Abstract: An antenna mast support kit comprising: a generally L-shaped structure having: a tubular leg portion; and an elongate foot portion fixedly attached to the tubular leg portion; a tubular connector member; attachment components useable to releasably secure the tubular connector member to a stationary object; and an anchor plate removably attachable to the tubular connector member, the anchor plate being positionable under a vehicle tire to stably hold the anchor plate against a base surface; the antenna mast support kit comprising a plurality of operating configurations in which an antenna mast is supported within the tubular leg portion comprising: a first operating configuration wherein the tubular connector member is removably attached to the anchor plate and has the elongate foot portion inserted therein and removably attached thereto.

Abstract: A voice control system for recreational vehicles controls safe operation of deployable components of the RV, such as an antenna, awning or room extension. A voice recognition system is employed to interpret voice commands and control operation of the deployable components in response. A voice control system monitors the status of the RV and its components to detect unsafe conditions relating to operation of the deployable components. If an unsafe condition is detected, the safety supervisor of the voice control system triggers a warning or activates a predetermined interlock to prevent unsafe operation of the RV and its deployable components. In addition, the safety supervisor can halt operation of the deployable components in response to a predetermined “cancel” voice command.

Abstract: A signal level meter for use in installing an antenna that includes a wireless interface for communications with a portable electronic device hosting applications software to provide a remote user interface. The signal level meter is typically installed between the antenna and TV/STB. A tuner-demodulator demodulates the antenna signal, allows adjustable gain, and generates a signal level output. A wireless interface provides two-way communication (e.g., Bluetooth) between the signal level meter and the portable electronic device (e.g., smart phone) running applications software (or “app”). The app enables the user to remotely view information from the signal level meter regarding signal strength and signal source identification via a graphical user interface. This user interface also enables the user to remotely control operation of the signal level meter, including signal source selection (e.g., channel selection), amplifier gain and filter selection.

Abstract: An automated mobile antenna system has a motion sensor to detect whether it is moving or stationary. An omnidirectional antenna is used for communications while the system is moving, and a directional antenna may be used while the system is stationary. The output power of the transceiver can also be adjusted based on the selected antenna.

Abstract: An antenna mounting system has a base assembly secured to a pipe mount, and a rotating assembly that supports the antenna and allows azimuth rotation. The base assembly includes a tubular insert extending downward into the pipe and a conical bearing surface. The rotating assembly has a tapered insert that slides into the tubular insert of the base assembly, and a conical bearing surface that is complementary to the conical bearing surface of the base assembly. The bottom of the tapered insert of the rotating assembly is rotatably secured to the bottom of the tubular insert of the base assembly by means of a fastener that permits azimuth rotation of the rotating assembly and antenna with respect to the base assembly. However, this configuration prevents axial (i.e., vertical) movement and movement in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A stackable antenna enclosure is generally dome-shaped with a top and a side wall tapering inward from its base. An antenna and associated electronic components are mounted on the interior top surface of the enclosure. A series of enclosures can be stacked together for storage or shipment, but the side wall of the enclosure includes a number of stops that limit how far the enclosure can be inserted into the interior cavity of an adjacent enclosure to prevent the antenna and related electronic components from coming into contact with the top of the adjacent enclosure. For example, the stops can be a series of vertical ribs extending radially outward from the side wall of the enclosure. The upper ends of these ribs will abut the base of an adjacent enclosure when stacked and prevent contact against the antenna and related electronic components.

Abstract: An antenna mount (1) for a satellite dish (13) or other antenna having a plurality of legs (3,5,7). At least one leg (3) has a multi-directional foot assembly (11) adjustably securable to a support structure and a domed portion (21) with a slot (27) through it extending along an arcuate path that receives an attaching member (31). The domed portion is preferably surrounded by a portion (25) securable to the support structure. The one leg is then adjustably securable at one end to the attaching member and to the raised portion. The one leg is then securable at another end to a second leg or mast (7). With at least a section (7?) of the second leg or mast preferably aligned vertically, the respective legs can be secured in place to the support structure and to each other with the antenna then attached to the upstanding, vertical mast section (7?).

Abstract: A portable antenna system has a dish antenna mounted to an antenna support platform and enclosed within a radome. The elevation and azimuth of the antenna can be adjustably directed over a range of angles with respect to the antenna support platform by a controller with electric motors. The antenna support platform is hinged at its periphery to a base. The hinge allows the antenna support platform and antenna to pivot upward with respect to the base between a stowed state in which the antenna support platform rests against the base, and a desired angle of elevation in a raised state. A prop extending between the base and antenna support platform holds the antenna support platform at the design elevation angle in the raised state. Optionally, this prop can allow an adjustable elevation angle.

Abstract: A stackable antenna enclosure is generally dome-shaped with a top and a side wall tapering inward from its base. An antenna and associated electronic components are mounted on the interior top surface of the enclosure. A series of enclosures can be stacked together for storage or shipment, but the side wall of the enclosure includes a number of stops that limit how far the enclosure can be inserted into the interior cavity of an adjacent enclosure to prevent the antenna and related electronic components from coming into contact with the top of the adjacent enclosure. For example, the stops can be a series of vertical ribs extending radially outward from the side wall of the enclosure. The upper ends of these ribs will abut the base of an adjacent enclosure when stacked and prevent contact against the antenna and related electronic components.

Abstract: A portable antenna system has a dish antenna mounted to an antenna support platform and enclosed within a radome. The elevation and azimuth of the antenna can be adjustably directed over a range of angles with respect to the antenna support platform by a controller with electric motors. The antenna support platform is hinged at its periphery to a base. The hinge allows the antenna support platform and antenna to pivot upward with respect to the base between a stowed state in which the antenna support platform rests against the base, and a desired angle of elevation in a raised state. A prop extending between the base and antenna support platform holds the antenna support platform at the design elevation angle in the raised state. Optionally, this prop can allow an adjustable elevation angle.

Abstract: An antenna positioning system has a spindle with a bearing surface extending upward from a base. An azimuth gear is centered on the base around the spindle. An antenna support rotatably supports the antenna to allow elevational rotation of the antenna. The antenna support also has a recess with a shape complementary to the bearing surface of the spindle so that the antenna support is rotatably supported on the spindle to allow azimuth rotation of the antenna. The bearing surface and recess can be substantially conical in shape. An azimuth motor on the antenna support engages the azimuth gear to control azimuth rotation of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna mount (1) for a satellite dish (13) or other antenna having a plurality of legs (3,5,7). At least one leg (3) has a multi-directional foot assembly (11) adjustably securable to a support structure and a domed portion (21) with a slot (27) through it extending along an arcuate path that receives an attaching member (31). The domed portion is preferably surrounded by a portion (25) securable to the support structure. The one leg is then adjustably securable at one end to the attaching member and to the raised portion. The one leg is then securable at another end to a second leg or mast (7). With at least a section (7?) of the second leg or mast preferably aligned vertically, the respective legs can be secured in place to the support structure and to each other with the antenna then attached to the upstanding, vertical mast section (7?).

Abstract: A corrugated feed horn for antenna has an oval pattern of corrugations, and a series of intermediate ridges spaced between adjacent corrugation ridges only in the regions of the slots near its major axis. The intermediate ridges provide a feed horn that is capable of producing a relatively uniform oval beam, and has enough corrugations per wavelength to guarantee little diffraction on the edges of the horn, thus resulting in an antenna with very low side lobes.

Abstract: A mobile antenna system has a dome with an internal space for enclosing an antenna, and tabs spaced around and extending outward from the circular edge of the dome. A base supports the antenna and includes a side wall extending upward to define a circular edge abutting the edge of the dome. Tabs are spaced around and extend outward from the circular edge of the base in vertical alignment to contact the tabs of the dome. The dome and base are removably secured together by a locking ring having an inner diameter large enough to fit over the edges of the dome and base. This ring has a set of L-shaped slots, each having a vertical slot segment with a width to receive the aligned tabs, and a horizontal slot segment continuing from the vertical slot segment.

Abstract: An antenna positioning system has a spindle with a bearing surface extending upward from a base. An azimuth gear is centered on the base around the spindle. An antenna support rotatably supports the antenna to allow elevational rotation of the antenna. The antenna support also has a recess with a shape complementary to the bearing surface of the spindle so that the antenna support is rotatably supported on the spindle to allow azimuth rotation of the antenna. The bearing surface and recess can be substantially conical in shape. An azimuth motor on the antenna support engages the azimuth gear to control azimuth rotation of the antenna.

Abstract: A corrugated feed horn for antenna has an oval pattern of corrugations, and a series of intermediate ridges spaced between adjacent corrugation ridges only in the regions of the slots near its major axis. The intermediate ridges provide a feed horn that is capable of producing a relatively uniform oval beam, and has enough corrugations per wavelength to guarantee little diffraction on the edges of the horn, thus resulting in an antenna with very low side lobes.

Abstract: An antenna positioning system includes an outdoor unit with a rotating antenna driven by a motor, and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via a communications link, such as a cable or a wireless link, that enables the indoor unit to control the outdoor unit. On startup, the processor of the indoor unit directs the antenna to search for available signals. The resulting signal information is stored and displayed on a user interface on the indoor unit. The user can then select a desired signal and the processor of the indoor unit will automatically rotate the antenna to the appropriate angular position. Both the search procedure and repositioning of the antenna rely on accurate calibration of the antenna's angular velocity to determine the antenna's angular position, rather than relying on a position sensor.

Abstract: An antenna has a waveguide horn extending from a main reflector. A dielectric tube extends from the distal end of the waveguide horn to support a sub-reflector in the focal region of the main reflector. An insert is placed into the dielectric tube to seat against the distal end of the dielectric tube. A fastener secures the insert to the sub-reflector, thereby securing the sub-reflector to the distal end of the dielectric tube. The surface of the insert serves as a continuation of the sub-reflector. The dielectric tube can be equipped with an inwardly-extending collar about its distal end to engage the insert.

Abstract: An antenna mounting system for use with recreational vehicles and boats as well as stationary objects. The system includes a pedestal securable to the recreational vehicle and an antenna head containing an antenna element and securable to the pedestal. The pedestal has an upstanding male portion slidably receivable in a mating, female portion of the antenna head. In assembling the system, the male and female portions are first axially aligned and then moved axially toward each other to a predetermined, operating position where they are snapped together in a locking engagement. Anti-rotation structure including one or more pairs of mating, channels and protuberance is also provided to prevent the pedestal and antenna head from being rotated relative to each other about their aligned axes (and the coaxial cable running through them from being twisted) as they are moved together to the predetermined and locked, operating position.