Abstract: A system for accurate automatic satellite acquisition by a portable satellite terminal. The system includes a software program that coordinates inputs from several measurement aids to control antenna position. These aids include a GPS receiver, antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization angle sensors, and the terminal's modem, DVB receiver and spectrum analyzer, which contains a beacon detector also serving as Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). For satellite recognition, the spectral analysis and RSSI function are complemented by the lock/unlock indications provided by the modem and the DVB receiver. Under the control of the software program, the modem, DVB receiver and spectrum analyzer, in conjunction with an extensive database of satellites and their signal characteristics, provide the means for reliable validation of final alignment.

Abstract: A system for accurate automatic satellite acquisition by a portable satellite terminal. The system includes a software program that coordinates inputs from several measurement aids to control antenna position. These aids include a GPS receiver, antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization angle sensors, and the terminal's modem, DVB receiver and spectrum analyzer, which contains a beacon detector also serving as Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). For satellite recognition, the spectral analysis and RSSI function are complemented by the lock/unlock indications provided by the modem and the DVB receiver. Under the control of the software program, the modem, DVB receiver and spectrum analyzer, in conjunction with an extensive database of satellites and their signal characteristics, provide the means for reliable validation of final alignment.

Abstract: A hard shell portable case for transportation and protection of devices such as portable satellite terminals. Each case can be equipped with shoulder straps such that it can be carried like a backpack, a set of wheels so it can be rolled, attached to a MOLLE frame so that it can be carried as a backpack and which allows attachment of accessories. The cases and their interiors have been designed to provide protection for the portable terminal, while the exterior is shaped to conform to the shape of a wearer's back.

Abstract: A motorized antenna positioning mechanism in a portable microwave communication unit for use as a ground station in a satellite communication system. The antenna positioner has compact and low profile azimuth wire drive mechanics, azimuth and polarization angle sensors that are not affected by slippage and backlash, and an elevation drive mechanism which neutralizes the pressure on the motor axis due to the weight of the parabolic antenna.

Abstract: A high-performance portable microwave communication unit, consists of a directional antenna, RF transceiver and high-speed data/video processing unit for use in terrestrial point-to-point communications or as a ground station in a satellite communication system. For transportation, the unit is disassembled, folded down and stowed in two airline-checkable hard-shell cases. Each case can be equipped with shoulder straps such that it can be carried like a backpack, a set of wheels so it can be rolled, attached to a MOLLE frame so that it can be carried as a backpack and which allows attachment of accessories. The cases and their interiors have been designed to provide protection for the communication unit, while the construction of the unit itself involves novel mechanical features that allow for compact stowage as well as for rapid disassembly and assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively enabling and disabling transmit and receive functions of a radio, and more particularly to a system and method utilizing an out-of-band signal over a time division duplex channel to control transmit and receive functions of a radio so as to synchronize with the functions of a remote modem. The invention relates to a system and method for synchronizing the transmit and receive modes of a radio via an out of band signal. The out of band signal is preferably a control tone at a predetermined frequency and is substantially coextensive with the communication signal to be transmitted. The radio filters a multiplexed signal and detects if the control tone is present. If the control tone is not detected, the radio preferably remains in the default receive mode. If the control tone is detected, the radio operates in the transmit mode for the duration of the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively enabling and disabling transmit and receive functions of a radio, and more particularly to a system and method utilizing an out-of-band signal over a time division duplex channel to control transmit and receive functions of a radio so as to synchronize with the functions of a remote modem.