Cobham SAILOR 6081 AC/DC Power Supply incl. Charger and Tray for wall mounting 300W/28V DC (406081A-00501)

Cobham SAILOR 6081 Power Supply Unit and Charger: Complete Guide

The Cobham SAILOR 6081 is a marine-grade AC/DC Power Supply Unit and Charger manufactured by Cobham SATCOM (Thrane & Thrane A/S), forming part of the widely used SAILOR 6000 series of maritime communication equipment. Engineered for demanding shipboard environments, the SAILOR 6081 PSU and Charger delivers stable DC power to maritime electronics while simultaneously charging a connected backup battery, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during AC power failures.

The SAILOR 6081 builds on the proven reliability of the earlier SAILOR 6080 Power Supply, adding an integrated battery charging function. It is designed for installations that require a dependable, powerful, and flexible power source—most notably GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) installations, satellite communication terminals, and radio systems aboard commercial vessels. As a Wheelmark-approved and IEC 60945-compliant device, the SAILOR 6081 meets the rigorous international standards expected of maritime safety equipment.

This comprehensive guide covers the design, technical specifications, applications, advantages, and frequently asked questions surrounding the Cobham SAILOR 6081 marine power supply and battery charger, providing an authoritative reference for marine electronics installers, ship operators, and procurement specialists.

Design and Features

Build and Construction

The SAILOR 6081 follows the robust SAILOR design philosophy, prioritising durability and stability in the extreme maritime environment. One of its most notable design features is the absence of forced cooling—the unit operates without internal cooling fans. By eliminating fans, a common point of mechanical failure, Cobham reduces potential failure modes and increases long-term reliability, a benefit already demonstrated in the popular SAILOR 6080 predecessor.

The unit is compact and lightweight, with dimensions of approximately 46.5 mm (H) × 354 mm (L) × 265 mm (W) and a weight of around 3.7 kg. It can be installed as a stand-alone unit or mounted using the optional wall-mount tray, giving installers flexibility for different vessel layouts.

Power Outputs and Connectivity

The SAILOR 6081 Power Supply Unit and Charger provides DC power at five separately fused DC power outlets, plus an additional 15 V DC power outlet—the latter commonly used for CAN bus interfaces. This multi-outlet design makes it well suited to powering several pieces of equipment from a single source.

For monitoring and control, the unit features an Ethernet interface that allows access to status and configuration data. It also provides dry-contact alarm outputs, signalling conditions such as AC power failure and DC high- or low-voltage on the connected battery. Status LEDs, located on the connector panel beneath a protective black cover, give at-a-glance indication of operating conditions.

Battery Charging and Backup

A defining capability of the SAILOR 6081 is its integrated charger. It automatically charges a connected battery and, critically, provides seamless, uninterrupted switchover to battery power if AC power fails or an overload occurs. The default maximum charging current is 8 A, and the default float voltage is 27.2 V at 20 °C, though both values can be adjusted to match the specifications of the connected battery. Importantly, output power is prioritised over charging current, ensuring connected equipment continues to receive power during high-demand situations.

Technology and Specifications

Electrical Performance

The SAILOR 6081 accepts a wide AC input range of 100–240 VAC operating (115–230 VAC nominal), with automatic detection of the input voltage range. This wide-input capability makes it suitable for use on vessels worldwide regardless of local supply standards. The AC input includes Power Factor Correction (PFC) and a 6.3 A fuse positioned next to the on/off switch and accessible from outside the housing.

In terms of output, the unit delivers 300 W of continuous power and 370 W peak (for 2 minutes) at 100–240 VAC. At lower input voltages of 90–100 VAC, output is 270 W continuous and 333 W peak. The nominal DC output is approximately 31.2 VDC at 0 A, 29.3 VDC at 10 A, and 28.7 VDC at 13 A—commonly summarised as a stable 28 V DC supply for maritime equipment.

Scalability

A key technical strength of the SAILOR 6081 is its on-site scalability. The unit can be upgraded with up to three additional SAILOR 6080 power supplies to increase total DC power output to 740 W, 1110 W, or 1480 W. This expansion is performed by trained service personnel by daisy-chaining the additional units via the mains AC, control data connectors (marked C2, C3, C4), and DC output connectors (P2, P3, P4). This modularity allows a single installation approach to scale with the vessel's power requirements.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Approvals and Environmental Rating

The SAILOR 6081 carries IEC 60945 maritime approval and Wheelmark approval, confirming compliance with international maritime equipment standards. Its environmental tolerance is broad, with an operating temperature range of -25 °C to 55 °C and survival temperatures from -40 °C to 80 °C. Ingress protection ratings vary by area: IP3X in high-voltage areas (>42 V), IP2X in other areas, and IPX2 when mounted vertically on a wall. The device is also designed to be maintenance-free, requiring only routine checking of its installation.

Applications and Use Cases

The Cobham SAILOR 6081 is purpose-built for maritime communication and safety installations, where reliable, continuous power is essential:

GMDSS installations. The SAILOR 6081 fits installations with two segments—a GMDSS requirement—where each segment has its own power supply but the two often share a common battery. This makes it a natural fit for distress and safety radio systems.

Satellite communication terminals. As part of the SAILOR 6000 series, the 6081 powers FleetBroadband (FBB) and other SATCOM equipment, providing the stable DC supply these terminals require.

MF/HF and VHF radio systems. The unit supplies power to marine radio installations, including MF/HF radios that are central to long-range maritime communication.

General shipboard electronics. With five fused DC outputs and an auxiliary 15 V outlet, the SAILOR 6081 can serve as a central power hub for multiple onboard devices, with battery backup ensuring continuity during power interruptions.

Advantages and Benefits

The SAILOR 6081 offers several clear benefits for marine electronics installations:

• Uninterrupted power, with seamless switchover to battery during AC failure or overload, protecting critical communication and safety equipment.
• High reliability, thanks to fan-free cooling that eliminates a common mechanical failure point.
• Global compatibility, via a wide 100–240 VAC input with automatic voltage detection and power factor correction.
• Flexible, scalable power, expandable on-site up to 1480 W by adding SAILOR 6080 units.
• Integrated charging, removing the need for a separate battery charger and simplifying installation.
• Comprehensive monitoring, through an Ethernet interface, dry-contact alarms, and status LEDs for AC failure and battery voltage conditions.
• Maritime certification, with IEC 60945 and Wheelmark approval ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Maintenance-free operation, reducing lifetime servicing requirements.

FAQ

What is the Cobham SAILOR 6081?

The Cobham SAILOR 6081 is a marine-grade AC/DC Power Supply Unit and Charger from Cobham SATCOM, part of the SAILOR 6000 series. It delivers stable DC power to shipboard electronics, charges a connected backup battery, and provides seamless switchover to battery power during AC failures. It is IEC 60945 and Wheelmark approved for maritime use.

How does the SAILOR 6081 work?

The SAILOR 6081 converts a wide-range AC input (100–240 VAC) into stable DC output, supplying power through five separately fused outlets plus a 15 V outlet. It simultaneously charges a connected battery, and if AC power fails or an overload occurs, it seamlessly draws power from the battery to keep connected equipment running without interruption.

Why is the SAILOR 6081 important?

The SAILOR 6081 is important because it ensures continuous power to critical maritime communication and safety systems, including GMDSS installations. Reliable, uninterrupted power is essential at sea, where equipment failures can compromise vessel safety. Its fan-free design, battery backup, and maritime certifications make it a dependable choice for shipboard installations.

What are the benefits of the SAILOR 6081?

Key benefits include uninterrupted power through seamless battery switchover, high reliability via fan-free cooling, global AC compatibility, on-site scalability up to 1480 W, an integrated battery charger, comprehensive Ethernet and alarm monitoring, and IEC 60945 and Wheelmark maritime approvals.

What is the power output of the SAILOR 6081?

The SAILOR 6081 delivers 300 W of continuous output power and 370 W peak (for 2 minutes) at 100–240 VAC, with a nominal DC output of approximately 28–31 VDC depending on load. It can be scaled up to 740, 1110, or 1480 W by adding up to three SAILOR 6080 power supplies.

Is the SAILOR 6081 suitable for marine environments?

Yes. The SAILOR 6081 is specifically designed for marine use, holding IEC 60945 and Wheelmark approval. It operates from -25 °C to 55 °C, survives -40 °C to 80 °C, requires no forced cooling, and is maintenance-free, making it well suited to the extreme conditions found aboard commercial vessels.

What is the difference between the SAILOR 6080 and 6081?

The SAILOR 6080 is a power supply unit, while the SAILOR 6081 adds an integrated battery charger to the same proven platform. The 6081 can charge and seamlessly switch to a backup battery, and it can be expanded on-site with additional 6080 units to increase total power output.

Summary

The Cobham SAILOR 6081 Power Supply Unit and Charger is a robust, reliable, and flexible power solution engineered for the demands of maritime communication and safety systems. Combining a wide-range AC input, stable DC output, integrated battery charging, and seamless backup switchover with fan-free reliability and full maritime certification, it stands as a trusted component of the SAILOR 6000 series. Its on-site scalability, comprehensive monitoring, and maintenance-free design make it a compelling choice for GMDSS, SATCOM, and radio installations aboard commercial vessels. For marine electronics professionals seeking dependable shipboard power, the SAILOR 6081 represents an authoritative and proven standard in maritime power supply technology.