COBHAM Sea Tel 2400 User manual

EAR Controlled -ECCN EAR99
This technical data is subject to US Government export control in accordance with the
Export Administration Regulations. Export of this data to any foreign country, or disclosure
of this data to a Non-US person, may be a violation of Federal law.
Sea Tel, Inc.
(trading as Cobham SATCOM)
4030 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Thrane & Thrane A/S
(trading as Cobham SATCOM)
Lundtoftegaardsvej 93 D, 2800 Kgs.
Lyngby, Denmark
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web:
http://www.cobham.com/satcom
Email: [e-mail]
November 20, 2019 Document. No. 99-167970-B
EAR Controlled -ECCN EAR99
Sea Tel
2400 Dual Band Satellite Antenna
Installation M
anual

Sea Tel 2400 Dual Band C/Ku
ii
EAR Controlled -ECCN EAR99
Sea Tel Marine Stabilized Antenna systems are assembled in the United States
of America.
These commodities, technology or software were exported from the United
States in accordance with the Export Administration Regulations. Diversion
contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.
Sea Tel is an ISO 9001:2015 registered company. Certificate
Number 13690 originally issued March 14, 2011 and was
renewed/reissued on March 13, 2018.
RED
2014/53/EU
Cobham SATCOM declares that the Sea Tel VSAT Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
are in compliance with The Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of
this Self Declaration of Conformity for this equipment is contained in this manual.
This Sea Tel C Band antenna will meet the spectral density, stabilization accuracy and, when properly connected
to the modem, the automatic cessation of transmission requirements of the 2005 version of FCC 47 C.F.R. §
25.221. Please refer to the declaration included in this manual.
This Sea Tel Ku Band antenna will meet the spectral density, stabilization accuracy and, when properly
connected to the modem, the automatic cessation of transmission requirements of the 2009 version of FCC 47
C.F.R. § 25.222. Please refer to the declaration included in this manual.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2019 Sea Tel Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained in this document is proprietary to
Sea Tel, Inc. This document may not be reproduced or distributed in any form, without prior written consent of Sea Tel,
Inc. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Sea Tel Inc. is also doing business as Cobham
SATCOM.
Revision History
REV DCO# Date Description By
A
August 26, 2019
Initial Release
MDN
B November 15, 2019 Update all text & drawings of Pedestal & Air Conditioner Unit
installation on base frame.
MDN

Document Number 99-128482 Revision A
Sea Tel Inc.
4030 Nelson Ave. Concord
California 94520 USA
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
RED Declaration of Conformity
Sea Tel Inc. declares under our sole responsibility that the products identified below are in
compliance with the requirements of:
RED Directive 2014/53/EU concerning maritime Radio Equipment as described in the
harmonized standards listed below and the mutual recognition of their conformity.
Product Names
Speedcast TB1 C Band Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
9797B C Band Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
9711 C Band Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
6006 C Band Tx/Rx Maritime satellite Earth Stations
6009 C Band Tx/Rx Maritime satellite Earth Stations
6012 C Band Tx/Rx Maritime satellite Earth Stations
Harmonized Standards
EMC
EMC standard for Radio Equipment (Maritime) ETSI EN 301 843-1 V2.1.1 (2016-03) (all clauses)
Marine Navigational and Radio Communications
Equipment – General Requirements: IEC 60945 2002 (Reference Only)
Satellite Earth Stations and System (SES)
Satellite Earth Stations on board Vessels
(ESVs) C Band ETSI EN 301 447 V2.1.1 (2016-05)
Safety
Safety of information technology equipment: IEC 60950-1 2005 +A12 2011
Certificates of Assessment were completed and are on file at NEMKO USA Inc San Diego CA and BACL Labs
Santa Clara CA.
Peter Blaney Chief Engineer Date: Dec-07-2017

Doc Number 99-128483 Revision A
Sea Tel Inc.
4030 Nelson Ave., Concord
California, 94520, USA
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
RED Declaration of Conformity
Sea Tel Inc. declares under our sole responsibility that the products identified below are in
conformity with the requirements of:
RED Directive 2014/53/EU concerning maritime Radio Equipment as described in the
harmonized standards listed below and the mutual recognition of their conformity.
Pro uct Names:
Spee cast TB1 Ku Ban Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
9797 Ku Ban Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
9711 Ku Ban Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Stations
Harmonize Stan ar s:
EMC:
EMC standard for Radio Equipment Maritime) ETSI EN 301 843-1 V2.1.1 (2016-03)
Marine Navigational and Radio Communications
Equipment – General Requirements: IEC 60945:2002 Reference Only)
Satellite Earth Stations an System (SES):
Satellite Earth Stations on board Vessels
ESVs) Ku Band ETSI EN 302 340 V2.1.1 (2016-05)
Safety:
Safety of Information Technology Equipment: IEC 60950-1:2005 +A12:2011
Certificates of Assessment were completed and are on file at NEMKO USA Inc, San Diego, CA and BACL
Labs, Santa Clara, CA.
Sea Tel, Inc
Concord, CA
07-Dec-2017
Peter Blaney, Chief Engineer Date

Document Number 130449 Revision F
Sea Tel Inc.
4030 Nelson Ave., Concord
California, 94520, USA
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
FCC Declaration of Conformity
1. Sea Tel, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and services marine stabilized antenna systems for
satellite communication at sea. These products are in turn used by our customers as part of their C-
band Earth Station on Vessels (ESV) networks.
2. FCC regulation 47 C.F.R. § 25.221 defines the provisions for blanket licensing of ESV antennas
operating in the C Band. This declaration covers the requirements for meeting § 25.221 (a)(1) by the
demonstrations outlined in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(iii). The requirements for meeting §
25.221 (a)(3)-(a)(7) are left to the applicant. The paragraph numbers in this declaration refer to the
2009 version of FCC 47 C.F.R. § 25.221.
3. Sea Tel hereby declares that the antennas listed below will meet the off-axis EIRP spectral density
requirements of § 25.221 (a)(1)(i) with and N value of 1, when the following Input Power spectral
density limitations are met:
1.5 Meter C Band, Models 6006, 6009, and 6012 are limited to -10 dBW/4kHz
2.4 Meter C Band, Models 9797, 9707 and 9711 are limited to -7 dBW/4kHz
4. Sea Tel hereby declares that the antennas referenced in paragraph 3 above, will maintain a
stabilization pointing accuracy of better than 0.2 degrees under specified ship motion conditions,
thus meeting the requirements of § 25.221 (a)(1)(ii)(A).
5. Sea Tel hereby declares that the antennas referenced in paragraph 3 above, will automatically cease
transmission within 100 milliseconds if the pointing error should exceed 0.5 degrees and will not
resume transmission until the error drops below 0.2 degrees, thus meeting the requirements of §
25.221 (a)(1)(iii).
6. Sea Tel maintains all relevant test data, which is available upon request, to verify these declarations.
4/16/2013
Peter Blaney, Chief Engineer Date
Cobham – SATCOM
Sea Tel Products.

Document Number 130445 Revision K
14-Jul-2014
Sea Tel Inc.
4030 Nelson Ave., Concord
California, 94520, USA
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
FCC Declaration of Conformity
1. Sea Tel, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and services marine stabilized antenna systems for
satellite communication at sea. These products are in turn used by our customers as part of their Ku-
band Earth Station on Vessels (ESV) networks.
2. FCC regulation 47 C.F.R. § 25.222 defines the provisions for blanket licensing of ESV antennas
operating in the Ku Band. This declaration covers the requirements for meeting § 25.222 (a)(1) by
the demonstrations outlined in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(iii). The requirements for meeting §
25.222 (a)(3)-(a)(7) are left to the applicant. The paragraph numbers in this declaration refer to the
2009 version of FCC 47 C.F.R. § 25.222.
3. Sea Tel hereby declares that the antennas listed below will meet the off-axis EIRP spectral density
requirements of § 25.222 (a)(1)(i) with an N value of 1, when the following Input Power spectral
density limitations are met:
*0.6 Meter Ku Band, Models 2406 and USAT-24 are limited to -21.6 dBW/4kHz
*0.75 Meter Ku Band, Models 3011 and USAT-30 are limited to -21.6 dBW/4kHz
0.9 Meter Ku Band, Model 3612 is limited to -20.3 dBW/4kHz
1.0 Meter Ku Band, Models 4003/4006/4009/4010 are limited to -16.3 dBW/4kHz
1.0 Meter Ku Band Model 4012 is limited to -16.6 dBW/4kHz
1.2 Meter Ku Band, Models 4996/5009/5010/5012 are limited to -14.0 dBW/4kHz
1.5 Meter Ku Band, Models 6006/6009/6012 are limited to -14.0 dBW/4kHz
2.4 Meter Ku Band, Models 9797/9711/ 9711IMA are limited to -14.0 dBW/4kHz
4. Sea Tel hereby declares that the antennas referenced in paragraph 3 above, will maintain a
stabilization pointing accuracy of better than 0.2 degrees under specified ship motion conditions,
thus meeting the requirements of § 25.222 (a)(1)(ii)(A). Those antennas marked with * will
maintain a stabilization pointing accuracy of better than 0.3 degrees. The Input Power spectral
density limits for these antenna have been adjusted to meet the requirements of§ 25.222 (a)(1)(ii)(B).
5. Sea Tel hereby declares that the antennas referenced in paragraph 3 above, will automatically cease
transmission within 100 milliseconds if the pointing error should exceed 0.5 degrees and will not
resume transmission until the error drops below 0.2 degrees, thus meeting the requirements of §
25.222 (a)(1)(iii).
6. Sea Tel maintains all relevant test data, which is available upon request, to verify these declarations.
Peter Blaney, Chief Engineer
Sea Tel, Inc
Concord, CA

Table of Contents Sea Tel 2400 Dual Band C/Ku
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1. SAFETY ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
2. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1. GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.2. PURPOSE ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.3. OTHER INPUTS TO THE SYSTEM..................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.4. SYSTEM COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.5. DUAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.6. DUAL NETWORK ARBITRATOR ....................................................................................................................................................................2-2
2.7. AUTOMATIC BEAM SWITCHING (ABS).................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.8. OPENAMIP™, ROAM OR VACP ............................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.9. FCC COMPLIANCE......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.10. CYBER SECURITY CAUTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
3. SITE SURVEY..................................................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1. SITE SELECTION ABOARD THE SHIP .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2. ANTENNA SHADOWING (BLOCKAGE)AND RF INTERFERENCE.............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.3. MOUNTING FOUNDATION........................................................................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3.1. Mounting on Deck or Deckhouse......................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3.2. ADE Mounting Considerations...........................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3.3. Sizing of the support pedestal............................................................................................................................................3-2
3.4. MOUNTING HEIGHT AND FORE-AFT LOCATION ..................................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.5. MAST CONFIGURATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.5.1. Vertical Masts ..............................................................................................................................................................................3-4
3.5.2. Raked Masts..................................................................................................................................................................................3-4
3.5.3. Girder Masts .................................................................................................................................................................................3-4
3.5.4. Truss Mast .....................................................................................................................................................................................3-5
3.6. SAFE ACCESS TO THE ADE.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.7. BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT LOCATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.8. CABLES.............................................................................................................................................................................................................3-5
3.8.1. ADE/BDE Coaxial Cables........................................................................................................................................................3-5
3.8.2. Antenna Power Cable ..............................................................................................................................................................3-6
3.8.3. Air Conditioner Power Cable ...............................................................................................................................................3-6
3.8.4. ACU Power Cable/Outlet........................................................................................................................................................3-6
3.8.5. Gyro Compass Cable................................................................................................................................................................3-6
3.9. GROUNDING.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-6
4. INSTALLATION IN 144” RADOME...................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.1. GENERAL CAUTIONS &WARNINGS ........................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2. PREPARATION .................................................................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.3. SEPARATE THE BASE FRAME &RADOME CRATES.................................................................................................................................... 4-2
4.4. ASSEMBLING THE ABOVE DECKS EQUIPMENT (ADE) ............................................................................................................................ 4-3
4.4.1. Base Frame....................................................................................................................................................................................4-4
4.4.2. Marine Air Conditioner (internal)......................................................................................................................................4-5
4.4.3. Pedestal & Reflector.................................................................................................................................................................4-6
4.4.4. Open the Radome Crate......................................................................................................................................................4-17
4.4.5. Assembling the Lower Radome Panels........................................................................................................................4-18
4.4.6. Sub-assemble the upper panels of the 144” Radome Assembly ...................................................................4-20
4.4.7. Close the 144” Radome Assembly.................................................................................................................................4-23
4.5. PREPARING TO HOIST THE ADE................................................................................................................................................................4-24
4.6. INSTALLING THE ADE ................................................................................................................................................................................4-25
4.6.1. Hoist the ADE ...........................................................................................................................................................................4-25
4.6.2. Connecting the ADE..............................................................................................................................................................4-25

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4.6.3. Remove stow Straps .............................................................................................................................................................4-28
4.6.4. ADE Final Checks ................................................................................................................................................................... 4-28
4.7. INSTALLING THE BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................................4-29
4.7.1. General Cautions & Warnings..........................................................................................................................................4-29
4.7.2. Connecting the BDE AC Power Cables....................................................................................................................... 4-29
4.7.3. Media Xchange Point™ (MXP) Connections............................................................................................................. 4-29
4.7.4. Other BDE connections ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-31
4.8. BDE FINAL CHECKS....................................................................................................................................................................................4-31
4.8.1. Visual/Electrical inspection...............................................................................................................................................4-31
4.8.2. Electrical - Double check wiring connections......................................................................................................... 4-32
4.9. SETUP -MEDIA XCHANGE POINT™(MXP) .........................................................................................................................................4-32
4.10. CYBER SECURITY CAUTION.......................................................................................................................................................................4-32
5. CONFIGURING A COMPUTER FOR THE MXP.......................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1. CYBER SECURITY CAUTION..........................................................................................................................................................................5-5
6. SETUP – SHIP’S GYRO COMPASS ..................................................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1. SETTING THE GYRO TYPE..............................................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.2. IF THERE IS NO SHIPS GYRO COMPASS.....................................................................................................................................................6-1
7. SETUP – TRACKING RECEIVER – VSAT....................................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1. DETERMINING THE IF TRACKING FREQUENCY (MHZ)...........................................................................................................................7-1
7.2. SAT SKEW.....................................................................................................................................................................................................7-1
8. SETUP – AZIMUTH TRIM...................................................................................................................................................................... 8-1
9. SETUP – BLOCKAGE & RF RADIATION HAZARD ZONES................................................................................................. 9-1
9.1. RADIATION HAZARD AND BLOCKAGE MAPPING......................................................................................................................................9-1
9.2. PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS:.................................................................................................................................................................9-2
10. CONFIGURING THE SATELLITE MODEM INTERFACE................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1. SATELLITE MODEM INTERFACE ................................................................................................................................................................10-1
10.1.1. Reflector setting .....................................................................................................................................................................10-2
10.1.2. Modem Type setting ............................................................................................................................................................10-2
10.1.3. Modem I/O setting................................................................................................................................................................10-2
10.1.4. Modem I/O – Custom Settings....................................................................................................................................... 10-3
10.2. QUICK REFERENCE:COMMON MODEM LOCK &MUTE SETTINGS ...................................................................................................10-5
11. SETUP – TARGETING.............................................................................................................................................................................11-1
11.1. AUTO TRIM ..............................................................................................................................................................................................11-1
11.2. MANUALLY OPTIMIZING TARGETING .....................................................................................................................................................11-2
12. SETUP – SATELLITE CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................................... 12-1
12.1. SEARCHING PATTERNS ...............................................................................................................................................................................12-1
12.1.1. Default “Spiral” (Box) Search Pattern .......................................................................................................................... 12-1
12.1.2. Inclined Orbit Search Pattern ......................................................................................................................................... 12-1
12.1.3. Sky Search Pattern ................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.2. TX POL SELECT.............................................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.3. BAND SELECT................................................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.4. X-POL /CO-POL SELECT.............................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.5. SELECTING/CONFIGURING YOUR SATELLITE CONFIGURATION .........................................................................................................12-2
13. QUICK START OPERATION...............................................................................................................................................................13-1
13.1. IF SATELLITE SIGNAL IS FOUND AND NETWORK LOCK IS ACHIEVED:................................................................................................13-1
13.2. IF NO SIGNAL IS FOUND: ............................................................................................................................................................................13-1
13.3. IF SATELLITE SIGNAL IS FOUND BUT NETWORK LOCK IS NOT ACHIEVED:........................................................................................13-3
13.4. TO TARGET A DIFFERENT SATELLITE........................................................................................................................................................13-4
14. OPTIMIZING CROSS-POL ISOLATION...................................................................................................................................... 14-1
14.1. OPTIMIZING CROSS-POL ISOLATION ......................................................................................................................................................14-1

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14.1. CYBER SECURITY CAUTION .......................................................................................................................................................................14-2
15. INSTALLATION TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................................15-1
15.1. TROUBLESHOOTING SHIPS GYRO COMPASS PROBLEMS .......................................................................................................................15-1
15.1.1. STEP-BY-STEP ...........................................................................................................................................................................15-1
15.1.2. 1:1 SYNCHRO ............................................................................................................................................................................15-2
15.1.3. 360:1 Synchro...........................................................................................................................................................................15-2
16. MAINTENANCE .........................................................................................................................................................................................16-1
16.1. WARRANTY INFORMATION........................................................................................................................................................................16-1
16.2. TORQUE AND LOCTITE SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................................................16-2
16.3. GENERAL MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................................................................................................................16-2
16.3.1. Installing the Linear/Circular Selectable Feed Assembly..................................................................................16-2
16.3.2. Fine Balance and Monitoring Motor Drive Torque...............................................................................................16-5
17. STOWING THE ANTENNA..................................................................................................................................................................17-1
17.1. INSTALLING THE STOW RESTRAINTS .......................................................................................................................................................17-1
18. 2400 DUAL BAND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................18-1
18.1. ABOVE DECKS EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................................................................................18-1
18.1. BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................................................................................18-7
18.1. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE.....................................................................................................................................................................18-10
18.2. CABLES........................................................................................................................................................................................................18-11
18.2.1. Antenna Transmit & Receive IF Coax Cables (Customer Furnished).......................................................18-11
18.2.2. Multi-conductor Cables (Customer Furnished)...................................................................................................18-11
18.2.1. Gyro Compass Interface Cable (Customer Furnished) ...................................................................................18-11
18.2.2. AC Power Cable (Pedestal & RF Equipment).........................................................................................................18-11
18.2.3. AC Power Cable (Optional Marine Air Conditioner) ..........................................................................................18-11
19. DRAWINGS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................19-1

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Sea Tel 2400 Dual Band C/Ku Safety
1-1
EAR Controlled -ECCN EAR99
1. Safety
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service and repair of this
equipment. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards of design, manufacture and intended use of the equipment. Sea Tel Inc (dba Cobham SATCOM) assumes no
liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements.
Service
User access to the interior of the antenna control unit (ACU) is prohibited. Only a technician authorized by Cobham
SATCOM may perform service - failure to comply with this rule will void the warranty. Access to the interior of the
Above Deck Equipment (ADE) is allowed. Inspection of certain components as described in the Scheduled Inspections
Manual may be accomplished by an engineer onboard. Maintenance of the ACU, or the ADE, may only be performed
by a technician authorized by Cobham SATCOM.
Do not service or adjust alone
Do not attempt internal service or adjustments unless another person, capable of rendering first aid resuscitation, is
present.
Grounding, cables and connections
To minimize shock hazard and to protect against lightning, the equipment chassis and cabinet must be connected to
an electrical ground. The Above & Below Decks Equipments must be grounded to the ship. For further grounding
information refer to the Installation chapter of this manual.
Do not extend the cables beyond the lengths specified for the equipment. The cable between the ACU and Above
Deck Unit can be extended if it complies with the specified data concerning cable losses etc.
All coaxial cables are to be shielded and should not be affected by magnetic fields. However, try to avoid running
cables parallel to high power and AC/RF wiring as it might cause malfunction of the equipment.
Power supply
AC Power to the ADE is provided by a separate, breakered, power cable.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere
Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of any electrical equipment
in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
Keep away from live circuits
Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers. Component replacement and internal adjustment must be
made by qualified maintenance personnel. Do not replace components with the power cable connected. Under
certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries, always
disconnect power and discharge circuits before touching them.
SAFETY: INTERNAL BATTERY
The main PCB inside the LMXP, and inside the TICU, each contain a lithium battery. These batteries should last for
many years but if replacement is required, use caution. These batteries are only to be replaced by a technician
authorized by Cobham SATCOM to perform such service.
CAUTION -
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Failure to comply with the rules above will void the warranty!

Safety Sea Tel 2400 Dual Band C/Ku
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Sea Tel 2400 Dual Band C/Ku Introduction
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2. Introduction
WARNING:
RF Radiation Hazard -This stabilized antenna system is designed to be used with
transmit/receive equipment manufactured by others. Refer to the documentation supplied by the
manufacturer which will describe potential hazards, including exposure to RF radiation, associated with
the improper use of the transmit/receive equipment. Note that the transmit/receive equipment will
operate independently of the stabilized antenna system.
The ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the facility operator and the individuals who
work on the system.
2.1. General System Description
Your system includes a fully stabilized antenna that has been designed and manufactured so as to be inherently
reliable, easy to maintain, and simple to operate. The equipment essentially permits unattended operation except
for start-ups or when changing to different transponders, or satellites.
2.2. Purpose
This shipboard Transmit-Receive (TXRX) system provides you with two-way satellite voice/data broadband
communications while underway on an ocean-going vessel. This can be used to provide a wide variety of
telephone, fax and high speed data applications. Your antenna system can transmit to and receive from any
desired C-band satellite which has adequate signal coverage in your current geographic area. This input will be
distributed to your satellite modem and then to all of your other below decks computer, fax and telephone
equipment.
2.3. Other Inputs to the System
Multi-conductor cables from Ship’s Gyro Compass, GPS, phone, fax and computer equipment may be connected in
the system.
2.4. System Components
This TXRX system consists of two major groups of equipment: an above-decks group and a below-decks group.
Each group is comprised of, but is not limited to, the items listed below. All equipment comprising the Above
Decks is incorporated inside the radome assembly and is integrated into a single operational entity. For inputs, this
system requires only an unobstructed line-of-sight view to the satellite, Gyro Compass input and AC electrical
power.
For more information about these components, refer to the Basic System Information section of this manual.
A. Above-Decks Equipment (ADE) Group
1. Stabilized antenna pedestal
2. Antenna Reflector
3. C-Band Feed Assembly with LNB(s)
4. C-Band RF Equipment which may include C-Band High Power Amplifier(s)
5. Ku-Band Feed Assembly with LNB(s)
6. Ku-Band RF Equipment which may include C-Band High Power Amplifier(s)
7. Radome Assembly
B. Below-Decks Equipment Group
1. Media Xchange Point (MXP)
2. Splitter with desired number of outputs (one output to the ACU and one output to the Satellite Modem
are required).
3. Satellite Modem and other below decks equipment required for the desired communications purposes.
4. Spectrum Analyzer (Optional)
5. Control, RF and Other cable connections

Introduction Sea Tel 2400 Dual Band C/Ku
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EAR Controlled -ECCN EAR99
2.5. Dual Antenna Configuration
Sometimes, due to very large blockage conditions, you may need to install a dual antenna configuration to provide
uninterrupted services. Two full antenna systems are installed and the MXP control outputs are connected to an
arbitrator switch panel which then is connected to the below decks equipment. NOTE: The RXIF from EACH
antenna MUST be connected to the RF IN on the rear panel of its respective MXP then RFOUT is connected to the
RXIF input of the Dual Antenna Arbitrator. This connection scheme is required for MXP “A” to be able to control
Antenna “A” (and ONLY Antenna “A”) AND MXP “B” to be able to control Antenna “B” (and ONLY Antenna “B”).
You will program the blockage zone(s) for each of the two antennas (refer to Setup – Blockage Zones). The
blockage output from the each of the MXPs is connected to the arbitrator panel to control it. The blockage output
terminal of each MXP provides a “blocked” output to the arbitrator its respective antenna is within a blockage zone
programmed into that MXP. When not blocked the SW2 terminal output(s) will signal an “unblocked” state..
When one antenna is blocked, its blockage output will command the arbitrator panel to switch services to the
modem from that antenna to the other antenna. The arbitrator panel provides a logic latch to prevent excess
switching when the ship heading is yawing, therefore, causing if the antenna to be repeatedly blocked – unblocked
– blocked.
2.6. Dual Network Arbitrator
Demand for greater bandwidth throughputs has led to service offerings that include access to multiple networks
from the vessel. To facilitate this a dual network (two modems) configuration is required.
This can be a single antenna – dual network configuration which allows the ship to access either of two networks.
One antenna system is installed and its’ ACU control output is connected to a dual network arbitrator switch panel
which is also connected to two satellite modems, and other below decks equipment if provided.
A dual antenna – dual network configuration allows the ship to access to two networks simultaneously. Two full
antenna systems are installed and the two ACU control outputs are connected to a dual network arbitrator switch
panel which is also connected to two satellite modems, and other below decks equipment if provided.
Refer to the appropriate installation chapter for the model of the Sea Tel antenna systems that you will be
installing.
You will program the blockage zone(s) and optimize all other settings for best “on-satellite” performance for each
of the two Sea Tel antennas.
The following signals pass through the arbitrator to/from the ACUs and the Satellite Modem(s):
•TX IF signal to the selected antenna from the selected Satellite Modem. 10 MHz reference is also passed
when provided by the modem.
•RX IF from the selected antenna to the selected Satellite Modem.
•Blockage control output from each ACU provides status of the antenna (available or blocked) to the
arbitrator.
•GPS position -output from each antenna to the arbitrator. A setting in the in the arbitrator determines
which GPS signal gets routed to the satellite modem(s).
•Receive Lock signal from the selected Satellite Modem(s) is routed to both ACUs to enable each of the
antennas to track the appropriate satellite/beam.
In single network mode, when one antenna is blocked, its blockage output will command the arbitrator panel to
switch services from that antenna to the other antenna. The arbitrator panel provides a logic latch to prevent
excess switching when the ship heading is yawing, therefore, causing either antenna to be repeatedly blocked –
unblocked – blocked.
In dual network mode, if one antenna becomes blocked there is no available antenna to switch to, so that network
will be out of service until the antenna is no longer blocked.
2.7. Automatic Beam Switching (ABS)
ABS is a method of communicating remotely via an overhead channel, or locally from the modem, to reconfigure
the ACU(s) to use a different beam on the same satellite or to use a different satellite. The modems include
commands which allow remotely setting all of the necessary parameters and to command the targeting of the
desired satellite

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2.8. OpenAMIP™, ROAM or VACP
These each have standardized language incorporated into their (iDirect, Comtech & STM) modems which
communicates automatic beam switching settings from their options file to the Sea Tel ACU(s). This provides the
network a means of controlling automatic beam switching by the settings in the options file in the remote
modem.
2.9. FCC Compliance
This antenna system, with current software, contain FCC compliant supervisory software to continuously monitor
the pedestal pointing error. This supervisory software will trip an error flag, which will automatically cease
transmission within 100 milliseconds, if the pointing error should exceed 0.5 degrees. Transmission will not
resume until the pointing error drops below 0.2 degrees.
To be compliant with these FCC requirements, the “Transmit Mute” output of the Sea Tel below
decks controller must be connected to the “Mute Input” of the satellite modem via serial or via an
Ethernet connection to the modem.
2.10. Cyber Security Caution
Sea Tel Antenna systems are not intended to be connected directly to the Internet. They must be connected
behind a dedicated network security device such as a firewall. In addition, we highly recommended that you
change default passwords. This is an extremely important consideration that must be taken into account as part
of commissioning procedures as attackers with malicious intent (after easily obtaining default passwords and
identify internet-connected systems) can be rendered a system inoperable.
For clarification purposes, the factory default Passwords/Configurations are only intended for initial production
testing/verification purposes and it is an assumed responsibility of the installing partner to change and record the
login credentials and is shared only with persons whom are directly responsible for operation/maintenance of the
system. Instructions on how to change passwords may be located within the system manual.

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3. Site Survey
There are three objective of the site survey. The first is to find the best place to mount the antenna and the BDE. The
second is to identify the length and routing of the cables and any other items or materials that are required to install the
system. The third is to identify any other issues that must be resolved before or during the installation.
3.1. Site Selection Aboard The Ship
The radome assembly should be installed at a location aboard ship where:
•The antenna has a clear line-of-sight to view as much of the sky (horizon to zenith at all bearings) as is
practical.
•X-Band (3cm) Navigational Radars:
•The ADE should be mounted more than 0.6 meters/2 feet from 2kW (24 km) radars
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2 meters/8 feet from 10kW (72 km) radars
•The ADE should be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from 160kW (250km) radars
•S-Band (10cm) Navigational Radars:
•If the ADE is/has C-Band it should be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from the S-band
Radar.
•The ADE should not be mounted on the same plane as the ship's radar, so that it is not directly in the
radar beam path.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2.5 meters/8 feet from any high power MF/HF antennas
(<400W).
•The ADE should be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from any high power MF/HF antennas
(1000W).
•The ADE should also be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from any short range (VHF/UHF) antennae.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2.5 meters/8 feet away from any L-band satellite antenna.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 3 meters/10 feet away from any magnetic compass installations.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2.5 meters/8 feet away from any GPS receiver antennae.
•Another consideration for any satellite antenna mounting is multi-path signals (reflection of the satellite
signal off of nearby surfaces arriving out of phase with the direct signal from the satellite) to the antenna.
This is particularly a problem for the onboard GPS, and/or the GPS based satellite compass.
•The ADE and the BDE should be positioned as close to one another as possible. This is necessary to
reduce the losses associated with long cable runs.
•This mounting platform must also be robust enough to withstand the forces exerted by full rated wind
load on the radome.
•The mounting location is robust enough that it will not flex or sway in ships motion and be sufficiently
well re-enforced to prevent flex and vibration forces from being exerted on the antenna and radome.
•If the radome is to be mounted on a raised pedestal, it MUST have adequate size, wall thickness and
gussets to prevent flexing or swaying in ships motion. In simple terms it must be robust.
If these conditions cannot be entirely satisfied, the site selection will inevitably be a “best” compromise between
the various considerations.
3.2. Antenna Shadowing (Blockage) and RF Interference
At the transmission frequencies of this satellite antenna system, any substantial structures in the way of the beam
path will cause significant degradation of the signal. Care should be taken to locate the ADE so that it has direct
line-of-sight with the satellite without any structures in the beam path through the full 360 degree ships turn.
Wire rope stays, lifelines, small diameter handrails and other accessories may pass through the beam path in
limited numbers; however, even these relatively insignificant shadows can produce measurable signal loss at these
frequencies.

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3.3. Mounting Foundation
3.3.1. Mounting on Deck or Deckhouse
While mounting the ADE on a mast is a common solution to elevate the ADE far enough above the
various obstructions, sometimes the best mounting position is on a deck or deckhouse top. These
installations are inherently stiffer than a mast installation as the design of the deck/deckhouse structure is
prescribed by the ship’s classification society. In the deck/deckhouse design rules, the minimum plating
and stiffener guidelines are chosen to preclude high local vibration amplitudes.
Most installations will have a base frame with multiple attachment points around the perimeter of the
base frame to mount the ADE onto a deck or deckhouse structure of the ship. The base frame may be
mounted using the supplied legs & braces to raise the ADE above the deck for radome hatch access. The
base frame may be directly attached to the deck, in which case the access panel in the floor of the base
frame cannot be utilized. In this case, the installation must allow acces through a door in one of the side
panels or an access opening directly under the hacth. Some care must be taken to ensure the mounting
pedestal is properly aligned with the stiffeners under the deck plating.
Alternately, a specifically designed and stiffened mast may be used to mount the base frame above the
deck; although, this should only be attempted if sufficient deck space high on the ship is not available.
3.3.2. ADE Mounting Considerations
Mounting the radome directly on the deck, or platform prevents access to the hatch in the base of the
radome unless an opening is designed into the mounting surface to allow such entry. If there is no
access to the hatch the only way to service the antenna is to remove the radome top.
Ladder rungs must be provided on all mounting stanchions greater than 3-4 feet tall to allow footing for
personnel safety when entering the hatch of the radome.
The recommended cable passage is through the bottom (near center) of the radome base, down through
the ADE support pedestal (if used), through the deck and into the interior of the ship.
3.3.3. Sizing of the support pedestal
The following should be taken into account when choosing the height of a mounting support stand:
1. The height of the pedestal should be kept as short as possible, taking into account
recommendations given in other Sea Tel Guidelines.
2. The minimum height of the pedestal above a flat deck or platform to allow access into the
radome for maintenance should be 0.6 meters (24 inches).
3. The connection of the ADE mounting plate to the stanchion and the connection of the pedestal
to the ship should be properly braced with triangular gussets (see graphic above). Care should
be taken to align the pedestal gussets to the ship’s stiffeners as much as possible. Doublers or
other reinforcing plates should be considered to distribute the forces when under-deck
stiffeners are inadequate.
4. The diameter of the pedestal stanchion shall not be smaller than 100 millimeters (4 inches).
Where the ADE base diameter exceeds 1.5 meters (60 inches), additional stanchions (quantity
greater than 3) should be placed rather than a single large stanchion.
5. Shear and bending should be taken into account in sizing the ADE mounting plate and
associated gussets.
6. Shear and bending must be taken into account when sizing the pedestal to ship connection.
7. All welding should be full penetration welds –V-groove welds with additional fillet welds – with
throats equivalent to the thickness of the thinnest base material.
8. For an ADE mounted greater than 0.6 meters (24 inches) above the ship’s structure, at least one
(1) foot rung should be added. Additional rungs should be added for every 0.3 meter (12
inches) of pedestal height above the ship’s structure.
9. For an ADE mounted greater than 3 meters (9 feet) above the ship’s structure, a fully enclosing
cage should be included in way of the access ladder, starting 2.3 meters (7 feet) above the ship’s
structure.
3.4. Mounting Height and Fore-Aft Location
Installations with mast or deck vibrations at frequencies between 2 and 15 Hertz have been identified by Sea Tel
as causing problems with the isolation systems of the ADE. Preventing problems prior to installation due to these
vibrations is one of the primary considerations in choosing where to mount the antenna.

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In some installations, though, the combination of mounting height, fore-aft location and ship motion can impart
significant accelerations on the entire ADE. Installations where the ADE is situated high on the ship – usually at
the top of a mast – places the ADE is a position where the low frequency ship motion in roll and/or pitch creates
two accelerations – tangential and radial. These accelerations vary in a periodic function, out-of-phase from the
ship response to the wave motions.
Radial acceleration is the acceleration acting on the mass of the ADE pulling away from the center of the axis (roll
or pitch). In this sense, it would be a force trying to ‘pull’ the ADE away from the ship. We normally are not too
concerned with radial acceleration, since it must become far greater than gravity to have a detrimental effect on
the ADE.
Tangential acceleration is the acceleration acting on the mass of the ADE pulling across the center of the axis (roll
or pitch). This acceleration becomes a force trying to pull the ADE to the side. The tangential acceleration has an
effect on both the strength of the ADE pedestal and the tracking accuracy of the control algorithm.
The effect of tangential acceleration is felt by the structure of the ADE before it truly affects the tracking
accuracy. For instance, Sea Tel normally accepts that a tracking error of 0.1 degrees RMS at 0.5 G to be within
acceptable error margins. A 0.5 G tangential acceleration on the ADE means that ½ of the weight of the ADE is
acting sideways on the pedestal structure.
The higher up you mount the antenna above the pivot point of the ship the higher the tangential acceleration (g-
force) exerted on the antenna will be (see chart below). When the g-force exerted on the antenna is light, antenna
stabilization and overall performance will not be affected.
If the g-force exerted on the antenna is high enough (> 1 G), antenna stabilization and overall performance will be
affected.
If the g-force exerted on the antenna is excessive (1-2 Gs), the antenna will not maintain stabilization and may
even be physically damaged by the g-force.
3.5. Mast Configurations
Sea Tel recommends the ADE be mounted on the ship in a location which has both a clear line-of-sight to the
target satellites in all potential azimuth/elevation ranges and sufficient support against vibration excitement. If
possible, mounting the ADE pedestal directly to ship deckhouse structures or other box stiffened structures is
preferred. However, in many cases, this imposes limits on the clear line-of-sight the antenna system has.
Often the solution for providing the full azimuth/elevation range the antenna needs is to mount the ADE on the
ship’s mast. Unfortunately, masts do not consider equipment masses in design and often have harmonic
frequencies of their own.
For these large systems, the mast for the ADE should be designed specifically for the ADE. Other equipment may
be mounted alongside, but the mast should be configured to accept the mass, loads and resonance of the ADE
primarily. The following sections describe various mast configurations and some considerations for mast design.

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3.5.1. Vertical Masts
Vertical masts are a very ancient and common mast design. In essence, it is the mast derived from the
sailing mast and adapted for mounting the ever-increasing array of antennae which ships need to
communicate with the world. This drawing of a vertical
mast shows the preferred mounting of the ADE center-
line above the plane of the radar. Alternatively the ADE
is mounted below the plane of the radar signal
Vertical masts are most commonly found on cargo ships
– they are simple, inelegant and functional. They are
also fairly stiff against torsional reaction and lateral
vibrations, as long as the ADE is mounted on a stiff
pedestal near the vertical centerline of the mast. If
centerline mounting is impractical or otherwise
prohibited, the mast platform the ADE is mounted on
should be checked for torsional vibration about the
centerline of the mast and the orthogonal centerline of the platform.
If the estimated natural frequency of the mast or platform is less than 35 Hertz, the mast or platform
should be stiffened by the addition of deeper gussets under the platform or behind the mast.
3.5.2. Raked Masts
Raked masts are found on vessels where the style or appearance of the entire vessel is important. Again,
the inclined mast is a direct descendant from the
masts of sailing ships – as ship owners wanted their
vessels to look more unique and less utilitarian, they
‘raked’ the masts aft to make the vessel appear
capable of speed. This drawing shows a raked mast,
again with the preferred ADE mounting above the
radar and alternate with the ADE below the radar.
Raked masts pose special problems in both evaluating
the mast for stiffness and mounting of antennae. As
can be seen in the drawing, all antennae must be
mounted on platforms or other horizontal structures
in order to maintain the vertical orientation of the
antenna centerline. This implies a secondary member
which has a different natural frequency than the
raked mast’s natural frequency. In order to reduce the mass of these platforms, they tend to be less stiff
than the main box structure of the raked mast. Thus, they will have lower natural frequencies than the
raked mast itself. Unfortunately, the vibratory forces will act through the stiff structure of the raked mast
and excite these lighter platforms, to the detriment of the antenna.
3.5.3. Girder Masts
Girder masts are large platforms atop a pair of columns. Just like girder constructions in buildings, they
are relatively stiff athwart ship – in their primary axis –
but less stiff longitudinally and torsionally. An example
of a girder mast is shown in this drawing, with the
preferred ADE mounting outboard and above the radar
directly on one of the columns and alternate with the
ADE centered on the girder above the plane of the radar.
The greatest weakness of girder masts is in torsion –
where the girder beam twists about its vertical centerline
axis. As with all mast designs discussed so far, mounting
the antenna in line with the vertical support structure will
reduce the vibration tendencies. Mounting the antenna directly above the girder columns provides
ample support to the antenna pedestal and locates the antenna weight where it will influence the natural
frequency of the mast the least.