Systems and techniques are provided for a directional antenna system that employs a wireless link between x-ray apparatus. The system includes a host computer, an x-ray tube with an emission scan channel, a first directional antenna connected to the x-ray tube and with an orientation parallel to the emission channel, a second antenna wirelessly communicating with the first directional antenna, an x-ray detector wirelessly communicating with the x-ray tube, and a rigid panel supporting the second antenna and the x-ray detector being in contact with the emission scan channel. Specific techniques are employed to manage antenna direction and transmission.