Mast extended to send microwave signal back to the station.

It takes quite an effort to report live from various locations.  Usually, we use microwave technology.  A signal is sent from a dish on top of a 40-foot mast that extends from the live truck.  We have numerous receive sites all over Chicagoland in order to bring that signal into the Fox Chicago newsroom and then out to your televisions.

But in some cases, locations may be too far or too low for a microwave signal.  Cue the satellite truck!  It was put to use yesterday when I reported from Dyer, Indiana.  A viewer came up to the truck to ask, “Where’s the tall pole thingy?”

Beam me up, satellite dish!

Well, no need for that thingy when we’re in the satellite truck – this dish beams out to space. But assignment editor Lisa Sharmat notes that we only use it when we have to. Satellite time costs money and there are just more issues involved – booking the times, figuring our coordinates and other techie stuff.

Our crews have strict guidelines and standards for operation of the trucks.  I no longer worry about any risks or health effects.  But early in my career, there was little research and a lot of concern about regularly working in trucks beaming signals.  A former cameraman once joked, “Your kids might come out with three arms!”  I worried during both of my pregnancies since my husband also worked in television at the time.

No need for satellite time while reporting from Michigan Avenue.

Thank goodness my son and daughter are healthy.  But, sometimes, I would love to beam their messy rooms into space!