Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antenna design for installation on small cell base stations. The antenna design corresponds to a conformal antenna design that fits into a traditional sun-shield of an outdoor base station. In another aspect, the antenna design supports multiple bands and multiple technologies. In a further aspect, the antenna design provides a gain pattern that allows installation of the small cells into directional sectors to further enhance the spectral efficiency while providing a single installation location. In still a further aspect, the design permits the form factor of the base station to meet unique and desirable aesthetic principals such as a modern curved surface and an attractive and distinctive height, width and depth ratio.

Abstract: Multi-band antenna arrays and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes vertical surfaces arranged into a tubular configuration, where each of the vertical surfaces comprising antenna arrays is aligned along the vertical surfaces. The antenna elements are arrayed through a feed network in such a way that antenna gain is increased while elevation beam-width is reduced. The device also includes two or more radios connected to the antenna arrays on the vertical surfaces via the feed network.

Abstract: A rotary crane including a vertical axis; an jib that extends from the vertical axis; a drive for rotating the jib about the vertical axis; a condition monitoring which determines wind loading, namely internal force variables, tensions, strains, transverse forces, tilting and torsion torques of the rotary crane; and a computing unit which computes a preferred direction for locking the jib from the wind loading. The invention also relates to a method for orienting the rotary crane. In order to improve the orientation of the jib of a shut down rotary crane it is proposed that the rotary crane includes measuring elements for capturing local measuring local values of the wind loading.

Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to a base station for providing air-to-ground wireless communication over various altitudes. The base station includes a first antenna array comprising one or more antennas configured to form a first cell coverage area extending substantially from a horizon up to a first elevation angle away from the first antenna array to a predetermined distance from the first antenna array. The base station further includes a second antenna array configured at an uptilt elevation angle to form a second cell coverage area extending at least from the first elevation angle to a second elevation away from the second antenna array, wherein the first cell coverage area and the second cell coverage area are concentric to define the ATG cell at least to the predetermined distance and up to a predetermined elevation.

Abstract: A shape-morphing space frame (SMSF) utilizing the linear bistable compliant crank-slider mechanism (LBCCSM). The frame's initial shape is constructed from a single-layer grid of flexures, rigid links and LBCCSMs. The grid is bent into the space frame's initial cylindrical shape, which can morph because of the inclusion of LBCCSMs in its structure. The design parameters include the frame's initial height, its tessellation pattern (including the unit cell bistable elements' placement), its initial diameter, and the resulting desired shape. The method used in placing the unit cell bistable elements considers the principle stress trajectories. Two different examples of shape-morphing space frames are presented herein, each starting from a cylindrical-shell space frame and morphing, one to a hyperbolic-shell space frame and the other to a spherical-shell space frame, both morphing by applying moments, which shear the cylindrical shell, and forces, which change the cylinder's radius using Poisson's effect.

Abstract: An ultra wideband active antenna platform can be deployed globally. A plug-and-play radio unit is removably attached to an outside of the active antenna. The PAPR can be removably plugged into a docking station to provide different technology or frequency bands specific for customers in different regions without the costly replacement of the whole antenna. In addition, the heat-generating sources (power amplifiers) with heavy heatsink structures are separated from the main antenna body, so that the whole active antenna can be installed separately since the installation weight of the antenna would be reduced.

Abstract: A shape-morphing space frame (SMSF) utilizing the linear bistable compliant crank-slider mechanism (LBCCSM). The frame's initial shape is constructed from a single-layer grid of flexures, rigid links and LBCCSMs. The grid is bent into the space frame's initial cylindrical shape, which can morph because of the inclusion of LBCCSMs in its structure. The design parameters include the frame's initial height, its tessellation pattern (including the unit cell bistable elements' placement), its initial diameter, and the resulting desired shape. The method used in placing the unit cell bistable elements considers the principle stress trajectories. Two different examples of shape-morphing space frames are presented herein, each starting from a cylindrical-shell space frame and morphing, one to a hyperbolic-shell space frame and the other to a spherical-shell space frame, both morphing by applying moments, which shear the cylindrical shell, and forces, which change the cylinder's radius using Poisson's effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bolt-on brace attachment for strengthening standard field irrigation towers and tapered sections of field irrigations towers to stabilize a tower. In one aspect of the present invention, an attachment for stabilizing field irrigation towers allows the user to easily assemble the adjustable bolt-on brace in the field wherein three threaded ¾ inch rods span between the each of the three weight bearing poles of the field irrigation system. Each ¾ inch threaded rod is spanned between each pair of weight-bearing poles of a tower attaching at each pole by a galvanized steel two-sided clamp which is double bolted-on to each pole. The adjustable threaded rods may span from 15 inches to 49 inches of each of three tower faces and adjustable double sided steel clamps fit field irrigations tower legs sizes from ? inch to 2½ inches diameter.

Abstract: A canister antenna including a radar transparent housing enclosing an antenna assembly having a plurality of integrated sector antennas. The sector antennas are configured to produce a pseudo-omnidirectional radiation pattern of RF energy about the axis.

Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to a base station for providing air-to-ground wireless communication over various altitudes. The base station includes a first antenna array comprising one or more antennas configured to form a first cell coverage area extending substantially from a horizon up to a first elevation angle away from the first antenna array to a predetermined distance from the first antenna array. The base station further includes a second antenna array configured at an uptilt elevation angle to form a second cell coverage area extending at least from the first elevation angle to a second elevation away from the second antenna array, wherein the first cell coverage area and the second cell coverage area are concentric to define the ATG cell at least to the predetermined distance and up to a predetermined elevation.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided. The system includes a common module, is shaped as a sector of a cylinder and has a power supply. A sector radio module is coupled to the power supply and includes an access radio and an access antenna. The access antenna is configured to serve a sector of not more than 180°, and is also shaped as a sector of a cylinder.

Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to a base station for providing air-to-ground wireless communication over various altitudes. The base station includes a first antenna array comprising one or more antennas configured to form a first cell coverage area extending substantially from a horizon up to a first elevation angle away from the first antenna array to a predetermined distance from the first antenna array. The base station further includes a second antenna array configured at an uptilt elevation angle to form a second cell coverage area extending at least from the first elevation angle to a second elevation away from the second antenna array, wherein the first cell coverage area and the second cell coverage area are concentric to define the ATG cell at least to the predetermined distance and up to a predetermined elevation.

Abstract: A tower with exterior cable support preferably includes a tower structure, a base plate, a middle support structure, a top plate and at least three cables. The tower structure may be a tapered monopole tower, a step mono tower or a lattice tower. The base plate is attached to a base of the tower. The middle support structure is attached to substantially a midway height of the tower. The top plate is secured to substantially a top of the tower. One end of the at least three cables are secured to the base plate, a perimeter of the at least three cables are supported by the middle support structure and the other end of the at least three cables are secured to the top plate. The modular base preferably includes at least four foundation base members, a tower base member, a perimeter wall base and at least four wall members.

Abstract: A portable field antenna platform supports an L-band antenna and communicating via a cable. The platform includes several tubes, a shock cord, and an antenna mount. Each tube has a sleeve and a ferrule inserted therein at a first end of that sleeve. The ferrule of a first tube detachably inserts into a second end of the sleeve of a second adjacent tube. The shock cord passes through each tube to connect all the tubes together by elastic tension. The antenna mount attaches to the antenna and connects a cable to the terminal. The mount includes an antenna connector for connecting the cable to the antenna. The tubes either collapse into a zig-zag bundle in a stow configuration or deploy as a mast.

Abstract: The disclosure describes installing an antenna canister in a portion of a concealed antenna pole at a location that is below a top of the pole while the antenna pole is erect and associated components to facilitate the procedure, as well as multi-piece vertical rods, pole mounting bracket assemblies and retrofit kits.

Abstract: An antenna enclosure is designed to be suspended from a line such as a messenger strand which extends in a first direction between a pair of utility poles, in a similar manner to other aerial strand mounted communication system components. At least one antenna element is mounted in the enclosure. The antenna enclosure in one example is elongated in the first direction and tapers inwardly in a vertical direction between the upper and lower ends of the enclosure. Two spaced connecting brackets mounted on the upper end of the enclosure are configured for connection to spaced positions on a line to suspend the enclosure from the line.

Abstract: A low-profile antenna assembly includes at least two antennas co-located under a cover. At least one of the at least two antennas includes an antenna configured for use with AM/FM radio. And, at least one of the at least two antennas includes an antenna configured for use with at least one or more of SDARS, GPS, cell phones, Wi-Fi, DAB-VHF-III, DAB-L, etc.

Abstract: Maintenance on a high frequency Amateur Radio cubical quad antenna mounted on a tilt over tower typically requires the use of a ladder of scaffold. While tiltover towers are common, when used with a cubical quad antenna the tilting is limited by size of the cubical quad elements. The user must still utilize a ladder, scaffold or other device to reach all points on the antenna. The QuadLock addresses this issue and allows the tower and antenna to be tilted all the way to ground level for maintenance.

Abstract: An antenna configuration is described for high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) radars contained in a single vertical post. The radar may include a vertical dipole or monopole transmitting antenna collocated with a three-element receive antenna. The three antennas including two crossed loops and a vertical element are used in a direction-finding (DF) mode. Isolation between the three antennas produces high quality patterns useful for determining target bearings in DF mode. The single vertical post is sufficiently rigid mechanically that it may be installed along a coast without guy wires.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling installation of antennas in a cost effective and efficient manner. The methods and systems disclosed herein provide a hollow pole and an elevating mechanism, wherein the elevating mechanism can be used to position antenna equipment located in one or more capsules attached to the elevating mechanism. The antenna equipment may be attached to a removable power source located in the capsule or to a non-removable power source located at the base of the hollow pole. Additionally, the antenna equipment may also be attached to communications equipment adapted to communicate with one or more communications networks. In an embodiment disclosed herein, the capsules may be adapted to rotate around a one or more axis in response to received commands and/or in accordance with instructions stored on a memory module attached to the capsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure comprising an enclosed antenna system, and a radome (18), where the structure comprises: a tower (B, C), comprising a main tube (2) fastened on a bottom flange (7) of the tower (B, C), a smaller-diameter tube (5) which hooks within the main tube (2) and further is fastened on an upper flange (8) of the tower (B, C), a nut (6) fastened on the other end of said smaller-diameter tube (5), a rod (3) which screws on within the nut (6), a shaft (4) fastened at the bottom part of the rod (3) and terminating in a nut (1), where the radome (18) is fastened on the upper flange (8) of the tower (B,C), thus making it possible to check the antennas mounted on the main tube (2) by that when screwing the nut (1), the radome (18) is arranged to move upwards, making the bottom of the antenna system accessible.

Abstract: A broadband cage antenna about a mast of a vessel is described, containing a first plurality of wires aligned in a substantially vertical orientation and arranged circumferentially around the mast; a second plurality of wires aligned in a substantially horizontal orientation and placed around the mast, a first wire of the second plurality of wires joining, near a top portion of the mast, all the first plurality of wires, and a second wire of the second plurality of wires joining, near a bottom portion of the mast, all the first plurality of wires; and an antenna feed coupled to the second wire of the second plurality of wires, wherein the first and second plurality of wires are electrically insulated from the mast, to form a broadband antenna having a VSWR response of less than 4 over a designated frequency range.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a hollow antenna tower structure for use in a wireless communications network. The tower comprises tubular tower sections made of concrete, and having a generally hollowed cross section. A movable base station unit, having at least one antenna and at least one micro wave link, is being disposed inside the tubular tower. The whole base station unit is movable up and down inside the tower by the aid of an elevator system. The tower further comprises at least one entrance into the tower and a climbing facility and/or a second elevator system, inside the tower, giving access to the base station unit.

Abstract: A system for mounting a wireless antenna and equipment to a stealth communication tower in coastal areas and inland waterways, camouflaged as a sailboat. The Cellboat is retrofitted to securely and discreetly store wireless transceiver equipment, and an antenna is attached at the top of the mast. Access doors are disposed in the side of the Cellboat to provide access to the equipment for maintenance purposes. The Cellboat is stored at drydock, allowing for access and protection from flooding of the equipment. Alternatively, when the Cellboat is deployed in the water, the access doors will be located on the top deck of the Cellboat.

Abstract: A multi-trunk antenna structure that includes a main trunk and a plurality of upper trunks is provided. The upper trunks extend upwardly at a desired angle from the main trunk and provide a desired girth of the structure near the top. A plurality of antennas are attached to desired upper trunks at a desired height above ground level. The antennas can be adjusted to a desire azimuth. The antenna structure can include branches so that it resembles a Eucalyptus tree, an Oak tree, or other type of tree. The trunks of the structure can provide raceways for antenna cabling.

Abstract: An antenna configuration is described for high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) radars contained in a single vertical post. The radar may include a vertical dipole or monopole transmitting antenna collocated with a three-element receive antenna. The three antennas including two crossed loops and a vertical element are used in a direction-finding (DF) mode. Isolation between the three antennas produces high quality patterns useful for determining target bearings in DF mode. The single vertical post is sufficiently rigid mechanically that it may be installed along a coast without guy wires.

Abstract: An antenna is disclosed to efficiently ionize the atmosphere for the purpose of reducing the aerosol counts, and therefore the number of poluted particles in suspension in the atmosphere, by deposition to ground. The antenna includes peripheral nodes and a central node. Each of the peripheral nodes is connected to adjacent peripheral nodes through peripheral spokes. The peripheral nodes are also connected to the central node through radial spokes. Electric power is applied to the peripheral spokes and the radial spokes causing the antenna to charge the atmosphere through the emission of ions. The antenna minimizes an attenuation factor that reduces ionization efficiency and reduces the land requirements for its installation.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an antenna tower structure (10) comprising an essentially vertical elongated tower body (20) with an internal installation shaft (30) provided therein. The tower is arranged to house a radio base station (40) in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas (50) at the top of the tower body. The tower body is comprised of two or more modular segments (S1, S2 . . . ). There is also provided a modular antenna tower segment (S1, S2 . . . ), a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower, a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower, and a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower.

Abstract: A self-contained cooling system for a phased array antenna includes a cooling structure, a heat exchanger, and a pump for circulating a fluid coolant around a coolant loop. The cooling system receives power from a remote power source. The cooling structure includes a plurality of coolant inlet pipes, a plurality of coolant outlet pipes, and a plurality of cooling platforms. Each of the cooling platforms has a coolant channel that begins at one of the plurality of coolant inlet pipes, terminates at one of the plurality of coolant outlet pipes, and provides a flow path for a fluid coolant. The cooling structure further includes at least one base plate releasably mounted to at least one of the plurality of cooling platforms. One or more antenna elements associated with the phased array antenna are mounted on the base plate releasably mounted to at least one of the plurality of cooling platforms.

Abstract: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

Abstract: An antenna mast system includes an antenna mast and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart upper cable tensioning arms each coupled at one end proximate the top of the mast. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart lower cable tensioning arms are each coupled at one end to the mast at a selected distance below the upper cable tensioning arms. A plurality of stay cables are each coupled at one end to one of the upper cable tensioning arms and at the other end to an anchor affixed to the ground. The stay cables are each coupled to a respective one of the lower tensioning arms. The system includes means for tensioning the stay cables.

Abstract: A pre-engineered, packaged RF transparent barrier for non-penetrating installation on a roof, ground, or other surface can be pre-fabricated in different heights and or widths such that customizable barriers can be implemented without manufacturing costs typical of designing custom antenna gate structures. RF transparent materials reduce potential barrier-caused problems such as interference or reflection of RF signals. The barrier balances RF degradation potential, structural integrity, and cost considerations in its design, fabrication, and installation. A method of fulfilling the requirements for an antenna barrier installation is described.

Abstract: An amplifier unit to adapted to be placed in an antenna mast of a radio system that uses time division duplex. The amplifier unit includes transmitting and receiving branches in parallel, with the transmitting branch being used as a bypass path for a low noise amplifier (LNA) in the receiving branch. The unit is set to the transmitting mode, receiving mode and bypass mode by means of pin diode switches. A passive bypass mode comes into effect automatically, if the unit loses its supply voltage. At least one pin switch is located transversely in the transmitting branch for switching off the unit, when it is set to the receiving mode. The structure of the unit advantageously includes another, redundant, transmitting branch with series switches, which branch is used for improving the characteristics of the transmission path for transmitting signals, when the biasing of the pin switches is possible.

Abstract: A monopole tower system including nested or telescoping tower structures which may be erected utilizing hydraulic cylinders instead of cranes.

Abstract: A wireless communications tower comprising antennas and wind turbines integrated into or attached to the tower to generate power to operate the tower.

Abstract: A portable telescoping tower assembly. The assembly includes a tower mounted on a trailer wherein the tower includes a plurality of telescoping sections that extend for use and retract and nest for storage and transportation. At least one cylindrical ram moves the tower between horizontal and vertical positions. A motor extends and retracts the plurality of sections. Each of the sections includes a plurality of external edges with each of the external edges including at least one protruding guide to mate with and receive an adjoining section.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining a basestation system is provided. The basestation includes a tower and basestation circuitry placed in the tower. The system includes a translator for translating at least a portion of the basestation circuitry between a first position of the tower and a second position of the tower. The system includes a connection module for detachably connecting to the portion of the basestation circuitry when the portion of the basestation circuitry is at the second position.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning an antenna with a predetermined azimuth direction. The method includes determining an antenna azimuth direction and moving the antenna from the antenna azimuth direction towards a predetermined azimuth direction so as to align said antenna. This is accomplished in response to processed positioning data received by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver from a GPS system where the receiver is locatable at predetermined first and second positions away from the antenna. The system includes at least two reference targets affixed to the antenna, a reference tool operatively coupled to the targets, and a GPS receiver connected to the reference tool. The receiver is in communication with a GPS system for processing positioning data received therefrom to determine an antenna azimuth direction of the antenna and thereby enable alignment of said antenna by moving the antenna with a predetermined azimuth direction.

Abstract: A folding frame for mounting an antenna on an upstanding support structure including first and second support arms pivotally secured to an upper mounting bracket and third and fourth support arms which are pivotally secured to a lower mounting bracket with the upper and lower mounting brackets being secured to the support structure. Support members are pivotally secured to the outer ends of the support arms and are pivotally connected together so that the frame may be pivotally moved from a folded position to a non-folding position. When the frame is in its folded position, it is easily shipped on a pallet.

Abstract: A system (10) for attaching a mast (11) of an antenna to a support post (12) includes a base plate (13) connected to the post (12), and a bracket plate (14) carrying the mast (11) and tiltably mounted to the base plate (13) by a plurality of connecting components (21). Each connecting component includes a bolt (37), two of which are received through notches (18) formed in the plate (13) and one of which is received in each track (22, 23) formed in the plate (13). A nut (42) tightens each of the bolts (37) to attach the plate (14) to the plate (13). When the bolts (37) are loosened, the plate (14) may be lifted relative to the plate (13) to move the bolts (37) out to the notches (18). Thereafter, the plate (14) may be tilted relative to the plate (13) to pivot a bolt (37) in one of the tracks (23) about a bolt (37) positioned in a pivot point (27) of the other track (22) to lower the antenna to the ground where it may be conveniently serviced.

Abstract: Ground based GPS antennas for differential applications may be subject to intentional or other interference signals incident at low elevation angles. Described GPS antenna systems are usable to provide an antenna pattern having a vertically-steerable null. An array of vertically spaced radiator units having omnidirectional azimuth characteristics provides a primary reception pattern. Vertically intermixed radiator units employed on a separate or shared basis provide an auxiliary reception pattern. By subtractively combining the auxiliary pattern with the primary pattern and adjusting the relative signal level of the auxiliary pattern a vertically-steerable pattern null is provided. The antenna system may include an adaptive control system responsive to an antenna output signal to derive a steering signal to adjust the relative signal level of the auxiliary pattern to steer the vertically-steerable null to provide interference suppression. Antenna systems and methods are described.

Abstract: An adjustable antenna apparatus and method includes an antenna wire control device for controlling the release and retrieval of antenna wire. Antenna wire is attached to the antenna wire control device and an antenna wire tensioning device is attached to the antenna wire. According to another aspect of the invention, the antenna wire control device includes a positive control device for preventing release and retrieval of the antenna wire.

Abstract: The Genetically Optimized Digital Ionospheric Sounding System (DISS) Transmit Antenna is a low-cost modification to the TCI 613F HF communications antenna that increases and stabilizes vertical gain from 4 to 30 MHz. Genetic algorithm and local search techniques were used in the design of the modification in order to take into account both electrical design and mechanical simplicity in this design. The novelty lies in the specific placement of conducting wires with respect to the original TCI antenna. This placement both increases the vertical gain of the antenna as a whole and adds to its stability as each wire also acts as a guy cable.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning an antenna with a predetermined azimuth direction. The method includes determining an antenna azimuth direction and moving the antenna from the antenna azimuth direction towards a predetermined azimuth direction so as to align said antenna. This is accomplished in response to processed positioning data received by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver dish from a GPS system where the receiver dish is locatable at predetermined first and second positions away from the antenna. The system includes at least two reference targets affixed to the antenna, a reference tool operatively coupled to the targets, and a GPS receiver dish connected to the reference tool. The receiver dish is in communication with a GPS system for processing positioning data received therefrom to determine an antenna azimuth direction of the antenna and thereby enable alignment of said antenna by moving the antenna with a predetermined azimuth direction.

Abstract: To avoid searching for a new location for very high hectometric wave antennas, an antenna according to the invention comprises an existing vertical structure having a height of at least approximately ten meters and including at least one electrically conductive element connected to the ground, and an excitation conductor wire (4a) that is essentially electrically conductive, disposed at least in part in the vicinity of and outside the structure and connected to a emitter (E) so that the structure radiates substantially hectometric waves. The existing structure may be a broadcasting tower, a water tower, a chimney, a lighthouse or a lamp standard, wherein the excitation wire merges visually. The wire can be replaced by a conductive loop a few meters long, magnetically coupled to the structure.

Abstract: An antenna sector frame that can collapse for easy transport and storage. The antenna frame can be packaged with all of its loose parts in a single container on a relatively flat single skid capable of being stacked in storage. The antenna frame can include a pair of face frames configured to support one or more antennas, the face frames being joined to articulate on a face frame pivot axis such that the face frames can be folded together for compact shipment and storage and opened for use.

Abstract: A stub-loop based antenna doublet array having an offset feed and adjustably positioned stub-loops is provided that enables improved isolation of the horizontal versus vertical polarization characteristics from the impedance. Consequently, conventional VSWR adjustments or tuning can be accomplished without significantly impacting the polarization ratios or pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to radio-control of lifting machinery, and is intended to solve problems due to the presence of interfering metal masses. For this purpose, the support arm of the radio-control antenna is mounted such that it is able to be orientated about a vertical pivoting axis, on the lifting, machinery. This support arm includes a head, radially offset with respect to the axis, upon which the antenna is mounted. The support arm can occupy separate angular positions, and in particular a position in which the antenna is separated from the metal structure of the lifting machinery. This invention applies in particular to the radio-control of tower cranes.

Abstract: An RFID system is provided, which includes one or more radio frequency antennas and a generally column-shaped structure. The generally column-shaped structure supports the antenna(s) therein. The structure may include a base portion, a frame portion, one ore more paddle portions, and an external body portion. In such case, the frame portion is attached to and supported by the base portion. The frame portion extends along a vertical axis of the structure. Each paddle portion is pivotably coupled to the frame portion. Each paddle portion supports one or more antennas attached thereto. The hollow and elongated external body portion is attached to and supported by the base portion. The external body portion extends along the vertical axis. The frame portion, the paddle portion(s), and the antenna(s) are located within the external body portion.

Abstract: An antenna system that includes a directional antenna designed to reduce the occurrence of side lobes, thus reducing the possibility of interference with other radio frequencies is disclosed. The directional antenna includes an antenna member and a reflecting tube. The reflective tube is sleeved over the antenna member. The reflective serves to block unwanted radial side lobes. The directional antenna can also include provisions that assist in suspending the antenna member within the reflective tube.