The MCD-4800 “Mobile Communications Device”, also known as “The Football”, is an auto-pointing BGAN satellite terminal that requires no user training to operate. Simply place the weatherproof case on the ground or on a boat deck… or on any surface with a clear view of the sky, rain-or-shine, anywhere in the world and turn it on and then close the lid – no pointing necessary.
Within a minute the MCD-4800 becomes a powerful WiFi hotspot accessible by any wireless device within a 100 meter range for up to 5 hours on internal battery power. This auto-pointing solution uses the high performance Hughes 9450TW in-motion BGAN terminal integrated with our proprietary mobile electronics for a ruggedized self-contained, in-field or on sea, user-friendly global communications link.
While the MCD-4800 is primarily used as a wireless hotspot, the front panel includes a weather sealed Ethernet port and a phone port to connect a laptop or a standard analog phone. The charge port has a watertight seal for several external power sources such as a portable solar panel, external battery, or vehicle power adapter.
The display shows current system status and remaining battery power and a light sensor allows the display to be backlit at night (the backlight may be enabled/disabled). The MCD-4800 only has one button, the power button located inside of the case which makes is easily operated by anyone.
The MCD-4800 is enclosed in a watertight hardened plastic Pelican case, and the case lid is normally closed for full operation. It operates in heavy rain and will transmit with 20mm of ice buildup before transmission issues. It is rated at IP67, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter. In extremely hot environments, we recommend the case lid be slightly opened for venting for long duration use to avoid heat buildup inside the case.
The MCD-4800 integrates the Hughes 9450TW BGAN terminal into in a ruggedized Pelican 1450 case (flyaway case) with Ground Control engineered electronics and software.
System components include:
Rent an MCD-4800 “The Football” BGAN Terminal with everything needed for global Internet and voice, on land or at sea. Just call or email us and we’ll do the rest.
Rental MCD-4800 system includes: MCD-4800 BGAN terminal, AC/DC power supply charger, analog phone, mini-inverter vehicle power/charging, plugs for US, UK, EU, AU, miniature compass,USB flash drive with user manuals, and a carry bag for accessories.
Since the MCD-4800 fully operates in closed hardened case, it is ideal for harsh marine environments. Here the MCD-4800 is being used for primary crew connectivity for the Oceana Canada during their Gulf of St. Lawrence Expedition.
The MCD-4800 is an in-motion BGAN terminal, which makes it perfect for use on the water. The internal antenna's turning speed is rated at 40 degrees per second, which is faster than most vessels will pitch and roll on the ocean.
The MCD-4800 is an excellent solution to ocean faring vessels and oil-rigs. Here an IT specialist uses a wireless connection to establish connectivity. Wi-Fi may be shut off, and an Ethernet cable connection can be used for a more secure connection.
Calls are easily made between other terminals, satellite phones, cell phones or standard landline phones anywhere in the world, and incoming calls are free, although the calling party is burdened with the cost of calling. Local numbers from any country can be assigned to the BGAN terminal.
While the MCD-4800 is designed for Internet connectivity, it does include a standard analog phone. The phone port is issued an international satellite phone number. Any connected phone may make and receive calls from anyone on the planet for $0.99 cents usd per minute.
A watertight cap protects the RJ-45 Ethernet port from the elements. A laptop or router may be connected directly to the MCD-4800. Public IP addresses are available. Ethernet lengths can be up to 328 feet (100 meters). Specially designed waterproof Ethernet connectors are available for this RJ-45 port to use with your Ethernet cable.
The web interface interface gives you real time usage statistics that shows and approximate amount data transferred, phone calls minutes made during a single session, as well as over the lifetime of the terminal.
The MCD-4800 main interface is accessed via any connected browser. Status screens show battery life, internal temperature, and links the Hughes 9450TW web interface for usage totals, parameter configurations including streaming services, static IP configuration, and SMS messaging.
Connecting a wireless device such as laptops, smartphones or tables to the MCD-4800 is as easy as selecting it from available access points. Wireless security is configurable from a web interface and includes MAC address filtering.
The 802.11 WiFi antenna is mounted next to the dome. Antennas use an RP-SMA connector and can be fitted with an optional 15dBi high-gain antenna (or any other off-the-shelf antenna) for increased WiFi range.
The power button for the MCD-4800 is inside of the case. Simply press the button to turn the system on. No other action is required for establishing a WiFi hotspot. The BGAN SIM card tray is also easily accessed from just inside the case lid.
The MCD-4800 case does not need to stay opened in order to operate. Simply press the power button (inside the case) and 60 seconds later it will become a wireless hotspot anywhere on the globe for up to 5 hours on the internal battery.
The MCD-4800 uses the Inmarsat BGAN satellite network for broadband Internet connectivity. It then creates a 100 meter (328 feet) Wi-Fi access point in seconds for any wireless device to connect. Wi-Fi is helpful if users wish to be inside or move around a structure untethered from the case.
MCD-4800 Terminal Brochure
