A simple high-speed antenna rotator for millimeter-wave clutter measurements

A low-cost V-band antenna-rotator assembly, capable of continuous operation at up to five revolutions per second, and having an angular resolution better than 0.4deg, is described. The unit is intended for surface-clutter-map data collection out in the field, uses conventional car battery power, is lightweight, and allows simple speed adjustment. Rigid rectangular waveguide is used throughout, with no coax transitions or flexible sections. Commercial off-the-shelf components have been selected as much as feasible, e.g., optical encoders and geared motors. The measured cross-axis stability was better than 0.3 at full speed. Experiments indicated that the rotator can work unattended for one week with just one 60 Ah lead-acid pack