Ian Waugh - A Mariner\'s Guide to Marine Communications

Inmarsat-C operation and controls

The main components (and associated controls) of an Inmarsat-C
installation are:

1 The antenna: a small (approximately 2kg in weight) omnidirectional
antenna - should be mounted clear of all obstructions; not at the
same level as radar or other radio/satcom transmitting antennas and
have all-round visibility which meets Inmarsat specifications.
2 Transceiver: the Inmarsat-C transceiver may be separate units (as
shown on the right) or part of a combined communications unit. There
will normally be a power-on/off button, and either one or two Distress
Buttons (see 7 below).
3 Messaging Terminal: the messaging terminal may be a separate unit
(below right) with it's own power on/offbutton and floppy-disk drive;
or may be part of a communications unit - combining the transceiver
and messaging terminals into a single unit. Alternatively - a normal
computer may be used as the messaging terminal (but this computer
must be dedicated to the Inmarsat-C system and should not be used
for any other purpose).

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Inmarsat-C installation (two types)

MARINE COMMUNICATIONS 159