BSN NAL 27 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA27)

BSN NAL 27 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA27)

The “premium filtered” designation refers to a design that combines low line-loss cabling, an RF notch filter / noise-reduction approach, and integrated lightning protection, aiming to improve reliability in RF-dense environments and harsh installations.

Design and Features

Engineered kit architecture

ASE-PFA27 is supplied as a complete antenna system rather than a standalone antenna. ASE’s brochure for the premium powered kits describes a standardized architecture that includes an external antenna mounted above the structure, a coaxial down-lead, a lightning arrester, and an indoor breakout/power interface connected to the docking station or fixed terminal.

Premium powered (active) antenna concept

Within the ASE premium lineup, the PFA-27 sits in the “premium powered antenna” class—intended for longer runs and more challenging environments than basic passive antenna kits. In BSN’s resiliency catalog, ASE-PFA27 is listed as using LMR200 cable and a Premium Active Powered Filtered Antenna, indicating that the antenna system is designed to work with an indoor interface/power method rather than purely passive feedline operation.

RF notch filtering and noise reduction

ASE’s premium antenna kit materials explicitly highlight “intelligent noise reduction” via an RF notch filter, framing the kit as “best for challenging environments.” This is relevant in installations near other radios/antennas (VHF/UHF, LTE routers, onboard systems) where interference can reduce usable satellite link margin.

Lightning protection and grounding

The premium kit concept includes lightning protection built-in, typically implemented with an inline lightning arrester and a grounding recommendation for the antenna system. This is particularly important for roof, mast, and exposed mounting points where electrostatic buildup and transient surges can occur.

Technology and Specifications

Cable length, type, and installation constraints

ASE-PFA27 is defined primarily by its engineered down-lead:

• Length: 27 m (88–89 ft)

• Cable type: LMR 200

ASE documentation also warns that using the incorrect cable at the specified length or shortening the supplied cable can damage the antenna and invalidate the warranty—an important practical constraint for installers planning cable routing.

Included components (typical bill of materials)

For the premium powered antenna kits (which include PFA-27), ASE’s brochure lists the system contents as:

• Iridium active antenna

• Antenna mounting bracket

• Breakout box

• ASE-PS071 AC/DC power adapter

• 0.6 m adapter/interconnect cable (N(F) to TNC(M) shown)

• 27 m LMR cable

• Lightning arrestor

This packaging is intended to reduce integration risk by standardizing the RF path and the required interface/power components.

Recommended mounting geometry

ASE’s installation illustration emphasizes a clear 360° view to the sky/horizon and references an 8° clearance angle, reflecting typical satellite antenna best practice: higher placement and fewer obstructions generally yield more stable call setup and fewer dropouts.

Trade classification and shipping data

ASE’s premium antenna kit brochure lists:

• HTS: 8517.70.0000

• ECCN: EAR99

For the PFA-27 package, it also lists:

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

• Shipping weight: 20 lb (9 kg)

(Distributors may publish slightly different pack-out figures, but the brochure provides the standardized reference set.)

Applications and Use Cases

Vehicle docking and fleet deployments

ASE-PFA27 is commonly associated with fixed docking solutions for Iridium handsets in vehicles, where the dock is mounted in the cab while the antenna is installed on the roof rack, cabin roof, or a protected external surface. The 27 m cable length supports practical routing through vehicle interiors and equipment bays.

Maritime and vessel installations

On vessels, the kit supports mounting the antenna higher and clearer (rail/mast/superstructure) while placing the handset/docking electronics inside the bridge or comms area. The premium focus on noise reduction and lightning protection aligns with RF-dense maritime environments and exposed mounting conditions.

In-building and remote facility communications

ASE positions the premium antenna kits for in-building use—where a satellite handset or docking station is installed indoors (security office, control room, comms shelter), but the antenna must be outdoors to maintain a clear sky view and consistent Iridium connectivity.

Mission-critical “resiliency” phone systems

BSN’s resiliency catalog describes the ASE product line as enabling satellite communication “indoors and out of the weather” while preserving the ability to undock a handset for “grab and go.” ASE-PFA27 fits this model when premium antenna performance is required.

Advantages / Benefits

Improved performance in challenging RF environments

By combining low-loss cabling with a premium filtered approach (including an RF notch filter concept), ASE-PFA27 is designed to help maintain usable satellite signal quality where interference or noise would otherwise reduce performance.

Standardized, professional installation outcomes

Because the kit includes the antenna, bracket, lightning protection, breakout/interface, and the matched cable length/type, installers reduce the risk of mismatched components and inconsistent results—especially useful for multi-vehicle or multi-site rollouts.

Installation reach without moving the terminal

At 27 meters, the kit supports keeping the terminal in a protected indoor location while placing the antenna in the best RF location (roofline, mast, exterior wall), improving usability and equipment protection.

Built-in lightning protection and grounding guidance

Integrated lightning protection and grounding recommendations are valuable in exposed rooftop/mast installations, reducing the likelihood of equipment damage from surges and static events.

FAQ Section 

What is the BSN NAL 27 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA27)?

The ASE-PFA27 is a complete Iridium premium filtered antenna kit with a 27 m LMR200 cable, lightning protection, mounting hardware, and an indoor interface/power arrangement designed for professional docking-station and fixed-terminal installs.

How does the ASE-PFA27 work?

The antenna mounts externally with clear sky view, while the Iridium docking station or fixed terminal remains indoors. The kit’s matched coax cable run connects the antenna to the indoor equipment through a lightning arrester and breakout/interface components, supporting stable RF performance for Iridium use.

Why is the ASE-PFA27 important?

It supports reliable Iridium connectivity in installations where the terminal must be protected indoors and the antenna must be placed outdoors, particularly in RF-noisy or obstruction-prone environments where basic antennas may underperform.

What are the benefits of the ASE-PFA27?

Typical benefits include 27 m installation reach, premium filtering/noise reduction, integrated lightning protection, and a standardized kit format that improves repeatability across vehicle, vessel, and building installations.

Summary

The BSN NAL ASE-PFA27 is a 27-meter premium filtered antenna kit for Iridium installations that bundles a matched LMR200 cable run, lightning protection, mounting hardware, and an engineered indoor interface approach to support in-vehicle, in-vessel, and in-building docking-station deployments. By targeting RF noise reduction and standardized installation practices, ASE-PFA27 is positioned as a resilient, professional option for organizations that depend on consistent Iridium connectivity in challenging real-world environments.