Challenge
The Challenge: After purchase, U-81 was fitted out to meet the operational requirements specified by its new owner. As the vessel was originally constructed as an OSV, a UHF radio system for onboard communications was neither required nor provided. But after conversion, it became clear that this would be necessary to allow the crew to speak to one another as they moved around the vessel, and also to connect to the mothership. Initially, the crew used Motorola R7 and DP4601e two way portable radios. Both are high quality digital models that showcase the best of Motorola’s industry-leading audio and connectivity technologies, with the build quality and durability needed for use in marine environments.
But the U-81 crew were using the handsets in Simplex mode, with a straightforward ‘back-to-back’ connection between the devices themselves with no intervening repeater units to boost signal. They found dead spots in certain areas of the boat where signal was poor, and also got occasional interference from other vessels. Brentwood Marine was asked to upgrade the system to make onboard comms more reliable and secure.
The solution
Our engineering team carried out a full survey and determined that running two-way radio handsets back-to-back was insufficient for the size and
composition of the vessel. Brentwood Marine designed a bespoke Distributed Antenna System (DAS), a network of antennas strategically located throughout the boat to maximise signal coverage. Installation work took place in Malta’s Palumbo Shipyard. Along with the DAS, we supplied two Motorola SLR5500
repeaters, Motorola’s latest generation repeater which offers up to 50W power output, low energy consumption, digital error correction
and excellent audio reproduction. Brentwood also included a Mast Isolation Switch, a device to limit radio frequencies from the antennae to the vessel itself and therefore minimise interference, and a 2x Channel Combiner to allow vessel-wide coverage and interoperability with the mothership.
The results
The DAS and repeaters have drastically improved the quality and reliability of communications onboard the U-81, helping the crew to work more efficiently. Just as importantly, the upgraded system allows for better communication between the support and mothership, helping to improve day-to-day operations and the guest experience. The enhanced coverage has also helped to raise onboard safety standards, with all crew knowing that should there be an accident, they will not face any barriers to contacting colleagues and raising the alarm. Finally, the Mast Isolation Switch means that coverage can be restricted to just the” vessel when it is at busymoorings or marinas, mitigating the impact of interference from other marine users and keeping communications private.
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