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Chapter 2 Below Deck Unit (BDU) Install
The BDU is generally located in an area accessible by the operator and protected from
water/spray. The ADU is generally located in a position to give clear line of sight to the
satellite and to avoid exposure of microwave radiation to personnel.
Basic BDU installation
procedure
The basic installation procedure is as follows:
1. Ensure that the BDU is located inside the vessel in a position that is protected
from salt water/spray/heat and attached to something structurally solid. Locations
that vibrate will degrade performance. Note: The BDU is not waterproof.
2. Determine the power cable routing from the BDU to the power source.
3. Determine an RF cable routing from the BDU to the ADU. The ADU will need to
be mounted so that it has a 360
of personnel on the boat (side and top surfaces).
4. Perform the installation of the BDU per the instructions below.
Installation notes
1. Use the correct gauge of wire for both Positive and Negative wires to ensure a
minimal voltage drop under load. Suggested wire size: 14 AWG: up to 8m (26ft),
12 AWG: up to 12m (40ft), 10 AWG: up to 20m (65ft).
2. The power must be connected to a fused 12 or 24Vdc power source. The unit is
fused, but a 15A or greater fuse is required in the source to protect against shorts
in the cabling. If connecting to a circuit in a DC panel that is already in use,
ensure that the circuit can supply the unit with up to 15A for a 12V installation or
7.5A for a 24V installation.
3. Use cable ties every 300 – 450mm (12"-18").
4. BDU - Ground the chassis ground bolt to a nearby vessel RF ground point with a
wire 8 AWG or larger.
5. Whenever routing cable through holes drilled in metal or through bulkheads, use
grommets and RTV sealant to weatherproof all holes drilled on the outside of the
vessel.
6. Always provision the wiring into the BDU with a drip loop.
7. With the exception of the BDU-to-antenna RF cable, do not route the power
cable outside the vessel.
8.
BDU MUST NOT be mounted closer than 1.0 m (3.3 ft) to a Magnetic Compass,
Fluxgate Compass or other heading device
o
clear view of the sky and is not within one meter
– it is strongly recommended that any
Below Deck Unit (BDU)
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