A new satellite tracking antenna

Dual terminal linear arrays have very unusual and useful characteristics which have not previously received adequate attention. We have investigated analytically and experimentally the radiation patterns from such arrays considering both sum and difference patterns from the two terminals as functions of (1) wavelength, and (2) amplitude and phase distribution on the array. The feeding and matching problems on the transmission lines are treated for element spacing both near and remote from . The use of dual terminal arrays with secondary reflectors or lenses is discussed. Factors effecting gain and angular accuracy are emphasized. A complete satellite tracking system is described for 108 Mcps operation using 22 new type radiating elements electromagnetically coupled to a balanced two-wire line. This "single antenna interferometer" will give a single angle coordinate to high accuracy without ambiguities. The antenna is inexpensive to fabricate and install and is suitable for radio astronomy applications. Experimental antenna patterns are compared with theoretical.