Parabolic antenna – application basics, assembly and installation

A parabolic antenna in scientific sources may be referred to as a parabolic reflector or reflector antenna. This is a technological device designed to collect energy. Getting on it, a plane wave is transformed into a spherical one and concentrated at the focal point. The reverse process is also possible, when spherical waves are transformed into plane waves. This requires variable types and forms of the device, which depend on the intended purpose and scope of use.

Common Applications

In colloquial speech, the concepts of satellite and parabolic antennas are identified, but only specialists know what it is and why such a device is needed, in a narrow professional aspect. There is a variety of equipment designed to receive a signal from one of the many satellites orbiting the Earth. A parabolic antenna is one type of receiving device that has its own separate differentiations.

History of origin and development

G. Hertz used parabolic reflectors in his experimental work. At the end of the century before last, he invented an antenna with an aperture of more than a meter, operating at strictly defined frequencies. With a receiving and transmitting device at the disposal of a scientist, he proved the existence of electromagnetic waves predicted by Maxwell. Then the era of improvement and practical application began:

1. In the first third of the twentieth century, G. Marconi, an inventor from Italy, was able to transmit a signal to a boat floating in the sea, at a considerable distance from the coast.
2. A year later, a similar device was used to establish radio relay communications across the wide strait.
3. G. Grote built the first large PA and with its help he was engaged in the study of stars. The reflector diameter did not even exceed ten meters.
4. During the Second World War, targeted work began on improving radars, which gave a powerful impetus to the development and improvement of devices, led to the emergence of a new type of antenna equipped with sector diagrams.

Note! In the postwar years, the USSR and the USA developed new forms of the device, in which the diameter of the mirror began to reach 60-100 meters. Now they are used in data transmission systems, permanent improvement and new developments of scientists have minimized the need for large structures up to 1.5 meters or even tens of centimeters.

Types and design features

Reflector antennas are not the only, but the most common type of directional antennas. They are used in the most variable ranges and at various types of stations. The size, design and material of manufacture depend on the functions and purposefulness. Mirrors are made of steel or aluminum alloys with electrical conductivity.
In recent years, they have been made from composites or even plastics, but there still must be a reflective surface – it is also variable. Metal mesh or foil, electrically conductive paint can be used. There are other types:

• axisymmetric , with one or two mirrors, symmetrical or with a counter-reflector, ring focus;
• offset , which is cut out of a parabolic mirror, with a shifted radiation pattern;
• HEADLIGHTS, or phased antenna arrays , from several emitters, with variable types of antennas (strip, thrust or slot);
• weakly directional , with a wide radiation pattern, despite some shortcomings, working with visually detected satellites and not requiring additional guidance;
• traveling wave – enhanced (when compared with non-directional, but operating in the meter or decimeter range).

Attention! The choice of a satellite dish for receiving TV signals should be dictated by several considerations – the material (resistance to external influences, when placed in the air), the type of reflector and its quality, the number of converters and how they are attached. An important condition is quality, strength and resistance to corrosion.

Application and assembly

Any radio engineering device used as an emitter or receiver is an organic part of the system and one of its basic elements. Do-it-yourself instructions depend on the chosen type, size and intended purpose. The mirror antenna has significant advantages – it works in different ranges. Such devices have a relatively high efficiency and a fairly low noise temperature. Parabolic – their most typical representative. The simplicity of the device does not mean that when making it yourself, you do not need to take into account the specific requirements of an individual order. The most general information is in the video below: https://youtu.be/6Cku8eGomec The diameter of the plate in the range sold is from 55 cm to 80, and this is not the cheapest of pleasures. Home craftsmen offer many detailed instructions for making antennas, as well as how to install and configure: from site selection, calculation to final setup. At the same time, it is indicated that any kit should consist of many parts. Some of them can be made in a mini-workshop, bought separately in a special store, or purchased as a kit (not everything can be satisfied there in terms of quality or properties, but it comes out cheaper this way, and everything is from one manufacturer). bought in a special store separately or purchased as a set (there, not everything can suit you in terms of quality or properties, but it comes out cheaper this way, and everything is from one manufacturer). bought in a special store separately or purchased as a set (there, not everything can suit you in terms of quality or properties, but it comes out cheaper this way, and everything is from one manufacturer).
How does the power depend on the diameter of the antenna [/ caption]

Important! The set includes a mirror dish, a receiver (its type depends on the goals pursued), but the main purpose is to receive and convert a signal from a satellite to a TV screen, in the form of a picture, three converters that provide simultaneous reception from three satellites, fasteners (often appear in descriptions, like multifeed),
cable , connectors for coupling and the actual antenna mount.

When choosing a place to install such an antenna, preference is given to the south or southwest side. This is important because all satellites are located in geostationary orbit from the southeast to the southwest. If there are no windows facing south, then the only option left is installation on the roof.

It is forbidden to install the antenna under the ebb of the roof.

The antenna is mounted at an angle of about 25 °, that is, it looks a little down, as in the photo:
When setting up the antenna, a correctly calculated azimuth will be of great help. To determine the azimuth, use a magnetic compass. It is aligned parallel to the ground to establish a northerly direction. Thus it is necessary to select any object for a reference point. The degree is counted according to the compass divisions clockwise (from zero, to the line that connects with the selected object). This is how the magnetic azimuth is calculated. The magnetic declination of a particular region is added or subtracted to the result obtained. To tune the antenna, use a special version of the SATTV program.
After installing it along the path C:\Program Files\SATTV 2.0\Zone, its bases will contain paths to satellite coverage areas. Installation of the finished kit is best done in accordance with the attached instructions. Usually the plate is assembled completely, and only after that they proceed with the installation. It is recommended to use a firmly fixed vertical metal bracket, which will allow you not to depend on weather conditions and not lose image quality. Precise tuning of the heads and their correct connection to the switch is necessary to match the tuner settings and the connections in the antenna. Assembling, installing and configuring a parabolic antenna for receiving a satellite signal: https://youtu.be/XNk-KTjEgEY

Characteristics of reflector antennas

The use of parabolic antennas has made them an indispensable component of not only the urban, but also the rural landscape. But this is caused not only by the spread of satellite television. They are used in radar systems, for wireless communications, radio relay, satellite and interspace, are used in the activities of radio telescopes. The main characteristics of a useful device are the width of the radiation pattern, its shape, efficiency and gain, effective area, and so on. Consider the main ones:

• irradiator (1 or more), forms a pattern;
• the beam width is determined by the main function – reception or transmission, there are special formulas for this;
• Efficiency may depend on design features (non-solid mirror, mesh applied to lighten weight or reduce weather resistance).

Parabolic antenna focus [/ caption] A homemade satellite dish can be made in many ways – gluing with a concrete base, from an old umbrella and aluminum foil (an amplifier with a power supply is required), from a thin metal sheet, from plexiglass and even from wire. In the video, the master reveals the secrets of making a satellite dish with his own hands: https://youtu.be/HBkfdb6rK2E The seeming simplicity in the descriptions of craftsmen, in fact, requires certain work skills, tools and free time. Home-made devices are cheaper, but the quality of the picture on the TV screen does not always reach the desired level. When purchasing a ready-made kit, you need to clearly define not only the location, but also the parameters. In some regions of Russia, a minimum diameter is sufficient to receive individual channels,