GB1319214A - Trajectograph for manual control of receiving aerials in stations at high latitudes - Google Patents

Abstract

1319214 Aerials SOC LANNIONNAISE D'ELECTRONIQUE 27 Jan 1972 [27 Jan 1971] 3832/72 Heading H4A It is stated that the instrument described in Specification 1,233,506 can be improved for a satellite manual tracking station in higher latitudes than 40 degrees by utilizing a calibrated arrangement for turning a plate carrying the "mean projection" curve graduated in time units about its axis to positions characterizing predetermined latitudes, a manually operable pointer movable along the graduated curve and a system for controlling the azimuthal orientation of the station's aerial in accordance with the position of the pointer. A plate 3, carrying a curve 14 graduated in minutes and representing the mean projection of a first satellite orbit, is fixed to a pulley 6 connected to a graduated pulley 7 by a belt 9; and a plate 4, pivotable about common axis 5, carries a curve 16 corresponding to a second satellite orbit, and is connected to a graduated pulley 11 via pulley 10 and belt 13. In use, for e.g. a satellite passage associated with plate 4, the longitude of the point on the horizon cut by the satellite's path, is read from an almanac together with the time of passage through that point. Knob 12 is rotated until the longitude indication on scale 17 opposite fixed mark 19<SP>1</SP> is that from the almanac, and at the time noted pointer 21 is moved at one minute intervals along the minute graduations of curve 16. Pointer movement is followed automatically by aerial 25.