Abstract: A low cost, automatic steering system and method of operation for mobile mounted, rotatable, directional antennas is described. The improved system and method provides a means to sense the direction of the satellite and also to determine changes in direction of the mobile vehicle on which the rotatable directional antenna is mounted, and uses those items of information to point the antenna toward the satellite and to maintain the pointing of the directional antenna as the vehicle changes speed and/or direction and during periods when the received communication signal is degraded or interrupted. The novel system and method separates the signal sampling for steering purposes from the antenna scanning for communication signal reception and replaces gyroscopes or magnetic compasses used with prior art systems to obtain directional information by deriving directional information from the action of the vehicle as determined by its steering mechanism and speedometer or equivalent devices.

Abstract: A mobile, mechanically steerable satellite tracking antenna is described which employs a short vertically positioned length of coaxial cable bent at its upper end to an elevation angle setting at which the antenna is to be pointed. The flexible coaxial cable length carries a connector at its upper flexible end for quick connect/disconnect to an antenna element and reflector (if required). A rotatable mounting device is provided for supporting a fixed end segment of the flexible cable in a rotationally fixed position and carries an extended supporting arm at the end of which a sealed bearing unit rotatably supports the free flexible end of the cable which is bent to a desired elevation angle. The supporting arm with attached bearing unit and rotationally free but captured flexible free end of the cable is mounted on the outer housing of the mounting device and is rotationally driven by a reversible stepping or other motor via a gear train.