BSN NAL 70 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA70)

BSN NAL 70 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA70)

ASE-PFA70 is defined primarily by its 70-meter (≈230-ft) cable run using LMR-400 coaxial cable. This length class is commonly selected for large vessels, multi-story buildings, and industrial sites where shorter 12–40 m antenna kits cannot reach the optimal antenna location. In BSN resiliency catalogs, PFA-70 is grouped with the longer “powered/active” premium antenna kits that include an indoor interface component and power arrangement, differentiating it from shorter passive premium kits (e.g., PFA-12 and PFA-20). (satellitephonestore.com)

Design and Features

Premium “filtered” approach for RF-dense environments

ASE markets its premium antenna kits around the idea of improving signal performance in environments with RF clutter (multiple radios, vessel electronics, rooftop antenna farms, industrial equipment). The premium kits are described as incorporating noise-reduction concepts (often referred to as an RF notch/filter approach in marketing materials) alongside low line-loss cabling and built-in lightning protection—a combination aimed at improving reliability and standardizing installation quality. 

Long-run, powered (active) kit architecture

Within the ASE premium family, longer variants (including PFA-70) are presented as powered/active system kits rather than simple passive antenna + cable bundles. These longer kits typically include an indoor breakout/interface box and an AC/DC power adapter to support the active antenna architecture over long distances, helping preserve usable link margin across a 70-meter feeder run. 

Complete installation bill of materials

ASE-PFA70 is typically supplied as a complete kit, not a single part. In the premium powered kit family, published “system includes” lists commonly cover:

• Iridium active antenna

• Antenna mounting bracket

• Breakout/interface box

• ASE power adapter

• Short adapter/pigtail cable

• 70 m (230 ft) LMR-400 cable

• Lightning arrestor 

This packaging reduces integration risk compared with sourcing antenna, cable, connectors, and surge protection separately—especially in fleet or multi-site deployments.

Placement and sky-view guidance

ASE’s installation guidance emphasizes a clear sky view and references an 8° clearance angle and 360° horizon visibility concept diagrams. These guidelines reflect common L-band satellite best practice: higher mounting and fewer obstructions generally improve call setup and reduce dropouts. 

Technology and Specifications

Cable length and type

ASE-PFA70 is defined by:

• Cable length: 70 m (230 ft)

• Cable type: LMR-400 

The choice of LMR-400 for 70 m reflects an engineering balance between attenuation control, mechanical handling, and cost relative to thicker cables used at 88–105 m lengths.

Catalog description and classification

BSN resiliency catalog tables list PFA-70 within the premium filtered antenna kit options and identify its length/cable class. In the same catalogs, the longer premium kits are described as including an interface box and associated components, aligning with the “powered” system approach. (satellitephonestore.com)

Trade and export fields

ASE premium antenna kit documentation publishes standard compliance and shipping data fields commonly used in procurement:

• HTS: 8517.70.0000

• ECCN: EAR99 

Installation constraints and warranty considerations

ASE documentation warns that using the incorrect cable type for a given kit length—or shortening the supplied cable—can damage the antenna system and may invalidate warranty coverage. This is particularly relevant for 70 m kits, where installers may be tempted to cut excess cable rather than route slack appropriately. 

Applications and Use Cases

Maritime communications on large vessels

On ships and large workboats, the ideal antenna location may be a mast or high superstructure while the Iridium dock/terminal is located on the bridge or in a protected communications space. ASE-PFA70 supports long routing distances through cable trays and bulkheads while maintaining a standardized antenna architecture. 

In-building resilience for enterprises and critical facilities

Facilities that keep satellite equipment indoors (security offices, telecom rooms, EOCs, shelters) often require long runs to reach the best rooftop antenna point. A 70 m kit provides installation reach while keeping the terminal accessible for day-to-day operations. 

Industrial and RF-dense environments

Industrial sites frequently have multiple radios and electrical systems that can raise the RF noise floor. ASE positions premium filtered kits for challenging RF environments, making PFA-70 a common selection where the antenna must be placed away from equipment clusters or in the best possible sky view area. 

Docking stations and fixed Iridium voice terminals

PFA kits are widely used with Iridium docking stations and indoor fixed terminals where the handset is used indoors but needs a high-quality external antenna for reliable connectivity—especially inside metal structures (vehicles, ships, hardened buildings). 

Advantages / Benefits

Enables long antenna placement without relocating the terminal

The standout benefit is installation reach: 70 meters allows the antenna to be placed where sky view is best (often the difference between marginal and stable connectivity) while keeping the dock/terminal where it is practical and protected.

Standardized kit reduces installation variability

Because the kit is engineered around a defined cable type/length and includes mounting and protection components, it reduces the chance of mismatched connectors, poor cable substitutions, or omitted surge protection—common sources of intermittent performance.

Supports harsher environments with surge protection

The inclusion of a lightning arrestor and grounding guidance supports safer rooftop/mast installations and reduces the risk of equipment damage from transient events. 

Positioned for RF-noisy locations

ASE’s “premium filtered” positioning targets environments where local RF conditions degrade satellite reception; while filtering benefits depend on site conditions, the kit is designed specifically for those harder installs. 

FAQ Section

What is the BSN NAL 70 Meter Premium Filtered Antenna Kit (ASE-PFA70)?

ASE-PFA70 is a long-run Iridium premium filtered antenna kit that uses 70 m (230 ft) of LMR-400 coax and is packaged with mounting and protection components to support professional installs. 

How does ASE-PFA70 work?

The antenna is installed outdoors with clear sky view. The long coax run connects it to an indoor Iridium dock/terminal through an engineered kit architecture that typically includes an interface/breakout component and lightning protection, enabling stable satellite operation indoors. 

Why is ASE-PFA70 important?

It enables reliable Iridium operation in installations where the antenna must be mounted far from the terminal—common on large vessels and multi-story facilities—and is designed for challenging RF environments and long cable runs. (satellitephonestore.com)

What are the benefits of ASE-PFA70?

Benefits typically include 70 m installation reach, a standardized kit format, long-run cable selection (LMR-400), and integrated lightning protection—supporting repeatable professional installations. 

Summary

The BSN NAL ASE-PFA70 is a 70-meter premium filtered Iridium antenna kit engineered for long-run installations where the antenna must be mounted far from an indoor terminal or docking station. By standardizing the feeder run (70 m LMR-400) and bundling mounting and protection components typical of the premium powered kit family, it supports repeatable professional deployments across maritime, industrial, and in-building resilience applications—helping maintain dependable Iridium connectivity in challenging real-world environments.