SKYTERRA Msat G2 User manual

Mobile Satellite Radio
USER GUIDE

Mobile Satellite
Radio
User Guide

Copyright © 2005 SKYTERRA
All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are proprietary to SkyTerra
Communications, LP. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means without the written permission of SkyTerra Communications, LP,
10802 Parkridge Boulevard, Reston,VA 20191-4334
SkyTerra Communications, LP, has made every effort to ensure the correctness
and completeness of the material in this document. SkyTerra Communications, LP,
shall not be liable for errors contained herein.The information in this document
is subject to change without notice. SkyTerra Communications, LP, makes no
warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Trademarks
All trademarks, marks, names, or product names referenced in this publication are
the property of their respective owners, and SkyTerra Communications, LP,
neither endorses nor otherwise sponsors any such products or services referred
to herein.
SkyTerra is a trademark of SkyTerra Communications, LP.
MCN : 3004073-0001 rev. B

SAFETY INFORMATION
For your safety and protection, read this entire user manual before you
attempt to use the MSAT-G2 Radio. In particular, read this safety section
carefully. Keep this safety information where you can refer to it if necessary.
WARNING SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL
WARNING
Potential radio Frequency (RF) hazard.Where you see
this alert symbol and WARNING heading, strictly follow
the warning instructions to avoid injury to eyes or other
personal injury.
WARNING
Where you see this alert symbol and WARNING heading,
strictly follow the warning instructions to avoid personal
injury.
DANGER
Electric shock hazard:Where you see this alert symbol and
DANGER heading, strictly follow the warning instructions
to avoid electric shock injury or death.
User Guide i

WARNINGS FOR THE MSAT-G2 RADIO
SAFETY INFORMATION
The MSAT-G2 Mobile Satellite Radio is a radio transmitter
and receiver.When turned on and operating, the MSAT-G2
antenna transmits and receives radio frequencies to and
from a satellite orbiting the earth.
Installed and used properly the MSAT-G2 Radio complies
with the following safety standard:“ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992,
Safety Levels With Respect to Human Exposure to Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3KHz to 300 GHz.”
Testing of the MSAT-G2 Radio design indicates that, in
accordance with ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992,The MSAT-G2
radio may be operated safely if no one is within 39 inches
(1meter) of the satellite antenna’s transmission path.The
antenna should be installed and operated to ensure that
passersby and passengers of vehicles with vehicle-mounted
antennas will not be closer than the safe distance.There is a
label on the antenna that notifies people of the safe distance.
Please be sure that the label on the antenna remains visible
and attached. If detached replace immediately.
Use of the MSAT-G2 Radio in a manner that is inconsistent
with the safety guidelines stated in this manual may result
in physical harm or other harm to your health.
DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF THE ANTENNA
This device emits radio frequency energy when in the transmit
mode.To avoid injury, do not place head or other body parts
in front of the satellite antenna when system is operational.
Maintain a distance of one meter away from the front of the
MSAT-G2 antenna.
User Guide
ii

OTHER ELECTRONIC DANGER WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not submerse
this product in water. Do not expose this product to rain or
moisture unless it is specifically intended for outside use.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
Replace fuses with the same type and rating for protection
against risk of fire.
BLAST/RF WARNING
Do not operate the MSAT-G2 Radio in areas where explosives are
in use as the RF energy may cause hazardous conditions. Do not
operate the MSAT-G2 Radio where two-way radios are prohibited.
Turn the MSAT-G2 Radio off while at a petrol filling station or
near fuels or chemicals.
INSTALLATION WARNING
This product is to be installed by Authorized Service Centers.
The TU requires air cooling. Do not cover the TU or otherwise
impede the flow of air across the unit.
QUALIFIED SERVICE WARNING
Do not disassemble this product as there are no serviceable parts
inside.This product should be serviced by an authorized Service
Center when service or repair work is required. Personal injury
may result if the transceiver unit or antenna unit is opened when
power is applied.
ACCESSORIES WARNING
Use of non-approved accessories can result in loss of performance,
damage to the MSAT-G2 Radio, fire, electric shock or injury.
CONNECTING DEVICES WARNING
Never connect incompatible products.When connecting the
MSAT-G2 Radio to any other device, read the device’s User
Manual for detailed safety instructions.
User Guide iii

PACEMAKERS WARNING
The various brands and models of cardiac pacemakers available
exhibit a wide range of immunity levels to radio signals. If you
wear a cardiac pacemaker consult your cardiologist or the device
manufacturer prior to using the MSAT-G2 Radio.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION WARNING
In fixed-site installations, ensure that ground straps and lightning
arresters are correctly installed in accordance with approved
National Electrical Code standards.
FCC COMPLIANCE
This equipment has been tested and is compliant with the limits for a class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation.This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communication equipment. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
iv User Guide

CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION I
Warning Symbols Used in this Manual ................... .......................................i
Warnings for the MSAT-G2 Radio................................................................... ii
CONTENTS V
INTRODUCTION
MSAT-G2 Mobile Satellite Radio .....................................................................1
The MSAT Network – Powered by SkyTerra Communications .............1
MSAT Dispatch Radio.........................................................................................1
Service Highlights...................................... ..........................................................2
Coverage ..............................................................................................................2
COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES 3
RADIO OVERVIEW 4
Transceiver Unit .................................................................................................4
Handset .............................................................................................................. 4
Antennas ..............................................................................................................5
USER INTERFACE (UI) OVERVIEW 6
Display..... ...............................................................................................................7
Indicator Definitions........... .........................................................................7
Controls....... .........................................................................................................9
Buttons.............................................................................................................9
Physical Keys...................................................................................................9
Soft Keys ......................................................................................................10
Alphanumeric Keyboard Mapping ..........................................................12
Character Entry .......................................................................................12
Modes .................................................................................................... .............13
Dispatch Radio Mode... ............................................................................13
User Guide v

USER INTERFACE (UI) FUNCTIONS 15
One-Touch Key Functions...............................................................................15
Lock/Unlock Talk Group...........................................................................15
GPS ON/OFF...............................................................................................15
PTT Operation............................................................................................15
Audio Indicators..........................................................................................16
Main Menu...........................................................................................................17
Handset Lock and Unlock .............................................................................17
GPS Menu............................................................................................................18
GPS On/Off..................................................................................................18
Save Position................................................................................................18
Stored Positions .........................................................................................19
Admin Menu ......................................................................................................19
Volume ..........................................................................................................20
DR (Dispatch Radio) Admin ...................................................................20
X-Over ........................................................................................................21
Backlight ......................................................................................................22
Software Version ........................................................................................23
Serial Port .................................................................................................. 23
System Menu......................................................................................................23
Password ..................................................................................................... 24
Lock Code ................................................................................................. 24
Beam Signal OFF/ON .............................................................................. 24
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 25
ERROR MESSAGES 26
GLOSSARY 29
vi User Guide

INTRODUCTION
MSAT-G2 MOBILE SATELLITE RADIO
The MSAT-G2 Mobile Satellite Radio is a powerful new communications
tool that works where you do. Designed for use on the MSAT Network,
the MSAT-G2 supports continent wide Push-to-Talk (PTT) and Voice
communications. In addition, the MSAT-G2 offers GPS capability and flexible
interconnectivity to a variety of third- party Interoperability Interfaces,
extending the reach of traditional Land Mobile Radio technology.
THE MSAT NETWORK – POWERED BY
SKYTERRA COMMUNICATIONS
SkyTerra Communications is North America’s premier provider of mobile
satellite communications. Delivering service since 1996, SkyTerra offers
customers a wide choice of wireless Voice and Data services via its two MSAT
satellites. SkyTerra provides superior capacity and reliability for customers
across North and Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean,
Hawaii and in coastal waters.
MSAT DISPATCH RADIO
MSAT Dispatch Radio is a real-time, voice-based service that provides point-to-
multipoint and point-to-point communication at the push of a button enabling
users to stay in touch, virtually anywhere.The service is a cost effective
alternative to installing, maintaining, and relocating land-based two-way
radio communication systems.
User Guide 1

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
•The satellite acts like a radio tower, turning the entire continent into a
single cell, transmitting signals to and receiving signals from subscribers
on the ground.
•Single Talk Group conversations can accommodate up to 9,999 users.
•Network level Talk Group prioritization for each radio.
•Priority-1 interruption feature enabling a user to override a current
speaker in the event of an emergency.
•Dial-in Dispatch feature enabling a user to join a Talk Group conversation
from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
•Dial-out Dispatch feature enabling a Talk Group member to dial out to a
specific PSTN phone number, bridging the PSTN user into a Talk Group
conversation.
COVERAGE
SkyTerra provides wireless communications on land, sea, or in the air across
North and Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii
and coastal waters.
2User Guide

COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Standard MSAT-G2 Packages:
MSAT-G2 LM
(Land Mobile)
•HUGHES 2100 TU
with Mounting
Bracket
•DT-200 Handset
•SPAC-AS-MSV220
Antenna
•Antenna Cable
(20ft)
•Power Cable (20ft)
Optional
Accessories:
•Magnetic Mounting
Kit
or
•Pole Mounting Kit
MSAT-G2 M
(Maritime)
•HUGHES 2100
TU with Mounting
Bracket
•DT-200 Handset
•SPAC-AS-MSV320
Antenna
•Antenna Cable
(60ft)
•Power Cable (20ft)
Optional
Accessories:
•Pole Mounting Kit
MSAT-G2 F
(Fixed)
•HUGHES 2100 TU
with Mounting
Bracket
•DT-200 Handset
•SPAC-AS-MSV220
Antenna
•Antenna Cable (150ft)
•Power Cable (20ft)
•Pole Mounting Kit
Optional
Accessories:
•Magnetic Mounting
Kit
Power Supply, External Speaker and Headset are sold separately.
User Guide 3

RADIO OVERVIEW
TRANSCEIVER UNIT
HANDSET
TU Front Panel TU Back Panel
Mounting Bracket Power Cable
DT-200 Handset
4User Guide

ANTENNAS
SPAC-AS-MSV220 Antenna
(Land Mobile & Fixed)
SPAC-AS-MSV320 Antenna
(Maritime)
User Guide 5

USER INTERFACE (UI) OVERVIEW
Power Key
Switches
radio on/off
P1 Key
Emergency
Dispatch Radio call
PTT Key
Push to Talk
Send Key
Initiates calls
Alphanumeric
Keypad
Loudspeaker
- High volume
speaker in
dispatch mode
- Earpiece in
telephone mode
Soft Keys
Function changes
based upon display
text above key
End Key
Ends calls and
provides quick exit
from menus
Scroll Keys
Scrolls through lists
and menus, adjusts
volume
Microphone
Headset Jack
6User Guide

DISPLAY
The display area contains, at any given time, one or more of the following
information sets:
•Latitude/longitude of current location
•Dispatch Radio talk group assignment
•Menus for invoking various actions and functions
•Status messages
•Function success, error, or correctional messages
•“Soft” keys to support various functions
More detailed information about the display contents and functionality is
detailed in the MMI functions chapter.
INDICATOR DEFINITIONS
Icons
POWER UP/DOWN INDICATORS
•MSAT Logo
On power up, the MSAT logo appears for a few seconds.
•Searching…
This indicator signifies that the handset is attempting to log-on to the
Network. The indicator is also displayed during this sequence. Once the
radio logs on, disappears and the default service display screen is displayed
on the handset. If service is lost, the SEARCHING… and indicators are
displayed until service is restored.
User Guide 7
No Service Icon This indicator signifies that the radio is
temporarily out of service.
Headset Icon This indicator signifies that a headset is
connected to the handset.
Talk Group This icon shall appear on the handset
Lock Icon display when the talk group lock feature
is enabled.

DISPATCH MODE OPERATION INDICATORS
•Tag Position (i.e. 01:XXXXXXX )
Once a talk group is successfully downloaded, an associated two digit tag
number is assigned by the Network and appears on the display screen.A radio
can have up to 16 tag positions (including tag 00 for private mode operation).
•BX SXX
This indicator specifies the beam to which the radio has logged-on, as well as
the radio received signal strength (i.e. B1 S55). Beam mapping is as follows:
Beam 0 East
Beam 1 East Central
Beam 2 West Central
Beam 3 West
Beam 4 South
Beam 5 Alaska/Hawaii
Signal strength ranges from 0 (no signal) through 99.
•NO TG
This indicator appears in the event that a talk group has not yet been
downloaded to the radio.
•TG UPDATE
This indicator appears when a talk group has been successfully downloaded
to the radio, reconfigured or deleted from the radio over the air.Talk groups
download quickly when the radio is powered on. If the configuration of
talk groups is changed at the network while the radio is off, the talk group
information will be downloaded via the signaling channel when a call is made
or a manual beam cross-over is initiated.
•DR
This indicator appears when the radio is in idle state in Dispatch Radio
mode.
•IN USE
This indicator appears when a Dispatch Radio call is in progress. It will
remain until the call has been terminated.
8User Guide

•USER ON
This indicator appears when the PTT key has been pressed and the
communication channel has been accessed.The indicator is prompting you
to begin speaking.
•VACANT
This indicator appears when the PTT key has been released. It indicates that
the communication channel is available to any member of the talk group who
wishes to speak.
•PRIV
This indicator appears when you select a private mode talk group (tag 00)
and will remain displayed when the handset is in private mode (in idle state).
•P1
This indicator appears when you initiate a Priority-1 Emergency call.
CONTROLS
BUTTONS
Power: The power button is the “on-off” switch for the handset. It is a
“delayed action” button – you must keep it pressed for a second or two
and then release it to initiate the power on or power off sequence.
PTT: Pressing and holding the PTT button initiates and maintains a
Dispatch Radio call.
P1: Pressing this key initiates a Priority-1 Emergency Interruption Dispatch
Radio call.
PHYSICAL KEYS
Keypad Keys: The keypad contains alphanumeric keys for text entry and
Circuit-Switched Voice number dialing.
SEND: This key is used to initiate the Dial-out Dispatch sequence.
END: This key is used to Quick exit from any menu through which you are
navigating.When you press the key you are returned to the “idle” display screen.
User Guide 9

UP ARROW/DOWN ARROW: These keys are used primarily for the
following functions:
•Volume adjustment
•Scrolling through various menus
•Scrolling through downloaded talk group tag positions
In certain contexts, the Up/Down arrows also serve as “soft keys.”
SOFT KEYS
Four “soft keys” are used to enable the following functions:
•Navigation through Menus
•Storage of data in the radio
•Selection of Dispatch Radio talk group tag positions
•Activation/Deactivation of various functions and features
These keys are called “soft keys” because the way they work depends on the
context of the function currently being exercised on the handset.A soft key
“label” is shown above the key in the display area.
Soft Key 1 (SK1): This key is located just below the display area and just
above the SEND key. Its label is shown directly above it in the display area.
Here is a summary of SK1 functionality:
•MENU – used to access various user menus.The “Menu” soft key
indicator is displayed when the radio is in an idle state.
•CLEAR – used mainly while in editing mode (labeling talk group tag
positions, labeling GPS positions, etc.). A single press deletes a single
character; press and hold deletes the entire line of text.
•BACK – used to back out of a given menu.This key generally brings
you to the previous menu option without implementing changes (e.g.
number storage, volume level setting, etc.) you made on the current menu.
•EXIT – used to exit the main user menu section.This key takes you
back to the default screen display.
•NO – this key only appears when you attempt a manual beam cross-over,
attempt to abort the commissioning process, or change the serial port
configuration.
•GPS – used to activate/deactivate the GPS information indicator on
the handset display screen.This soft key appears during a call.
10 User Guide