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Method for automatically positioning a satellite dish antenna to satellites in a geosynchronous belt

  • US 5,585,804 A
  • Filed: 08/03/1995
  • Issued: 12/17/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An automated method for positioning a satellite dish antenna mounted on the roof of a parked vehicle in order to receive signals from any of a plurality of geosynchronous satellites, said vehicle having a magnetic compass for providing a magnetic bearing signal and a receiver connected to receive signals from said satellite dish antenna, said method comprising:

  • generating said magnetic bearing signal from said magnetic compass;

    providing an estimated latitude and longitude for said vehicle;

    calculating estimated elevations and azimuths of a first geosynchronous satellite and a second geosynchronous satellite relative to said vehicle based on said bearing signal and said estimated latitude and longitude for said vehicle;

    moving said satellite dish antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions to a first initial search position corresponding to said estimated position of said first satellite;

    incrementally moving said satellite dish antenna in a search pattern in said azimuth and elevation directions until said receiver detects a signal peak for a selected channel of said first satellite;

    calculating the actual azimuth and actual elevation of said first satellite relative to said vehicle based on the position of said satellite dish antenna upon detecting said signal peak;

    moving said satellite dish antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions to a second initial search position corresponding to said estimated position of said second satellite;

    incrementally moving said satellite dish antenna in a search pattern in said azimuth and elevation directions until said receiver detects a signal peak for a selected channel of said second satellite;

    calculating the actual azimuth and actual elevation of said second satellite relative to said vehicle based on the position of said satellite dish antenna upon detecting said signal peak;

    calculating revised bearing, latitude, and longitude coordinates for said vehicle based on said actual azimuths and actual elevations of said first and second satellites; and

    calculating azimuths and elevations of any remaining geosynchronous satellites based on said revised bearing, latitude and longitude coordinates for said vehicle.

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