Ground Control MCD-4800 User manual

MCD-4800
The Football
User Manual
MCD-4800 USER MANUAL
Ground Control
v2.3

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Contents
MCD-4800 OWNER IDENTIFIERS ............................................................................................... 4
CONTACTING GROUND CONTROL TECHNICAL SUPPORT ................................................... 4
MCD-4800 “THE FOOTBALL” OVERVIEW.................................................................................. 5
MCD-4800 FEATURES .................................................................................................................. 5
MCD-4800 SYSTEM CONTENTS.................................................................................................. 7
INSIDE THE MCD-4800 ................................................................................................................ 8
SYSTEM OPERATION ................................................................................................................. 10
WIFI SECURITY ........................................................................................................................... 11
ACCESSING THE MCD-4800 WEB INTERFACE ........................................................................ 13
USING THE LAN PORT............................................................................................................... 13
MONITORING USAGE................................................................................................................ 14
USING A PHONE WITH THE MCD-4800 .................................................................................. 15
ACCESSING BGAN VOICE MAIL................................................................................................ 16
CHARGING FACTS...................................................................................................................... 17
MCD-4800 ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................... 18
MCD-4800 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................... 22
TROUBLESHOOTING SYSTEM OVERHEATING...................................................................... 24
CONTACTING GROUND CONTROL SUPPORT....................................................................... 25

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Safety Information
Important Safety Information for the
Ground Control BGAN MCD-4800 System
Like all BGAN systems, the MCD-4800 is a transmitting satellite device.
All persons should stay at least 1 meter from the case when it is operational.
If you have additional questions regarding connecting or operating your
system, beyond the simple operation set of the MCD-4800, please review the
Hughes 9450 Users Guide on the included USB key, or contact the Ground
Control Technical Support Team for assistance.
GROUND CONTROL SUPPORT
USA Toll Free: 1-800-931-5559
International: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

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MCD-4800 Owner Identifiers
Please fill out the information on this page with the account information supplied to you
from Ground Control and keep this manual available in the field.
Ground Control Account Number:GC____________________
MCD-4800 Web Interface: 192.168.128.200
Hughes 9450 Web Interface: 192.168.128.100
BGAN Phone Number _______________________
BGAN FAX Number _______________________
BGAN Static IP Address: (if any) _______________________
SSID Wireless Broadcast Football [Serial Number]
Wireless WEP Security Password: _______________________
Contacting Ground Control Technical Support
Ground Control technical support representatives are available 24 hours per day for your
convenience. Please note that our standard hours of operation are Monday –Friday, 8AM
to 5PM Pacific Standard Time. If you call outside of these hours, support response may be
delayed and certain resources may not be available to the support agent.
For Technical Support, please call 1-800-931-5559 from the U.S. or [phone] from
abroad. You may also email [email protected] from a computer connected
to working Internet connection.

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MCD-4800 “The Football” Overview
The MCD-4800 "Mobile Communications Device", also known as "The Football", is an auto-
pointing BGAN satellite terminal that requires no user training to operate. Simply place
the weather-tight case on the ground, or on a boat deck, or on any surface with a clear
view of the sky, rain or shine, anywhere in the world and turn it on - no pointing
necessary. Within a minute, the MCD-4800 becomes a wireless hotspot for any wireless
device up to 100 meters from the case for up to 5 hours on the internal battery. The auto-
pointing case uses the high performance Hughes 9450 in-motion BGAN terminal
integrated with our proprietary mobile electronics for a ruggedized self-contained, in-field,
user-friendly solution.
MCD-4800 Features
Features are subject to change. Please refer to the Ground Control website for current features.
No Aiming Required. Simply turn the unit on under an open sky.
Does Not Require User Interaction. No software to run. Establishes AP automatically.
Up to 100 meter range wireless access point for laptop, smartphone, or other wireless device.
Internet speeds up to 460Kbps in both directions.
External all weather RJ-45 (Ethernet) and RJ-11 (Phone) connection ports.
Up to 5 hour battery life for normal use.
May be plugged into a vehicle 12V power port for continuous operation (through included inverter).
Operates from -22°F to 130°F (-25˚C to +55˚C) temperatures. Auto-shutoff at 130°F (internal temp)
Operates on top of moving vehicle roof, or boat, or any moving object.
Works well in heavy rain, and will operate with 20mm of ice before transmission issues.
Watertight, crushproof, dustproof reinforced plastic case.
The MCD-4800 operates globally (except for the poles).
Portable - Ships UPS, FedEx, carry-on luggage anywhere.
Full IP compatibility - Internet, SMTP email, file transfer (FTP, and VPN).
Cost effect "always-on" access, charged for only what is transferred.
The MCD-4800 case is a Ground Control manufactured solution, supported by us 24/7.

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LAN PORT –RJ-45 port for Ethernet connection. It is sealed covered
with a quick-disconnect water cap. This Ethernet port is POE capable
(Power Over Ethernet). Special Ethernet cable ends that maintain a
watertight connection to the MCD-4800 are available as an accessory
item.
Light Sensor –This sensor will backlight the display in darkness so the display
can be read. From the MCD-4800 control panel, the sensitivity of this sensor
can be set, including always off.
Display –Shows power up status and battery level.
Charge / Power Port –This port is used to connect the Power
Supply. The supply will power, recharge and maintain the MCD-
4800. Charging is automatic and based on the state of the batteries.
The charge system will work as necessary with the unit on or off.
Higher outside air temperatures may increase charge time if the
unit is on while charging. Always install the Port Cap when Power
Supply is not connected to maintain its weatherproof integrity.
Phone Port –This sealed port allows any standard phone to be
plugged in. Provides standard dial-tone and accepts standard RJ-11
phone cable.

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MCD-4800 System Contents
The MCD-4800 includes (from left to right) the MCD-4800 terminal, a flash drive with manuals and
software, a miniature compass, an accessory bag to hold all loose contents, an analog phone (runs
of 3 AA batteries), a mini-inverter, an AC/DC charger, and an international plug kit that allows the
MCD-4800 to be charged from any countries wall power

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Inside the MCD-4800
Inside the case (from left side moving right) is the WiFi antenna, the domed class 11 BGAN satellite
antenna, the SIM cover, fan, and the LED power button. There is also an internal fan used to vent
electronics. We recommend having the case lid opened slightly in hot locations.
WiFi Antenna –When raised, the WiFi antenna adds extra
range to the MCD-4800 wireless connection. This antenna is
a standard RP-SMA type antenna and larger higher gain
antennas can easily be mounted. Note the antenna needs to
be folded down in order to close the case lid.
SIM Card Tray –Rotate the SIM cover to expose the SIM
tray. Insert the SIM with the notch side down, and to the
right. To insert a SIM, push it into the SIM slot until it “clicks”.
To remove SIM card, simply push it in until it clicks, and it
will self-eject when finger is removed.

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Fan & Fan Cover –The fan inside of the MCD-4800 will
automatically start if the internal temperature becomes too
hot. It is advisable to run the case lid cracked open in hot
weather. The terminal will auto-shutoff when the internal
temperature reaches 130ºFahrenheit (54º Celsius).
Power –On/Off –When pressed, the power button will light
up when the terminal is turned on. To power the system off,
simple press the button again.
The MCD-4800 may be used on a moving vessel, even during heavy seas.

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System Operation
STEP 1 –FIND AN OPEN AREA
Lay the MCD-4800 flat (top side up, as if to open
the case), under an open sky.
The terminal needs to have line-of-sight with
one of the three BGAN Inmarsat satellites.
These satellites are stationary in the sky, so as
long as line-of-sight is maintained, the terminal
may be placed up against a wall or tree.
The map below is very helpful to find what direction, and how high up from the horizon an
available BGAN satellite is. Use the included compass to help you quickly discern where a good
location would be to place the terminal to avoid things like trees and buildings.