Compass safe distance, Guardrail, platform

1. HOW TO INSTALL THE UNIT

Compass safe distance

Locating the antenna unit too close to a compass can affect the compass performance. Keep the compass safe distance to prevent interference to the magnetic compass. See page i.

Other mounting guidelines

Other important mounting guidelines are

•Locate the antenna unit away from exhaust stacks (foreign material on the radome can interfere with reception and transmission).

•Keep the unit away from heat sources.

•Locate the unit away from places where fuels and chemical solvents are stored.

•Keep in mind the length of the cable from the communication unit is maximum 100 meters (when coaxial cable 12D-SFA-CV is used).

Guardrail, platform

To facilitate servicing, construct a mast of about one meter (40") in height. (See page 5.) The para- graphs which follow provide guidelines for selection and construction of the mast.

Fit the mast with a guardrail and platform (or steps), for serviceman's safety. (In most installations the serviceman stands on the platform while checking the radome. Thus this distance should be secured for ease of servicing.) The height of the guardrail should be as tall as possible to ensure safety.

Mast strength

The mast material must be sufficiently strong to meet the demands of the marine environment. It should satisfy the following requirements.

•It must be able to support radome mass plus at least 2.5 cm (1") of ice and snow. Special consideration should be given if the unit is operated in areas of heavy snow or freezing temperature.

•The mast bending moment must be able to withstand expected maximum pitching, rolling and wind pressure.

•To prevent resonance at low frequencies (approximate- ly 5 Hz), four stays can be fixed between the mast and the mounting base.

Wind

Pressure

(Above figure: FELCOM 500)

Item	FELCOM 500	FELCOM 250

Antenna unit mass	21 kg (46 lb) ± 10%	6.5 kg ± 10%

Platform, guardrail mass

Expected ice and snow

Maximum wind pressure (at wind speed 56 m/s)	280 N	36.3 N

FELCOM 500, FELCOM 250 specifications

The Furuno FELCOM 250 and FELCOM 500 are two advanced satellite communication systems designed for maritime use. These systems provide robust, reliable, and versatile communication solutions for vessels operating in the ever-evolving maritime environment.

The FELCOM 250 is a compact and cost-effective satellite communication terminal that allows low-to-medium-speed vessels to maintain connectivity even in remote areas. One of its main features is its ability to support both voice and data services. It operates on the Inmarsat FleetBroadband network, providing seamless communication capabilities for crew welfare, operational data transmission, and more. The terminal is particularly valued for its easy installation and integration with existing shipboard systems, making it a popular choice for smaller vessels and fishing boats.

In contrast, the FELCOM 500 is built to cater to larger vessels with high-volume data requirements. It supports Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband and also offers enhancements with Iridium services for global coverage. This dual-functionality allows for greater flexibility and reliability in communications, which is crucial for ships in demanding environments. The FELCOM 500 is equipped with advanced features such as automatic beam switching and intelligent network management.

Both systems utilize the latest technologies to ensure high-quality communication. This includes advanced antenna design, which minimizes signal loss and enhances reception even in adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the systems support multiple user interfaces, allowing for easier access and management of communications onboard.

Security is another important aspect of both the FELCOM 250 and 500. They include built-in firewalls and robust encryption protocols to ensure that sensitive ship information and communication remain secure from potential cyber threats. Additionally, these systems offer efficient power management, reducing the power consumption footprint on vessels.

With their user-friendly interfaces and effective maintenance solutions, the FELCOM 250 and 500 stand out as reliable satellite communication options. Their versatility and advanced technology make them suitable for a range of maritime applications, from commercial shipping to leisure boating. In an increasingly connected world, Furuno's satellite communication systems deliver crucial advantages in communication reliability, operational efficiency, and safety at sea.