Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices. A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation. A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device. The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences. Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined. Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated. Once the devices are aligned, location estimates of a third wireless device are made by both the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices. A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation. A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device. The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences. Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined. Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated. Once the devices are aligned, location estimates of a third wireless device are made by both the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

A mechanical assembly provides an attachment of an antenna tower to an antenna that includes back ring attached to an antenna reflector. The assembly includes a horizontal beam and a bracket. The bracket includes a first, e.g. planar, portion and a second, e.g. planar, portion that meet at a corner. The first portion is configured to fasten to the antenna back ring and the second portion is configured to attach to the horizontal beam. The second portion includes a pivot slot for receiving a first fastener connecting the bracket to the horizontal beam, and includes a circular hole for receiving a second fastener connecting the bracket to the horizontal beam.

A mobile platform includes an antenna adapted to simultaneously transmit on a first channel and receive on a second channel, and to dynamically switch communication channels as needed. For example, as the mobile platform changes position, orientation, etc., the configuration of the antenna may be updated to transmit on the second channel and receive on the first channel. Accordingly, despite changes in position or orientation, the mobile platform may maintain communication with other mobile platforms, ground controllers, user equipment, etc.

A mobile platform includes an antenna adapted to simultaneously transmit on a first channel and receive on a second channel, and to dynamically switch communication channels as needed. For example, as the mobile platform changes position, orientation, etc., the configuration of the antenna may be updated to transmit on the second channel and receive on the first channel. Accordingly, despite changes in position or orientation, the mobile platform may maintain communication with other mobile platforms, ground controllers, user equipment, etc.

A vehicle, vessel or airplane having an antenna and a motor rotating the antenna, a rotation encoder outputting information relating to the rotation and outputting the information to two controllers of which one controls the motor. The other controller receives the rotation information and information relating to a position/direction/axis in relation to the vehicle/vessel/airplane and outputting a second signal based thereon. The output of the second controller may be used for controlling the motor to have the antenna directed toward e.g. a satellite irrespective of the motion of the vehicle/airplane/vessel.

A vehicle, vessel or airplane having an antenna and a motor rotating the antenna, a rotation encoder outputting information relating to the rotation and outputting the information to two controllers of which one controls the motor. The other controller receives the rotation information and information relating to a position/direction/axis in relation to the vehicle/vessel/airplane and outputting a second signal based thereon. The output of the second controller may be used for controlling the motor to have the antenna directed toward e.g. a satellite irrespective of the motion of the vehicle/airplane/vessel.

Methods and systems for a steerable antenna array are disclosed. The antenna array includes an array of antenna elements aligned in rows and columns on a substrate. Additionally, the antenna array includes a microstrip feed within the substrate, where the feed is configured to electromagnetically couple to each antenna element of the array of antenna elements. The antenna array further includes a ground plane within the substrate. Additionally, for each antenna element, the antenna array includes a first cavity disposed between the ground plane and feed, and a second cavity disposed on the other side of the ground plane from the first cavity. The antenna array further includes a plurality of fluid lines configured to selectively add or remove fluid from the cavities coupled to the fluid line and cause a deflection of the ground plane in a region of the cavities coupled to the fluid line.

Methods and systems for a steerable antenna array are disclosed. The antenna array includes an array of antenna elements aligned in rows and columns on a substrate. Additionally, the antenna array includes a microstrip feed within the substrate, where the feed is configured to electromagnetically couple to each antenna element of the array of antenna elements. The antenna array further includes a ground plane within the substrate. Additionally, for each antenna element, the antenna array includes a first cavity disposed between the ground plane and feed, and a second cavity disposed on the other side of the ground plane from the first cavity. The antenna array further includes a plurality of fluid lines configured to selectively add or remove fluid from the cavities coupled to the fluid line and cause a deflection of the ground plane in a region of the cavities coupled to the fluid line.

Embodiments of the present invention use radar technology to detect features or conditions in a well. A radar unit having an electronics subsystem and an antenna subsystem is positioned downhole in the well. The radar unit is coupled receive power from and communicate with to a surface system. The electronics subsystem generates RF signals which are provided to the antenna subsystem, generating radar wavefronts that are propagated toward areas of interest (e.g., farther downhole). The radar wavefronts may be electronically or mechanically steered in the desired direction. The antenna subsystem receives radar signals that are reflected back to the unit by features or conditions in the well. The received reflected signals are converted to electronic signals that are interpreted by the electronics subsystem of the radar unit or by the surface system to identify the features or conditions that caused the reflections.