EP1506593A1 - Device for pointing an antenna - Google Patents

Device for pointing an antenna

Info

Publication number
EP1506593A1
EP1506593A1 EP03755170A EP03755170A EP1506593A1 EP 1506593 A1 EP1506593 A1 EP 1506593A1 EP 03755170 A EP03755170 A EP 03755170A EP 03755170 A EP03755170 A EP 03755170A EP 1506593 A1 EP1506593 A1 EP 1506593A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
compass
pointing
mark
dial
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03755170A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gilles Ribatto
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1506593A1 publication Critical patent/EP1506593A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/02—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
    • H01Q3/08—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/125—Means for positioning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for facilitating the pointing of an antenna or receiver in the general sense such as a parabolic antenna making it possible to receive signals, for example from radio and / or television transmitted by one / or more satellites.
  • Pointing an antenna to one or more satellites is a difficult operation. It is indeed necessary to adjust the elevation of the antenna (high / low adjustment), then the azimuth (adjustment from left to right) with great precision, in order to receive the signals transmitted by the targeted satellite (s) and thus be able obtain the images or sounds broadcast by this or these satellites.
  • All the satellites broadcasting television and / or radio programs are positioned east or west of the geographic South. To point an antenna towards a satellite, you must already direct this antenna towards the South and then orient it to the left (if the targeted satellite is positioned in the East) or to the right (if the targeted satellite is positioned to the 'Where is).
  • radio / television signals transmitted by satellites There are two types of radio / television signals transmitted by satellites: analog signals and digital signals.
  • analog signals the antenna is connected to an analog receiver, which is itself connected to a television. In this case, when pointing the antenna, it is enough after having directed the latter towards the South, to make it rotate gently to the left or to the right.
  • the antenna picks up a signal from a satellite, an image will appear on the TV screen, provided of course that the receiver is set to an appropriate channel and that the elevation of the antenna is correct, otherwise the antenna will never receive any signal.
  • the antenna is connected to a digital receiver, which is itself connected to a television.
  • a digital receiver which is itself connected to a television.
  • directing the antenna south and gently rotating it from left to right will not allow you to know whether the latter picks up a signal or not because for digital signals, it takes a long time after reception of a signal so that it is demodulated (transformed into an image on the television). This time is variable depending on the digital receiver used.
  • the pointing accuracy for digital signals must be very high, on the order of a few degrees. As a result, many people never manage to point their antenna with a digital receiver and tend to return the equipment to their reseller, which generates significant and unjustified returns to after-sales service which the companies broadcasting today suffer from. type of products.
  • US Pat. No. 5,274,926 describes an instrument for assisting in the pointing of antennas comprising a sphere on which is plotted a map representing an area of the earth's surface, served by the satellite.
  • This sphere is mounted on a support equipped with a line of sight for the satellite and a compass associated with a spirit level.
  • the sphere is moved to superimpose a point on the compass and a point on the map representing the place where the instrument is used. It is clear that such an instrument can only have very limited precision since the place where the instrument is used is represented on a sphere which can only present, in practice, a reduced size.
  • Document DE 295 18 105 also describes a device for adjusting satellite antennas comprising a compass placed in the center of a disc on which are represented position lines for cities corresponding to the geographical area of application of the satellite antenna .
  • the disc has a mark intended to be aligned with an arrow for locating the satellite placed on the support of the antenna.
  • the antenna support is pivoted so that the compass needle coincides with the position line of the name of the city where the antenna is used. It is clear that such a device is not universal because it requires the production of many discs corresponding to different geographic areas.
  • the document JP 60 206 302 describes an instrument for pointing an antenna using a globe level having a hemispherical body representing a map and provided at its base with a passage window for the needle of a compass. Such an instrument also has limited precision because the place of installation appears on a body of very small size.
  • Document US 2002/005 816 also relates to a device for aligning satellite antennas comprising a tabular adaptation element on the support arm of the antenna. This tubular element is provided with a spirit level, a compass and a map to indicate the angle at which the antenna mounting bracket is positioned on the arm in order to align the antenna. .
  • a device In addition to the fact that such a device requires the location of the compass at the focus of the antenna, which disrupts its operation, such a device also has poor aiming precision by the positioning of a compass near a map. .
  • the object of the invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a device to facilitate the pointing of an antenna having good accuracy and almost universal use whatever the location of the antenna.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device to facilitate the pointing of an antenna of simple design and of reduced cost.
  • the object of the invention relates to a device for facilitating the pointing of an antenna making it possible to receive the signals transmitted by one or more satellites, this device comprising a compass or a compass whose body is provided with '' a fixing system on the antenna.
  • the compass or the compass comprises a dial on which the magnetic south and the names of the satellites have been transferred to their geographical position and the body comprises a reference for pointing the antenna by its simple rotation in azimuth.
  • the device according to the invention uses a compass or a compass (analog or digital) provided with a fixing system by bonding and / or clipping and / or by snap-fastening and / or by screwing and / or by riveting and / or by any other means, making the device integral with the antenna.
  • the device according to the invention is also called a pointer.
  • the pointer can be fixed at any location on an antenna, but it will preferably be fixed on the LNB, that is to say on the electronic head of the antenna or on the fixing flange of the LNB.
  • the names of the main satellites are preferably printed on the pointer's dial, either directly, or on a ring or on a ring or on a sector or by any other means, on either side of the South at their geographical position.
  • the device according to the invention comprises a compass, the dial of which is produced by the body of the device or a ring or a ring.
  • the device comprises a compass, the dial of which is produced by a dome.
  • the pointer's marker can rotate over a range of 360 ° relative to the body of the device fixed on the antenna to compensate for the geographic deviation of a satellite relative to the magnetic South as a function of the geographic position of the installer.
  • the satellites being in geostationary orbit the aiming angle of a given satellite is different compared to the magnetic South according to the geographical location of installation of the antenna such as in Greece or Portugal, for example.
  • the pointer can also receive at the top of the dome of the compass (in the case of the use of a compass) a mark allowing to use the air bubble as level. This makes it possible to check that the antenna fixing mast (or the antenna itself is well leveled, which is important for the quality of reception.
  • the pointer can also have a fixing lug articulated relative to the body of the device, thus making it possible whatever the elevation of the antenna to always have the dial of the compass or the compass in horizontal position, this is to avoid blockages that could affect the measurement.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pointer according to the invention using a compass.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a satellite dish whose electronic head is equipped with a pointer according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a top view of a pointer according to the invention using a compass.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of a pointer according to the invention using a compass.
  • the device or the pointer 7 represented using a compass has a dome 1 comprising a dial for the compass and on which the names of several have been printed or reported, namely in the illustrated example six satellites broadcasting radio / television broadcasts. These names have been printed on both sides of the Magnetic South (represented by an S in Figs. 1 and 3) in their geographic position.
  • the compass dial is movable to lock onto the Earth's magnetic axis.
  • the dial is visible through a dome made of translucent material. The pointer thus forms a spirit level by the presence of a liquid between the plastic dome and the .cadran which is produced in a known manner by a sphere of which a part, the dome, is visible.
  • the dome in translucent material is provided with a mark 2, for example white, used for pointing the antenna more particularly during the implementation of a calibration or an adjustment related to the geographical location of installation.
  • This mark 2 must be aligned (by turning the antenna to the left or to the right) with the name of the targeted satellite.
  • mark 2 is aligned with the South, and the antenna therefore points to the South.
  • the antenna 6 points to the Telecom satellite.
  • the pointer has a body 3 from which rises the dome 1.
  • the body 3 has a pointing mark 4 for the antenna, for example white in the example illustrated, located in the center (East / West) of the body.
  • the body 3 is provided with a system of attachment 5 on an antenna 6.
  • the attachment system 5 is formed by a lug articulated on the body along an axis 8 making it possible to always position the compass horizontally.
  • the tab 5 may include an adhesive or self-adhesive means.
  • the pointer 7 is glued to the fixing flange of the electronic head 9 (LNB) of the parabolic antenna 6, by means of the tab 5.
  • the mark 2 of the plastic dome is aligned with the mark 4 of the body of the pointer.
  • the pointing of the antenna on a satellite is obtained by the simple rotation of the antenna in azimuth so as to bring the name of the satellite carried by the dial in alignment with the mark 2 of the plastic dome, that is to say say in the example considered, with the marking mark 4 carried by the body 3.
  • the setting is made on the Telecom satellite.
  • the plastic dome can rotate or pivot 360 ° relative to the body 3 of the pointer, which makes it possible to carry out a calibration of the pointer as explained above according to the geographic position of the installer (Portugal, Greece, etc.).
  • indicators or markers are positioned every five degrees for example, both in the East and in the East. West. Their role is to allow a precise calibration of the pointer by aligning the reference 2 on the indicator corresponding to the geographic offset of the installer.
  • the antenna is turned to the left or right so that the mark 2 comes to be aligned with the name of the targeted satellite.
  • the pointer compass is inverted by 180 ° compared to normal, so that the installer can, standing behind the antenna, read directly on the dial of the compass or the compass the direction aimed at when pointing. Otherwise, you would have to go around the antenna to find out what the compass or compass indicates.
  • the pointer using a compass comprises a level bubble 10 visible through the transparent dome which is provided with a mark 11, for example white. This reference 11 must be aligned with the level bubble in the two axes in order to guarantee that the fixing of the antenna is level and in order to facilitate the horizontal adjustment of the pointer.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device which makes it easier to point an antenna enabling signals transmitted by one or several satellites to be captured. Said device comprises a compass whose body (3) is provided with a system for the fixing thereof (5) on the antenna. According to the invention, the compass comprises a dial which includes the magnetic south and the name of the satellites in their geographical position and the body (3) comprises an indicator (4) for pointing the antenna by simple rotation in the azimuth.

Description

DISPOSITIF DE POINTAGE D ANTENNE ANTENNA POINTING DEVICE
La présente invention concerne un dispositif pour faciliter le pointage d'une antenne ou récepteur au sens général telle qu'une antenne parabolique permettant de capter des signaux, par exemple de radio et/ou de télévision émis par un/ou plusieurs satellites.The present invention relates to a device for facilitating the pointing of an antenna or receiver in the general sense such as a parabolic antenna making it possible to receive signals, for example from radio and / or television transmitted by one / or more satellites.
Le pointage d'une antenne vers un ou plusieurs satellites est une opération difficile. Il faut en effet régler l'élévation de l'antenne (réglage haut/bas), puis l'azimut (réglage de gauche à droite) avec une grande précision, afin de recevoir les signaux émis par le ou les satellites visés et pouvoir ainsi obtenir les images ou les sons diffusés par ce ou ces satellites.Pointing an antenna to one or more satellites is a difficult operation. It is indeed necessary to adjust the elevation of the antenna (high / low adjustment), then the azimuth (adjustment from left to right) with great precision, in order to receive the signals transmitted by the targeted satellite (s) and thus be able obtain the images or sounds broadcast by this or these satellites.
Tous les satellites diffusant des programmes de télévision et/ou de radio sont positionnés à l'Est ou à l'Ouest du Sud géographique. Pour pointer une antenne vers un satellite, il faut déjà diriger cette antenne vers le Sud et ensuite l'orienter vers la gauche (si le satellite visé est positionné à l'Est) ou vers la droite (si le satellite visé est positionné à l'Ouest).All the satellites broadcasting television and / or radio programs are positioned east or west of the geographic South. To point an antenna towards a satellite, you must already direct this antenna towards the South and then orient it to the left (if the targeted satellite is positioned in the East) or to the right (if the targeted satellite is positioned to the 'Where is).
Il existe deux types de signaux de radio/télévision émis par les satellites : les signaux analogiques et les signaux numériques. Pour capter des signaux analogiques, l'antenne est reliée à un démodulateur analogique, lui-même relié à un téléviseur. Dans ce cas, lors du pointage de l'antenne, il suffit après avoir dirigé cette dernière vers le Sud, de la faire doucement tourner vers la gauche ou vers la droite. Au moment où l'antenne capte un signal émis par un satellite, une image va apparaître sur l'écran du téléviseur, à condition bien sûr que le démodulateur soit réglé sur une chaîne adéquate et que l'élévation de l'antenne soit correcte, sinon l'antenne ne captera jamais le moindre signal.There are two types of radio / television signals transmitted by satellites: analog signals and digital signals. To receive analog signals, the antenna is connected to an analog receiver, which is itself connected to a television. In this case, when pointing the antenna, it is enough after having directed the latter towards the South, to make it rotate gently to the left or to the right. When the antenna picks up a signal from a satellite, an image will appear on the TV screen, provided of course that the receiver is set to an appropriate channel and that the elevation of the antenna is correct, otherwise the antenna will never receive any signal.
Pour capter des signaux numériques, l'antenne est reliée à un démodulateur numérique, lui-même relié à un téléviseur. Contrairement au démodulateur analogique, le fait de diriger l'antenne vers le Sud et de la faire doucement tourner de gauche à droite ne permettra pas de savoir si cette dernière capte un signal ou non car pour des signaux numériques, il faut un temps important après la réception d'un signal pour que ce dernier soit démodulé (transformé en image sur le téléviseur). Ce temps est variable selon le démodulateur numérique utilisé. De plus, la précision du pointage pour des signaux numériques doit être très grande, de l'ordre de quelques degrés. De ce fait, de nombreuses personnes ne parviennent jamais à pointer leur antenne avec un démodulateur numérique et ont tendance à retourner le matériel à leur revendeur, ce qui génère des retours en service après vente importants et injustifiés dont souffrent aujourd'hui les sociétés diffusant ce type de produits.To receive digital signals, the antenna is connected to a digital receiver, which is itself connected to a television. Unlike the analog receiver, directing the antenna south and gently rotating it from left to right will not allow you to know whether the latter picks up a signal or not because for digital signals, it takes a long time after reception of a signal so that it is demodulated (transformed into an image on the television). This time is variable depending on the digital receiver used. In addition, the pointing accuracy for digital signals must be very high, on the order of a few degrees. As a result, many people never manage to point their antenna with a digital receiver and tend to return the equipment to their reseller, which generates significant and unjustified returns to after-sales service which the companies broadcasting today suffer from. type of products.
Pour faciliter le pointage d'une antenne vers un satellite, l'état de la technique a proposé diverses solutions reposant sur l'utilisation d'une boussole indiquant le Sud magnétique. Ainsi par exemple, le brevet US 5 274 926 décrit un instrument d'aide au pointage d'antennes comportant une sphère sur laquelle est reportée une carte représentant une zone de la surface de la terre, desservie par le satellite. Cette sphère est montée sur un support équipé d'une ligne de visée pour le satellite et d'une boussole associée à un niveau à bulle. Pour pointer la ligne de visée de l'instrument vers le satellite, la sphère est déplacée pour superposer un point de la boussole et un point de la carte représentant l'endroit où l'instrument est utilisé. Il est clair qu'un tel instrument ne peut posséder qu'une précision très limitée puisque l'endroit où l'instrument est utilisé est représenté sur une sphère ne pouvant présenter, en pratique, qu'une taille réduite.To facilitate pointing from an antenna to a satellite, the state of the art has proposed various solutions based on the use of a compass indicating the magnetic South. Thus, for example, US Pat. No. 5,274,926 describes an instrument for assisting in the pointing of antennas comprising a sphere on which is plotted a map representing an area of the earth's surface, served by the satellite. This sphere is mounted on a support equipped with a line of sight for the satellite and a compass associated with a spirit level. To point the line of sight of the instrument towards the satellite, the sphere is moved to superimpose a point on the compass and a point on the map representing the place where the instrument is used. It is clear that such an instrument can only have very limited precision since the place where the instrument is used is represented on a sphere which can only present, in practice, a reduced size.
Le document DE 295 18 105 décrit également un dispositif de réglage d'antennes satellites comportant une boussole placée au centre d'un disque sur lequel sont représentées des lignes de position pour des villes correspondant à la zone d'application géographique de l'antenne satellite. Le disque comporte un repère destiné à être aligné avec une flèche de repérage du satellite placée sur le support de l'antenne. Le support de l'antenne est pivoté de manière que l'aiguille de la boussole coïncide avec la ligne de position du nom de la ville d'utilisation de l'antenne. Il est clair qu'un tel dispositif n'est pas universel car il nécessite la réalisation de nombreux disques correspondant à des zones géographiques différentes.Document DE 295 18 105 also describes a device for adjusting satellite antennas comprising a compass placed in the center of a disc on which are represented position lines for cities corresponding to the geographical area of application of the satellite antenna . The disc has a mark intended to be aligned with an arrow for locating the satellite placed on the support of the antenna. The antenna support is pivoted so that the compass needle coincides with the position line of the name of the city where the antenna is used. It is clear that such a device is not universal because it requires the production of many discs corresponding to different geographic areas.
Le document JP 60 206 302 décrit un instrument de pointage d'une antenne à l'aide d'un niveau à globe présentant un corps hémisphérique représentant une carte et pourvu à sa base d'une fenêtre de passage pour l'aiguille d'une boussole. Un tel instrument présente également une précision limitée car le lieu d'installation apparaît sur un corps de taille très réduite. Le document US 2002/005 816 concerne également un dispositif d'alignement d'antennes satellites comportant un élément tabulaire d'adaptation sur le bras de support de l'antenne. Cet élément tubulaire est pourvu d'un niveau à bulle, d'une boussole et d'une carte permettant d'indiquer l'angle suivant lequel le support de fixation de l'antenne est positionné sur le bras afin d'aligner l'antenne. Outre le fait qu'un tel dispositif nécessite la localisation de la boussole au foyer de l'antenne, ce qui perturbe son fonctionnement, un tel dispositif présente également une mauvaise précision de visée par le positionnement d'une boussole à proximité d'une carte.The document JP 60 206 302 describes an instrument for pointing an antenna using a globe level having a hemispherical body representing a map and provided at its base with a passage window for the needle of a compass. Such an instrument also has limited precision because the place of installation appears on a body of very small size. Document US 2002/005 816 also relates to a device for aligning satellite antennas comprising a tabular adaptation element on the support arm of the antenna. This tubular element is provided with a spirit level, a compass and a map to indicate the angle at which the antenna mounting bracket is positioned on the arm in order to align the antenna. . In addition to the fact that such a device requires the location of the compass at the focus of the antenna, which disrupts its operation, such a device also has poor aiming precision by the positioning of a compass near a map. .
L'objet de l'invention vise donc à remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur en proposant un dispositif pour faciliter le pointage d'une antenne présentant une bonne précision et une utilisation quasiment universelle quel que soit le lieu d'implantation de l'antenne.The object of the invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a device to facilitate the pointing of an antenna having good accuracy and almost universal use whatever the location of the antenna.
Un autre objet de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif pour faciliter le pointage d'une antenne de conception simple et d'un coût réduit. Pour atteindre de tels objectifs, l'objet de l'invention concerne un dispositif pour faciliter le pointage d'une antenne permettant de capter les signaux émis par un ou plusieurs satellites, ce dispositif comportant une boussole ou un compas dont le corps est pourvu d'un système de fixation sur l'antenne.Another object of the invention is to provide a device to facilitate the pointing of an antenna of simple design and of reduced cost. To achieve such objectives, the object of the invention relates to a device for facilitating the pointing of an antenna making it possible to receive the signals transmitted by one or more satellites, this device comprising a compass or a compass whose body is provided with '' a fixing system on the antenna.
Selon l'invention, la boussole ou le compas comporte un cadran sur lequel ont été reportés le Sud magnétique et le nom des satellites à leur position géographique et le corps comporte un repère pour le pointage de l'antenne par sa simple rotation en azimut.According to the invention, the compass or the compass comprises a dial on which the magnetic south and the names of the satellites have been transferred to their geographical position and the body comprises a reference for pointing the antenna by its simple rotation in azimuth.
Le dispositif selon l'invention met en œuvre un compas ou une boussole (analogique ou numérique) muni d'un système de fixation par collage et/ou clipsage et/ou par encliquetage et/ou par vissage et/ou par rivetage et/ou par tout autre moyen, rendant le dispositif solidaire de l'antenne.The device according to the invention uses a compass or a compass (analog or digital) provided with a fixing system by bonding and / or clipping and / or by snap-fastening and / or by screwing and / or by riveting and / or by any other means, making the device integral with the antenna.
Pour plus de facilité, le dispositif selon l'invention est appelé aussi pointeur. Le pointeur peut être fixé à n'importe quel endroit sur une antenne, mais il sera de préférence fixé sur le LNB c'est-à-dire sur la tête électronique de l'antenne ou sur la bride de fixation du LNB. Les noms des principaux satellites sont de préférence imprimés sur le cadran du pointeur, soit directement, soit sur une bague ou sur un anneau ou sur un secteur ou par tout autre moyen, de part et d'autre du Sud à leur position géographique.For convenience, the device according to the invention is also called a pointer. The pointer can be fixed at any location on an antenna, but it will preferably be fixed on the LNB, that is to say on the electronic head of the antenna or on the fixing flange of the LNB. The names of the main satellites are preferably printed on the pointer's dial, either directly, or on a ring or on a ring or on a sector or by any other means, on either side of the South at their geographical position.
Ainsi, le dispositif selon l'invention comporte une boussole dont le cadran est réalisé par le corps du dispositif ou un anneau ou une bague.Thus, the device according to the invention comprises a compass, the dial of which is produced by the body of the device or a ring or a ring.
Selon une autre variante de réalisation, le dispositif comporte un compas dont le cadran est réalisé par un dôme.According to another alternative embodiment, the device comprises a compass, the dial of which is produced by a dome.
Après avoir fixé le pointeur sur l'antenne, il suffit de faire tourner cette dernière (vers la gauche ou vers la droite) jusqu'à ce que le repère du pointeur soit aligné sur la position ou sur le nom du satellite visé.After fixing the pointer on the antenna, simply rotate the latter (to the left or to the right) until the pointer's marker is aligned with the position or the name of the target satellite.
Avantageusement, le repère du pointeur peut tourner sur une plage de 360° par rapport au corps du dispositif fixé sur l'antenne pour compenser la déviation géographique d'un satellite par rapport au Sud magnétique en fonction de la position géographique de l'installateur. Ceci permet d'utiliser le dispositif selon l'invention dans tous les pays, quel que soit le méridien, il suffit alors de réaliser un étalonnage en tournant simplement vers la gauche ou vers la droite le repère de pointage selon le pays dans lequel l'antenne est installée (plus à l'Est ou plus à l'Ouest). En effet, les satellites étant en orbite géostationnaire l'angle de visé d'un satellite donné est différent par rapport au Sud magnétique selon le lieu géographique d'installation de l'antenne tel qu'en Grèce ou au Portugal, par exemple.Advantageously, the pointer's marker can rotate over a range of 360 ° relative to the body of the device fixed on the antenna to compensate for the geographic deviation of a satellite relative to the magnetic South as a function of the geographic position of the installer. This makes it possible to use the device according to the invention in all countries, whatever the meridian, it is then sufficient to carry out a calibration by simply turning to the left or to the right the marking fix according to the country in which the antenna is installed (further east or further west). Indeed, the satellites being in geostationary orbit the aiming angle of a given satellite is different compared to the magnetic South according to the geographical location of installation of the antenna such as in Greece or Portugal, for example.
Le pointeur peut également recevoir au sommet du dôme du compas (dans le cas de l'utilisation d'un compas) un repère permettant de se servir de la bulle d'air comme niveau. Ceci permet de vérifier que le mat de fixation de l'antenne (ou l'antenne elle-même est bien fixée de niveau, ce qui est important pour la qualité de réception.The pointer can also receive at the top of the dome of the compass (in the case of the use of a compass) a mark allowing to use the air bubble as level. This makes it possible to check that the antenna fixing mast (or the antenna itself is well leveled, which is important for the quality of reception.
Le pointeur peut également posséder une patte de fixation articulée par rapport au corps de l'appareil, permettant ainsi quelle que soit l'importance de l'élévation de l'antenne de toujours avoir le cadran du compas ou de la boussole en position horizontale, ceci afin d'éviter des blocages pouvant affecter la mesure. Diverses autres caractéristiques ressortent de la description faite ci-dessous en référence aux dessins annexés qui montrent, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, des formes de réalisation de l'objet de l'invention.The pointer can also have a fixing lug articulated relative to the body of the device, thus making it possible whatever the elevation of the antenna to always have the dial of the compass or the compass in horizontal position, this is to avoid blockages that could affect the measurement. Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.
La Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une variante de réalisation du pointeur selon l'invention utilisant un compas.Figure 1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pointer according to the invention using a compass.
La Figure 2 illustre une antenne parabolique dont la tête électronique est équipée d'un pointeur conforme à l'invention.Figure 2 illustrates a satellite dish whose electronic head is equipped with a pointer according to the invention.
La Figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un pointeur conforme à l'invention utilisant un compas. La Figure 4 est une vue de profil d'un pointeur conforme à l'invention utilisant un compas.Figure 3 is a top view of a pointer according to the invention using a compass. Figure 4 is a side view of a pointer according to the invention using a compass.
Tel que cela apparaît sur les figures, le dispositif ou le pointeur 7 représenté utilisant un compas, présente un dôme 1 comportant un cadran pour le compas et sur lequel ont été imprimés ou reportés les noms de plusieurs, à savoir dans l'exemple illustré six satellites diffusant des émissions de radio/télévision. Ces noms ont été imprimés de part et d'autre du Sud magnétique (représenté par un S sur les Fig. 1 et 3) à leur position géographique. De manière classique, le cadran du compas est mobile pour se caler sur l'axe magnétique terrestre. Tel que cela ressort des figures, le cadran est visible à travers un dôme en matière translucide. Le pointeur forme ainsi un niveau à bulle par la présence d'un liquide entre le dôme en matière plastique et le .cadran qui est réalisé de manière connue par une sphère dont une partie, le dôme, est visible.As shown in the figures, the device or the pointer 7 represented using a compass, has a dome 1 comprising a dial for the compass and on which the names of several have been printed or reported, namely in the illustrated example six satellites broadcasting radio / television broadcasts. These names have been printed on both sides of the Magnetic South (represented by an S in Figs. 1 and 3) in their geographic position. Conventionally, the compass dial is movable to lock onto the Earth's magnetic axis. As can be seen from the figures, the dial is visible through a dome made of translucent material. The pointer thus forms a spirit level by the presence of a liquid between the plastic dome and the .cadran which is produced in a known manner by a sphere of which a part, the dome, is visible.
De préférence, le dôme en matière translucide est pourvu d'un repère 2, par exemple blanc, servant au pointage de l'antenne plus particulièrement lors de la mise en œuvre d'un étalonnage ou d'un réglage lié au lieu géographique d'installation. Ce repère 2 doit être aligné (en tournant l'antenne à gauche ou à droite) avec le nom du satellite visé. Sur la Fig. 1, le repère 2 est aligné avec le Sud, et l'antenne pointe donc le Sud. Si le repère 2 est aligné avec l'inscription Télécom, l'antenne 6 pointe le satellite Télécom. Le pointeur présente un corps 3 à partir duquel s'élève le dôme 1. Le corps 3 possède un repère 4 de pointage pour l'antenne, par exemple blanc dans l'exemple illustré, situé au centre (Est/Ouest) du corps. Le corps 3 est pourvu d'un système de fixation 5 sur une antenne 6. Dans l'exemple illustré, le système de fixation 5 est formé par une patte articulée sur le corps selon un axe 8 permettant de toujours positionner le compas horizontalement. Par exemple, la patte 5 peut comporter un moyen adhésif ou autocollant. De préférence, et tel que cela ressort plus précisément de la Fig. 2, le pointeur 7 est collé sur la bride de fixation de la tête électronique 9 (LNB) de l'antenne parabolique 6, au moyen de la patte 5.Preferably, the dome in translucent material is provided with a mark 2, for example white, used for pointing the antenna more particularly during the implementation of a calibration or an adjustment related to the geographical location of installation. This mark 2 must be aligned (by turning the antenna to the left or to the right) with the name of the targeted satellite. In Fig. 1, mark 2 is aligned with the South, and the antenna therefore points to the South. If the mark 2 is aligned with the Telecom inscription, the antenna 6 points to the Telecom satellite. The pointer has a body 3 from which rises the dome 1. The body 3 has a pointing mark 4 for the antenna, for example white in the example illustrated, located in the center (East / West) of the body. The body 3 is provided with a system of attachment 5 on an antenna 6. In the example illustrated, the attachment system 5 is formed by a lug articulated on the body along an axis 8 making it possible to always position the compass horizontally. For example, the tab 5 may include an adhesive or self-adhesive means. Preferably, and as more specifically shown in FIG. 2, the pointer 7 is glued to the fixing flange of the electronic head 9 (LNB) of the parabolic antenna 6, by means of the tab 5.
Tel que cela ressort de l'exemple illustré à la Fig. 4, mettant en œuvre aucune compensation géographique, le repère 2 du dôme en matière plastique est aligné avec le repère 4 du corps du pointeur. Le pointage de l'antenne sur un satellite est obtenu par la simple rotation de l'antenne en azimut de manière à amener le nom du satellite porté par le cadran en alignement avec le repère 2 du dôme en matière plastique, c'est-à-dire dans l'exemple considéré, avec le repère 4 de pointage porté par le corps 3. Dans l'exemple illustré aux Fig. 3 et 4, le réglage est réalisé sur le satellite Télécom. Selon une variante préférée de réalisation, le dôme en matière plastique peut tourner ou pivoter sur 360° par rapport au corps 3 du pointeur, ce qui permet de réaliser un étalonnage du pointeur comme expliqué précédemment selon la position géographique de l'installateur (Portugal, Grèce, etc.). Selon cette variante, de part et d'autre du repère 4 porté par le corps 3, sont positionnés des indicateurs ou repères (non visibles sur la Fig. 1) tous les cinq degrés par exemple, aussi bien à l'Est qu'à l'Ouest. Leur rôle est de permettre un étalonnage précis du pointeur en alignant le repère 2 sur l'indicateur correspondant au décalage géographique de l'installateur. L'antenne est tournée à gauche ou à droite de manière que le repère 2 vienne à être aligné avec le nom du satellite visé. Pour régler une antenne satellite 6, il est fortement conseillé de se tenir derrière celle-ci afin de pouvoir la faire pivoter en azimut (gauche/droite) facilement. C'est pour cette raison qu'il est préférable que le compas du pointeur soit inversé de 180° par rapport à la normale, afin que l'installateur puisse en se tenant derrière l'antenne, lire directement sur le cadran du compas ou de la boussole la direction visée lors du pointage. Sans cela, il faudrait faire le tour de l'antenne pour savoir ce qu'indique le compas ou la boussole. Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention illustrée plus particulièrement à la Fig. 3, le pointeur utilisant un compas comporte une bulle de niveau 10 visible à travers le dôme transparent qui est pourvu d'un repère 11, par exemple blanc. Ce repère 11 doit être aligné avec la bulle de niveau dans les deux axes afin de garantir que la fixation de l'antenne est de niveau et afin de faciliter le réglage horizontal du pointeur.As can be seen from the example illustrated in FIG. 4, implementing no geographic compensation, the mark 2 of the plastic dome is aligned with the mark 4 of the body of the pointer. The pointing of the antenna on a satellite is obtained by the simple rotation of the antenna in azimuth so as to bring the name of the satellite carried by the dial in alignment with the mark 2 of the plastic dome, that is to say say in the example considered, with the marking mark 4 carried by the body 3. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the setting is made on the Telecom satellite. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic dome can rotate or pivot 360 ° relative to the body 3 of the pointer, which makes it possible to carry out a calibration of the pointer as explained above according to the geographic position of the installer (Portugal, Greece, etc.). According to this variant, on either side of the mark 4 carried by the body 3, indicators or markers (not visible in Fig. 1) are positioned every five degrees for example, both in the East and in the East. West. Their role is to allow a precise calibration of the pointer by aligning the reference 2 on the indicator corresponding to the geographic offset of the installer. The antenna is turned to the left or right so that the mark 2 comes to be aligned with the name of the targeted satellite. To adjust a satellite antenna 6, it is strongly advised to stand behind it so that you can rotate it in azimuth (left / right) easily. It is for this reason that it is preferable that the pointer compass is inverted by 180 ° compared to normal, so that the installer can, standing behind the antenna, read directly on the dial of the compass or the compass the direction aimed at when pointing. Otherwise, you would have to go around the antenna to find out what the compass or compass indicates. According to another characteristic of the invention illustrated more particularly in FIG. 3, the pointer using a compass comprises a level bubble 10 visible through the transparent dome which is provided with a mark 11, for example white. This reference 11 must be aligned with the level bubble in the two axes in order to guarantee that the fixing of the antenna is level and in order to facilitate the horizontal adjustment of the pointer.
L'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples décrits et représentés car diverses modifications peuvent y être apportées sans sortir de son cadre. The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 - Dispositif pour faciliter le pointage d'une antenne (6) permettant de capter les signaux émis par un ou plusieurs satellites, ce dispositif comportant une boussole ou un compas dont le corps (3) est pourvu d'un système de fixation (5) sur l'antenne, caractérisé en ce que la boussole ou le compas comporte un cadran sur lequel ont été reportés le Sud magnétique et le nom des satellites à leur position géographique et en ce que le corps (3) comporte un repère (4) pour le pointage de l'antenne par sa simple rotation en azimut.1 - Device to facilitate the pointing of an antenna (6) making it possible to receive the signals transmitted by one or more satellites, this device comprising a compass or a compass whose body (3) is provided with a fixing system (5 ) on the antenna, characterized in that the compass or the compass comprises a dial on which the magnetic South and the names of the satellites have been transferred to their geographical position and in that the body (3) comprises a reference (4) for pointing the antenna by its simple rotation in azimuth.
2 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que la boussole comporte un cadran réalisé par le corps (3) ou un anneau ou une bague.2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the compass comprises a dial produced by the body (3) or a ring or a ring.
3 - Dispositif selon la revendiction 1 , caractérisé en ce que le compas comporte un cadran réalisé par un dôme.3 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the compass comprises a dial produced by a dome.
4 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un repère pouvant tourner par rapport au corps (3) sur une plage de 360° pour compenser la déviation géographique d'un satellite par rapport au Sud magnétique en fonction de la position géographique de l'installateur.4 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes a mark which can rotate relative to the body (3) over a range of 360 ° to compensate for the geographical deviation of a satellite relative to the South magnetic depending on the geographic position of the installer.
5 - Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un dôme translucide muni à son sommet d'un repère (11) permettant de se servir d'une bulle de niveau (10) pour vérifier l'horizontalité du compas. 6 - Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le dôme translucide est muni d'un repère (2) et peut tourner par rapport au corps (3).5 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a translucent dome provided at its top with a mark (11) for using a level bubble (10) to check the horizontality of the compass. 6 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the translucent dome is provided with a mark (2) and can rotate relative to the body (3).
7 - Dispositif selon les revendications 1 et 6, caractérisé en ce que le repère (4) pour le pointage de l'antenne comporte de part et d'autre, en direction Est et Ouest, des repères distants par exemple tous les 5° afin d'aligner le repère (2) du dôme translucide sur un desdits repères correspondant au décalage géographique de l'installateur.7 - Device according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the mark (4) for pointing the antenna comprises on either side, in the east and west direction, distant marks for example every 5 ° so align the mark (2) of the translucent dome with one of said marks corresponding to the geographic offset of the installer.
8 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une patte de fixation (5) articulée sur le corps permettant de compenser l'élévation de l'antenne en assurant le positionnement horizontal du dôme. 9 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que la boussole ou le compas est inversé de 180° par rapport à la direction normale de manière qu'en position montée sur la tête électronique de l'antenne, la direction visée lors du pointage puisse être lue directement sur le cadran. 8 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fixing lug (5) articulated on the body to compensate for the elevation of the antenna by ensuring the horizontal positioning of the dome. 9 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the compass or the compass is inverted by 180 ° relative to the normal direction so that position mounted on the electronic head of the antenna, the direction aimed at during pointing can be read directly on the dial.
EP03755170A 2002-05-21 2003-05-20 Device for pointing an antenna Withdrawn EP1506593A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0206145 2002-05-21
FR0206145A FR2840114B1 (en) 2002-05-21 2002-05-21 DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE DRAWING OF A PARABOLIC ANTENNA OR ANY TYPE OF ANTENNA OR RECEIVER FOR CAPTURING THE RADIO AND / OR TELEVISION SIGNALS ISSUED BY ONE OR MORE SATELLITES
PCT/FR2003/001510 WO2003100905A1 (en) 2002-05-21 2003-05-20 Device for pointing an antenna

Publications (1)

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EP1506593A1 true EP1506593A1 (en) 2005-02-16

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US (1) US20050241165A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1506593A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003258766A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2486063A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2840114B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003100905A1 (en)

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FR2926928B1 (en) * 2008-01-25 2010-03-12 D M S Electronics DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE ANGULAR POSITION OF A MOBILE ANTENNA IN RELATION TO A COMMUNICATION SATELLITE
US7802370B2 (en) * 2008-10-15 2010-09-28 Andrew Llc Antenna feed angular alignment tool
GB2565281A (en) * 2017-08-01 2019-02-13 External Reality Ltd A transportable communications module

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JPS60206302A (en) * 1984-03-30 1985-10-17 Toshiba Corp Antenna system
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See references of WO03100905A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2840114A1 (en) 2003-11-28
FR2840114B1 (en) 2006-07-28
AU2003258766A1 (en) 2003-12-12
CA2486063A1 (en) 2003-12-04
US20050241165A1 (en) 2005-11-03
WO2003100905A1 (en) 2003-12-04

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