Concord, California -
Cobham SATCOM has developed an innovative switchable feed kit that
introduces sophisticated new capabilities for its established Sea
Tel 9797B C- / Ku-band switchable VSAT antenna. The new, patent
pending Sea Tel 97IMA Ku Switchable Feed Upgrade Kit eliminates the
need to manually change feeds and re-balance the antenna by fully
automating the process of transitioning the Sea Tel 9797B from
C-band service to Ku-band service at the touch of a button. The
kit, which can be fitted to all existing Sea Tel 9797B antennas and
chosen for new deliveries, blends precision engineering with
advanced Sea Tel IMA electronics, resulting in a substantial
technology and capabilities upgrade.
The Sea Tel 9797B VSAT antenna is generally deployed in
high-end, customised VSAT networks for large, specialist vessels
such as cruise ships, research ships, jack-up rigs and FPSOs.
Its ability to switch between C- and Ku-band without degradation of
service offers much needed flexibility and redundancy for service
providers and users. It enables better availability of service in
high-precipitation regions such as the tropics or the Arctic.
Likewise, a cruise ship sailing out of Ku-band coverage, can
continue to provide bandwidth for passengers by switching to C-band
VSAT services. Though already convenient, the ability to switch
bands automatically with the Sea Tel 97IMA Ku Switchable Feed
Upgrade Kit removes the need for a technician to visit the vessel,
which improves convenience and saves time, money and resources.
Cobham SATCOM engineers have designed an innovative method to
make automatic band switching possible on the Sea Tel 9797B. The
Sea Tel 97IMA Ku Switchable Feed Upgrade Kit adds a permanently
installed Ku-band feed along with a moveable sub-reflector, which
swings into position on an electric motor when switching is
initiated either manually or by remote access. The Ku-band feed
illuminates the sub-reflector, which bounces the signal down to the
main reflector. The process requires high precision, achieved
through the use of a precision mechanical stop and limit switches,
to ensure no loss of signal or degradation of service.
"Though uniquely designed for simple switching from C- to
Ku-band, prior to the development of our new kit, switching between
bands on the Sea Tel 9797B required a trained technician to
manually change feeds, connect the wave guide plumbing, change
wiring and re-balance the antenna, which takes at least half a
day," explains Pete Blaney, Chief Engineer, Cobham SATCOM. "Now,
without the need for human intervention and considering that a
vessel may change VSAT bands semi-regularly, our new solution will
provide significant cost savings during the lifetime of the
antenna, whilst increasing the amount of opportunities when the
switching capability can be implemented to ensure availability of
VSAT services."
Watch Pete Blaney, Chief Engineer, Cobham SATCOM describing the
Sea Tel 97IMA Ku Switchable Feed Upgrade Kit here:
Click to watch
our Video
About Cobham
Cobham protects lives and livelihoods with its differentiated
technology and know-how, operating with a deep insight to customer
needs and agility. The Group offers an innovative range of
technologies and services to solve challenging problems across
commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the
depths of the ocean. It has market leading positions in air-to-air
refuelling; aviation services; audio, video and data
communications, including satellite communications; defence
electronics; life support and mission equipment. The most important
thing Cobham builds is trust.
About Cobham SATCOM
Cobham SATCOM develops, manufactures, sells and supports
satellite and radio communication terminals and earth stations for
land, marine and airborne applications. With the ever increasing
demand for communication, our products and services are used to
satisfy the needs of a wide variety of commercial, governmental and
recreational applications.
Cobham SATCOM uses state-of-the-art technologies to design
affordable, highly reliable high performance systems that have
decreased over time in terms of size, weight and power consumption.
Our products enable people to stay in touch under the most
challenging and demanding conditions. When traditional
communication technologies fail, Cobham SATCOM's products will keep
providing our customers with high quality voice, data, and
multimedia communications.
Our product designs have evolved tremendously during their
decades in service in use around the world in a variety of domains
and environments. We market under the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR®
and Sea Tel brands. Please refer to our websites for our list of
global distributors and partners. Cobham SATCOM has design,
development and manufacturing facilities in Denmark, South Africa
and the USA.
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