Antenna Options
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9704 Modem Output characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 1616 MHz to 1626.5 MHz |
| Input / Output Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Average RF power (Conducted i.e. measured at the RF connector) | +32 dBm (1.58W) |
| Peak RF power (Conducted i.e. measured at the RF connector) | +37 dBm (5W) |
In order to comply with the Iridium certification the antenna must:
- be mounted at least 1 metre above the ground or at least 1 metre above any metallic surface that could act as a ground plane.
- have a clear view of the sky.
- be mounted so that the axis of the antenna is pointing vertically upwards.
RockBLOCK PRO-ANT
Supplied with the ACC-HELANT-9704 Maxtena (100-00003-02) already fitted directly to the product end cap.
RockBLOCK PRO-SMA and PRO-OEM versions
For each antenna option, the total loss presented by cables and connectors used between the PRO and antenna must be within the Minimum and Maximum cable loss ranges specified below in order to meet Iridium certification requirements.
The options shown in the table below are based on the following cable and connector loss assumptions for the Iridium 9704 operating frequency range:
LMR240 loss 0.34dB/m
0.1dB per connector.
This page is intended only to act as a guide. Installers are advised to carry out their own calculation and measurement of loss for any RF cable assembly used. 9704 IMT services operate between 1616MHz - 1626.5MHz.
Outside enclosures connectors should have at least an IP66 ingress rating.
In all cases the antenna should be installed pointing vertically at the sky.
PRO-SMA
| 9704 qualified Antenna | MFT Part Number | Gain | Antenna end Connector | PRO-SMA Cable | Min loss | Max loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACC-HELANT-9704 | Maxtena 100-00003-02 | 2.8 dBic (typical) | SMA socket - SMA socket bulkhead adaptor (e.g RS 246-9405) | LMR240 SMA plug to SMA plug, 0.5m maximum | 0dB | 0.25dB |
PRO-OEM
Allowable loss is higher for the OEM version because the cable is connected directly to the PCB mounted MMCX
| 9704 qualified Antenna | MFT Part Number | Gain | PRO-OEM Cable | Min loss | Max loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACC-HELANT-9704 | Maxtena 100-00003-02 | 2.8 dBic (typical) | RG178 MMCX plug to SMA socket (e.g Gradconn CAB497RF-0200-A-1) | 0dB | 0.5dB |
ACC-HELANT-9704 sealing against a bulkhead
The antenna is fitted with an o-ring in the base that acts as a gasket when the antenna is screwed down onto a flat smooth
surface. In order to maintain both a good electrical connection and seal it is important that the dimensions match the drawing
below.
