GB2283367A - Antenna for satellite signals - Google Patents
Antenna for satellite signals Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2283367A GB2283367A GB9321229A GB9321229A GB2283367A GB 2283367 A GB2283367 A GB 2283367A GB 9321229 A GB9321229 A GB 9321229A GB 9321229 A GB9321229 A GB 9321229A GB 2283367 A GB2283367 A GB 2283367A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- satellite signal
- reflector
- receiving system
- transmission means
- signal receiving
- 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- Withdrawn
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
- H01Q3/12—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 relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems
- H01Q3/16—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 relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems for varying relative position of primary active element and a reflecting device
- H01Q3/18—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 relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems for varying relative position of primary active element and a reflecting device wherein the primary active element is movable and the reflecting device is fixed
Landscapes
- Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
- Radio Relay Systems (AREA)
Abstract
An antenna for a satellite system is adapted to receive a plurality of satellite signals and comprises a reflector 1 and a satellite signal transmission mean 3, such as a feedhorn, positioned so as to receive incoming satellite signals. The satellite signal transmission means is adapted to move with respect to the surface of said reflector so as to be positionable at a plurality of focal points whereby it is able to receive incoming satellite signals emanating from different directions. The movement of the transmission means may be motorised and the reflector may have a multi-faceted surface. <IMAGE>
Description
IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SATELLITE SYSTEMS
The invention relates to a satellite signal receiving system for use particularly, but not exclusively, with satellite systems mounted on the exterior of commercial and domestic dwellings.
Since the introduction of satellite signal communication satellites have been used as a means for transmitting information and communications to both the domestic and commercial user. Commensurate with this has been the provision of satellite signal receiving systems which, in many instances, are mounted on the exterior of a building where at least one individual is authorized to receive satellite signals.
Existing satellite signal receiving systems will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 which represent examples of the prior art.
Figure 1 represents a diagrammatic view of a conventional satellite signal receiving system. The receiving system, essentially, comprises a reflector dish or antenna which is mounted, using conventional mounting means, to the exterior wall of a building. The satellite signal transmission means, more conventionally known as a feed thorn polarizer and low-noise block is positioned, with respect to the reflector or antenna, at a pre-determined focal point such that satellite signals emanating from a distant satellite are made to converge at said focal point after interaction with said reflector or antenna. The satellite signals are then transmitted, via cabling, to an appropriate station such as, for example, a television station or a computer terminal depending upon the nature of the satellite transmission.
Figure 2 shows in greater detail the relationship between the shape of the reflector and the positioning of the transmission means. The angle of elevation of the reflector is calculated so as to focus incoming satellite waves at a pre-determined focal point, at which focal point, a satellite signal transmission means is located. The effective diameter of the reflector is shown along with the major and minor axes with respect to the focal point. Skilled operators are recruited to mount satellite receiving systems to as to ensure that the system operates efficiently.
However, with the increasing number of available satellite stations, and the increasing number of independently recognized satellite providers, it is often the case that a receiver of satellite signals needs to receive more than one satellite signal transmission. It follows that, since each signal is characterized by, amongst other things, its direction of travel then either such a receiver must buy or hire a number of satellite signal receiving systems or be provided with more than one satellite signal transmission means. In the latter instance, each satellite signal transmission means must be located at a pre-determined focal point so as to receive a correspondingly pre-determined satellite signal. A further alternative that exists is to provide a receiver with a movable reflector or antenna such that the reflector or antenna can be moved so as to capture satellite signals emanating from different directions.
This latter arrangement is illustrated in Figure 3 which involves moving the entire system. This means moving the reflector and the satellite signal transmission means and its supporting brackets. Movement is provided by using a polar mount fitted to the back of the reflector. This is combined with a motor or a jack actuator. A jack actuator is shown in more detail in
Figure 4. Such an actuator is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described herein in great detail. Suffice to say that, in either case, activation of the motor or the actuator moves the reflector through an arc.
(The arc setting on the polar mount is achieved by a declination and elevation adjustment with a nut and bolt arrangement.) In this way, the angle of elevation of the reflector can be adjusted so as to accommodate different satellite signals. Unfortunately, this is a very expensive system, indeed costs can be increased from anything up to 3-20 times the cost of a signal satellite receiving system. Further, installation is a specialized procedure requiring detailed knowledge of the equipment and instruments.
Often, where an individual is converting from a single receiving system to a multi-receiving system, the existing equipment has to be completely dismantled and then re-assembled with the correct fittings and wiring.
This conversion is not always possible with existing reflector systems.
Further, restrictions on available space may limit the feasibility of a multireceiving system. It is also known that the requirements of local authorities prohibit the installation of such systems.
An alternative arrangement which allows the reception of a multiplicity of satellite signals involves the provision of a number of satellite signal transmission means. (This is illustrated in Figure 5.) Thus a plurality of such means are selectively positioned in front of a reflector in line with a corresponding number of pre-determined focal points so as to receive a multiplicity of satellite signals. Associated brackets or mounting means are provided to allow a number of transmission means to look at the reflector at different angles. This arrangement involves the provision of multiple cable feeds from the separate transmission means to a receiver and also the provision of a switch box of either mechanical or electronic mode.
Unfortunately, this method is also expensive because of the cost associated with the provision of a number of transmission means, extra cabling and associated switch boxes. Further, the geometry of the transmission means that adjacent transmission means cannot be placed in an off-set position closer than 3 , this means it is impossible to receive closely arranged satellite signals using this method. Further, it has been found that the method is hazardous insofar as it is typically unstable to mount a number of transmission means in association with a single reflector. Weight and wind resistance are important considerations and typically prove problematical.
A further alternative way of providing a multi-receiving system is to use a multiple reflector face with a plurality of fixed transmission means. The transmission means are usually mounted at pre-determined focal points of said multiple reflector face so as to receive different signals emanating from the reflector face. However, such reflectors have proven to be large and obtrusive and also virtually impossible to provide for a variety of longitude/latitude positions, this is mainly because of the variety of off-set positions required for the individual off-set associated transmission means.
A further disadvantage of this arrangement is that a multi-facet reflector is pre-set when manufactured and cannot be subsequently altered without it violating national planning regulations.
Finally, Figure 6 shows in greater detail a perspective view of a satellite signal transmission means. It comprises a feed thorn surrounded by scalar rings.
It follows from the above that there is therefore a need to provide a satellite signal receiving system which is adapted to receive a multiplicity of satellite signals in a way which is both relatively inexpensive and efficient when in operation.
According to the invention there is therefore provided a satellite signal receiving system comprising a reflector for mounting in a pre-determined position so as to direct incoming satellite signals to a pre-determined focal point, whereat there is provided a satellite signal transmission means for transmitting said satellite signals to an appropriate station characterized in that; said satellite signal transmission means is movable whereby it can be selectively positioned at variable locations with respect to said reflector so as to receive a plurality of said satellite signals.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the satellite signal transmission means transmits the signals to any appropriate station such as a television monitor or a computer terminal. Further, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the satellite signal transmission means is adapted to be selectively positioned at a multiplicity of focal points, each focal point representing a pre-determined point of convergence of a correspondingly pre-determined satellite signals.
Adaption of the system in accordance with the invention thus provides for a single reflector operating in association with a single satellite signal transmission means to receive a plurality of incoming satellite signals.
Thus a system is adapted in an inexpensive and efficient way to transmit any one of a pre-determined number of incoming satellite signals.
A system in accordance with the invention requires only a single satellite signal transmission means; can operate with any number of different types of reflector or antennae; allows the reception of closely arranged satellite signals by enabling relatively small adjustments of the position of the transmission means (in the order of 1" or a fraction of 1"); such a system is not restricted by planning regulations; such a system is easy to fit requiring no specialist knowledge over and above that which is currently available; and finally the system is not hampered by problematic considerations relating to weight and wind resistance, cabling or switch boxes.
The means by which the satellite signal transmission means is moved across the surface of the reflector may be varied in accordance with conventional technology. For example, the satellite signal transmission means may move across the front of the reflector using a hydraulic ram means which may be air or liquid powered. Alternatively, a jack actuator threaded rod system may be used. Alternatively yet again, a rack and pinion rail system operated by a motor may be used. Alternatively, a rubber roller may be used in association with a motor. Alternatively, a winch line system may be used. Alternatively, a belt or pulley or chain or sprocket system may be used.
It will be apparent from the above that the method or means for moving the satellite signal transmission means across the face of the reflector is not material, rather it is the realization that simply moving the satellite signal transmission means across the face of the reflector overcomes the hitherto existing technical problems by way of an elegant solution.
It is envisaged that any user of satellite signal receiving systems would find use for the invention and therefore it could be applied to domestic satellite installations, commercial installations where space is restricted and installations where planning regulations prohibited the installation of prior art systems.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein:
Figure 7 represents a diagrammatic perspective view of a systems in accordance with the invention;
Figure 8 represents a side elevation view of a system in accordance with the invention;
Figure 9 represents a side elevation view of part of the satellite signal transmission means in accordance with the invention; and
Figure 10 represents a diagrammatic view of a satellite signal transmission means in accordance with the invention.
Referring to the Figures and firstly to Figure 7, there is shown a satellite signal receiving system which is adapted to receive a multiplicity of satellite signals. The system comprises a conventional reflector 1 whose inner or functional surface may or may not be multi-faceted according to a user's requirements. Reflector 1 is mounted, using conventional mounting means (not shown), on a first end A of antenna arm 2.
Towards a second end B of arm 2 there is provided a satellite signal transmission means 3 in accordance with the invention. This transmission means 3 typically, but not exclusively, comprises a feed thorn and polarizer and associated low-noise block. Transmission means is mounted for movement along an axis C defined by carriage support rod 4.
Referring now to Figure 8, transmission 3 is shown in greater detail.
Reflector 1 is indicated by a dotted line and, in use, occupies a position in front of transmission means 3 such that the functional face of reflector 1 is directly opposite transmission means 3. The positioning of transmission means 3 with respect to reflector 1 is determined prior to, and sometimes during, installation of the apparatus as previously mentioned with reference to Figure 2. Transmission 3 is thus positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the functional face of reflector 1.
Figure 9 shows the transmission means in greater detail and it can be seen that transmission means 3 includes a plurality of wheels 5 adapted to engage with rails 6 provided on support rod 4. An actuator means such .s a rod or cable is provided to push and pull transmission 3 along rails 6.
Motor 7 is thus provided to assist in this purpose. It will be apparent from the above that transmission means 3 can travel across the surface of reflector 1 along the axis C defined by support rod 4 so as to vary its position with respect to reflector 1 and thus alter its ability to receive incoming satellite signals.
This system is described in greater detail with reference to Figure 10 where it can be seen that a housing 1 accommodates the circuitry to move transmission 3.
Limiting means 2x are provided to control the extent to which transmission 3 can move along support rod 4. These limiting means typically, but not exclusively, comprise magnetic glass reed switches. Support rod 4 is typically a stainless steel formed rail 11 and in the example shown in
Figure 10 transmission 3 is moved along support rod 4 via a pulley system including a pulley wheel 14 for the transmission 3 carrier line; and a mounting axle 15 for the brass pulley wheei.
Circuitry within housing 1 comprises diodes 4x, a reversible polarity/multi voltage DC motor 5x, a relay 6x, wire connect block 7, a magnetic read switch/counter display driver 8x, a magnet to drive counter display read switch 9x, and a multi ratio gear box/delryn gears 10x.
In the example illustrated above, transmission 3 is capable of movement along a single axis C defined by support rod 4. It is not intended that the movement of transmission 3 should necessarily be so restricted. Rather, the invention includes movement of transmission 3 along any predetermined axis in any of two or three dimensions. Thus it will be apparent that the provision of a number of interconnecting support rods 4 or the provision of a more elaborate support system which enables movement of the transmission in any given direction both two dimensional and three dimensional is encompassed within the scope of the invention.
The above simplified embodiment is provided for the purpose of comprehension only, it is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention. For example, in one alternative embodiment of the invention, the direction and angle of travel of transmission 3 may be governed by the provision of a single support tracing a circuitous path so that transmission 3 can travel in a pre-determined fashion over the surface of reflector 1.
Alternatively, a number of interconnecting manipulating means may be provided such as, for example, but without prejudice to the foregoing, an articulated member may be provided so as to allow for the movement of the transmission means over the surface of the reflector.
In any of the above described or referred to embodiments, the invention enables the movement of a single transmission means over, potentially, the entire surface of the reflector so as to receive any number of satellite signals which impinged upon the surface of the reflector.
Claims (12)
1. A satellite signal receiving system comprising a reflector for mounting in a
predetermined position so as to direct incoming satellite signals to a predetermined
focal point, whereat there is provided a satellite signal transmission means for
transmitting said satellite signals to an appropriate station characterised in that; said satellite signal transmission means < is movable whereby it can be selectively positioned at any location in space with respect to said reflector so as to receive a plurality of
said satellite signals.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said transmission means is movable in
a substantially linear manner.
3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said trans$ion means is movable in
a substantially circuitous manner.
4. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein said reflector is provided with h a multi-faceted functional surface.
5. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein
said transmussion means is adapted for movement on a track or grid assetnbly.
6. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein
said transmission mcans is adapted for forward and reverse movement.
7. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein
said transmission means is pivotally mounted on a movable arm member.
8. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein
said transmission means is mounted for movement on an articulated member.
9. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein
a motor is provided for movement of said transmission means.
10. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein remote control means are provided for selectively manipulating the position of said transmission means with respect to said reflector.
11. A satellite signal receiving system according to any preceding claim wherein said reflector is adapted to be adjusted.
12. A satellite signal receiving system according to claim 9 wherein remote control means are provided so that remote adjustment of said reflector is enabled.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9321229A GB2283367A (en) | 1993-10-14 | 1993-10-14 | Antenna for satellite signals |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9321229A GB2283367A (en) | 1993-10-14 | 1993-10-14 | Antenna for satellite signals |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9321229D0 GB9321229D0 (en) | 1993-12-01 |
| GB2283367A true GB2283367A (en) | 1995-05-03 |
Family
ID=10743556
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9321229A Withdrawn GB2283367A (en) | 1993-10-14 | 1993-10-14 | Antenna for satellite signals |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2283367A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0978898A1 (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-02-09 | Agence Spatiale Europeenne | Scanning offset reflector antenna with movable feed, in particular for the reception of multiple TV satellites, and operating method therefor |
| FR2787926A1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2000-06-30 | Cahors App Elec | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR POINTING AND POSITIONING A MULTISATELLITE ANTENNA |
| GB2553302A (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-03-07 | Avanti Communications Group Plc | Satellite equipment |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112212739B (en) * | 2020-09-22 | 2022-12-27 | 彩虹无人机科技有限公司 | Rocket projectile launching attitude adjusting device |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2227610A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1990-08-01 | Televes Sa | Dish aerial system |
| GB2231445A (en) * | 1989-04-18 | 1990-11-14 | Anthony Edgar Sale | Aerial system |
| GB2250135A (en) * | 1990-10-30 | 1992-05-27 | Glasnost International Plc | Antenna feed arrangements |
| DE4307675A1 (en) * | 1992-03-14 | 1993-09-16 | Zoran Maksan | Satellite TV receiver for multiple satellites - has fixed dish with feed-horn mounted in such way to allow adjustment to receive signals from one or more nearby satellites. |
| WO1994011919A1 (en) * | 1992-11-19 | 1994-05-26 | Zeta Technology Limited | Improvements in or relating to automatic feed horns |
-
1993
- 1993-10-14 GB GB9321229A patent/GB2283367A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2227610A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1990-08-01 | Televes Sa | Dish aerial system |
| GB2231445A (en) * | 1989-04-18 | 1990-11-14 | Anthony Edgar Sale | Aerial system |
| GB2250135A (en) * | 1990-10-30 | 1992-05-27 | Glasnost International Plc | Antenna feed arrangements |
| DE4307675A1 (en) * | 1992-03-14 | 1993-09-16 | Zoran Maksan | Satellite TV receiver for multiple satellites - has fixed dish with feed-horn mounted in such way to allow adjustment to receive signals from one or more nearby satellites. |
| WO1994011919A1 (en) * | 1992-11-19 | 1994-05-26 | Zeta Technology Limited | Improvements in or relating to automatic feed horns |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0978898A1 (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-02-09 | Agence Spatiale Europeenne | Scanning offset reflector antenna with movable feed, in particular for the reception of multiple TV satellites, and operating method therefor |
| FR2782193A1 (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-02-11 | Agence Spatiale Europeenne | RECEPTION ANTENNA WITH EXCENTRE REFLECTOR SCANNED BY THE RECEPTION HEAD, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE RECEPTION OF SEVERAL TELEVISION SATELLITES AND ITS PROCESS FOR IMPLEMENTATION |
| FR2787926A1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2000-06-30 | Cahors App Elec | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR POINTING AND POSITIONING A MULTISATELLITE ANTENNA |
| WO2000039885A1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2000-07-06 | Manufacture D'appareillage Electrique De Cahors | Method and device for pointing and positioning a multisatellite antenna |
| GB2553302A (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-03-07 | Avanti Communications Group Plc | Satellite equipment |
| WO2018041832A1 (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-03-08 | Avanti Communications Group Plc | Satellite equipment |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9321229D0 (en) | 1993-12-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732E | Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977) | ||
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |