ANTENNA VIEW BLOCKAGE SCANNER

摘要

A system for measuring blockage facilitates automated measuring using an installed antenna as a measuring device, providing more accurate and reliable results as compared to conventional methods of measuring blockage. The system eliminates the need for meticulous and tedious manual measurements as well as the time consuming search for structural drawings, necessary to perform conventional blockage measuring. The system features an efficient and accurate way of establishing the angular direction points in which an antenna view is obstructed by transmitting a test signal from a transmitter horn in a transmitting direction and receiving a reflection of the test signal at an installed antenna in a receiving direction, wherein the transmitting direction is directionally aligned with the receiving direction. Embodiments are particularly useful when installing a satellite communications antenna on a ship having metal structures obstructing the antenna's view such as communication masts, funnels, and smokestacks.

主权项

1. A system for measuring blockage, comprising:
(a) a transmitter horn (Tx horn) configured for transmitting a test signal in a transmitting direction; and (b) an installed antenna configured for receiving a reflection of said test signal from a receiving direction;
wherein said Tx horn's transmitting direction is directionally aligned with said receiving direction.