Inmarsat C
FOXBORO
Refurbished
Manufacturer: FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin: Japan
Model: FELCOM 15
Product Type: Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station
Main Terminal Unit: IC-215
Antenna Unit: IC-115
Junction Box: IC-315
Marine Application: GMDSS distress and safety communication, EGC reception, ship-to-shore messaging, data reporting and maritime satellite communication.
The equipment shown in the supplied photograph is a FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C system, including the characteristic IC-115 antenna and shipboard operator terminal. FURUNO's documentation identifies the FELCOM 15 as an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station designed for marine satellite communications.
The FURUNO FELCOM 15 is a professional marine Inmarsat-C satellite communication system widely installed aboard merchant vessels as part of GMDSS and ship-to-shore communication arrangements.
Inmarsat-C is primarily a store-and-forward digital messaging system. Unlike broadband satellite terminals, it is optimized for reliable low-data-rate communications such as operational messages, distress communications, EGC broadcasts, data reporting and polling.
The FELCOM 15 can operate with a dedicated terminal, keyboard and printer arrangement, while GMDSS installations can include distress-alert and received-call units, alarm equipment and backup power arrangements.
The model is now a legacy FURUNO platform, but FURUNO UK still maintains a dedicated FELCOM-15 documentation page containing operator and installation manuals.
FELCOM 15 is an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station designed to communicate through the Inmarsat satellite network.
A typical shipboard message passes from the FELCOM terminal through the satellite network and then to terrestrial communication infrastructure before reaching its destination.
The system can support functions such as:
FURUNO's newer Inmarsat-C systems retain essentially the same core application categories—email, telex, EGC, data reporting and polling—which shows the long-standing operational role of this equipment class in marine communication.
The FELCOM 15 provides digital satellite communication for vessels operating far beyond terrestrial radio or cellular coverage.
The system can form part of a vessel's Global Maritime Distress and Safety System configuration when installed with the required approved peripherals.
Enhanced Group Call enables vessels to receive broadcast safety information addressed to geographic areas or vessel groups.
The FELCOM 15 supports dedicated distress operation. Its operator documentation describes the DISTRESS control as intended for transmission when a life-threatening emergency exists aboard the vessel.
FELCOM 15 systems could be configured for Ship Security Alert System applications using the IC-307 SSAS Alert Unit and compatible software/configuration.
Service documentation shows that the FELCOM 15 supports shipboard LAN connectivity, allowing received messages to be handled by compatible PCs on the onboard network.
The operator manual states that the unit performs an automatic self-check when powered on, helping identify basic system faults.
The IC-215 is the main processing and operator terminal of the FELCOM 15.
It handles system operation, message management, Inmarsat network functions and communication with connected peripherals.
The terminal works with an external keyboard, allowing crew members to prepare and transmit text messages and configure system functions.
The white-and-blue IC-115 is the above-deck satellite antenna visible in the supplied photograph.
The antenna must be mounted in a suitable location with a clear view toward the sky and minimum obstruction from masts, funnels and other structures.
FURUNO's installation manual identifies the IC-315 Junction Box as part of the FELCOM 15 system. It provides connection points for peripheral and GMDSS-related equipment.
The IC-305 provides dedicated distress-related control and received-call indication for GMDSS configurations.
The IC-306 Alarm Unit provides audible/visual notification of applicable received calls or alarm conditions.
The installation documentation identifies the PR-240-CE as an optional AC/DC power supply for installations using vessel AC mains.
A compatible printer can be integrated into the installation to provide hard-copy records of received messages and safety information.
FELCOM 15 systems have been widely used aboard:
Bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, general cargo vessels, passenger ships, offshore vessels and other SOLAS-class merchant vessels.
Typical applications include GMDSS distress communication, EGC maritime safety information, ship-to-shore operational communication, voyage reporting, company messaging, position reporting, polling and security-alert applications.
For ships operating internationally, satellite communication equipment such as Inmarsat-C provides an important communication channel independent of terrestrial infrastructure.
Check:
If proper supply voltage reaches the IC-215 but the terminal remains dead, internal power circuitry may require specialist inspection.
Possible causes include:
Inspect the antenna and cabling before replacing the terminal.
Check the terminal's network login state and vessel position information.
EGC distribution can depend on geographic addressing, so invalid position data or an incorrect operational setup may affect reception of relevant safety messages.
FELCOM 15 installations may use internal or external position information depending on configuration.
Check:
If the GPS receiver itself is working but position does not appear at the FELCOM terminal, investigate the data interface first.
Inspect the antenna and its cable carefully.
Typical marine-environment problems include:
Older FELCOM 15 units may develop:
The photograph supplied for this article shows a terminal displaying an “Invalid file name” message. This type of message is generally a user/file-management error rather than proof of a satellite RF failure.
The FELCOM 15 service documentation describes network operation using onboard PCs and Ethernet settings. If shipboard PCs cannot access terminal messages, check IP configuration, Ethernet cabling and network settings.
Any fault involving GMDSS distress capability requires immediate attention.
Repairs, configuration changes and functional verification should be performed according to approved GMDSS procedures by qualified marine radio personnel.
The FELCOM 15 should be included in routine GMDSS and communication-equipment inspection.
Periodically verify:
Above-deck antenna connectors deserve special attention because saltwater, condensation and weather exposure can gradually degrade RF performance.
The terminal and associated electronics should remain clean, dry and adequately ventilated.
Never initiate an actual distress transmission simply to test the equipment. GMDSS testing must follow the manufacturer's procedures and the vessel's approved operating procedures.
The FELCOM 15 is a legacy system, but many vessels still encounter it because Inmarsat-C installations are often deeply integrated with GMDSS, navigation inputs, alarm equipment, printers and security systems.
Replacing an entire installation can therefore involve:
For an existing installation, sourcing a tested IC-215 terminal, IC-115 antenna, IC-315 junction box, IC-305 distress unit or other compatible spare part may therefore be practical where permitted by the vessel's class, flag and equipment-approval requirements.
FURUNO now markets newer generations such as FELCOM18 and FELCOM20 for current Inmarsat-C applications.
It is an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station designed for shipboard satellite data, distress and safety communication.
It was manufactured by FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd., Japan.
The main terminal is IC-215.
The FELCOM 15 installation documentation identifies the IC-115 Antenna Unit.
IC-315 is the Junction Box used to connect compatible FELCOM 15 peripherals.
Yes. The FELCOM 15 was designed for GMDSS-capable Inmarsat-C installations when installed with the required approved equipment.
Compatible FELCOM 15 configurations support SSAS functions using equipment such as the IC-307 alert unit.
Yes. Service documentation describes Ethernet/LAN operation with one or multiple onboard PCs.
It is a legacy model. FURUNO's present product range includes newer Inmarsat-C systems such as FELCOM18 and FELCOM20.
FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station is a professional marine satellite communication system designed for GMDSS and general ship-to-shore digital communication. Major components include the IC-215 Terminal Unit, IC-115 Antenna Unit, IC-315 Junction Box and optional IC-305/IC-306 GMDSS alarm equipment. The system supports Inmarsat-C messaging, EGC reception, distress communication, reporting, polling and compatible SSAS functions.
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