Iridium Fixed Mast Antenna (U-bolt Mount, TNC female connector)

Permanent Iridium Antenna Installation

This fixed mast antenna allows an Iridium handset, dock, or terminal to remain inside a protected location while the antenna is installed outdoors. Positioning the antenna above a vessel, building, shelter, or communications enclosure provides the open sky view needed for dependable Iridium voice and data connections.

It is suitable for permanent marine systems, remote offices, monitoring stations, emergency communication sites, and other fixed installations where a handheld antenna cannot be placed outdoors during use.

No Ground Plane Required

The antenna is designed for free-air operation and does not depend on a metal ground plane beneath it. This provides more flexibility when installing it on poles, masts, non-metallic structures, and other locations where a conventional ground-plane antenna may not perform properly.

The antenna should be mounted vertically and placed as far as practical from surrounding obstructions that could block its view of the sky.

U-Bolt Pole Mount

The supplied U-bolt assembly accepts poles or pipes with an outside diameter between 0.75 and 1 inch. This allows the antenna to be secured to a suitable mast, rail, or fixed support without requiring a separate mounting plate.

The mounting nuts should be tightened to 4–6 in-lb. Overtightening may damage the mounting assembly or antenna housing.

Weather-Resistant Marine Construction

The antenna is hermetically sealed and enclosed in a weatherable polymer housing for continuous outdoor exposure. Its operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C supports installation in a wide variety of climates.

The design is suitable for vessels, coastal facilities, remote communications sites, and other environments exposed to rain, salt air, temperature changes, and direct sunlight.

Iridium Voice and Data Support

The antenna operates across the 1616–1626 MHz Iridium frequency range and uses right-hand circular polarization. It can support compatible Iridium voice calls, messaging, tracking, and data communications when connected to an active handset, dock, modem, or terminal.

Published applications include Iridium handheld phones, Iridium GO!, docking stations, and Iridium data modems. The required antenna cable and handset adapter depend on the connected equipment.

Protected TNC Connection

A recessed TNC female connector provides the connection point for a compatible 50-ohm antenna cable. The recessed arrangement helps protect the cable interface from weather and physical damage once properly installed.

Cable length and type should be selected carefully because excessive RF loss can reduce satellite performance. Long cable runs may require lower-loss coaxial cable than short installations.