Patent Publication Number: US-6906673-B1

Title: Methods for aligning an antenna with a satellite

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/751,278 filed Dec. 29, 2000. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The subject invention relates to alignment devices and methods and, more particularly, to devices and methods for aligning an antenna with a satellite. 
   2. Description of the Invention Background 
   The advent of the television can be traced as far back to the end of the nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century. However, it wasn&#39;t until 1923 and 1924, when Vladimir Kosma Zworkykin invented the iconoscope, a device that permitted pictures to be electronically broken down into hundreds of thousands of components for transmission, and the kinescope, a television signal receiver, did the concept of television become a reality. Zworkykin continued to improve those early inventions and television was reportedly first showcased to the world at the 1939 World&#39;s Fair in New York, where regular broadcasting began. 
   Over the years, many improvements to televisions and devices and methods for transmitting and receiving television signals have been made. In the early days of television, signals were transmitted via terrestrial radio networks and received through the use of antennas. Signal strength and quality, however, were often dependent upon the geography of the land between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. Although such transmission methods are still in use today, the use of satellites to transmit television signals is becoming more prevalent. Because satellite transmitted signals are not hampered by hills, trees, mountains, etc., such signals typically offer the viewer more viewing options and improved picture quality. Thus, many companies have found offering satellite television services to be very profitable and, therefore, it is anticipated that more and more satellites will be placed in orbit in the years to come. As additional satellites are added, more precise antenna/satellite alignment methods and apparatuses will be-required. 
   Modern digital satellite communication systems typically employ a ground-based transmitter that beams an uplink signal to a satellite positioned in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite relays the signal back to ground-based receivers. Such systems permit the household or business subscribing to the system to receive audio, data and video signals directly from the satellite by means of a relatively small directional receiver antenna. Such antennas are commonly affixed to the roof or wall of the subscriber&#39;s residence or are mounted to a tree or mast located in the subscriber&#39;s yard. A typical antenna constructed to received satellite signals comprises a dish-shaped reflector that has a support arm protruding outward from the front surface of the reflector. The support arm supports a low noise block amplifier with an integrated feed “LNBF”. The reflector collects and focuses the satellite signal onto the LNBF which is connected, via cable, to the subscriber&#39;s television. 
   To obtain an optimum signal, the antenna must be installed such that the centerline axis of the reflector, also known as the “bore site” or “pointing axis”, is accurately aligned with the satellite. To align an antenna with a particular satellite, the installer must be provided with accurate positioning information for that particular satellite. For example, the installer must know the proper azimuth and elevation settings for the antenna. The azimuth setting is the compass direction that the antenna should be pointed relative to magnetic north. The elevation setting is the angle between the Earth and the satellite above the horizon. Many companies provide installers with alignment information that is specific to the geographical area in which the antenna is to be installed. Also, as the satellite orbits the earth, it may be so oriented such that it sends a signal that is somewhat skewed. To obtain an optimum signal, the antenna must also be adjustable to compensate for a skewed satellite orientation. 
   The ability to quickly and accurately align the centerline axis of antenna with a satellite is somewhat dependent upon the type of mounting arrangement employed to support the antenna. Prior antenna mounting arrangements typically comprise a mounting bracket that is directly affixed to the rear surface of the reflector. The mounting bracket is then attached to a vertically oriented mast that is buried in the earth, mounted to a tree, or mounted to a portion of the subscriber&#39;s residence or place of business. The mast is installed such that it is plumb (i.e., relatively perpendicular to the horizon). Thereafter, the installer must orient the antenna to the proper azimuth and elevation. These adjustments are typically made at the mounting bracket. Prior mounting brackets commonly employ a collection of bolts that must first be loosened to permit the antenna to be adjusted in one of the desired directions. After the installer initially positions the antenna in the desired position, the locking bolts for that portion of the bracket are tightened and other bolts are loosened to permit the second adjustment to be made. It will be appreciated that the process of tightening the locking bolts can actually cause the antenna to move out of its optimum position which can deteriorate the quality of the signal or, in extreme situations, require the installer to re-loosen the bolts and begin the alignment process over again. Furthermore, such mounting apparatuses cannot accommodate relatively fine adjustments to the antenna. In addition, because such crude bracket arrangements are attached directly to the rear of the reflector, they can detract from the reflector&#39;s aesthetic appearance. 
   One method that has been employed in the past for indicating when the antenna has been positioned at a proper azimuth orientation is the use of a compass that is manually supported by the installer under the antenna&#39;s support arm. When using this approach however, the installer often has difficulty elevating the reflector to the proper elevation so that the antenna will be properly aligned and then retaining the antenna in that position while the appropriate bolts and screws have been tightened. The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,922 purports to solve that problem by affixing a device to the support arm that includes a compass and a inclinometer. In this device, the support arm can move slightly relative to the reflector and any such movement or misalignment can contribute to pointing error. Furthermore, devices that are affixed to the support arm are not as easily visible to the installer during the pointing process. In addition, there are many different types and shapes of support arms which can require several different adapters to be available to the installer. It will also be understood that the use of intermediate adapters could contribute pointing error if they do not interface properly with the support arm. 
   Another method that has been used in the past to align the antenna with a satellite involves the use of a “set top” box that is placed on or adjacent to the television to which the antenna is attached. A cable is connected between the set top box and the antenna. The installer initially points the antenna in the general direction of the satellite, then fine-tunes the alignment by using a signal strength meter displayed on the television screen by the set top box. The antenna is adjusted until the onscreen meter indicates that signal strength and quality have been maximized. In addition to the onscreen display meter, many set top boxes emit a repeating tone. As the quality of the signal improves, the frequency of the tones increases. Because the antenna is located outside of the building in which the television is located, such installation method typically requires two individuals to properly align the antenna. One installer positions the antenna while the other installer monitors the onscreen meter and the emitted tones. One individual can also employ this method, but that person typically must make multiple trips between the antenna and the television until the antenna is properly positioned. Thus, such alignment methods are costly and time consuming. 
   In an effort to improve upon this shortcoming, some satellite antennas have been provided with a light emitting diode (“LED”) that operates from feedback signals fed to the antenna by the set top box through the link cable. The LED flashes to inform the installer that the antenna has been properly positioned. It has been noted, however, that the user is often unable to discern small changes in the flash rate of the LED as antenna is positioned. Thus, such approach may result in antenna being positioned in a orientation that results in less than optimum signal quality. Also, this approach only works when the antenna is relative close to its correct position. It cannot be effectively used to initially position the antenna. U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,237 discloses a microprocessor-operated antenna pointing aid that purports to solve the problems associated with using an LED indicator to properly orient the antenna. 
   Such prior antenna mounting devices and methods do not offer a relatively high amount of alignment precision. Furthermore, they typically require two or more installers to complete the installation and alignment procedures. As additional satellites are sent into space, the precision at which an antenna is aligned with a particular satellite becomes more important to ensure that the antenna is receiving the proper satellite signal and that the quality of that signal has been optimized. It is also desirable to have an antenna alignment device that can be effectively used by one installer. 
   There is a need for a method for aligning an antenna with a satellite that can be quickly, accurately, and efficiently employed by one installer. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one form of the present invention, there is provided a method for aligning an antenna with a satellite that includes removably attaching a compass to a rear portion of the antenna and moving the antenna to a position wherein the compass displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined azimuth reading. Thereafter, the antenna is locked in that position. These methods can employ a digital compass or a non-digital compass. 
   Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method for aligning an antenna with a satellite that includes removably attaching a level to a rear portion of the antenna and orienting the antenna in a position wherein the level displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined elevation reading. Thereafter, the antenna is locked in that position. These methods can employ a digital level and a non-digital level. 
   Another method for aligning an antenna with a satellite of the present invention comprises removably attaching a compass and a level to a rear portion of the antenna. Thereafter, the antenna is oriented about a first axis to a first orientation wherein the compass displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined azimuth reading. The antenna is retained in that orientation about the first axis while it is further oriented about a second axis until the level displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined elevation reading. The antenna is then retained in the second orientation about the second axis. 
   Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of aligning a centerline of an antenna with a satellite, wherein the antenna has a feed/LNBF assembly that is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television that has a television speaker therein. The method further comprises affixing an audio speaker to the antenna and operating the set top box and television such that a series of tones are emitted from the television speaker which are indicative of the alignment of the antenna centerline with the satellite. The method also includes transmitting the series of tones to the audio speaker affixed to the antenna and positioning the antenna until the series of tones being transmitted to the speaker affixed to the antenna have a desired frequency. 
   Yet another method of the present invention comprises a method of aligning a centerline of an antenna with a satellite, wherein the antenna has a feed/LNBF assembly that is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television having a television speaker therein. The method includes removably attaching a compass, a level and a speaker to the antenna and orienting the antenna about a first axis to a first orientation wherein the compass displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined azimuth reading. The antenna is then retained in the first orientation about the first axis. The antenna is also oriented about a second axis to a second orientation until the level displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined elevation reading. The antenna is then retained in the second orientation about the second axis. The method also includes operating the set top box and television such that a series of tones are emitted from the television speaker which are indicative of the alignment of the antenna centerline with the satellite and transmitting the series of tones to the audio speaker affixed to the antenna. In addition, the method includes reorienting the antenna about the first and second axes as necessary to a final orientation wherein the series of tones being transmitted to the speaker affixed to the antenna have a desired frequency. The antenna is thereafter locked in the final orientation. 
   Another method of the present invention comprises a method for aligning an antenna with a satellite wherein the method includes removably attaching an alignment device that has first and second digital levels therein to the antenna, the first and second digital levels cooperating to display a reading indicative of the antenna&#39;s skew orientation. The method also includes orienting the antenna about a first axis to a first orientation wherein the first digital level displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined elevation reading and retaining the antenna in the first orientation. In addition, the method includes further orienting the antenna to another position wherein the first and second digital levels produce a skew reading that corresponds to a predetermined skew reading and locking the antenna in the another position. 
   Another method of the present invention includes a method of aligning a centerline of an antenna with a satellite, wherein the antenna has a feed/LNBF assembly that is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television having a television speaker therein. The method includes removably attaching an alignment device that has a compass, a speaker, and first and second digital levels therein to the antenna. The first and second digital levels cooperate to display a reading indicative of the antenna&#39;s skew orientation. In addition, the method includes orienting the antenna about a first axis to a first orientation wherein the compass displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined azimuth reading. The antenna is retained in the first orientation about the first axis. The antenna is also moved about a second axis to a second orientation until the first digital level displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined elevation reading. The antenna is then retained in the second orientation about the second axis. The antenna is further oriented to a third orientation position wherein the first and second digital levels produce a skew reading that corresponds to a predetermined skew reading. The antenna is then retained in the third orientation. The set top box is then operated such that a series of tones are emitted from the television speaker which are indicative of the alignment of the antenna centerline with the satellite and those tones are transmitted to the audio speaker. The antenna is reoriented as necessary to a final orientation wherein the series of tones being transmitted to the speaker affixed to the antenna have a desired frequency and the antenna is locked in the final orientation. 
   Another method of the present invention comprises a method of aligning a centerline of an antenna with a satellite, wherein the antenna has a feed/LNBF assembly that is electronically coupled to a set top box which is electronically coupled to a television having a television speaker therein. The method includes mounting an adjustable mounting bracket to a structure. The adjustable mounting bracket has a first movable portion and a second movable portion that is attached to the first movable portion. An end of a mast is affixed to the antenna such that the mast is coaxially aligned with the centerline of the antenna. The other end of the mast is supported in the second movable portion of the adjustable mounting bracket. An alignment device that has a compass, a speaker, and first and second digital levels therein is attached to the antenna. The first and second digital levels cooperate to display a reading indicative of the antenna&#39;s skew orientation to the antenna. The first movable portion of the adjustable mounting bracket is moved about a first axis to a first position wherein the antenna is oriented in a first orientation wherein the compass displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined azimuth reading. The first movable portion is retained in the first position. The second movable portion of the adjustable mounting bracket is moved about a second axis to a second position wherein the antenna is oriented in a second orientation wherein the first digital level displays a reading that corresponds to a predetermined elevation reading. The other end of the mast is rotated within the second portion of the adjustable mounting bracket until the antenna is in a third orientation wherein the first and second digital levels produce a skew reading that corresponds to a predetermined skew reading. The antenna is retained in the third orientation. 
   The set top box and television are operated to produce a series of tones from the television speaker which are indicative of the alignment of the antenna centerline with the satellite and those tones are transmitted to the audio speaker. The first and second movable portions and the mast within the second movable portion are repositioned as necessary to move the antenna to a final orientation wherein the series of tones being transmitted to the speaker affixed to the antenna have a desired frequency. The mast is then locked to the second movable portion and the first and second movable portions are locked to prevent further movement thereof. 
   It is a feature of the present invention to provide methods for quickly and efficiently aligning an antenna with a satellite such that the antenna receives and optimal signal from the satellite. 
   It is another feature of the present invention to provide methods having the above-mentioned attributes that can be efficiently used by one installer. 
   Accordingly, the present invention provides solutions to the shortcomings of prior methods for orienting antennas for receiving satellite signals. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that these and other details, features and advantages will become further apparent as the following detailed description of the embodiments proceeds. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a graphical representation of an antenna attached to a building and aligned to receive a signal from a satellite; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of an antenna attached to a mounting bracket; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view of the antenna depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a rear view of another antenna that may be employed with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a mounting bracket; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded assembly view of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mounting member of the mounting bracket in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a support member of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a mast support member of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-7 ; 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another mast support embodiment of the mounting bracket employed in one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a top assembly view of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a front assembly view of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-10  taken along line XI—XI in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-11  supporting an antenna mast that is attached to a support arm of an antenna; 
       FIG. 12A  is a side elevational view of another mounting bracket embodiment employing the mast support member depicted in  FIG. 8A ; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a pivot bar of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a spacer sleeve of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket depicted in  FIGS. 4-14  attached to a vertical wall of a structure; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket attached to a tree; 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket attached to a vertically extending pole or mast; 
       FIG. 18  is a top view of a conventional saddle bracket used to attach a mounting bracket of the present invention to a mast; 
       FIG. 19  is a rear view of the mounting bracket and saddle bracket depicted in  FIG. 18 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket attached to a horizontal support surface with an L-bracket; 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket and removable shroud shown in cross-section; 
       FIG. 22  is a partial view of the rear surface of the antenna depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrating three points that define a plane that is perpendicular to the centerline axis of the antenna; 
       FIG. 22A  is a partial view of a rear surface of another antenna with which the alignment devices of the present invention may be employed; 
       FIG. 22B  is a partial view of a rear surface of another antenna with which the alignment devices of the present invention may be employed; 
       FIG. 23  is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of  FIG. 22  taken along line  23 — 23  in  FIG. 22 ; 
       FIG. 23A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of  FIG. 22A  taken along line  23 A— 23 A in  FIG. 22A ; 
       FIG. 23B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna of  FIG. 22B  taken along line  23 B— 23 B in  FIG. 22B ; 
       FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of an antenna pointing apparatus showing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section; 
       FIG. 24A  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of an alignment apparatus of the present invention showing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section and a transmitter therefor; 
       FIG. 25  is a bottom view of the antenna pointing apparatus of  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIG. 26  is a rear view of the antenna pointing apparatus of  FIGS. 24 and 25 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a top view of the antenna pointing apparatus of  FIGS. 24-26 ; 
       FIG. 27A  is a schematic drawing of one control circuit arrangement that may be employed by one or more embodiments of the present invention to calculate the skew of the antenna to which it is attached; 
       FIG. 28  is a side elevational view of the antenna pointing apparatus of  FIGS. 24-26  attached to the rear surface of an antenna reflector with a portion of the antenna reflector shown in cross-section; 
       FIG. 28A  is a rear view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 28B  is a side elevational view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 28A ; 
       FIG. 29  is a side elevational view of another antenna pointing apparatus showing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section; 
       FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of another antenna pointing apparatus showing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section; 
       FIG. 31  is a side elevational view of another antenna pointing apparatus showing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section; 
       FIG. 32  is a side elevational view of another antenna pointing apparatus showing a portion of the mounting member in cross-section; 
       FIG. 33  is a side elevational view of another antenna pointing apparatus with a portion thereof shown in cross-section; 
       FIG. 34  is a top view of the antenna pointing apparatus depicted in  FIG. 33 ; 
       FIG. 34A  is a partial top view of the antenna pointing apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrating a gimball mounting arrangement; and 
       FIG. 35  is a side elevational view of the antenna pointing apparatus of  FIGS. 33 and 34  attached to a rear portion of an antenna reflector with the portion of the reflector shown in cross-section. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  illustrates an antenna  20  that is attached to the wall of a residence or other building  10  by a mounting bracket  100 . The antenna  20  is oriented to receive audio and video signals from a satellite  14  in geosynchronous orbit around the earth. 
   Antenna  20  must be properly positioned to receive the television signals transmitted by the satellite  14  to provide optimal image and audible responses. This positioning process involves accurately aligning the antenna&#39;s centerline axis A—A, with the satellite&#39;s output signal. “Elevation”, “azimuth” and “skew” adjustments are commonly required to accomplish this task. As shown in  FIG. 1 , elevation refers to the angle between the centerline axis A—A of the antenna relative to the horizon (represented by line B—B), generally designated as angle “C”. In the antenna embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the elevation is adjusted by virtue of an elevation adjustment mechanism on the mounting bracket  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , “azimuth” refers to the angle of axis A—A relative to the direction of true north in a horizontal plane. That angle is generally designated as angle “D” in FIG.  2 . “Skew” refers to the angle of the antenna with respect to the centerline or boresite A—A. 
   Turning to  FIGS. 4-6 , the mounting bracket  100  includes a mounting member  110  that has a rear portion  112 , a top portion  114  and a bottom portion  116 . The portions of mounting member  110  may be fabricated from metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, etc. and be of welded or stamped construction or otherwise connected by other conventional fasteners. It will be fisher appreciated, however, that the mounting member  110  could be molded or otherwise fabricated from a polymeric material or other non-corrosive material. As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the top portion  10  has an upper locking protrusion  120  that has a hole  122  therethrough. Similarly, the bottom portion  116  has a lower protrusion  124  that has a bole  126  therethrough. Holes ( 122 ,  126 ) are coaxially aligned along a “first” pivot axis, generally designated as G—G. To facilitate attachment of the mounting member  110  to a variety of different support surfaces or members, a series of mounting holes  119  are provided through the rear portion  112 . See FIG.  10 . The mounting member  110  also includes side support members ( 130 ,  136 ). 
   The mounting member  110  pivotally supports a support member  140 . In one embodiment, the support member  140  includes a pair of side plates ( 142 ,  146 ), a bottom portion  150  and a top portion  154 . The support member  140  may be fabricated from metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, etc. and be of welded or stamped construction or the various portions of the support member  140  may be interconnected utilizing other conventional fasteners. It will be further appreciated, however, that the support member  140  could be molded or otherwise fabricated from a polymeric material or other non-corrosive material. As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , a pair of threaded top pivot holes  160  and  161  extend through the top portion  154  and a threaded bottom pivot hole  162  extends through the bottom portion  150 . When assembled as shown in  FIG. 11 , holes ( 160 ,  162 ) are coaxially aligned along the first pivot axis “G—G”. The support member  140  is pivotally supported on the mounting member  110  by a “first locking member” which may comprise a top locking screw  174  extends through the upper hole  122  in the upper portion  114  of the mounting member  10  and is threadably received in an upper threaded hole  160  in the top portion  154  of the support member  140 . A top washer  175  may be placed on screw  174 . In addition, the support member  140  is further pivotally supported on the mounting member  110  by a “second locking member” which may comprise a bottom locking screw  176  extends through the bottom hole  126  in the bottom portion  116  of the mounting member  110  to be threadably received in a lower threaded hole  162  in the bottom portion  150  of the support member  140 . A washer  177  may be placed on screw  176  as shown. As can also be seen in  FIG. 9 , in this embodiment another “first locking member” which may comprise a locking screw  166  extends through an arcuate top slot  168  in the top portion  114  of the mounting member  110  and is threadably received in threaded-hole  161  in the top portion  154  of the support member  140 . A washer  167  may be placed on the screw  166 . Also in this embodiment, another “second locking member” which may comprise a locking screw  172  extends through an arcuate bottom slot  170  through the bottom portion  116  of the mounting member  110  to be threadably received in a threaded hole  173  in the bottom portion  150  of the support member  140 . A washer  171  may be placed on screw  172  as shown. 
   The arcuate top slot  168  is radially aligned about the center of hole  122  through which axis G—G extends. Similarly, the arcuate bottom slot  170  is radially aligned about the center of hole  126  through which the first pivot axis G—G extends. Slot  168  is sized to slidably receive a portion of the locking screw  166  therethrough. The center of arcuate slot  168  is oriented at a radius “R” with respect to the center of hole  122 . The arcuate slot  170  is sized to slidably receive a portion of the locking screw  72  therein. The center of arcuate slot  170  is oriented at a radius “R′” that is equal to radius R. See FIG.  6 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when the locking screws ( 166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 ) are loosened, the support member  140  can pivot about the first pivot axis G—G relative to the mounting member  110 . 
   Also in this embodiment, to control the pivotal travel of the support member  140  about the first pivot axis G—G and to positively retain the support member  140  in position while the locking screws ( 166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 ) are tightened, a “first adjustment assembly” or “first means for retaining”, generally designated as  165 , is provided. More specifically and with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 11 , the adjustment assembly or means for retaining of this embodiment includes a “pivot member” which may comprise a pivot pin  158  that protrudes from a support bar  156  that is formed in the support member  140 . The first adjustment assembly or first means for retaining of this embodiment also includes a first “rotatable adjustment member” which may comprise a threaded adjustment bolt  181  that extends through a non-threaded hole  131  in side member  130 . The first adjustment bolt  181  also extends through a non-threaded bole  137  in the side member  136 . The first adjustment bolt  181  is threaded along its entire length and is rotatably retained in the holes ( 131 ,  137 ) by a lock nut  182  and washer  183 . A pivot bar  184  is threadably received on the first adjustment bolt  181 . The pivot bar  184  may be fabricated from a metal or plastic in the configuration shown in FIG.  13 . One end of the pivot bar  184  has a pair of coaxially aligned threaded holes  185  for attaching the pivot bar  184  to the first threaded adjustment bolt  181 . As can be further seen in  FIG. 13 , the pivot bar  184  has a tongue portion  187  that has an axially extending slot  186  for slidably receiving a portion of the pivot pin  158  therein. 
   In this embodiment, the skilled artisan will appreciate that, after the locking screws ( 166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 ) have been loosened, the support member  140  may be selectively pivoted about the first pivot axis G—G in the directions represented by arrows “H” and “I” by rotating the first adjustment bolt  181  in the appropriate directions. See FIG.  9 . After the support member  140  has been pivoted to a desired position about the first pivot axis G—G, it may be “locked” in position by tightening screws ( 166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 ). 
   This embodiment of the mounting bracket  100  of the present invention further comprises an object support member or mast support member  190  that is pivotally supported by the support member  140 . While the mast support member  190  as described herein is particularly suited for supporting an antenna mast therein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mast support member may be constructed to support a variety of other objects without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be further appreciated that for applications wherein pivotal travel of the object about a single axis (i.e., axis G—G) is required, the mast support member  190  may be rigidly attached to the support member  140  or comprise an integral portion of the support member  140 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , in this embodiment, the mast support member  190  has a mast-supporting end  191  that has a socket  192  therein sized to receive a portion of an antenna support member which may comprise an antenna mast  15  therein. A pair of spaced-apart mounting plates ( 193 ,  195 ) protrude from the mast-supporting end  191 . The mast-supporting end  191  has a hole  196  extending therethrough that is adapted to be coaxially aligned with hole  143  in the side plate  142  and hole  147  in the side plate of the support member  140  along a second pivot axis J—J. The second pivot axis J—J may be perpendicular to the first pivot axis G—G. The mast support member  190  is pivotally attached to the support member  140  by a pivot bolt  197  that extends through the holes ( 143 ,  196 ,  147 ) and is retained therein by a nut  198  and washer  199 . Thus, when the nut  198  is loosened, the mast support member  190  is free to pivot about the second pivot axis J—J relative to the support member  140 . 
   Also in this embodiment, to control the pivotal travel of the mast support member  190  about the second pivot axis J—J and to positively retain the mast support member  190  in position about the second pivot axis J—J while the lock nuts ( 198 ,  210 ) are tightened, a second adjustment assembly or “second means for retaining”, generally designated as  200  is provided. In this embodiment, the second adjustment assembly or second means for retaining  200  includes a second shoulder bolt  201 . More particularly and with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 11 , a primary arcuate slot  202  is provided in the side plate  142  of the support member  140 . Primary arcuate slot  202  is radially aligned about the center of hole  143  through which the second pivot axis J—J extends. The primary arcuate slot  202  is sized to slidably receive a portion of the second shoulder bolt  201  therethrough. The center of the primary arcuate slot  202  is oriented at a radius “R″” with respect to the center of the hole  143 . See FIG.  7 . Similarly, a secondary slot  204  is provided through the side plate  146  of the support member  140 . See FIG.  12 . Secondary arcuate slot  204  is radially aligned about the center of hole  147  through which the second pivot axis J—J extends. The secondary arcuate slot  204  is sized to slidably receive therethrough another portion of the second shoulder bolt  201 . The center of the secondary slot  204  is aligned at a radius with respect to the center of hole  147  that is equal to radius R″. As can be seen in FIGS.  9  and  10 , washers ( 206 ,  208 ) are received on the second shoulder bolt  201  and a second lock nut  210  is threaded onto the threaded end thereof. 
   The second adjustment assembly or second means for retaining  200  of this embodiment also includes a “second rotatable adjustment member” which may comprise a second threaded adjustment bolt  222  that extends through a non-threaded hole  226  in a front plate member  224  that comprises a portion of the support member  140 . Adjustment bolt  222  further extends through a non-threaded hole  228  in a rear plate  230  that comprises a portion of the support member  140 . Adjustment bolt  222  is rotatably supported on the front plate  224  and the rear plate  230  by a lock nut  232 . See  FIG. 11. A  second pivot bar  240  is movably attached by means of threads to the second adjustment bolt  222 . The second pivot bar  240  may be fabricated from a piece of hollow metal tubing or other suitable material. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , one end of the second pivot bar  240  has a pair of coaxially aligned threaded holes  242  for attaching the second pivot bar  240  to the second adjustment bolt  222 . As can be further seen in  FIG. 5 , the second pivot bar  240  has an axially extending slot  244  for slidably receiving a portion of the second shoulder bolt  201  therein. A pair of spacer sleeves ( 250 ,  252 ) are slidably received on the second shoulder bolt  201  with one spacer sleeve being oriented on each side of the second pivot bar  240  to prevent binding of the second pivot bar  240  on the second shoulder bolt  201 . See  FIGS. 10 and 15 . The skilled artisan will appreciate that the spacer sleeves ( 250 ,  252 ) and the pivot bar  240  could comprise a unitary member if so desired. It will be further appreciated that after the nuts ( 198 ,  210 ) have been loosened, the mast support member  190  may be selectively pivoted about the second pivot axis J—J in the directions represented by arrows “K” and “L” by rotating the second adjustment bolt  200  in the appropriate directions. See FIG.  11 . After the mast support member  190  has been pivoted to a desired position, it is then “locked” in position by tightening the lock nuts ( 198 ,  210 ). 
   To use this embodiment of the mounting bracket  100  of the present invention, the mounting member  110  is attached to a support member such as a wall, tree, support mast, etc. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the mounting member  110  may be attached to a vertically extending portion  262  of a building  260  or other structure by mounting screws  264 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the mounting member  10  may be attached to a portion of tree  270  by appropriate screws  272 .  FIG. 17  illustrates the use of conventional clamps  284  to clamp the mounting member to a mast  282 , a portion of which is either attached to another structure or is buried in the earth such that it is plumb.  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate the use of a conventional saddle clamp  290  to clamp the mounting member to a mast  292 , a portion of which is either attached to another structure or is buried in the earth such that it is plumb. As can be seen in those Figures, the saddle clamp  290  is attached to the mounting  110  by four bolts  196  or other suitable fasteners.  FIG. 20  illustrates the attachment of the mounting member  110  to an L-shaped bracket  300  that is attached to a horizontal support member  302  such as a portion of a deck or the like. The L-shaped bracket is attached to the mounting member by bolts  304  or other suitable fasteners. The other portion of the L-shaped bracket  300  is attached to the support surface  302  by wood screws  306  or other suitable fasteners. 
   After the mounting member  110  has been mounted to a support structure, the antenna mast  15  is inserted into the mast-receiving socket  192  in the mast support member  190 . Antenna mast  15  may be retained in the socket  192  by one or more retaining screws  193  that are threaded into engagement with the antenna mast  15 . See FIG.  11 . However, other fasteners and attachment methods may be employed for affixing the antenna mast  15  to the antenna mast support member  190 . In this embodiment, the antenna  20  is connected to the mounting mast  15  by a rearwardly extending portion  44  of the support arm  40 . A socket  46  is provided in the rearwardly extending portion  44  for receiving the other end of the antenna mast  15  therein. The mast is retained in the socket  46  by locking screws  47 . See  FIGS. 3 and 12 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that other antenna arrangements and designs may be successfully used in connection with the mounting bracket  100  of the present invention. For example, an alternate embodiment of the mast support member  190  is depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 12A . As can be seen in those Figures, the mast support member  190 ′ is identical to mast support member  190  described above, except that the mast support member  190 ′ has an integral mast  15 ′ protruding therefrom which can be inserted into the socket  46  of a support arm  40  and retained therein by locking screws  47 . 
   In the antenna design depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the antenna&#39;s centerline axis A—A is coaxially aligned with the center of the antenna mounting mast  15  and the mast-receiving socket  192  in the mast-support member  190 . Thus, such arrangement permits the antenna  20  to be readily adjusted for satellite skew by loosening the retaining screws  193  and rotating the mounting mast (and antenna  20  attached thereto) within the mast-receiving socket  192  until the desired skew orientation is achieved. Thereafter, the retaining screws  193  are screwed into engage the antenna mast  15  and retain it in that position. When employing the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12A , the antenna  20  may also be oriented in a desired skew orientation by loosening the locking screws  47  in the rearwardly extending portion  44  of the support arm  40  and rotating the rearwardly extending portion  44  about mast protrusion  15 ′ therein until the antenna  20  is in a desired orientation. Thereafter, the locking screws  47  are screwed into engage the mast protrusion  15 ′ to retain the antenna  20  in that position. Such arrangement enables the antenna  20  to be easily adjusted for satellite skew without altering the antenna&#39;s azimuth and/or elevation orientations. 
   After the antenna has been attached to the mounting bracket  100 , the antenna&#39;s azimuth may be easily adjusted by loosening the lock screws ( 166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 ). Thereafter, the first adjustment bolt  181  is rotated in the appropriate direction to cause the support member  140  to pivot in a desired direction about the first pivot axis G—G. Such rotation of the adjustment bolt causes the pivoting of the support member  140  about the first pivot axis G—G in a controlled manner. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first adjustment assembly, by virtue of the threaded engagement of the first pivot bar  184  with the first adjustment bolt  181 , serves to positively retain the support member in the desired position while the lock screws ( 166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 ) are tightened to rigidly retain the support member  140  in that position. Thus, this aspect of the present invention represents a vast improvement over prior antenna mounting brackets that lack means for positively retaining support member in a desired azimuth position, while the locking members are tightened. 
   To adjust the antenna&#39;s elevation, the lock nut  198  and the lock nut  210  are loosened. Thereafter, the second adjustment bolt  222  is rotated in the appropriate direction to cause the mast support member  190  to pivot in the desired direction about the second pivot axis J—J in a controlled manner. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the second adjustment assembly, by virtue of the threaded engagement of the second pivot bar  240  with the second adjustment bolt  222 , serves to positively retain the mast support member  190  in the desired position while the lock nuts ( 198 ,  210 ) are tightened to rigidly retain the mast support member  190  in that position. Thus, this aspect of the present invention represents a vast improvement over prior antenna mounting brackets that lack means for positively retaining the mast-supporting member in a desired elevational position, while the locking members are tightened. 
   The above-described mounting bracket embodiment is particularly useful for mounting and orienting an antenna along a plurality of axes. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mast support member  190  described above could be provided in a variety of other configurations that are adapted to attach various other objects to the mounting bracket. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that for applications that require the mounting bracket to be exposed to the elements, the various fasteners employed in the mounting bracket may be fabricated from corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel or the like. Furthermore, the fasteners employed in the mounting bracket  100  may comprise the same size of screw or bolt (not necessarily the same length) such that a single wrench may be employed by the installer to mount the bracket and make all of the adjustments thereto. Also, if desired, to protect the mounting bracket  100  from the elements and establish a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, a shroud  400  made from a suitable material may be placed around the bracket. See FIG.  21 . Shroud  400  may be fabricated from flexible plastic or rigid plastic and may be one or more parts that are fastened together around the mounting bracket  100  by appropriate fasteners, such as screws, etc. 
   In this embodiment, the reflector  30  is molded from plastic utilizing conventional molding techniques. However, reflector  30  may be fabricated from a variety of other suitable materials such as, for example, stamped metal such as aluminum, steel, etc. The reflector  30  depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3  has a rear portion or surface  32  and a front surface  34 . The support arm assembly is affixed to the lower perimeter of the reflector  30  by appropriate fasteners such as screws or like (not shown). As can be seen in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the rear surface  32  is provided with three points ( 70 ,  72 ,  74 ) that define a plane, represented by line E—E, that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the centerline axis A—A of the reflector (i.e., angle “F” is approximately 90 degrees). In this particular embodiment, point  70  is defined by a first socket  80  that is integrally molded or otherwise attached to the rear surface  32  of the reflector  30 . Point  72  is defined by a second socket  84  that is integrally molded or otherwise attached to the rear surface  32  of the reflector  30 . Similarly, point  74  is defined by a third socket  88  that is integrally molded or otherwise attached to the fear surface  32  of the reflector  30 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the points ( 70 ,  72 ,  74 ) may be defined by other members that are attached to the rear surface  32  of the reflector  30  by other fastener mediums such as adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the first socket  80  has a first hole  82  therein, the second socket  84  has a second hole  86  therein and the third socket  88  has a third hole  90  therein. In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  22 A, and  23 A, the holes ( 82 ,  84 ,  90 ) are formed in a planar attachment portion  99  that is integrally formed with the rear surface  32  of the reflector  30 . The planar attachment portion  99  serves to define the plane E—E that is substantially perpendicular to the centerline axis A—A of the reflector  30 . In yet another alternative embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 22B and 23B , the attachment portion  99  is attached to the rear surface  32  of the reflector  30  by a fastener medium such as adhesive, screws, etc. The purpose of the holes ( 82 ,  84 ,  90 ) will be discussed in further detail below. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 24-28 , one embodiment of the antenna pointing apparatus  300  of the present invention includes a mounting base  310  and an instrument housing  330  that protrudes from the mounting base  310 . The mounting base  310  may be fabricated from plastic or other suitable materials. Although the mounting base  310  is depicted in  FIGS. 24-28  as having a relatively rectangular shape, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mounting base  110  may be provided with other suitable shapes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Housing  330  may be fabricated from plastic or other suitable materials and may have one or more removable panels or portions to permit access to the components housed therein. In one embodiment, housing  330  supports a conventional digital compass  340  that has a digital display  342 . Digital compasses are known in the art and, therefore, the manufacture and operation thereof will not be discussed in great detail herein. For example, a digital compass of the type used in conventional surveying apparatuses, including that apparatus manufactured by Bosch could be successfully employed. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the antenna pointing apparatus  300  is affixed to the antenna reflector  30 , the digital compass  340  will display on its display  342  the azimuth setting for the centerline axis A—A of the reflector  30 . Thus, the digital compass  340  and its digital display  342  form an azimuth meter for determining the azimuth of the reflector  30  when it is attached to the rear surface  32  of the reflector  30 . 
   Also in this embodiment, a first digital level  350  which has a first digital display  352  is supported in the housing member  330  as shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . Such digital levels are known in the art and, therefore, their construction and operation will not be discussed in great detail herein. For example, a digital level of the type used in conventional surveying apparatuses, including those manufactured by Bosch may be successfully employed. However, other digital levels may be used. Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the reflector  30  has a major axis A″—A″ that extends along the longest dimension of the reflector  30 . Major axis A″—A″ is perpendicular to the centerline A—A. Similarly, the reflector  30  has a minor axis B″—B″ that is perpendicular to major axis A″—A″ and is also perpendicular to the centerline A—A. In this embodiment, the centerline of the first digital level  350  is oriented such that it is received in a plane defined by the centerline axis A—A and the minor axis B″—B″ when the device  300  is attached to the rear of the reflector  30 . 
   This embodiment of the antenna-pointing device  300  also includes a skew meter  360 . The skew meter  360  includes a second digital level  362  of the type described above that is mounted perpendicular to the first digital level  352  (i.e., its centerline will be within the plane defined by the centerline axis A—A and the reflector&#39;s major axis A″—A″ when the device  300  is attached to the reflector  30 ). See FIG.  27 A. The output of the first digital level  350 , which is designated as  365  (defining angle α) and the output of the second digital level  362 , which is designated as  366  (defining angle β), are sent to a conventional microprocessor  367 . A calibration input, generally designated as  368  and defining distance “d” between a reference point on the device  300  and the centerline A—A of the reflector  30  is also sent to the microprocessor  367 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the calibration input permits the installer to calibrate the device  300  for each individual reflector  30 . Utilizing standard trigonometry calculations, the microprocessor  367  calculates the skew angle θ of the reflector  30  and displays it on a digital skew meter display  369 . 
   The mounting base  310  includes an attachment surface  312  that has a first pin  314  attached thereto that is sized to be inserted into the hole  82  in the first socket  80 . A second pin  316  is attached to the mounting base  310  such that it is received in the second hole  86  in the second socket  84  when the first pin  314  is received in the hole  82  in the first socket  80 . The centerlines of the first and second pins are located on a common axis G′—G′. See  FIG. 25. A  third movable pin assembly  320  is also provided in the mounting base  310  as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 26 . In this embodiment, the movable pin assembly  320  includes a pin  322  that is attached to a movable support member  324  that is slidably received within a hole  326  provided in the mounting base  310 . The third pin  322  protrudes through a slot  328  in the mounting base  310  as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . A biasing member in the form of a compression spring  329  is provided in the hole  326  and serves to bias the third pin  322  in the direction represented by arrow “I”. The centerline H′—H′ of the third movable pin  322  is perpendicular to and intersects axis G′—G′ at point  92 ′ as shown in FIG.  25 . 
   To attach the mounting base  310  to the antenna reflector  30 , the installer inserts the third pin  322  into the third hole  90  and applies a biasing force to the pointing device  300  until the first pin  314  may be inserted into the first hole  82  in first socket  80  and the second pin  316  may be inserted into the second hole  86  in the second socket  84 . When pins ( 314 ,  316 , and  322 ) have been inserted into their respective holes ( 82 ,  86 ,  90 ), the spring  329  applies a biasing force against the support member  310  that, in turn, biases the third pin  322  into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the third hole  90  in the third socket  88  to removably affix the pointing device  300  to the antenna reflector  30 . When affixed to the antenna reflector  30  in that manner (see FIG.  28 ), the distance “d” between point  92 ′ and point  92  through which the centerline axis A—A of the antenna reflector  30  extends is input into the microprocessor  367  by a keypad or other standard input device to enable the microprocessor  367  to calculate and display the skew angle θ on the digital skew meter display  369 . See FIG.  27 A. In this embodiment, the digital compass  340  and the first and second digital levels  350  and  362 , respectively are powered by a battery (not shown) supported in the housing  330 . The battery may be rechargeable or comprise a replaceable battery or batteries. The housing  330  is provided with a battery access door  331  to permit the installation and replacement of batteries. However, it is conceivable that other compasses and digital levels that require alternating current may be employed. 
   An alternative method of attaching an embodiment of the antenna-pointing device  100 ′ of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 28A and 28B . The only difference in this embodiment, from the embodiment described above and depicted in  FIGS. 24-28  is the method of attaching the mounting base  310 ′ to the reflector  30 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 28A and 28B , the mounting base  310 ′ includes an attachment surface  312 ′ that has a first pin  314 ′ attached thereto that is sized to be inserted into the hole  82  in the first socket  80 . A second pin  316 ′ is attached to the mounting base  310 ′ such that it is received in the second hole  86  in the second socket  84  when the first pin  314 ′ is received in the hole  82  in the first socket  80 . The centerlines of the first and second pins are located on a common axis G′—G′. See  FIG. 28A. A  third movable pin assembly  320 ′ is also provided in the mounting base  310 ′. In this embodiment, the movable pin assembly  320 ′ includes a pin  322 ′ that is attached to a movable support member  324 ′ that is slidably received within a hole  326 ′ provided in the mounting base  310 ′. The third pin  322 ′ protrudes through a slot  328 ′ in the mounting base  310 ′ as shown in  FIGS. 28A and 28B . A biasing member in the form of a compression spring  329 ′ is provided in the hole  326 ′ and serves to bias the third pin  322 ′ in the direction represented by arrow “X”. The centerline H′—H′ of the third movable pin  322 ′ is perpendicular to and intersects axis G′—G′ at point  92 ′ as shown in FIG.  28 A. To facilitate installation of the movable support assembly  320 ′ and compression spring  329 ′ within the hole  326 ′, one end of the hole  326 ′ may be threaded to receive a threaded cap  331 ′. See FIG.  28 B. Also in this embodiment, a locking lever  333 ′ that has a cam-shaped end  335 ′ is pivotally pinned to the mounting base  310 ′. An actuation portion  337 ′ protrudes through a slot  339 ′ in the mounting base  310 ′. 
   To attach the mounting base  310 ′ to the antenna reflector  30 , the installer inserts the third pin  322 ′ into the third hole  90  and applies a biasing force to the pointing device  300 ′ until the first pin  314 ′ may be inserted into the first hole  82  in first socket  80  and the second pin  316 ′ may be inserted into the second hole  86  in the second socket  84 . When pins ( 314 ′,  316 ′, and  322 ′) have been inserted into their respective holes ( 82 ,  86 ,  90 ), the installer pivots the actuation portion  337 ′ of the locking lever  333 ′ in the direction represented by arrow “Y” in  FIG. 28B  to bias the pin  322 ′ into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the third hole  90  in the third socket  88  to removably affix the pointing device  300 ′ to the antenna reflector  30 . To remove the device  300 ′ from the reflector  30 , the user simply pivots the actuation portion  337 ′ in the direction represented by arrow “Z” in FIG.  28 B. The antenna pointing device  300 ′ is otherwise used in the same manner as described herein with respect to the antenna pointing device  300 . The skilled artisan will further appreciate that other methods of attaching the antenna-pointing device  300  to the rear of the antenna reflector  30  may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   The antenna-pointing device  300  may be employed to align the antenna&#39;s centerline axis A—A with the satellite as follows. After the mounting member  110  has been mounted to a support structure, the antenna mast  15  is inserted into the mast-receiving socket  192  in the mast support member  190 . Antenna mast  15  may be retained in the socket  192  by one or more retaining screws  193  that are threaded into engagement with the antenna mast  15 . See FIG.  11 . However, other fasteners and attachment methods may be employed for affixing the antenna mast  15  to the antenna mast support member  190 . In this embodiment, the antenna  20  is connected to the mounting mast  15  by a rearwardly extending portion  44  of the support arm  40 . A socket  46  is provided in the rearwardly extending portion  44  for receiving the other end of the antenna mast  15  therein. The mast  15  is retained in the socket  46  by locking screws  47 . See  FIGS. 3 and 12 . 
   After the antenna  20  has been preliminarily mounted to the mounting bracket  100  as described above, the antenna-pointing device  300  is snapped onto the rear of the antenna reflector  30  in the above-described manner. Because the antenna-pointing device  300  is affixed to the rear of the reflector  30 , the installer&#39;s hands are free to adjust the antenna  20  and mounting bracket  100 . 
   Upon attachment of the antenna-pointing device  300  to the reflector  30 , the digital azimuth display  342  will display the azimuth reading for the antenna&#39;s initial position. The installer then loosens the lock screws  166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176 . Thereafter, the first adjustment bolt  181  is rotated in the appropriate direction to cause the support member  140  to pivot in a desired direction about the first pivot axis G—G. Such rotation of the first adjustment bolt  181  causes the pivoting of the support member  140  (and the antenna  20 ) about the first pivot axis G—G in a controlled manner. The installer rotates the first adjustment member  181  until the azimuth display  342  displays the desired azimuth reading. Thereafter, the lock screws  166 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  are screwed into lock the support member  140  in that position. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mounting bracket serves to retain the antenna  20  in the desired azimuth setting while the above-mentioned fasteners are locked. 
   To set the antenna&#39;s elevation, the installer observes the elevation reading displayed by the elevation display meter  352 . Thereafter, the lock nut  198  and the lock nut  210  are loosened. The second adjustment bolt  222  is then rotated in the appropriate direction to cause the mast support member  190  (and the antenna  20 ) to pivot in the desired direction about the second pivot axis J—J in a controlled manner. After the antenna meter indicates that the antenna has been oriented at the desired elevation, the lock nuts ( 198 ,  210 ) are screwed into locking position. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the second adjustment assembly, by virtue of the threaded engagement of the second pivot bar  240  with the second adjustment bolt  222 , serves to positively retain the mast support member  190  in the desired position while the lock nuts ( 198 ,  210 ) are tightened to rigidly retain the mast support member  190  in that position. 
   In the antenna design depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the antenna&#39;s centerline axis A—A is coaxially aligned with the center of the antenna mounting mast  14  and the mast-receiving socket  192  in the mast-support member  190 . Thus, such arrangement permits the antenna  20  to be readily adjusted for satellite skew by loosening the retaining screws  193  and rotating the mounting mast (and antenna  20  attached thereto) within the mast-receiving socket  192  until the desired skew orientation is displayed by the skew meter display  369  Thereafter, the retaining screws  193  are screwed into engage the antenna mast  15  and retain it in that position. It will be further understood that the antenna pointing device  300  may also be used with other antennas that are mounted utilizing conventional mounting brackets and support apparatuses. The order of antenna adjustments described herein is illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the installer could, for example, set the skew first or the elevation first when orienting the antenna  20 . 
   If the installer wishes to employ a set top box  60  to further optimize the antenna&#39;s alignment with the satellite  14 , a coaxial cable  62  is attached to the feed/LNBF assembly  45  and the set top box  60 . The antenna&#39;s position is further adjusted in the above-described manners while monitoring the graphical display on the television  48  and the audio signal emitted by the set top box. 
   Another embodiment of the antenna pointing apparatus  300  of the present invention employs a speaker  370  that is supported on housing  330  and has a radio receiver antenna  375 . This embodiment further includes a conventional transmitter  372  that is equipped with a conventional microphone  377 . Transmitter  372  may be powered by batteries (not shown). Speaker  370  and transmitter  372  may be constructed of radio components like those sold as infant monitoring devices by Tandy Corporation and others or similar devices may be successfully employed. Those speakers  370  that employ a magnet should be mounted within the housing such that the magnet does not interfere with the operation of the digital or analog compass that may also be supported within the housing  330 . Appropriate shielding means could also be employed. To use the speaker  370  and transmitter  372 , the user places the transmitter  372  adjacent to the television&#39;s audio speaker  49  such that it can receive and transmit the audio signals emitted during use of the set top box  60  to the speaker  370 . The antenna-pointing device  300  is attached to the rear of the antenna reflector  30  in the above-described manner and further positioning adjustments are made to the antenna  20  until the emitted audio signal indicates that the optimum orientation has been achieved. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that most set top boxes emit a repeating tone at a frequency that increases as the satellite signal improves until the series of tones becomes a single tone. The antenna  20  is then retained in that position by locking the appropriate adjustment screws on the mounting bracket. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that such arrangement permits an individual installer to employ the set top box to achieve optimum positioning of the reflector without having to make several trips between the antenna and the television. To make the transmitter easy to locate and thus prevent it from becoming misplaced or lost during installation, it may be provided in a bright color, such a florescent orange, red, yellow, etc. In addition, to enable the installer to quickly identify which transmitter  372  corresponds to a particular antenna alignment device  300 , the alignment device may be provided with a first bright color  301 , such as, for example, fluorescent orange, red, yellow, etc. and the transmitter  372  may be provided in a second color  373  that is identical to the first color  301 . See FIG.  24 A. 
   The antenna alignment apparatuses of the present invention may comprise one or more of the following components: (i) digital compass, (ii) a first digital level, (iii) a second digital level, and/or (iv) a speaker. For example, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the antenna pointing device  400  is substantially identical to the antenna pointing devices described above, except that device  400  only includes an azimuth meter  440  that consists of a digital compass  340  that has a digital display  442 . The device  400  may be removably affixed to the rear surface  32  of the antenna reflector  30  in the manner described above. However, the device  400  will only provide an azimuth reading for the antenna  20 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the antenna alignment device  500  is substantially identical to the antenna pointing devices  300  described above, except that the device  500  only includes an elevation meter  550  comprising one digital level  552 . The device  500  may be removably affixed to the rear surface  32  of the antenna reflector  30  in the manner described above. However, the alignment device  500  will only provide an elevation reading for the antenna  20 . The antenna alignment device  600  as shown in  FIG. 31  has a skew meter  660  that displays a skew setting that is generated by two digital levels ( 352 ,  652 ) arranged perpendicular to each other and cooperate in the above-described manner to emit a display that is indicative of the skew of the antenna  20 . The alignment device  600  is otherwise removably attachable to the antenna reflector  30 , but it will only provide a skew reading for the antenna  20 . The alignment device  700  illustrated in  FIG. 32  is substantially identical to the antenna alignment device  300  described above, except that it is only equipped with the speaker  770  and a radio receiver  775 . Thus, this alignment device  700  is removably attachable to the rear surface  32  of the antenna reflector  30  in the manner described above. However, alignment device  700  employs the speaker  770  to receive the tones emitted from the television speaker and transmitted by a transmitter  372  equipped with a microphone  373  placed adjacent to the television speaker  49 . The skilled artisan will appreciate that each of the above-described embodiments may be removably attached to the rear surface  32  of an antenna reflector  30  in a variety of other suitable manners. 
     FIGS. 33-35  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In that embodiment, the antenna pointing apparatus  800  includes a housing  810  that supports an analog compass  820  and an analog level  830  therein. Housing  810  may be fabricated from plastic. However, housing  810  may be fabricated from a variety of other suitable materials. Compass  820  comprises any conventional analog compass such as, for example, those analog compasses employed in surveying apparatuses such as those manufactured by Bosch. The compass  820  is mounted in a conventional gimball mount  811  such that it remains level. The gimball mount  811  may be retained within the housing  810  by a frictional fit. See FIG.  34 A. The level  830  may comprise any conventional analog level such as, those employed in conventional surveying apparatuses. The analog level is mounted in housing  810  such that its centerline is within the plane defined by the reflector&#39;s centerline A—A and its minor axis B″—B″. 
   The housing  810  further has an attachment portion  840  for attaching the antenna-pointing device  800  to the rear surface  32  of the antenna reflector  30 . More particularly and with reference to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the attachment portion  840  includes an attachment surface  842  that has a first pin  844  attached thereto that is sized to be inserted into the hole  82  in the first socket  80 . A second pin  846  is attached to the attachment portion  840  such that it is received in the second hole  86  in the second socket  84  when the first pin  844  is received in the hole  82  in the first socket  80 . The centerlines of the first and second pins ( 844 ,  846 ) are located on a common axis G″—G″. See  FIG. 34. A  third movable pin assembly  850  is also provided in the attachment portion  840  as shown in FIG.  33 . In this embodiment, the movable pin assembly  850  includes a pin  852  that is attached to a movable support member  854  that is slidably received within a hole  856  provided in the attachment portion  840 . The third pin  852  protrudes through a slot  858  in the attachment portion  840 . A compression spring  859  is provided in the hole  856  and serves to bias the third pin  852  in the direction represented by arrow “I′”. The centerline H″—H″ of the third movable pin  852  is perpendicular to and intersects axis G″—G″ at point  92 ″ as shown in FIG.  34 . 
   To attach the attachment portion  840  to the antenna reflector  30 , the installer inserts the third pin  852  into the third hole  90  and applies a biasing force to the pointing device  800  until the first pin  844  may be inserted into the first hole  82  in first socket  80  and the second pin  846  may be inserted into the second hole  86  in the second socket  84 . When pins ( 844 ,  846  and  852 ) have been inserted into their respective holes ( 82 ,  86 ,  90 ), the spring  859  applies a biasing force against the movable support member  854  that, in turn, biases the third pin  852  into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the third hole  90  in the third socket  88  to removably affix the pointing device  800  to the antenna reflector  30 . When affixed to the antenna reflector  30  in that manner (see FIG.  32 ), the point  92 ″ is superimposed over point  92  through which the centerline axis A—A of the antenna reflector  30  extends. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that other methods of attaching the antenna-pointing device  800  to the rear portion of the antenna reflector  30  may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   The antenna-pointing device  800  may be employed to align the antenna&#39;s centerline axis A—A with the satellite as follows. After the antenna-mounting bracket  800  has been installed, the antenna  20  is affixed to the mounting bracket  100  in the above-described manner. After the antenna  20  has been preliminarily mounted to the mounting bracket  100 , the antenna-pointing device  800  is snapped onto the rear of the antenna reflector  30  in the above-described manner. Because the antenna-pointing device  800  is affixed to the rear of the reflector  30 , the installer&#39;s hands are free to adjust the antenna until it has been set at a desired azimuth and elevation. Upon attachment to the reflector, the compass  820  will display the azimuth reading for the antenna&#39;s initial position. The installer then adjusts the antenna&#39;s position until the compass  820  displays the desired azimuth reading. The antenna is then locked in that position. The installer then observes the elevation reading displayed by the level  830  and adjusts the position of the antenna until the level  830  displays the desired reading and the antenna  20  is locked in that position. It will be understood that the antenna-pointing device  800  may also be used with other antennas that are mounted utilizing conventional mounting brackets and support apparatuses. The order of antenna adjustments described herein is illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the installer could, for example, set the elevation first when orienting the antenna  20 . 
   If the installer wishes to employ a set top box  60  to further optimize the antenna&#39;s alignment with the satellite  14 , a coaxial cable  62  is attached to the feed/LNBF assembly  45  and the set top box  60 . The antenna&#39;s position is further adjusted while monitoring the graphical display on the television  48  and the audio signal emitted by the set top box. 
   Thus, from the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that the present invention solves many of the problems encountered by prior antenna alignment devices and methods. In particular, the methods of the present invention are easy to employ and can be employed by one installer to quickly and accurately align an antenna with a satellite. Various methods of the present invention also include the use of a set top box to optimize the antenna&#39;s orientation without the need to make several trips between the antenna and the television to which the set top box is attached. Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various changes in the details which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by the skilled artisan within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.