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Random Quote: Nobody likes a Redneck, until their car breaks down -- BUGBUSTER
This weekend I exchanged the old light mast I had just installed on my boat for a new one because I needed to install the Satellite telephone antenna on it. An option for the Iridium 9555 phone is a marine antenna. I thought it would be good to add it so that we can receive calls in addition to just using it as an outgoing phone. Obviously, you can't get a satellite signal on it unless it is out of the electronics box and has a clear view to the sky.
Nautical Creations had me a new mast designed and delivered in no time, and I think it turned out pretty good. If the seas don't hurry up and lay down I'm going to run out of stuff to do to the boat!
My old one was aluminum and looked like this...
I had the new one painted white and here are the photos...
I mounted my antena on the hard top, but the cable sure is stiff that connects the phone. It would be nice if Irridium offered a coiled wire (like a vhf mike cord). Did you find a work around for this?
Yes, I found a workaround. You can't use the marine cable. You have to order the "aviation" cable. It's super thin and very pliable. In fact that thin cable you see coming out of the back of the antenna making that sharp curve is it.
In other words, to do it right, you need the MARINE antenna and the AVIATION cable. Go figure.
Satcom Direct told me 75% of the marine cables they sell are returned for that reason. They are ridiculously hard to use. I sent mine back.... i only wish they would have told me that from the beginning!
i have used an iridium sat phone for a few years now in my center console. I wrestled with adding a mast mount antenna but instead have used the magnetic puck antenna on the top (I add a small metal plate underneath) and I leave the phone on all the time offshore. This has worked great for me with no problems with reception. as a matter of fact I can leave the standard attached antenna on and it "sees" fine thru my t top so I frequently do not even attach the puck antenna. I just have the phone in a cradle with suction cups that I attach next to my compass. works fine, but no doubt your mount would be better all around.
MissTrial: I am not near my boat or I would take a pic,but it is a simple clamp on to any cell/sat/ipod bracket with a strong suction cup on the back, the suction cup has a lever that adds a little more ummph to the suction. I bought the thing at Walmart for around $25 and it works like a champ.
Added my Satellite Telephone Antenna...
