Marine stabilized multiband satellite terminal

The need to provide high speed data to and from vessels at sea provides a challenging design task for the satellite professional. The task of stabilizing the antenna mount on a moving platform as well as the capability to operate on more than one frequency band presents multiple challenges to the terminal designer. A team of companies have joined together to design and produce the next generation in marine stabilized multiband satellite communications terminal. Austin Info systems, Inc. (AIS) teamed with Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), Orbit CT&T Marine Division, and Ki Company to produce the 106M4S3 Satellite Terminal. The system consists of a 2.7-meter carbon fiber reflector system using the AIS patented multiband feed technology. The system provides continuous transmit and receive capability in C-band and Ku-band without the need for mechanical changeout of the feed assembly. The C-band is also provided with selectable circular or linear polarization. The system is supplied with dual band satellite electronics. The system uses X over Y pedestal technology to eliminate cable wrap. The system is capable of being provided in a single or dual terminal configuration. A complete monitor and control system is provided from below decks. Although originally designed for operation in C and Ku bands the system is capable of being expanded to provide coverage of other bands including X and Ka bands. This paper provides details of the design and operation of the system.