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General FAQ
Are there any special requirements when making calls to/from MiChroSat Modems from PSTN or GSM?
If dialing from PSTN to MiChroSat, it is always recommended that a direct analogue subscriber line (POTS Line) is used to place/receive calls as PABX’s may cause compatibility issues from PSTN modem to Iridium Gateway, for reference the bearer service provided by any PABX circuit must 3.1KHz audio.
It should also be noted that many Least Cost Routing services offered by service providers use Voice Over IP (VOIP) circuits which do not support circuit switched data calls.
The end-to-end data call quality and probability of connection is governed by the ability of the modem relay equipment at the satellite gateway to synchronise with modems at the originating location. Modem synchronisation is directly impacted by voice compression that is used by international telephony carriers.
For optimal reliability and connectivity, Wireless Innovation Ltd recommends that wherever practically possible closed network calling from MiChroSat modem to MiChroSat modem be used.
How can I check if my MiChroSat modem is waiting for a PIN code?
Using a terminal program e.g. HyperTerminal, connect to the modem, and verify the connection using the command AT .
If the terminal program is correctly connected to the modem it should display the following reply OK.
To query the SIM card status to identify if a PIN code is required the following command should be issued AT+CPIN?The modem will typically reply with one of three different responses:
+CPIN: SIM PIN
+CPIN: SIM PIN2
or
READYSIM PIN
This means the modem is waiting for a SIM card PIN number to be entered.
N.B. The modem will not register or allow calls to be placed until a valid pin code has been entered.
SIM PIN2 and READY:
This command means that the correct SIM card PIN number has already been entered and the modem is now able to register with the Network.How can I check my MiChroSat modem signal strength?
It is possible to receive an indication of the RSSI – signal strength received by the modem by issuing the following AT command AT+CSQ
The response will take the format +CSQ: where has 6 possible values that may be returned by the modem:
0 – No coverage.
1 – Equal to 1 bar displayed on 9505/9555 Iridium phone handset.
2 – Equal to 2 bars displayed on 9505/9555 Iridium phone handset.
3 – Equal to 3 bars displayed on 9505/9555 Iridium phone handset.
4 – Equal to 4 bars displayed on 9505/9555 Iridium phone handset.
5 – Equal to 5 bars displayed on 9505/9555 Iridium phone handset.
N.B: The above command will not function unless the MiChroSat modem has registered with the Network.How can I remove the PIN code from my SIM?
If the SIM card PIN is required then the following command should be used to enter the pin code
AT+CPIN=” ” (where the default = 1111).If the modem accepts the pin code it will reply with OK.
In order to disable the requirement for SIM card PIN number entry, prior to calls being placed via the modem, then the following command should be used AT+CLCK=”SC”,0,” ” .
If the modem accepts the pin code it will reply with OK.How can I tell if my MiChroSat Modem is registered on the satellite network?
It is possible to check if the MiChroSat modem is currently registered on the LEO network by issuing the following AT command AT+CREG?
The modem will respond with the following string +CREG 000, where the has 4 possible values that may be returned by the modem:001 – The modem is registered on the Network.
002 – Modem is currently not registered but is searching for the network.
003 – Registration denied.
004 – UnknownHow many satellites in the Iridium Constellation?
The Iridium constellation consists of 66 operational satellites and a number of spares orbiting in a constellation of six polar planes. Each plane has 11 mission satellites flying in a northerly direction performing as nodes in the communications network; the in-orbit spares satellites are ready to replace any unserviceable satellite. This constellation ensures that every region on the globe is covered by at least one satellite at all times.
The satellites are in a near-polar orbit at an altitude of 485 miles (780 km), they circle the earth once every 100 minutes travelling at a rate of 16,832 miles per hour in a roughly South – North direction. Each satellite is cross-linked to four other satellites; two satellites in the same orbital plane and two in an adjacent plane.How should I mount my Michrosat modem outdoors?
Although the MiChroSat 2400/2402 is designed for deployment in harsh conditions, and both the modem and all connectors are rated to IP-65, if the unit is to be deployed in an outdoor environment it is strongly recommended that the modem be installed within a secondary enclosure to provide full protection against all prevailing weather conditions. Note that in extreme environments, a passive solar shade or additional insulation may also be required to ensure that environmental operating conditions of the modem are not exceeded. What is a SIM?
This stands for Subscriber Identity Module, also known as the SIM Card, for mobile cellular telephony devices such as cellular phones and modems along with certain Satellite devices. SIM cards securely store the service-subscriber key (IMSI) used to identify a subscriber. What is an IMEI number?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a number unique to every GSM, WCDMA and Iridium Satellite device. The IMEI number is used by the Iridium network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used to stop a stolen modem or handset from accessing the network. For example, if a modem is stolen, the owner can call his or her network provider and instruct them to “ban” the modem using its IMEI number. This renders the modem useless, whether or not the modem’s SIM is changed. What is an IMSI Number?
The International Mobile Subscriber Identity or IMSI number is a unique number associated with all GSM and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and SIM based satellite networks. It is also called the service subscriber key and is used to identify the subscriber (You or your company). It is stored in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) inside the phone or modem. The IMSI is used in any mobile network that interconnects with other networks, in particular Satellite, CDMA and EVDO networks as well as GSM networks. What is the MSISDN/C?
This stands for Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number; it is a number uniquely identifying a subscription in a Cellular or certain Satellite networks. Simply put, it is the telephone number to the SIM card in a mobile device. The MSISDN together with IMSI are two important numbers used to identify a mobile phone. IMSI is often used as a key in the HLR (“subscriber database”) and MSISDN is the number normally dialed to connect a call to the mobile phone.
On the Iridium Network it is the “DATA” services number.
What is the MSISDN?
This stands for Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number; it is a number uniquely identifying a subscription in a Cellular or certain Satellite networks. Simply put, it is the telephone number to the SIM card in a mobile device. The MSISDN together with IMSI are two important numbers used to identify a mobile phone. IMSI is often used as a key in the HLR (“subscriber database”) and MSISDN is the number normally dialed to connect a call to the mobile phone.
On the Iridium Network it is the “Voice” number. In addition to voice it is the number that is used for SMS.
What type of cable should I use between my MiChroSat Modem and Antenna?
Correct cabling between the modem and the antenna is critical to ensure reliable operation of the MiChroSat modem, The type of cable required will be dependent on the distance between the modem and antenna and the table below provides guidelines for many popular types of RF cables.
The total RF cable loss between the antenna and the modem must not exceed 2.5dB at the operating frequency of 1620MHz.Cable Type Diameter (cm) Loss dB/m Max Length (m) Max Length (ft)
LMR-195 0.5 0.48 5.00 16.00
LMR-240 0.61 0.33 7.50 24.50
LMR-400 1.03 0.17 14.50 46.00
LDF2-50 1.18 0.14 17.50 57.00
LDF4-50 1.60 0.090 27.50 90.00
LDF5-50 2.80 0.052 48.00 157.00Note: The above table excludes losses incurred in any RF tails that may be required to connect modem/antenna.
Where does Iridium work?
The Iridium system is the only communications system providing true global communications coverage including oceans, and all land areas including the Poles.
The Iridium system blankets the Earth, connecting global satellite coverage with local ground-based wireless services.
Who manufactures the MiChroSat 2402 Connectors and what are the part numbers?
Serial Data Connector – Requires Bulgin Part No: PX0794/S; termination: solder terminals must be purchased separately: SA3347/1 for pack of 10
Power Connector – Requires Bulgin Part No: PX0736/S; termination: screw terminals.