BEAM Iridium Active Antenna RST740 Installation Guide

: June 6, 2024
: BEAM

Table of Contents

Introduction
Iridium Active Antenna Kit Contents
Specifications
Important Safety Information
Cable Length Requirements
Outside/Above Deck
Inside/Below Deck
SUPPORT
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

BEAM Iridium Active Antenna RST740 Installation Guide

Introduction

The RST740 antenna is designed for Iridium applications where long RF cables are needed and a passive antenna cannot
be used. The RST740 has an integrated power amplifier (for transmitting signals to the satellite) and low noise amplifier (for receiving signals from the satellite) incorporated into the antenna.

Iridium Active Antenna Kit Contents

Antenna
Bias box
Mounting bracket
3 x Set screws
3 x Mounting screws
3 x Flat washers
3 x Split washers
AC adapter
DC power cable

Specifications

Equipment type	Mobile or Fixed Base Station
Integrated operating environment	[ x ] Commercial

Important Safety Information

WARNING
To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, the minimum safety distance is 55 cm (21.7 inches). This separation distance should be maintained between antenna and people during operation of the antenna.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Beam Communications could void the users authority to operate the equipment or the warranty.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

this device may not cause harmful interference and
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING
Galvanic Corrosion Protection
This antenna has a base and pipe adapter is constructed out of aluminum. When the antenna is mounted to a steel mast or metallic bracket, a galvanic reaction can occur resulting in aluminum corrosion. To minimize corrosion the following steps can be taken:

apply self-fusing silicone tape to all connectors
use a UV-resistant, non metallic mast when possible
apply silicone grease or joint compound do all metallic surfaces that make contact with the antenna or mounting adapter
if possible use an insulating plastic or rubber sleeve between a steel mast and the aluminum adapter.

WARNING:
Do not place the antenna anywhere there is a source of heat or fumes such as the ship’s exhaust.

Antenna installation is critical for optimum performance of your Iridium service.

Installation Guidelines

To ensure maximum performance of the antenna system and to maximise availability and reliability of service the antenna must;

have a clear line of site to the sky
be clear and free of obstructions
be clear of metal objects
be located away from other transmitting devices
be securely affixed in location
not be located indoors
be installed in conjunction with a certified cable

Installing Antenna Cables

When installing antenna cables, follow these guidelines:

Route and restrain cables to prevent them from vibrating or moving under normal conditions, which could result in damage to the antenna or the coaxial cable connections.
Wherever the cables contact structures, protect the cables from chafing or abrasion. If a cable needs to be bent, avoid kinking it, and ensure that each bend radius follows the cable supplier limits.
Use coaxial sealant, shrink-wrap tubing, electrical tape, or another suitable product to seal all cable connections appropriately to prevent moisture and corrosion damage from weather exposure.
Mount all antennas vertically and clear of nearby metal obstructions
Minimize horizontal obstructions as much as possible because they can create areas of poor system coverage.

Installation Options
The antenna system is suitable for marine and fixed applications and is designed to meet Iridium System performance requirements when installed according to the instructions in this guide.

Cable Length Requirements

To meet Iridium performance requirements and comply with FCC regulations, care must be taken to use the appropriate total RF cable length. Your antenna distributor should provide the appropriate cable.

Outside/Above Deck

Bring the long RF cable to the top of the pole or mast.
Feed the cable though the mounting bracket and attach the TNC connector to the antenna.
Insert the Mounting Screws to fasten the mounting bracket to the antenna.
Place the mounting bracket over the pole and tighten the set screws.

Inside/Below Deck

Attach the Type N connector from the long RF cable to the bias box.
Attach the short RF cable to the bias box and the docking station.
Connect DC power (9 to 36 VDC, 30W) to bias box.

SUPPORT

BEAM Communications Pty Ltd
8 Anzed Court, Mulgrave
Victoria, 3170, AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 3 8588 4500
Fax: +61 3 9560 9055
Info: info@beamcommunications.com
Support: support@beamcommunications.com
Iridium Active Antenna Kit Contents www.beamcommunications.com