Heated microwave antenna

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I have provided a heated microwave antenna that is ideal for receiving signals from direct broadcast satellites.
The antenna is highly weather resistant and it is ideal for northern climates.
The uniquely integrated heating system warms the dish and avoids accumulation of snow and ice that might otherwise degrade the received signal.
I have also proposed kits embodying the concepts of the invention for retrofitting to preexisting dish antennas for immunizing them against snow and ice build-up.
My heated microwave antenna is mounted upon a suitable mast that is bracketed to a suitable support.
The heated dish bounces microwave signals towards a conventional LNB.
The dish is formed from multiple laminations or elements that are sandwiched together.
This construction results in enhanced mechanical strength and improved weather resistance.
Preferably the dish comprises a galvanized, steel reflector, a similarly shaped heated grid, a foam insulation layer, and a backing plate.
All are assembled and glued together to form a composite, laminated structure.
The rear backing plate is mechanically identical to the reflector.
The grid has a distributed resistive heater element disposed upon a plastic substrate.
The heater is activated by a thermostat when temperature decrease below 34 degrees F.
The backing plate sandwiches the grid and the optional insulator against the reflector.
A vinyl trim ring tightly encircling the dish periphery seals it against the elements.
Heat generated by the grid is concentrated by the foam insulator upon the front reflector.
In other words, the antenna reflective portion that is most likely to be exposed to snow and ice is heated the most.
The foam insulator reduces heater element wattage by 40 percent.
The removal of snow and ice from the antenna rear does not improve reception.
I have also provided optional LNB heaters that may be quickly coupled to the antenna LNB.
One form of my new LNB heater is ideal for retrofitting to preexisting antennas