Namibian radio specialist Sat-Com has developed a new radio based on its flagship Leopard, which it says offers more flexibility for fixed and mounted installations, especially in the marine environment.
According to Sat-Com Managing Director David Brown, Hammer Head appears in response to a customer who says that the Leopard SDR (software-defined radio) is very suitable for maritime operations with its VHF capabilities. Still, the radio required a better user interface, which led to the new Hammer Head. “This opens up the maritime market for us,” he said
The Hammer Head radio is based on the successful Leopard1, which features frequency hopping communications in HF, VHF and UHF bands. The new device offers improved ergonomics for mounted solutions. It has an enlarged display that improves the viewing distance and an enlarged keyboard for ease of operation while in a mobile vehicle or boat on agitated water.
Hammer Head retains the ability to connect all peripherals via front-mounted sockets, as is the case with the Leopard1. The same peripheral connectivity is added to the back of the Hammer Head to allow the customer to connect accessories on both sides. This feature allows clean installation with minimal or no cables protruding from the dashboard. In addition, Hammer Head now boasts a built-in three-way antenna switch capable of automatically selecting the appropriate RF output for either HF, VHF or UHF band antennas, Sat-Com said.
After receiving a European request from the customer, Sat-Com’s engineering team developed a 19-inch extension kit. The customer can now mount the Hammer Head in a standard 19-inch trunk for base station or ground-air applications.
Leopard and manpack Cheetah are relatively unique on the global military radio market. They offer HF, VHF and UHF communication in one package – military radios usually operate in one band. By allowing frequency hopping communication in the HF, VHF and UHF bands (1.6 MHz to 512 MHz), Leopard1 means that soldiers do not have to carry multiple radios, saving weight and space.
With its radios, Sat-Com can cover the full range of military requirements, including ground, air and naval communications. Sat-Com is promoting these products on the international market after targeting the market in Namibia.
In addition to Head Hammer, other new Sat-Com products are being developed. Brown said the most exciting project is an IP / network radio for network networks under development with an international client. Sat-Com hopes to introduce these products later this year. Hand-held radio to meet market demand for less cheap, mass-produced radio is also being developed.