What is 3G? a terrestrial network of transmitters operating on different frequencies such as 2100mHz and 850mHz (Telstra) What equipment is

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2 What is 3G? a terrestrial network of transmitters operating on different frequencies such as 2100mHz and 850mHz (Telstra) What equipment is available? Modems operating on 12volts that accept SIM cards (Pay as you go included) Antennas can be masthead or push-pit however cable run is an issue. (6.5db better than 9db antenna due to signal shape 9db results in signal being lost in water when heeled) Cable for masthead antennas is much heavier (thickness of finger) than that used on VHF so stern mounting is preferred. Once mast height gets much over 40/50 feet the size of cable and cable run with its losses almost makes push-pit more effective (RFI antenna) Usual cable run is up to 5 metres. Mounting to avoid water is extremely important as the equipment is not waterproof Modems are similar to household modems in that they create a wireless network to connect with. Modem can have telephone handset attached and network cables (if desired) Telstra Sierra cards can be used with limited reception or iphone 4 as a network modem but they don t have sufficient output power to maintain a connection when range increases. With a mini antenna can be boosted to around 6.5db from 3db (typical) to get some extra range. Limited 5 metre run on cable from small fly lead. What kind of coverage can I expect? Depends on the antennas and direction they point. Many Telstra 3G are omnidirectional some others are directional such as those around cities which may face in rather than to the coast. 40NM can be expected with Telstra as a general rule with Pushpit antenna Is it expensive? About $1000 will include modem, antenna, cables and installation 2

3 What is Inmarsat? Inmarsat is a commercial satellite network of 4 Geostationary satellites providing global coverage (depending on which equipment is used) What equipment is available? Equipment that exists Inmarsat A,B,C, D, Mini M, Fleet 33, 55, 77 however this is old technology. Modern equipment fitted includes Fleet Broadband 150, 250 and 550 with smaller domes and reasonably high data transfer Inmarsat I Phone also available which is similar to Iridium and compact What equipment is suitable? Suitability is cost/size dependant and many ships have the 250 system, with 150 better for yachts. Dome size of 150 about 2 litres in volume so small. What are the installation costs? Subscription / download costs? $12 per MB is typical download coast How fast is it? Fleet Broadband 150 will provide about 150bits (slowest 3G is 3072bits or 3meg) What are the software requirements? Software requirements avoid Vista - Windows NT is good. Disconnect ALL automatic updates and disable auto-connection to web. Try to have homepage as the page you wish to view and NOT a search engine or page. Use OUTLOOK to get GRIB files to avoid entering your box. What are the safety benefits? Safety benefits are reliable global communications and distress calling 3

4 What is Iridium? A global network of Satellites commercially operated providing good voice communications What equipment is available? Hand sets are most common and can have a cradle to connect to computer. What kind of coverage can I expect? Global What costs are involved? How fast is the connection? Data transfer is extremely slow however voice is good What safety benefits are derived from it? Safety benefits are having a waterproof phone you can take in the liferaft. Telstra sell these: Iridium 9555 Package This $1695 (GST incl.) package includes: Iridium 9555 Handset High Capacity Battery Personal Handsfree USB Data Cable Leather Case Iridium Portable Auxilary Antenna and Adaptor AC Charger with International Plug Kit 4

5 NOT covered during session 5

6 What facilities are currently provided by AIS? Identification of other vessels for collision avoidance or communication, distress, AIS SART detection, AIS MOB device detection and in future Navigational aids such as psuedo targets What equipment is available? Class A and B receivers / transceivers Do I need to Transmit (and) receive? Not necessarily Can I use my existing antenna? Yes, AIS utilises the VHF waveband and you can utilise the existing VHF antenna via a splitter although separate is better. The higher the mounting the better. How much does it cost? $1500 for a Class B Transceiver less for receive only What is the difference between Class A & B? Class A is commercial. Class B recreational. Class A will show the ten closest Class A targets (or the strongest signals) and this can result in Class B targets rarely showing up on the display. Class B can be receivers or transceivers. 6

7 Future use of AIS 7

8 Future use of AIS 8

9 Cost driven Panasonic Toughbooks now available second-hand for $400. All components connected with flexible connectors and completely shockproof + waterproof. Alternatively keep replacing the laptop. Avoid Vista if possible XP is good for interfacing 9