FCC Exam Question: 31C3

An Inmarsat-C terminal will not “LOG IN” and shows an “Antenna not connected” alarm. What action would you take?

A. Short one end of coax cable. If the resistance is above one ohm replace the cable.
B. Change to a different satellite and try a new “LOG IN”.
C. Replace the antenna unit.
D. Replace the AZ-EL board.
Correct Answer: A

Explanation: An "Antenna not connected" alarm on an Inmarsat-C terminal typically indicates a break or high resistance in the coaxial cable connecting the terminal to the antenna unit. Many satellite terminals provide DC power and control signals up the coax to the LNA/antenna, and also perform a continuity check. Shorting one end of the coax and measuring resistance from the other end is a direct way to test the cable's integrity. A good cable, when shorted, should show very low resistance (ideally less than one ohm). High resistance indicates a break, damage, or poor connection within the cable, preventing proper signal transmission and potentially DC power delivery, thus triggering the alarm. Changing satellites (B) will not fix a physical cable connection issue. Replacing the antenna unit (C) is premature without first verifying the cable, which is a common point of failure. The AZ-EL board (D) controls antenna pointing, which is unrelated to a fundamental "Antenna not connected" alarm.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.