Abstract: A method for aligning a feed horn in an antenna system (100) is disclosed. The antenna system (100) includes at least one reflector surface and one or more feed horns (141, 142, . . . 145). The method includes the steps of determining a desired reflection point of the central ray from the feedhorn of the reflector surface, configuring a laser beam source to be mounted on the feed horn to enable a laser beam to travel substantially coincidently along the axis of transmission of the feed horn in a direction towards the reflector surface, and adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the feed horn to align the laser beam with the desired reflection point on the reflector surface. A laser aligning apparatus (200) for practising the above method and an antenna system aligned by means of the laser alignment apparatus (200) and/or method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for aligning a feel horn in an antenna system (100) is disclosed. The antenna system (100) includes at least one reflector surface and one or more feed horns (141, 142, . . . 145). The method includes the steps of determining a desired reflection point of the central ray from the feedhorn of the reflector surface, configuring a laser beam source to be mounted on the feed horn to enable a laser beam to travel substantially coincidently along the axis of transmission of the feed horn in a direction towards the reflector surface, and adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the feed horn to align the laser beam with the desired reflection point on the reflector surface. A laser aligning apparatus (200) for practising the above method and an antenna system aligned by means of the laser alignment apparatus (200) and/or method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting the upstand height of the studs of an array of studs used to form antenna panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a transducer beam having a row of spaced-apart distance transducers. The apparatus also includes an actuator beam having a row of spaced rotary actuators. The actuators rotate the threaded studs to raise or lower the studs until the corresponding transducer indicates that the stud has achieved an intended height. Also disclosed is a method using an array of laser diodes, rather than the transducer beam, arranged at one end of the base plate and an array of photo diodes at the opposite end. The output of the diodes indicates the height of the studs.