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CanberraOceanRacingClub / namadgi3

Maintenance management system for Namadgi 3
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IridiumGO - Relocate External Antenna and PredictWind Data Hub #688

Open pcbaston opened 1 year ago

pcbaston commented 1 year ago

After I repaired the IridiumGO antenna, I noted that the new position is still not ideal. It is currently on the top of the pushpit railing inboard. Whilst maneuvering the outboard motor, it is in the way and will get damaged again. Suggest moving to a safer location, on one of the spreaders perhaps - I saw many examples in the marina.

The antenna cable is not fixed into the antenna, but screws in via an RF connecter. IridiumGO base1

Additional cables can be procured or manufactured to appropriate RF spec - see Iridium Go website for Fixed Installation Kit.

May require a Deck mount base - the antenna accepts standard US 1-1/4" threaded tube mounts. Iridium-GO_-Marine-Deck-Mount-Antenna

pcbaston commented 1 year ago

Just found this kit including a new antenna for AU$379

pcbaston commented 1 year ago

Garth Brice has noted that the IridiumGO device should be placed flat with an unobstructed view to the sky. The IridiumGO manual states "Using the external antenna The Iridium GO! device has the ability to connect to an external antenna with the use of adapter cable (both the external antenna and adapter cable are sold separately). The use of an external antenna would allow you to use the device while inside an enclosed area in close proximity to an open view of the sky. The connector on the device is located behind the cover found directly below the device antenna. When an external antenna is connected, you must still raise the device antenna; this action turns the unit on and allows for transmission with the Iridium network, while lowering the device antenna will prevent the device from transmitting. Use of an external antenna will provide connectivity for the Iridium network only and will not provide GPS reception. In order to obtain GPS reception, the Iridium GO! device must be in view of an open sky.

Garth suggested installing a PredictWind Data Hub which has a built-in GPS plus connects to the NMEA2000 databus (where we have an external GPS antenna) to provide additional connectivity and data reporting (such as weather). Ultimately, we need the IridiumGO satellite antenna mounted in a position with an unobstructed view of the sky and where it will not be damaged during normal yacht routines + external mounted GPS antenna that connects to the NMEA2000 bus for complete peace of mind.

smr547 commented 9 months ago

The PredictWind Data Hub and the Iridium Go unit itself may become obsolete if the club decides to purchase a Starlink antenna and data plan. Best to wait and see.