Quickset’s antenna positioners support a wide range of antenna sizes, and utilize integrated dual isolated channels of RF pass-through signals. Auxiliary sensor loads, such as visible and/or thermal cameras, can be mounted with the antenna and are completely supported. Typical applications include UAV tracking / telemetry, satellite communications, radio, radar, GPS plus many others.

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An antenna positioner system, often referred to simply as an antenna positioner, is a system that controls the orientation of an antenna to accurately point, track, or maintain a specific direction in space. These systems can be used for various applications, ranging from satellite communication and radar systems to astronomy and remote sensing.

Antenna positioner system components

 

  • Antenna: The primary component that captures or emits electromagnetic signals. Depending on the application, antennas can vary in size, shape, and frequency range.
  • Mount/Platform: Supports the antenna and allows it to rotate in various orientations. The most common types of mounts are:
  • Azimuth-Elevation (Az-El) Mount: This mount allows the antenna to rotate in two primary axes: azimuth (horizontal rotation) and elevation (vertical tilt).
  • Polar Mount: Used mainly for satellite dishes, it rotates around an axis that points towards the celestial pole.
  • X-Y Mount: Enables movement in two perpendicular axes in a plane, which is generally parallel to the ground.
  • Drive System: This includes motors and gearing mechanisms that physically move the antenna. The precision and speed of these motors can vary based on the application. For instance, a satellite tracking system might require very precise, but not necessarily fast, movement.
  • Sensors: These can include encoders, accelerometers, and gyroscopes that provide feedback about the current position and orientation of the antenna. This feedback is crucial for the control system to make adjustments.
  • Control System: This system processes the feedback from the sensors and commands the drive system to move the antenna to the desired position. It can be implemented using microcontrollers, FPGAs, or other computing platforms. The control algorithms can range from simple Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers to more advanced adaptive and predictive control methods.
  • User Interface: Depending on the system’s complexity, there may be a user interface, like a software application or physical control panel, allowing operators to input desired positions, track targets, or configure system settings.
  • Power Supply: To ensure the motors and electronics function correctly, a reliable power source is essential.

Antenna positioner systems applications

 

Satellite Communication Tracking satellites in geostationary, medium Earth, or low Earth orbits.

Radio Telescopes Observing celestial objects.

Radar Systems Tracking aircraft, ships, or other objects.

Ground Stations Communicating with spacecraft or aerial platforms.

The precision and reliability of the positioner are paramount, especially in applications where maintaining a strong signal link or accurately tracking a target is crucial.

Learn more about Quickset’s Antenna Positioner System

Download the Quickset MPT-RF Pan Tilt Antenna Positioner Technical Sheet.

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Antenna Positioner System Features

 

Control and Configurability

 

  • Supports multiple antenna sizes, from man-portable up to 3-meters
  • Single and Dual Channel Rotary Joint configurations available
  • Embedded web server
  • Serial or serial over IP control 
  • Health and usage monitoring
  • 10-bit linear response velocity control
  • GPS capability
  • Antennas (Parabolic/Dish/Patch/Grid)
  • Multi–Spectrum cameras (Visible/NIR/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR)
  • Thermal Imagers (LWIR/MWIR)
  • IR and Visible Illuminators 
  • Payload capacity up to 100 pounds
  • Provides up to 90 foot pounds of elevation torque
  • Serial Communication Rates up to 99Hz

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Fundamentals and FAQs

 

How do radars work?

 

Radars (Radio Detection and Ranging) are electronic systems used to detect and locate objects by emitting radio waves and analyzing the returned signals, which bounce off the object. It refers to the use of radio waves to detect the presence, direction, distance, and speed of objects.

They are used for numerous applications including air traffic control, weather forecasting, military applications, marine navigation, and more.

Here’s a basic overview of how radars work:

  • Transmission: The radar system has a transmitter that emits radio waves, typically in the form of short pulses.
  • Reflection: When these radio waves hit an object (like an aircraft, ship, or raindrop), they get reflected. The nature of this reflection can be influenced by the size, shape, composition, and relative speed of the object.
  • Reception: After reflection, these waves return to the radar system and are captured by its receiver, typically an antenna.
  • Processing: The radar system then processes this received signal to extract information about the object. The time it takes for the signal to return indicates the distance of the object, while the frequency shift (due to the Doppler effect) can provide information about the object’s speed. Additionally, the direction from which the signal returns can indicate the object’s direction.

Key concepts associated with radar functioning include:

  • Pulse Width: The duration of the emitted radar pulse. A shorter pulse can provide finer resolution but might carry less energy, making it less likely to be reflected back from distant or small objects.
  • Doppler Effect: A change in the frequency of the returned signal due to the relative motion between the radar and the object. This is crucial for determining the speed of an object. For instance, a returning aircraft may cause the reflected wave to have a slightly different frequency, and this change is proportional to the aircraft’s speed.
  • Radar Cross Section (RCS): A measure of how “visible” an object is to a radar. Larger objects generally have a higher RCS and are easier to detect. However, the RCS can also be influenced by materials, shape, and angles, which is why stealth aircraft are designed to have a low RCS.
  • Antenna Beamwidth: Determines the direction and width of the emitted radar beam. Narrow beamwidths can provide more accurate direction information but might require the radar to scan more to cover a given area.
  • Range Resolution: The ability of the radar to distinguish between two objects that are close to each other in range.
  • Clutter: Unwanted reflections that can interfere with the desired radar returns. This can come from the ground, sea, buildings, or even atmospheric phenomena. Advanced radar systems use signal processing techniques to differentiate targets from clutter.
  • PRF (Pulse Repetition Frequency): The rate at which the radar emits pulses. A higher PRF can allow for faster updates but might limit the maximum detectable range.

Modern radar systems can be very sophisticated, using advanced signal processing, phased array antennas, and other technologies to improve performance and extract more information from the returned signals.

How do stealth aircraft avoid radar?

 

Stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection by radar systems, as well as other forms of detection such as infrared or acoustic sensors. Several design and material strategies contribute to their reduced visibility:

  • Shape Design: One of the primary ways stealth aircraft reduce radar detection is through their geometric design.
    • Faceted Surfaces: Early stealth designs, like the F-117 Nighthawk, used a series of flat panels or facets. These facets were arranged so that they would reflect radar waves away from the radar source.
    • Smooth, Continuous Surfaces: Newer stealth aircraft, like the B-2 Spirit and F-22 Raptor, utilize smooth, continuous curves to deflect radar waves in a manner similar to faceted designs.
    • Edge Alignment: The leading and trailing edges of wings, tail fins, and other aircraft structures are carefully aligned to reflect radar waves in specific directions, minimizing backscatter towards the radar source.
    • Internal Weapon Bays: To prevent radar reflection off ordinance, stealth aircraft often carry weapons internally.
  • Radar-Absorbing Materials (RAM): Stealth aircraft are often coated in or constructed with materials that absorb radar waves, converting them to heat, rather than reflecting them.
    • These materials can be in the form of paint, tape, or other coverings.
    • They are specially designed to be most effective against the frequencies used by detection radars.
  • Reduced Infrared (IR) Signature: Modern air defense systems often employ infrared sensors to detect the heat from aircraft engines. Stealth aircraft use various techniques to reduce their IR signature.
    • Engine Placement: Engines might be placed on top of the aircraft or deep inside the body to shield their hot exhaust from ground-based IR sensors.
    • Exhaust Cooling: Some stealth designs mix cool ambient air with the engine exhaust to reduce its temperature before it exits the aircraft.
  • Reduced Emissions: Stealth aircraft often limit their own radar and communication emissions, or use emissions that are difficult to detect or intercept.
  • Radar System Avoidance: Pilots of stealth aircraft are trained to fly in ways that take advantage of known limitations or gaps in enemy radar coverage. They may also use terrain, like mountains, to hide from radar.
  • Plasma Stealth Technology (Experimental): Some research has looked into using ionized gas or plasma to deflect or absorb radar waves. This remains a more experimental approach and is not yet mainstream.

It’s important to note that “stealth” does not mean “invisible.” Stealth technology reduces the range at which an aircraft can be detected and the reliability of that detection. A stealth aircraft might be invisible to a long-range early warning radar but still detectable by a short-range fire control radar once it gets closer. The goal of stealth is to reduce the aircraft’s detection range enough that it can carry out its mission before defenses can effectively respond.

    Get in touch with the experts at Quickset Defense Technologies to learn more.