A product manufacturer specializing in mobile satellite systems for recreational vehicles and marine applications.
Design electronics and embedded firmware for a device capable of automatically re-tasking a satellite antenna system based on the user’s selected TV channel—specifically for HDTV content.
The existing system could acquire standard DirecTV programming from a single satellite. However, High Definition (HD) channels were broadcast from one of two additional satellites. The client needed a solution that would:
Detect which HD channel the user selected
Determine if the satellite needed to change
Automatically re-task the antenna to the appropriate satellite without manual intervention
Impact ES–Rhode Island developed a compact, cost-effective device built around an ARM7 processor. The unit featured a USB interface, two serial ports, and flash memory. Firmware was written to monitor the DirecTV receiver’s USB output, detect changes in the selected channel, and determine whether a different satellite was required. When necessary, the device automatically issued commands to re-task the mobile satellite antenna.
Additionally, Impact ES–Rhode Island designed a custom test fixture to verify device functionality during production.
The client successfully integrated the solution into its mobile satellite system, enabling automatic switching between satellites for HD channel access—improving user experience and eliminating manual reconfiguration.
Embedded firmware provided seamless satellite transitions based on channel selection
Low-cost ARM-based design met functionality and budget requirements
Production test fixture ensured consistent device performance
The solution significantly enhanced usability for mobile DirecTV customers
