The result is a very smooth motion that eliminates the backlash associated with gear drives.Ĭomtech Antenna Systems also comes to mind when "antennas to go" are on the menu.
Wrapped around vertical and horizontal drums beneath and on either side of the mounting cradle, the cables move by being wound onto or off a capstan, which is driven by a centrally-mounted motor.
The reason: the Roto-Lok uses stainless steel aircraft cables to steer the mount. According to AvL Technologies, the Roto-Lok has virtually no backlash, or at least six to 10 times less backlash than a conventional gear-driven positioner does. Put it on a vehicle, attach the antenna, then use the Roto-Lok to steer the antenna to the right direction and elevation to locate the satellite. In plain English, the Roto-Lok is a motor-driven satellite antenna mount. What caught this reporter’s eye at SATELLITE 2003, however, was AvL Technologies’ Roto-Lok Cable Drive System.
For these situations, portable "antennas to go" are a must, especially those that fit easily onto commercial aircraft.Īs luck would have it, AvL Technologies makes a line of small, foldable mobile antennas for satellite newsgathering (SNG) and mobile VSAT applications, including a Flyaway and Fly&Drive system.
With war comes rapid movement for both soldiers and news media, plus advancement into battle-ravaged areas lacking decent communications. Amazingly, a single soldier can accomplish breakdown and set-up in 20 minutes each time, according to Raytheon. Finally, the SMART-T can also be removed from the Hummer for field deployment. military to extend its mobile radio communications beyond the horizon, ensuring connectivity during breakout situations. But that is not all: beyond providing solid satellite links, the SMART-T allows the U.S. Army-led project, Raytheon says the SMART-T provides robust, jam- resistant, reliable multi-channel communications for field commanders, all carried on a Hummer platform. Hence the reason for the SMART-T (Secure Mobile Antijam Reliable Tactical Terminal), manufactured by Raytheon. Of course, having mobile satellite communications on the battlefield is of little use, if enemy jamming prevents signals from getting through. In short, ITT’s T-MST is one portable earth station for today’s wide-ranging military deployments.
Meanwhile, this MTMCTEA-certified truck can drive on and off fixed-wing transports, be airlifted by helicopter, tie down to either rail cars or barges, and yes, drive itself to and from whatever location its capabilities are needed.
Meanwhile, on top of its roof sits a fold-down satellite antenna, while the driver and operator work inside the Hummer’s pickup-style cab.Īs for toughness the T-MST can operate in temperatures ranging from -20 degreesC to +49 degreesC, in line with MIL-STD-810F. All of its earth station controls are housed behind fold-up panels on either side of the T-MST’s equipment module. The T-MST is a HMMWV (Hummer) mounted satellite system that can be configured to uplink to C- Ku-, X- and military Ka-band satellites. One such product was the Tactical Multi-band Satellite Terminal (T-MST), built by ITT Industries.
Hence, it was no surprise to see military-oriented portable earth stations on the show floor. At show time, the situation in Iraq was heating up.