Marine Technologies (MT) has introduced its newest Ku-band VSAT
antenna,the MT-BB100, which features a redesigned parabolic dish and
feed and incorporates computer simulation software used in the aerospace
industry.
Building on the technology of the previous BB90 version, the MT-BB100
gathers locking information is from an internal tuner, the satellite
modem and the AGC (automatic gain control) level.
The antenna is constructed of carbon fibre and weighs less than 55 kg,
and is designed to minimise stress on belts and motors for extended
operational life and minimum maintenance.
MT also says that the carbon fibre construction makes the antenna immune to salt, oxidation, thermal excursions and humidity.
The company also claims that this new antenna is one of the first VSAT
antennas in the world to be constructed with all electronic components
integrated into the dome, including the modem.
It comes pre-commissioned from Marine Technologies and is ready to
connect automatically to the satellite network without the help of
specialised technicians.
The MT-BB100 configuration interface is entirely web-based and can be
accessed locally or remotely through the satellite link or other backup
connections. Reconfiguring the antenna for deployment on different
missions can be done remotely, without the need for a local technician.
The antenna is OpenAMIP certified and offers automatic beam switching
(ABS), selecting the best satellite source for the coverage area. Dual
antenna configuration is supported as well, using an additional
intelligent switchbox.
This component provides hitless switching between same type or different
manufacturer antennas using a switching logic that can be configured by
shadow areas or signal level.
MT says that no network loss should be noticed by the customer during switching events.
MT also claims that the MT-BB100 is the only antenna currently on the
market equipped with an embedded computer alerting the user of signal
downtime caused by heavy rain, vessel position, lack of power or sea
status.
The antenna remote controller unit (ARCU) chooses the best available
medium for data transfer, and acts as a satellite backup or
out-of-bandwidth maintenance link integrating a 3G UMTS (Universal
Mobile Telecommunications System) modem with a multi-SIM card reader and
a WiFi module with diversity antennas.
Downtime information is stored in an onboard log that is available
locally or remotely via a web interface. The system also informs the NOC
(network operations centre) of any downtime. NOC operators can be
notified via an SMS (short message service) message via the cellular
network.
Diagnostics, of either a single antenna or the entire fleet, is
available via a web-based server that collects real-time and historical
performance data from all ships. Event logging and remote diagnostics
are documented automatically by the ARCU which sends a short report to
the NOC every five minutes, along with a complete event log each day.
Other existing functions carried over from the BB90 include the ability
to switch the LNB (low noise block-down converter) between co-polar and
cross-polar modes, wideband and narrowband tuners, or ABS.
The internal tuner has been upgraded to DVB-S2 (Digital Video
Broadcasting – Satellite – Second Generation) and is capable of coherent
locking to a tracking carrier or monitoring the AGC level.
The MT-BB100 is compliant with standards required by satellite operators Anatel, Intelsat and Eutelsat.
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