Importance

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Abstract

For use in or with a satellite receiving system having a receiving element such as low noise amplifier, a selectively variable RF signal attenuator locatable between the satellite and the amplifier comprises an RF radiation shield having at least one selectively variable radiation-passing area. The radiation shield comprises a plurality of overlapped shield members having selectively overlapped openings, movement of one member relative to the other causing the effective intersection defining a radiation-passing area of the shield to vary. According to a disclosed method, after locating a radiation attenuator as described between the satellite and the amplifier, the signal received from the satellite is variably attenuated using the signal attenuator until the signal level of the received radiation is within a range of an associated signal indicator wherein the indicator's response is more linear than it is at higher signal levels. The position of the collector is then adjusted until the indicator output peaks. Finally, the attenuation is reduced or eliminated to permit normal operation of the satellite receiving system.

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First Claim