FURUNO IC-115 Inmarsat-C Antenna
FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd.
New product
Manufacturer: FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin: Japan
Exact Model: IC-115
Product Type: Inmarsat-C Antenna Unit
System: FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station
Marine Application: GMDSS, Inmarsat-C satellite communication, EGC reception, distress and safety communication, data messaging and vessel reporting
The equipment shown in the supplied photograph is a FURUNO Inmarsat-C antenna associated with the FELCOM 15 system. The IC-115 is documented by FURUNO as the antenna unit used with the FELCOM 15 Mobile Earth Station.
The FURUNO IC-115 is the above-deck omnidirectional antenna unit of the FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C satellite communication system.
FELCOM 15 was designed as an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station providing distress and general maritime satellite communication services. FURUNO's official operator manual describes the system as consisting principally of an antenna unit and terminal unit, with the IC-115 forming the satellite RF interface.
On GMDSS-equipped vessels, reliable operation of the antenna is particularly important because problems in the antenna, RF electronics, coaxial cable or connectors may prevent the terminal from communicating correctly with the Inmarsat network.
The IC-115 is a compact, weather-exposed antenna unit engineered to transmit and receive the L-band satellite signals used by the FELCOM 15.
According to the FELCOM 15 service documentation, the antenna incorporates an antenna element, hybrid arrangement, reflector and RF electronics. The antenna design is described as FURUNO's DAISY LOOP ANT antenna.
The complete FELCOM 15 system can support Inmarsat-C services including distress communications, EGC messaging, data reporting, polling and general data exchange.
The IC-115 provides omnidirectional satellite coverage, allowing the vessel to maintain communication without mechanically tracking a satellite antenna.
Important characteristics include:
The antenna should be mounted high and clear of obstructions. FURUNO's installation documentation recommends a location clear of stays and radar rotation areas, with adequate unobstructed visibility toward the horizon.
Verified FELCOM 15 specifications include:
| Specification | FURUNO FELCOM 15 / IC-115 |
|---|---|
| Antenna Model | IC-115 |
| Antenna Type | Omnidirectional |
| Transmit Frequency | 1626.5–1646.5 MHz |
| Receive Frequency | 1530.0–1545.0 MHz |
| G/T | Better than -23 dB/K at 5° elevation |
| EIRP | 12–16 dBW at 5° elevation |
| Polarization | Right circular |
| Antenna Environmental Category | Exposed to weather |
| Antenna Waterproofing | IPX6 |
| Above-Deck Temperature | -35°C to +70°C |
| FELCOM 15 Modulation | BPSK |
| Modulation Rate | 1200 sps |
| Transmission Speed | 600 bps |
These specifications are documented for the FELCOM 15 Mobile Earth Station and its IC-115 antenna configuration.
The IC-115 is more than a passive antenna dome. Service documentation identifies internal antenna electronics including:
ANT B Board – 16P0206
FURUNO documentation lists this board under the IC-115 antenna assembly.
ANT RF Board – 16P0207
The RF board handles important transmit/receive RF functions within the antenna.
Verified parts-list references include:
The FELCOM 15 system itself may also include the IC-215 Terminal Unit, IC-315 Junction Box, IC-305 Distress Alert/Received Call Unit, IC-306 Alarm Unit, PR-240-CE AC/DC Power Supply, PP-510 printer and PP-505 EGC printer, depending on installation configuration.
The FURUNO IC-115 is primarily used on vessels equipped with the FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C communication system.
Typical installations include cargo vessels, container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore vessels and other merchant ships requiring maritime satellite communication.
Operational functions of the overall FELCOM 15 installation can include distress message handling, EGC reception, maritime safety information, polling, position/data reporting, telex and data communications.
If FELCOM 15 cannot communicate with the satellite network, technicians should inspect the IC-115 antenna installation, coaxial cable, connectors and associated terminal equipment before replacing the antenna.
Possible causes include antenna obstruction, damaged RF cable, corroded connectors, water ingress or deterioration of the antenna electronics.
The installation position is particularly important because FURUNO specifies that the antenna should have adequate clearance from ship structures and radar antennas.
The IC-115 contains active RF electronics. The service documentation describes thermal protection on the ANT RF board: when excessive board temperature is detected, transmission can be stopped for protection.
Therefore, a transmit problem does not automatically mean that the antenna element itself has failed.
Marine environments can cause corrosion, moisture penetration and connector deterioration. Inspect RF connectors carefully and check the coaxial cable for crushing, excessive bending or physical damage.
The IC-115 is specified as IPX6, but aging seals, physical damage or incorrect installation can eventually compromise weather protection.
Failure of the ANT RF Board 16P0207 or ANT B Board 16P0206 can cause antenna-related communication problems. Diagnosis should be performed according to the FELCOM 15 service procedures rather than replacing PCBs without confirmation.
FELCOM 15 system alarms should be diagnosed using the terminal indications and correct operator/service documentation.
Communication or login problems may originate from several areas—not only the IC-115—including antenna RF circuitry, cabling, terminal electronics, configuration and external network conditions.
For this reason, exact alarm codes should be interpreted from the correct FELCOM 15 documentation rather than assuming every communication alarm indicates antenna failure.
Regularly inspect the IC-115 antenna dome for cracking, impact damage or deterioration.
Keep the antenna installation clear of newly installed obstructions and ensure mounting hardware remains secure.
Inspect the coaxial cable and connectors for corrosion, moisture, looseness or physical damage.
Avoid unnecessary opening of the antenna housing because the internal RF circuitry is sensitive equipment.
When replacing an IC-115, compare the existing antenna, connectors, cable arrangement and FELCOM 15 configuration before installation.
For GMDSS installations, functional testing should be performed according to vessel procedures and applicable regulatory requirements after repair or replacement.
FURUNO FELCOM 15 requirements may include:
IC-115 Complete Antenna Unit • IC-215 Terminal Unit • ANT B Board 16P0206 • ANT RF Board 16P0207 • Antenna Cable • RF Connectors • IC-315 Junction Box • IC-305 Distress Alert/Received Call Unit • IC-306 Alarm Unit • PR-240-CE Power Supply • PP-510 Printer • PP-505 EGC Printer • GPS-related components • Internal PCBs and electronic parts
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support sourcing of New, Used, Refurbished, Reconditioned and Tested Working FURUNO IC-115 antennas and FELCOM 15 spare parts, depending on availability.
The company's existing product listing also identifies IC-115 antennas and complete FELCOM 15-related components as part of its marine communication equipment supply.
Although FELCOM 15 is an older-generation system, many vessels continue operating installed units because Inmarsat-C remains an established maritime communication technology and existing shipboard installations can remain serviceable when properly maintained.
For operators maintaining an existing FELCOM 15 installation, replacing a defective IC-115 antenna or individual spare component may be more practical than immediately replacing the entire communication installation, provided regulatory, class and compatibility requirements are satisfied.
Availability of tested replacement antennas, terminal units and internal boards therefore remains valuable to ship owners and technical managers operating legacy FURUNO GMDSS equipment.
What is the FURUNO IC-115?
The IC-115 is the omnidirectional Inmarsat-C antenna unit used with the FURUNO FELCOM 15 Mobile Earth Station.
Who manufactures the IC-115 antenna?
It was manufactured by FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd., Japan.
Is IC-115 compatible with FELCOM 15?
Yes. FURUNO's official FELCOM 15 installation documentation specifically identifies IC-115 as the antenna unit.
Where can I buy a FURUNO IC-115 antenna?
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support worldwide sourcing of IC-115 antennas and FELCOM 15 spare parts, subject to stock availability.
Can I buy a used or refurbished IC-115?
Yes. Used, tested, refurbished and reconditioned IC-115 units may be available as replacement equipment.
What internal PCBs are used in the IC-115?
Documented antenna boards include the 16P0206 ANT B Board and 16P0207 ANT RF Board.
What should I check if FELCOM 15 shows no satellite communication?
Check antenna condition and mounting, RF cable and connectors, power/system condition and FELCOM 15 terminal indications before concluding that the IC-115 itself has failed.
Can SM MARINE SERVICE™ supply other FELCOM 15 spare parts?
Yes. Requirements can include the antenna, IC-215 terminal, internal PCBs, power supply, junction/alarm units, printers, cables, connectors and other associated components.
Where can I download the FELCOM 15 manual?
Official FURUNO operator and installation manuals are available below.
The FURUNO IC-115 Inmarsat-C Antenna Unit is the weather-exposed omnidirectional satellite antenna used with the FURUNO FELCOM 15 Mobile Earth Station. Designed for maritime Inmarsat-C and GMDSS communication, the antenna incorporates active RF electronics and operates in the Inmarsat L-band. SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support IC-115 complete antennas, FELCOM 15 replacement units and associated spare parts for worldwide marine requirements.
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
Available Condition:
• New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment
Stock Location:
• Bangladesh • China
Services:
• Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing
Contact Information
SM MARINE SERVICE™ Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com
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