Vox Maris simulates by software an Inmarsat C terminal. Inmarsat-C it is a global system of store and forward messaging, of Telex and data. It works at a speed of 600 bits per second, with a maximum file size of 32 Kbytes; it is ideal for short messages, E-mails, remote monitoring and application tracking.
Its operation is very simple and allows fast and efficient emergency communications, emergency or routine with other vessels. The operation and the graphical display of the equipment are simulated emulating the real equipment available in the market, achieving an unique realism by software allowing the user to operate in the same way that it would on the real equipment. Even the simulator is ready to operate with touch-screen, thereby increasing the realism achieved.
Among the most important simulated functions includes:
- Inmarsat-C Terminal simulation
- DISTRESS automatic button
- Setup of terminal settings
- System Login / Logout
- EGC: Extended Group Call
- File management
- Transmission of messages by various ways (Inmarsat/Telex)
- Messages reception
- Reception alarm
- Automatic storage of received messages
- Rx/Tx Memory: Record of received/emitted communications
- Transmission of the distress alert
- Test of Distress button
.: Features of the real system :.
The Inmarsat-C satellite system provides two-way data communications to and from virtually anywhere in the world. Inmarsat-C terminals are simple, low-cost units small enough to be hand-carried or fitted to any vessel, vehicle or aircraft.
Inmarsat-C is a global store and forward messaging, telex and data system. It operates at 600 bits per second, with maximum file size of 32 Kbytes; ideal for short messages and e-mails, remote monitoring and tracking applications.
Frequencies are 1626.5-1645.5MHz (transmit), 1530.0-1545.0Mhz (receive). Inmarsat-C is available in all four Inmarsat satellite coverage ocean regions Atlantic Ocean East and West, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean through about 40 land earth stations (LESs). A network co-ordination station (NCS) in each region controls communications traffic.
.: Inmarsat C Terminals :.
The typical Inmarsat-C mobile earth station (MES) has a small omnidirectional antenna which, because of its light weight and simplicity, can be easily mounted on a vehicle or vessel. Directional antennas are also available for use in semi-fixed installations. The main electronics unit is compact, weighing only 3-4kg. Briefcase terminals are also available, bringing the advantages of the system to international business travellers and field operators.
Some terminals have built-in message-preparation and display facilities, others come with a standard RS-232 port so that users can connect their own PCs or other data equipment. The power requirements of Inmarsat-C terminals are modest and can be easily met from mains, vehicular or battery sources.
IMO requires that every Inmarsat-C ship earth station which forms part of the GMDSS, if installed on or after 23 November 1996, shall conform to performance standards as per IMO Resolution A807(19).
Inmarsat-C terminals can receive multiple-address messages known as Enhanced Group Calls (EGC). A special header is added to the text to indicate the group of mobiles or the geographical area to which the message is to be sent. EGCs can be transmitted in most languages or alphabets.
An efficient and low cost means of transmitting safety information such as hydrographic, search and rescue and weather. Messages can be directed to ships approaching a certain location, useful if co-ordinating a rescue operation.
This service allows commercial information to be distributed to an unlimited number of mobiles, ideal for corporate information, news, sport and weather information.
Two-way messaging Inmarsat-C can handle messages up to 32kbytes in length. Each message from an MES is transmitted in data packets via satellite to an LES, where it is reassembled and then sent to the ultimate addressee via the national and international telecommunications networks. In the reverse direction, callers may send messages to a single MES or to a group of MESs.
- Data reporting and polling
Many Inmarsat-C users need to acquire information from vehicles or vessels, or to interrogate automatic data-gathering platforms at fixed or variable intervals. Data reporting allows for the transmission of information in packets of up to 32 bytes on request or at prearranged intervals. Polling allows the user base to interrogate an MES at any time, trigger-ing automatic transmission of the required information. - Position reporting
Inmarsat-C terminals can be integrated with a wide variety of navigation systems to provide a highly reliable, round-the-clock global position-reporting capability. Position data derived from the terrestrial systems, satellite-based position fixing systems such as GPS or Glonass, and on-board dead-reckoning equipment can be transmitted automatically on demand or at fixed intervals.
Maritime Inmarsat-C terminals are equipped with a distress-alerting feature which, in the event of an emergency automatically generates and sends a priority distress alert, incorporating position and other information, to a rescue co-ordination centre.