Page 51: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (December 1985)

ELECTRONIC

UPDATE

Magnavox Introduces New Generation

SatCom And New GPS/Transit

SatNav Receivers

New Generation SatCom

The first of a new generation of marine satellite communications terminals has been introduced by

Magnavox Advanced Products and

Systems Company (Torrance, CA).

The new Magnavox MX 2400 Inte- grated SatCom Terminal incorpo- rates virtually every capability of earlier generation equipment plus 16 new communication functions.

Also included as standard equip- ment are many of the optional capa- bilities available at extra cost on earlier INMARSAT terminals. Fur- ther, Magnavox reports the new sys- tem incorporates provisions for vir- tually all of INMARSAT'S and

IMO's planned future capabilities including those for the Future Glob- al Maritime Distress and Safety

System (FGMDSS).

The new terminal consists of a single, compact below-decks pack- age combining the CRT workstation and the communication electronics into one space-saving unit. To re- duce installation costs there are no separate power supplies or junction boxes. The below decks unit con- nects via an easily routed V-z -inch diameter cable to a compact anten- na weighing less than 100 kilograms (209 pounds).

Cost savings extend to system op- eration with a built-in electronic mail capability to reduce traffic charges. A message length calcula- tion feature helps to determine the cost of telex and electronic mail modes prior to transmission so that the most economical mode can be selected. With the addition of only a standard modem, text can be sent and received at up to 2,400 words per minute. Using an external word processor or computer text, data can be transferred at up to 9,600 bps.

In addition, the MX 2400 in- cludes Remote Access File Transfer (RAFT)®, a feature which allows a shore operator to obtain specified ship's files from any telex machine or by electronic mail. The MX 2400 also incorporates the IMO Automat- ic Distress Message Generator to be required in the FGMDSS. Pressing one button on board ship notifies a designated shore telex of a distress or emergency situation, providing complete notification including the

I.D. number, name, position, speed and heading of the vessel.

System management features of the MX 2400 include dual telephone circuits providing for two levels of user service and directing incoming data and voice calls to separate com- munications devices on the vessel.

User access codes can be used to prevent unauthorized outgoing calls and to log all calls by user name.

Daily traffic summary reports fur- nish a permanent record of all calls and messages.

Throughout, the Magnavox Sat-

Com is designed for easy use. All operator selections are made from concise menus displayed on the

CRT. Word processing functions provide convenient on-screen mes- sage preparation, storage and trans- mission. Many operating features are automated. For instance contin- uous clock, calendar and tracking of ship's heading during a power fail- ure eliminates the need to reinitial- ize the system after a power out- age.

The phone user dials from a stan- dard keypad telephone for all outgo- ing calls. The same telephone key- pad can be used to control primary system functions, including selec- tion of satellite and coast earth sta- tion. A synthesized voice response provides automatic and positive verification that keypad commands have been properly executed.

For users requiring other commu- nications modes, the system draws on a wealth of commercially avail- able equipment choices. Standard (continued)

Magnavox MX2400 Integrated Satcon Terminal

INTEGRATED

SATCOM

TERMINAL

When only the best nill do...

December, 1985 Circle 169 on Reader Service Card 51