BSN NAL 12 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA12)

BSN NAL 12 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA12)

Within the ASE lineup, the PFA12 is a premium passive filtered configuration: it pairs a 12-meter (≈40 ft) low-loss coax run with a filtered Iridium passive antenna, plus installation and protection components. The kit concept emphasizes three goals: RF notch filtering (noise reduction), low line-loss cabling, and built-in lightning protection, all packaged to support consistent, repeatable professional installs.

Design and Features

Premium filtered kit architecture

ASE premium antenna kits are presented as “break through the clutter” upgrades for Iridium systems, using RF notch filtering (described as “intelligent noise reduction”), low line-loss cable, and built-in lightning protection. This combination targets environments where satellite reception can be affected by nearby radios, antenna farms, dense rooftop equipment, industrial sites, or other sources of electromagnetic interference.

Passive filtered antenna configuration

The ASE-PFA12 is explicitly categorized as “ASE Premium Passive Antenna” in ASE’s brochure, distinguishing it from longer “active powered” premium kits. In practical terms, passive kits typically rely on the Iridium terminal’s RF chain and benefit from careful cable selection and filtering to preserve link margin over moderate distances.

Installation-focused components

A key attribute of the PFA12 is that it is not just an antenna: it is a complete installation kit. Retail and distributor listings describe the package as including a 12 m LMR600 cable, a passive/filtered antenna, a mount, lightning arrestor, and pigtails for connection.

ASE’s brochure also lists a standardized “system includes” set for the passive premium kits, including an antenna mounting bracket, a .6 m LMR240 adapter/interconnect cable (N(F) to TNC(M)), the 12 m LMR600 down-lead, and a lightning arrestor.

Placement guidance for satellite performance

ASE’s installation illustration emphasizes a clear 360° view of the sky/horizon and references an 8° clearance angle above surrounding structures—reflecting common best practice for L-band satellite antennas: higher placement and fewer obstructions generally improve acquisition and reduce dropouts.

Technology and Specifications

Cable length and type

The defining specification of ASE-PFA12 is its engineered cable run:

• Cable length: 12 meters (≈39–40 ft)

• Cable type: LMR600

LMR600 is widely used where installers want reduced attenuation compared with thinner coax, particularly important for satellite L-band links where every dB of loss can matter.

Typical kit contents (passive premium kits)

ASE’s premium brochure lists these components for the premium passive antenna configuration used for PFA-12 / PFA-20:

• PFA Iridium passive antenna

• PFA antenna mounting bracket

• .6 m LMR240 N(F) to TNC(M) adapter/interconnect

• 12 m LMR600 cable (or 20 m LMR600 for the PFA-20 variant)

• Lightning arrestor

Storefront descriptions commonly add pigtails as part of the connection hardware provided with the kit.

Mechanical handling (cable geometry)

ASE’s brochure provides cable handling guidance for the passive premium kits:

• Cable diameter: approximately 1.50 cm (0.60 in)

• Bend radius: approximately 3.81 cm (1.50 in)

These values are used for routing planning (conduit, bulkheads, bends) and to reduce installation damage.

Trade classification and compliance fields

ASE’s premium antenna kit brochure lists standardized trade fields:

• HTS: 8517.70.0000

• ECCN: EAR99

These fields are commonly used for procurement, export screening, and customs documentation, though organizations should always validate classifications against their own compliance rules and shipment context.

Shipping pack-out

For the PFA-12, the brochure lists a typical shipment profile:

• Shipping dimensions: 20 × 16 × 14 in (51 × 41 × 36 cm)

• Shipping weight: 20 lb (9 kg)

Applications and Use Cases

Docking stations in vehicles and mobile platforms

The PFA12 is frequently used with Iridium docking stations where the handset/dock must be mounted inside a vehicle cabin, equipment bay, or protected compartment while the antenna is mounted outside (roof, rack, exterior panel) for better sky visibility. Its 12 m run supports typical routing distances in service vehicles and light mobile installations.

In-building Iridium voice and fixed-station systems

ASE markets the premium antenna kits as ideal for in-building installation, where the satellite terminal remains inside an office, security room, comms closet, or shelter—while the antenna is routed to the roofline or exterior wall.

Maritime and vessel installs

On vessels, the kit supports placing the antenna in a higher, clearer location (mast, rail, superstructure) while keeping the terminal indoors on the bridge or communications area. ASE’s emphasis on challenging environments and lightning protection aligns with exposed marine mounting conditions.

RF-dense or interference-prone locations

The PFA12 is specifically described as addressing RF interference problems in urban/industrial environments and areas with concentrated radio infrastructure. The “premium filtered” approach is intended to help “lock onto” the Iridium signal when interference might otherwise reduce reliability.

Advantages / Benefits

Cleaner reception through RF filtering

ASE positions premium antenna kits around RF notch filtering and “intelligent noise reduction,” aiming to reduce the effect of unwanted RF energy and improve usable Iridium signal stability in noisy deployments.

Lower loss over a practical installation distance

The 12 m LMR600 down-lead is engineered for common real-world installations, allowing installers to keep the terminal indoors while maintaining RF performance over the cable run.

Installation consistency and reduced integration risk

By bundling antenna, mount, lightning arrestor, and the matched cable type/length (plus adapters/pigtails), the kit reduces the chance of mismatched connectors, poor-quality cable substitutions, or overlooked protection components.

Built-in lightning protection

Lightning arrestors and grounding guidance are important for exposed rooftops and mast mounts, reducing risk of equipment damage from surges and static events.

FAQ Section 

What is the BSN NAL 12 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA12)?

The ASE-PFA12 is a premium passive filtered Iridium antenna kit that includes a 12 m LMR600 cable, a passive/filtered antenna, mounting hardware, and a lightning arrestor, designed for professional Iridium docking and fixed-station installations.

How does the ASE-PFA12 work?

It relocates the Iridium antenna to an outdoor, unobstructed mounting point while the Iridium terminal remains indoors. The kit’s low-loss coax cable connects the terminal to the external filtered antenna, and the lightning arrestor helps protect the RF line from surges.

Why is the ASE-PFA12 important?

It improves the practical reliability of Iridium systems in in-building, in-vehicle, or in-vessel deployments where indoor placement and local RF conditions can reduce signal quality, and it standardizes key protection and installation components.

What are the benefits of the ASE-PFA12?

Benefits typically include RF filtering/noise reduction, 12 m low-loss LMR600 cabling, lightning protection, and a repeatable kit format that simplifies professional installations in challenging environments.

Summary

The BSN NAL ASE-PFA12 is a 12-meter premium filtered passive antenna kit for Iridium installations, combining RF notch filtering, low line-loss LMR600 cabling, and built-in lightning protection in a standardized package for in-building, in-vehicle, and in-vessel deployments. By bundling the antenna, mount, cable, and protection hardware into a single engineered kit, it supports consistent professional outcomes and improved Iridium signal reliability in real-world, interference-prone environments.