Earlier this month, we told you about a cooperation between e3 Systems and Kymeta Corporation, two electronics specialists who will soon offer flat-panel antennas that eliminate the much-maligned “Mickey Mouse ears” effect of satcom domes. To say it’s an innovative move is an understatement. In fact, it promises to forever change—for the better—the profile of many a megayacht. Given how yacht designers, builders, and owners alike for years have shaken their fists at satcom domes, the timing couldn’t be better. The story certainly struck a chord with many of you, too. Given that, we’re delighted to be the first media outlet to reveal exactly how much better your yacht will look when the flat panels hit the market. The images below depict the true scale of a megayacht that’s currently cruising, in before and after illustrations. “Before” depicts the domes that are presently being used aboard for television and communications. “After” shows that same megayacht using one (yes, just one) integrated Kymeta panel, mounted just above the radars. That single panel will do the job of all of the domes in the “before” image.
To get a better sense of what e3 Systems and Kymeta are setting out to achieve, though, take a good look at these next two images. They show the same yacht and the same before and after configurations, just zoomed in. Again, the integrated panel is mounted just above the radars:
It’s important to note that the Kymeta panels can purchased as an integrated unit, as illustrated above, or as smaller panels that can be distributed around the yacht, like tiles. Either way, the panels are just one inch (three centimeters) thick and measure about 19.7 inches by 11.8 inches (50 centimeters by 30 centimeters). Also either way, there are no moving parts. That, too, is an improvement over traditional satcom technology. In case you missed the original article, see Bye-Bye, Unsightly Satcom Domes, Hello Flat Panel Antennas. And, if you’d like more details directly from e3 Systems and Kymeta Corporation, they’ll be exhibiting at the Monaco Yacht Show next week. Alternately, you can fill out our contact form, and we’ll put you directly in touch with them.
Leave a Reply