Patent ID: 6710749
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A satellite dish apparatus operably connectable to a satellite receiver, the apparatus comprising:a satellite dish defining a focal point; and an automated positioning stem that selectively controls positioning of the satellite dish, the automated positioning including: a feedhorn and a signal converter operably located at the focal point of the satellite dish; an azimuth control system and an elevation control system operably coupled to the satellite dish to selectively change an elevational position and an azimuth position of the satellite dish in accordance with a search pattern; and a search control system operably coupled to the azimuth control system and the elevation control system and to the signal converter such that the search control system continuously averages an output signal reading from the signal converter during movement of the satellite dish in the search pattern to generate a dynamic average signal strength and uses the dynamic average signal strength as a threshold level for discarding any subsequent output signal readings as representing potentially valid satellite signals if the subsequent output signal reading is below the threshold level.