Patent Publication Number: US-11658408-B2

Title: Antenna with low-cost steerable subreflector

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2020/015393 filed Jan. 28, 2020, entitled “ANTENNA WITH LOW-COST STEERABLE SUBREFLECTOR”. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety (except for any subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent of any conflict with the disclosure of the present application, in which case the disclosure of the present application shall control). 
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to antennas, and more specifically to user terminal antenna assemblies that include a subreflector. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A user terminal antenna assembly is typically aligned to a target upon deployment to the location where the antenna is to be used. As part of the installation process, an installer may attach a support structure of the antenna to an object (e.g., ground, a building or other structure, or other objects capable of supporting an antenna) and carry out a pointing process to point the beam of the antenna towards a target antenna (e.g., on a geostationary satellite). The pointing process may include loosening bolts on a mounting bracket on the back of the antenna and physically moving the antenna until sufficiently pointed at the target. The installer may tune the pointing by using a signal metric (e.g., signal strength) of a signal communicated between the antenna and the target. Once sufficiently pointed, the installer may tighten the bolts to immobilize the mounting bracket. 
     Although the antenna may be considered “sufficiently” pointed, the gain of the beam in the direction of the target antenna may be less than the boresight direction of the maximum gain of the beam. This may, for example, be due to manual pointing accuracy limitations, due to a relatively low requirement for considering when the pointing is sufficient in order to account for location-dependent signal metric variation, or due to both manual pointing accuracy limitations and a relatively low requirement for considering when the pointing is sufficient. In addition, once sufficiently pointed, the direction of the beam of the antenna may shift slightly as the installer locks down the mounting bracket. Furthermore, the antenna may remain in service for a long time after installation. Over this time period, several influences can cause the antenna to move and thus change the direction of the beam. For example, the mounting bracket may slip, the object on which the antenna is mounted can shift slightly, the antenna may be struck by an object (e.g., a ball striking the antenna), or other factors may cause movement of the boresight direction of the antenna over time. 
     The misalignment between the boresight direction of the beam of the antenna and the direction of the target antenna may cause pointing errors that can have a significant detrimental effect on the quality of the link between the antenna and the target. For example, a small misalignment may be compensated for by reducing a modulation and a coding rate of signals communicated between the antenna and the target. However, to maintain a given data rate, e.g., bits-per-second (bps), reducing a modulation and a coding rate of signals communicated between the antenna and the target may increase system resource usage and thus result in inefficient use of the resources. In addition, after installation, it may be difficult to determine whether performance degradation is due to misalignment of the antenna or some other cause. Diagnosing degraded performance may require dispatching a truck to the location of the antenna so a technician can determine the cause and attempt to correct it, which increases costs for managing the system. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an example embodiment, a method of antenna pointing includes providing a user terminal antenna assembly. The antenna assembly used in the method of antenna pointing may include an antenna and an auto-peak device. The antenna may include a reflector, a subreflector coupled to the reflector via a support boom, and a feed and a transceiver assembly on the support boom. The feed may be oriented relative to the reflector and the subreflector to produce a beam. The antenna may further include a tilt assembly to tilt the subreflector relative to the reflector and the feed to move the beam in a pattern in response to a control signal provided from the auto-peak device. Additionally, the method may include providing, by the auto-peak device, the control signal to the tilt assembly to tilt the subreflector in a plurality of tilt positions relative to the reflector to move the beam. The method includes measuring a corresponding signal strength of a signal communicated via the antenna at each of the plurality of tilt positions. The method also includes selecting, by the auto-peak device, a tilt position from the plurality of tilt positions based on the measured signal strength. Additionally, the method includes providing, by the auto-peak device, the control signal to tilt the subreflector to the selected tilt position. 
     In an example embodiment, an antenna assembly includes a support boom, a reflector coupled to a first end of the support boom, a subreflector, a feed and a transceiver assembly attached to the support boom, the feed oriented relative to the subreflector and the reflector to produce a user terminal beam, a tilt assembly coupled to a second end of the support boom opposite the first end, the tilt assembly further coupled to the subreflector to tilt the subreflector, relative to the reflector and the feed, to move the user terminal beam in response to a control signal, and an auto-peak device. The auto peak device may provide the control signal to tilt the subreflector in a plurality of tilt positions to move the user terminal beam. The auto peak device may measure corresponding signal strength of a signal communicated via the antenna assembly at each of the plurality of tilt positions. The auto peak device may select a tilt position from the plurality of tilt positions based on the measured signal strength and provide the control signal to tilt the subreflector to the selected tilt position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Additional aspects of the present invention will become evident upon reviewing the non-limiting embodiments described in the specification and the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals designate like elements, and: 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating an example two-way satellite communications system in which an antenna assembly as described herein can be used; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating an example of the fixed user terminal of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating a side view of an example antenna assembly; 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating an example user terminal antenna assembly with a steerable subreflector; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an example steerable subreflector having two actuators, that may be used with the antenna of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly of  FIGS.  5  and  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly of  FIGS.  5 - 7   ; 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are diagrams further illustrating the example steerable subreflector of  FIGS.  5 - 8   : 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating a subreflector mounted to a tilt assembly: 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector of  FIGS.  5 - 10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating a spherical rod end adapter; 
         FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating an installation of the spherical rod end adapter of  FIG.  12    connecting a motor to a subreflector: 
         FIG.  14    is a diagram illustrating an example of a kinematic joint; 
         FIG.  15    is a flow diagram illustrating an example method; 
         FIGS.  16 - 18    are diagrams illustrating an example steerable subreflector assembly using a pair of spherical adapter connections to a subreflector; and 
         FIG.  19    is a diagram illustrating another example steerable subreflector assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
     An antenna assembly as described herein may provide very accurate alignment of an antenna with a target (e.g., a target antenna on a geostationary satellite or other communication device) at installation, as well as correct misalignments that may occur over time. The antenna assembly may provide self-peaking capability during installation, as well as permit self-re-alignment and remote re-alignment over time. As described in more detail below, the antenna assembly may include a tilt assembly capable of moving a beam of the antenna by making small tilt adjustments to a subreflector. 
     The methods, systems and devices described herein may reduce the operational cost of installation and maintenance for antennas (e.g., satellite antennas or other antennas) and improve resource efficiency of communication systems using such antennas. For example, achieving and maintaining accurate alignment between the antenna and a target may reduce the necessary system resources for maintaining a given data rate by increasing the allowable coding rate (e.g., decreasing data redundancy), which may increase overall system performance. In addition, by remotely re-aligning the antenna or self-re-aligning the antenna over time, technician service calls may be avoided, and performance degradation issues may be resolved more quickly, which may improve the customer experience and reduce the impact of degraded performance on the overall system. 
     In an example embodiment, a user terminal antenna assembly comprises: a support boom, a reflector coupled to a first end of the support boom, a subreflector, a feed and a transceiver assembly attached to the support boom, the feed oriented relative to the subreflector and the reflector to produce a user terminal beam, and a tilt assembly coupled to a second end of the support boom opposite the first end, the tilt assembly further coupled to the subreflector to tilt the subreflector, relative to the reflector and the feed, to move the user terminal beam in response to a control signal. The user terminal antenna assembly further comprises an auto-peak device to: provide the control signal to tilt the subreflector in a plurality of tilt positions to move the user terminal beam while measuring corresponding signal strength of a signal communicated via the antenna assembly at each of the plurality of tilt positions, to select a tilt position from the plurality of tilt positions based on the measured signal strength, and provide the control signal to tilt the subreflector to the selected tilt position. 
       FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating an example two-way satellite communication system  100  in which an antenna assembly  104  (not to scale) as described herein can be used. In an example embodiment, antenna assembly  104  is a user terminal antenna assembly. Many other configurations are possible having more or fewer components than the two-way satellite communication system  100 . Although examples described herein use a satellite communications system for illustrative purposes, the antenna assembly  104  and techniques described herein are not limited to such satellite communication embodiments. For example, the antenna assembly  104  and techniques described herein could be used for point-to-point terrestrial links and may not be limited to two-way communication. In one example embodiment, consumer residential satellite “dish” for satellite internet may be provided over the antenna assembly  104 . In another example embodiment, the antenna assembly  104  may be used for a receive-only implementation, such as for receiving satellite broadcast television. 
     The antenna assembly  104  may, for example, be attached to a structure, such as the roof or side wall of a house. As described in more detail below, the antenna assembly  104  includes a tilt assembly that may provide very accurate alignment of an antenna of the antenna assembly  104  with a target at installation, as well as correct misalignments that may occur over time. Example targets include but are not limited to a target antenna on a geostationary satellite  112 , a target antenna on a point-to-point terrestrial link, or other antennas on other communication systems. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna assembly  104  is part of a fixed user terminal  102 , e.g., which may include a modem, an antenna, such as a dual reflector antenna, and a transceiver. The fixed user terminal  102  may also include memory for storage of data and software applications, a processor for accessing data and executing applications, and components that facilitate communication over the two-way satellite communication system  100 , e.g., such as a modem or other components. Although only one fixed user terminal  102  is illustrated in  FIG.  1    to avoid over complication of the drawing, the two-way satellite communication system  100  may include many fixed user terminals  102 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, satellite  112  provides bidirectional communication between the fixed user terminal  102  and a gateway terminal  130 . The gateway terminal  130  is sometimes referred to as a hub or ground station. The gateway terminal  130  includes an antenna to transmit a forward uplink signal  140  to the satellite  112  and to receive a return downlink signal  142  from the satellite  112 . The gateway terminal  130  may also schedule traffic to the fixed user terminal  102 . Alternatively, the scheduling may be performed in other elements of the two-way satellite communication system  100  (e.g., a core node, network operations center (NOC), or other components, not shown). Signals  140 ,  142  communicated between gateway terminal  130  and satellite  112  may use the same, overlapping or different frequencies as signals  114 ,  116  communicated between satellite  112  and fixed user terminal  102 . Gateway terminal  130  may be located remotely from fixed user terminal  102  to enable frequency reuse. By separating the gateway terminal  130  and the fixed user terminal  102 , spot beams with common frequency bands can be geographically separated to avoid interference. 
     A network  135  may be interfaced with the gateway terminal  130 . The network  135  may be any type of network and can include, for example, the Internet, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a virtual LAN (VLAN), a fiber optic network, a cable network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public switched data network (PSDN), a public land mobile network, any other type of network supporting communication between devices as described herein, or any combination of these. The network  135  may include both wired and wireless connections as well as optical links. The network  135  may connect multiple gateway terminals  130  that may be in communication with satellite  112  and/or with other satellites. 
     The gateway terminal  130  may be provided as an interface between the network  135  and the satellite  112 . The gateway terminal  130  may be configured to receive data and information directed to the fixed user terminal  102 . The gateway terminal  130  may format the data and information and transmit the forward uplink signal  140  to the satellite  112  for delivery to the fixed user terminal  102 . Similarly, the gateway terminal  130  may be configured to receive return downlink signal  142  from the satellite  112  (e.g., containing data and information originating from the fixed user terminal  102 ) that is directed to a destination accessible via the network  135 . The gateway terminal  130  may also format the received return downlink signal  142  for transmission on the network  135 . 
     The satellite  112  receives the forward uplink signal  140  from the gateway terminal  130  and transmits the corresponding forward downlink signal  114  to the fixed user terminal  102 . Similarly, the satellite  112  receives the return uplink signal  116  from the fixed user terminal  102  and transmits the corresponding return downlink signal  142  to the gateway terminal  130 . The satellite  112  may operate in a multiple spot beam mode, transmitting and receiving several narrow beams directed to different regions on Earth. This allows for segregation of fixed user terminals  102  into various narrow beams. Alternatively, the satellite  112  may operate in wide area coverage beam mode, transmitting one or more wide area coverage beams. 
     The satellite  112  may be configured as a “bent pipe” satellite that performs frequency and polarization conversion of the received signals before retransmission of the signals to their destination. As another example, the satellite  112  may be configured as a regenerative satellite that demodulates and re-modulates the received signals before retransmission. 
     The antenna assembly  104  includes an antenna that produces a beam pointed at the satellite  112  to facilitate communication between the fixed user terminal  102  and satellite  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed user terminal  102  includes a transceiver (not shown) to transmit to and receive signals from satellite  112 . In the illustrated embodiments described below, the user terminal antenna assembly  104  includes a reflector, a subreflector, a feed, a transceiver assembly, a tilt assembly, and an auto-peak device. Accordingly, the reflector, the subreflector, and the feed may cooperate to produce the beam pointed at the satellite  112  to provide for transmission of the return uplink signal  116  and reception of the forward downlink signal  114 . Alternatively, the antenna of the antenna assembly  104  may be any other type of antenna that may use a subreflector. In these example embodiments, the user terminal antenna assembly  104  is configured to tilt the subreflector in an automated manner to tune the pointing of the beam for the user terminal antenna assembly. 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating an example of the fixed user terminal  102  of  FIG.  1   , and  FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating a side view of an example antenna assembly  104 . Many other configurations are possible having more or fewer components than the fixed user terminal  102  illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   . Moreover, the functionalities described herein can be distributed among the components in a different manner than described herein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the antenna assembly  104  includes an antenna  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna  210  is a reflector antenna that includes a reflector  220 , a subreflector  204  and a feed  202  that illuminates the subreflector  204 . Reflector  220  may further comprise a reflector surface  221 . The reflector surface  221  may include one or more electrically conductive materials that reflect electromagnetic energy. The subreflector  204  may have a subreflector surface  206 , e.g., one or more electrically conductive materials that reflect electromagnetic energy. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed  202  illuminates the reflector surface  221  by way of the subreflector  204 . In an example embodiment, the antenna  210  is an offset-fed dual-reflector antenna. 
     The shape of the reflector surface  221  and the shape of the subreflector surface  206  in combination with each other are designed to define a focal region  201 . The feed  202  may be within the focal region  201  to illuminate the subreflector surface  206  of the subreflector  204 , which, in turn, may illuminate the reflector surface  221  to produce a beam pointed towards the satellite  112  of  FIG.  1   . The reflector surface  221  and/or the subreflector surface  206  may vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, a convex subreflector surface  206  may be used. Accordingly, in one example embodiment, a Gregorian focus characterization may be used. In another example embodiment, a Cassegrain focus characterization may be used. In other examples, other currently known or later developed focus characterizations may be used. The focal region  201  may be a three-dimensional volume within which the reflector surface  221  causes electromagnetic energy to converge sufficiently to permit signal communication having desired performance characteristics when an incident plane wave arrives from the direction of the satellite  112 . Reciprocally, the reflector surface  221  of the reflector  220  and the subreflector surface  206  of the subreflector  204  are angled and positioned relative to each other to reflect electromagnetic energy originating from the feed  202  at a location within the focal region  201  such that the reflected electromagnetic energy adds constructively in the direction of the satellite  112  sufficient to permit signal communication having desired performance characteristics, while partially or completely cancelling out electromagnetic energy in all other directions. Thus, the reflector surface  221  and the subreflector surface  206  are angled and positioned relative to each other to reflect electromagnetic energy originating from the feed  202  to form a beam comprising the peak of the final antenna pattern. 
     In an example embodiment, the feed  202  illuminates the subreflector surface  206 . In turn, the reflector surface  221  is illuminated by a beam reflected by the subreflector surface  206  to produce a beam that may provide for transmission of the return uplink signal  116 . Conversely, a beam of the forward downlink signal  114  may be reflected by reflector surface  221  to the subreflector surface  206 . The subreflector surface  206  may reflect the beam to the feed  202 , which may provide for reception of the forward downlink signal  114  from the satellite  112 . That is, the forward downlink signal  114  from the satellite  112  is focused by the reflector surface  221 , then subreflector surface  206 , and then received by the feed  202  that is positioned within the focal region  201 . Similarly, the return uplink signal  116  from the feed is reflected by the reflector surfaces  206 ,  221  to focus the return uplink signal  116  in the direction of the satellite  112 . 
     The feed  202  may, for example, be a waveguide-type feed structure including a horn antenna and may include dielectric inserts. Alternatively, other types of structures and feed elements may be used. As mentioned above, in an example embodiment, the antenna  210  is an offset-fed dual-reflector antenna. Therefore, the feed  202  is offset from the subreflector  204  and reflector  220 . This is in contrast to the configuration of the gateway terminal  130 , that typically uses a subreflector to reflect a signal to a focal point at a center of a large reflector. 
     The feed  202  communicates the return uplink signal  116  and the forward downlink signal  114  with a transceiver assembly  222  to provide for bidirectional communication with the satellite  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver assembly  222  is located on the antenna assembly  104 . Alternatively, the transceiver assembly  222 , or various components thereof, may be in a different location(s) that is (are) not on the antenna assembly  104 . 
     In this illustrated example embodiment, the transceiver assembly  222  includes a receiver within transmitter/receiver  280  that can amplify and then downconvert the forward downlink signal  114  from the feed to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) receive signal for delivery to a modem  230 . Similarly, the transceiver assembly  222  includes a transmitter within transmitter/receiver  280  that can upconvert and then amplify an IF transmit signal received from the modem  230  to generate the return uplink signal  116  for delivery to the feed  202 . In some embodiments, in which the satellite  112  operates in a multiple spot beam mode, the frequency ranges and/or the polarizations of the return uplink signal  116  and the forward downlink signal  114  may be different for the various spot beams. Thus, the transceiver assembly  222  may be within the coverage area of one or more spot beams and may be configurable to match the polarization and the frequency range of a particular spot beam. The modem  230  may, for example, be located inside the structure to which the antenna assembly  104  is attached. As another example, the modem  230  may be located on the antenna assembly  104 , such as being incorporated within the transceiver assembly  222 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver assembly  222  communicates the IF receive signal and IF transmit signal with modem  230  via IF/DC cabling  240  that may also be used to provide DC power to the transceiver assembly  222 . Alternatively, the transceiver assembly  222  and the modem  230  may, for example, communicate the IF transmit signal and IF receive signal wirelessly. 
     The modem  230  may respectively modulate and demodulate the RF receive and transmit signals to communicate data with a router (not shown). The router may, for example, route the data among one or more end user devices (not shown), such as laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones, or other end user devices, to provide bidirectional data communications, such as two-way Internet, telephone service or some combination of two-way Internet and telephone service. 
     In an example embodiment, antenna assembly  104  further includes a support such as a support pier  258 . Support pier  258  may be configured to support the user terminal antenna assembly. In an example embodiment, the support pier  258  is attached on one end to a stationary structure  260  (e.g., ground, a building or other structure, etc.). In another example embodiment, the support pier  258  is attached on one end to a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle (RV). In these example embodiments, support pier  258  may be configured to support the reflector  220 , feed  202 , transceiver assembly  222 , and subreflector  204 . For example, support pier  258  may support these components via a support boom  302 , and the reflector  220  specifically via a mounting bracket assembly  252 . Furthermore, in an example embodiment, the support boom supports the subreflector  204  via a tilt assembly  208 . Using the techniques described herein, the subreflector may be pointed to position the beam, e.g., based on received signal strength. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, reflector  220  is connected to support pier  258  by a mounting bracket assembly  252 . In another embodiment, the reflector  220  may be attached to the support boom  302  and the mounting bracket assembly  252  may be connected between the support boom and the support pier. In an example embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly  252 , may be used to coarsely point the beam of the antenna  210  at the satellite  112 . Generally, the orientation of the subreflector  204  may be used to fine tune the pointing of the beam. 
     In some embodiments described herein, the angular displacement of the beam provided by adjustments to the angle of the subreflector  204  may be less than the angular displacement of the beam provided by the mounting bracket assembly  252 . For example, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket assembly  252  may provide adjustments of the beam over a range of elevation angles and a range of azimuth angles (e.g., a full 90 degrees in elevation, and a full 360 degrees in azimuth), while adjustments to the angle of the subreflector  204  may provide adjustment over less than those ranges (e.g., 4 degrees in elevation, and 4 degrees in azimuth). 
     The mounting bracket assembly  252  may be of a conventional design and can include azimuth, elevation and skew adjustments of the antenna assembly  104  relative to the support pier  258 . Elevation refers to the angle between the centerline of the reflector  220  and the horizon, e.g., the angle between the centerline of the reflector  220  and an idealized horizon. Azimuth refers to the angle between the centerline of the reflector  220  and the direction of true north in a horizontal plane. Skew refers to the angle of rotation about the centerline. 
     The mounting bracket assembly  252  may, for example, include bolts that can be loosened to permit the antenna assembly  104  to be moved in azimuth, elevation and skew. After positioning the antenna assembly  104  to the desired position in one of azimuth, elevation and skew, the bolts for that portion of the mounting bracket assembly  252  can be tightened and other bolts loosened to permit a second adjustment to be made. 
     As described in more detail below, an installer may use the mounting bracket assembly  252  to coarsely point the beam of the antenna  210  in a direction generally towards the satellite  112  (or other target). The coarse pointing may have a pointing error (e.g., due to manual pointing accuracy limitations), which may result in the gain of the beam in the direction of the satellite  112  being less than the boresight direction of maximum gain of the beam. For example, the direction of the target of the satellite  112  may be within the 1 dB beamwidth of the beam. 
     The installer may use a variety of techniques to coarsely point the beam of the antenna  210  at the satellite  112 . For example, initial azimuth, elevation and skew angles for pointing the beam of the antenna  210  may be determined by the installer based on the known location of the satellite  112  and the known geographic location where the antenna assembly  104  is being installed. In embodiments in which the reflector surface  221  is not symmetric about the boresight axis and correspondingly has major and minor beamwidth values in two planes, the installer can adjust the skew angle of the mounting bracket assembly  252  until the major axis of the reflector surface  221  (the longest line through the center of the reflector  220 ) is aligned with the geostationary arc. 
     Once the beam of the antenna  210  has been initially pointed in the general direction of the satellite  112 , the elevation and/or azimuth angles can be further adjusted by the installer until the beam of the antenna  210  is sufficiently coarsely pointed at the satellite  112 . The techniques for determining when the beam of the antenna  210  is sufficiently coarsely pointed at the satellite  112  can vary from embodiment to embodiment. 
     In some embodiments, the beam of the antenna  210  may be coarsely pointed using signal strength of a signal received from the satellite  112  via the feed  202 , such as the forward downlink signal  114 . In other embodiments, the beam of the antenna  210  may also or alternatively be coarsely pointed using information in the received signal indicating the signal strength of a signal received by the satellite  112  from the antenna  210 , such as the return uplink signal  116 . Other metrics and techniques may also or alternatively be used to coarsely point the beam of the antenna  210 . 
     In embodiments in which the received signal strength is used, a measurement device, such as a power meter, may be used to directly measure the signal strength of the received signal. Alternatively, a measurement device may be used to measure some other metric indicating signal quality of the received signal. The measurement device may, for example, be an external device that the installer temporarily attaches to the feed  202 . As another example, the measurement device may be incorporated into the transceiver assembly  222 , such as measurement device  286  of auto-peak device  282  (discussed in more detail below). In such a case, the measurement device may, for example, produce audible tones indicating signal strength to assist the installer in pointing the beam of the antenna  210 . 
     The installer can then iteratively adjust the elevation and/or azimuth angle of the mounting bracket assembly  252  until the received signal strength (or other metric), as measured by the measurement device, reaches a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the installer adjusts the mounting bracket assembly  252  in an attempt to maximize the received signal strength. Alternatively, other techniques may be used to determine when the beam of the antenna  210  is sufficiently coarsely pointed. 
     Once the beam is sufficiently coarsely pointed in the direction of the satellite  112 , the installer can immobilize the mounting bracket assembly  252  to preclude further movement of the beam by the mounting bracket assembly  252 . As described in more detail below, the installer can then use the tilt assembly  208  to fine tune the pointing of the beam of the antenna  210  to more accurately point the boresight direction beam in the direction of the satellite  112  (i.e., reduce the pointing error). In some aspects, adjustments to the tilt of the subreflector  204  may be used to double check the accuracy of the installer&#39;s installation, e.g., when the mounting bracket assembly  252  is used by the installer for coarse alignment during the installation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, an auto-peak device  282  may perform an automated process to perform the fine pointing of the beam by tilting the subreflector  204  with a tilt assembly  208 . The tilt assembly  208  may comprise actuators to tilt the subreflector. In one example embodiment, the actuators are motors. In various embodiments, the auto-peak device  282  may be within the transceiver assembly  222  or part of another device, or a separate component. In  FIG.  2   , the auto-peak device  282  includes controller  284 , measurement device  286 , and motor control device  288 . Many other configurations are possible having more or fewer components than the auto-peak device  282  shown in  FIG.  2   . Moreover, the functionalities described herein can be distributed among the components in a different manner than described herein. In an example embodiment, the auto-peak device  282  may be configured to periodically provide the control signal  257  to the tilt assembly  208  to tilt the subreflector  204  in the plurality of tilt positions and periodically select the tilt position. 
     The controller  284  may control operation of the measurement device  286  and the motor control device  288  to perform the fine pointing operation of the beam, tilting the subreflector  204  using the techniques described herein. The functions of the controller  284  can be implemented in hardware, instructions embodied in memory and formatted to be executed by one or more general or application specific processors, firmware, or any combination thereof. 
     The controller  284  can be responsive to a received command to begin the fine pointing operation of the beam of the antenna  210 . The command may, for example, be transmitted to the fixed user terminal  102  by the gateway terminal  130  (or other elements of the two-way satellite communication system  100  such as a core node, NOC, etc.) via the forward downlink signal  114  upon completion of the coarse pointing operation. For example, the command may be transmitted via the forward downlink signal  114  upon initial entry of the fixed user terminal  102  into the network. In other embodiments, the command may be received from equipment (e.g., a cell phone, laptop) carried by the installer. In such a case, the installer may indicate successful completion of the coarse pointing operation via input on an interface on the equipment, which results in the equipment then transmitting the command to the controller  284  to initiate the fine pointing operation. In yet other embodiments, the installer equipment may communicate successful completion of the coarse pointing operation to gateway terminal  130  (or elements of the two-way satellite communication system  100 , such as a core node, NOC, etc.) which, in turn, then transmits the command to the controller  284  to begin the fine pointing operation. During the fine pointing operation, the motor control device  288  can provide motor control signals  257  to the motors in the tilt assembly  208 . For example, the motor control device  288  within the auto-peak device  282  may be configured to provide the control signal  257  to the tilt assembly  208  to tilt the subreflector  204  in a plurality of tilt positions and select the tilt position to verify an installation of the antenna assembly  104 . The motors, or more generally, actuators, are described in more detail below. 
     The measurement device  286  may be used to measure the received signal strength at the various tilt positions of the subreflector  204 . In some embodiments, the measurement device  286  is a power meter. Upon moving the direction of the beam along a pattern, the controller  284  can then select the final tilt position of the subreflector  204 , and thus the final direction to point the beam of the antenna  210 , based on the measured signal strength (e.g., the tilt position corresponding to the maximum measured signal strength). The controller  284  can then command the motor control device  288  to provide the motor control signals  257  to one or more of the motors in the tilt assembly  208  to drive the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position. Alternatively, other techniques may be used to determine the final tilt position of the subreflector  204 . For example, in some embodiments, the beam of the antenna  210  may also or alternatively be finely pointed using information in the received signal indicating the signal strength of a signal received by the satellite  112  from the antenna  210 , such as the return uplink signal  116 . 
     In an example embodiment, the beam may be moved in a spiral or other pattern to determine a preferred beam angle for the antenna assembly. For example, a spiral search, a step-size search, a grid search, or other searches may be performed. In doing so, the beam may be scanned in two dimensions (e.g., azimuth and elevation), e.g., along a series of positions in the two dimensions to form the search pattern. As a result, the tilt assembly may provide two-dimensional beam scanning. 
     In some embodiments, prior to commanding the motor control device  288  to tilt the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position, the controller  284  may compare the selected tilt position to the overall range of adjustment over which the subreflector  204  is capable of moving. For example, the controller  284  may determine whether the selected tilt position is less than a threshold amount from the end of the overall range of adjustments associated with the subreflector  204 . In other words, the controller  284  may determine whether the selected tilt position is too near the outer edge of the tilt assembly&#39;s/subreflector&#39;s range of motion. When the selected tilt position is greater than the threshold amount from the end of the overall range of adjustment (e.g., sufficiently close to the center of the spiral pattern), the subreflector  204  may be considered to have sufficient angular displacement after installation to permit remote re-alignment over time. In such a case, the controller  284  can then command the motor control device  288  to drive the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position. However, when the selected tilt position is less than the threshold amount from the end of the overall range of adjustment, the controller  284  may cause the installer to be notified that another coarse pointing operation of the beam of the antenna  210  is required. The manner in which the controller  284  notifies the installer can vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, the controller  284  may notify the installer by commanding the measurement device  286  to produce an audible tone indicating that another coarse pointing operation is required. As another example, in embodiments in which the installer carries equipment (e.g., a cell phone, laptop, etc.), the controller  284  may transmit a command to the installer equipment indicating that another coarse pointing operation is required. In other example embodiments, a notification can be sent to the customer by email or electronically so that the customer is aware of a potential issue with, e.g., the satellite Internet service due to a possible lack of pointing accuracy. In another example embodiment, a notification may be sent by email or electronically to a service provider or other organization to dispatch a truck for coarse pointing due to being at an end or an edge of the overall range of subreflector movement. 
     In embodiments described above, the auto-peak device  282  is used to fine tune the pointing of the beam of the antenna  210  during installation of the antenna assembly  104 . In some embodiments, the auto-peak device  282  may also or alternatively be used for fine tune pointing of the beam of the antenna  210  from time to time after the installation. In particular, once the user terminal antenna assembly  104  has been installed and is in use, the auto-peak device  282  can permit fine tuning the pointing of the beam from time to time without requiring a technician or other person to be present at the installation location of the fixed user terminal  102 . The auto-peak device  282  may, for example, automatically perform the fine tune pointing process by tilting the subreflector  204 . In an example embodiment, the auto-peak device  282  may be further configured to transmit an alert when the selected tilt position is at a predetermined maximum angle from a neutral tilt position of the subreflector  204 . In some embodiments, the auto-peak device  282  may be external to the antenna assembly  104 . For example, the auto-peak device may be external test equipment in an example embodiment. 
     In some embodiments, the auto-peak device  282  may perform the fine tune pointing process in response to detection of performance degradation that could be caused by a change in the direction of the beam. The manner in which the performance degradation is detected and the auto-peak device  282  initiates the fine pointing operation can vary from embodiment to embodiment. In some embodiments, the auto-peak device  282  may include memory for storing the measured signal strength made by the measurement device  286  during installation and compare that stored measured signal strength to a current measurement made by the measurement device  286 . The auto-peak device  282  may then initiate the fine tune pointing operation if the difference between the current measured signal strength and the stored measured signal strength exceeds a threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the gateway terminal  130  (or other elements of the two-way satellite communication system  100 , such as a core node. NOC, etc.) may monitor operation of the fixed user terminal  102  remotely and transmit a command to the auto-peak device  282  via the forward downlink signal  114  upon detection of possible performance degradation that could be caused by a change in the direction of the beam. This command may be configured to cause controller  284  to fine tune the pointing of the subreflector  204 . 
     If the performance degradation is not corrected following the fine pointing operation, it may be the case that the performance degradation is not due to mis-pointing, and a technician service call may be scheduled so that a technician can determine the cause. In some embodiments, the gateway terminal  130  or other elements of the two-way satellite communication system  100  may transmit the command from time to time to ensure the beam of the antenna  210  remains pointed accurately at the satellite  112 , regardless of whether performance degradation has been detected. 
     Example embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may include a double reflector configuration, e.g., including a reflector  220  and a subreflector  204 . Generally, the subreflector  204  may be smaller than the reflector  220 . The subreflector  204  may be mechanically steered to adjust for small misalignments of the antenna  210 . Manual pointing of the antenna  210  may lead to an antenna  210  that is not aimed accurately enough at the satellite to provide adequate signal reception from a satellite or adequate signal transmission to the satellite. Accordingly, an antenna  210  that is not aimed accurately enough at the satellite may decrease the overall capacity of the network. In an example embodiment, the deployment of auto-peaking and auto-pointing terminals may improve antenna pointing to help alleviate issues related to poor antenna pointing and help to maximize the capacity of the network and, hence, increase competitiveness of systems implementing the systems and methods described herein compared to other communication systems. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, and with continued reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , feed  202  is attached to support boom  302  at a position near an edge of the reflector  220 . Stated another way, the feed  202  may be one of: directly attached to support boom  302 , on the support boom  302 , directly coupled to the support boom  302 , attached to the support boom  302  with no major intermediate components, or otherwise directly supported by the support boom  302 . The subreflector  204  is attached to the support boom  302  opposite the feed  202 . As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , in an example embodiment, the support boom  302  is a single support boom  302 . As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the single support boom  302  may be “below”, along-side, or otherwise outside the diameter of the reflector  220 . Thus, in an example embodiment, the single support boom is not attached to the surface of the reflector  220 . Moreover, the subreflector is supported in a cantilevered manner by the support boom  302 . The single support boom  302  may thus provide a cantilevered connection between the steerable subreflector  204  and the reflector  220 . In contrast, an antenna at a gateway terminal  130  generally uses a reflector on a three-point mount to reflect a signal to a focal point (and an associated feed) at a center of a large reflector rather than a cantilevered offset mount. Moreover, in the gateway terminal  130 , in contrast, the three point mounts connect to the surface of the main reflector. 
     As a result of the position of the feed  202  relative to the subreflector  204  and the reflector  220 , the feed  202  illuminates the reflector  220  (via the subreflector  204 ) to produce a beam having a boresight direction along line  300 . As discussed above, the mounting bracket assembly  252  can be used to coarsely point the beam in the general direction of the satellite  112 . The tilt assembly  208  can then be used for fine tune pointing of the beam at the satellite  112  such that the direction of the satellite is substantially aligned with the boresight direction of the beam along line  300 . The tilt assembly  208  is configured to tilt the subreflector  204  relative to the reflector  220  and the feed  202  to move the beam (e.g., line  300 ) in response to a control signal  257  indicative of the measured signal strength (e.g., of signal  114 ). In an example embodiment, moving the beam may include moving the beam in both elevation and azimuth directions. 
     In an example embodiment, the support boom  302  comprises an extruded element, such as an extruded metal, extruded plastic, and the like. Moreover the support boom  302  could be made of any other suitable material such as metal, plastic, or the like and can be formed using any suitable manufacturing technique such as casting, injection molding, 3D printing, and the like. 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating an example user terminal antenna assembly  400  with a steerable subreflector  204 . The user terminal antenna assembly  400  comprises a reflector  220 , the subreflector  204 , a tilt assembly  407 , a single support boom  302 , a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (e.g., pTRIA) (e.g., transceiver assembly  222 ), a support  414  for the receiver, transmitter, or transceiver, a feed  416  (comprising, for example, a feed chain horn and lens), and a back-plate assembly  418 . The support  414 , in an example embodiment, is connected between a first end of the single support boom  302  and the back-plate assembly  418 , and supports the transceiver assembly  222 . In another example embodiment, the support  414  forms part of the single support boom  302 , which is connected at its first end to the back-plate assembly  418 . In an example embodiment, the back-plate assembly connects to the back side of the reflector  220 . 
     In an example embodiment, the tilt assembly  407  is coupled to a second end of the support boom opposite the first end. The tilt assembly  407  is further coupled to the subreflector to tilt the subreflector  204 , relative to the reflector  220  and the feed  416 , to move the user terminal beam in response to a control signal. In an example embodiment, the tilt assembly  407  further comprises a base structure  408  and an enclosure lid  406  forming an enclosure. In some examples, however, the base structure  408 , with or without the enclosure lid  406  may not form an enclosure. For example, the base structure  408  may not be sealed. Rather, in some example embodiments, the base structure  408  may be a frame on which various other components are attached. 
     The example user terminal antenna assembly  400  may generally be a self-pointing antenna. In an example embodiment, after a coarse aiming, the user terminal antenna assembly  400  is configured to change pointing direction by some number of degrees, e.g., 4° or more in some embodiments (or fewer in other example embodiments). Accordingly, the user terminal antenna assembly  400  may be able to check on the accuracy of an installation or the accuracy of a re-pointing, correct for errors in pointing of the user terminal antenna assembly  400  during the installation or the re-pointing of the user terminal antenna assembly  400 , check for and potentially correct for changes in pointing accuracy over time, or some combination of these. 
     The example user terminal antenna assembly  400  may generally be used for fixed user terminal  102  of  FIG.  1   . For example, the user terminal antenna assembly  400  may generally be used in the fixed user terminal  102  to provide for reception of signals  114  ( FIG.  1   ), transmission of signals  116  ( FIG.  1   ), or reception and transmission of signals  114 ,  116 . 
     As described herein, the example user terminal antenna assembly  400  may be configured to include a method for self-alignment and auto-peeking the terminal main beam. In an example embodiment, the user terminal antenna assembly is configured to steer the beam in both azimuth and elevation. As described herein, this beam steering movement may be based on tilting the subreflector  204 . In various example embodiments, the steering movement may have a precision of ±0.035°, or ± 1/35° (±0.0133°); however, example embodiments having greater or lesser precision are also contemplated. As described herein, movement may be provided by two actuators (e.g., linear motors). In an example embodiment, the movement of the actuators may be transformed into angular movement of the subreflector. More specifically, in an example embodiment, for each actuator, movement of one actuator is configured to tilt the beam in both the azimuth and elevation directions. Thus, the linear movement of one actuator is divided between azimuth tilt and elevation tilt, providing for greater step size resolution in the movement of the subreflector. 
       FIGS.  5 - 9    are diagrams illustrating various aspects of an example steerable subreflector assembly  500  that may form a part of the user terminal antenna assembly  400  of  FIG.  4   . The examples of  FIGS.  5 - 9    introduce various components of the example steerable subreflector assembly  500 . 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an example steerable subreflector having two actuators, and that may be used with the antenna of  FIG.  4   . The example steerable subreflector assembly  500  includes the subreflector  204  and the tilt assembly  208 .  FIG.  5    provides a close up view of the subreflector  204  and tilt assembly  208  with a cut-away view through the subreflector to illustrate various components ( 501 ,  502 ,  503 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508 ,  510 ) of the tilt assembly  208 . In an example embodiment, the base structure  408  together with the enclosure lid  406  (not shown in  FIG.  5   ) may form an enclosure for at least partially containing the various components. The tilt assembly  208  further comprises a first actuator  501 , a second actuator  502 , a spring  503 , and a central pivot assembly  504 . 
     The central pivot assembly  504  may be connected to the structure of the tilt assembly. In one example embodiment, the tilt assembly is connected to the base structure  408 . Thus, the various components may be mounted to the base structure  408  of the tilt assembly and may extend to attach to the subreflector. Moreover, the central pivot assembly comprises any suitable connection for tilting the subreflector about the central pivot facilitating tilting the subreflector in both azimuth and elevation directions. In an example embodiment, the central pivot comprises a ball joint or any suitable kinematic joint. 
     In an example embodiment, the first and second actuators  501 / 502  are linear actuators. Each actuator  501 / 502  may be attached to the base structure  408 , which may be a “ceiling” of an enclosure. In one example embodiment, each actuator  501 / 502  may attach to an interior side of the base structure  408  and extend through the base structure  408  to contact a back side of the subreflector  204 . Each linear actuator may be configured to move the subreflector about the central pivot. 
     In an example embodiment, a linear movement of the first actuator in a direction colinear with a first attachment point of the first actuator on the subreflector may cause a first tilt of the subreflector about the central pivot. The axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the direction colinear with the first attachment point. Furthermore, linear movement of the second actuator in a direction colinear with a second attachment point of the second actuator on the subreflector may cause a second tilt of the subreflector about the central pivot. The axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the direction colinear with the second attachment point, with the first tilt and the second tilt perpendicular to each other. 
     In an example embodiment, the first actuator  501  and the second actuator  502  each comprise a motor. The motors may be stepper motors, for example. Although described herein as motors, any suitable actuator  601 ,  602  for moving the subreflector  204  may be used, e.g., hydraulic actuators, pistons, servos, worm gears, a rack and pinion, worm gears and a spur gear, linear actuators, or the like. 
     The tilt assembly may further comprise spring  503  to dampen play within the tilt assembly, e.g., to reduce backlash or to keep the actuators in contact with the subreflector. In an example embodiment, the spring  503  may be located on the side of the central pivot opposite of the first actuator and along a line running through the central pivot and the first actuator. In one example embodiment, the spring  503  is connected to the base structure  408  to contact the backside of subreflector  204 . In another example embodiment, the spring  503  is mounted to the surface of the tilt assembly and extends to contact the backside of subreflector  204 . In either case, the spring assembly comprises any suitable counter-force device to maintain a force on the backside of subreflector  204 . Although described herein as a spring, the force may be created by any suitable counter-force device. For example, the counter-force device may comprise a hydraulic piston, a rubber band, a bungy cord, or any other type of counter-force device. 
     In one example embodiment, the first and second actuators may be coupled to the subreflector through any suitable type of joint or contact. For example, the contact may be a point contact, a ball and socket contact, or a spherical rod end connection, as described in more detail herein. In an example embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the first actuator  501  has a spherical adapter connection  506 . The spherical adapter connection facilitates a point contact with the backside of subreflector  204 , or can facilitate a ball and socket contact with the backside of subreflector  204 . The second actuator  502  may be coupled to the subreflector  204  through a spherical rod end connection  508 . In another example embodiment, both the first actuator and the second actuator are coupled to the subreflector through corresponding spherical adapter connections. In yet another example embodiment, both the first actuator and the second actuator are coupled to the subreflector through corresponding spherical rod end connections. In an example embodiment the spherical rod end connection  508  rotates on a shaft  510  as described further below. 
       FIG.  6    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIG.  5   . More specifically,  FIG.  6    is similar to  FIG.  5   , but provides an exploded view of  FIG.  5   . Accordingly, various components ( 503 ,  504 ,  508 ,  510 ,  601 ,  602 ) beneath the cover and/or beneath the reflector surface when in the components&#39; installed locations may be illustrated more clearly. As with  FIG.  5   , the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  includes the subreflector  204  and the tilt assembly  208 . Additional details of the tilt assembly  208 , e.g., the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ), are illustrated. The first actuator ( 601 ), in this example embodiment, comprises a spherical adapter connection  506 . The second actuator ( 602 ), in this example embodiment, comprises a spherical rod end connection  508  having the shaft  510  and a pivot bearing  606 . The tilt assembly  208  may include each of the components of  FIGS.  5 - 10    except the subreflector  204 . For example, the tilt assembly  208  may include the spring  503 , the central pivot assembly  504 , the first actuator spherical adapter connection  506 , the second actuator spherical rod end connection  508  having the shaft  510  and the pivot bearing  606 , the first actuator ( 601 ), the second actuator ( 602 ), and an enclosure, e.g., which may be formed by the base structure  408  and the enclosure lid  406  (not shown inf  FIG.  6   ), and a central pivot assembly  504 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the first actuator ( 601 ) using a cut-away view. The cut-away view allows first actuator ( 601 ) to be viewed in the installed position, while still being able to view the first actuator ( 601 ). Second actuator ( 602 ) is illustrated well clear of the enclosure. Accordingly, details of the second actuator  602  and the installation of the pivot bearing  606  and shaft  510  are illustrated. The second actuator  602 , pivot bearing  606 , and shaft  510  are also illustrated in an exploded view. It will be understood that second actuator ( 602 ) may generally be within the enclosure when installed in the example embodiment. ( FIG.  7    provides a view of both motors  601 ,  602  in an installed position.) 
       FIG.  7    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIGS.  5  and  6   . More specifically,  FIG.  7    illustrates a bottom view of the internal components of the tilt assembly  208 , as viewed from the side of base structure  408  that is opposite of the subreflector  204 , but with the enclosure lid removed to show the internal components of the enclosure. Visible in  FIG.  7    is the periphery of the back side of subreflector  204 , as well as the base structure  408  that is positioned between the subreflector  204  and the internal components of the tilt assembly  208 . The first and second actuators  601 / 602  are illustrated in their installed position, attached to the interior side of the base structure  408 . Thus,  FIG.  7    provides a view of the motors  601 ,  602  in an installed position. 
     The tilt assembly  208  further comprises support ribs  702  of the base structure  408 . The support ribs  702  may provide strength and rigidity to the base structure  408 . For example, the support ribs  702  may particularly provide strength and rigidity in the areas where contacts are made between the base structure  408  and the subreflector  204 . For example, the subreflector  204  may be supported by one or more of connections to the actuators  601 ,  602 , as well as other contact points discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS.  8 - 11   , below. 
     The closer the first actuator ( 601 ), the second actuator ( 602 ), or both the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ) are to the center  704 , the less accurate the tilt of the subreflector  204  may generally be. Accordingly, both the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ) may be placed outward from the center  704 , generally closer to the edge  706  than the center  704 . Placement of the motors  601 ,  602  at or near the edge  706  may generally lead to more accurate tilting of the subreflector  204 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an example location  708  for a counter-force device, such as a spring, that is opposite the first actuator ( 601 ) having a connection to the back of the subreflector  204  that is not fixed. In such an example, the spring helps maintain the connection between the first actuator ( 601 ), e.g., between the first actuator spherical adapter connection  506  (of  FIG.  6   ) and the subreflector  204 . For example, in one example embodiment, a counter-force device may be connected to the base structure. The counter-force device may be in contact with the backside of the subreflector. In an example embodiment, the first and second actuators and the counter-force device may contact the backside of the subreflector at first, second, and third points, respectively. The third point may be located on a first portion of the backside of the subreflector. The first and second points may be located on a second portion of the backside of the subreflector opposite the first portion. The first portion may be a first half of the subreflector and the second portion may be the other half of the subreflector. 
     Another example embodiment may include two fixed connections to the back of the subreflector  204 . When two fixed connections to the back of the subreflector  204  are used, the counter-force device such as a spring may be used to reduce backlash. In such an example, the counter-force device such as a spring might be moved to a location  710  that opposite both the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ) and angularly equidistant from the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ) such that the counter-force device may generally reduce backlash equally between the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ). 
     The example of  FIG.  7    also illustrates that the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ) are 90° (270°) from each other and 45° (135°) from an axis (e.g., elevation) of the antenna of the example steerable subreflector assembly  500 . Having the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 )  450  from an axis of the antenna, for the example steerable subreflector assembly  500 , may lead to better accuracy in antenna pointing because each actuator (e.g., first actuator ( 601 ) and second actuator ( 602 )) may contribute to moving the antenna beam in each antenna axis, e.g., elevation and azimuth. It may generally take multiple steps in a stepper motor to move the antenna beam. In an example embodiment, the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ) may add movement in a direction and subtract movement in a direction such that fractional step sizes, e.g., half step sizes, may be generated. For example, fractional step sizes may be generated when a movement by one actuator contributes partly to elevation and partly to azimuth. For example, a movement of one actuator  601 ,  602  may counteract or partially counteract movement of the other actuator  602 ,  601 , in one or more of altitude and azimuth. 
     The example of  FIG.  7    illustrates various specific locations for the various components and various angular relationships and relative distances between various components. It will be understood, however, that  FIG.  7    and the other figures described herein are only examples, and other suitable spatial relationships and layouts may be used. Generally, two or more actuators (motors) and one or more counter-force devices (springs) might be placed any distance from the center  704  from just outside the center  704  area to the edge  706 . Generally, two or more actuators and one or more counter-force devices might have any angular relationship with each other, e.g., as long as they are not acting on the exact same points and/or at the same angular locations. 
     In an example embodiment, it may be necessary to know a position of the actuators, e.g., the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ). In an example embodiment, where the actuators are stepper motors, a limiting position of the subreflector  204  may be set by a limiting position of one or more of the motors. Accordingly, one or more of the motors may be positioned in a “home,” known, or predetermined position by moving the motor a predetermined number of steps that may guarantee that the motor has moved as far as it can in a predetermined direction. For example, a motor with the limiting position of the subreflector set by a limiting position of the motor may be commanded to move greater than or equal to the greatest possible number of step in a direction, e.g., 200 steps. Accordingly, the stepper motor will reach the motor&#39;s maximum position in that direction. (Any extra steps may not move the motor further.) In an example embodiment, the limiting position in one direction may be the “home” location for that motor. In another example embodiment, the motor may then be commanded a number of steps in the opposite direction, e.g., 50 steps “back,” to the “home” position. In this manner, the position of the subreflector  204  can be “reset” to a particular position, on command, so that subsequent positioning of the subreflector can be known. 
     In an example, the limiting positions of the subreflector  204  along two directions may be set by both motors, e.g., the first actuator ( 601 ) and the second actuator ( 602 ). Accordingly, both motors may be positioned in a “home,” known, or predetermined position to set the subreflector in a “home,” known, or predetermined position by moving each motor a predetermined number of steps that may guarantee that the motor has moved as far as it can in a predetermined direction. For example, each motor may be set to the motor&#39;s limiting position by commanding each motor to move greater than or equal to the greatest possible number of step in a direction, e.g., 200 steps. Accordingly, each stepper motor will reach the motor&#39;s maximum position in each of the directions selected. (Any extra steps may not move the motors further.) In an example embodiment, the limiting position in each direction may be the “home” location for the corresponding motor. In another example embodiment, the motors may each then be commanded a number of steps in the opposite direction, e.g., 50 steps “back,” to the “home” position. Moreover, any suitable systems for positioning the subreflector to known positions can be used, including but not limited to using limit switches or encoders. 
       FIG.  8    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIGS.  5 - 7   . More specifically,  FIG.  8    illustrates another bottom view of the base structure  408 , from the perspective of the side of the enclosure opposite the subreflector  204 , but this time with a cut-away portion  800  illustrating details of the back of the subreflector  204 . For example,  FIG.  8    illustrates a central pivot connection point  802  on the back side of the subreflector  204 , a spherical rod end adapter receiver  804  located in the back side of the subreflector  204 , and support ribs  806 . The support ribs  806  may provide strength and rigidity to the subreflector  204 , allowing the subreflector  204  to maintain its shape, despite forces from the spring and actuators, in various positions and various angles that the subreflector  204  may be placed in to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive satellite (or other) electromagnetic signals. For example, the support ribs  806  may particularly provide strength and rigidity in the areas where contact is made with the subreflector (by the spring, central pivot, and actuators). For example, the subreflector  204  may comprise support ribs  806  where the subreflector is in contact with the actuators (at the spherical rod end connection  508 / 510 , spherical rod end adapter receiver  804 ), as well as other contact points such as the central pivot connection point  802  and spring connection point  803 . 
     Thus, the support ribs  806  may further comprise a first actuator spherical rod end adapter receiver  804  and second actuator spherical rod end connection  508 . In an example embodiment, these two ribs may be perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the central pivot connection point  802  may be located at a point where the perpendicular support ribs  806  having the first actuator spherical rod end adapter receiver  804  and second actuator spherical rod end connection  508  meet. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the connections between the subreflector  204  and each actuator  601 ,  602  are perpendicular to each other. However, it will be understood that other angles, e.g., from near zero degrees to near 180°, may be used. Generally, angles near 90° may be preferable, however. 
     Additionally, the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  includes the subreflector  204  and the tilt assembly  208 . The tilt assembly  208  may include base structure  408 . The tilt assembly  208  may include components as described with reference to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , for example. 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are diagrams further illustrating the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIGS.  5 - 8   .  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  provide an exploded view that illustrates details of the various parts discussed with respect to  FIGS.  4 - 8   .  FIG.  9 A  illustrates the actuator placement of the first actuator  601 . The first actuator  601  may be mounted to the planar portion of the base structure  408 . The first actuator ( 601 ) is illustrated having the spherical adapter connection  506  and a bearing  902 . The spherical adapter connection  506  may be moved linearly by first actuator ( 601 ) along a line generally perpendicular to the planar portion of the base structure  408 . Accordingly, first actuator ( 601 ) may move the subreflector, as is discussed in more detail with respect to  FIG.  10   .  FIG.  9 A  also illustrates placement of the spring  503 . The spring  503  is illustrated in an exploded position and may be installed at location  904 , as illustrated in the figure. 
       FIG.  9 B  illustrates the second actuator ( 602 ). The second actuator  602  may be mounted to the planar portion of the base structure  408 . The second actuator ( 602 ) is illustrated as having the spherical rod end connection  508  with the pivot bearing  606 . The spherical rod end connection  508  may be moved linearly by second actuator ( 602 ) along a line generally perpendicular to the planar portion of the base structure  408 . Accordingly, second actuator ( 602 ) may move the subreflector  204 , as is discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS.  10 - 13   . However, because the second actuator ( 602 ) has the spherical rod end connection  508  with the pivot bearing  606 , the connection, at the pivot bearing  606 , may slide along the shaft  510 . 
       FIG.  10    is a diagram further illustrating a subreflector mounted to a tilt assembly of  FIGS.  5 - 9   . More specifically,  FIG.  10    provides a side view that highlights connections between the subreflector  204  and the tilt assembly  208 . In particular, the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  includes the subreflector  204 , a spring  503 , a central pivot assembly  504 , a first actuator spherical adapter connection  506  (see  FIG.  5   ), a second actuator spherical rod end connection  508  having a shaft  510  and a pivot bearing  606 , and base structure  408 . The control signal  257  of  FIG.  2    may be used to tilt the subreflector  204  in a plurality of tilt positions  1002  illustrated in  FIG.  10   . The plurality of tilt positions  1002  may be generally indicated by dotted lines. The tilt position  1002  may be used to move the beam (e.g., the beam indicated as along the line  300  of  FIG.  3   ) while measuring the corresponding signal strength of a signal (e.g., signal  114 ) communicated via the antenna at each of the plurality of tilt positions  1002 . 
     In an example embodiment, the motors may be linear motors. More specifically, in an example embodiment, the motors may be linear stepper motors. Accordingly, in an example, both linear stepper motors may change the angle of the subreflector  204 . For example, for the first actuator ( 601 ), the contact between the subreflector  204  and the first actuator  601  may be done at a single point, e.g., at the spherical adapter connection  506 . Because the spherical joint only touches the subreflector  204  surface on a single point, the contact joint may be represented by a point on a surface. Accordingly, the single point, e.g., at the spherical adapter connection  506  may move linearly based on movement of a linear stepper motor, e.g., first actuator ( 601 ). Second actuator ( 602 ) may also be a linear motor, e.g., a linear stepper motor. 
     Second actuator ( 602 ) includes a contact between the subreflector  204  and the second actuator  602  provided through a spherical adapter that may slide on a shaft  510  connected to the subreflector  204 . Accordingly, the contact joint may be represented by a point on a line. In an example, the purpose of having a point sliding on a line may be to lock the rotation of the subreflector  204  because such a device may only rotate on the device&#39;s azimuth axis and elevation axis. In an example embodiment, a spring may maintain constant contact between the subreflector  204  and a shaft with a spherical rod-end. Rotation may be locked out by the use of the shaft. By using two linear motors, a push-pull maybe develop. Accordingly, the two linear motors, e.g., within the enclosure, e.g., the base structure  408  and the enclosure lid  406 , may control the angle of the subreflector  204 . For example, the angle of the subreflector  204  may be changed in small increments set by the size of the steps of the stepper motors. Generally, the size of the steps of the stepper motors may be much finer than the actual steps that may be needed to create a measurable difference in the performance of the antenna. For example, it may take many steps to create a measurable difference in the performance of the antenna  210 . Accordingly, in an embodiment, movements of the linear stepper motors may be in 5, 10, 15, 20, or more steps, e.g., depending on the size of the steps of the linear stepper motors and the changes in angle due to the steps of the stepper motors, e.g., based on the geometry of the connections between the subreflector  204  and the stepper motors. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the subreflector  204  may be tilted in various angles, e.g., by the motors of actuators  601 ,  602 , in conjunction with the spring  503 .  FIG.  10    provides a 2-D representation of example tilt angles. It will be understood, however, that the subreflector  204  may be tilted in various angles in three dimensions, e.g., such that a spiral or other set of beam patterns may be formed. The plurality of tilt positions  1002  may include a neutral tilt position  1006  of the subreflector  204 . The plurality of tilt positions  1002  may include a first predetermined maximum angle  1004  from a neutral tilt position  1006  of the subreflector  204 . The plurality of tilt positions  1002  may include a second predetermined maximum angle  1008  from a neutral tilt position  1006  of the subreflector  204 . It will be understood that the maximum angle may be in any direction around the subreflector, e.g., as indicated in the 2-D figure, into the page, out of the page, or any other angle. Furthermore, while the maximum angles are depicted as a fixed magnitude, it will be understood that the maximum angles may vary depending on the direction of the tilt. For example, the maximum tilt may be limited in some directions and not as limited in other directions. Generally, however, the maximum angle may be the same or similar regardless of tilt direction in most example embodiments. 
       FIG.  11    is a diagram further illustrating the example steerable subreflector  204  of  FIGS.  5 - 10   . More specifically,  FIG.  11    illustrates a back side of the subreflector  204 . The example steerable subreflector  204  may include the spherical rod end connection  508  having the shaft  510 , as well as the central pivot connection point  802 , and the spherical rod end adapter receiver  804 . The example steerable subreflector  204  also may include a spring contact surface  1102  for receiving the spring  503 . The spring contact surface  1102  may be configured to be pressed on by the spring  503 . As discussed with respect to  FIG.  8   , the support ribs  806  may provide strength and rigidity, allowing the subreflector  204  to maintain its shape in various positions and various angles that the user terminal antenna assembly  400  may be placed in to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive satellite (or other) electromagnetic signals. For example, the support ribs  806  may particularly provide strength and rigidity in the areas where contact is made with the subreflector. For example, the subreflector  204  may be contacted by one or more of actuators  601 ,  602 , and the central pivot. 
     Additionally, the spherical rod end connection  508  may be configured to move linearly along the shaft  510 , as indicated by the arrow  1104 . In an example embodiment, having the spherical rod end connection  508  configured to move linearly along the shaft  510  may lock the rotation of the subreflector  204  because the subreflector  204  in such a system can only rotate on the subreflector&#39;s  204  azimuth axis and elevation axis. The spherical rod end connection  508  may couple the example steerable subreflector  204  to second actuator ( 602 ) through the shaft  510  and the pivot bearing  606  (not shown). 
     In an example embodiment, the support ribs  806  that include contact points may be perpendicular to each other. For example, the support ribs  806  including the spring contact surface  1102  may be perpendicular to the support ribs  806  including the second actuator spherical rod end connection  508 . The support ribs  806  including the spherical rod end adapter receiver  804  may be perpendicular to the support ribs  806  having the second actuator spherical rod end connection  508 . However, it will be understood that other angles are also possible. Furthermore, the spherical rod end adapter receiver  804  and the spherical rod end connection  508  contact points (and/or the ribs associated therewith) may both be 45° from a center-line bisecting those contact points/ribs. It will be understood that other angles are also possible. 
       FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating a spherical rod end connection  508 . In an example embodiment, the contact between the subreflector  204  and the actuator, e.g., second actuator ( 602 ) may be made through a spherical adapter as illustrated in  FIG.  12   . The spherical rod end connection  508  may include a ball joint  1202 . The ball joint  1202  may have a hole or aperture  1204  that allows a shaft to slide linearly along an axis of the hole or aperture  1204 . The ball joint  1202  having the hole or aperture  1204  may move within a collar  1206 , allowing the angle, α, of the hole or aperture to vary. Accordingly, the angle of the shaft through the hole or aperture  1204  may vary. 
       FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating an installation  1300  of the spherical rod end connection  508  of  FIG.  12    connecting a second actuator  602  to a subreflector  204 . As discussed above, the spherical rod end connection  508  may include a ball joint  1202 . The ball joint  1202  may have a hole or aperture  1204  that allows a shaft to slide linearly along an axis of the hole or aperture  1204  in  FIG.  12   . e.g., as indicated by the arrow  1302  parallel to shaft  510 . As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the shaft  510  is connected to the subreflector  204 . Because a shaft is used, the contact joint may be represented by a point on a line, rather than just a single point. The sliding along the shaft  510  may lock the rotation of the subreflector  204  because the subreflector can only rotate on its azimuth axis and elevation axis. 
     In another example embodiment, both motors may be fixed to the subreflector by a spherical adapter. The fixation of the motor spherical ball push rod may be implemented using a snap-fit connector (see  FIG.  14   , below) fixed onto the subreflector. The example embodiment does not need a spring to complete the kinematic mechanism, although the spring may be installed on a product to reduce a possible backlash between joints maintaining all kinematic elements in permanent contact. 
       FIG.  14    is a diagram illustrating an example of a kinematic joint  1402 . In various example embodiments, the kinematic joint  1402  may be used for the spherical rod end adapter receiver  804  or the spherical rod end adapter receivers for spherical adapter connections  1606 ,  1608  discussed with respect to  FIGS.  16 - 18    (below). The diagram illustrates the subreflector  204  including a hole  1404  to receive a snap-fit spherical adapter  1406  of the kinematic joint  1402 . An actuator rod end (e.g., spherical adapter connection  506 ) of  FIG.  5    or central pivot (e.g., of central pivot assembly  504 ), e.g., both represented by a ball joint  1408 , may be pressed into the snap-fit spherical adapter  1406 . The ball joint  1408  and the snap-fit spherical adapter  1406  may be pressed into the hole  1404 . Accordingly, the kinematic joint  1402  may attach to the subreflector  204  by being pressed into the hole  1404  and snap-fitting into the hole  1404  to form a friction fit. The snap-fit spherical adapter  1406  may also include tabs  1410  to secure the snap-fit spherical adapter  1406  and ball joint  1408  in the hole  1404 . In an example embodiment, the snap-fit design may allow for attachment without screws. In an aspect, the connection may be a permanent fixture. In one example embodiment, the kinematic joint  1402  is permanently connected to the subreflector  204 . In another example embodiment, however, screws may be used to hold pieces together that may form a cylinder, e.g., corresponding to the hole  1404 , but capable of being taken apart, for receiving the kinematic joint  1402 . In such an embodiment, the kinematic joint  1402  may be disconnected by disassembling the cylinder used as an attachment point of the kinematic joint  1402 , e.g., by unscrewing. In other example embodiments, such cylinders may be held together using other fasteners instead of screws, e.g., bolts, nuts, rivets, welds, adhesives, ties, clamps, clips, hooks, latches, pegs, pins, retaining rings, or other fasteners. Moreover, any suitable methods of connecting kinematic joints to the corresponding structures may be used to connect the tilt assembly components to the subreflector. 
     In an example embodiment, a linear movement of the first actuator in a direction colinear with a first attachment point of the first actuator on the subreflector may cause a first tilt of the subreflector about the central pivot. The axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the direction colinear with the first attachment point. Furthermore, linear movement of the second actuator in a direction colinear with a second attachment point of the second actuator on the subreflector may cause a second tilt of the subreflector about the central pivot. The axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the direction colinear with the second attachment point. The first tilt and the second tilt may be perpendicular to each other. 
       FIGS.  16 - 18    are diagrams illustrating an example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  using a pair of spherical adapter connections  1606 ,  1608  to a subreflector  1602 . The example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  of  FIGS.  16 - 18    are generally similar to the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIGS.  5 - 11   . Accordingly, the different features of the different embodiments of the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIGS.  5 - 11    generally apply to the example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . The example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  includes an enclosure  1604  as well as a spring  1610  and a center pivot  1612 . Ribs  1614  ( FIG.  18   ) may extend from the center pivot  1612 . These components generally function as in other embodiments discussed herein. The difference between the example steerable subreflector assembly  500  of  FIGS.  5 - 11    and the example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  of  FIGS.  16 - 18    is that the example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  of  FIGS.  16 - 18    uses two spherical adapters rather than one spherical adapter and one spherical rod end adapter. The example steerable subreflector assembly  1600  of  FIGS.  16 - 18    may be attached at two points rather than a point contact and a shaft attachment. 
     Thus, in an example embodiment, rather than use a spherical adapter and a shaft, both actuators  1616 ,  1618  (see  FIG.  18   ) may be fixed to the subreflector by a spherical adapter. Such a design may simplify the installation of the subreflector. The fixation of the motor spherical ball push rod may be done by a snap-fit connector as described with respect to  FIG.  14   . The snap-fit connector may be fixed onto the subreflector. 
     This example embodiment may not need a spring to complete the kinematic mechanism. A spring, however, may be installed on an example implementation to reduce any possible backlash between joints maintaining all kinematic elements in permanent contact. 
       FIG.  19    is a diagram illustrating another example steerable subreflector assembly  1900 . The example steerable subreflector assembly  1900  includes a subreflector  1902 , a spring  1903 , a plate  1904 , and an enclosure  1906 . The enclosure  1906  may be mounted to the plate  1904 . The enclosure  1906  may house the motors that move the subreflector  1902 . For example, the motors (hidden from view in  FIG.  19    by the enclosure  1906 ) may be coupled to the plate  1904  and located within the enclosure  1906 . More specifically, in an example embodiment, the motors may be coupled, connected, attached, or fixed to the plate  1904  using screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, welds, adhesives, ties, clamps, clips, hooks, latches, pegs, pins, retaining rings, or other fasteners. In an example embodiment, the motors may be linear motors coupled to the plate  1904  such that the motors generally move approximately perpendicular to an opening of the enclosure  1906  through openings in the plate  1904 . The enclosure  1906  may be coupled, connected, attached, or fixed to the plate  1904  using screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, welds, adhesives, ties, clamps, clips, hooks, latches, pegs, pins, retaining rings, or other fasteners. An O-ring, gasket, or other material may help seal the connection between the enclosure  1906  and the plate  1904 . The combination of the plate  1904  and the enclosure  1906  may generally be held fixed, e.g., at least when the subreflector  1902  is to be moved relative to the plate  1904  and the enclosure  1906 . The motors may exert forces against the plate  1904 , the enclosure  1906 , or the combination of the plate  1904  and the enclosure  1906  to move the subreflector  1902  relative to the plate  1904 , the enclosure  1906 , or the combination of the plate  1904  and the enclosure  1906 . The motors within the enclosure  1906  may be a pair of motors. The pair of motors may be connected to the subreflector  1902  using any of the ways discussed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the pair of motors may be connected to the subreflector  1902  using one spherical adapter and one spherical rod end adapter. In another example embodiment, the pair of motors may be connected to the subreflector  1902  using two spherical adapters. The example steerable subreflector assembly  1900  may include ribs  1908  and open portions  1910 . The ribs  1908  and open portions  1910  may provide strength and rigidity while decreasing weight. 
     The enclosure  1906  (similar to the enclosure, e.g., the base structure  408  and the enclosure lid  406 ) may be a water proof or water-resistant enclosure. Accordingly, the enclosure  1906  may provide for outdoor satellite antenna installations. The enclosure  1906  may generally enclose some or all the components enclosed in other example embodiments, e.g., by the enclosure of  FIG.  4    or the enclosure  1906 . A linkage may be provided between the motors and the subreflector  1902 , e.g., one spherical adapter and one spherical rod end adapter or two spherical adapters. A portion of the linkage between the motors and the subreflector  1902  may be external to the enclosure  1906 . For example, a portion of the linkage between the motors and the subreflector  1902  may be external to the enclosure  1906  to move the subreflector  1902 . The enclosure  1906  may generally shield the components within it from the elements, such as rain, snow, dust, or other potential contaminants. Furthermore, because the steerable subreflector assembly  1900  may generally be pointed such that any openings on the enclosure are pointed down, the enclosure  1906  may generally shield the linkage between the motors and the subreflector  1902  from the elements, as well. Additionally, any openings may be sealed or covered in any suitable way while still allowing movement of the linkages. 
     Referring back to  FIG.  15   , the figure is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of antenna pointing  2000 . The example method of antenna pointing  2000  illustrated in  FIG.  15    includes providing a user terminal antenna assembly ( 2002 ), providing the control signal ( 2004 ), selecting a tilt position ( 2006 ), and providing the control signal to tilt the subreflector to the selected tilt position ( 2008 ). 
     As discussed above, the method of antenna pointing  2000  includes providing a user terminal antenna assembly ( 2002 ). For example, the method of antenna pointing  2000  may include providing a user terminal antenna assembly  104 . The antenna assembly may include an antenna  210  and an auto-peak device  282 . The antenna  210  may include a reflector  220 , a subreflector  204  coupled to the reflector  220  via the single support boom  302 , and a feed  202  and a transceiver assembly  222  on the single support boom  302 . The feed  202  may be oriented relative to the reflector  220  and the subreflector  204  to produce a beam (e.g., a beam having a boresight direction along line  300 ). The antenna  210  may further include a tilt assembly  208  to tilt the subreflector  204  relative to the reflector  220  and the feed  202  to move the beam in a pattern in response to a control signal  257 . In an example embodiment, the tilt assembly within the antenna assembly includes a central pivot. In an example embodiment, the tilt assembly  208  may further include a plurality of linear stepper motors configured to move the subreflector about the central pivot and a spring configured to dampen play within the tilt assembly  208 , e.g., reduce backlash or keep the motor connections in contact with the subreflector. In an example embodiment, the reflector within the antenna assembly comprises an offset fed reflector. 
     The method of antenna pointing  2000  includes providing the control signal ( 2004 ). For example, the method of antenna pointing  2000  may include providing, e.g., by the auto-peak device  282 , the control signal  257  to tilt the subreflector  204  in a plurality of tilt positions  1002  to move the beam (e.g., line  300 ) while measuring corresponding signal strength of a signal (e.g., signal  114 ) communicated via the antenna at each of the plurality of tilt positions  1002  (See  FIG.  10   ). 
     The method of antenna pointing  2000  includes selecting a tilt position ( 2006 ). For example, the method of antenna pointing  2000  may include selecting, e.g., by the auto-peak device  282 , a tilt position  1002  from the plurality of tilt positions  1002  based on the measured signal strength (e.g., of signal  114 ). 
     The method of antenna pointing  2000  includes providing the control signal to tilt the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position ( 2008 ). For example, the method of antenna pointing  2000  may include providing, e.g., by the auto-peak device  282 , the control signal  257  to tilt the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position (e.g., of the plurality of tilt positions  1002 ). In an example embodiment, providing the control signal to tilt the subreflector  204  in the plurality of tilt positions and selecting the tilt position is performed to verify an installation of the antenna assembly. 
     In an example embodiment, the plurality of tilt positions comprises a series of positions along at least one of a spiral search, a step-size search, and a grid search, the control signal beam steering the beam along the series of positions. 
     In an example embodiment, a determination may be made that an antenna is mis-pointed ( 2010 ). For example, the antenna  210  may be mis-pointed. The determination that the antenna is mis-pointed may be made by (1) measuring current signal strength of a signal received by the antenna  210 , (2) running through a series of other antenna positions of the antenna  210 , e.g., using a spiral search pattern, to measure a series of other signal strengths for the series of other antenna positions. (3) identifying at least one antenna position of the series of other antenna positions having a signal strength higher than the measured current signal strength, and (4) determining that the antenna  210  is mis-pointed based on the existence of at least one antenna position of the series of other antenna positions having a signal strength higher than the measured current signal strength. In an example embodiment, the determination that the antenna  210  is mis-pointed based on the existence of at least one antenna position of the series of other antenna positions having a signal strength higher than the measured current signal strength may require a difference in signal strength above some predetermined threshold, e.g., 0.1 dB, or some other threshold. In an example embodiment, the determination that the antenna  210  is mis-pointed based on the existence of at least one antenna position of the series of other antenna positions having a signal strength higher than the measured current signal strength may be made when any antenna position has any value of a higher signal strength than the measured current signal strength. Accordingly, based on the determination that the antenna  210  is mis-pointed, a device implementing the systems and methods described herein, e.g., one or more components of antenna assembly  104 , may select the tilt position ( 2006 ) and provide the control signal to tilt the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position ( 2008 ), e.g., when a determination is made that the antenna is mis-pointed as described above. 
     In an example embodiment, a determination may be made that a predetermined period (e.g., a wait time) has occurred (e.g., also at  2010 ). Accordingly, based on the determination that the predetermined period (e.g., a wait time) has occurred, selecting the tilt position ( 2006 ) and providing the control signal to tilt the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position ( 2008 ) may occur. In other words, after some period of time, which may be recurring, an example embodiment may run a search, e.g., a spiral search, to determine if the antenna  210  is still pointed in the best direction. 
     In an example embodiment, a determination may be made that a selected tilt position is at a predetermined maximum angle from a neutral tilt position of the subreflector ( 2012 ). For example, a determination may be made that a selected tilt position (e.g., of the plurality of tilt positions  1002 ) is at a predetermined maximum angle  1004 ,  1008  from a neutral tilt position  1006  of the subreflector  204  (See  FIG.  10   ). In an example embodiment, the determination may be made based on a value of the control signal. Some values of the control signal may be predetermined to be at or near the predetermined maximum angle  1004 ,  1008 . The control signal may be analog or digital. The control signal may comprise separate control signals, each configured to control one of two motors. 
     When the selected tilt position (e.g., of the plurality of tilt positions  1002 ) is at a predetermined maximum angle  1004 ,  1008  from a neutral tilt position  1006  of the subreflector  204 , an alert may be transmitted ( 2014 ). In an example embodiment, the alert may comprise an audible alert provided to the installer, an alert message to the installation device, a text message to the user&#39;s phone, an email alert, an alert to a back-office system, an alert to the a set-top box, or to any other suitable system. The alert may prompt gross tuning of the antenna system, or other corrective action. Alternatively, when a selected tilt position is not at a predetermined maximum angle from a neutral tilt position of the subreflector, an example system may provide the control signal to tilt the subreflector  204  to the selected tilt position ( 2008 ), e.g., one of the plurality of tilt positions. 
     In describing the present invention, the following terminology will be used: The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term “ones” refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or all of a quantity. The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item. The term “about” means quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other characteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of skill in the art. The term “substantially” means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4 and 3-5, etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g., “greater than about 1”) and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list, solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term “alternatively” refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical device. 
     As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the mechanism of the present invention may be suitably configured in any of several ways. It should be understood that the mechanism described herein with reference to the figures is but one exemplary embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described above. 
     It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are given for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the instant invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given above. For example, the operations recited in any method claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Moreover, no element is essential to the practice of the invention unless specifically described herein as “critical” or “essential.”