Some implementations of the disclosure are directed to a satellite terminal comprising: a modem; and a radio frequency unit (RFU) configured to amplify and frequency upconvert a transmit signal for transmission over an inroute channel of a satellite communications network, the RFU comprising: an input power meter configured to measure a first power level of an intermediate frequency (IF) signal transmitted from the modem to an input of the RFU; an upconverter configured to frequency upconvert the IF signal to obtain a radio frequency (RF) signal; and an output power meter configured to measure a second power level of the RF signal. By taking the readings from the input and output power meters of the RFU, one or more calibration related functions, including a determination of the power loss due to the IF cable or a determination of the upconverter's gain, may be automatically performed at the satellite terminal.