Mobile mechanically steerable satellite tracking antenna

摘要

A mobile, mechanically steerable satellite tracking antenna is described which employs a short vertically positioned length of coaxial cable bent at its upper end to an elevation angle setting at which the antenna is to be pointed. The flexible coaxial cable length carries a connector at its upper flexible end for quick connect/disconnect to an antenna element and reflector (if required). A rotatable mounting device is provided for supporting a fixed end segment of the flexible cable in a rotationally fixed position and carries an extended supporting arm at the end of which a sealed bearing unit rotatably supports the free flexible end of the cable which is bent to a desired elevation angle. The supporting arm with attached bearing unit and rotationally free but captured flexible free end of the cable is mounted on the outer housing of the mounting device and is rotationally driven by a reversible stepping or other motor via a gear train. The flexible cable passes through the center of the top of the housing through an upper O-ring seal and a lower bushing and is supported in a manner such that the fixed end flexible cable does not twist or turn on its axis as the rotatable housing and supporting arm are turned in azimuth but rather flexes along its length in order to accommodate the required elevational setting at a desired azimuth angle.