Ground Control MSS User manual

MAGELLAN MSS - Mobile Satellite Internet System
MAGELLAN MSS Users Manual
Updated 3/30/2006

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INTRODUCTION....................................................................................... 3
MAGELLAN FEATURES................................................................ 3
SYSTEM OVERVIEW.......................................................................... 4
MAGELLAN SYSTEM COMPONENTS...................................................................... 7
STANDARD OPERATION ........................................................... 12
USING THE MAGELLAN ADMINISTRATIVE SCREEN...................................... 14
THE DW7000 HUGHESNET (DIRECWAY) MODEM STATUS............................ 17
CONNECTING COMPUTERS .................................................................................... 19
ROUTER/WI-FI CONFIGURATION.......................................................................... 25
CONFIGURING EMAIL ACCOUNTS ....................................................................... 25
OPTIMIZATION............................................................................................................ 26
APPENDIX A – EXPLANATION OF MAGELLAN ADMIN WINDOW............... 27
APPENDIX B – CONFIGURING THE ROUTER ..................................................... 34
APPENDIX C – TROUBLESHOOTING WI-FI CONNECTIONS .......................... 39
APPENDIX D - UPDATE MOBILE SOFTWARE..................................................... 40
APPENDIX E – EMERGENCY STOW....................................................................... 45
APPENDIX X – TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................... 47
MAGELLAN SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 49

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the
MAGELLAN MSS (Mobile Satellite System) from
Ground Control. This unique product will create a
high-speed Internet network for your Truck, Trailer
or RV at the touch of a button. The MAGELLAN is
manufactured by Ground Control and fully supported
27-7. If you have an issue, we will be there to help.
There are 3 manuals associated with the MAGELLAN:
USERS MANUAL – General instruction and operation of the MAGELLAN.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION MANUAL – (Dealer Only) The Hardware
Installation guide for the physical installing the MAGELLAN Satellite Internet System
by a certified dealer.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION MANUAL – (Dealer Only) Configuration and activation of
the MAGELLAN system by a certified installer, after the unit has been physically
installed.
MAGELLAN FEATURES
•Automatic self-pointing mobile satellite Internet dish.
•High-speed Internet access anywhere you park and have a clear view of the
southern sky.
•Establishes a self-contained LAN at the touch of a button.
•Connect additional computers… no per-seat licensing.
•Establishes an optional Wi-Fi Hotspot at no additional cost.
•No computer Interface control required.
•All in-vehicle equipment may be located in a place different from computer
workstations.
•No need to run wires to computers (if Wi-Fi is used).
•Auto-Stow features if vehicle has moved.
•Satellite acquire time from stowed is between 3 to 7 minutes.

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•Mac, PC or any TCP-IP equipment compatible.
•Remote Administration via browser…no software to load or run.
•Easily swap satellite modems commissioned to different satellites for quick
backup solutions or extending a footprint range.
•Optional DirecTV / Dish Network Satellite TV with universal bracket
•Lightweight Design – Under 75 lbs.
•Monthly Internet Service and Support provided by Ground Control 24x7
We hope you find using the MAGELLAN a liberating experience.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
MOBILE OFFICE
Ground Control has been servicing a huge variety of companies who wish to extend their
area of influence with mobile offices.
Mobile classrooms, dental offices, oil
exploration, emergency response…
…there are literally hundreds of
applications for easy mobile high-speed
connectivity
MOBILE WI-FI HOTSPOT
Press a button and 3 to 7 minutes later, you’ve created a High-Speed Internet connection
within about a 100’ radius around your vehicle. Connect as many computers as you like
and use the MAGELLAN just like any other Internet connection you use at the office.
Freedom to work or play
…anywhere,
…anytime.

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WORKS EVERYWHERE YOU TRAVEL
Well almost…The MAGELLAN will create a connection to the Internet from any
location you park your rig and where you have a clear view of the Southern sky. Satellite
transmissions need line of site, which means that if a tree or building is between you and
the satellite you wish to connect to, you will not be able to make a connection.
A handheld compass will allow you to
know the approximate direction of your
satellite so you may avoid obstacles
while parking.
For more information about the different satellites and their effective coverage areas,
please visit Ground Control at www.groundcontrol.com
MONTHLY SATELLITE INTERNET SERVICE
Ground Control manufactures the
Magellan, AND we are also the Internet
Service Provider of the system through
HughesNet (formally known as
Direcway). We also support your mobile
product 24-7 with our in-house trained
technicians.
HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND CONNECTION SPEEDS
Download speeds for the Mobile Internet service from Ground Control is normally
between 400Kbps and 2000Kbps in speed. Upload speeds are between 50 and 500 Kbps.
The Magellan .95 meter system will support the fastest speeds available.
CROSS PLATFORM COMPATIBLE
You may connect any kind of computer to the MAGELLAN system either directly by
Ethernet Cable to the router, or by wireless connection if your computer has a wireless
card.

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Wireless (or Wi-Fi) is a great feature allowing you to work anywhere inside, or outside
(within range) of the rig. You also don’t need to connect anything. The MAGELLAN is
completely self-contained and will create a Local Area Network at the touch of a button.
SIMPLE OPERATION
The MAGELLAN Remote Control Panel The MAGELLAN Administrative window
You may operate the MAGELLAN Automatic Dish from the 6 ¼ inch wide Remote
Control Panel by simply pressing the “Find Satellite” button. You may also operate the
system by any computer that is connected to the network. The MAGELLAN
Administrative screens allow you to observe and control the MAGELLAN in many ways.
TELEPHONE SERVICE
All Ground Control mobile accounts may use IG-VOIP software that allows you to make
a phone call to any phone number in the world.
This is handy when you’re in regions that are not services by cell phones.
Making a voice call to
anyone is as easy as entering
in a phone number and
clicking on "Call".
For more information on IG-VOIP, please visit the Ground Control web site.

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MAGELLAN SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The MAGELLAN is made up of 4 components:
1. The Automatic Pointing Satellite Dish on the roof
2. The MAGELLAN Remote Control Panel
3. The Wireless Router
4. The HughesNet DW7000 or DW7700 Satellite Modems
THE MAGELLAN AUTOMATIC POINTING SATELLITE DISH
The first component is the MAGELLAN dish itself.

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The MAGELLAN .74 meter system
stands 48” high when deployed, and
stows to 13” for traveling.
The MSS .95 meter system
stands approximately 54” high.
Height (stowed) – 14”
Length (stowed) – 59”
Width (stowed) – 53”
Weight – 85lbs
The .95 meter systems allows for
far greater speeds then the .74
meter system.
The dish weighs about 75 lbs (.74 system) and 85 lbs (.95 system) on top of the roof and
when stowed, is 13” or 14” high… well under the height of roof mounted Air-
Conditioners. The dish moves on 3 axis: Azimuth (platform rotation), Elevation (dish
raising), and Skew (the rotation of the dish face). Unlike a dish for television, a

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MAGELLAN is requires one more axis (Skew) to be aligned with the
orbiting/stationary satellite 22,300 miles above the Equator.
THE REMOTE CONTROL PANEL
The Remote Panel is 6 ¼
inches wide and may be
mounted to any surface inside
of the rig. Two-sided Velcro
tape will work fine.
By pressing one of the buttons on the MAGELLAN Remote Panel you can “Find
Satellite” or “Stow Dish” without the need of a computer. The MAGELLAN is a self-
contained system and does not require computer intervention to create a local area
network. The Remote panel requires no power and is connected by a phone wire that
comes directly from the dish.
While the operation of the Remote Panel is fairly intuitive, more detailed instructions on
its use may be found in the OPERATIONS section of this user guide.

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THE WIRELESS (Wi-Fi) ROUTER
The Magellan ships with a Linksys Wireless G Router that connects as many computers
to the dish it as you like, either directly by Ethernet cable or by Wireless connection (use
of a hub is needed for more than 3 directly connected computers).
SECURITY CONCERNS – Although the wireless functionality is a great benefit to most, you may easily
disable it with a simple button click from the router administrative screen. Once the wireless feature is
deactivated, it will behave like any non-wireless router. The Wireless Password Protection of the Linksys
is capable of 128 bit encrypted for added security.
THE HUGHESNET DW7000 SATELLITE MODEMS
The DW7000 satellite modem from HughesNet (formally known as Direcway) is the
component that allows your MAGELLAN dish to transmit and receive Internet traffic.
There are two Coax Cables that come from the dish and connect directly to the DW7000.
One coax cable is for Transmit (TX) and the other is for Receive (RX). The single
Ethernet Port on the DW7000 connects to the Linksys Router, which supplies the Internet
connection to all computers connected to the router (either by Ethernet cable or by
Wireless). The other cable goes to the AC/DC Power Supply.

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DRYDOCKING - For those who need to draw as little power as possible, you may turn off just the
MAGELLAN (by simply unplugging it from the power bar) and this will not affect your Internet
connectivity. Of course the dish must have acquired satellite before it can be unplugged.

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STANDARD OPERATION
BEFORE YOU RAISE THE DISH
Park the vehicle in as flat of a location as possible where you have a clear view of the
Southern sky. Use a compass to help you approximate the direction of the satellite so
you can quickly notice obvious obstacles. Owners of vehicles that have stabilizing jacks
should deploy them when using the mobile satellite system.
IMPORTANT FACTS – the more level you are parked, the quicker the MAGELLAN
will find the satellite. If you plan on parking often on uneven ground, you will want to
open up your Elevation Search Window size. Please refer to Appendix A on “Changing
Search Window Size”.
IMPORTANT FACTS 2 - This unit uses a compass to find the satellite. The compass can
not get an accurate if it is near large iron or steel objects, for example a nearby steel
bodied vehicle, tanks, bridges, etc. Move the vehicle away from such interference before
deploying the antenna. If search times increase above 15 minutes, recalibrate the compass
in a location free of magnetic disturbances. Caution - Do not recalibrate the compass the
first time you experience a longer than normal find time because you may be in a location
with a magnetic disturbance. Please refer to Appendix A on “Compass Calibration” on
how to perform this calibration.
All of the components of the MAGELLAN are normally plugged into the same power
bar. This is good when you need to complete reboot the whole system. Simply turn
off/on the power bar.
•REMOTE PANEL OPERATION

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RAISING THE DISH – Using the Remote Panel
Press the “Power” button on the MAGELLAN Remote Control Panel. The Green power
light will come on in a second or two. If red lights are blinking wait a minimum of 90
seconds for the system to fully boot. This booting process is actually the MAGELLAN
system waiting for the DW7000 HughesNet modems to boot. Once the modems are read
by the MAGELLAN, only the Power light will remain on but the other lights will stop
blinking.
Press the “Find Satellite” button. This dish will begin to rise up, and search for the
satellite. Once found, it will peak Azimuth and Elevation on the satellite signal, and then
move the skew of the dish face for a final “Cross Pol” test.
The “On Signal” light will glow a solid green when the satellite is found.
The “TX Enabled” light will go solid green when the system is online.
EXPLIANTION OF LED LIGHTS
Moving – The Dish is moving
Searching – The Dish is searching for the satellite in a rectangular search window.
Stowed – The dish is stowed
On Signal – The satellite has been found. It does not mean dish is online.
Error – There was an error in finding the satellite.
TX Enabeled – The HughesNet Transmitter is enabled. The system is operational.
That’s it… your network is online. You may connect any computer to the MAGELLAN
and connect to the Internet.
WARNING
The HughesNet dish transmit power
is about 1 Watt, and is relatively
harmless (Your cell phone transmits
about .7 watts). However, there is a
danger zone of the dish between the
LNB and the Dish Reflector.
Do not place any part of your body
in this danger zone while the dish
can transmit. The roof of the vehicle
is off limits to both adults and
children.
For Troubleshooting your connection.. Please visit APPENDIX X - Troubleshooting.
STOWING THE DISH – Using the Remote Panel
To Stow the dish… Simply press on the “Stow Dish” button. The dish will stow in a
couple of minutes.

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Make sure that you stow the dish BEFORE you move the vehicle. If the standing dish
makes contact with bridges, trees limbs or other obstacles, it will destroy the dish.
EMERGENCY STOW - In the unlikely event that the dish is up and does not respond to stow commands,
(from the Remote Panel or from the Administrative screen), please review Appendix E for ways to stow
the dish manually.
STOP THE DISH – Using the Remote Panel
Anytime you believe the dish is in danger of hitting something while it is moving, press
the “Stop” button on the Remote Panel to stop the dish from moving.
TURN POWER OFF – Using the Remote Panel
When the Power button on the Remote Panel is on, you may press the Power button to
turn power off, but this will only turn power off on the Remote Panel itself and not the
dish electronics. This is done for security reasons for future MAGELLAN software
updates for safety auto-stow routines.
If you wish to turn power off at the dish, you can unplug just the dish from the power bar.
If you are online, unplugging just the dish will have no effect on your connectivity.
USING THE MAGELLAN ADMINISTRATIVE
SCREEN
First step… Connect a computer to the MAGELLAN network.
Connect your computer using a standard
Ethernet cable to any of router ports 1-4.
Or forget the wire and use a wireless
card from any computer.
For Instructions in configuring you computer’s network settings to connect to the MAGELLAN network,
please review the section titled “Connecting Computers”.
OPEN A BROWSER

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Open a browser and type in 192.168.1.2 on the Address line to access the MAGELLAN
Administrative Screen.
The MAGELLAN Admin window will appear. (If it does not appear, check that all
cables are connected, reboot everything and try again).
Note that the “Find Satellite”, “Stow Dish” and “Stop” button at the bottom of the Admin
window. These buttons behave identically to the buttons on the Remote Panel when the
panel is turned on.
FIND SATELLITE – Using the MAGELLAN Admin Window
Press the “Find Satellite” button on the admin screen. The dish will go up, find satellite,
peak on it, and then establish a local area network. During this time, watch “Status” of
the dish and the changing angles of Azimuth, Elevation and Skew as the dish moves.
Status: Pointing Antenna
AZ: 6.1 EL: 133.1 SK: -25.3
Below are some of the status screens during a normal find:
•Status: Dish Stowed
•Status: Find Satellite
•Status: Pointing Antenna
•Status: Signal Found: Peaking Azimuth

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•Status: Signal Found: Peaking Elevation
•Status: Crosspol: Testing
•Status: Passed Tests: System Online
Watch the Signal Quality meter as the system is Peaking Azimuth and Elevation. During
the “Crosspol” phase, the dish is communicating with the satellite in order to skew the
dish face. You will see mostly Skew movements during this phase. Once Crosspol
passes, the dish is connected to the Internet.
If there is a problem with finding the satellite… Press on Stop and then Press on Find
Satellite again. The dish will not stow, and will being looking for the satellite again.
If the dish is already on satellite, it will simply re-peak on signal. This is handy for when
a bus or truck air-brakes have settled overnight.
You may override GPS and Vehicle Heading and the size of your search window if you
think the MAGELLAN is not pointing correctly. Overriding commands are explained in
Appendix A of this manual.
STOW DISH – Using the Admin Window
Simply press on the “Stow Dish” button. The dish will stow in about 2 minutes.
STOP DISH – Using the Admin Window
If you need to stop the dish for any reason during it’s routine… press on Stop. The dish
will immediately stop in place.
TRICK – Save the Admin window
to your favorites list so that you
can access the MAGELLAN with
a simple button click.
A Detailed Explanation of the MAGELLAN Admin window is in APPENDIX A.

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THE DW7000 HUGHESNET MODEM
STATUS
The DW7000 are the satellite modems that connect your network to the Internet via
HughesNet services. And similar to the MAGELLAN Mobile Satellite System, the
DW7000 is web accessible, and will show your current state of connectivity to
HughesNet.
To access it, type in 192.168.0.1 on the MAGELLAN network.
Note on the above screen that System Status is red and under it read “Problems”. This is
because your dish is stowed and not on signal. Click on the round System Status button
to bring up the system status screen.
Note the TX Code 6 error on the status screen because the modems are not online.

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A helpful trick in troubleshooting an Internet connection is to click on the error itself. It
will open up an explanation window showing what problem is actually happening.
If you want to get information about your satellite connection, click on the round
“System Info” button. This screen below is used to troubleshoot your HughesNet
connection if you are having problems.
Spend some time on the DW7000 pages to get familiar with how it functions. Also,
make a link to the DW7000 modems to your favorites folder.

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CONNECTING COMPUTERS
In this manual, it is assumed that you have a standard installation that uses the standard
ISP service with no Public (Static) IP address(es). If you require a Public IP, your
network administrator should be more than capable of configuring the MAGELLAN
system for all connected computers. Static Routing is beyond the scope of this manual.
Every computer connecting to the MAGELLAN network must be able to receive an IP
address automatically. In networking terms, this is called “DHCP” and is a function of
the Router. When a computer connects to the network either by Wireless device or
directly by an Ethernet cable, it will request an IP address from the router, which grants it
one. An IP address is 4 sets of 3 numbers separated by a period and looks like this
“192.168.001.002” without the quotes.
BASIC NETWORK SETTINGS
STEP 1 – Open up the Networking Window STEP 2 – Double Click on the “Network”
or “Network Connections” icon.

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If you connect by Ethernet sometimes and Wireless other times, then you must set
network settings for both types of connections.
Double Click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the window that appears (to make the
window below appear). Make sure to check the box that will bring up your network
connection on the task bar as show as a nifty trick to observer your connectivity.