Spacenet Unveils All-Weather VSAT for Mission-Critical Monitoring Systems

PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Feb. 7, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILTF) U.S. subsidiary, Spacenet Inc., has introduced is new Armadillo VSAT, a durable, environmentally controlled broadband satellite router system suitable for use in outdoor environments and extreme weather conditions.

Spacenet said the Armadillo VSAT is the first satellite networking system designed expressly for all-weather operation and maximum survivability in utility/energy and government applications.

To serve the needs of monitoring/SCADA network operators, Spacenet previously introduced its Armadillo Enclosure, a rugged carbon steel case for use with the Gilat Skystar 360E and SkyEdge VSAT and Spacenet's Connexstar satellite networking services. The new Armadillo VSAT extends the concept further by delivering a new-generation Gilat SkyEdge satellite router that is constructed with industrial-grade parts and completely integrated with the weather-proof enclosure.

Spacenet said the Armadillo VSAT can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees F) and up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees F) in full sun exposure, and it uses a unique design to minimize thermal loading from sunlight. The unit offers certain protection from lightning, contains an internal heating and thermostat unit and can be used with AC or DC power supplies.

Unlike most industrial enclosures, the integrated Armadillo VSAT does not require an external heating unit, and has low power requirements that make it suitable for use with photovoltaic energy systems. The unit also has a smaller housing footprint than most similar devices and has easy mounting requirements. The Armadillo VSAT is available as part of Spacenet's narrowband and broadband Connexstar network services designed exclusively for enterprise and government customers, according to Gilat.

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