Abstract:
A Method of Tuning a Frequency Agile Electrically Small Tactical AM Broadcast Band Antenna System (NC#102174) comprising determining a desired operating frequency for a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system; configuring tophat jumpers of the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system to operate near the desired operating frequency; erecting an antenna of the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system; transmitting a signal through the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system; adjusting inductor values of an antenna tuning unit of the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system so that the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system operates at the desired operating frequency.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     This invention (Navy Case No. 102174) is assigned to the United States Government and is available for licensing for commercial purposes. Licensing and technical inquiries may be directed to the Office of Research and Technical Applications, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Code 51000-CTO, N. Charleston, S.C., 29419; voice (843) 218-4000; email T2@spawar.navy.mil. Reference Navy Case Number 102174. 
    
    
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/051,887, filed Mar. 20, 2008, entitled “Frequency Agile Electrically Small Tactical AM Broadcast Band Antenna System” (NC#098978), hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for its teachings on antenna systems, and referred to hereafter as “the parent application.” 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The Method of Tuning a Frequency Agile Electrically Small Tactical AM Broadcast Band Antenna System is generally in the field of antenna systems. 
     Typical antenna systems require a broadcast engineer to setup and maintain the antenna system, which is expensive. In addition, typical antenna systems require power shutdowns to tune the antenna system. 
     A need exists for an antenna system that does not require a broadcast engineer to setup and maintain the antenna system. In addition, a need exists for an antenna system that does not require power shutdowns to tune the antenna system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       All FIGURES are not drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of a configurable tophat assembly of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 3  is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of one embodiment of one component of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of one embodiment of one component of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 6  is a block/schematic diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 7  is a block/schematic diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 9  is a block/schematic diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of tuning a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of tuning a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of tuning a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Described herein is Method of Tuning a Frequency Agile Electrically Small Tactical AM Broadcast Band Antenna System. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     The following acronym(s) are used herein: 
     Acronym(s): 
     AM—Amplitude Modulation 
     ATU—Antenna Tuning Unit 
     FAAS—Frequency Agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna System 
     Tx—Transmitter 
     The frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system includes a transmitter, an antenna tuning unit (ATU) and an antenna mast. The transmitter is operatively coupled to the ATU and is designed to transmit AM radio frequency signals to the ATU. The ATU is operatively coupled to the antenna mast and is designed to tune the antenna system to a desired frequency. The antenna mast includes a support mast and an electric mast. The ATU is operatively coupled to the electric mast. The support mast is designed to provide physical support for the electric mast. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS). As shown in  FIG. 1 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142  and configurable tophat assembly  144 . In one embodiment, transmitter  120  comprises an AM transmitter. Transmitter  120  is operatively coupled to ATU  130  and is designed to transmit AM radio frequency signals to ATU  130 . ATU  130  is designed to tune FAAS  110  to a desired frequency. ATU  130  is operatively coupled to ground for electric reference purposes. In one embodiment, ATU is operatively coupled to a ground rod that is inserted into the ground, a ground radial wire assembly that spans an area around FAAS  110 , and an ATU ground connection. ATU  130  is operatively coupled to mast wires  142 . 
     Mast wires  142  receive AM radio frequency signals from ATU  130  and output AM radio frequency signals to configurable tophat assembly  144 . Configurable tophat assembly  144  is operatively coupled to mast wires  142  and transmits AM radio frequency signals to receiving antenna  160  via medium  150 . In one embodiment, medium  150  is air. Receiving antenna  160  is operatively coupled and outputs AM radio frequency signals to receiver  170 . Receiver  170  receives and demodulates AM radio frequency signals. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of a configurable tophat assembly of a FAAS. As shown in  FIG. 2 , configurable tophat assembly  144  includes tophat disc  242 , tophat wires  244 , and tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250 . Tophat disc  242  comprises a conductive material capable of transmitting radio frequency signals such as aluminum or copper. In one embodiment, tophat disc  242  comprises copper. Tophat disc  242  provides a common electric node for tophat wires  244 . Tophat disc  242  is operatively coupled to tophat wires  244 . 
     Tophat wires  244  comprise a conductive material. In one embodiment, tophat wires  244  comprise copper. In one embodiment, tophat wires  244  comprise sixteen separate copper wires. In one embodiment, tophat wires  244  are approximately 99 feet in length. Tophat wires  244  are segmented by tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  at predetermined lengths so that configurable tophat assembly  144  can have multiple configurations. Tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  can be in one of two states: an electrical open or an electrical short. In one embodiment, tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  comprise an insulator, tophat wire connectors, and a common node, where the tophat wire connectors are connected to separate and adjacent segments of tophat wire  244 . In an electrical open state, the tophat wire connectors are not connected to each other or the common node. In an electrical short state, the tophat wire connectors are connected to each other though the common node. Tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  are situated at predetermined lengths along tophat wires  244  and are designed to change the operational properties of configurable tophat assembly  144 . Those skilled in the art shall recognize that these predetermined lengths can be changed without departing from the scope and spirit of the antenna system. 
     In one embodiment, tophat jumpers  246  are situated 25 feet from a proximal end of tophat wires  244  (i.e., the ends of tophat wires  244  that are closest to tophat disc  242 ). In one embodiment, tophat jumpers  248  are situated 45 feet from a proximal end of tophat wires  244 . In one embodiment, tophat jumpers  250  are situated 75 feet from a proximal end of tophat wires  244 . Cutaway  292  represented by a box having dashed lines is now described in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of a FAAS.  FIG. 3  is a side view representing cutaway  292  of  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , FAAS  300  includes transmitter (Tx)  120 , ATU  130 , tophat disc  242 , tophat wires  244 , tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250 , conductor base  342 , insulator base  344 , base mast  346 , insulator mast  348 , mast ring  380 , and mast wires  142 . Conductor base  342  comprises a conductive material. In one embodiment, conductor base  342  comprises copper. In one embodiment, conductor base  342  has a thickness of ¼ inch. In one embodiment, conductor base  342  comprises a thin, flat disc. Conductor base  342  is operatively coupled to a ground rod (not shown in any FIGURES), which is inserted into the ground. Conductor base  342  is operatively coupled to a network of ground radial wires (not shown in any FIGURES). In one embodiment, a network of ground radial wires comprises lengths of conductive wire that have proximal ends operatively coupled to conductor base  342  and distal ends situated in an imaginary concentric circle that has a diameter greater than a diameter of conductor base  342 , wherein the ground radial wires are approximately evenly spaced with respect to radians around conductor base  342  (i.e., with respect to a top view). Conductor base  342  is operatively coupled to insulator base  344 , which isolates base mast  346  from earth ground. 
     Insulator base  344  comprises an insulator material. In one embodiment, insulator base  344  comprises fiberglass. In one embodiment, insulator base  344  comprises epoxy resin and glass substrate. In one embodiment, insulator base  344  comprises G 10 . In one embodiment, insulator base  344  comprises a flat disc that is approximately greater than or equal to four inches in thickness. Insulator base  355  is operatively coupled to base mast  346 . 
     Base mast  346  comprises a sturdy material. In one embodiment, base mast  346  comprises steel. In one embodiment, base mast  346  comprises aluminum. In one embodiment, base mast  346  comprises a telescopic boom. Base mast  346  has a length sufficient enough to situate tophat disc  242  a predetermined distance above ground. In one embodiment, tophat disc  242  is approximately 60 feet above ground. Base mast  346  provides support for insulator mast  348  and configurable tophat assembly  242 . In one embodiment, base mast  346  further comprises non-conducting guy wires to provide structural support. In one embodiment, base mast  346  further comprises multiple tiers of guy wires at various lengths along base mast  346 . Base mast  346  is operatively coupled to insulator mast  348 . 
     Insulator mast  348  comprises an insulator material. In one embodiment, insulator mast  348  comprises fiberglass. In one embodiment, insulator mast  348  comprises an epoxy resin and glass substrate. In one embodiment, insulator mast  348  comprises G 10 . In one embodiment, insulator mast  348  comprises a cylinder. Insulator mast  348  is operatively coupled to tophat disc  242 . The configurable tophat assembly (i.e., tophat disc  242 , tophat wires  244 , and tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250 ) have been described above with reference to  FIG. 2 , and thus, will not be described again. Angle  390  is formed between an imaginary vertical line and tophat wires  244 . In one embodiment, angle  390  is approximately equal to 60 degrees. 
     Mast wires  142  are operatively coupled to tophat disc  242  so that mast wires  142  are approximately evenly spaced with respect to a radial view. Mast wires  142  are substantially parallel to base mast  346 . In one embodiment, mast wires  142  comprise eight separate copper wires. Mast wires  142  are operatively coupled to mast ring  380 , which provides a common electrical node for mast wires  142 . Mast ring  380  is described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 4 . Mast wires  142  are operatively coupled to ATU  130  via mast ring  380 . ATU  130  is operatively coupled to transmitter  120 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of one embodiment of one component of a FAAS. As shown in  FIG. 4 , mast ring  380  comprises conductor ring  442 , mast ring mast wire couplers  444 , radial supports  446 , and base mast coupler  448 . Base mast coupler  448  comprises a sturdy material designed to operatively couple support mast ring  380  to base mast  346  of  FIG. 3  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). Base mast coupler  448  has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of base mast  346  of  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, base mast coupler  448  comprises insulator material. In one embodiment, base mast coupler  448  comprises conductor material. Radial supports  446  comprise an insulator material and are designed to operatively couple base mast coupler  448  and conductor ring  442  to provide support for conductor ring  442 . In one embodiment, mast ring  380  comprises eight radial supports  446 . 
     Conductor ring  442  comprises a conductive material. In one embodiment, conductor ring  442  comprises copper. Mast ring mast wire couplers  444  are designed to operatively couple mast wires  142  of  FIG. 3  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) to conductor ring  442 , which provides a common electrical node. Mast ring mast wire couplers  444  comprise conductive material. In one embodiment, mast ring mast wire couplers  444  comprise metal screws. In one embodiment, mast ring mast wire couplers  444  comprise metal nuts and bolts. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of one embodiment of one component of a FAAS. As shown in  FIG. 5 , tophat disc  242  comprises tophat wire couplers  544  and tophat mast wire couplers  582 . Tophat wire couplers  544  and tophat mast wire couplers  582  are substantially similar to mast ring mast wire couplers  444  of  FIG. 4 , and thus, are not described in detail again. Tophat wire couplers  544  operatively couple tophat disc  242  and tophat wires  244  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). Tophat mast wire couplers  582  operatively couple tophat disc  242  and mast wires  142  of  FIG. 3  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     To provide a better understanding of the operation of the exemplary embodiments of FAAS described above, an exemplary operation is now described with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . An operator (who does not need to be a broadcast engineer) configures tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  depending on factors such as desired operating frequency, local topography and tuner electronics. After raising configurable tophat assembly  144  of  FIG. 2  via base mast  346  and insulator mast  348  of  FIG. 3 , the operator attempts to tune the FAAS to a desired operating frequency using ATU  130 . Upon failure to tune the FAAS, the operator reconfigures tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  to a different configuration from the original configuration. The operator may be required to lower configurable tophat assembly  144  to reconfigure tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  and raise configurable tophat assembly  144  after reconfiguration. 
     After raising configurable tophat assembly  144  of  FIG. 2  via base mast  346  and insulator mast  348  of  FIG. 3 , the operator attempts to tune the FAAS to a desired operating frequency (thus, the antenna is frequency agile) within the AM Broadcast band using ATU  130  which is simplistically configured using two motorized inductors. Upon failure to tune the FAAS, the operator reconfigures tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  to a different configuration from the original configuration. The operator may be required to lower configurable tophat assembly  144  to reconfigure tophat jumpers  246 ,  248 ,  250  and raise configurable tophat assembly  144  after reconfiguration, a task done without engineering assistance. The operator continues to attempt tuning and reconfiguring until tuning the FAAS to the desired operating frequency is accomplished using two simple switches to control the two motorized inductors. 
     Those experienced in the art will recognize that the configurable tophat assembly is adjusted such that the input impedance of the antenna is kept within that certain region whereupon a dual inductor ATU configuration can be used. The operator continues to attempt tuning and reconfiguring until tuning the FAAS to the desired operating frequency is accomplished. 
       FIG. 6  is a block/schematic diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS).  FIG. 6  is substantially similar to  FIG. 1 , and thus, similar/identical components are not described in detail again. As shown in  FIG. 6 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , transmission line  122 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142 , and configurable tophat assembly  144 . Transmitter  120  is operatively coupled to ATU  130  via transmission line  122 . In one embodiment, transmission line  122  comprises a 50-ohm feedline. Transmission line  122  is operatively coupled to ground for electric reference purposes. Transmission line  122  is designed to transmit an electronic signal to ATU  130 . ATU  130  is designed to tune FAAS  110  to a desired frequency. ATU  130  is operatively coupled to mast wires  142 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , ATU  130  comprises shunt variable inductor  132  and series variable inductor  134 . Shunt variable inductor  132  and series variable inductor  134  are designed to be capable of varying their inductance values to a desired inductance value. One of ordinary skill in the electronic arts shall recognize that any variable inductor may be used for shunt variable inductor  132  and series variable inductor  134  without any loss of functionality of ATU  130 . Shunt variable inductor  132  has a first terminal operatively coupled to transmission line  122  and a second terminal operatively coupled to ground. In one embodiment, shunt variable inductor  132  comprises a roller inductor capable of varying inductance. Series variable inductor  134  has a first terminal operatively coupled to transmission line  122  and a second terminal operatively coupled to mast wires  142 . In one embodiment, series variable inductor  134  comprises a roller inductor capable of varying inductance. 
       FIG. 7  is a block/schematic diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS).  FIG. 7  is substantially similar to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , and thus, similar/identical components are not described in detail again. As shown in  FIG. 7 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , transmission line  122 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142 , and configurable tophat assembly  144 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , ATU  130  comprises a single coil designed to embody the electrical properties of shunt variable inductor  132  and series variable inductor  134  of  FIG. 6 . Shunt variable inductor  732  and series variable inductor  734  of  FIG. 7  are electrically created by electrically coupling transmission line  122  and mast wires  142  to the single coil to obtain desired inductance values for shunt variable inductor  732  and series variable inductor  734 . In one embodiment, the single coil has a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is operatively coupled to ground. Transmission line  122  is operatively coupled to the single coil at a length of coil corresponding to a desired inductance for shunt variable inductor  732 . Transmission line  122  is designed to operatively couple to the single coil at any of a number of varying lengths of coil. In one embodiment, transmission line  122  is operatively coupled to the single coil via a conductive alligator clip. Mast wires  142  are operatively coupled to the single coil between the first terminal and transmission line  122  wherein a length of coil between transmission line  122  and mast wires  142  correspond to a desired inductance for series variable inductor  734 . Mast wires  142  are designed to operatively couple to the single coil at any of a number of varying lengths of coil. In one embodiment, mast wires  142  are operatively coupled to the single coil via a conductive alligator clip. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS).  FIG. 8  is substantially similar to FIGS.  1  and  6 - 7 , and thus, similar/identical components are not described in detail again. As shown in  FIG. 8 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , transmission line  122 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142 , and configurable tophat assembly  144 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , ATU  130  comprises motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834 . Motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834  each comprise any variable inductor capable of varying inductance via a motor. In one embodiment, motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834  each comprise a roller inductor capable of varying inductance, wherein a motor controls each roller inductor. 
       FIG. 9  is a block/schematic diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS).  FIG. 9  is substantially similar to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , and thus, similar/identical components are not described in detail again. As shown in  FIG. 9 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , transmission line  122 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142 , and configurable tophat assembly  144 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , ATU  130  comprises VSWR meter  136 , shunt variable inductor  132 , and series variable inductor  134 . VSWR meter  136  is operatively coupled to transmission line  122 , the first terminal of shunt variable inductor  132 , and the first terminal of series variable inductor  134 . VSWR meter  136  comprises a standing wave ratio or voltage standing wave ratio meter designed to measure a standing wave ratio in a transmission line. VSWR meter  136  is designed to indicate the degree of matching between transmitter  120  and ATU  130 . In one embodiment, a standing wave ratio of 1:1 indicates a high degree of matching between transmitter  120  and ATU  130 . 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS).  FIG. 10  is substantially similar to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  8 - 9 , and thus, similar/identical components are not described in detail again. As shown in  FIG. 10 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , transmission line  122 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142 , and configurable tophat assembly  144 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , ATU  130  comprises VSWR meter  136 , motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834 . 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system (FAAS).  FIG. 11  is substantially similar to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  8 , and thus, similar/identical components are not described in detail again. As shown in  FIG. 11 , FAAS  110  includes transmitter  120 , transmission line  122 , ATU  130 , mast wires  142 , and configurable tophat assembly  144 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , ATU  130  comprises phase detector  137 , computer controller  138 , motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832 , and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834 . Phase detector  137  is operatively coupled to and receives signals from transmission line  122  and a node comprising terminals from motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834 . Phase detector  137  is a phase detector or phase comparator designed to indicate the difference in phase between signals in transmission line  122  and signals in ATU  130  by outputting a phase difference signal. In one embodiment, the output signal is a voltage signal. Phase detector  137  is also operatively coupled to computer controller  138 . Phase detector  137  outputs a phase difference signal to computer controller  138 , wherein the phase difference signal represents the difference in phase between signals in transmission line  122  and ATU  130 . Computer controller  138  is operatively coupled to motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834 . Computer controller  138  outputs control signals to motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834  based on the phase difference signal. In one embodiment, computer controller  138  stops outputting control signals to motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834  when the phase difference signal is below a predetermined threshold. One of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that computer controller  138  can use any number of well-known algorithms for outputting control signals to motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834  based on the phase difference signal. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of tuning a FAAS. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the method begins at BOX  1210  of flowchart  1200  where the method performs coarse tuning. In one embodiment of BOX  1210 , the method determines a desired operating frequency and configures tophat jumpers of a FAAS accordingly. After BOX  1210 , the method proceeds to BOX  1230 . At BOX  1230 , the method erects an antenna of a FAAS. In one embodiment of BOX  1230 , the method erects a base mast, tophat disc, and tophat wires using mast wires. After BOX  1230 , the method proceeds to BOX  1244 . At BOX  1244 , the method performs fine tuning. In one embodiment of BOX  1244 , the method adjusts inductor values for variable inductors based on a phase detector output signal or a VSWR meter reading. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of tuning a FAAS. While flowchart  1300  is sufficient to describe one embodiment of an exemplary method of tuning a FAAS, other embodiments may utilize procedures different from those shown in flowchart  1300  without departing from the scope or spirit of the method. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the method begins at BOX  1310  of flowchart  1300  where the method determines a desired operating frequency for a FAAS. After BOX  1310 , the method proceeds to BOX  1320 . At BOX  1320  of flowchart  1300 , the method configures tophat jumpers of a FAAS for antenna operation near the desired operating frequency. After BOX  1320 , the method proceeds to BOX  1330 . At BOX  1330  of flowchart  1300 , the method erects an antenna of a FAAS. In one embodiment of BOX  1330 , the method erects a base mast, tophat disc, and tophat wires using mast wires. After BOX  1330 , the method proceeds to BOX  1340 . At BOX  1340 , the method transmits a signal. In one embodiment of BOX  1340 , the method transmits a low power signal. After BOX  1340 , the method proceeds to BOX  1350 . At BOX  1350 , the method determines a VSWR between transmitter  120  and ATU  130 . In one embodiment of BOX  1350 , the method uses VSWR meter  136  to determine a VSWR between transmitter  120  and ATU  130 . After BOX  1350 , the method proceeds to BOX  1360 . At BOX  1360 , the method determines whether a VSWR is a 1:1 ratio. If the VSWR is at or near a 1:1 ratio, then the method proceeds to BOX  1380  where the method ends. If the VSWR is not at or near a 1:1 ratio, then the method proceeds to BOX  1370 . At BOX  1370  of flowchart  1300 , the method adjusts inductor values. In one embodiment of BOX  1370  of flowchart  1300 , the method adjusts a shunt variable inductor and a series variable inductor of ATU  130 . After BOX  1370 , the method returns to BOX  1350 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of tuning a FAAS. While flowchart  1400  is sufficient to describe one embodiment of an exemplary method of tuning a FAAS, other embodiments may utilize procedures different from those shown in flowchart  1400  without departing from the scope or spirit of the method. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the method begins at BOX  1410  of flowchart  1400  where the method determines a desired operating frequency for a FAAS. After BOX  1410 , the method proceeds to BOX  1420 . At BOX  1420  of flowchart  1400 , the method configures tophat jumpers of a FAAS for antenna operation near the desired operating frequency. After BOX  1420 , the method proceeds to BOX  1430 . At BOX  1430  of flowchart  1400 , the method erects an antenna of a FAAS. In one embodiment of BOX  1430 , the method erects a base mast, tophat disc, and tophat wires using mast wires. After BOX  1430 , the method proceeds to BOX  1442 . At BOX  1442 , the method sets a computer controller to auto-tune using a phase detector output and motor controlled variable inductors. In one embodiment of BOX  1442 , the method uses computer controller  138  that receives a phase difference signal from phase detector  137  and computer controller  138  outputs control signals to motor-controlled shunt variable inductor  832  and motor-controlled series variable inductor  834  based on the phase difference signal.