Abstract:
An antenna array for a body panel of a locomotive is described having a base support including at least a pair of elongated parallel structures forming a channel on the body panel of the locomotive cab. A plurality of removable plates are affixed to the elongated parallel structures for mounting an antenna on each of the removable plates, thereby allowing wiring from each antenna to extend from its respective removable plate through the channel formed by the base support. A junction box situated near the base support forms an enclosure about an aperture formed in the body panel of the locomotive. The junction box includes a plurality of interconnects for connecting wiring of each antenna to wiring of a device in the locomotive. In one embodiment, the junction box is integral to the base support. The integral junction box, base support arrangement may further include a lip formed about its periphery in which a cover mounted thereon. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an antenna array is provided for a body panel of a locomotive having a base support including a base support having a plurality of pillars on the body panel of the locomotive cab and a plurality of removable plates being supported by the pillars on the base support for mounting an antenna on each of the removable plates.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present patent application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/186,263, filed on Jun. 11, 2009 and entitled “LOCOMOTIVE MODULAR ANTENNA ARRAY,” the complete disclosure thereof being incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for mounting antennas on a locomotive, and more specifically, to a modular antenna array for a locomotive. 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a locomotive, including a locomotive cab  118 . Although  FIG. 1  depicts a prior art antenna array  100  mounted to the locomotive cab roof  106 , the present invention modular antenna array may be affixed or otherwise mounted to the locomotive cab roof instead. 
         [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates a prior art locomotive having a plurality of antennas  102 A-H mounted on the roof  106  of the locomotive cab  118 . The antennas  102 A-E may comprise different types of antennas, including but not limited to a cellular antenna  102 A, a distributed power antenna  102 B, a tri-band antenna  102 C, a GPS antenna  102 D, a head of train antenna, WIFI or WLAN antenna  102 E, data radio antenna (e.g., a 220 MHz antenna)  102 F, an end of train antenna  102 G, voice radio antenna (e.g., VHF voice antenna)  102 H, a digital cellular antenna, a GSM-R antenna, electronic train management antenna, or the like. In mounting an antenna to the locomotive cab roof  106 , a hole is drilled to accommodate the wiring and/or a portion of the antenna body. The wiring is fed through the hole into the locomotive cab, where it is connected to a device for utilization of that particular antenna. The body of the antenna  102  is affixed to the roof  106  of the locomotive cab  118  by use of fasteners, epoxy, or the like. 
         [0005]    However, this prior art system has several shortcomings. For example, each antenna cannot easily be arranged or rearranged in order to overcome communication or RF interference with other antennas. Additionally, because the roof of the locomotive is susceptible to harsh environmental conditions, the prior art system and the locomotive cab is susceptible to water ingress due to deterioration of the joint (e.g., fastener, epoxy, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV), etc.) between the body and antenna, and/or the locomotive roof. The replacement or addition of an antenna in this prior art system also proves to be difficult and labor intensive. Replacement of the antenna first requires the removal of the deteriorated joint and all of the wiring extending from the previous antenna to the device associated therewith, which is typically located in the locomotive cab. Then, new wiring is fed into the locomotive cab, where it is connected to a device for utilization of that particular antenna. The body of the antenna is ultimately affixed to the roof of the locomotive cab using a fastener, epoxy or the like. 
         [0006]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate another prior art system for mounting a plurality of antennas  202 (A-F) to a locomotive cab roof  206 . In this system, a metal base plate  214  is affixed to the locomotive cab roof  206  using a plurality of fasteners  210  and RTV to prevent water ingress. The metal base plate  214  accommodates a raised antenna mount  204  and a cover (or radome)  208  for the mount. In this arrangement, the raised antenna mount  204  and the cover  208  are affixed to the metal base plate  214 . The raised antenna mount  204  accommodates a plurality of antennas  202 A-F. The wiring  212 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , for the antennas  202 A-F is fed through an aperture defined in the metal base plate  208 , through an aperture defined in the roof  206  of the locomotive cab  218 , and terminates in the locomotive cab  218  generally at the devices associated therewith, as shown in  FIG. 5 . The wiring  216  used with the antenna mount  204  is a crimp style connection, which includes fluctuations in the resistance of the connector. 
         [0007]    Like the prior art system of  FIG. 2 , the prior art system of  FIGS. 3-5  has several shortcomings. For example, each antenna  202  cannot be easily arranged or rearranged in order to overcome communication or RF interference with other antennas. Moreover, the management of the wiring  212  from each antenna to their respective devices is cumbersome. Additionally, because the roof  206  of the locomotive is susceptible to harsh environmental conditions, the prior art system and the locomotive cab become susceptible to water ingress due to deterioration of the fasteners  210  and RTV of the metal base plate  214 , raised antenna mount  204 , and cover  208 . The replacement of an antenna  202  in this prior art system also proves to be difficult and labor intensive. Replacement of the antenna  202  first requires the removal of the deteriorated fasteners  210  at the cover  208  and the entire antenna mount  204 . Also, all of the wiring  212  extending from the previous antenna to the device associated therewith must be removed. Then, new wiring  212  is fed into the locomotive cab  218  via the wire connection arrangement  216 , where it is connected to a device for utilization of that particular antenna  202 . The antenna  202  is affixed to the antenna mount  204 , the entire antenna mount is reaffixed to the metal base plate  214 , and the cover  208  is reaffixed to the metal base plate  214 . 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna mounting apparatus that minimizes water ingress into the cab of a locomotive. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an antenna mounting apparatus that provides easy arrangement and/or rearrangement of the antenna in order to overcome RF interference with other antenna. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for managing the wiring near each antenna. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna mounting apparatus which is modular and provides for easy maintenance and replacement of a single antenna in a multiple antenna system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the present invention, provided is an antenna array for a body panel of a locomotive having a base support including at least a pair of elongated parallel structures. A plurality of removable plates are affixed to the elongated parallel structures for mounting an antenna on each of the removable plates, thereby allowing wiring from each antenna to extend from its respective removable base support. A junction box situated near the base support forms an enclosure about an aperture formed in the body panel of the locomotive. The junction box includes a plurality of interconnects for connecting wiring of each antenna to wiring of a device in the locomotive. 
         [0010]    In accordance with the present invention, an antenna array is proved for a body panel of a locomotive having a base support including a base support having a plurality of pillars on the body panel of the locomotive cab and a plurality of removable plates being supported by the pillars on the base support for mounting an antenna on each of the removable plates. 
         [0011]    It should be understood that the present invention includes a number of different aspects and/or features which may have utility alone and/or in combination with other aspects or features. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a locomotive. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is top view of a prior art system for mounting antennas on a locomotive. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a prior art antenna array mounted to a locomotive. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the prior art antenna array of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the devices within the locomotive cab associated with the prior art antenna array of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective top view of a locomotive cab including the first embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of a locomotive cab including a second embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a locomotive cab including the second embodiment of the present invention antenna array. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a side view the second embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array illustrating interconnects. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a top view of a locomotive cab including a third embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of an aspect of a fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array including a plurality of pillars. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array of  FIG. 17  further including a plurality of removable plates. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array of  FIG. 17  further including parallel rails. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array of  FIG. 19  further including a plurality of removable plates. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array including a cover. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is another cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a front side view of a locomotive cab including any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-24  of the present invention modular antenna array. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]      FIGS. 6 through 8  illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention modular antenna array  300  system. This system generally includes a modular antenna array  300  including a base support  304  having a pair of rails  308   a, b  situated in parallel to one another. The base support  304  may be affixed to the roof  306  of the locomotive cab  318  or any other body panel of a locomotive using a variety of fastening means  310 A, including but not limited to welding, epoxy, mechanical fasteners, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV), or the like. Situated between the parallel rails  308  is a plurality of removable plates  314 , each being adapted to affix an antenna  302  thereto. Situated in relation to the base support  304  is a junction box  301 . The junction box  301  serves as a protective covering or enclosure for an aperture  320  in the roof  306  of the locomotive cab or locomotive body panel. The junction box  301  may be adapted to route the wiring from the antennas  302  to their respective devices via a wire connection arrangement in the locomotive cab. The junction box  301  may include seals at both the aperture  320  in the roof  306  of the locomotive (or locomotive body panel) and at the wiring entry from the removable plates to prevent water ingress into the locomotive cab. In another example, the aperture  320  in the roof  306  of the locomotive (or locomotive body panel) and/or the wiring entry may be potted. Additionally, the entire junction box  301  may be entirely potted. 
         [0038]    As shown in this embodiment, the removable plates  314  may be sized and shaped to accommodate a plurality of different types of antennas  302 , including but not limited to a cellular antenna  302 A, a distributed power antenna  302 B, a tri-band antenna  302 C, a GPS antenna  302 D, a head of train antenna, an end of train antenna, voice radio antenna (e.g., VHF voice antenna), WIFI or WLAN antenna  302 E, digital cellular antenna, data radio antenna (e.g., a 220 MHz antenna), GSM-R antenna, electronic train management antenna, or the like. Because the plates  314  are removable, each antenna  302  may be rearranged to optimize its communication signal and may be easily replaced without removing another antenna  302  or either of the rails  308  of the base support  304 . In this embodiment, the removable plates  314  are shown to be situated just below the top portion of each rail  308  of the base support  304 . The removable plates  314  are preferably affixed to the rails  308  of the base support  304  using a plurality of mechanical fasteners  310 B. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 9 through 15  illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus generally comprises a modular antenna array  400  including a base support  404  having a pair of rails  408  situated in parallel to one another. The base support  404  may be affixed to the roof  406  of the locomotive cab  418  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  or any other locomotive body panel (not shown) using a variety of fastening means including but not limited to welding, epoxy, mechanical fasteners, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV), or the like. The base support  404  may be constructed of a durable metal, fiberglass or other suitable material. Situated on the base support  404  is a plurality of removable plates  414 , each being adapted to affix an antenna  402  thereto. The removable plates  414  may be constructed of a durable metal or other suitable material conducive for RF applications. 
         [0040]    Situated at one end of the base support  404  is a junction box  401 . In this embodiment, the rails  408  of the base support  404  form the sidewalls of the junction box  401 . In another embodiment (not shown), the junction box may be separate and apart from the base support. One end wall of the junction box  401  is preferably integral to the sidewalls of the junction box  401  as shown. The other end wall of the junction box  401  may include a plurality of interconnects  424 , as shown in FIGS.  12  and  14 - 15 , adapted to accommodate connections to the various wiring  412  of the antennas  402 . The end wall of the junction box  401  having the plurality of interconnects  424  may be integral to the sidewalls of the junction box  401  or removable for maintenance purposes. The interconnects  424  may be any suitable type of RF interconnects  424  or any other connectors. For example, in one arrangement, the interconnects  424  may be raised from the roof of locomotive cab and generally situated parallel thereto. Accordingly, the interconnects  424  may accommodate the use of inline RF connectors. In one embodiment, the interconnects  424  are N-type RF connectors. In another embodiment, the interconnect is a sealed or water-resistant interconnect. 
         [0041]    As shown in the various drawings and specifically in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the interconnects accommodate a plurality of wires  412  from the junction box  401 , through an aperture  420  in the roof  406  of the locomotive cab  418  (or locomotive body panel) and to the various devices  430  associated thereto via a wire connection arrangement  416 . Accordingly, during installation or replacement of an antenna  402 A-D, wiring  412  would only need to be replaced from the antenna  402 A-D to the junction box  401 , rather than from the antenna  402  to the devices within the locomotive cab  418  as with prior art systems. Because wiring  412  would not need to be replaced from the junction box  401  to the devices  430  within the locomotive cab  418 , the aperture  420  in the roof  406  of the locomotive cab  418  (or locomotive body panel) may be potted or otherwise sealed to prevent water ingress. Moreover, the junction box  401  includes an additional protective cover  409  preferably affixed to the top walls of the junction box  401  using a plurality of fasteners  410 C. The junction box  401  and its protective cover  409  may be constructed of a durable metal, fiberglass or other suitable material. A sealing gasket (not shown) may further be provided for an additional seal between the protective cover and the junction box. 
         [0042]    As shown in this embodiment, the removable plates  414  may be adapted to accommodate a plurality of different types of antennas  402 , including but not limited to a cellular antenna  402 A, a distributed power antenna  402 B, a tri-band antenna  402 C, a GPS antenna  402 D, a head of train antenna, an end of train antenna, voice radio antenna (e.g, VHF voice antenna), WIFI or WLAN antenna, digital cellular antenna, data radio antenna (e.g., a 220 MHz antenna), GSM-R antenna, electronic train management antenna, or the like. The removable plates may be also sized and shaped to accommodate the various antennas (not shown) and may include apertures of various shapes and sizes to accommodate mounting of various antenna bodies and wiring associated thereto. Although each removable plate  414  is shown to have separation between it and another plate  414 , the removable plates  414  may be situated to touch another plate. Also, although each removable plate  414  is shown to accommodate only one antenna  402 , each removable plate  414  may be further adapted to accommodate a plurality of antennas  402 . Furthermore, a sealing gasket may be provided for a sealing arrangement between each removable plate  414  and the base support  404 . 
         [0043]    Because the plates  414  are removable, each antenna  402  may be rearranged to optimize its communication signal and may be easily replaced without removing another antenna  402  or either of the rails  408  of the base support  404 . In this embodiment, the removable plates  414  are shown to be affixed to the top of each base support  404 . The removable plates  414  are preferably affixed to the base supports  404  using a plurality of mechanical fasteners  410 B. In this arrangement, the wiring  412  from the antenna  402  may run from the antenna  402  through the channel formed by the rails  408  of the base support  404  and to the interconnects  424  of the junction box  401 . In one arrangement, the wiring  412  from the interconnects  424  of the junction box  401  to each antenna  402  may be a select length to accommodate interchangeability and rearrangement of the antennas  402 . For example, each wire  412  may span the length of the base support  404  such that the wiring  412  need not be replaced during rearrangement of the antenna  402 . 
         [0044]    As specifically illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13 , situated around the periphery of the base support  404 , junction box  401  and end wall is a lip  422  for mounting a protective cover or radome  407  for the entire modular antenna array system. The lip  422  is generally elevated from the locomotive cab roof or locomotive body panel such that it accommodates a fastener, clip and enclosed nut arrangement  410 D which may be easily removed as shown in  FIG. 11 . The cover or radome  407  may be fastened to the lip  422  in other suitable manners. With this arrangement, the protective cover or radome  407  is not affixed directly to the roof  406  of the cab  418  (or locomotive body panel), thereby further minimizing the likelihood of water ingress. A sealing gasket (not shown) may further be provided for a further sealing engagement between the lip and the cover. The cover  407  for the entire modular antenna array  400  system may be constructed of a durable fiberglass, polymer or other suitable material. 
         [0045]    If constructed of metal material, the base support  404 , the removable plates  414 , junction box  401  and the metal fastener (or welding) arrangement provides for proper grounding of the system. If any part of the former arrangement is constructed of a non-metal material (e.g., a fiberglass or polymer), a grounding strap may be implemented to provide for adequate grounding. Additionally, an in-line grounding system may be provided in the connectors and wiring of the antenna. Also, any suitable system (e.g., an in-line system or catenary type system) may be provided to protect the apparatus from high voltage exposure. 
         [0046]    In another arrangement, the modular antenna array may be comprised of a plurality of base supports to accommodate additional antennas  502 B,  502 D,  502 F. In one example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , a modular antenna array  500  is illustrated having a plurality of base supports  504 , the base supports  504  may be situated in a V shape and may have a junction box  501  at the vertex of the V, as shown in  FIG. 16 . For this embodiment, a protective cover or radome  507  may be provided for the entire or a portion of the system. In another example (not shown), the base supports may be situated parallel to one another and may have a single junction box extending between the base supports. 
         [0047]    Although the arrangements are shown in the previous Figures to have a base support having separate rails, the base support may have a unitary construction, as shown in  FIGS. 17-25 . For example, the base support may be a unitary base plate  604 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 17 to 25  illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus generally comprises a modular antenna array  600  including a base plate  604 . The base plate  604  may be affixed to the roof  606  of the locomotive cab  618  as shown in  FIGS. 17-20  or any other locomotive body panel (not shown) using a variety of fastening means  610 A, including but not limited to welding, epoxy, mechanical fasteners, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV), or the like. The base plate  604  may be constructed of a durable metal, fiberglass or other suitable material. In this embodiment, the base plate  604  is shaped such that it may support multiple modular antenna arrangements  600 . For instance, in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the base plate  604  supports three modular antenna arrangements  600  with a plurality of pillars  628 , which carry removable plates  614  adapted to affix antennas  602  thereto. 
         [0049]    Specifically, the base plate  604  includes a plurality of pillars  628  each being generally situated in parallel to another pillar, as shown in  FIG. 17 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the pillars  628  may carry a plurality of removable plates  614 , wherein each removable plate  614  is adapted to affix an antenna  602  thereto. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the pillars may alternatively support rails  608  for carrying a plurality of removable plates  614 , each being adapted to affix an antenna  602  thereto. The removable plates  614  may be constructed of a durable metal or other suitable material conducive for RF applications. 
         [0050]    Situated at one end of the base plate  604  is a junction box  601 . In this embodiment, base plate  604  defines a separate section for forming the sidewalls of the junction box  601 . In another embodiment (not shown), the junction box may be separate and apart from the base plate. One end wall of the junction box  601  is preferably integral to the sidewalls of the junction box  601  as shown. The other end wall of the junction box  601  may include a plurality of interconnects  624 , as shown in  FIGS. 18-20  and  22 , adapted to accommodate connections to the various wiring  612  of the antennas  602 . The end wall of the junction box  601  having the plurality of interconnects  624  may be integral to the sidewalls of the junction box  601  or removable for maintenance purposes. The interconnects  624  may be any suitable type of RF interconnects or other connectors. For example, in one arrangement, the interconnects  624  may be elevated from the roof  606  of locomotive cab  618  and generally situated parallel thereto. Accordingly, the interconnects  624  may accommodate the use of inline RF connectors. In one embodiment, the interconnects are N-type RF connectors. In another embodiment, the interconnect is a sealed or water-resistant interconnect. 
         [0051]    The interconnects  624  accommodate a plurality of wires  612  from the junction box  601 , through an aperture  620  defined in the roof  606  of the locomotive cab  618  (or locomotive body panel) and to the various devices associated thereto via a wire connection arrangement. Accordingly, during installation or replacement Of an antenna  602 , wiring  612  would only need to be replaced from the antenna  602  to the junction box  601 , rather than from the antenna  602  to the devices within the locomotive cab  618  as with prior art systems. Because wiring  612  would not need to be replaced from the junction box  601  to the devices within the locomotive cab  618 , the aperture  620  in the roof  606  of the locomotive cab  618  (or locomotive body panel) may be potted Or otherwise sealed to prevent water ingress. Moreover, the junction box  601  includes an additional protective cover  609  preferably affixed to the top walls of the junction box  601  using a plurality of fasteners  610 C. The junction box  601  and its protective, cover  609  may be constructed of a durable metal, fiberglass or other suitable material. A sealing gasket  632  is further provided for an additional seal between the base plate  604  and the locomotive cab roof  606 . In an embodiment (not shown), the sealing gasket may be extended to further provide a seal-between the junction box  601 , the base plate  604 , and the locomotive cab roof  606 . 
         [0052]    As shown in this embodiment, the removable plates  614  may be adapted to accommodate a plurality of different types of antennas  602 , including but not limited to a cellular antenna  602 A, a distributed power antenna  602 B, a tri-band antenna, a GPS antenna, a head of train antenna, an end of train antenna, WIFI or WLAN antenna, voice radio antenna (e.g, VHF voice antenna)  602 F, digital cellular antenna, data radio antenna (e.g., a 220 MHz antenna), GSM-R antenna, electronic train management antenna, or the like. The removable plates may be also sized and shaped to accommodate the various antennas (not shown) and may include apertures of various shapes and sizes to accommodate mounting of various antenna bodies and wiring associated thereto. Although each removable plate  614  is shown to have separation between it and another plate  614 , the removable plates  614  may be situated to touch another removable plate  614 . Also, although each removable plate  614  is shown to accommodate only one antenna  602 , each removable plate  614  may be further adapted to accommodate a plurality of antennas. Furthermore, a sealing gasket (not shown) may be provided for a sealing arrangement between each removable plate  614  and the base plate  604 . 
         [0053]    Because the plates  614  are removable, each antenna  602  may be rearranged to optimize its communication signal and may be easily replaced without removing another antenna  602 , the pillars  628  or either of the rails  608  of the base plate  604 . In this embodiment, the removable plates  614  are shown to be affixed to the top of each base plate  604 . the removable plates  614  are preferably affixed to the base plate  604  using a plurality of mechanical fasteners  610 B. In this arrangement, the wiring  612  from each antenna  602  may run from the antenna  602  through the channel formed by the pillars  628  or rails  608  of the base plate  604  and to the interconnects  624  of the junction box  601 . In one arrangement, the wiring  612  from the interconnects  624  of the junction box  601  to each antenna  602  may be a select length to accommodate interchangeability and rearrangement of the antennas  602 . For example, each wire  612  may span the length of the base plate  604  such that the wiring  612  need not be replaced during rearrangement of the antenna  602 . 
         [0054]    Situated around the periphery of the base plate  604 , junction box  601  and end wall is a lip  622  for mounting a protective cover or radome  607  for the entire modular antenna array system. The lip  622  is generally elevated from the locomotive cab roof or body panel such that it accommodates a fastener, clip and enclosed nut arrangement  610 D which may be easily removed as shown in  FIG. 21 . The cover or radome  607  may be fastened to the lip  622  in other suitable manners. With this arrangement, the protective cover or radome  607  does not need to be affixed directly to the roof  606  of the cab  618  (or locomotive body panel), thereby further minimizing the chances of water ingress. As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , a sealing gasket may further be provided for a further sealing engagement between the lip  622  and the cover  607 . The cover  607  for the entire modular antenna array  600  system may be constructed of a durable fiberglass, polymer or other suitable material. 
         [0055]    In this embodiment, the modular antenna array  600  provides three barriers to water ingress into the locomotive cab  618 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 . In contrast to the prior art systems, this arrangement only defines a single aperture  620  in the locomotive cab roof  606 . This aperture is located inside the junction box  601 . The first barrier of protection from the environment is the cover or radome  607  of the modular antenna array. Additionally provided is a cover for the junction box  609 , which protects the aperture  620  from water ingress. Thirdly, a sealing gasket  632  is further provided for an additional seal between the base plate  604  and the locomotive cab roof  606 . In an embodiment (not shown), the sealing gasket may be extended to further provide a seal between the junction box  601 , the base plate  604 , and the locomotive cab roof  606 . Additionally, the lip  622  where the radome  607  engages the base plate  604  provides for additional protection in that it deflects water from penetrating the modular antenna array  600 . Therefore, because the present invention modular antenna array  600  provides a plurality of barriers to water ingress, damage to the devices of the locomotive cab  618  is prevented. 
         [0056]    If constructed of metal material, the base plate  604 , the removable plates  608 , junction box  601  and the metal fastener  610  (or welding) arrangement provides for proper grounding of the system. If any part of the former arrangement is constructed of a non-metal material (e.g., a fiberglass or polymer), a grounding strap may be implemented to provide for adequate grounding. Additionally, an in-line grounding system may be provided in the connectors and wiring of the antenna. Also, any suitable system (e.g., an in-line system or catenary type system) may be provided to protect the apparatus from high voltage exposure. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 25 , the cover  607  of the modular antenna array  600  is well below the clearance range  634  necessary to avoid making contact with tunnels the locomotive may pass through. 
         [0058]    In yet another arrangement, the present invention arrangements may be situated on any body portion of the locomotive, rather than on the roof of the locomotive cab. 
         [0059]    The various embodiments of the present invention illustrate antenna arrangements which are modular in design. Specifically, the antenna arrangements include components which may be standardized to accommodate a variety of different antennas commonly used with locomotives. For example, each removable plate may accommodate a number of different types of antennas. Furthermore, these plates are sized and shaped such that the antennas may be interchanged or arranged easily. In another aspect, the antennas are arranged and mounted onto a body panel of the locomotive and protected under a single protective cover. In this way, the modular design provides the ability to easily mount, arrange, rearrange, replace and repair a plurality of different locomotive antennas. 
         [0060]    While this invention has been described with reference to certain illustrative aspects, it will be understood that this description shall not be construed in a limiting sense. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments without departing from the true spirit, central characteristics and scope of the invention, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any such changes and modifications will be recognized by those skilled in the art as an equivalent to one or more elements of the following claims, and shall be covered by such claims to the fullest extent permitted by law.