WEBB CHOSEN FOR ORBCOMM

Webb Industries has developed a low profile satellite antenna for use on the Orbcomm low earth orbit satellite system. The antenna is designed for mobile or static applications and is manufactured with a range of GPS, GSM and ISM options.

2004-09-09

Webb Industries has developed a low profile satellite antenna for use on the Orbcomm low earth orbit satellite system. The antenna is designed for mobile or static applications and is manufactured with a range of GPS, GSM and ISM options.

The antenna, which Webb has called the ‘Flatkook’ because of its distinctive ‘pancake’ type shape, is 53mm high and 210mm in diameter and according to Terry Reuss, the Webb Engineer, one of the outstanding features is its indestructible cover. “We are very pleased about this technology as it represents a breakthrough in terms of our capabilities with respect to low profile antennas. It is traditionally difficult to make efficient, low profile antennas at VHF frequencies and we have succeeded in doing just this,” says Reuss.

Orbcomm is a wireless telecommunications company providing narrow band two-way digital messaging, data communications and geo-positioning services on a global basis. The company owns and operates a network consisting of 30 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial gateways deployed around the world. Small, low-power, and commercially proven subscriber communicators can connect to private and public networks, including the internet via the satellites and gateways. Through this network, Orbcomm delivers information to and from virtually any place in the world on a nearly real time basis. Orbcomm has established corporate relationships with industry leading hardware manufacturers, software developers and business service providers with a comprehensive, world class wireless data solution. By offering its clients its expertise of these industry leading organisations, Orbcomm ensures the rapid, successful adoption of the Orbcomm global data and messaging solutions. The company licences cover 179 countries and independent territories. Each provider has the exclusive right to market Orbcomm services to their designated area and distribute Orbcomm services to resellers.

According to Paul Richards, Webb Marketing Director, it is a feather in the cap of his company to have been successful in creating technology for a company of this status. “Orbcomm is the world’s first commercial global wireless data and messaging system and it is significant that this important piece of technology has been accepted by them. It is especially pleasing because the antenna was developed at Webb’s engineering facility in Johannesburg,” says Richards. Richards explains that since Orbcomm has accepted this innovation, a variation of the antennas have been developed by the team of Webb engineers. One antenna application is for UK Band III VHF. This is used for both radio systems and tracking capabilities on vehicles. “This is an exciting breakthrough for us and we are expecting a demand for this antenna in America and the European markets and with the advent of an Orbcomm Earth Station in South Africa towards the end of the year we are sure that there will be substantial local demand thereafter,” he says.

Webb Industries, which was established in 1973, is one of the largest suppliers of ancillary telecommunications equipment to the sub-Saharan region. The company offers a comprehensive range of antennas, coaxial cable and connectors, duplexers and filters, earthing, lightning protection and the supply of masts and towers. Visit www.webb.co.za