Controlling Satellite Coverage with Icom SAT100
Did You Know You Can Control Satellites?
Well, in a way, we can. You can control where in the world you want your coverage to be for Icom's satellite radios, the SAT100 and SAT100M. Update or configure coverage on the move for cross-county, state, and country operations.
Satellite Speed
66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites circle the globe every 100 minutes at around 27,000 km/h (roughly 16,777 mph).
Satellites fly overhead every 8 minutes—you'll rarely be without one overhead. For perspective:
- An average human walking would take approximately 335 days to circle the globe once
- A roundtrip flight around the world on a Boeing 747 would take about 45 hours
The point is, these satellites travel fast, and the tool to command them is even faster.
The Basics
You can adjust coverage from Iridium's PTT Command Center on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
You can choose between two shapes when setting the coverage:
- Circle: For broad location coverage
- Square/Rectangle: For more precise coverage area
Both shapes are adjustable in size, and you can even rotate the coverage of a rectangle.
The coverage shape selection tools in Iridium's PTT Command Center
💡 Pro Tip: Find the toolbar at the bottom of the map and select either the circle or square/rectangle tool. After that, simply drag and adjust coverage to your preference.
Coverage Examples
Washington State Circle Coverage
Washington State Rectangle Coverage
Multiple Coverage Areas
You are not limited to having only one coverage area on a map. Have up to 5 separate coverage areas on one map with our small talkgroup package. For example:
- Split 100,000 km² into two 50,000 km² locations in Washington and Florida
- Or choose 5 locations across the globe
For medium and above packages, use up to 10 separate coverage areas.
Coverage Area Examples
Small Coverage
Medium Coverage
💡 Pro Tip: To remove a coverage area at any time, click on the coverage and select "Delete Region".
Talkgroup Sizes
Choose the package that fits your operational needs:
| Size | Talkgroup Size |
|---|---|
| Small | Up to 100,000 km² |
| Medium | Up to 300,000 km² |
| Large | Up to 750,000 km² |
| X-Large | Up to 1,500,000 km² |
| Jumbo | Up to 2,250,000 km² |
How to Get Started?
This tool is easy to use for the serious planner. No matter the talkgroup size, you can divide coverage range to get the most out of your communications.
Ready to take the next steps?
- Determine what type of satellite radio you need
- Find an approved Icom satellite dealer
- Fill out the Icom Satellite Agreement provided by the dealer
- Wait for the email from Icom America to receive login information
