2: INSTALLATION
10 Iridium Pilot™ Installation Guide
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers and terminal lug crimper
• RJ-45 Crimp tool
• Electrical tape
6.1 Choosing a Location for the ADE
Proper location is critical to ensure proper communications between the Iridium Broadband Subscriber Unit
(IBSU) and the Iridium satellite network.
WARNING
The Above Decks Equipment (ADE) transmits radio frequency (RF) that may cause thermal
injuries including tissue damage from increased heating and body temperature. When the
system power is ON keep all personnel a minimum of 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) from the antenna (see
Radiation Hazard). Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
ADE Installation Considerations
As previously stated, Iridium is a constellation of LEO satellites covering every location on the surface of
the Earth, at any moment in time. This means the satellite communicating with the Iridium Pilot unit can be
located anywhere within the local hemisphere, making a horizon-to-horizon unobstructed view of the sky
important for uninterrupted communications. The solid state antenna array takes care of tracking the satellite
and vessel motions to maintain acceptable link margin. No moving parts are used in the ADE for antenna
tracking
Finding an unobstructed view of the sky on a commercial vessel may be dicult given the number of other
communication systems collocated on the antenna bridge.
Figure 7.
Unobstructed view of sky all direction
Unrestricted area for obstructions
8.0 m (26.2 ft.)
2.0 m (6.6 ft.)
8.0 m (26.2 ft.)
No metallic or concrete
obstructions in
grey shaded area
Minimize
obstructions
Minimize
obstructions
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