초록 ▼

A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated se

A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A portable antenna positioner comprising:an antenna with a centrally located pivot point;an elevation motor coupled with said antenna wherein said antenna may rotate in elevation about said centrally located pivot point;at least one positioning arm coupled with said elevation

What is claimed is: 1. A portable antenna positioner comprising:an antenna with a centrally located pivot point;an elevation motor coupled with said antenna wherein said antenna may rotate in elevation about said centrally located pivot point;at least one positioning arm coupled with said elevation motor at a first end of said positioning arm;an azimuth motor coupled with said at least one positioning arm at a second end of said positioning arm wherein said azimuth motor is configured to rotate in azimuth;said at least one positioning arm configured to fold into a stowed position through rotation of said at least one positioning arm at said second end of said positioning arm and wherein said rotation is relative to said azimuth motor;a positioner base coupled with said azimuth motor; and,wherein said antenna may be stowed substantially parallel to said positioner base and substantially parallel with said positioning arm between said antenna and said positioner base through rotation of said antenna at said first end of said at least one positioning arm and through rotation of said at least one positioning arm at said second end around an axis parallel to a rotation axis of said elevation motor.