Abstract: A conversion system for a controller for an antenna rotator which includes circuitry for generating an analog signal which varies as a function of the angular position of the antenna. The conversion system includes circuitry for converting the analog signal to a corresponding first digital signal representative of the angular position of the antenna relative to a first reference heading of the antenna. The conversion system also includes storage circuitry having a prestored table of digital values of angular positions of the antenna relative to a second reference heading of the antenna and which in response to the first digital signal produces a second digital signal corresponding to one of the prestored digital values, the second digital signal thereby being representative of the angular position of the antenna relative to the second reference heading. A digital display system and controller for an antenna rotator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dipole antenna and a feedline therefor both formed from coaxial line. The dipole coaxial line has the jacket removed from a central portion thereof to expose the outer conductor which is there severed and spread apart to form a gap exposing the dielectric layer, the lengths of coaxial line on each side of the gap comprising dipole elements. The feedline has the jacket removed from one end portion thereof with its inner conductor being connected to the outer shield conductor of one dipole element on one side of the gap and the outer conductor thereof being connected to the outer shield conductor of the other dipole element on the other side of the gap thereby to form center feedpoint connections between the feedline conductors and the dipole elements. Clamping means comprising a pair of relatively thin flat clamping members of substantially rigid insulating material are provided to be fastened together face to face with the feedpoint connections and adjacent coaxial line portions therebetween.

Abstract: Controller for an antenna rotator having a rotatable member on which is mounted an antenna to be rotated to various headings. Switching circuitry selectively energizes a motor in the rotator to rotate the member in either of two, opposite directions. Antenna headings are user selectable and pre-programmable, the controller including control circuitry for accepting pre-programmed headings entered from a keyboard, storing the pre-programmed headings and retrieving headings. Users can select a pre-programmed heading or enter a new heading via the keyboard, the control circuitry controlling the motor switching circuitry to rotate the antenna to the selected heading. Circuitry is also provided to energize a brake solenoid in the rotator to, in the absence of jamming or binding, release the brake.