...customized skid for its WX series VSAT auto-deploy antennas. The skid is designed for the oil and gas industry, where rapid deployment without the need for a technician in an often hostile environment is required. The skid helps prevent damage to the antenna and electronic components inside and makes the package more portable and maneuverable.

A host of unique features, including a cable reel that holds three 150-foot long cables (for transmit, receive, power), built-in bubble levels and a Pelican Case for secure controller storage during shipping, allow quicker antenna deployment and minimize setup time. Inside the skid, the antenna sits atop a specially designed isolation frame to absorb shock and protect the antenna from typical vertical and lateral movements during transit.

A critical advantage of this new skid is that skilled technicians are not required to set up, take down or move the antenna, thus lowering deployment costs. All the operator needs to do is position the skid in a desired location, open the bi-fold lid doors, plug in the three operational cables at the control center, connect the controller and push a button. The antenna system automatically deploys, finds the appropriate satellite and stays locked onto the satellite signal.

Similar skids already are available and in use for the company’s SPA and SF VSAT antenna systems. The Winegard WX-1200 antennas hold CE, GOST-R and Peru Homologation certifications for international use. Winegard VSAT antenna systems and controllers are operational worldwide, including the countries of United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Scotland and Columbia. Winegard will also be introducing the customized skid at the OilComm Show held in Houston, Texas Nov. 6 – 8.