FURUNO IC-115 Inmarsat-C Antenna
FURUNO
New product
Manufacturer: FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin: Japan
Model: IC-115
Product Type: Inmarsat-C Antenna Unit
Compatible System: FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station
Antenna Connector: TNC
Approximate Weight: 1.4 kg
Marine Application: GMDSS Inmarsat-C satellite communications, distress and safety communications, EGC reception, ship-to-shore messaging and SSAS-related communication when incorporated into the appropriate FELCOM 15 system.
FURUNO's FELCOM 15 documentation identifies the IC-115 Antenna Unit together with the IC-215 Terminal Unit, IC-315 Junction Box, IC-305 Distress Alert/Received Call Unit and IC-306 Alarm Unit as major parts of the FELCOM 15 installation.
The FURUNO service documentation gives the IC-115 a diameter of approximately 156 mm, height of approximately 258 mm, weight of approximately 1.4 kg, and a TNC antenna connector.
The FURUNO IC-115 is the above-deck satellite antenna used with the FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station.
Its job is critical: it provides the RF link between the ship's FELCOM 15 terminal and the Inmarsat satellite network. Without a healthy antenna, cable and RF connection, the terminal may power up normally yet fail to log into the satellite network, transmit messages or reliably receive EGC information.
The IC-115 forms part of a system used for marine satellite communications including distress alerting, Enhanced Group Call reception, ship-to-shore digital messaging, polling and data reporting. FURUNO's FELCOM 15 system documentation clearly shows the IC-115 as the standard antenna unit.
The IC-115 is not a GPS antenna and not a conventional VHF antenna. It is an Inmarsat-C satellite communication antenna assembly designed specifically for use with the FELCOM 15.
In a normal installation:
IC-115 Antenna → Antenna Cable → IC-215 Terminal Unit → Shipboard communication/GMDSS peripherals
The antenna receives satellite signals and supports transmission from the FELCOM terminal back through the Inmarsat network.
Because Inmarsat-C is a two-way satellite service, the antenna system must perform reliably in both receive and transmit directions.
FURUNO's service manual shows that the antenna contains dedicated internal electronics, including:
These internal assemblies are important when diagnosing an IC-115 that has correct cabling but still cannot communicate properly.
The IC-115 is specifically documented as the antenna unit for the FURUNO FELCOM 15 system.
The service manual gives approximate physical dimensions of Ø156 × 258 mm, making it compact compared with mechanically stabilized broadband satellite antennas.
The antenna uses a TNC connector, an important detail when sourcing replacement cables, connectors or exchange antenna units.
The IC-115 contains its own RF and antenna circuitry rather than being only a passive plastic radome. The service documentation identifies the 16P0206 ANT B and 16P0207 ANT RF boards.
The antenna is intended for mast or exposed deck installation and includes dedicated grounding and waterproofing procedures in FURUNO's installation instructions.
FURUNO's FELCOM 15 installation documentation lists antenna cable arrangements for approximately 30 m, 50 m and 100 m installations, with cable type varying by length.
The white upper cover protects the satellite antenna and RF electronics from the marine environment.
Cracking, impact damage or degraded sealing can allow moisture into the antenna and eventually damage the RF boards.
The FURUNO service manual identifies the internal antenna element inside the IC-115 assembly.
The ANT RF Board handles radio-frequency functions within the antenna and is listed by FURUNO as a shippable internal assembly.
The ANT B Board is another major internal PCB within the IC-115 antenna.
The RF cable connects at the bottom of the antenna through a TNC-type connector.
FURUNO's installation procedure describes mounting the antenna to a suitable pipe and specifies mechanical fastening, cable routing and waterproofing.
The installation manual requires the antenna ground wire to be connected between the antenna ground terminal and the ship's grounding point.
The IC-115 is used wherever a vessel maintains a FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C installation.
Typical vessel types include:
Through the complete FELCOM 15 system, the antenna supports communication functions such as:
GMDSS distress communications, EGC SafetyNET-type reception, ship-to-shore messages, polling, position/data reporting and compatible SSAS applications.
This is one of the most common situations where the antenna system should be checked.
Possible causes include:
A terminal that powers up normally does not prove that the satellite antenna path is healthy.
If the system logs in and then drops out intermittently, inspect the antenna cable and connectors carefully.
Marine vibration and corrosion can produce intermittent RF continuity that may not be obvious during a simple visual inspection.
Also inspect the antenna for signs of moisture entry.
A marginal RF path can sometimes behave differently during receiving and transmitting.
Check:
A qualified GMDSS technician should perform RF-level testing rather than repeatedly transmitting test traffic without proper procedure.
If the FELCOM terminal is logged in but expected EGC traffic is not received, do not automatically condemn the IC-115.
Check:
The antenna is only one part of the complete reception chain.
Water ingress is a serious problem.
FURUNO's installation procedure specifically requires heat-shrink tubing, silicone sealant, self-bonding tape and vinyl tape around RF connections and antenna-base interfaces.
If these seals deteriorate, moisture can reach the connector or internal electronics.
Saltwater contamination around the TNC connector can cause:
Where severe corrosion exists, both the antenna connector and cable end should be evaluated.
The service manual identifies the IC-115's internal 16P0206 ANT B and 16P0207 ANT RF boards. Failure of either board can cause communication problems even when the cable is good.
Internal PCB repair should be undertaken only by personnel familiar with marine satellite RF equipment.
Cracks or impact damage can compromise environmental protection.
Even when the antenna continues working initially, moisture ingress may lead to progressive PCB corrosion.
The IC-115 deserves regular visual inspection because it is permanently exposed to weather, vibration, salt spray and UV radiation.
Check the following:
FURUNO specifically instructs installers to apply silicone sealing and wrap RF/mounting interfaces with self-bonding and vinyl tape.
The antenna cable should also be secured so that its weight does not pull directly on the antenna connector.
After antenna replacement or cable work, the complete FELCOM 15 system should be tested in accordance with approved GMDSS procedures.
The FELCOM 15 is an older Inmarsat-C platform, but many vessels continue maintaining existing installations because the system can be deeply integrated with GMDSS alarms, printers, junction boxes, distress controls, navigation inputs and SSAS equipment.
Replacing only a defective IC-115 may therefore be simpler than replacing the complete shipboard communication system, provided the existing installation remains acceptable under applicable class, flag-state and GMDSS requirements.
The IC-115 also remains available in the marine replacement market as used or reconditioned equipment specifically for FELCOM 15 installations.
For a new installation, however, a current type-approved Inmarsat-C system should generally be considered. FURUNO's modern range now includes newer platforms such as the FELCOM20.
It is the Inmarsat-C antenna unit used with the FURUNO FELCOM 15 Mobile Earth Station.
No. The IC-115 is an Inmarsat-C satellite communication antenna. This is important because a FURUNO GP-39 GPS antenna is a completely different item.
The IC-115 is paired with the IC-215 Terminal Unit in the FELCOM 15 system.
FURUNO's service documentation identifies a TNC antenna connector.
Approximately 156 mm diameter × 258 mm high.
Approximately 1.4 kg according to the service manual.
FURUNO lists:
16P0206 – ANT B Board
16P0207 – ANT RF Board.
Potentially yes, if it is correctly tested and confirmed compatible with the existing FELCOM 15 installation. Connector, cable, terminal condition and regulatory requirements should all be verified before installation.
Possible causes include antenna failure, antenna cable damage, water ingress, connector corrosion, poor grounding or a fault in the IC-215 terminal/RF circuitry.
FURUNO IC-115 Inmarsat-C Antenna Unit is the dedicated marine satellite antenna for the FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station. The compact above-deck antenna uses a TNC RF connection and incorporates internal 16P0206 ANT B and 16P0207 ANT RF circuit boards. It supports the FELCOM 15's GMDSS, EGC, distress, messaging and data communication functions through the Inmarsat-C network.
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Contact Information
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