To ensure the most reliable and consistent connection possible, PredictWind recommends customers purchase and install the Iridium GO! exec Single Mode Antenna LITE Kit (No GNSS). This only has one Iridium satellite antenna and does not include an additional GPS antenna.
This antenna is included as part of the PredictWind Iridium Go! exec™ Complete Package, or is available separately in the Iridium GO! exec antenna kit.
Iridium also offers a Premium Dual Mode Antenna Kit (with GNSS), which includes a GPS antenna. PredictWind does not stock this as the GO! exec GPS cannot report a tracking position at all. PredictWind designed and recommends the DataHub for the GO! exec to enable automatic and seamless GPS tracking.
If you have decided not to purchase the external antenna, skip this step and continue to Step 10 - How to use the PredictWind Offshore App.
Installation Overview
It is recommended that, prior to installation, you pre-test the complete setup. This can be done on a bench at home or on the boat's deck away from the harbour 1NM to avoid the radio frequency interference of marinas and port authorities. Connect all the components to test everything works.
The external antenna needs to be mounted outside where it has the best possible view of the sky and horizon with minimal obstruction to get the best Iridium signal. It must also be clear of metal objects, above and away from other transmitting devices.
Iridium has been very careful to specify the cable length for the LMR 400 Iridium GO! exec antenna cable at its maximum of 5 metres / 16 feet. Carefully consider the cable path and where the GO! exec can be mounted in a dry location, inside the vessel, close to a power source.
PredictWind recommends installing the antenna on the pushpit of your vessel. If on a yacht, we recommend installing the antenna near the pushpit area, above solar panels and not on the yacht mast.
The thick, black coaxial cable is not designed to be bent around any hard corners; it has a 25mm minimum radius.
With the GO! exec and external antenna well mounted, you can use any length of ethernet cable to connect the DataHub to the Iridium GO! exec. The DataHub will become the Wi-Fi hotspot to which you can connect all your devices.
Avoid mounting the external antenna near any radar that is 4KW or higher. If mounting near a radar, please mount the external antenna above the radar.
VHF antennas will not cause signal interference, but they mustn't be obstructing the Iridium GO! antenna's view of the sky/horizon.
If you have a GPS receiver, it is important to mount the external antenna with at least a 1-meter separation between the two.
Avoid mounting the antenna within 2 meters / 6.5 feet of a wind generator, as it may cause electrical interference.
Installation Steps
Bracket mounting
Install the Mast/Rail mounting bracket within the 5-meter proximity to a pole or rail. The U-bolts can fit a pole or rail with a 30-60mm diameter.
The antenna must not be mounted in a location any person would be within the minimum safe distance of 20cm / 8 inches during radio transmission.
With the antenna mount bracket securely in place, refer to the image below:
Feed one end of the passive antenna cable through the base of the bracket (A, B).
Feed the cable through the antenna base plate (C).
Screw the antenna base to the bracket as in (D).
Attach the black rubber seal provided to the base plate(C)
Insert the satellite cable through the antenna base.
Connect the SAT antenna cable connector (TNC-M) to the antenna connector1 (TNC-F) and hand-tighten it.
Screw the antenna base to the antenna housing using screws and the Allen key provided.
To prevent the cable from moving, use the cable ties provided to fasten it tight along the pole or rail path at both the antenna end and Iridium GO! exec end.
Connecting the antenna cable, adaptor and connector
Protect the 15cm Iridium GO! exec cable adaptor from damage using cable ties to secure it at the GO! exec end and tighten the satellite cable to any mounting equipment used. It is essential to make sure the gap between the cable connector and the satellite connector is close enough so that the cable adaptor is not stressed at any point when connected.
The external satellite antenna connector is found directly next to the device's internal antenna.
Be careful when connecting the GO! exec cable adaptor to the GO! exec Ext. Satellite Connector as it is very delicate.
Use coaxial sealant, shrink-wrap tubing, electrical tape or another suitable product to seal all cable connections appropriately to prevent moisture and corrosion damage from weather exposure.
Example GO exec antenna installation, flat-mounted
The below example shows a well-mounted External Antenna connected to a flat-mounted GO! exec in its bracket, with USB power wired into the boat. This ideal setup will achieve consistent, strong coverage for the GO exec offshore. Click the image to enlarge it in a new window.
When you have your external antenna connected, on the touchscreen and in the Iridium GO exec App, it will show this by displaying EXT in the top left corner.
Move on to Step 9
You are now ready to move on to Step 9 - Configure your GO! exec to use an external antenna.
Quick Tips
Download Installation Guide
To review the full antenna, cable and kit specifications or official installation instructions, please see: Iridium GO! exec Single Mode Antenna Lite Kit (NO GNSS) installation guide.