Antenna Systems

Precision gearboxes for antenna positioners that point accurately, track smoothly and hold position in wind.

Accurate Pointing

Azimuth Axis

The azimuth axis turns the full weight of the antenna and mount. The low-profile RS Series and the hollow shaft RV-C Series build on RV load support.

Azimuth turntables and rotating mounts
RS Series supports a maximum load of 9 tons
Hollow through hole for cable routing

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Elevation Axis

The elevation axis tilts the dish against gravity and wind and must hold its angle. The compact, light RV-N Series keeps weight off the moving structure.

Dish and reflector tilt drives
Lost motion less than 1 arc-min on RV-N
Integrated main bearing for moment loads

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Tracking

Satellite and communications antennas often move slowly while staying on target. Rolling contact throughout the RV reduction keeps breakaway torque very low, so the drive can make small, smooth corrections at low speed.

Backlash and lost motion below 1 arc-min on RV-N and RV-C models help each axis settle at the commanded angle.

Wind Loads

Wind on a large dish creates tilting moments and gusts that try to back-drive the axis. The integrated angular ball bearings in RV gears absorb radial, axial and moment loads, and high torsional rigidity resists deflection.

Include the worst-case wind moment in your sizing data so the gear and its bearing are checked together.

Low Profile

Pedestal height and enclosure size are often limited. The RS Series combines a table-type design, a hollow through hole and a right-angle input in one low-profile unit, and RDR gearheads allow lower-profile designs in smaller spaces.

The table-type design also cuts the design and assembly work needed to build an azimuth turntable.

Cable Routing

RF and control cables must cross every rotating axis of the positioner. The RV-C Series and the hollow shaft RDS-C gearhead keep the accuracy, rigidity and load support of the RV design while letting cables pass through the center.

Routing through the axis keeps cables away from moving parts and simplifies the pedestal layout.

Selection Guide

Antenna positioners pair slow, precise motion with high external loads from the dish and the wind. Work through these points for each axis before you size a gear. Your answers narrow the catalog to a short list of models to compare.

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Set speed and pointing accuracy

List slew and tracking speeds and the pointing accuracy for each axis.
Low backlash and lost motion support accurate, repeatable pointing.
Calculate wind and moment loads

Combine dish weight, offset and worst-case wind into a moment load.
The integrated main bearing can carry it without a separate support.
Plan cable routing for each axis

Decide which cables and lines must pass through the rotating axes.
RV-C, RDS-C and RS Series models offer hollow centers for routing.
Choose the input and motor layout

Right-angle input on RS and RDR units keeps the azimuth drive low.
RD2 gearheads accept major servo motors and ship sealed with grease.
Plan for long-term position holding

Define the holding torque each axis needs while the motor is stopped.
High torsional rigidity limits deflection while the axis holds.

Your Partner For Antenna Systems

Nabtesco Motion Control offers antenna builders RV gears, RD2 gearheads and RS Series turntables. The patented two-stage cycloidal RV design pairs very low backlash with high rigidity and large moment capacity.

Tell us about your antenna and loads and we will help you choose the right gear.

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Our Solutions

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Custom Solutions

RV-N Series

The RV reduction gear, already a top seller in robotics, made more compact and lighter

Product Features:

Backlash less than 1 arc.min.
Lost motion less than 1 arc.min.

Quick Mount

RS

Low Profile, Programmable Turntable Unit

Product Features:

Table type
Right angle input
Maximum load of 9 tons
Backlash less than 1 arc.min. (1.5 for RS-50A)
Lost motion less than 1 arc.min. (1.5 for RS-50A)
Internal main bearing
Major motor coupling parts included
Sealed grease

Quick Mount

RDS-C

Advanced precision reduction gearhead model (Hollow Shaft Series)

Product Features:

Backlash less than 1 arc.min.
Lost motion less than 1 arc.min.
Internal main bearing
Major motor coupling parts included
Sealed grease

Custom Solutions

RV-C Series

Hollow shaft model of the RV reduction gear, the series with the world's top market share

Product Features:

Hollow shaft construction
Backlash less than 1 arc.min.
Lost motion less than 1 arc.min.
Internal main bearing

Custom Solutions

RV-E Series

Basic model of the RV reduction gear, the series with the world's top market share

Product Features:

Backlash less than 1 arc.min.
Lost motion less than 1 arc.min.
Internal main bearing

Quick Mount

RDS-E

Advanced precision reduction gearhead model (Solid Series)

Product Features:

Backlash less than 1 arc.min.
Lost motion less than 1 arc.min.
Internal main bearing
Major motor coupling parts included
Sealed grease

How Can We Support You?

Here for engineers and robot technicians.

Designing machines, servicing robots or building mechatronic systems? Our application engineers help you select, size, integrate and maintain the right gear.

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