AISG INLINE TILT SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20100231450A1
• Filed: 03/16/2010
• Published: 09/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hendrikus A. Le Sage
• Original Assignee: Hendrikus A. Le Sage
• Inventors: Le Sage, Hendrikus A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,299,962 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/359
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/125 Means for positioning
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/246 specially adapted for base stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/005 using remotely controlled antenna positioning or scanning
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/08 for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation

Abstract

A system and method is for orientating and monitoring orientation of telecommunications antennas. The system includes an AISG compliant tilt sensor system mounted in-line between a telecommunications antenna enclosure and a communications cable, and positioned to measure the elevation tilt and slant of a telecommunications antenna enclosure relative to a reference axis. The tilt sensor system measures the angle of tilt and angle of slant of the enclosure with respect to a reference axis, and communicates the values through the communications cable using the AISG protocol for analysis by a telecommunications system operator. A printed circuit board with suitable microprocessor and circuitry receives and processes the tilt sensor data and reports directional alignment information to the user via a user interface.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the alignment of a telecommunications antenna including a bulkhead connector, the method comprising the steps:

providing a directional sensor system comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) with a microprocessor and related circuitry, a first and second connector connected to said PCB, a tilt sensor adapted for measuring tilt and slant, and a weatherproof housing;

providing a user interface adapted for reporting directional data obtained by said directional sensor system to the user;

providing a communications cable;

connecting said user interface to said directional sensor system with said communications cable;

mounting the directional sensor system in-line with said bulkhead connector and perpendicular to the antenna body;

obtaining directional data associated with the telecommunications antenna with said directional sensor system via said user interface;

determining the proper aiming direction for the communications beam;

comparing the obtained directional antenna data with the determined proper aiming direction; and

aligning said telecommunications antenna with the determined proper aiming direction.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

said antenna bulkhead connector is an eight-pin standardized Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) compliant bulkhead connector; and

said communications cable comprises an eight-pin AISG compliant cable connector.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second connectors are eight-pin AISG compliant connectors positioned at 90 degree angles relative to the PCB.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein:

said first connector is a “

female”

type connector; and

said second connector is a “

male”

type connector.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps:

determining the proper aiming direction for the communications beam; and

securing the antenna to a mast or other structure so that said communications beam is facing the desired direction.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps:

determining the proper aiming direction for the communications beam; and

unsecuring said antenna from said structure, adjusting the direction of said antenna to redirect the communications beam in a desired direction, and resecuring said antenna to said structure.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of mounting said tilt sensor parallel to the surface of said PCB.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said tilt sensor includes a dual axis digital inclinometer/accelerometer.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps:

providing a secondary housing adapted for housing said tilt sensor;

providing communication cables between said tilt sensor and said PCB; and

mounting said secondary housing including said tilt sensor at a location on said antenna remote from said directional sensor system.

10. A method for detecting the alignment of a telecommunications antenna including an eight-pin standardized Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) compliant bulkhead connector, the method comprising the steps:

providing a directional sensor system comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) with a microprocessor and related circuitry, a male eight-pin AISG compliant connectors positioned at 90 degree angles relative to the PCB, a female eight-pin AISG compliant connectors positioned at 90 degree angles relative to the PCB, an electric tilt sensor adapted for measuring tilt and slant mounted parallel to the surface of said PCB, and a weatherproof housing;

providing a user interface adapted for reporting directional data obtained by said directional sensor system to the user;

providing an eight-pin AISG compliant cable connector;

connecting said user interface to said directional sensor system with said communications cable;

mounting the directional sensor system in-line with said bulkhead connector and perpendicular to the antenna body;

obtaining directional data associated with the telecommunications antenna with said directional sensor system via said user interface;

determining the proper aiming direction for the communications beam;

comparing the obtained directional antenna data with the determined proper aiming direction; and

aligning said telecommunications antenna with the determined proper aiming direction.

11. A directional sensor system adapted for connecting to a telecommunications antenna including a bulkhead connector and providing antenna alignment data, the system comprising:

a printed circuit board (PCB) with a microprocessor and related circuitry;

a first and second connector connected to said PCB;

a tilt sensor adapted for measuring tilt and slant mounted parallel to the surface of said PCB;

a weatherproof housing adapted for containing said PCB, said first and second connectors, and said tilt sensor;

a user interface; and

a communications cable adapted for connecting said user interface to said PCB;

12. The directional sensor system of claim 11, wherein:

the telecommunications antenna bulkhead connector is an eight-pin standardized Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) compliant bulkhead connector; and

said communications cable comprises an eight-pin AISG compliant cable connector;

13. The directional sensor system of claim 11, wherein said first and second connectors are eight-pin AISG compliant connectors positioned at 90 degree angles relative to the PCB.

14. The directional sensor system of claim 13, wherein:

said first connector is a “

female”

type connector; and

said second connector is a “

male”

type connector.

15. The directional sensor system of claim 11, wherein said tilt sensor includes a dual axis digital inclinometer/accelerometer.