antenna is paramount to achieving necessary performance. Antennas should be checked annually to verify conformance with manufacturers' specifications. Buying an antenna and forgetting about it will only lead to problems down the road. Like all other equipment at the station, antennas go through wear and tear. Antennas must be checked to ensure optimal performance.

Yes, there is an alarm status relay that is part of the receiver. It changes state upon detection of a fault condition in the receiver. You can wire this function to alert you to downlink failures. Additionally you may want to invest in an antenna snow cover or antenna heating system. These items are readily available for most antenna sizes and manufactures.

Start with your network provider, which in most cases is your network uplink provider. Each network provider is the contact point for the affiliate's troubleshooting and repair. If necessary, your network provider will contact NPR Distribution Services for specific assistance and support.

Yes, they can contact the Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC is available 24/7/365. They have the ability to check the power and bandwidth of your carrier(s) and, in most cases, the ability (equipment) to decode your signal. The NOC is a vital source to uplink providers in helping you maintain the "health" of your network. The NOC may be contacted at 800.433.1283.