Description
External Iridium Connection
The Maxtena M1621HCT-HP is a passive external antenna designed for Iridium satellite voice and data equipment. Blue Sky Network identifies this model as an approved high-profile antenna option for compatible SkyLink systems using an Iridium Certus transceiver.
It supports Iridium Certus SFX, RUDICS, and Short Burst Data applications. The antenna itself does not provide service or process data; it connects the SkyLink terminal to the Iridium satellite network through a correctly selected coaxial cable.
Omnidirectional Helical Design
The antenna uses Maxtena Helicore technology and a right-hand circularly polarized, omnidirectional radiation pattern. This design allows the antenna to communicate with moving Iridium satellites without requiring manual aiming.
For reliable operation, it should still be installed upright with a broad, unobstructed view of the sky. Large metal structures, roofs, trees, and nearby transmitting equipment can reduce satellite performance.
Through-Hole Installation
The antenna installs through a 19 mm opening in a suitable flat mounting surface. Its threaded M18 base is secured with the supplied gasket, washer, and locking nuts, creating a compact fixed installation on a vehicle roof, vessel structure, equipment enclosure, or remote-site platform.
The mounting surface can be up to 5 mm thick. Installation should also provide access beneath the surface for the antenna connector and cable routing.
Cable Selection
The antenna uses a TNC female connector and requires a separate coaxial cable between the antenna and SkyLink terminal. Cable type and length must remain within the signal-loss limits approved for the Iridium Certus installation.
Longer cable runs generally require lower-loss coax. Sharp bends, crushed cable, loose connectors, and unnecessary adapters can reduce performance and should be avoided.
Exterior Construction
The antenna has a white PC/ASA plastic housing over an aluminum base. It is rated IP66 in the published mechanical specifications and is designed for demanding land and maritime applications.
Its operating range of -40°C to 85°C supports year-round exterior use across a wide range of climates. The mounting seal and cable connections should still be inspected periodically for loosening, corrosion, or water entry.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Height: 12.5 cm / 4.92 in.
- Diameter: 4.5 cm / 1.77 in.
- Required mounting hole diameter: 19 mm / 0.75 in.
- Maximum mounting-surface thickness: 5 mm / 0.20 in.
Weight
- 100 g / 3.5 oz
Durability
- Housing: White PC/ASA plastic
- Base: Aluminum
- Ingress protection: IP66
- Operating temperature: -40°C to 85°C / -40°F to 185°F
- Compliance: RoHS
- Installation environments: Land and maritime
Included
- Maxtena M1621HCT-HP High-Profile SFX Antenna
- Mounting gasket
- M18 washer
- Two M18 mounting nuts
Additional
- Product type: External Iridium satellite antenna
- Manufacturer: Maxtena
- Manufacturer model: M1621HCT-HP
- Maxtena part number: 100-00083-01
- Blue Sky Network SKU: SL100-HPA
- Compatible system: Supported Blue Sky Network SkyLink terminals
- Iridium modem compatibility includes: 9601, 9602N, 9603N, 9523N, 9522B, and 9770 SFX
- Mounting method: Fixed through-hole installation
Data Network
- Satellite network: Iridium
- Frequency range: 1616–1626 MHz
- Supported services: Iridium Certus SFX, RUDICS, Short Burst Data, and compatible Iridium voice and data services
- Polarization: Right-hand circular polarization
- Peak gain: 1.7 dBic typical
- Peak efficiency: 68%
- Beamwidth: 162°
- VSWR: 1.6 maximum
- Impedance: 50 ohms
- Radiation pattern: Omnidirectional
- Ground plane: Not required
Interfaces
- RF connector: TNC female
- Cable: Selected separately
- Mounting interface: M18 × 1 threaded through-hole base
