Customized Southern Avionics NDB System Implementation for Vessels

The Client

The client is a non-profit organization that operates a series of small yachts for marine research and environmental work.

The client came to Southern Avionics in need of a marine NDB system for their new yacht. Southern Avionics usually follows a routine procedure to install, configure, and test all of the components of a marine NDB system. However, after assessing the needs of the client Southern Avionics engineered a custom solution to guarantee optimized performance and beacon range.

The Challenge

The client recently purchased a yacht and wanted to install an NDB for the helicopter-landing pad to provide safe navigation to supply the vessel without returning to port. The client wanted to install the NDB on the vessel near the helideck, but the antenna would be too close to the water to effectively send out a strong enough signals for navigation. The transmitter needed a vertical radiator instead of the conventional helideck antenna.

The Solution

Due to the limited space on deck, Southern Avionics’ engineers designed a custom solution for the client. The team adapted a helideck antenna into a slanted-T (or long wire antenna) to hang from the sail mast. This included insulators to boost the beacon signal and spring loading devices to give the antenna the flexibility it needs to move with the mast as sails are raised or lowered.

With the new antenna in place the NDB system is now able to provide safe and reliable navigation to the vessel.

If you are having similar concerns, please contact techdept@southernavionics.com or complete the form on this page.