NAL RESEARCH CORPORATION A3LA-RS User manual

Copyright © 2021 by NAL Research Corporation
11100 Endeavor Ct., Suite 300
Manassas, Virginia 20109 USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
A3LA-RS Quick Start Guide
Version A
September 16, 2022
451-92899-002A

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND CONDITION OF USE
This document contains information for the Iridium A3LA-RS modem and accompanying
accessories (“Product”), which are provided “as is.” Reasonable effort has been made to make
the information in this document reliable and consistent with specifications, test measurements
and other information. However, NAL Research Corporation and its affiliated companies,
directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees or consultants (“NAL Research”) assume no
responsibility for any typographical, technical, content or other inaccuracies in this document.
NAL Research reserves the right in its sole discretion and without notice to you to change Product
specifications and materials and/or revise this document or withdraw it at any time. User
assumes the full risk of using the Product specifications and any other information provided.
NAL Research makes no representations, guarantees, conditions or warranties, either express
or implied, including without limitation, any implied representations, guarantees, conditions or
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, satisfactory
quality, non-interference, accuracy of informational content, or arising from a course of dealing,
law, usage, or trade practice, use, or related to the performance or nonperformance of any
products, accessories, facilities or services or information except as expressly stated in this guide
and/or the Product and/or satellite service documentation. Any other standards of performance,
guarantees, conditions and warranties are hereby expressly excluded and disclaimed to the
fullest extent permitted by the law. This disclaimer and exclusion shall apply even if the express
limited warranty contained in this guide or such documentation fails of its essential purpose.
In no event shall NAL Research be liable, whether in contract or tort or any other legal theory,
including without limitation strict liability, gross negligence or negligence, for any damages in
excess of the purchase price of the Product, including any direct, indirect, incidental, special or
consequential damages of any kind, or loss of revenue or profits, loss of business, loss of privacy,
loss of use, loss of time or inconvenience, loss of information or data, software or applications or
other financial loss caused by the Product (including hardware, software and/or firmware) and/or
the Iridium satellite, or arising out of or in connection with the ability or inability to use the
Product (including hardware, software and/or firmware) and/or the Iridium satellite to the fullest
extent these damages may be disclaimed by law and whether advised of the possibilities of such
damages. NAL Research is not liable for any claim made by a third party or made by you for a
third party.

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REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Description
1.0
02/01/2012
Initial version
1.1
08/02/2021
Updated to new template
A
09/16/2022
Formal release
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The latest revisions of the NAL documents are available from the NAL Research website at
https://www.nalresearch.com/support/documentation-downloads/.
Reference
Title
Revision/Date
[1]
A3LA-RS User Guide
Version A, 04/19/2022
[2]
SatTerm User Guide
Version A, 03/28/2022
(supports v8.9.7)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 6
2Device Description ................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Multi-interface Connector .................................................................................................... 8
2.2 RS232 Data Interface (Standard 9-Wire Configuration) ....................................................... 9
2.3 DC Power Input..................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Power On/Off Control........................................................................................................... 9
2.5 Typical Power Usage Profile.................................................................................................. 9
2.6 Antenna Connector............................................................................................................. 10
2.7 SIM Card Interface .............................................................................................................. 11
3Configuring the A3LA-RS Modem ....................................................................................... 12
4Technical Support ............................................................................................................... 16
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: A3LA-RS Modem .............................................................................................................. 6
Figure 2: SMA Antenna ................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 3: SYN7391-C Antenna....................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4: Location of the SIM Reader ........................................................................................... 11
Figure 5: SIM Cover....................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 6: SIM Chip......................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 7: SIM Chip Reader............................................................................................................. 13

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ACRONYM LIST
AT ...............................Two-letter sequence starting a string of terminal commands. The AT is
intended to get the terminal’s attention prior to executing a command.
dB ...............................decibel
DC...............................direct current
DTE .............................data terminal equipment
FCC .............................Federal Communications Commission
GND............................ground
PIN..............................personal identification number
PUK.............................personal unblocking key
RF................................radio frequency
RX ...............................Receiving
SatTerm......................satellite terminal emulator software
SIM .............................subscriber identification module
TX ...............................Transmitting
VDC.............................volts (direct current)
VSWR..........................voltage standing wave ratio

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1INTRODUCTION
The A3LA-RS is a satellite modem containing an Iridium 9523 transceiver module. Similar to a
standard landline modem, the A3LA-RS can be controlled by any data terminal equipment (DTE)
capable of sending standard AT commands via a serial port. A DTE can be a desktop computer,
a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or even a microcontroller. With the
exception of being a data-only modem, the A3LA-RS is functionally compatible with the A3LA-X
and A3LA-D. The A3LA-RS does not support voice.
Services supported:
1. Dial-up data switch
2. Direct internet connection (or NIPRNet connection)
3. Direct internet connection using Apollo Emulator (only for DoD EMSS Gateway)
4. Short message service (SMS)
5. Short burst data (SBD)
6. Router-based unrestricted digital internetworking connectivity solution (RUDICS)
Figure 1: A3LA-RS Modem
IMPORTANT: Do not disassemble the A3LA-RS for repair or services. The warranty is voided if
the A3LA-RS is disassembled. Return it to NAL Research for any services. The email for product
repairs is [email protected].
DB15 multi-interface connector
SMA antenna connector
SIM reader under the lid

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The A3LA-RS is shipped with the following items in the package:
A3LA-RS modem
Installation CD with manuals and SatTerm software
Before using the A3LA-RS, the following additional hardware and software are required:
Desktop or laptop computer
9-wire DB25-to-DB9 RS232 data cable
DC power source
SatTerm software or any terminal emulator software

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2DEVICE DESCRIPTION
2.1 MULTI-INTERFACE CONNECTOR
The multi-interface connector is a male (DB) 15-pin miniature D-Sub type (see Figure 1) that
includes four interfaces—RS232, DC input power, ON/OFF control line, and TX_ACTIVE. The
multi-interface connector pin assignments are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: Multi-Interface Pin Assignments
Pin #
Signal
Description
Interface
1
EXT_B+
External 3.5 VDC –6.0 VDC input
DC Power
2
N/C
3
EXT_GND
External GND input
DC Power
4
EXT_ON_OFF
Power on/off control input
DC Power
5
N/C
6
S_TX
RS232 Transmit Data (Input)
RS232 Data
7
S_RX
RS232 Receive Data (Output)
RS232 Data
8
EXT_GND
External GND input
DC Power
9
DCD
RS232 Data Carrier Detect
RS232 Data
10
DSR
RS232 Data Set Ready
RS232 Data
11
CTS
RS232 Clear To Send
RS232 Data
12
RI
RS232 Ring Indicate
RS232 Data
13
RTS
RS232 Request To Send
RS232 Data
14
DTR
RS232 Data Terminal Ready
RS232 Data
15
TX_ACTIVE
Transmit Active Signal
GPIO

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2.2 RS232 DATA INTERFACE (STANDARD 9-WIRE CONFIGURATION)
The A3LA-RS supports a standard RS232 data interface to a DTE incorporating hardware
handshaking and flow control. The RS232 data interface comprises eight standard RS232 data,
control and status signals, plus a ground-level signal reference, as shown in Table 1. This
interface allows a connected DTE to utilize the A3LA-RS’s modem functionality through
standard AT and extended sets of AT commands. These commands are defined in the A3LA-RS
User Guide Rev A [1].
2.3 DC POWER INPUT
The DC power input is through pin 1 (EXT_B+) and pins 3 & 8 (EXT_GND). Keep cables used to
supply power to the A3LA-RS as short as possible to prevent significant voltage drop, which can
cause the A3LA-RS to malfunction during a data call, SMS session, or SBD session.
2.4 POWER ON/OFF CONTROL
With the EXT_ON_OFF pin left unconnected, the A3LA-RS automatically turns on or off when
external DC power is applied or removed. Prior to turning off the A3LA-RS, issue command
AT*P0 to ensure all memory write activity is completed. When the A3LA-RS is powered off, its
internal power-on-reset circuit requires two seconds for voltages to decay. Do not reapply
power until this time has elapsed. The EXT_ON_OFF pin can be connected to an external I/O
control line to turn a powered A3LA-RS on and off in a toggle fashion.
2.5 TYPICAL POWER USAGE PROFILE
Optimize your setup to attain the lowest possible power consumption. Some setup parameters
to carefully observe include:
1. Have a clear view of the sky for the antenna.
2. Keep the antenna’s voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) low to minimize power
consumption.
3. Keep the antenna cables’ loss to less than 3 dB.
4. Keep the power cable between the A3LA-RS and the power source as short as possible.

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2.6 ANTENNA CONNECTOR
The A3LA-RS modem uses a single SMA female 50-ohm connector to both transmit and receive
(see Figure 2).
Figure 2: SMA Antenna
Cable loss between the modem and the antenna is critical and must be kept less than 3 dB at
the operating frequency of 1616 to 1626.5 MHz. The minimum link margin of 13.1 dB must also
be maintained. NAL Research offers several types of antennas for use with the A3LA-RS
modem. For low cost and applications where small form factor and light weight are required,
NAL Research recommends model SYN7391-C see Figure 3 .
Figure 3: SYN7391-C Antenna
SMA antenna
connector

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2.7 SIM CARD INTERFACE
The A3LA-RS modem contains an integrated subscriber identification module (SIM) reader. The
modem uses and requires an Iridium SIM chip for operation, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Location of the SIM Reader
SIM Card
SIM Reader

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3CONFIGURING THE A3LA-RS MODEM
1. Remove the SIM cover located at the top of the A3LA-RS modem (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: SIM Cover
Under the SIM cover is an integrated SIM chip reader. The modem uses and requires an
Iridium SIM chip for operation.
2. Detach the SIM chip from the full-size SIM card (see Figure 6).
Figure 6: SIM Chip
3. Slide the SIM chip reader’s plastic bracket in the direction indicated by the arrow and
lift up the bracket.
4. Place the SIM chip (facing down) into the SIM bracket (see Figure 7).
There is a small cut-off on one of the corners of the SIM chip.
5. Ensure that the cut-off is pointing upward, which should align the SIM chip with the
SIM chip reader.
6. Lower the bracket and lock the SIM bracket by sliding in the reverse direction.
SIM chip
Full-size SIM card
SIM Cover

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Figure 7: SIM Chip Reader
7. Connect a DTE such as a computer, laptop, microcontroller, etc. to the modem DB15
port using the RS232/data cable model HRC-24-7R.
The cable can be purchased separately from NAL Research. The HRC-24-7R cable
consists of a full DB-9 serial connector and two terminal leads for DC power input. A
three-wire (TX, RX, and GND) serial cable can also be used if flow control is not required
[1]. The A3LA-RS automatically adjusts to the DTE baud.
8. Connect an external antenna to the A3LA-RS.
9. Ensure the antenna has a full view of the sky and the cable loss between the modem
and antenna is less than 3 dB.
10. Supply DC power (can be at any voltage between 3.5 VDC–5.4 VDC) to the power input
of the HRC-24-7R.
The modem will automatically be ON/OFF when DC power is applied/removed if the
EXT_ON_OFF pin is left unconnected (pin 1).
11. If power to the modem is cycled, ensure the elapsed time between each power cycle is
at least 2 seconds.
NAL Research’s AC adapter model LA-3098 (purchase separately) can be used to power
the A3LA-RS.
12. Wait for about 15 seconds for the modem to register with the Iridium satellite network.
SIM Chip
SIM Reader
WARNING: To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, a minimum separation
of 20 cm is required between the antenna and all persons.

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13. Use any terminal emulator software and AT commands to communicate with the
modem.
The A3LA-RS is shipped with a CD with a terminal emulator software package called
SatTerm [2]. NAL Research recommends using SatTerm with the A3LA-RS, because it
provides a complete reference manual for all AT commands through user-selected
buttons for quick and easy access.
14. Verify the following if a data connection cannot be made with the Iridium network:
a. Antenna has a full view of the sky.
b. The PIN has been removed from the SIM chip.
c. Power source provides enough current.
15. Use the following steps to check if the SIM or the Phone Control is locked:
a. If using the SatTerm software, open the AT Command Table for the AT+CPIN
command and click the Read button. If NOT using the SatTerm software, enter the
command AT+CPIN?
b. If the response from the A3LA-RS is SIM PIN, then the SIM is currently locked (or
activated). To remove the SIM, do the following:
i. If using the SatTerm software:
1. Enter the SIM PIN code (each SIM is shipped with the default code of 1111)
in the pbox, and then click the Send button. If the PIN code is correct, the
response from the A3LA-RS is OK.
2. Open the AT Command Table for the AT+CLCK command, and then select SC
from the fbox, select 0from the mbox, and enter the PIN code (again the
default code is 1111) in the pbox. Click the Send button. If the PIN code is
correct, the response is OK.
3. The SIM is now removed and ready for use.

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ii. If NOT using the SatTerm software:
1. Enter the following command AT+CPIN=“PIN code” (where the default PIN
code is 1111). If the PIN code is correct, the response is OK.
2. Enter the following command: AT+CLCK=“SC”,0,“PIN code”. If the PIN code
is correct, the response is OK.
3. The SIM is now removed and ready for use.
c. If the response is PH PIN, then the surface control for the A3LA-RS is locked and the
phone PIN code needs to be entered in order to use the commands that operate
the A3LA-RS.
i. To unlock the A3LA-RS surface control, do the same procedure in part 15.b
above except select CS instead of SC in step 15.b.i.2.
d. If the response is READY or SIM PIN2, then the SIM is not locked and the A3LA-RS is
ready for use. No PIN code needs to be entered.
e. If the response is SIM PUK or SIM PUK2, contact your service provider.

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4TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For technical support, please contact us at:
Phone: [phone], x203
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Technical documents are also available to download on NAL Research’s website
www.nalresearch.com in the Support > Documentation & Downloads section.