Inmarsat Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem, BGAN User Manual

User Manual

Satellite IP Modem

Copyright  2002 Hughes Network Systems, Inc.,

A wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corporation

All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are proprietary to Hughes Network
Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corporation. No part of this
publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of
Hughes Network Systems, Inc., 11717 Exploration Lane, Germantown, Maryland 20876.

Hughes Network Systems, Inc., has made every effort to ensure the correctness and
completeness of the material in this document. Hughes Network Systems, Inc., shall not be
liable for errors contained herein. The information in this document is subject to change
without notice. Hughes Network Systems, Inc. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to
this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose.

Trademarks

All trademarks, marks, names, or product names referenced in this publication are the property
of their respective owners, and Hughes Network Systems, Inc. neither endorses nor otherwise
sponsors any such products or services referred to herein.

HUGHES and Hughes Network Systems are trademarks of Hughes Electronics Corporation.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Hughes Network
Systems under license.

INMARSAT is a trademark of the International Mobile Satellite Organisation. The Inmarsat
LOGO and the trademark BGAN are trademarks of Inmarsat (IP) Company Limited. All
trademarks are licensed to Inmarsat Limited.

SAFETY INFORMATION

For your safety and protection, read this entire operations manual before you
attempt to use the Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem. In particular, read this
safety section carefully. Keep this safety information where you can refer to it if
necessary.

WARNING SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL

This section introduces the various types of warnings used in this document to alert
you to possible safety hazards.

WARNING

Potential radio Frequency (RF) hazard. Where you see this alert
symbol and WARNING heading, strictly follow the warning
instructions to avoid injury to eyes or other personal injury.

WARNING

Where you see this alert symbol and WARNING heading, strictly
follow the warning instructions to avoid personal injury.

DANGER

Electric shock hazard: Where you see this alert symbol and
DANGER heading, strictly follow the warning instructions to avoid
electric shock injury or death.

WARNINGS FOR THE SATELLITE IP MODEM

Do not stand in front of the Antenna.

This device emits radio frequency energy when in the transmit mode. To
avoid injury, do not place head or other body parts in front of the
satellite antenna when system is operational. Maintain a distance of one
meter away from the front of the Satellite IP Modem’s antenna.

Properly ground the Antenna

Failure to properly ground the optional external antenna may result in
severe personal injury or death. Do not attempt to ground the optional
external antenna unless you have the skills to do so in accordance with
local electrical codes.

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual i

Do not operate during Electrical Storms

Operation of the Satellite IP Modem during electrical storms may result in
severe personal injury or death. Disconnect the Satellite IP Modem from
computer and store unit indoors if lightning is anticipated in the area of
operation.

General

Handle your Satellite IP Modem with care. The enclosure is weather
resistant per IEC 60529 IP44; however do not submerge the unit or
expose it to severe rain storms. Avoid exposing your Satellite IP Modem
to extreme hot or cold temperatures. The operating temperature range
of the Satellite IP Modem is -10ºC to +55ºC.

Avoid placing your Satellite IP Modem close to cigarettes, open flames or
any source of heat.

Changes or modifications to the Satellite IP Modem not expressly
approved by Hughes Network Systems could void your authority to
operate this equipment.

Only use a soft damp cloth to clean your Satellite IP Modem.

To avoid impaired Modem performance, please ensure your Satellite IP
Modem’s antenna is not damaged or covered with foreign material like
paint or labelling.

When inserting the SIM, do not bend the SIM or damage the contacts in
any way. When connecting the interface cables, do not use excessive
force.

In the vicinity of blasting work and in explosive environments

Never use the Satellite IP Modem where blasting work is in progress.
Observe all restrictions and follow any regulations or rules. Areas with a
potentially explosive environment are often, but not always, clearly
marked. Do not use the Satellite IP Modem while at a petrol filling station.
Do not use near fuel or chemicals.

Qualified service

Do not attempt to disassemble your Satellite IP Modem. The Satellite IP
Modem does not contain consumer serviceable components. Only
qualified service personnel may install or repair equipment.

ii Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

Batteries and accessories

Use approved batteries (HNS P/N 3003082-0001) and accessories only.
Use of non-approved accessories may result in loss of performance,
damage to the Satellite IP Modem, fire, electric shock or injury.

AC Mains power adapter (FRIWO Model SDA5012) is for indoor use
only. It has an indoor operating temperature range of -10ºC to +55ºC and
provides an output voltage of 12 VDC.

The storage capability of the battery decreases when operated
below -10ºC. If the battery is charged at too high a temperature, the
battery light will flash red.

Connecting devices

Never connect incompatible products. When connecting the Satellite IP
Modem to any other device, read the device’s User Manual for detailed
safety instructions.

Pacemakers

The various brands and models of cardiac pacemakers available exhibit a
wide range of immunity levels to radio signals. Therefore, people who
wear a cardiac pacemaker and who want to use a Satellite IP Modem
should seek the advice of their cardiologist. If, as a pacemaker user, you
are still concerned about interaction with the Satellite IP Modem, we
suggest you follow these guidelines:

Maintain a distance of 15 cm between the Satellite IP Modem and your
pacemaker;

Maintain a distance of one meter away from the front of the Satellite IP
Modem’s antenna;

Refer to your pacemaker product literature for information on your
particular device.

If you have any reason to suspect that interference is taking place, turn off
your Satellite IP Modem immediately!

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual iii

Hearing aids

Most new models of hearing aids are immune to radio frequency
interference from Satellite IP Modems that are more than 2 metres
away. Many types of older hearing aids may be susceptible to
interference, making it very difficult to use them near a Satellite IP
Modem. Should interference be experienced, maintain additional
separation between you and the Satellite IP Modem.

iv Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................................... I

WARNING SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL ........................................................................ I

WARNINGS FOR THE SATELLITE IP MODEM .......................................................................... I

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................V

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................... 1

COVERAGE...............................................................................................................................1

FIRST TIME SETUP........................................................................................ 2

UNPACKING ............................................................................................................................2

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND SOFTWARE INSTALLATION..................................3

Satellite IP Modem Software Installation................................................................................... 4

LAUNCH PAD -- QUICKSTART WIZARD ..............................................................................5

QuickStart Wizard Overview........................................................................................................5

Step 1: Unpack the Satellite IP Modem .................................................................................... 6

Step 2: Unpack the Satellite IP Modem – Power ................................................................... 6

Step 3: Connecting the Satellite IP Modem to your PC......................................................... 7

Step 4: Connecting Using USB ..................................................................................................... 7

Step 4: Connecting Using Ethernet .............................................................................................8

Step 4: Connecting Using Bluetooth............................................................................................ 8

Step 5: GPS Location....................................................................................................................... 9

Step 6: Rough Pointing to Satellite .............................................................................................. 9

Step 7: Rough Pointing to Satellite ........................................................................................... 10

Step 8: Rough Pointing to the Satellite − Compass Direction........................................... 10

Step 9: Rough Pointing to the Satellite – Antenna Angle................................................... 11

Step 10: Fine Pointing to the Satellite ..................................................................................... 11

Step 11: Fine Pointing to the Satellite ..................................................................................... 12

Step 12: Exiting Pointing Mode................................................................................................. 12

QUICK REFERENCE .................................................................................... 13

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM OPERATION ......................................................................13

Stored GPS Location..................................................................................................................... 13

ANTENNA POINTING............................................................................................................14

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS.............................................................................................15

Power Button.................................................................................................................................. 15

Power Light...................................................................................................................................... 15

Select Button .................................................................................................................................. 16

Interface Lights .............................................................................................................................. 16

Battery Light ................................................................................................................................... 16

Satellite IP Modem Antenna Protractor .................................................................................. 17

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual v

Compass.......................................................................................................................................... 17

L

AUNCH PAD ........................................................................................................................18

View QuickStart Wizard ............................................................................................................. 18

Launch Control Pad ...................................................................................................................... 18

Upgrade Satellite IP Modem......................................................................................................18

View Documentation.................................................................................................................... 18

Exit .................................................................................................................................................... 18

CONTROL PAD .....................................................................................................................19

Pointing............................................................................................................................................. 19

Security Management.................................................................................................................. 20

Home................................................................................................................................................ 21

Status Window............................................................................................................................... 22

Fault Status: Any current system faults or errors. Network Settings............................... 23

Change Service Provider Login Information ........................................................................... 24

Advanced Settings ......................................................................................................................... 24

Bluetooth ......................................................................................................................................... 25

Bluetooth Passkey ......................................................................................................................... 26

Properties......................................................................................................................................... 26

Restore Factory Defaults............................................................................................................. 26

UPGRADE SATELLITE IP MODEM ..........................................................................................27

Upgrading Software...................................................................................................................... 27

No Local Copy Present ................................................................................................................ 27

Local Copy Present........................................................................................................................ 27

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................ 29

GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................29

FAULT CODES........................................................................................................................34

GLOSSARY.................................................................................................... 43

INDEX ............................................................................................................ 47

vi Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

1

INTRODUCTION

Your Inmarsat Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem provides portable, high-speed data
communications via satellite. Using “Always On” technology you can remain
connected to the Internet while only sending or receiving the data that you need at
speeds of up to 144kbits/s, just as if you were sitting at your office desk. The Satellite
IP Modem works with your computer using one of three common networking
connections: Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet or Bluetooth™ wireless technology.
While the Satellite IP Modem is very similar to other wireless data modems that you
may be familiar with, there are a few important operating differences to note. Please
read this user manual carefully to understand all the aspects of operating your Satellite
IP Modem.

COVERAGE

Regional BGAN Coverage Area

The coverage map shows the region where satellite coverage is possible and indicates
the general direction of the satellite relative to your position on the ground. Note
that the actual ability to get Regional BGAN service in this coverage area is dependent
upon a variety of factors, including licensing conditions, and the figure does not
represent a guarantee of service in any particular location (contact your Service
Provider for the latest information on service coverage). At some point in the future,
Inmarsat plans to make this service globally available. At that time you will be able to
obtain an upgrade kit for your Satellite IP Modem to allow it to access multiple
satellites around the world.

2 Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

FIRST TIME SETUP

This section guides you through the process of setting up and configuring your
Satellite IP Modem for the first time. The steps presented should be followed in the
order given. When you are finished, your computer and Modem will both be set up
and ready to use.

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem

UNPACKING

Unpack the modem and accessory box items.

 Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem
 AC Mains Power Adapter and cable (100 – 240 VAC)
 Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery pack
 USB cable
 Ethernet cable
 Installation CD
 User Manual (this document)
 Tie-down Clips

Your Service Provider will supply a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) and Modem
configuration instructions – you will need those to access the network.

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

3

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND SOFTWARE
INSTALLATION

; You must have a desktop or laptop Personal Computer (PC) running one of the
following supported versions of the Windows® operating system:

 Windows

®

NT 4.0 (service pack 3)

 Windows 98 second edition
 Windows 2000
 Windows ME
 Windows XP

; Your PC must have a CD-ROM drive in order to run the software installation

programme.

; The computer must also have one of the following supported Internet browsers. If
you do not currently have a browser, the installation process will allow you to install
one.

 Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or later. Java Runtime

Environment (JRE) 1.4.1 or later must be installed (this will be installed for
you by the installation CD).

 Netscape Communicator version 7.0 or later. Java must be active.

; Your PC must support one of the following interfaces:

 Universal Serial Bus (USB)
 Ethernet (RJ45)
 Bluetooth™ wireless technology running the IP protocol

;

Notes

You must disconnect any existing LAN connections on your PC
before proceeding with installation. This avoids any conflict with the
network configuration that you are setting up for the Satellite IP
Modem.

You must verify that the proxy server settings in your browser are
disabled. For Microsoft Internet Explorer, select Tools / Internet
Options / Connections / LAN Settings and uncheck the box labeled
‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’. For Netscape, go to Advanced
Preferences and select ‘Direct connection to the Internet’. When
complete please close your browser. DO NOT FORGET YOU
MAY NEED TO RECHECK THIS BOX ON RETURN TO YOUR
OTHER INTERNET CONNECTION.

4 Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

;

Notes

The USB and Bluetooth interfaces are not supported with Windows
NT.

The Bluetooth control software on your computer must allow the
direct entry of DNS information. Please consult your Bluetooth
device vendor to confirm that DNS entry is possible with your device.

SATELLITE IP MODEM SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Insert the installation CD into your PC’s CD-ROM drive to initiate the software
installation. If the programme does not automatically begin, use your Windows

®

Explorer utility to find setup.exe on the installation CD. Double-click that
programme to start the installation process. Follow the steps provided by the
Installation Wizard.

The following figure illustrates the final screen of the Installation Wizard:

Finish Installation Screen

If you are ready to start working with your Satellite IP Modem, leave the Start the
Launch Pad option enabled. Just click on the Finish button to complete the

software installation and begin the next phase of setting up your Satellite IP Modem. If
you wish to defer this activity until later, uncheck this option and click on the Finish
button. You will find a Satellite IP Modem icon on your Windows desktop that
allows you to start the next phase of setup whenever you are ready.

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

5

LAUNCH PAD -- QUICKSTART WIZARD

Desktop Icon

The Satellite IP Modem Launch Pad menu is displayed once
you complete the installation steps and click the Installation
Wizard Finish button with Start the Launch Pad enabled.
Alternately, the Launch Pad can be started by double-clicking
on the Satellite IP Modem desktop icon.

Choose View QuickStart Wizard from the Launch Pad menu. This option leads
you through the steps necessary to connect your Satellite IP Modem with the
Regional BGAN network. Note that you will need to follow the configuration
instructions supplied by your Service Provider (supplier of your SIM) to ensure that
you have the correct configuration information.

Launch Pad Screen

QUICKSTART WIZARD OVERVIEW

There are 12 basic steps to getting your Modem up and running:

 Step 1: Unpack the Satellite IP Modem
 Step 2: Unpack the Satellite IP Modem – Power
 Step 3: Connecting the Satellite IP Modem to your PC
 Step 4: Connecting Using USB, Ethernet or Bluetooth
 Step 5: GPS Location
 Step 6: Rough Pointing to Satellite
 Step 7: Rough Pointing to Satellite

 Step 8: Rough Pointing to the Satellite − Compass Direction
 Step 9: Rough Pointing to the Satellite – Antenna Angle
 Step 10: Fine Pointing to the Satellite
 Step 11: Fine Pointing to the Satellite
 Step 12: Exiting Pointing Mode

6 Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

STEP 1: UNPACK THE SATELLITE IP MODEM

1. Unpack the modem and accessories. Battery,
AC mains power adapter, USB and Ethernet
cables are included with the modem.

2. Your service provider will have provided a
SIM and configuration instructions separately.

3. Insert SIM in SIM holder, then insert the SIM holder into
the modem as shown below.

STEP 2: UNPACK THE SATELLITE IP MODEM – POWER

1. Insert Battery after the SIM has been installed.

2. Plug in Power cable and charge the battery for 3 hours.

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

7

STEP 3: CONNECTING THE SATELLITE IP MODEM TO YOUR PC

1. Place Satellite IP Modem outside on a flat surface
with a clear view of the sky.

2. Power up Satellite IP Modem by pressing the
Power button.

3. Choose one of the following options to connect
your PC to the Satellite IP Modem:

 USB

 Ethernet

 Bluetooth

IMPORTANT: You must disconnect any existing
LAN connections on your PC before proceeding with
installation. You must verify that the proxy server
settings in your browser are disabled. For Microsoft
Internet Explorer, select Tools / Internet Options / Connections / LAN Settings and
uncheck the box labelled 'Use a proxy server for your LAN'. For Netscape, go to
Advanced Preferences and select 'Direct connection to the Internet'. When complete
please close your browser. DO NOT FORGET YOU MAY NEED TO RECHECK
THIS BOX ON RETURN TO YOUR OTHER INTERNET CONNECTION.

STEP 4: CONNECTING USING USB

1. Connect the white USB cable to your computer, and

insert the other end of the connector into the
Satellite IP Modem.

2. To check the active interface, press and hold the

SELECT button for a few seconds. If the USB light
flashes red then USB is already selected. If not, press
the SELECT button once or twice as needed to
change the selection to USB. After a short pause, t
Satellite IP Modem will restart with the USB
interface selected. If the Satellite IP Modem is under
battery power it will power down; press and hold
power button to reapply power.

he

Note: When plugging in the USB cable for the first time, you will see Windows

installing a new driver for the device.

8 Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

he

STEP 4: CONNECTING USING ETHERNET

1. To check the active interface, press and hold the

SELECT button for a few seconds. If the Bluetooth
light flashes red then Bluetooth is already selected.
If not, press the SELECT button once or twice as
needed to change the selection to Bluetooth.
After a short pause, the Satellite IP Modem will
restart with the Bluetooth interface selected. If t
Satellite IP Modem is under battery power it will
power down; press and hold power button to
reapply power.

2. Place your Bluetooth enabled PC in proximity to the

Satellite IP Modem so the PC can bond to it. Use the
factory default Bluetooth passkey “blue” when
prompted for it by the Bluetooth control application
on your PC.

3. Enter into the Bluetooth control application the

DNS values from the configuration instructions given
to you by your service provider. This must be done
even if those values are already entered into the
Satellite IP Modem previously. You may need to consult with your PC’s
Bluetooth Device vendor regarding how DNS values can be entered into their
Bluetooth Control application.

STEP 4: CONNECTING USING BLUETOOTH

1. Connect the blue Ethernet cable to your laptop’s

network interface and insert the other end of the
connector into the Satellite IP Modem.

2. To check the active interface, press and hold the

SELECT button for a few seconds. If the Ethernet
light flashes red then Ethernet is already selected. If
not, press the SELECT button once or twice as
needed to change the selection to Ethernet. After a
short pause, the Satellite IP Modem will restart
with the Ethernet interface selected. If the Satellite
IP Modem is under battery power it will power
down; press and hold power button to reapply
power.

Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem User Manual

9

STEP 5: GPS LOCATION

1. The Satellite IP Modem is now attempting to locate itself using GPS. This may

take up to five minutes. It is important that the Satellite IP Modem is placed away
from buildings, trees and other obstacles that might block a clear view of the sky.

Wait – Power light alternating

red / amber

Proceed – Power light

alternating green / amber

2. When the power light changes from a red/amber flash to an amber/green flash

proceed to the next step. If the power light is solid green or flashing green, the
Satellite IP Modem is not in antenna pointing mode. Turn the Satellite IP Modem
off and then back on.

STEP 6: ROUGH POINTING TO SATELLITE

1. The Satellite IP Modem

is controlled through a
web browser interface
called the Control Pad.
To activate the Control
Pad, click the ‘Launch
Control Pad’ button.
This will launch your
browser with the
correct page setting to
access the Control Pad.

IMPORTANT: Before launching the Control Pad, you must verify that the

proxy server settings in your browser are disabled. For Microsoft Internet
Explorer, go to LAN Settings under the Connections tab and uncheck the box
next to ‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’. For Netscape, go to Advanced
Preferences and select ‘Direct connection to the Internet’.

2. If you have PIN security enabled on your SIM, you will be prompted to enter

your PIN before proceeding.