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IRIDIUM

 

ANTENNA

 

INSTALLATION

 

&

 

USER

 

MANUAL 

 

Sample Installations 

 

 

 

 

All these Antenna installations provide the best possible view to the horizon – therefore 
optimising the Iridium system by providing the best connection with the satellites. 

To optimise Iridium performance ALL possible obstructions need to be removed between 
the top of the antenna and the horizon 

 

Lightning Protection 

Antennas mounted in fixed installations can be exposed to lightning strikes.  

As complete protection is difficult, BEAM recommends incorporating specialized lightning 
arrestor/surge suppression components into the antenna system to provide this protection. 
Install this suppressor at either of the following locations: 

 

Nearest the point at which the coaxial cable enters a building structure 

 

Where the cable first passes close to a grounded structure 

Follow manufacturer installation instructions and if you are uncertain about any aspect of your 
installations seek assistance from a professional antenna installer. 

 

 

 

For more information about 

BEAM

 Satellite products visit us @ 

www.beamcommunications.com

 

 
 

Summary of Contents for Iridium

Page 1: ...Iridium Antenna Guide Installation and User Manual BEAM Communications Pty Ltd ...

Page 2: ...her exposure Connectors should be tightened as shown below in the absence of manufacturer advice specific to your cable o Tighten Type N connectors to a torque of 0 68 to 1 13 N m 6 to 10 inch lbs o Tighten Type TNC connectors to a torque of 0 45 to 0 68 N m 4 to 6 inch lbs Use only cables supplied by BEAM for the Iridium network Mount all antennas vertically and clear of nearby metal obstructions...

Page 3: ...his guide The following figure shows typical Installations Preferred Antenna Location Vehicle Antenna Installation The ideal position for any vehicle mounted application is to capitalise on the greatest ground plane from the surface of the vehicle Marine Antenna Installation The antenna must be installed without obstruction of other instruments or structures The antenna must not be positioned with...

Page 4: ...s The antenna must be able to see the entire sky from approximately 8 degrees above the horizon Nearby tall buildings or similar structures heavily leafed trees and mountains can all degrade performance as they block the signal between the antenna and the satellites Having a completely open view of the sky plays a very important role in maximising performance as the Iridium satellites cross the sk...

Page 5: ...rence regardless of the type of antenna being used Generally speaking an Iridium unit either handset or fixed terminal with an external antenna located within 15 and 45 meters 50 to 150 feet respectively of an operating INMARSAT mini M or Standard C terminal will likely experience degraded performance Other sources of RF interference such as Globalstar units radar devices and broadcast stations ca...

Page 6: ...an Active Inmarsat M 4 Terminal Antenna Main Lobe directly in front and in line with the Inmarsat terminal antenna 715 feet 217 meters Side Lobe directly to the side and in line with the Inmarsat terminal antenna 100 feet 30 meters Rear Lobe directly to the rear and in line with the Inmarsat terminal antenna 250 feet 76 meters Inmarsat C CAPSAT Recommended Distance Between an Iridium Unit and an A...

Page 7: ... lightning strikes As complete protection is difficult BEAM recommends incorporating specialized lightning arrestor surge suppression components into the antenna system to provide this protection Install this suppressor at either of the following locations Nearest the point at which the coaxial cable enters a building structure Where the cable first passes close to a grounded structure Follow manu...

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