Patent Publication Number: US-2023145053-A1

Title: User terminal housing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/277,470, filed Nov. 9, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure pertains to antenna apparatuses for satellite communication systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Satellite communication systems generally involve Earth-based antennas in communication with a constellation of satellites in orbit. Earth-based antennas are, of consequence, exposed to weather and other environmental conditions. Some such antennas may include a housing system for protecting electronics from the weather and other conditions. Such antennas may also include mounting systems that facilitate connection and mounting of the antenna at an earth-based location. Described herein are systems for housing and mounting an antenna apparatus which may be used, for example, in satellite communication systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a housing for an antenna assembly is described. The housing may include a lower enclosure configured to be coupled to an upper structure to define an internal region; and an internal cover configured to be coupled to the lower enclosure to create a first chamber and a second chamber within the internal region. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a housing for an antenna assembly is described. The housing may include an upper structure; a lower enclosure configured to be coupled to the upper structure to define an internal region; and an internal cover configured to be coupled to the lower enclosure to create a first chamber and a second chamber within the internal region. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an internal cover for use with an antenna assembly is described. The internal cover may include a perimeter portion configured to be coupled to a lower enclosure to divide an internal region into a first chamber and a second chamber; and a fluid channel extending from the second chamber to the first chamber and configured to resist liquid fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in all orientations of the housing, the fluid channel including an elongated finger defined by the internal cover and extending away from the upper structure. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for use with an antenna assembly is described. The system may include a mast having a first end configured to be coupled to a mount and a second end configured to be coupled to the antenna assembly; a bulkhead connector disposed within an inner bore of the mast, wherein the bulkhead connector includes a biasing member moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the biasing member is biased to the first position and moveable to the second position when urged by a force; and a mount including a mount connector configured to mate with the bulkhead connector, wherein the bulkhead connector is in the first position when mated or unmated with the mount connector, and wherein the bulkhead connector is in the second position when being partially mated or being partially unmated from the mount connector. 
     In accordance with one embodiments of the present disclosure, a bulkhead connector for use with a mounting system of an antenna assembly is described. The bulkhead connector may include a body having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be received within the inner bore of a mast and the second end configured to be received by an opening of a mount; and a biasing member coupled to the body and moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the body, wherein the biasing member is biased to the first position and moveable to the second position when urged by a force, wherein the bulkhead connector is in the first position when mated or unmated with the mount, and wherein the bulkhead connector is in the second position when being partially mated or being partially unmated from the mount. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the lower enclosure may define a leg opening configured to receive a leg of a mounting system of the housing, and the leg opening may be located within the first chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the internal cover may hermetically seal the first chamber from the second chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the housing may further include an actuator configured to be located in the first chamber and to be coupled to the leg, and further configured to actuate in order to adjust an orientation of the housing relative to the leg. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the housing may further include a dust cover configured to be positioned over the leg opening and to be coupled to the leg, and further configured to reduce the likelihood of ingress of debris into the first chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the internal cover may be sealed to the lower enclosure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the second chamber may be configured to house at least one antenna element. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the internal cover may further include a fluid channel extending from the second chamber to the first chamber, and wherein the fluid channel may be configured to resist liquid fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in all orientations of the housing. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the fluid channel may include an elongated finger defined by the internal cover and extending away from the upper structure. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the lower enclosure may define drain holes extending from an environment of the lower enclosure into the first chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, when the housing is in an inverted position, a distal end of the elongated finger may define an outlet that is located at a height above the drain holes such that liquid fluid entering the first chamber exits the first chamber via the drain holes rather than flowing through the elongated finger into the second chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the fluid channel may allow for air circulation between the first chamber and the second chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the housing may further include at least one grommet defining a pathway between the first chamber and the second chamber for at least one cable to pass between the first chamber and the second chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the housing may be configured to house a phased array antenna. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the second chamber may be configured to house at least one antenna element, the internal cover further may include a fluid channel extending from the second chamber to the first chamber, and the fluid channel may be configured to resist liquid fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in all orientations of the housing. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the lower enclosure may define drain holes extending from an environment of the lower enclosure into the first chamber, and wherein, when the housing is in an inverted position, a distal end of the elongated finger defines an outlet that is located at a height above the drain holes such that fluid entering the first chamber exits the first chamber via the drain holes rather than flowing through the elongated finger into the second chamber. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the mount connector may include an opening configured to receive the mast. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the mast may define a coupling portion configured to be received by the opening defined by the mount connector. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the coupling portion of the mast may define a slot to allow flexure in the mast to facilitate an interference fit between the coupling portion of the mast and the opening of the mount connector. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, a longitudinal axis of the slot may extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mast. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the system may further include a first electrical connector disposed within the inner bore of the mast and configured to be coupled to the antenna assembly. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first electrical connector may be configured to receive a second electrical connector coupled to an external cable. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the second electrical connector may be retained between the mast and the mount in response to the mast and the bulkhead connector being coupled to the mount and the biasing member being in the first position. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the first electrical connector may be disposed on a first side of the inner bore of the mast, and wherein the biasing member may be disposed on a second side of the inner bore of the mast. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing member may be moveable to the second position by depressing a biasing interface. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing member may further include a bulkhead tab configured to be received by a mount receiver defined by the mount. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the bulkhead tab may actuate in response to depression of the biasing interface of the biasing member. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing member may include a spring to bias the biasing member to the first position. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the biasing interface and the bulkhead tab may both be attached to the spring. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the spring may include a stopping interface to prevent over biasing. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a not-to-scale diagram illustrating a simple example of communication in a satellite communication system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  is an isometric top view depicting an exemplary antenna apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  is an isometric bottom view depicting exemplary antenna apparatus of  FIG.  2 A , showing a housing secured to a leg that is designed to be mounted to a surface in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an isometric exploded view depicting a housing assembly of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  is an isometric exploded view depicting various elements of an antenna stack of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of an internal cavity of the housing assembly of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrating use of an internal cover within the housing assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in an inverted state illustrating features of the housing assembly and internal cover of  FIG.  4 A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 C  is a cross-sectional view of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in an upright state illustrating features of the housing assembly and internal cover of  FIG.  4 A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 A  is an isometric view of a portion of a mast, a bulkhead, and a cable with a corresponding connector in an assembled state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of the mast, the bulkhead, and the cable and corresponding connector of  FIG.  5 A  along with a mount of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 C  is an isometric view of the mount with the bulkhead of  FIG.  5 B  installed therein with the mast hidden in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 D  is an isometric view of the mast, the bulkhead, and the mount of  FIG.  5 A  in an assembled state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a cross-sectional view of a mast and a bulkhead of a mounting system of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a cross-sectional view of the mast and the bulkhead of  FIG.  6 A  along with a cable and corresponding connector of the antenna assembly of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 C  is a cross-sectional view of the bulkhead of  FIG.  6 A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 D  is an isometric view of the mast and the bulkhead of  FIG.  6 A  in an assembled state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 A  is an isometric view of a portion of the cable and the corresponding connector of  FIG.  5 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a bottom view of the mast of  FIG.  5 B  and an internal connector thereof in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  7 C  is an isometric view of the mast of  FIG.  7 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, it may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Language such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, in the present disclosure is meant to provide orientation for the reader with reference to the drawings and is not intended to be the required orientation of the components or to impart orientation limitations into the claims. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for housing, assembling, and mounting antenna apparatuses which include antenna systems designed for sending and/or receiving radio frequency signals to and/or from a satellite or a constellation of satellites. 
     The antenna systems of the present disclosure may be employed in communication systems providing relatively high-bandwidth, low-latency network communication via a constellation of satellites. Such constellation of satellites may be in a non-geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), such as a low Earth orbit (LEO).  FIG.  1    illustrates a not-to-scale embodiment of an antenna and satellite communication system  100  in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in  FIG.  1   , an Earth-based endpoint or user terminal  102  is installed at a location directly or indirectly on the Earth’s surface such as house or other building, tower, a vehicle (e.g., land-based vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, spacecraft, or the like), or another location where it is desired to obtain communication access via a network of satellites. An Earth-based endpoint terminal  102  may be in Earth’s troposphere, such as within about 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) of the Earth’s surface, and/or within the Earth’s stratosphere, such as within about 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of the Earth’s surface, for example on a geographically stationary or substantially stationary object, such as a platform or a balloon. 
     A communication path may be established between the endpoint terminal  102  and a satellite  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first satellite  104 , in turn, establishes a communication path with a gateway terminal  106 . In another embodiment, the satellite  104  may establish a communication path with another satellite prior to communication with a gateway terminal  106 . The gateway terminal  106  may be physically connected via fiber optic, Ethernet, or another physical connection to a ground network  108 . The ground network  108  may be any type of network, including the Internet. While one satellite  104  is illustrated, communication may be with and between any one or more satellite of a constellation of satellites. 
     The endpoint or user terminal  102  may include an antenna apparatus  200 , for example, as illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . As shown, the antenna apparatus  200  may include a housing assembly  202 , which includes a radome portion  206  and a lower enclosure  204  that couples to the radome portion  206 . An antenna system and other electronic components, as described below, are disposed within the housing assembly  202 . In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna apparatus  200  and its housing assembly  202  may include materials for durability and reliability in an outdoor environment as well as facilitating the sending and/or receiving radio frequency signals to and/or from a satellite or a constellation of satellites with the satellites  104 . 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates a perspective view of an underside of the antenna apparatus  200 . As shown, the antenna apparatus  200  may include a lower enclosure  204  that couples to the radome portion  206  to define the housing assembly  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting system  210  includes a mast  216  (such as a leg) and a mount  218 . The mast  216  may be formed from any material such as a polymer, a fiber-reinforced polymer, a metal, or the like. Similarly, the mount  218  may be formed from any material such as a polymer, a fiber-reinforced polymer, a metal, or the like. 
     The mount  218  may be securable to a surface such as via at least one of a fastener (e.g., screw threading, snap-fit connector, bolts and nuts, and the like), an adhesive, and the like. In some embodiments, the mount  218  may be designed to rest upon a surface without additional security such as by resting on a set of legs. In some embodiments, the mount  218  may be designed to receive a bottom portion of the mast  216 . The mast  216 , shown as a single mounting leg, may be defined by a generally hollow cylindrical or tubular body, although other shapes may be suitably employed. With a hollow configuration, any necessary wiring or electrical connections may extend into and within the interior of the mast  216  up into the housing assembly  202  of the antenna apparatus  200 . The mast  216  may include a first end  251  designed to be coupled to the mount  218 , and a second end  253  designed to be coupled to the housing assembly  202 . 
     A tilting mechanism, or actuator  240  (see  FIG.  3 A , details not shown), may be disposed within the lower enclosure  204  and may permit a degree of tilting to point the face of the radome portion  206  at a variety of angles for optimized communication and for rain and snow run-off. Such tilting may be automatic or manual. In some embodiments, the actuator  240  may be coupled to the second end  253  of the mast  216 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  1   , the antenna apparatus  200  may be configured to be mounted on a mounting surface for an unimpeded view of the sky. As not limiting examples, the antenna apparatus  200  may be mounted at an Earth-based fixed position, for example, the roof or wall of a building, a tower, a natural structure, a ground surface, an atmospheric platform or balloon, or on a moving vehicle, such as a land vehicle, airplane, or boat, or to any other appropriate mounting surface having an unimpeded or partially unimpeded view of the sky for communications with at least one satellite. 
     In various embodiments, the antenna apparatus  200  includes an antenna system designed for sending and/or receiving radio frequency signals to and/or from a satellite or a constellation of satellites. The antenna system, as described below, is disposed in the housing assembly  202  and may include an antenna aperture  208  (see  FIG.  2 A ) defining an area for transmitting and receiving signals, such as a phased array antenna system or another antenna system. Besides the antenna aperture  208 , the antenna apparatus  200  may include other electronic components within the housing assembly  202 , for example, which may include, but are not limited to beamformers, a modem, a Wifi card and/or Wifi antennas, a GPS antenna, as well as other components. 
     Turning to  FIG.  3 A , the antenna apparatus  200  may include an antenna stack  250 , an internal cover  252 , a lower enclosure  204 , and a tilting mechanism  240  coupled to a mast  216 . Components of the antenna apparatus  200  may form a housing assembly  202 . For example, the housing assembly  202  may include the lower enclosure  204 , the internal cover  252 , and a portion of the antenna stack  250 . In some embodiments, the housing assembly  202  may include any upper structure in place of the antenna stack  250  such as an upper enclosure that mates with the lower enclosure  204 , a radome separated from the antenna stack  250 , or the like. In that regard, the antenna stack  250  or a portion thereof may be referred to as an upper structure as it mates with the lower enclosure  204  to form a housing assembly  202 . The mast  216  (e.g., the second end  253  of the mast  216 ) may extend through an opening  254  defined by the lower enclosure  204  (e.g., a leg opening  254 ) and may couple to the tilting mechanism or actuator  240 . In some embodiments, the second end  253  of the mast  216  may be coupled to the actuator  240 . 
     An internal region  258  may be defined between the antenna stack  250  and the lower enclosure  204 . The internal cover  252  may be coupled to the lower enclosure within the internal region  258  between the antenna stack  250  and the lower enclosure  204 , splitting the internal region  258  into a first chamber  256  between the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  (see  FIG.  4 C ) and a second chamber  257  between the internal cover  252  and the antenna stack  250  (see  FIG.  4 A ). The coupling between the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may be waterproof or water resistant (e.g., the internal cover  252  may be hermetically sealed to the lower enclosure  204 ), and the opening  254  may be defined within the first chamber  256 . In that regard, any debris or moisture that enters the first chamber  256  via the opening  254  may remain within the first chamber  256 , reducing the likelihood of such debris or moisture reaching the second chamber  257  (including the antenna stack  250 ). 
     The tilting mechanism  240  may be coupled to at least one of the lower enclosure  204  and the internal cover  252  such that rotation of the tilting mechanism  240  relative to the mast  216  results in rotation of the antenna stack  250  relative to the mast  216 . Such rotation may be used to physically readjust the pointing direction of the antenna aperture  208 . 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates an exploded view of the antenna stack  250 , showing various layers of the antenna stack  250 . For example, the antenna stack  250  may include a radome assembly  305  which may include a radome body assembly  310  and an outer layer  315 . The antenna stack  250  may further include a patch antenna assembly  334  that includes an upper patch antenna layer  330 , an antenna spacer  335 , and a lower patch antenna layer  370  which together form a plurality of patch antennas forming an antenna array. The antenna stack  250  may also include a dielectric layer  375  and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly  380 . As will be discussed further below, the various layers of the antenna stack  250  may be at least partially mechanically and electrically coupled together. 
     As shown, the layers of the antenna stack  250  may be rectangular in shape. That is, each of the radome assembly  305 , patch antenna assembly  334 , dielectric layer  375 , and PCB assembly  380  may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above or below (i.e., along a stacking axis of the antenna stack  250 ). However, one skilled in the art will realize that the shape of the antenna stack  250  (and all elements therein) may have any shape such as rectangular, square, circular, oval, square, and the like, and may have any additional features such as rounded corners, sharp corners, and the like. As shown each element of the antenna stack  250  may have similar lengths and widths (as well as the lower enclosure  204 ). The radome assembly  305  may have a slightly greater length and a slightly greater width than the remaining elements of the antenna stack  250  to facilitate coupling of the radome assembly  305  to the lower enclosure  204  in such a manner to cause the remaining elements of the antenna stack  250  to remain wholly enclosed within the internal region  258 . However, one skilled in the art will realize that the various layers may have different dimensions. 
     The coupling of the radome assembly  305  (or any other upper structure, such as an upper enclosure) to the lower enclosure  204  may be performed in such a way as to form a hermetic seal between the two. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, vibration, ultrasonic, or other welding may be used to couple the radome body assembly  310  to the lower enclosure  204 . 
     Vibration welding refers to a process in which two workpieces (e.g., the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204 ) are brought into contact under pressure, and a reciprocating motion (e.g., vibration) is applied along the common interface (e.g., the interface between the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204 ) to generate heat. The resulting heat melts the workpieces, and they become welded when the vibration stops and the interface cools. The vibration may be achieved either through linear vibration welding, which uses a one-dimensional back-and-forth motion, or orbital vibration welding, which moves the pieces in small orbits relative to each other. The vibrations may operate at a frequency between 120 hertz and 360 hertz, between 200 hertz and 280 hertz, between 220 hertz and 260 hertz, about 240 hertz, or the like. The amplitude of the vibration may be, for example, between 20 mil and 118 mil (0.5 mm and 3 mm), between 40 mil and 78 mil (1 mm and 2 mm), or about 59 mil (1.5 mm). 
     Ultrasonic welding is a process in which high-frequency (e.g., between 20 kilohertz and 40 kilohertz) ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to workpieces (e.g., the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204 ) being held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld. Ultrasonic welding may be particularly useful when the two workpieces are formed using dissimilar materials (e.g., a polymer for one and a metal for the other). 
     The weld between the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204  may result in a hermetic seal formed around the entire interface between the two elements. That is, the weld may resist water ingress across the seal between the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204 . Vibration or ultrasonic welding may be optimally performed using thermoplastics. In that regard and in some embodiments, the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204  may include a thermoplastic (at least at the respective portions thereof). In some embodiments, one or both of the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204  may include a different material. For example, the radome body assembly  310  may include a thermoplastic and the lower enclosure  204  may include a non-thermoplastic polymer or a metal. In some embodiments, both the radome body assembly  310  and the lower enclosure  204  may include a non-thermoplastic polymer or a metal. 
     Furthermore, as referenced above, the lower enclosure  204  may be coupled to a radome that is separated from the antenna stack  250  to form the internal region  258 , the lower enclosure  204  may be coupled to an upper enclosure to form the internal region  258 , or the lower enclosure may couple to any additional or alternative upper structure to form the internal region  258 . Such coupling may likewise form a hermetic seal between the lower enclosure  204  and the upper structure. 
     Internal Cover 
     Turning to  FIGS.  4 A,  4 B, and  4 C , additional details regarding the housing assembly  202  is shown. As shown, the lower enclosure  204  defines an opening  254  through which the mast  216  may extend. The mast  216  may be coupled to the actuator, or tilting mechanism,  240 . The tilting mechanism  240  may be coupled to at least one of the lower enclosure  204  or the mast  216  and may actuate to adjust an angle between the lower enclosure  204  and the mast  216 . In that regard, actuation of the actuator  240  may adjust an orientation of the antenna aperture  208  relative to the sky in order to redirect the pointing direction of the antenna aperture  208 . The opening  254  may be sufficiently large to allow this tilting of the lower enclosure  204  relative to the mast  216 . Stated differently, the opening  254  may be sufficiently large to allow the mast  216  to move relative to the lower enclosure  204 . The opening  254  may have any shape such as a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, or any other shape. Similarly, the opening  254  may have sharp edges, rounded edges, no edges, or the like. 
     The housing assembly  202  may further include a dust cover  400  (see  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C ) coupled to at least one of the lower enclosure  204  or the mast  216 . The dust cover  400  may at least partially fill the opening  254  in order to reduce the likelihood of debris ingress into the internal region  258 . In some embodiments, the dust cover  400  may be coupled to the mast  216  and may move with the mast  216  relative to the lower enclosure  204 . In that regard, the dust cover  400  may cover parts of the opening  254  which would otherwise be exposed (e.g., parts of the opening  254  other than those which the mast  216  is located). The dust cover  400  may be formed from any material, such as a sheet of polymer, metal, or cloth, and may have any shape. For example, the dust cover  400  may resemble a square, circle, rectangle, oval, or any other shape. The dust cover  400  may be sufficiently large so as to cover the opening  254  regardless of the location of the mast  216  relative to the opening  254 . The dust cover  400  may be sufficiently flush with the lower enclosure  204  so as to reduce the likelihood of ingress of debris but may be sufficiently loose so as to allow air to flow between the ambient environment and the first chamber  256  of the internal region  258 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 A , the internal cover  252  may have a perimeter portion  402  extending around a perimeter thereof. The perimeter portion  402  may be designed to rest flush with an inner surface of the lower enclosure  204  when the internal cover  252  is aligned with the lower enclosure  204 . In that regard, the perimeter portion  402  of the internal cover  252  is designed to be coupled to the inner surface of the lower enclosure  204  to separate the internal region  258  into the first chamber  256  and the second chamber  257 . The coupling of the internal cover  252  to the lower enclosure  204  may be performed in such a way as to form a hermetic seal between the two. In that regard, the actuator  240  may be located in the first chamber  256 , and the antenna stack  250  may be partially or entirely located in the second chamber  257 . Due to the relatively sensitive components of the antenna stack  250 , it may be desirable to reduce or eliminate the ingress of debris or moisture into the second chamber  257 . 
     The internal cover  252  may be centrally located relative to the lower enclosure  204 . That is, the internal cover  252  may be coupled to a location on the lower enclosure  204  that is located at a center of the lower enclosure  204  (i.e., generally equidistant from opposing ends of the lower enclosure  204 ). In some embodiments, the internal cover  252  may cover a portion or all of the inner surface of the lower enclosure  204 . For example, the internal cover  252  may cover (e.g., enclose within the first chamber  256 ) only 25 percent of the lower enclosure  204 , 50 percent of the lower enclosure  204 , 75 percent of the lower enclosure  204 , 100 percent of the lower enclosure  204 , or the like. As shown, at least a portion of the lower enclosure  204  may have a curve. Stated differently, the lower enclosure  204  may bow towards the opening  254 . In that regard, the perimeter portion  402  of the internal cover  252  may be designed to rest flush against the lower enclosure  204  regardless of the curvature or other features of the lower enclosure  204 . In that regard, the internal cover  252  may include walls  401  that extend outward from a body portion  403  of the internal cover  252  (see  FIG.  4 A ). The walls  401  may have a variable length in order to compensate for curvature or other geometries of the lower enclosure  204 . In some embodiments, the body portion  403  may have a planar or any other shape, and the walls  401  may extend outward (i.e., towards the lower enclosure  204 ) from a perimeter of the plane of the body portion  403 . The walls  401  may form any curvature or angle relative to the body portion  403  and may have any shape or combination of shapes. The perimeter portion  402  may include an outer edge of the walls  401  (e.g., edges of the walls  401  that are spaced apart from the body portion  403 ). 
     The coupling of the internal cover  252  to the lower enclosure  204  may be performed in such a way as to form a hermetic seal between the two. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, vibration or ultrasonic welding may be used to couple the internal cover  252  to the lower enclosure  204 . Other joining techniques may include adhesives, heat melting, and other suitable techniques for forming a seal. 
     The coupling between the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may result in a hermetic seal formed around the entire interface between the two elements. That is, the coupling may resist water ingress across the seal between the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204 . Vibration or ultrasonic welding may be optimally performed using thermoplastics. In that regard and in some embodiments, at least one of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may include a thermoplastic (at least at the respective portions or interfaces thereof). In some embodiments, one or both of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may include a different material. For example, the internal cover  252  may include a thermoplastic and the lower enclosure  204  may include a non-thermoplastic polymer or a metal. In some embodiments, both the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may include a non-thermoplastic polymer or a metal. 
     In some embodiments, one or both of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may be constructed of a fiberglass base for mechanical strength. The fiberglass may be laminated with a polymer or copolymer of polyethylene, which may be functionalized with fluorine and/or chlorine. The laminate may be a fluorinated polymer (fluoro polymer), such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoethylene, such as ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE). 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may be another type of high-pressure thermoset plastic laminate grade, or a composite, such as fiberglass composite, quartz glass composite, Kevlar composite, or a panel material, such as polycarbonate. 
     In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may be a lay-up made from a first layer made from fibrous material, such as fiberglass or Kevlar fibers, pre-impregnated with a resin, such as an epoxy or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  may be formed from a plastic with a plurality of fibers located throughout. For example, the fibers may include fiberglass, Kevlar fibers, carbon fibers, or the like. 
     As referenced above, the internal cover  252  may be hermetically sealed to the lower enclosure  204 . However, it may be desirable for cables, wires, or other electronic communication means to extend from the first chamber  256  to the second chamber  257 , for example, to port power or data signals therebetween. For example, at least one of a power signal and a data signal may be received via a cable that extends through the mast  216 . The cable may extend through the mast  216  into the first chamber  256 . It may be desirable for at least one of the power signal and the data signal to reach the antenna stack  250 . In that regard, at least one of the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure may include or define a grommet  404  forming a pathway  405  for a cable or wire to pass through in order to port such electrical signals. For example, the grommet  404  may be formed in or defined by the internal cover  252 , may be formed in or defined by the lower enclosure  204 , may be partially formed in both the internal cover  252  and the lower enclosure  204  (such as a junction therebetween), or the like. In some embodiments, the grommet  404  may be replaced with any additional or alternative pathway. For example, a cable may extend through an opening and a potting material may be added to the opening to seal the opening. In some embodiments, any quantity of grommets  404  and alternative pathways may be utilized based on a quantity of cables or wires are desired to pass through the internal cover  252 . 
     After the desired cable, cables, wire, or wires are passed through the pathway  405  of the grommet  404 , the grommet  404  may be pinched off to re-seal the first chamber  256  from the second chamber  257 . The grommet  404  may be sealed about the cable(s) or wire(s) in any known method such as tightening the grommet  404  about the cable(s) or wire(s), filling the grommet  404  with a sealant about the cable(s) or wire(s), or the like. 
     It may be desirable for a vent to exist between the first chamber  256  and the second chamber  257  to facilitate pressure equalization therebetween. Otherwise, changes in at least one of temperature or environmental pressure may pressurize the second chamber  257  relative to the first chamber  256  (the first chamber  256  may equalize in pressure with the ambient environment due to passage of air through the opening  254 ). Such pressure may undesirably damage a portion of the antenna stack  250 . In that regard, a fluid channel  406  may exist between the first chamber  256  and the second chamber  257  (see  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C ). The fluid channel  406  may be designed to provide various functions. For example, the fluid channel  406  may be designed to facilitate air pressure equalization between the first chamber  256  and the second chamber  257 , as indicated by A1 in  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C . Furthermore, should liquid fluid happen to reach the second chamber  257  (for example, if the antenna apparatus  200  were to flip over in a wind and rain storm as seen in  FIG.  4 B ), the fluid channel  406  may facilitate flow of air from the second chamber  257  to the first chamber  256  (as indicated by arrow A1 in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B ) while resisting the flow of liquid fluid from the first chamber  256  to the second chamber  257 . Such resistance of liquid fluid flow from the first chamber  256  to the second chamber  257  may be achieved regardless of orientation of the housing assembly  202  relative to earth, for example, as a result of the shape of the fluid channel  406  (e.g., due to the position, orientation, and elongated shape of the fluid channel  406 ). 
     To achieve these goals, the fluid channel  406  may include an elongated finger  408  defined by the internal cover  252 . The elongated finger  408  may extend from an inner surface of the internal cover  252  (e.g., a surface of the internal cover  252  that faces the lower enclosure  204 ) away from the inner surface of the internal cover  252  (e.g., the elongated finger  408  may extend towards the lower enclosure  204 ). The elongated finger  408  may define an inlet  409  located at a first end of the elongated finger  408  (e.g., an end of the elongated finger  408  located nearest to the internal cover  252 ) and may define an outlet  410  located at a second end of the elongated finger  408  (e.g., an end of the elongated finger  408  located farthest from the internal cover  252 ). The inlet  409  may be in fluid communication with the second chamber  257  and the outlet  410 , and the outlet  410  may be in fluid communication with the first chamber  256  and the inlet  409 . In that regard, fluid (such as air) may flow between the first chamber  256  and the second chamber  257  via the inlet  409  and the outlet  410  of the elongated finger  408 . 
     In response to an increase in pressure within the second chamber  257 , air may flow from the second chamber  257  into the first chamber  256  via the elongated finger  408 . The air may then flow from the first chamber  256  to the ambient environment via the opening  254 , as indicated by arrow A2 in  FIG.  4 C . Likewise, in response to a decrease of pressure within the second chamber  257 , air may flow from the first chamber  256  into the second chamber  257  via the elongated finger  408 , also indicated by arrow A2 in  FIG.  4 C . Air may also flow from the ambient environment into the first chamber  256  via the opening  254 . Thus, air pressure within the second chamber  257  and the first chamber  256  may equalize with the ambient environment via the elongated finger  408  and the opening  254 . 
     The lower enclosure  204  may define at least one drain hole  412 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C , the lower enclosure  204  may define a set of three drain holes  412 . The at least one drain hole  412  may be located within the first chamber  256  of the internal region  258 . The drain hole  412  may extend from the first chamber  256 , through the lower enclosure  204 , and into the ambient environment. The drain hole  412  may thus be in fluid communication with the ambient environment and with the first chamber  256 . In response to fluid reaching the first chamber  256  (e.g., if the antenna apparatus  200  gets knocked over in a storm and water flows through the opening  254 ), the drain holes  412  are designed to facilitate flow of the fluid out of the internal chamber  256  and into the ambient environment. 
     As referenced above, the antenna stack  250  may be partially or entirely located in the second chamber  257 . Due to the relatively sensitive components of the antenna stack  250 , it may be desirable to reduce or eliminate the ingress of debris or moisture into the second chamber  257 . Should fluid, such as water, reach the second chamber  257 , the elongated finger  408  is designed to facilitate flow of such fluid from the second chamber  257  into the first chamber  256 . For example, the fluid may flow from the inlet  409  (within the second chamber  257 ) to and out of the outlet  410  (within the first chamber  256 ). Once the fluid reaches the first chamber  256 , it may flow out of the first chamber  256  via the drain holes  412 . 
     Although the elongated finger  408  is in fluid communication between the first chamber  256  and the second chamber  257 , the elongated finger  408  is oriented to reduce the likelihood of water flowing from the first chamber  256  to the second chamber  257 . This feature may be provided by the location of the outlet  410  relative to the drain holes  412 . In particular, the outlet  410  may be located towards the lower enclosure  204  relative to the drain holes  412  by such a distance that the drain holes  412  are sometimes or always located nearer to a ground surface than the outlet  410  in response to inversion of the housing assembly  202 . That is, in a configuration in which the antenna stack  250  is located nearer to a ground surface than the lower enclosure  204  (e.g., in response to toppling by winds of a storm), the outlet  410  is located above (i.e., farther from a ground relative to) the drain holes  412 . In that regard, in response to toppling of the housing assembly  202 , water (e.g., rain) may potentially flow into the first chamber  256  via the opening  254 . However, as water fills the first chamber  256 , the water may reach the drain holes  412  prior to the outlet  410  regardless of the orientation of the housing assembly  202 . Thus, as water continues to flow into the first chamber  256 , it reaches the drain holes  412  and flows out of the first chamber  256  before ever reaching the outlet  410 . Thus, the orientation of the outlet  410  relative to the drain holes  412  reduces the likelihood of water flowing from the first chamber  256  through the outlet  410  and into the second chamber  257 . Accordingly, the housing assembly  202  is designed to resist water ingress into the second chamber  257  (in which at least a portion of the antenna stack  250  is housed) regardless of configuration or orientation of the housing assembly  202  relative to earth. 
     Mounting System 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 B ,  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  (connection between mast  216  and mount  218 ),  FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  (details of bulkhead  500 ), and  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  (details of power connector interface), the mast  216  is designed to be removably coupled to the mount  218 , and the two are designed to facilitate a releasable connection of an electrical cable to the antenna assembly  200  to allow for detachment and/or replacement of the electrical cable. The electrical cable may port a power signal, a data signal, or some combination thereof (e.g., may include separate pins or contact points for porting power signals and data signals, or may port a combined power and data signal such as via power over ethernet). 
     The mast  216  may have a round elongated tubular shape having one or more side walls and an inner bore  503 . Referring to  FIG.  2 B , the second end  253  of the mast  216  couples to the antenna housing assembly  202  and the first end  251  of the mast  216  may be configured to couple to a mount  218 . Referring to  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D , the first end  251  of the mast  216  is configured as a received member to nest within a receiver of the mount  218 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mast  216  is a circular tube having an outer edge  536  which provides an interface between the mast  216  and the mount  218  as described in greater detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge  536  is a circumferential lip; however, in other configurations, the edge  536  may only extend around a portion of the outer circumference of the mast  216 . 
     In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the mast  216  may be triangular, square, rectangular, or any other shape. The mast  216  may define an inner bore  503  having a volume extending from the first end  251  through at least a portion of its length (i.e., along a longitudinal axis thereof). In that regard, the mast  216  may have an annular cross section, which may be present regardless of the shape of the mast  216  (i.e., it may resemble an annular rectangle). In some embodiments, the mast  216  may include multiple tubular or other shaped sections that telescope relative to each other. In such embodiments, a lower telescoping portion may define an internal bore having an inner bore  503  (see  FIG.  5 A ). The bulkhead  500  is designed to be received by the inner bore  503  of the mast  216 . The bulkhead  500  may refer to any element designed to be received by the inner bore  503  and to couple the mast  216  to the mount  218 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 C , the bulkhead  500  (or bulkhead connector  500 ) will now be further described. The bulkhead  500  is designed to be disposed within the mast  216  (e.g., within the inner bore  503 ) at the first end  251  of the mast  216  to releasably secure the mast  216  to a mount  218  (see, for example,  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 D ; also see, for example,  FIG.  5 C  with the bulkhead  500  connected to the mount  218 , but the mast  216  removed). In addition, the bulkhead  500  may be designed as described herein for an additional function: to retain a connector interface of an electrical cable  508  disposed within the mast  216  (compare  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ). 
     Regarding the releasable connector interface of the electrical cable  508 , first and second connector portions  504 ,  506  may be releasably coupled to one another in the bulkhead  500  (compare  FIG.  6 B  with  FIG.  6 A , see also  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B, and  7 C , as described in greater detail below). The second connector portion  506  is connected to a connecting end of an electrical cable  508 , and the first connector portion  504  is disposed on the bulkhead  500  or elsewhere within an inner bore  503  of the mast  216 . The first connector portion  504  may be electrically connected to components of at least one of the antenna stack  250  and the actuator  240  to For data and/or power. In that regard, power and/or data electrical signals may be provided to, and received from, the antenna apparatus  200  via a cable  508  (which may port electrical power, data, or a combination thereof) when the first and second connectors portions  504 ,  506  are coupled to one another. 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates the bulkhead  500  disposed within the inner bore  503  of the mast  216  with the second connector portion  506  and cable  508  attached (compare  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  showing second connector portion  506  and cable  508  detached and attached, respectively).  FIGS.  5 B and  5 D  show the bulkhead  500  attached to a mount  218  (also see  FIG.  5 C  with the bulkhead  500  connected to the mount  218 , but the mast  216  removed). The mechanism for releasably attaching the mast  216  (with bulkhead  500  disposed within) to the mount  218  will now be described. 
     As shown, the mast  216  defines or includes a lip  516  and a mast tab  515  that together define or surround a first aperture  517  in a portion of a side wall of the mast  216 . The bulkhead  500  may include a biasing portion  518  designed to flex relative to the bulkhead  500  such that, without user manipulation (or other force acting thereon), the biasing portion  518  flexes outwardly to be received by the first aperture  517  (i.e., the biasing portion  518  may have a first position in which it is flexed outwardly, as shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ; the biasing portion  518  may be engaged within the first aperture  517  when in the first position). However, the biasing portion  518  may be pressed by a user (or acted upon by another force, e.g., pressure applied by the mount  218  while the bulkhead  500  and mast  216  are urged into an opening of the mount  218 ) to flex inwardly to release the connection between the biasing portion  518  and the first aperture  517  (e.g., the biasing portion  518  may have a second position in which it is flexed inwardly, as shown in  FIG.  5 B ; the biasing portion  518  may move relative to the first aperture  517  and the mast  216  when in the second position). 
     The biasing portion  518  may be made from any material or combination of materials designed to bias and designed to be received by the first aperture  517 . In a non-limiting example, the biasing portion  518  includes a spring  520  and a button portion  519  attached thereto. The spring  520  may be made from any suitable materials capable of biasing such as suitable metals and plastics. As seen in  FIG.  6 C , the spring connects the biasing portion  518  to the main body portion  538  of the bulkhead  500 . The button portion  519  may be made from any suitable materials configured for user comfort and ergonomics when pressing. 
     As further seen in  FIGS.  5 B and  6 B , the biasing portion  518  may include an interference portion  540  (or a stopping interface  540 ) designed to interface with the main body portion  538 . As a non-limiting example, the spring  520  may extend away from the button portion  519  (e.g., further into the mast  216  towards the antenna apparatus  200 , see  FIG.  3 A ) and this extension of the spring  520  may form the interference portion  540 , and may be designed to interface with a surface  542  on the main body portion  538  of the bulkhead  500 . This interface between the interference portion  540  and the surface  542  of the main body portion  538  resists greater flexion of the biasing portion  518  inwardly, which may result in continued contact between the biasing portion  518  and the lip  516 . This continued contact may resist movement of the bulkhead  500  further upward into the mast  216 . 
     When flexed outwardly in the first position (see  FIG.  6 B ), an outwardly extending button portion  519  of the biasing portion  518  is designed to fit within the first aperture  517  of the mast  216 . In that regard, the button portion  519  is designed to interface with the outer edges of the first aperture  517  (including the lip  516  and the mast tab  515 ) to resist separation of the bulkhead  500  from the inner bore  503 . Stated differently, the interfaces between the button portion  519  and the lip  516 , and the button portion  519  and the mast tab  515 , resist separation of the bulkhead  500  from the mast  216 . 
     When the button is pressed by a user (see  FIG.  5 B ), the spring  520  is biased to a second position and the button portion  519  is pushed inwardly through the first aperture  517  into the inner bore  503  of the mast  216 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 C , the biasing portion  518  of the bulkhead  500  may further include a bulkhead tab  521  spaced from the button portion  519  (e.g., by a bulkhead notch  522 ). In some embodiments, the bulkhead tab  521  may be formed integral or monolithic with the biasing portion  518 , defining a body portion  525  of the biasing portion  518  including a protruding bulkhead tab  521  and a protruding button portion  519  and further defining a recession therebetween shown as a bulkhead notch  522 . The bulkhead notch  522  may receive the mast tab  515  to resist separation of the bulkhead  500  from the mast  216 . The bulkhead tab  521  may be spaced from the button portion  519  by a sufficient distance that the mast tab  515  fails to entirely fill the bulkhead notch  522 . That is, the mast tab  515  may move slightly between the bulkhead tab  521  and the button portion  519  in response to the bulkhead  500  being coupled to the mast  216 . 
     The bulkhead tab  521  may be configured to align with a second aperture  529  near the first aperture  517  (e.g., defined between the mast tab  515  and an edge  527  of the mast  216 ). Because the bulkhead tab  521  and the button portion  519  of the biasing portion  518  are coupled to one another and coupled to the main body portion  538  of the bulkhead  500  by a spring  520 , when the button portion  519  is pressed by a user (or another force urges the button portion  519  towards a center of the mast  216 ), both the button portion  519  and the bulkhead tab  521  are biased away from the first aperture  517  and second aperture  529 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C ., the mount  218  may define an opening  514  into which the first end  251  of the mast  216  (along with the bulkhead  500  therein) may be received. The opening  514  may have any shape that corresponds to a shape of the mast  216  (at least a lower end, or coupling portion  501 , of the mast  216  between the outer lip  536  and the first end  251  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening  514 ). For example, the opening  514  may be circular in order to receive the tubular coupling portion  501  of the mast  216 . The opening  514  may be defined at a top end of the mount  218 . The outer lip  536  of the mast  216  may contact a top surface  546  of the mount  218  to resist movement of the mast  216  into the opening  514  of the mount  218  further than desired. 
     The mount  218  may include an interface for receiving the mast  216  and releasably engaging with the bulkhead  500  interface mechanism. The mount interface may include an opening  514  designed to receive the first end  251  of the mast  216 . The mount  218  may also define a mount receiver  523 , which may align with the second aperture  529  of the mast  216 . The bulkhead tab  521  may be received by the mount receiver  523  (simultaneously with the bulkhead tab  521  being received by the second aperture  529 ). Similarly, the mast tab  515  of the mount  218  may be received within the bulkhead notch  522 . The interface between the bulkhead tab  521  and the mount receiver  523  may resist separation of the bulkhead  500  from the mount  218 . Because the interface of the biasing portion  518  and the first aperture  517  of the mast  216  resists separation of the bulkhead  500  from the mast  216 , and the interface between the bulkhead tab  521  and mount receiver  523  resists separation of the bulkhead  500  from the mount  218 , these interfaces similarly couple the mast  216  to the mount  218  to resist separation of the mast  216  from the mount  218 . 
     The button portion  519  is designed to extend through the first aperture  517  of the mast  216 . In that regard, the button portion  519  may remain exposed in response to the mast  216  and bulkhead  500  being coupled to the mount  218  (see  FIG.  5 D ). The bulkhead tab  521  may be coupled to the button portion  519  and may actuate with the button portion  519 . That is, actuation of the button portion  519  may actuate the bulkhead tab in a similar manner. In some embodiments, the bulkhead tab  521  and the button portion  519  may be coupled in another manner and may have any relationship regarding actuation. The button portion  519  and the bulkhead tab  521  may be coupled to the bulkhead  500  via a spring  520 . The spring  520  may exert a force on the button portion  519  and the bulkhead tab  521  to urge the button portion  519  at least partially into or through the first aperture  517  of the mast  216 , and to simultaneously urge the bulkhead tab  521  at least partially into or through the mount receiver  523  (and the second aperture  529 ). The spring  520   may also urge a body portion  525  that connects the button portion  519  to the bulkhead tab  521  into the mast tab  515  of the mast  216 . In that regard, the mast tab  515  may resist further outward actuation of the button portion  519  and the bulkhead tab  521 . Because the spring  520  urges the button portion  519  into the first aperture  517  of the mast  216 , and similarly urges the bulkhead tab  521  into the mount receiver  523  (and the second aperture  529 ), the spring  520  causes the bulkhead  500  to remain coupled to the mast  216  and the mount  218 , thus assisting the coupling of these elements (in addition to any additional coupling means such as an interference fit between the mast  216  and mount  218 ). 
     As mentioned above, the mast  216  and the mount  218  may be removably coupled together. In order to decouple the mast  216  from the mount, the button portion  519  may be actuated into the inner bore  503  by applying a sufficient force to overcome the force of the spring  520 . When the button portion  519  is urged into the inner bore  503 , it likewise actuates the bulkhead tab  521  into the inner bore  503 , thus removing the bulkhead tab  521  from the mount receiver  523 . The mast  216  and bulkhead  500  together may be removed from the mount  218  by forcing these elements apart while the bulkhead tab  521  is removed from the mount receiver  523 . In a similar manner, the button portion  519  may be depressed entirely through the first aperture  517  of the mast  216  and the bulkhead  500  may be urged out of the inner bore  503  in order to remove the bulkhead  500  from the mast  216 . 
     It may be desirable for the mast  216  to be retained in the opening  514  of the mount  218  by interference fit. In that regard, a diameter of the first end  251  of the mast  216  may be approximately the same as the diameter of the opening  514  in the mount  218 . Approximately may refer to the referenced value plus or minus 10 percent of the referenced value. The interference fit between the mast  216  and the mount  218  may resist movement of the mast  216  relative to the mount  218 , particularly in windy or other turbulent environmental conditions. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 A,  6 A,  6 B,  7 B, and  7 C , the annular wall of the mast  216  may include or define a slot  502  which may be located adjacent the body of the bulkhead  500 . The slot  502  may extend from the first end  251  of the mast  216  at least partially along a length (i.e., parallel to a longitudinal axis) of the mast  216 . The slot  502  may allow radial compression of the annular wall of the mast  216  (i.e., the circumferential ends of the tubular structure defining the mast  216  may be urged towards each other to reduce a diameter of the mast  216 ), providing for a greater interference fit between the mast  216  and the mount  218  (i.e., the mast  216  may be biased outward so its diameter increases towards its original diameter in response to a lack of compressive force acting thereupon; this outward force may increase the interference between the mast  216  and the mount  218 ). The slot  502  may be said to provide flexure to the mast  216  to make the mast  216  compliant. In that regard, the slot  502  causes the mast  216  to interfere with the mount  218  to reduce or eliminate slop in the joint between the mast  216  and the mount  218 . This lack of slop may result in improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) in signals transmitted and received by the antenna apparatus  200  (shown in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  3 B ) in windy conditions. As shown, the slot  502  may have a rounded or circular design. In some embodiments, the slot  502  may have any shape such as squared, triangular, or the like. 
     As referenced above and referring to  7 A- 7 C, the bulkhead  500  may be designed to retain a connector  506  of a cable  508  within the mast  216 . The mast  216  may define a connector cradle  530  within the inner bore  503 , for example, at an upper end of the slot  502 . In some embodiments, the bulkhead  500  may define the connector cradle  530 . The connector cradle  530  is designed to house a connector  504  and may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the connector  504 . For example, the connector  504  may be formed monolithic with the mast  216 , may be formed separately from the mast  216  and later installed in the connector cradle  530 , may be formed monolithic with the bulkhead  500 , may be formed separately from the bulkhead  500  and later coupled to the bulkhead  500 , or the like. The connector  504  may be permanently or removably coupled within the connector cradle  530  of the mast  216 . For example, the connector  504  may be retained within the connector cradle  530  via an interference fit, via a snap fit connection, via adhesive, or via any other coupling means. In some embodiments, the connector  504  may be a female connector and may thus include a female interface  512  designed to receive a male connector. The connector  504  may be electrically coupled to various components of the antenna assembly  200  of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  such as the actuator  240 , the PCB assembly  380 , and the like. For example, a cable or wires  505  may have a first end that is electrically coupled to the connector  504  and a second end or second portion that is electrically coupled to the components of the antenna assembly  200 . The electrical coupling between the connector  504  and the components of the antenna assembly  200  may facilitate transmission and/or receipt of at least one of power signals and data signals. 
     The cable  508  may include the connector  506  at a first, or proximal, end and may be coupled to additional components (such as a router for a home or office network, a power supply, and the like) at another location. The connector  506  of the cable  508  is designed to mate with the connector  504  in the mast  216 . In some embodiments, the connector  506  may be a male connector and may thus include a male interface  510 . In that regard, mating between the connector  504  and the connector  506  may include an interference fit therebetween to resist separation of the connector  506  from the connector  504 . The male interface  510  may mate with the female interface  512  to facilitate transmission and receipt of at least one of power signals and data signals across the connection between the male interface  510  and the female interface  512 . 
     In some embodiments, the male interface  510  and the female interface  512  may be or include commercially available connector types. For example, the interfaces  510 ,  512  may be universal serial bus (USB)-C type connectors, USB-Mini type connectors, CAT-5 connectors, serial port connectors, or the like. In some embodiments, the interfaces  510 ,  512  may be or include proprietary connectors designed specifically for use with the antenna apparatus  200  of  FIG.  3 B . Although designing and manufacturing proprietary connectors may increase difficulty and cost of design and manufacture of the antenna assembly  200 , it may be desirable to do so rather than using commercially available connectors so that the connector  506  and cable  508  are not replaced with poorly made versions. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 A , the mast  216  may define or include a connector cavity  532  located adjacent to the connector cradle  530 . The connector cavity  532  may receive the connector  506  of the cable  508  and may house the connector  506  while the connector  506  is mated with the connector  504  of the mast  216 . In that regard, the connector cavity  532  may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the connector  506 . In some embodiments, the connector cavity  532  may be located upward (i.e., away from the first end  251 ) from the slot  502  and may be an extension of the slot  502 . In that regard and in some embodiments, a portion of the cable  508  may be retained within the slot  502  when the mounting system  210  is fully assembled. In that regard and with brief reference to  FIG.  5 B , the cable  508  may remain in the slot  502  through the mount  218  for a sleeker look or may be removed from the slot  502  for any reason. 
     Although an interference fit may exist between the connector  504  and the connector  506  (e.g., via physical shapes of bodies of the connectors  504 ,  506 , via the fit of the male interface  510  into the female interface  512 , or the like), it may be desirable for additional forces to retain the connector  506  in place relative to the connector  504 . Additional reinforcements may mitigate an unplanned disconnection event between the connectors  504 ,  506  as the mounting system  210  may be installed in a difficult-to-access location, time-sensitive activities may be occurring over a satellite communication system, and the like. In that regard, the bulkhead  500 , mast  216 , and mount  218  may together retain the connector  506  in place relative to the connector  504  when the mounting system  210  is fully assembled. 
     As referenced above, the connector cavity  532  may be an extension of the slot  502 , may be aligned with the slot  502 , and the like. In some embodiments, the connector cavity  532  may be defined by the mast  216 , by the bulkhead  500 , by a combination of the mast  216  and the bulkhead  500 , and the like. In that regard, a body  507  of the connector  506  may be placed in the slot  502  with the male interface  510  facing towards the connector cradle  530  and the female interface  512 . The body  507  may then be urged upward (i.e., towards the female interface  512 ) until the male interface  510  is received by and in electrical communication with the female interface  512 . In some embodiments, at least one of an interference fit between the male interface  510  and the female interface  512 , an interference fit between the connector cavity  532  and the body  507 , and an interference fit between the connector  504  and the connector  506  (e.g., via connector bodies) may resist separation of the male interface  510  from the female interface  512 . 
     In order to assemble the mounting system  210 , the bulkhead  500  may be coupled to the mast  216  by inserting the bulkhead  500  into the inner bore  503  of the mast  216 . The bulkhead may be manipulated within the mast  216  until the button portion  519  is aligned with the first aperture  517  of the mast  216 . When the button portion  519  is aligned with the aperture  517  (as shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 D ), the spring  520  will urge the button portion  519  into the first aperture  517  (and the bulkhead tab  521  into the second aperture  529 ), thus resisting separation or movement of the bulkhead  500  relative to the mast  216 . 
     After the bulkhead  500  is coupled to the mast  216 , the connector  506  may be mated with the connector  504  as described above (and as shown in  FIG.  6 B ). The body  507  of the connector  506  may include an edge  513  and at least one of the mast  216  and the bulkhead  500  may define a lip  511 . The edge  513  and lip  511  may face each other and may contact each other in response to the connector  506  being coupled to the connector  504 . In that regard, the edge  513  and lip  511  may resist further upward movement of the connector body  507  relative to the mast  216 , which in turn resists undesirable movement of the first connector  504  further into the inner bore  503 . 
     After the connector  506  is mated with the connector  504  and the bulkhead  500  is retained within the mast  216 , the assembled connector  506  (with cable  508 ), mast  216 , and bulkhead  500  may be inserted into the opening  514  of the mount  218  as shown in  FIG.  5 B  (and  FIG.  5 D ). In some embodiments, pressure may be applied to the button portion  519  to cause the bulkhead tab  521  to move inward relative to the mast  216  to allow it to pass into the opening  514  of the mount  218 . In some embodiments, the bulkhead tab  521  may be tapered (as shown in  FIG.  6 B ) such that movement of the mast  216  into the opening  514  of the mount  218  urges the bulkhead tab  521  inward and allows the bulkhead tab  521  (along with mast  216  and bulkhead  500 ) to be received within the opening  514  of the mount  218 . The assembled connector  506 , mast  216 , and bulkhead  500  may be manipulated while in the opening  514  of the mount  218  until the bulkhead tab  521  is aligned with the mount receiver  523 . In response to alignment of the bulkhead tab  521  and mount receiver  523 , the spring  520  may urge the bulkhead tab  521  to extend through the mount receiver  523 . As discussed above, the interface between the bulkhead tab  521  and the mount receiver  523  may retain the bulkhead  500 , and thus the mast  216 , in place relative to the mount  218 . 
     In response to the bulkhead  500  and mast  216  being retained within the opening  514  of the mount  218  (with the connector  506  mated to the connector  504  within the mast  216 ), features of the mounting system  210  may be designed to resist separation of the connector  506  from the connector  504 . In particular and as discussed above, the lip  511  of the mast  216  (or, in some embodiments, the bulkhead  500 ) may interface with the edge  513  of the connector body  507  of the connector  506  to resist further upward movement of the connector  506  relative to the mast  216 . In a similar manner, the mount  218  may define an edge  509  (which may be part of the top surface  546  or separate from the top surface  546 ) that faces upward (e.g., towards the mast  216  and connector  506 ). The connector body  507  may include a bottom surface  534  designed to face the edge  509  of the mount  218 . In that regard, the edge  509  of the mount  218  may at least one of face or contact the bottom surface  534  of the connector body  507  to resist downward movement of the connector  506  relative to the mast  216  and mount  218 . This interface further resists separation of the connector  506  from the connector  504  (e.g., resists separation or disconnection of the male interface  510  from the female interface  512 ). In some embodiments, the connector body  507  may be able to move up and down (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the mast  216 ) by a tolerance distance. Stated differently, a length of the connector body  507  (from the edge  513  to the bottom surface  534 ) may be less than a distance from the lip  511  of the mast  216  (or bulkhead  500 ) to the edge  509  of the mount  218 . For example, the tolerance distance may be 0.05 inches (1.27 mm), 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), 0.2 inches (5.08 mm), 0.3 inches (7.62 mm), or the like. However, the tolerance distance may be sufficiently small for the male interface  510  to remain in electrical communication with the female interface  512  regardless of the location of the connector body  507  between the lip  511  of the mast  216  (or bulkhead  500 ) and the edge  509  of the mount  218 . That is, the connector body  507  may move slightly between the lip  511  of the mast  216  and the edge  509  of the mount  218 , but electrical communication may remain between the connector  504  and the connector  506  regardless of the position of the connector body  507  between the lip  511  of the mast  216  and the edge  509  of the mount  218 . 
     It may occasionally be desirable to change the cable  508  to a new cable for various reasons (e.g., a portion of the cable  508  gets stripped, the antenna assembly  200  is to be moved to a new location where a shorter or longer cable is desired, or the like). In that regard, the mounting system  210  is designed to allow replacement of the cable  508 . To remove the cable, the mast  216 , bulkhead  500 , and connector body  507  may be removed from the mount  218 , as described above (e.g., depressing the button portion  519  and manipulating the mast  216  out of the opening  514 ). The connector  506  may then be pulled from the connector cavity  532  to remove the connector  506  from the mast  216  and bulkhead  500  (and to disconnect the connector  506  from the connector  504 ). A new connector of a new cable may then be inserted into the connector cavity  532  and mated with the connector  504 , and the mast  216 , bulkhead  500 , and new connector may be recoupled to the mount  218 . 
     Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims. 
     Claim language and language within the specification reciting “at least one of” refers to at least one of a set and indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim. For example, claim language and language within the specification reciting “at least one of A and B” means A, B, or A and B. As another example, claim language and language within the specification reciting “at least one of A or B” means A, B, or A and B.