Sea Tel 5012-91 User manual

Sea Tel, Inc.
4030 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: http://www.cobham.com/seatel
Sea Tel Europe
Unit 1, Orion Industrial Centre
Wide Lane, Swaythling
Southampton, UK S0 18 2HJ
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: http://www.cobham.com/seatel
Sea Tel Inc is also doing business as Cobham SATCOM - Maritime
November 11, 2013 Document. No. 137388 Revision C
INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOR SEA TEL 5012-91 KU-BAND
BROADBAND-AT-SEA VSAT ANTENNA SYSTEM

ii
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 Marine Stabilized Antenna systems are manufactured in the United States of America.
Sea Tel is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company.
Certificate Number 13690 issued March 14, 2011.
R&TTE
CE
The Series 12 Maritime Satellite Earth Station complies with the requirements of directive
1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on Radio
equipment and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment. A copy of the R&TTE Declaration of
Conformity for this equipment is contained in this manual.
The Sea Tel Series 12 antennas will meet the off-axis EIRP spectral density envelope set forth in FCC 47 C.F.R. §
25.222(a)(1)(i) when the input power density limitations, listed in our FCC Declaration, are met..
These antenna systems also contain FCC compliant supervisory software to continuously monitor the pedestal
pointing accuracy and use it to control the “Transmit Mute” function of the satellite modem to satisfy the
provisions of FCC 47 C.F.R. § 25.222(a)(l)(iii).
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2012 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 Antenna
Systems.
This document has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Revision History
REV ECO# Date Description By
A
9912
August 28, 2012
Production Release
MDN
A1
N/A
September 28, 2012
Updated to 5012-91 and remove Green Passport pages.
MDN
B N/A February 20, 2013 Added radio M&C information, changed style of specification chapter
and added content, updated all other text and drawings,
MDN
B1
N/A
February 27, 2013
Added RTT&E Declaration
MDN
C N/A November 11, 2013 Expanded installation, and maintenance chapters, updated all text to
include GSR6 software changes, added Commission Wizard, AZ Trim
(GSR6) Modem Interface and BUC M&C chapters.
MDN

Doc Number 138634 Revision B
Sea Tel, Inc., doing business as Cob am SATCOM
Cobham SATCOM
Marine Systems, Sea Tel Products
4030 Nelson Ave., Concord
California, 94520 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]
R&TTE Declaration of Conformity
Sea Tel Inc. declares under our sole responsibility t at t e products identified below are in
compliance wit t e requirements of:
DIRECTIVE 1999/5/EC of t e European Parliament and of t e Council of 9 Marc 1999 on Radio
equipment and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment and t e mutual recognition of t eir
conformity.
Product Names: 3612 u Band 8/16 Watt Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Station
4009 M 3 u Band 16 Watt Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Station
5012 u Band 8/16 Watt Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Station
6012 u Band 8/16 Watt Tx/Rx Maritime Satellite Earth Station
T ese products ave been assessed to Conformity Procedures, Annex IV, of t e above Directive by
application of t e following standards:
EMC:
EMC standard for Radio Equipment (Maritime) ETSI EN 301 843-1 V1.4.1 (2004-06)
EMC standard for Radio Equipment (Common) ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.4.1 (2002-08)
EMC standard for Radio Equipment (General) ETSI EN 300 339 (1998-03)
Marine Navigational and Radio Communication
Equipment and Systems – General Requirements: IEC EN 60945:2002
Satellite Earth Stations and System (SES):
Harmonized EN for Very Small Aperture
Terminals (VSAT): ETSI EN 301 428-1 V1.3.1 (2006-02)
Harmonized EN for satellite Eart Stations
on board Vessels (ESVs) ETSI EN 302 340 V1.1.1 (2006-04)
Safety:
Safety of Information Tec nology Equipment: IEC EN 60950-1:2001 (1st Edition)
Certificates of Assessment were completed and are on file at NEMKO USA Inc, San Diego, CA and
BACL Labs, Santa Clara, CA.
Peter Blaney, C ief Engineer Date: 03-04-2013

Document Number 130445 Revision J
24-Jan-2013
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 and 9711QOR 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 5012-91 Installation Manual
v
1. SERIES 12 KU-BAND SYSTEM CONFIGURATION(S)...........................................................................................................1-1
1.1. SYSTEM CABLES .............................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2. OTHER INPUTS TO THE SYSTEM.................................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.3. SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A SERIES 12 KU-BAND SYSTEM...................................................................................................... 1-1
1.4. DUAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.5. OPEN ANTENNA-MODEM INTERFACE PROTOCOL (OPENAMIP™) SPECIFICATION:........................................................................ 1-3
1.5.1. Overview: ........................................................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.5.2. Interface requirements:.........................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.5.3. Utilized OpenAMIPTM Commands: ...................................................................................................................................1-4
2. SITE SURVEY..................................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1. SITE SELECTION ABOARD THE SHIP .......................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2. ANTENNA SHADOWING (BLOCKAGE)AND RF INTERFERENCE .............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.3. MOUNTING FOUNDATION ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.1. Mounting on Deck or Deckhouse......................................................................................................................................2-2
2.3.2. ADE Mounting Considerations...........................................................................................................................................2-2
2.3.3. Sizing of the support pedestal............................................................................................................................................2-2
2.4. MOUNTING HEIGHT......................................................................................................................................................................................2-3
2.5. MAST CONFIGURATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................2-3
2.5.1. Vertical Masts ..............................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.2. Raked Masts..................................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.3. Girder Masts .................................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.4. Truss Mast .....................................................................................................................................................................................2-5
2.6. SAFE ACCESS TO THE ADE.......................................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.7. BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT LOCATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.8. CABLES.............................................................................................................................................................................................................2-5
2.8.1. ADE/BDE Coaxial Cables........................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.2. Antenna Power Cable ..............................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.3. Air Conditioner Power Cable ...............................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.4. ACU Power Cable/Outlet........................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.5. Gyro Compass Cable................................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.9. GROUNDING.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-7
3. INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2. ASSEMBLY NOTES AND WARNINGS ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3. INSTALLING THE ADE...................................................................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3.1. Prepare the 40”, 50”, 60”, 66” or 76” Radome Assembly.......................................................................................3-2
3.3.2. Installing the 50, 60 or 66” Radome Assembly..........................................................................................................3-3
3.4. GROUNDING THE PEDESTAL......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.5. REMOVING THE SHIPPING/STOW RESTRAINTS PRIOR TO POWER-UP.............................................................................................. 3-7
3.5.1. Removing the AZ Shipping/Stow Restraint..................................................................................................................3-7
3.5.2. Removing the EL Shipping/Stow Restraint ...................................................................................................................3-8
3.5.3. Removing the CL Shipping/Stow Restraint................................................................................................................3-10
3.6. INSTALLING THE BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT.........................................................................................................................................3-11
3.6.1. General Cautions & Warnings ..........................................................................................................................................3-11
3.7. CONNECTING THE BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT......................................................................................................................................3-11
3.7.1. Connecting the ADE AC Power Cable..........................................................................................................................3-11
3.7.2. Connecting the BDE AC Power Cables........................................................................................................................3-11
3.7.3. Media Xchange Point™ (MXP) Connections .............................................................................................................3-11

5012-91 Installation Manual Table of Contents
vi
3.7.4. Other BDE connections ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-14
3.8. FINAL CHECKS..............................................................................................................................................................................................3-14
3.8.1. Visual/Electrical inspection............................................................................................................................................... 3-14
3.8.2. Electrical - Double check wiring connections......................................................................................................... 3-14
3.9. SETUP -MEDIA XCHANGE POINT™(MXP) .........................................................................................................................................3-14
4. CONFIGURING A COMPUTER FOR THE MXP.......................................................................................................................... 4-1
5. SETUP – USING THE COMMISSION WIZARD........................................................................................................................ 5-1
5.1. STARTING THE COMMISSION WIZARD .....................................................................................................................................................5-1
5.2. COMMISSIONING WIZARD ..........................................................................................................................................................................5-1
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.....................................................................................................................................................6-2
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 – HOME FLAG OFFSET (IMA SOFTWARE 1.04 OR LESSER) ........................................................................... 8-1
8.1. YOU FOUND A LARGE AZ TRIM VALUE:...................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.1.1. You Observe “Home” Pointing is LEFT of the Bow-line (minus HFO): ............................................................ 8-2
8.1.2. You Observe “Home” Pointing is RIGHT of the Bow-line (positive HFO) : ................................................... 8-2
8.1.3. Entering a large value as Home Flag Offset................................................................................................................8-3
8.1.4. Entering a small value as AZ TRIM..................................................................................................................................8-4
9. SETUP – AZIMUTH TRIM (IMA VER 1.05 OR GREATER)................................................................................................. 9-1
10. SETUP – BLOCKAGE & RF RADIATION HAZARD ZONES.............................................................................................. 10-1
10.1. RADIATION HAZARD AND BLOCKAGE MAPPING...................................................................................................................................10-1
10.2. PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS:..............................................................................................................................................................10-2
11. CONFIGURING THE SATELLITE MODEM INTERFACE................................................................................................... 11-1
11.1. SATELLITE MODEM INTERFACE ................................................................................................................................................................11-1
11.1.1. Reflector setting .....................................................................................................................................................................11-2
11.1.2. Modem Type setting ............................................................................................................................................................ 11-2
11.1.3. Modem I/O setting................................................................................................................................................................11-2
11.1.4. Modem I/O – Custom Settings.......................................................................................................................................11-3
11.2. QUICK REFERENCE:COMMON MODEM LOCK &MUTE SETTINGS ...................................................................................................11-5
12. SETUP – TARGETING.............................................................................................................................................................................12-1
12.1. AUTO TRIM ..............................................................................................................................................................................................12-1
12.2. MANUALLY OPTIMIZING TARGETING .....................................................................................................................................................12-2
13. SETUP – SATELLITE CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................................... 13-1
13.1. SEARCHING PATTERNS ...............................................................................................................................................................................13-1
13.1.1. Default “Spiral” (Box) Search Pattern .......................................................................................................................... 13-1
13.1.2. Inclined Orbit Search Pattern ......................................................................................................................................... 13-1
13.1.3. Sky Search Pattern ................................................................................................................................................................13-2
13.2. TX POL SELECT.............................................................................................................................................................................................13-2
13.3. BAND SELECT................................................................................................................................................................................................13-2
13.4. X-POL /CO-POL SELECT.............................................................................................................................................................................13-2
13.5. SELECTING/CONFIGURING YOUR SATELLITE CONFIGURATION ......................................................................................................... 13-2
14. QUICK START OPERATION............................................................................................................................................................... 14-1
14.1. IF SATELLITE SIGNAL IS FOUND AND NETWORK LOCK IS ACHIEVED:................................................................................................14-1
14.2. IF NO SIGNAL IS FOUND: ............................................................................................................................................................................14-1
14.3. IF SATELLITE SIGNAL IS FOUND BUT NETWORK LOCK IS NOT ACHIEVED:........................................................................................ 14-3

Table of Contents 5012-91 Installation Manual
vii
14.4. TO TARGET A DIFFERENT SATELLITE ........................................................................................................................................................14-4
15. OPTIMIZING CROSS-POL ISOLATION ......................................................................................................................................15-1
15.1. OPTIMIZING CROSS-POL ISOLATION.......................................................................................................................................................15-1
16. CODAN MINI-BUC ETHERNET M&C INSTALL & OPERATION..................................................................................16-1
16.1. CABLE INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................................................16-1
16.2. SETTING UP THE IP ADDRESS AND SUBNET MASK IN THE COMPUTER...............................................................................................16-1
16.3. COMMUNICATING WITH THE CODAN MINI-BUC USING CODAN GUI...........................................................................................16-2
16.4. ISSUING SET,OUTPUT AND VIEW COMMANDS VIA TELNET..............................................................................................................16-3
17. STOWING THE ANTENNA..................................................................................................................................................................17-1
17.1. INSTALLING THE STOW RESTRAINTS .......................................................................................................................................................17-1
17.1.1. Installing the AZ Shipping/Stow Restraint................................................................................................................17-1
17.1.2. Installing the EL Shipping/Stow Restraint .................................................................................................................17-2
17.1.3. Installing the CL Shipping/Stow Restraint.................................................................................................................17-4
17.2. REMOVING THE SHIPPING/STOW RESTRAINTS PRIOR TO POWER-UP............................................................................................17-4
17.2.1. Removing the AZ Shipping/Stow Restraint...............................................................................................................17-4
17.2.2. Removing the EL Shipping/Stow Restraint................................................................................................................17-5
17.2.3. Removing the CL Shipping/Stow Restraint................................................................................................................17-7
18. SERIES 12 KU-BAND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................18-1
18.1. ABOVE DECKS EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................................................................................18-1
18.1. BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................................................................................18-8
18.2. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE.....................................................................................................................................................................18-11
18.1. CABLES........................................................................................................................................................................................................18-11
18.1.1. Antenna L-Band IF Coax Cables (Customer Furnished)..................................................................................18-11
19. DRAWINGS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................19-1
19.1. 5012-91 KU-BAND MODEL SPECIFIC DRAWINGS ............................................................................................................................19-1

Series 12 Ku-Band System Configuration(s) 5012-91 Installation Manual
1-1
1. Series 12 Ku-Band System Configuration(s)
The Series 12 Ku-Band Stabilized Antenna system is to be used for Transmit/Receive (TX/RX) satellite communications. It is
comprised of two major groups of equipment: the Above Decks Equipment (ADE) and the Below Decks Equipment (BDE). There
will also be interconnecting cables between the ADE & BDE and cables to provide other inputs to the system.
It is initially equipped for Ku-Band operation; however, an optional Ka-Band upgrade kit is available for when the Ka-Band
services are available.
1.1. System Cables
AC power and coaxial cables are discussed in a separate chapter.
1.2. 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.
1.3. Simplified Block Diagram of a Series 12 Ku-Band System
Your Series 12 Ku-Band 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.
A. Above-Decks Equipment (all shown as the ADE) Group
•Stabilized antenna pedestal
•Antenna Reflector
•Feed Assembly with Cross-Pol and Co-Pol LNBs
•8W Ku-Band Solid State Block Up-Converter (BUC)
•Radome Assembly
B. Below-Decks Equipment Group
•Media Xchange Point™ (MXP)
•Customer Furnished Equipment - Satellite Modem and other below decks equipment required for the desired
communications purposes (including LAN and VOIP equipment).
•Appropriate Coax, Ethernet, and telephone cables

5012-91 Installation Manual Series 12 Ku-Band System Configuration(s)
1-2
1.4. Dual Antenna Configuration
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. The connection scheme is required for MXP “A” to
control ONLY Antenna “A” AND MXP “B” to control 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 each MXP is fed to the arbitrator. The blockage output is a transistor “short” to ground when the antenna
is within a programmed blockage zone and is an “open” when not blocked.
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 repeat blocked – unblocked – blocked.

Series 12 Ku-Band System Configuration(s) 5012-91 Installation Manual
1-3
1.5. Open Antenna-Modem Interface Protocol (OpenAMIP™) Specification:
1.5.1. Overview:
OpenAMIPTM, an ASCII message based protocol invented and Trademarked by iDirect, is a specification for
the interchange of information between an antenna controller and a satellite modem. This protocol allows
the satellite modem to command the MXP (via TCP port 2002) to seek a particular satellite and allows
exchange of information necessary to permit the modem to initiate and maintain communication via the
antenna and the satellite. In general, OpenAMIPTM is ONLY intended to permit a modem and the MXP to
perform synchronized automatic beam switching when using an iDirect Network. It is NOT a status logging
system or a diagnostic system. In addition, OpenAMIPTM is intended for a typical installation whereby a
specific satellite modem and antenna system is properly configured to work together. The protocol does not
make specific provisions for auto-discovery or parameter negotiation. It is still the responsibility of the
installer to ensure that the parameters of both the satellite modem (proper option files) and the MXP/ICU
(setup parameters) are compatible for the intended satellite(s).
1.5.2. Interface requirements:
1.5.2.1. Hardware
Sea Tel Media Xchange Point (MXP)
Any Satellite modem manufacturer that is compatible with OpenAMIPTM
CAT5 Patch cable
1.5.2.2. Software
Sea Tel MXP software version (latest).

5012-91 Installation Manual Series 12 Ku-Band System Configuration(s)
1-4
1.5.3. Utilized OpenAMIPTM Commands:
1.5.3.1. Antenna Commands:
Command
Description
Example
S f1 f2 f3 Satellite Longitude, 3 parameters:
Degrees E/W (-value equals West), Latitude Variance (Inclined
Orbit), Sat Skew Offset
“S -20.1 1.0 3.5”
P c1 c2 Polarization, 2 parameters:
H,V,L,, or R
“P L R”
H f1 f2 Tracking Frequency: 2 Parameters:
Center Frequency and Bandwidth in MHz
“H 1100.500 0.256”
B f1 f2 Down Conversion Offset: 2 parameters:
LNB (Receive) Local Oscillator and BUC (TX) L.O.
“B 10750”
F Find,
Target satellite using existing S, P,R, and H Parameters
A i
Set keep alive in seconds (0 = off)
“A 5”
L b1 b2 Modem Lock and free to transmit. 2 parameters:
b1 indicates Rx lock and b2 (not utilized) enables/disables Tx
Mute to BUC
“L 1 1”
W i GPS Update:
Sets GPS Update period in seconds (0 = Off)
“W 300”
I s1 s2
Set modem vendor (s1) and device (s2) 2 parameters:
“I iDirect 5100”
1.5.3.2. Modem Commands:
Command
Description
Example
a i
Set keep alive in seconds (0 = off)
“a 5”
i s1 s2
Set Antenna Vendor (s1) and device (s2) 2 parameters:
“i Sea Tel DAC-2202”
s b1 b2 Antenna Status: 2 parameters:
b1 is functional status and b2 is Tx allowed
“s 1 1”
w b1 f1 f2 t1 Set GPS Position: 4 parameters:
b1 is validity flag, f1 is latitude, f2 is longitude, and t1 is
timestamp
“w 1 38.222 122.123
0”

Site Survey 5012-91 Installation Manual
2-1
2. 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.
2.1. 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.
2.2. Antenna Shadowing (Blockage) and RF Interference
At the transmission frequencies of C and Ku band satellite antenna systems, 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.

5012-91 Installation Manual Site Survey
2-2
2.3. Mounting Foundation
2.3.1. 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 which create signal blockages, sometimes the best mounting position is on a deck or deckhouse
top. These installations are inherently stiffer than a mast installation, if for no other reason than 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 onto a deck or deckhouse structure will require a mounting pedestal to raise the ADE above
the deck for radome hatch access and to allow the full range of elevation (see ADE mounting considerations
above). Some care must be taken to ensure the mounting pedestal is properly aligned with the stiffeners
under the deck plating.
2.3.2. 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. If
there is no access to the hatch, the only way to service the
antenna is to remove the radome top. Two people are
required to take the top off of the radome without cracking
or losing control of it, but even with two people a gust of
wind may cause them to lose control and the radome top
may be catastrophically damaged (see repair information in
the radome specifications).
If access to the hatch cannot be provided in the mounting
surface, provide a short ADE support pedestal to mount the
ADE on which is tall enough to allow access into the radome
via the hatch.
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 in the 50, 60 and 66 inch
radomes is through the bottom center of the radome base,
down through the ADE support pedestal, through the deck
and into the interior of the ship.
2.3.3. 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)

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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.
2.4. Mounting Height
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 low, antenna stabilization and overall performance are not affected.
If the g-force exerted on the antenna is high enough (> 1 G), antenna stabilization and overall performance are
affected.
If the g-force exerted on the antenna is excessive (1-2 Gs), the antenna does not maintain stabilization and may be
physically damaged by the g-force.
2.5. Mast Configurations
Sea Tel recommends mounting the ADE in a location that 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 antenna system’s clear line-of-sight.
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.
There are many designs of masts used on ships – masts are nearly as unique in design as the ship is – but the designs
often fall into a few categories. These categories can be addressed in terms of typical responses and problems with
regards to vibration and mounting of ADE. The most common categories of masts are:

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2.5.1. 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.
2.5.2. 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.
2.5.3. 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.

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2.5.4. Truss Mast
Truss masts are a variant on the girder mast
concept. Rather than a pair of columns supporting a
girder beam, the construction is a framework of
tubular members supporting a platform on which
the antennae and other equipment are mounted. A
typical truss mast is shown in this photograph.
Like a girder mast, truss masts are especially stiff in
the athwart ship direction. Unlike a girder mast, the
truss can be made to be nearly as stiff in the
longitudinal direction. Truss masts are particularly
difficult to estimate the natural frequency – since a
correct modeling includes both the truss structure
of the supports and the plate/diaphragm structure
of the platform. In general, the following guidelines
apply when determining the adequate support for
mounting an antenna on a truss mast:
1. Antenna ADE pedestal gussets should align
with platform stiffeners which are at least
200 millimeters in depth and 10 millimeters in thickness.
2. When possible, the antenna ADE pedestal column should align with a vertical truss support.
3. For every 100 kilograms of ADE weight over 250 kilograms, the depth of the platform stiffeners
should be increased by 50 millimeters and thickness by 2 millimeters.
Sea Tel does not have a recommended arrangement for a truss mast – the variability of truss mast designs
means that each installation needs to be evaluated separately.
2.6. Safe Access to the ADE
Safe access to the ADE should be provided. Provisions of the ship’s Safety Management System with regard to men
aloft should be reviewed and agreed with all personnel prior to the installation. Installations greater than 3 meters
above the deck (or where the access starts at a deck less than 1 meter in width) without cages around the access
ladder shall be provided with means to latch a safety harness to a fixed horizontal bar or ring.
The access hatch for the ADE shall be oriented aft, or inboard, when practical. In any case, the orientation of the ADE
access hatch shall comply with the SMS guidelines onboard the ship. Nets and other safety rigging under the ADE
during servicing should be rigged to catch falling tools, components or fasteners.
2.7. Below Decks Equipment Location
The Antenna Control Unit, Terminal Mounting Strip and Base Modem Panel are all standard 19” rack mount, therefore,
preferred installation of these items is in such a rack. The ACU mounts from the front of the rack. The Terminal
Mounting Strip and Base Modem Panel mount on the rear of the rack.
The Satellite Modem, router, VIOP adapter(s), telephone equipment, fax machine, computers and any other associated
equipment should be properly mounted for shipboard use.
Plans to allow access to the rear of the ACU should be considered.
2.8. Cables
During the site survey, walk the path where the cables will be installed. Pay particular attention to how cables will be
installed; such as what obstacles they will be routed around, difficulties that will be encountered and the overall length
of the cables. The ADE should be installed using good electrical practice. Sea Tel recommends referring to IEC 60092-
352 for specific guidance in choosing cables and installing cables onboard a ship. Within these guidelines, Sea Tel will
provide some very general information regarding the electrical installation.
In general, all cable shall be protected from chaffing and secured to a cableway. Cable runs on open deck or down a
mast shall be in metal conduit suitable for marine use. The conduit shall be blown through with dry air prior to passing
cable to ensure all debris has been cleared out of the conduit and again after passing the cable to ensure no trapped
moisture exists. The ends of the conduit shall be sealed with cable glands (preferred), mastic or low VOC silicon
sealant after the cables have been passed through.
Cables passing through bulkheads or decks shall be routed through approved weather tight glands.

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2.8.1. ADE/BDE Coaxial Cables
The first concern with the coaxial cables installed between the ADE & BDE is length. This length is used to
determine the loss of the various possible coax, Heliax or fiber-optic cables that might be used. You should
always provide the lowest loss cables to provide the strongest signal level into the satellite modem.
Signal cable shall be continuous from the connection within the ADE radome, through the structure of the
ship to the BDE. Splices, adapters or dummy connections will degrade the signal level and are discouraged.
Be careful of sharp bends that kink and damage the cable. Use a proper tubing bender for Heliax bends.
Penetrations in watertight bulkheads are very expensive, single cable, welded penetrations that must be
pressure tested.
Always use good quality connectors that are designed to fit properly on the cables you are using. Poor
quality connectors have higher loss, can allow noise into the cable, are easily damaged or fail prematurely.
In as much as is possible, don’t lay the coaxes on power cables. Try to have some separation from Inmarsat &
GPS cables that are also passing L-band frequencies or radar cables that may inject pulse repetition noise –as
error bits - into your cables.
2.8.2. Antenna Power Cable
Be cautious of length of the run, for voltage loss issues, and assure that the gauge of the wires is adequate for
the current that is expected to be drawn (plus margin). Antenna power is recommended (but not required) to
be from a UPS, generally the same one that supplies power to the below decks equipment.
Power cables shall comply with the provisions of IEC 60092-350 and -351 as practical. Power cables may be
routed through the same conduit as the signal cable from the junction box to the base of the ADE. Power
cables shall pass through separate radome penetrations from the signal cable.
The power cable shall be continuous from the UPS (or closest circuit breaker) to the ADE connections within
the radome. The power circuits shall be arranged so that ‘active,’ ‘common’ and ‘neutral’ (ground) legs are all
made or broken simultaneously. All circuit legs shall be carried in the same cable jacket.
2.8.3. Air Conditioner Power Cable
If your system includes a marine air conditioner (available with the 81 inch radome ONLY), run an AC power
cable to it from a breaker, preferably from a different phase of the electrical system than supplies power to
the ADE & BDE. Be EXTREMELY cautious of length of the run for voltage loss and gauge of the wires for the
current that is expected to be drawn.
Power cable shall comply with the provisions of IEC 60092-350 and -351 in so far as practical. Power cables
may be routed through the same conduit as the signal cable from the junction box to the base of the ADE.
Power cables shall pass through separate radome penetrations from the signal cable.
The power cable shall be continuous from the closest circuit breaker to the ADE connections within the
radome. The power circuits shall be arranged so that ‘active,’ ‘common’ and ‘neutral’ (ground) legs are all
made or broken simultaneously. All circuit legs shall be carried in the same cable jacket.
2.8.4. ACU Power Cable/Outlet
The AC power for the ACU and the ADE is not required to be from a UPS (same one that supplies power to
the ADE), but it is recommended.
Power cable shall comply with the provisions of IEC 60092-350 and -351 in so far as practicable.
2.8.5. Gyro Compass Cable
Use good quality shielded cables (twisted pairs, individually foil wrapped, outer foil with braid overall is best).
You only need 2-wire for NMEA signal, 4-wire for Step-By-Step and 5-wire for Synchro … always use shielded
cable. Be cautious of length and gauge of the run for voltage loss issues.

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2.9. Grounding
All metal parts of the ADE shall be grounded to bare metal that is common to the hull of the ship. This is most
commonly accomplished by attaching a ground wire/cable from the upper base plate ground point to a ground stud on
the mounting pedestal/stanchion/mast near the base of the radome. Preservation of the bare metal contact point
should be done to prevent loss of ground due to rust and/or corrosion.
Grounding by exposing bare metal under all mounting bolts of the under-side of the radome base prior to final
tightening does NOT provide adequate grounding of the ADE.
Grounding should be ensured throughout the entire mounting to the hull. While it is presumed the deckhouse is
permanently bonded and grounded to the hull, in cases where the deckhouse and hull are of different materials a
check of an independent ground bonding strap should be made. Masts should be confirmed to be grounded to the
deckhouse or hull.

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