Remote electronic tilt actuators for controlling multiple phase shifters and base station antennas with remote electronic tilt actuators

A method of operating a base station antenna, comprising a remote electronic tilt (“RET”) actuator, a first mechanical linkage connected between the RET actuator and a first phase shifter, and a second mechanical linkage connected between the RET actuator and a second phase shifter, the method comprising:

• providing a first drive system connected to the first mechanical linkage, the first drive system comprising a first driven gear, and a second drive system connected to the second mechanical linkage, the second drive system comprising a second driven gear, wherein the first driven gear and the second driven gear are coaxially located relative to one another;
• coupling a drive gear to a selected one of the first driven gear and the second driven gear;
• and
• rotating the drive gear to move the selected one of the first driven gear and the second driven gear in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction.

A remote electronic tilt (“RET”) actuator comprising:

• a rotary drive element operably coupled to at least one drive gear for moving the at least one drive gear in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction;
• a first drive system connected to the first mechanical linkage, the first drive system comprising a first driven gear;
• a second drive system connected to the second mechanical linkage, the second drive system comprising a second driven gear, wherein the first driven gear and the second driven gear are coaxially located relative to one another;
• and
• an index system for selectively coupling the at least one drive gear to one of the first driven gear and the second driven gear.

A base station antenna, comprising:

• a remote electronic tilt (“RET”) actuator;
• a first mechanical linkage connected between the RET actuator and a first phase shifter, and a second mechanical linkage connected between the RET actuator and a second phase shifter,
• wherein the RET actuator comprises:
• a rotary drive element operably coupled to at least one drive gear for moving the at least one drive gear in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction;
• a first drive system connected to the first mechanical linkage, the first drive system comprising a first driven gear and a first rotary drive member;
• a second drive system connected to the second mechanical linkage, the second drive system comprising a second driven gear and a second rotary drive member, wherein the first rotary drive member is located inside the second rotary drive member;
• and
• an index system for selectively coupling the at least one drive gear to one of the first driven gear and the second driven gear.