BSN NAL 20 Meter Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-FA20)

BSN NAL 20 Meter Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-FA20)

In BSN/ASE product catalogs, ASE-FA20 is described as a passive antenna kit supplied with a 66 ft (20 m) LMR600 low-loss coaxial cable, a passive Iridium antenna, and a mounting bracket. Some resellers and regional storefronts label ASE-FA20 as a “filtered antenna kit,” while the same catalog family distinguishes premium filtered kits under ASE-PFA part numbers (for example ASE-PFA20).

Design and Features

Fixed-install “remote antenna” concept

ASE-FA20 is built around a common Iridium deployment pattern: move the antenna outdoors (or to a high point with a clear view of the sky), then connect it to an indoor dock, terminal, or handset cradle using low-loss coax. This approach is used to improve link quality, reduce dropped calls, and improve messaging success rates by reducing blockage and multipath effects from buildings, decks, and metal enclosures.

Passive antenna architecture

The kit is specified as passive, meaning the antenna does not require electrical power or an inline amplifier at the antenna head. Passive kits are typically chosen for simplicity and reliability, but they place more importance on coaxial cable selection and length, because feedline loss directly reduces the received and transmitted signal margin.

20-meter low-loss cable (LMR600)

ASE-FA20 includes 20 meters (66 ft) of LMR600 coaxial cable. LMR600 is commonly used in professional RF installations because it offers lower attenuation than smaller coax types over longer runs—helpful for satellite bands where every dB of link budget matters.

Mounting bracket for installation flexibility

The kit includes an antenna mount intended to support common rooftop, pole, or structure mounting approaches. In fixed-site deployments, mounting height and sky exposure are often as influential as antenna selection, especially in urban canyons or on vessels with large superstructures.

Technology and Specifications

Network compatibility (Iridium voice and SBD use cases)

ASE-FA20 is primarily sold as an accessory for Iridium handset/docking ecosystems, supporting fixed-station use of handheld phones. Catalog materials for the broader ASE resiliency line state that these packages and components support Iridium handsets, which is the practical compatibility frame for remote-antenna kits like ASE-FA20.

What’s included (as defined in BSN/ASE catalog materials)

In the BSN “Resiliency Solutions” catalog, ASE-FA20 is listed as:

• Passive Antenna kit

• 66 ft (20 m) LMR600 cable

• Passive antenna

• Mounting bracket

The same catalog also lists shipping dimensions and shipping weight for ASE-FA20 as 16 × 14 × 8 in and 12 lbs (≈5 kg), and identifies HTS 8517.70.0000 with ECCN EAR99.

Lightning/surge protection considerations

Lightning arrestors are typically part of fixed-site antenna best practice. In the same catalog family, a separate accessory (ASE-LA02) is listed as a lightning arrester intended for ASE-FA12 and ASE-FA20 systems. In practice, whether lightning protection is required and how it must be grounded depends on local electrical codes, mounting location, and the building’s grounding/bonding design.

Applications and Use Cases

Indoor satellite phone operation (fixed-site docking)

A frequent use case is to enable an Iridium handset (often in a docking cradle) to function as a reliable indoor satellite phone. The phone remains accessible to staff inside a building, while the antenna is installed where it can “see” the sky—reducing failures caused by indoor attenuation.

Maritime and vessel installations

On vessels, handheld satphones are often used below deck where line-of-sight to satellites is reduced by metal structures. A remote antenna kit allows the antenna to be mounted on a mast or rail location while the handset remains inside the bridge, cabin, or communications station.

Remote sites with heavy RF cabling constraints

Fixed infrastructure sites (field camps, remote offices, utility facilities) may require a dedicated satellite phone point for continuity during outages. The 20 m length is long enough for many roof-to-room installations while keeping feedline loss within a range typically considered practical for passive systems.

Advantages / Benefits

Better sky view without moving the phone

The primary operational benefit is separating antenna placement from handset placement, making satellite connectivity more consistent while keeping the phone where people can use it.

Professional cable length for common building runs

The included LMR600 20 m cable is a practical middle ground: longer than short patch kits and often sufficient for many roof-to-rack installations.

Simpler than powered/active antenna systems

Because ASE-FA20 is passive, it avoids powered interface boxes and DC injection components used in longer-run active antenna solutions—reducing complexity for standard installs.

FAQ Section

What is the BSN NAL 20 Meter Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-FA20)?

ASE-FA20 is an Iridium-compatible passive remote antenna kit supplied with a 20 m (66 ft) LMR600 coaxial cable, a passive antenna, and a mount to support fixed installations.

How does ASE-FA20 work?

ASE-FA20 works by placing the antenna in a location with better sky visibility (often outdoors or higher on a structure) and routing the signal indoors via low-loss coax to a handset dock or fixed station—improving satellite link reliability compared to using a handset antenna inside a building.

Why is ASE-FA20 important?

Many Iridium performance problems in buildings or vessels come from obstruction and attenuation, not the handset itself. A remote antenna kit addresses the root cause by improving antenna placement while keeping the phone accessible indoors.

What are the benefits of ASE-FA20?

Key benefits are improved Iridium connectivity indoors, professional 20 m LMR600 cable reach, and passive (no-power) simplicity for standard roof-to-room installations.

Is ASE-FA20 the same as a “premium filtered” kit?

Not necessarily. BSN/ASE catalog materials list ASE-FA20 as a passive antenna kit, while ASE-PFA20 is labeled as a Premium Filtered Passive Antenna kit and includes additional components such as a lightning arrester in the listing.

Summary

The BSN NAL ASE-FA20 is a professional 20-meter Iridium remote antenna kit built around a passive antenna, LMR600 low-loss coax, and a mounting bracket—designed to improve satellite phone usability in fixed indoor or marine environments by relocating the antenna to a better sky view. Catalog documentation positions it as a core passive option in the ASE antenna lineup, with clear differentiation from premium filtered kits (ASE-PFA series) for higher-interference or more complex installations.