High reliability rotary joints for use in directional antenna systems is available from Aspen Electronics. 

Manufactured in the US by Diamond Antenna & Microwave, the range includes a range of designs from single channel coax and waveguide rotary joints to multi-channel products.

Diamond rotary couplers are used in radar systems such as air traffic control (ATC) shipboard and land-based installations as well as airborne, vehicle mount and shipboard Satcom-On-The-Move (SOTM) pedestals. Rotary joints allow the directional antenna to rotate while passing microwave signals to and from the transceiver.

Lubricated bearings provide the mechanical interface for a long life of sector scan or full continuous rotation. Consistent high quality signals are passed during both rotation and fixed position transmission and reception.

A typical model in the Diamond range is the 2620 rotary joint, with six RF channels, and 20 DC channels.  The six RF channels feature a combination of waveguide and coaxial connections, designed to handle transmit and receive power levels as applicable.

The 20 DC channels incorporate Diamond’s proprietary Roll Ring® technology which, when compared to conventional ‘slip ring’ technology,  gives long life, low noise and virtually friction free performance.