SMC Rover: Planetary Rover with Transformable Wheels

A high power, high frequency radio transmitter is connected to an antenna through an adjustable impedance coupling device which comprises a helical coil having a number of straight-sided triangular turns. Remotely operable, pneumatic cylinders are mounted on each side or segment of the coil turns in electrical contact therewith and have piston rods which can be moved into and out of electrical contact with a respective fixed conductive member or bus disposed alongside the coil. Additionally, a number of capacitors can be connected into the coupler circuit as required by the similar movement of piston rods into contact with a similar bus, each such piston rod being housed within a pneumatic cylinder electrically connected to a respective one of such capacitors.

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