Satellite PTT for Indoor Operations
A common misconception about satellite PTT is that it only works outside. While it’s true that satellite transceivers require a clear line-of-sight to orbiting satellites, separating the outdoor satellite antenna from the indoor base unit means that satellite PTT can be used inside, providing reliable coverage to internal control rooms and underground sites.
In this article, we explore how Icom satellite PTT can be adapted to indoor locations and integrated with other two-way radio networks.
Dedicated Fixed-Site Terminals
The
IC-SAT100M is a versatile, fixed-mount mobile transceiver designed to bridge the gap between outdoor satellite reception and indoor use. To maintain a clear line-of-sight and overcome structural signal loss, it can be installed to function as an internal base station – connecting teams globally without needing to step outside.
To achieve this, the IC-SAT100M consists of two separate components:
1. Rooftop Antenna Unit:
A compact, weatherproof (1P67 rated) unit which is installed outdoors in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.
2. Comandmic & Control Head: Installed indoors within the control room, providing full push-to-talk capability, group selection and audio control.
Connecting the outdoor antenna to the indoor controller via standard LAN cabling (up to 100 metres) allows operators to use the radio inside interior or underground control rooms without signal degradation. For larger or more complex buildings, introducing a PoE switch extends this distance up to 400 metres.
Alternative Antenna Options
Icom offers dedicated installation hardware to maintain signal integrity over extended distances as well as simple solutions for quick and easy mounting:
AH-40 Mag Mount Antenna: A passive, dual-frequency (Iridium® and GPS/GNSS L1) magnet-mount antenna designed for quick mounting on buildings or vehicles.
AH-41 Active Satellite Antenna System: An active, amplified antenna system featuring separate transmission and reception elements, designed to be permanently mounted on a building.
RP-SAT1 In-Building Satellite Repeater: A device designed to relay Iridium® and GNSS (GPS) satellite signals indoors or inside mobile applications where normal radio coverage is blocked. Ideal for complex multi-story buildings or underground facilities where cable exceeds standard limits.
NB
• The RP-SAT1 does not have FCC certification or CE marking (intended for sale in remote areas of the world that do not have normal communication coverage.) Please check with your local authorities about the sale, installation or use of this product in their area.
• Advisable that only one Iridium® device can be used for transmission at a time. When two or more devices are transmitting at the same time, there could be interference to GPS and/or less than standard signal quality for satellite communications may result.
Integrating Indoor Satellite PTT with Existing Systems
In many operational setups, indoor control staff use existing
PMR or IP network systems to communicate with each other. By pairing the IC-SAT100M with the
VE-PG4 RoIP Gateway, organisations can bridge satellite PTT directly into:
• Local VHF and UHF radio channels (analogue and
IDAS digital).
• Internal IP phone networks or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
• LTE and
IP/Wi-Fi radio systems.
This integration allows a controller operating at an indoor desk to speak simultaneously to localised staff over VHF/UHF and remote teams operating on satellite PTT across the UK or globally.
Benefits of a Fixed-Site Satellite PPT Terminal
For many different types of businesses, using Satellite PTT within an enclosed control room provides a wide variety of benefits that improve their operational efficiency:
Environmental Comfort: Users can manage global field teams from a climate-controlled command centre - particularly useful in very warm or very cold environments.
Cross-Network Integration:
By pairing the IC-SAT100M with the VE-PG4, businesses can keep all their teams connected, regardless of their location of the type of two-way radio technology they are using.
Disaster Recovery:
If infrastructure failures knock out local cellular or terrestrial radio networks, the fixed-site terminal remains completely operational as an independent backup system.
With the
IC-SAT100M,
IC-SAT100 and Icom's range of optional antennas, organisations and businesses can utilise the coverage of the Iridium® satellite network for global communication, without needing to be outside.
Whether maintaining day-to-day operations across remote facilities or securing critical disaster recovery backup, Icom's satellite PTT solutions can be tailored to any environment, so that your teams stay connected - regardless of location or infrastructure.
If you would like more information on how Icom Satellite PTT could work for your business, email your enquiry to
sales@icomuk.co.uk or find more information on our
Satellite PTT home page.
