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Feature

Comms mal: a satellite communications antenna. Operationally it just needs an active airtime account. Collins said that with

KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband satellite network “each ves- sel can choose a particular airtime package, i.e., amount of data, for their needs, such as email, crew Internet, etc.”

Satellite Industry Association

Noise ? ghting algorithms

Crew communication is another area in which technol- ogy is making striking advances, particularly in dif? cult environments. Consider David Clark Company’s digital intercom systems designed for the high-speed, small boat market, where unbroken communication is vital, e.g., po- lice interdiction, search and rescue and ? re? ghting.

When Zodiac ZH out? tted its 1300 OB Hurricane in- terceptor it chose David Clark’s 9100 system because of its versatility and ease of use, and it provides full intercom and radio functions into each user’s headset. Indeed, the Hur- ricane’s four 350 HP Mercury outboards make for a very noisy workplace. The 9100 headsets effectively block the noise but still allow communication.

“The 9100 series uses SMART VOX technology that adapts to background noise in real time,” explained Bob

Daigle, systems manager with David Clark Company. Al-

Therese Jones, Senior Director of gorithms distinguish noise from speech, for instantaneous and effective mic control with no manual adjustments.

Policy for the Satellite Industry “The Series 9100 is easy to con? gure and operate,”

Association, said new satellite

Daigle commented. A simple user interface, accessible via laptop computer, allows crews to program individual user communications services are access, talk and listen, for intercom and each radio on the continuously coming online. system, including priority settings. As necessary, say, when boarding another vessel, crews can reconnect a headset to a

Technology is edging towards a wireless belt station to maintaining communication. world of 5G and IoT maritime “The 9100 offers ? exibility and redundancy,” Daigle explained further. “For example, a coxswain on a police applications, Jones said. “These interdiction boat would want a wired headset station in services,” she added, “may allow order to provide remote push-to-talk switches on a throttle for autonomous vessels, and control, so as to key a radio without taking one hand off the steering wheel.” connected IoT sensors may be used

Wireless is reliable up to 100 meters; however, in optimal for different applications from fuel line-of-sight conditions the range can reach up to 500 meters.

sensors to monitoring emissions,

Engineering evolution or real-time performance

Another technology being developed for expanded com- munications is VHS Data Exchange System (VDES). In evaluation of vessels.” 30 | MN June 2022