POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Magnaphone portable satellite telephone

Magnaphone portable satellite telephone

Object No. 2005/26/1

The Magnaphone portable satellite telephone (model MX2020) allows people to venture into remote locations with the security of being able to call for help if necessary. It can provide telephone, fax, telex and data communications from anywhere in the world. The unit can be used to receive and transmit slow scan video, it can be connected to a computer, modems, remote radio repeaters, encryption devices, operates in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 C to +60 C and can handle wind-driven rain, snow and sand. Satellite phones are used widely by people who travel through outback Australia where other telecommunication services are not available.

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Summary

Object Statement

Radio transceiver, Magnaphone Portable Satellite Telephone model MX2020, metal / fabric / plastic / electronic components, used by Goldsearch Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, designed and manufactured by Magnavox, Deer Park, United States of America, 1990

Physical Description

Radio transceiver, Magnaphone Portable Satellite Telephone model MX2020, metal / fabric / plastic / electronic components, used by Goldsearch Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, designed and manufactured by Magnavox, Deer Park, USA, 1990 The satellite telephone comes in a road case measuring 60 x 60 x 30 cm. When unpacked and assembled the phone stands on four legs and an umbrella antenna is deployed. The MX2020 was readily assembled with these easy to follow instructions - 'remove from case, unfold legs, swing umbrella antenna into place. Turn it on, aim' at the Inmarsat-A, Class 1 Satellite Communication System (SATCOM).

DIMENSIONS

Height

600 mm

Width

600 mm

Depth

300 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

The Magnaphone portable satellite telephone was designed and manufactured in the USA around 1990.

HISTORY

Notes

This Magnaphone portable satellite telephone (model MX2020) was used in outback Australia during the early to mid 1990s. Members of the Goldsearch Limited exploration team used it to maintain communications with head office from remote locations in the Gibson Desert near Mt. Destruction during expeditions to locate the legendary Lasseter's reef. Lasseter's reef is a purportedly a large gold deposit stumbled upon by Harold Lasseter in the late 19th century. The primary justification for its purchase (AU$68,000 in 1993) was to ensure the health and safety of the exploration team in case of snake bite or other injury. The drilling team was 3 hours from the nearest communications point (another satellite phone) and in emergencies valuable time would be lost in transit. Satellite phones continue to be used in these circumstances by remote Goldsearch personnel. Goldsearch subscribed through the INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite Organisation, est. 1979) system. Ongoing costs were very high. Within a couple of years a nearby (1/2 hour drive distant) Flying Doctor Service radio telephone system became available and the INMARSAT service was dropped. Satellite communications became commercial around the mid 1960s and progressed rapidly after the formation of INTELSAT (International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation) in 1964. Prior to this the use of satellites as communications devices was the sole domain of the military. Communications satellites found major users in maritime customers, media organisations content distribution and overseas telephone communications.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Goldsearch Limited

Acquisition Date

18 January 2005

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