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How to Mount the Antenna?
The Iridium satellites are "Low Earth Orbit", which means that they continuously orbit the
earth, travelling from North to South (it takes approximately 7 mins for the satellites to pass
from horizon to horizon). The signal is approximately the same strength and frequency as
for a GPS, ie it doesn't travel through most materials very well, especially metal.
Therefore the antenna should be mounted with as clear a view of the sky as possible and
with the shortest run of cable possible. For example on a small yacht the rear guardrail (or
similar pole/rail) is normally the preferred location.
Small amounts of occlusion of the sky are not normally a problem, but ultimately it's best to
test a potential position before fixing the antenna. The Iridium antenna is not normally
affected (nor affects) other nearby antennas. However, avoid placing directly in front of
high power transmitters such radar/Inmarsat. Additionally it would be prudent to test that a
GPS antenna within 0.3m is not affected (however, most GPS units have filters to prevent
interference.)
Using the Tracking System (9522-TP only)
The GPS antenna is an active design (ie powered) and must NOT be connected / removed
whilst there is power connected to the unit or else damage WILL occur!
Ensure that the GPS antenna is mounted the correct way up (flat side faces downwards)
and is placed inside the vessel where it can likely receive a GPS signal (eg directly under
a fibreglass/wood deck.
Note: The "SIM Pin Request" feature must be disabled because the unit will reboot
occasionally and will otherwise become locked out waiting for the user to enter the pin!
Note: Do NOT delete/alter the values of the phone address book locations 80-100.
They may appear to be random, but they control the tracking function of the phone.
The unit will transmit its position periodically as follows:
When the unit is powered on it will send an initial position fix
Every 3.5 days (ie twice / week) – this is adjustable remotely
On demand by "pinging" the unit (log into your personal Blog page and click "ping")
Note: We may automate the pinging if you enter certain rallies, eg ARC events
Connecting to the Internet
The Iridium phone operates as a generic 19,200 baud modem. Technically no special
software or drivers are required in order to connect to the internet.
However, in order to simplify setup and configuration, please use the ExpressMail software
on the supplied CD. This will fully automate the installation process (see installation
manual on the CD for full details).
Operating the Handset / Making a Call
The handset behaves in a similar fashion to most cell phones. Eg to place a voice call, first
remove the handset from the dock, then type in the desired tel number and finally press
the green button. Press the red button to end the call.
A full handset manual is available on the CD.
Note that you must always enter the full country code when dialling a number,
eg 0044xx for a UK tel number
Iridium 9522 Quickstart Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Copyright© MailASail 2008
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