Features

The JUE-33, a revolutionary Inmarsat Fleet 33 satellite communication terminal, incorporates the latest modern interfacing standards, packed into the industries smallest dimensions with a performance superior to any of its competitors.Single, Powerful Solution

Single, Powerful Solution

JRC’s sophisticated Fleet 33 offers a powerful all-in-one solution delivering comprehensive high-speed data and voice services provided by Inmarsat’s global and spot beams coverage (polar restrictions apply).

Voice

Fleet 33 provides effective crystal-clear voice communication. Through global area coverage, SIM call operation offers enhanced flexibility for social and/or multiple users. Call waiting is also available. Whether a voice, fax or data call comes in during a MPDS session, the user will receive an alert notification. This way the user has more awareness, guaranteeing no incoming call is missed and the advantage of remaining logged on throughout.

Fax

JRC’s JUE-33 incorporates a 9.6kbps fax application. This facility is based upon Inmarsat spot beam coverage areas. Additionally, the Fleet 33 terminal integrates the latest modern interfacing standards to meet compatibility with standard applications and systems, contributing to enhanced performance around the world and around the clock.

Data

The data communication service of JRC’s Fleet 33 meets the demands of the modern, marine electronic professional. This data channel is available in spot beam. It offers effective throughput of up to 40kbps using integrated compression. This enables users to have interactive online access. Inmarsat offers cost-effective ‘always on’ service. This Mobile Packet Data service, MPDS enables users to have continuous online access at no costs, but charges only for the amount of data sent and received.

Flexible Interfacing

JRC’s Fleet 33 incorporates a reliable industry standard interfacing field. This user-friendly, easy-to-interface below deck unit enables users to have a cost-effective installation.

Total System Flexibility

JRC’s Fleet 33 package contains the most compact antenna in the market and a below deck unit designed for easy ‘single coaxial cable’ installation onboard a wide range of vessels. This innovative communication solution is for both new building and retrofit market. It is also possible to connect your own supplied hardware, such as a computer and fax.

Antenna Support

Apart from JRC’s stylish compact antenna, it is designed for maximum ease of use. The baseline of the antenna integrates 4 standardized mounting holes. This standard feature by JRC increases the ease of elevating the antenna clear of barriers. The image on the right shows a support bracket which is widely available in the market.

Upgrade Path™

The JUE-33 Fleet 33 is fully compatible and specifically designed for upgrade to industry-changing FleetBroadband services. Existing users with an JUE-33 Fleet 33 installed onboard need only replace the below deck unit to upgrade to the FB250 - keeping the same antenna and same cabling that is already installed on the vessel.This unique, cost-effective feature will provide a seamless transition – all via a single main unit upgrade.

Total System Flexibility

JRC’s Fleet 33 package contains the most compact antenna in the market and a below deck unit designed for easy ‘single coaxial cable’ installation onboard a wide range of vessels. This innovative communication solution is for both new building and retrofit market. It is also possible to connect your own supplied hardware, such as a computer and fax.

Easy Cable Management

JRC’s easy, cost-effective cable management allows you to install the Fleet 33 in only three steps. First, connect a single coax cable from the antenna to the below deck unit. Second, plug in JRC’s dedicated handset, and third, connect the power supply. Now you can make your first voice call. External industrial applications, such as computer and fax can be easily installed.

JRC and Inmarsat, Strong Together

For nearly 30 years, Inmarsat have been the leading communication provider, offering the maritime industry a broad range of services. Renowned the world over for its highly dependable network, the Fleet 33 is, among other effective communication solutions, designed to operate with the latest generation Inmarsat satellites. This proven technology makes JRC’s Fleet 33 a powerful communication tool and durable solution for the needs of a wide range of maritime vessels.

Total System Flexibility

JRC’s Fleet 33 package contains the most compact antenna in the market and a below deck unit designed for easy ‘single coaxial cable’ installation onboard a wide range of vessels. This innovative communication solution is for both new building and retrofit market. It is also possible to connect your own supplied hardware, such as a computer and fax.

History

The JUE-33 Fleet 33 terminal is the latest in a long line of Inmarsat maritime products from Japan Radio Company (JRC), and it might be interesting to learn how it has come to be the terminal of choice for so many users world wide. A compact design with smallest F33 antenna meant that it was immediately well suited to smaller vessels and so it was taken to proving grounds in the demanding environment of the Japanese fishing industry for sea trials.

JRC has a long heritage in Inmarsat maritime equipment, extending back to the world’s first Marisat terminal (JUE-5A) in 1975, followed by a successful history through the Inmarsat alphabet. The introduction of Inmarsat’s Fleet service at the turn of the (21st) century meant that JRC had to take a whole new look at the needs of satellite communications, particularly with “High Speed” and “Internet Access”, being such the norm at home and work, and it was only natural that this would be the direction required for future on board communications.

The JUE-33 design philosophy would require some intensive work because of the requirement for a smaller unit that would compare in size to a maritime mini-M.

Speaking from JRC’s main Mitaka factory, "Our engineers adapted the JRC three-axis control system for the JUE-33 antenna," says Koichi Konnai, General Manager, Engineering Department, Marine Electronics Division, "as they found this was the best way to keep the size of the unit to a minimum. Our company's long experience of antenna design also ensured that the antenna and below-deck equipment would be robust and easy to install."

In addition to factory based testing in Japan and Europe, sea trials of the JUE-33 began in Tokyo Bay in August 2005. The equipment was installed on a 33-foot leisure craft with the initial mission to asses how the JUE-33 would cope with typical small craft motion and vibration. "The test unit performed well, but as a result of these tests we made some modifications," says Mr Konnai. "We changed the mechanical design of the antenna somewhat to give it more protection against the effects of shock as the vessel passed through large waves."

With antenna modifications made, sea trials continued, this time onboard the 43m commercial fishing vessel Koufuku Maru, replicating the day to day environment that such a system would be expected to handle.

Continues Mr. Konnai, "We have designed a lot of network systems for domestic fishing vessels, so we understand very well that a satellite unit like the JUE-33 must integrate easily with a vessel's existing communications systems." Modern communications connectivity is now the norm, including RS-232, Ethernet and USB. "The Ethernet interface is applicable to any network application, including the web service function, and this is a key advantage for users of the JUE-33," says Mr Konnai. This also includes the need for wireless. "If a Wi-Fi transponder is connected to the vessel's PC, which in turn is connected to the Fleet F33, then on-board wireless communication is available."

After trials close to home, the next step was to send the unit a little more out on its own, to the Atlantic Ocean. This time the larger fishing vessel Ryuusei Maru was the platform and it handled its independence with aplomb.

Early market research indicated that the market was ready for Fleet 33 and so JRC established a completely new production line to handle the JUE-33 "The retail price of the unit is an important factor for our customers, so we have done everything we can to keep production costs to a minimum while meeting the highest possible standards," says Mr Konnai. "Producing both the antenna and the main unit at one location also helps us to ensure quality control throughout the whole production process."

Fleet 33 may be seen as ideal for the smaller vessels, but it is important to note how it is also an ideal back up service to the main service or as is increasing common for crew welfare, the primary communications for personal use. Whatever application though, the JUE-33 is a compact easy-to-fit system, with only one coaxial cable required to connect the antenna to the below deck unit, operation from 24V DC and built in GPS, making it a virtually plug and go phone.

Specs