A Novel Antenna Mount for Orbital Satellite Tracking and Marine Communications

Abstract

The design, construction and control of a novel antenna mount for a high gain, narrow beamwidth antenna is presented. The 'keyhole' problems associated with conventional tracking systems are described and a six axis computer controlled antenna mount using the principles of parallel Robotic manipulators is suggested as an antenna mount for orbital satellite tracking. The emphasis is on its application for a ship mounted satellite communications system. Development of a prototype mount based on the above concept is discussed along with latest signal error detection techniques.