Antenna stabilisation

It is essential that the dish antenna associated with Fleet77 equipment remains pointing at the satellite
during all the usual motions of a ship at sea. This is achieved by mounting the antenna on a multi–axis
platform which is stabilised against pitch, roll, yawing and course changes. The latter are assisted by an
input from the ship’s gyro compass to the stabilisation mechanism.

7.1.5 Above deck equipment

The antenna, stabilization mechanism, antenna control electronics and the UHF transmit/receive
equipment are usually referred to as the above deck equipment (ADE). They are usually located in the
radome, with a typical all-up mass of about 27 to 150 kg.

7.1.6Belowdeckequipment
The below deck equipment (BDE) consists of the actual Satcom terminal, usually with a computer type
monitor and keyboard attached, and peripherals such as telephones, facsimile machines and call alarms.
Most systems support multiple extension telephones and it is common practice to site one on the bridge,
one in the radio room and one in the Master’s office or cabin. Interfacing to the ship’s internal telephone
exchange is also possible with some terminals. All systems modulate the signals from the below deck
equipment at a VHF frequency which is fed to the antenna radome via special low loss coaxial cables. It
is then up converted at the radome to the final UHF transmit frequency for communications with the
satellite. This arrangement avoids the high losses associated with feeding UHF signals over long cable
runs, and allows the below deck equipment to be sited up to 100 m from the antenna system.

OPERATION PROCEDURE Annex APPLICATION FORM (DECK) Revision Page 1 of 1

ОP-01 1 0