Inmarsat BGAN Thrane&Thrane Explorer 500 User manual

USER MANUAL
EXPLORER™500
Thrane & Thrane A/S • [e-mail] • www.thrane.com
33126-EXP500-USERMAN-FRONT-A4 26/02/07 13:38 Side 1

TT 98-122274-O ii
TT-3710A EXPLORER™ 500
Document number: TT 98-122274-O
Release date: 27 February 2007
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on
the part of Thrane & Thrane A/S.
Copyright
© 2007 Thrane & Thrane A/S. All rights reserved.
Trademark acknowledgements
•EXPLORER is a trademark of Thrane & Thrane A/S.
•Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.
•Windows and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries.
•Inmarsat is a registered trademark of the International Maritime Satellite Organisation (IMSO) and is
licensed by IMSO to Inmarsat Limited and Inmarsat Ventures plc.
• Inmarsat’s product names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Inmarsat.
• Other product and company names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or trade names of their
respective owners.
Company Addresses
www.thrane.com

TT 98-122274-O iii
Safety summary 1
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, service and repair of this equipment.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture and intended use of the
equipment. Thrane & Thrane A/S assume no liability for the customer's failure to
comply with these requirements.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere
Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Operation of any electrical equipment in such an environment constitutes a definite
safety hazard.
Keep away from live circuits
Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers. Component replacement
and internal adjustment must be made by qualified maintenance personnel. Do not
replace components with the power cable connected. Under certain conditions,
dangerous voltages may exist even with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries,
always disconnect power and discharge circuits before touching them.
Do not service alone
Do not attempt internal service or adjustments unless another person, capable of
rendering first aid resuscitation, is present.
Do not substitute parts or modify equipment
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not substitute parts or
perform any unauthorized modification to the equipment.
Keep away from active antenna front
This device emits radio frequency energy when switched on. To
avoid injury, keep a minimum safety distance of 0.6 m from the
antenna front when the EXPLORER 500 is on. See also the below
section Antenna safety instructions.
Only use approved batteries from Thrane & Thrane
Use of non approved batteries may result in explosion, fire, electrical shock or injury.
Observe marked areas
Under extreme heat conditions do not touch areas of the
EXPLORER 500 that are marked with this symbol, as it may
result in injury.

Antenna safety instructions
TT 98-122274-O iv
Antenna safety instructions 2
Use only manufacturer supplied antennas
Antenna minimum safe distance: 60 cm
Antenna gain
Directional, with maximum gain of 11.1 dB reference to isotropic.
The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF (Radio
Frequency) energy which is below the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) limits.
Antenna mounting
The antenna supplied by the manufacturer must be located such that during radio transmission, no person or
persons can come closer than the above indicated minimum safe distance to the antenna, i.e. 60 cm.
To comply with current FCC RF Exposure limits, the antenna must be installed at or exceeding the minimum
safe distance shown above, and in accordance with the requirements of the antenna manufacturer or
supplier.
Antenna substitution
Do not substitute any antenna for the models supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. You may be
exposing people to excess radio frequency radiation. You may contact the manufacturer for further
instructions.
Radiation warning
You, as the qualified end-user of this radio device, must control the exposure conditions of bystanders to
ensure the minimum separation distance (above) is maintained between the antenna and nearby persons,
for satisfying RF Exposure compliance. The operation of this transmitter must satisfy the requirements of
Occupational/Controlled Exposure Environment, for work-related use. Only use the terminal when persons
are at least the minimum distance from the front face of the antenna.
WARNING! Maintain a separation distance of at least 60 cm from the front face of the
antenna to a person.

About this manual
TT 98-122274-O v
About this manual 3
Intended readers
This manual is a user manual for the EXPLORER 500. The readers of the manual include anyone who is using
or intends to use the EXPLORER 500. No specific skills are required to operate the EXPLORER 500. However,
it is important that you observe all safety requirements listed in the Safety summary and in the Antenna safety
instructions in the beginning of this manual, and operate the EXPLORER 500 according to the guidelines in
this manual.
Manual overview
This manual may not always reflect the latest software functionality of your EXPLORER 500. To obtain the
latest version of the manual, please enter the Thrane & Thrane Extranet and download the latest version, or
acquire it from your distributor.
The manual has the following chapters:
•Introduction contains an overview of the BGAN services and a brief description of the system.
•Getting started explains how to insert SIM card and battery, start up the unit, and navigate the display
menus. It also contains a short guide to making the first call.
•Using the display and keypad contains an overview of the display menu system and explains how to use
the menus.
•Using the interfaces explains how to set up and use each interface.
•Using the web interface explains how to use the built-in web interface of the EXPLORER 500, and
describes available menus and settings. It also explains setup of interfaces with the web interface.
•Maintenance and troubleshooting contains a short troubleshooting guide and explains how to update
software. It also describes and lists the alarm messages that may appear in the handset, and gives
information on where to get further help if necessary.
Typography
In this manual, typography is used as indicated below:
Bold is used for the following purposes:
• To emphasize words.
Example: “Do not touch the antenna front during pointing”.
• To indicate what the user should select in the user interface.
Example: “Select Settings > Bluetooth and click Enabled”.
Italic is used to emphasize the paragraph title in cross-references.
Example: “For further information, see Connecting Cables on page...”.
COURIER is used for the following purposes:
• To indicate text appearing in the display.
Example: “the Main screen shows READY”.
• To indicate low level commands such as AT commands.
Example: “In your terminal program, type ATD”.

TT 98-122274-O vi
Table of Contents
Safety summary ....................................................................................................iii
Antenna safety instructions .................................................................................. iv
About this manual ................................................................................................. v
Chapter 1 Introduction
Welcome ................................................................................................................1
In this chapter ........................................................................................................1
The BGAN system ..................................................................................................2
The BGAN services ................................................................................................4
Features and interfaces of the EXPLORER™ 500 ....................................................5
Your EXPLORER™ 500 terminal ............................................................................. 7
Matrix of services and communication interfaces ..................................................10
What’s next? .........................................................................................................10
Chapter 2 Getting started
In this chapter ...................................................................................................... 11
Unpacking and assembling .................................................................................. 11
Placing the EXPLORER™ 500 ................................................................................15
Connecting cables ................................................................................................15
Powering the EXPLORER™ 500 .............................................................................17
Options for the start-up procedure .......................................................................18
Entering the SIM PIN ...........................................................................................20
Pointing the antenna ............................................................................................21
Using an external antenna (fixed installation) ..................................................... 26
Using a fixed EXPLORER™ 500 (semi-fixed installation) ...................................... 26
Making the first call ............................................................................................. 27
Making the first data connection (LAN) ................................................................ 29
What’s next? ........................................................................................................30
Chapter 3 Using the display and keypad
In this chapter ......................................................................................................31
Menu overview .....................................................................................................31
Display during start-up ........................................................................................ 33
Display symbols ................................................................................................... 34

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-O vii
Navigating the display and keypad ...................................................................... 35
The menus ........................................................................................................... 36
Messages menu .................................................................................................. 37
Connect menu ..................................................................................................... 38
Calls menu .......................................................................................................... 39
Settings menu .....................................................................................................40
Properties menu .................................................................................................. 43
Help desk ............................................................................................................ 45
Dynamic information in the display ..................................................................... 46
What’s next? ........................................................................................................ 47
Chapter 4 Using the interfaces
In this chapter ...................................................................................................48
General ..............................................................................................................48
Tools for setup and use ....................................................................................... 48
Services and interfaces ........................................................................................ 49
Enabling or disabling an interface .......................................................................50
Bluetooth pairing ...............................................................................................51
What is pairing? ...................................................................................................51
Pairing devices in which you can enter a passkey .................................................51
Using a phone or fax machine .......................................................................... 52
Selecting the call type .......................................................................................... 52
Connecting an analog phone or a fax machine .................................................... 54
Connecting a Bluetooth handset ..........................................................................55
Entering the SIM PIN using a phone ....................................................................56
Making or receiving a phone call with the EXPLORER™ 500 ................................ 57
Making a call to the EXPLORER™ 500 ..................................................................58
Dialing functions .................................................................................................59
Sending or receiving a fax message ..................................................................... 62
Using a computer .............................................................................................. 63
Choosing an interface for data connection ........................................................... 63
Standard or Streaming data ................................................................................. 64
Using the LAN interface .......................................................................................65
Using the USB interface ....................................................................................... 67
Using a computer with Bluetooth ........................................................................ 70
Creating a dial-up connection ..............................................................................71

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-O viii
Additional interfaces ......................................................................................... 73
Using an external antenna .................................................................................. 73
Using the EXPLORER™ Bluetooth Handset charger .............................................. 73
What’s next? ...................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 5 Using the web interface
In this chapter ................................................................................................... 75
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 75
The web interface ................................................................................................ 75
Accessing and navigating the web interface ........................................................ 77
Entering the SIM PIN in the web interface ........................................................... 79
The Home window ............................................................................................80
Overview ..............................................................................................................80
Terminal properties .............................................................................................80
Managing calls and data sessions ........................................................................81
Pointing using web interface ............................................................................... 82
Using the phone book .......................................................................................83
General usage ..................................................................................................... 83
Editing phone book entries ..................................................................................84
Call log ...............................................................................................................85
Information on total usage ..................................................................................85
Exporting the call log ...........................................................................................85
Viewing the lists of calls ......................................................................................86
Handling messages ........................................................................................... 87
Sending an SMS message from the EXPLORER™ 500 ........................................... 87
Options for messages in the Outbox .....................................................................88
Options for messages in the Sent folder ...............................................................88
Sending an SMS message to the EXPLORER™ 500 ...............................................89
Receiving a message ...........................................................................................89
Options for new SMS messages ...........................................................................90
Options for SMS messages in the Inbox ...............................................................90
Configuring message settings ...............................................................................91
EXPLORER™ 500 settings ................................................................................. 93
Accessing the EXPLORER™ 500 settings .............................................................. 93
Power up behavior .............................................................................................. 93
Setting the display backlight and contrast ........................................................... 94

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-O ix
Turning audio indicators on or off ....................................................................... 95
Enabling activation of stealth mode .....................................................................95
Setting up the interfaces .................................................................................. 96
Enabling/disabling interfaces ..............................................................................96
Description of data settings .................................................................................96
Configuring the USB interface .............................................................................98
Configuring the LAN interface .............................................................................100
Configuring the Bluetooth interface ....................................................................104
Pairing Bluetooth devices from the web interface ...............................................107
Configuring the Phone/Fax settings .................................................................... 110
Setting up call services ........................................................................................ 111
Setting a common APN ........................................................................................117
Selecting the GPS antenna ..................................................................................118
Properties, software upload and alarm list ....................................................119
Viewing the properties of the EXPLORER™ 500 ....................................................119
Uploading software ............................................................................................120
Viewing the Alarm List .........................................................................................121
Administration .................................................................................................122
Accessing the administration settings ................................................................. 122
Using Profiles ..................................................................................................... 127
Using a Traffic Flow Template .............................................................................130
Help desk and diagnostic report .....................................................................132
Accessing the Help desk .....................................................................................132
Generating a diagnostic report ........................................................................... 132
What’s next? ..................................................................................................... 133
Chapter 6 Maintenance and troubleshooting
In this chapter ....................................................................................................134
Getting support ..................................................................................................134
Uploading software ............................................................................................135
Maintenance ......................................................................................................135
Options and accessories ..................................................................................... 137
Troubleshooting guide .......................................................................................138
Status signaling ..................................................................................................145
Alarm messages .................................................................................................145
Log files ..............................................................................................................150

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-O x
Appendix A Technical specifications
In this appendix ...................................................................................................151
General specifications .........................................................................................151
Battery ...............................................................................................................152
Power input ........................................................................................................153
SIM interface ......................................................................................................153
Phone/Fax interface ...........................................................................................154
LAN interface ......................................................................................................155
USB interface .....................................................................................................156
Bluetooth interface .............................................................................................157
Built-in antenna .................................................................................................158
External antenna ................................................................................................159
EXPLORER™ Bluetooth Handset charger interface ..............................................160
Serial number label .............................................................................................161
Conformity ..........................................................................................................162
Appendix B AT commands
In this appendix ..................................................................................................164
Starting up an AT command session ...................................................................164
List of supported AT commands ..........................................................................165
Glossary .............................................................................................................................171
Index ............................................................................................................................175

TT 98-122274-O 1
Chapter 1
Introduction 1
Welcome
Congratulations on the purchase of your EXPLORER 500!
The EXPLORER 500 is a broadband mobile terminal with integrated antenna, providing high-
speed data and voice communication via satellite through the Broadband Global Area Network
(BGAN).
Just plug in a phone, fax, laptop or PDA, or use the Bluetooth® interface, point the antenna
towards the BGAN satellite - and you are online.
The flat, light-weight design of the EXPLORER 500 makes it easy to carry e.g. in the front pocket of
a laptop bag.
Applications include:
• Internet browsing
•E-mail
• Phone and fax services
• Large file transfers
• Video conferencing and Streaming
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) access to corporate servers
In this chapter
This chapter gives an overview of the BGAN system and services, and introduces the
EXPLORER 500.
It also gives an overview of the physical unit and its features and functions.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 2
The BGAN system
What is BGAN?
The Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) is a mobile satellite service that offers high-speed
data up to 492 kbps and voice telephony. BGAN enables users to access e-mail, corporate
networks and the Internet, transfer files and make telephone calls.
Coverage
The Inmarsat® BGAN services are based on geostationary satellites situated above the equator.
Each satellite covers a certain area (footprint). The coverage map below shows the footprints of the
BGAN system.
Note The map depicts Inmarsat's expectations of coverage, but does not represent a
guarantee of service. The availability of service at the edge of coverage areas fluctuates
depending on various conditions.
The launch of the F3 satellite (POR) will be determined in due course.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 3
Overview of the BGAN system
A complete BGAN system may include the EXPLORER 500 with connected peripherals, the BGAN
satellite, and the Satellite Access Station (SAS). The satellites are the connection between your
EXPLORER 500 and the SAS, which is the gateway to the worldwide networks (Internet, telephone
network, cellular network, etc.).
Satellite
IP Router PC
Satellite Access Station
(SAS)
EXPLORER™500
Switch Voice and ISDN
Laptop
Bluetooth
Handset
Circuit Switched Network
Packet Switched Network

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 4
The BGAN services
Supported services
The services currently supported by BGAN comprise:
• A Packet Switched connection to the Internet
• A Circuit Switched (Dialed) connection for voice, fax or data
• Short Messaging Service (SMS)
Packet data service
The BGAN network supports different classes of data connection to the Internet.
• Using a Standard data connection, several users can share the data connection
simultaneously. This type of connection is ideal for e-mail, file transfer, and Internet and
intranet access. The user pays for the amount of data sent and received.
• Using a Streaming data connection, you get an exclusive, high-priority connection, ensuring
seamless transfer of data. This type of connection is ideal for time critical applications like live
video over IP. The user pays for the duration of the connection (per minute charge).
Circuit switched (dialed) service
Two types of circuit switched connection are available:
•Standard Voice. A low-tariff connection for voice only. The voice signal is compressed to
4.0 kbps, which reduces the bandwidth use and consequently the tariff.
•3.1 kHz Audio. A high quality connection which can be used for Premium Voice, G3 fax,
analog modem or ISDN.
The signal is uncompressed 3.1 kHz audio, which allows for optimum voice quality.
SMS service
The BGAN system provides a Short Messaging Service (SMS) for sending and receiving messages.
Supplementary services
The BGAN system also provides the following supplementary services:
• Call hold
• Call waiting
•Callforwarding
•Voicemail
• Call barring
• Calling line identification
• Closed user group

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 5
Features and interfaces of the EXPLORER™ 500
Features
The EXPLORER 500 provides the following features:
High speed data up to 464 kbps - shared bandwidth
Support for Streaming classes 32, 64 and 128 kbps
Simultaneous voice and data
Standard LAN, USB, Bluetooth and phone/fax ports
Built-in web interface allowing you to manage your phone book, messages and calls, and
customize the terminal to your specific needs
100-240 V AC power adapter
Lightweight and portable design
Easy setup and use
Robust and durable design
CE, FCC and GMPCS certified

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 6
Overview of interfaces
The EXPLORER 500 provides a number of interfaces for connection of various types of computers,
fax devices and phones.
Using the interfaces on page 48 describes how to use each of the available interfaces.
Minimizing power consumption
The EXPLORER 500 is designed for minimum power consumption. This means that functions that
are not currently used will automatically go into a “sleep mode” to minimize the power
consumption.
In addition to this automatic sleep mode function, you can disable each of the interfaces if they are
not currently used. Note, however, that you will not be able to use these interfaces until you
enable them again. For information on how to enable/disable interfaces, see Enabling or disabling
an interface on page 50.
Bluetooth
Handset
Bluetooth
USB or LAN
USB or LAN
Standard Phone
Connection
Standard Phone
Connection

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 7
Your EXPLORER™ 500 terminal
Overview
The EXPLORER 500 is a compact unit comprising antenna, compass, display and keypad, all in one
unit.
Display and keypad
The EXPLORER 500 has a display and a keypad for displaying status and for setting up the
EXPLORER 500.
For information on how to use the keypad and display, and for an overview of the display menu
system, see Using the display and keypad on page 31.
Power indicator
Power Button
Keypad
Display
Message indicator

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 8
Light indicators
The EXPLORER 500 has two light indicators next to the display: a green power indicator and a red
message indicator.
Green Power indicator
The function of the green Power indicator to the left of the display is as follows:
Red Message indicator
The function of the red Message indicator is as follows:
Behavior of green indicator Meaning
Short flash every 2 seconds The EXPLORER 500 is on.
Steady light The battery is charging.
Flashing rapidly A charging error has occurred.
For further information, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on
page 138.
Off No power or Stealth mode.
Behavior of red indicator Meaning
Flashing An alarm is active or
An SMS message has arrived.
Press OK on the keypad to view the alarm(s) or SMS
message(s).a
The red light will keep flashing after OK is pressed if
• there are more SMS messages, or
• an alarm is still active.
For information on alarm messages, see Alarm messages
on page 145.
a. If a computer is connected, you can also view alarms and SMS messages in the built-in web interface in the
EXPLORER 500. For further information, see Icons in the icon bar on page 78.
Off No messages are present, or the EXPLORER 500 is in Stealth
mode.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 9
User interfaces
The keypad and display are used for pointing the antenna, for displaying status and for changing
simple parameters.
To obtain full access to all features and for ease-of-use, you should use a computer
(a PC, Laptop or similar) and one of the following:
•Theweb interface. A built-in web interface for easy configuration and daily use. The web
interface is accessed from a computer connected to the EXPLORER 500, using an Internet
browser. No installation of software is needed if you connect using LAN. If you connect using
USB you need to install a USB driver for the computer to recognize the EXPLORER 500. See
Using the USB interface on page 67.
For further information on the web interface, see Chapter 5, Using the web interface.
•TheBGAN LaunchPad from Inmarsat. BGAN LaunchPad is a computer application used to
control terminals in the BGAN system. LaunchPad is provided on the Inmarsat BGAN CD-ROM
supplied with your EXPLORER 500. For information on how to use the LaunchPad, refer to the
manual on the Inmarsat CD-ROM.
Additionally, it is possible to control the EXPLORER 500 using AT Commands. Refer to Appendix B,
AT commands.
Antenna
The white part of the EXPLORER 500 is the antenna module. The antenna module comprises a GPS
(Global Positioning System) antenna, a BGAN antenna and a Bluetooth antenna.
Compass
The EXPLORER 500 also provides a compass to help positioning the
antenna. For further information on how to use the compass, see
Pointing the antenna on page 21.
Battery
The EXPLORER 500 comes with a rechargeable battery, which is easily inserted. The battery is
automatically recharged when power is applied to the EXPLORER 500. Steady green light indicates
that the battery is charging.
SIM card
The SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card used for the EXPLORER 500 is a standard SIM card,
which is acquired from the Airtime Provider.
The EXPLORER 500 requires a SIM card to go online and to access the settings of the
EXPLORER 500. Without a SIM card you can only see the Main screen of the display system
showing battery status etc. Using the web interface, you can view the properties of the
EXPLORER 500 and upload software without inserting a SIM card. Upload of software, however,
requires an Administrator user name and password.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-O 10
SIM lock
The supplier may SIM lock the EXPLORER 500 to a specific provider. For further information,
contact your supplier.
Matrix of services and communication interfaces
The following table shows which services can be accessed from which interfaces, and which types
of equipment can be used.
What’s next?
This chapter has provided an overview of the BGAN system and of the EXPLORER 500.
The next chapters will go into more detail about how to set up and use the EXPLORER 500. The
following chapter, Getting started, explains how to unpack and start up the EXPLORER 500, and
how to point the antenna in order to get the best possible signal.
Service
Interface on the EXPLORER 500
Phone/Fax Bluetooth USB LAN Display/
Keypad
Circuit Switched Connection
3.1 kHz
Audio
Analog
telephone
Bluetooth
handset
G3 Fax machine
Standard
Voice Analog
telephone
Bluetooth
handset
Data Computer with
analog modem
Computer Computer
(56 kbps/
64 kbps)
Packet Switched Connection
Data
multi-user
Computer Computer
with
Switch/Hub
Data
single-user
Computer Computer Computer
SMS Computer Computer Computer View only