Thrane&Thrane EXPLORER 500 User manual

USER MANUAL
EXPLORER 500
Thrane & Thrane A/S • inf[email protected] • www.thrane.com

TT 98-122274-J ii
Document number: TT 98-122274-J
Release date: 22 November 2005
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
© 2005 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
Denmark USA
Thrane & Thrane A/S
Lundtoftegårdsvej 93 D
DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Denmark
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
www.thrane.com
Thrane & Thrane, Inc.
509 Viking Drive, Suites K, L and M
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
USA
T: +1(866) SATCOMS or
[phone]
F: [phone]
www.thrane.com
Thrane & Thrane Aalborg A/S
Porsvej 2
DK-9200 Aalborg SV
Denmark
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
www.thrane.com

TT 98-122274-J 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-J 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 the Manual
TT 98-122274-J v
About the 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 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 the available menus and settings. It also explains advanced 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 > Interfaces > Bluetooth and click Enabled”.
• To emphasize the paragraph title in cross-references.
Example: “For further information, see Connecting Cables on page...”.
COURIER (with capital letters) 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-J vi
Table of Contents
Safety Summary ........................................................................................iii
Antenna Safety Instructions .................................................................... iv
About the Manual ....................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 Introduction
Welcome ....................................................................................................... 1
In This Chapter ............................................................................................. 1
The BGAN System ...................................................................................... 2
The BGAN Services ..................................................................................... 4
Overview of the EXPLORER™ 500 ........................................................... 5
Your EXPLORER™ 500 ............................................................................. 6
Matrix of Services and Communication Interfaces ...................................... 9
What’s Next? ................................................................................................ 9
Chapter 2 Getting Started
In This Chapter ........................................................................................... 10
Unpacking and Assembling ....................................................................... 10
Connecting Cables ..................................................................................... 14
Powering the EXPLORER™ 500 .............................................................. 15
Options for the Start-up Procedure ............................................................. 16
Entering the PIN Code ............................................................................... 18
Pointing the Antenna .................................................................................. 19
Using an External Antenna ........................................................................ 23
Using a Fixed EXPLORER™ 500 ............................................................. 23
Making the First Call ................................................................................. 24
Receiving a Call ......................................................................................... 25
Making the First Data Connection (LAN) ................................................. 25
What’s Next? .............................................................................................. 26
Chapter 3 Using the Display and Keypad
In This Chapter ........................................................................................... 27
Menu Overview .......................................................................................... 27
Display During Start-up ............................................................................. 29
Display Symbols ........................................................................................ 30

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-J vii
Navigating the Display and Keypad ........................................................... 31
The Menus .................................................................................................. 32
Messages Menu .......................................................................................... 32
Calls Menu ................................................................................................. 32
Settings Menu ............................................................................................. 33
Properties Menu ......................................................................................... 36
Help Desk ................................................................................................... 38
Dynamic Information in the Display .......................................................... 38
What’s Next? .............................................................................................. 39
Chapter 4 Using the Interfaces
In This Chapter ........................................................................................... 40
General ....................................................................................................... 40
Tools for Setup and Use ............................................................................. 40
Services and Interfaces ............................................................................... 41
Enabling or Disabling an Interface ............................................................. 42
Using a Phone or Fax Machine ................................................................ 43
Selecting the Voice Quality ........................................................................ 43
Connecting an Analogue Phone or a Fax Machine .................................... 45
Connecting a Bluetooth Handset ................................................................ 46
Entering the PIN Code Using a Phone ....................................................... 47
Making or Receiving a Phone Call With the EXPLORER™ 500 ............. 48
Making a Call To the EXPLORER™ 500 ................................................. 49
Dialling Functions ...................................................................................... 50
Sending or Receiving a Fax Message ........................................................ 53
Using a Computer With the EXPLORER™ 500 ....................................... 54
Choosing an Interface for Data Connection ............................................... 54
Using the LAN Interface ............................................................................ 55
Using the USB Interface ............................................................................ 57
Bluetooth Pairing ....................................................................................... 61
Using a Computer with Bluetooth .............................................................. 62
Additional Interfaces ................................................................................. 63
Using an External Antenna ........................................................................ 63
Using the EXPLORER™ 500 Bluetooth Handset Charger ....................... 63
What’s Next? ............................................................................................. 63

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-J viii
Chapter 5 Using the Web Interface
In This Chapter ........................................................................................... 64
Introduction ............................................................................................... 64
The Web Interface ...................................................................................... 64
Accessing and Navigating the Web Interface ............................................ 66
PIN Code and Pointing .............................................................................. 67
Entering the PIN Code in the Web Interface .............................................. 67
Pointing Using Web Interface .................................................................... 68
Handling Messages ................................................................................... 69
Sending an SMS Message From the EXPLORER™ 500 .......................... 69
Sending an SMS Message to the EXPLORER™ 500 ............................... 69
Receiving a Message .................................................................................. 70
Options for New SMS Messages ............................................................... 70
Options for SMS Messages in Inbox ......................................................... 70
EXPLORER™ 500 Settings ....................................................................... 71
Power up Behaviour ................................................................................... 71
Setting the Display Backlight and Contrast ............................................... 72
Turning Audio Indicators on or off ............................................................ 72
Enabling Activation of Stealth Mode ......................................................... 73
Setting Up the Interfaces .......................................................................... 74
Enabling/Disabling Interfaces .................................................................... 74
Description of Data Settings ...................................................................... 74
Configuring the USB Interface .................................................................. 75
Configuring the LAN Interface .................................................................. 76
Handling Bluetooth Device Access ............................................................ 78
Configuring the Bluetooth Interface .......................................................... 80
Configuring a Common APN ..................................................................... 80
Configuring the Phone/Fax Settings .......................................................... 81
Properties and Software Upload .............................................................. 82
Viewing Properties of the EXPLORER™ 500 .......................................... 82
Updating Software ...................................................................................... 82
Administration ........................................................................................... 83
Accessing the Administration Settings ...................................................... 83
Using Profiles ............................................................................................. 83
Using a Traffic Flow Template .................................................................. 86

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-J ix
Help Desk and Diagnostic Report ............................................................ 88
What’s Next? ............................................................................................. 88
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
In This Chapter ........................................................................................... 89
Getting Support .......................................................................................... 89
Battery Use and Maintenance .................................................................... 90
Options and Accessories ............................................................................ 92
Upgrading Software ................................................................................... 93
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................... 94
Status Signalling ....................................................................................... 100
Alarm Messages ....................................................................................... 100
Log Files ................................................................................................... 105
Appendix A Technical Specifications
In This Appendix ...................................................................................... 106
General Specifications .............................................................................. 106
Battery ...................................................................................................... 107
Power Input .............................................................................................. 108
SIM Interface ............................................................................................ 108
Phone/Fax Interface .................................................................................. 109
LAN Interface .......................................................................................... 110
USB Interface ........................................................................................... 111
Bluetooth Interface ................................................................................... 112
Built-in Antenna ....................................................................................... 113
External Antenna ...................................................................................... 114
EXPLORER™ 500 Bluetooth Handset Charger Interface ...................... 115
Compliance .............................................................................................. 116
Appendix B AT Commands
In This Appendix ...................................................................................... 118
Starting up an AT Command Session ...................................................... 118
List of Supported AT Commands ............................................................ 119
Glossary .................................................................................................................... 125
Index .................................................................................................................... 129

TT 98-122274-J 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:
• High-speed data access
• Phone and fax services
• Large file transfers
• Video conferencing and streaming
• Internet browsing
•Email
• VPN 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-J 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.
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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 F-3 satellite will be determined in due course.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-J 3
Overview of the BGAN System
A complete BGAN system includes 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-J 4
The BGAN Services
Supported Services
The services currently supported by BGAN comprise:
• A Packet Switched connection to the Internet
• A Circuit Switched (Dialled) 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.
•UsingaStandard 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.
•UsingaStreaming 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 (Dialled) 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,
G.3 fax or analogue modem.
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
SMS messages.
Supplementary Services
The BGAN system also provides the following Supplementary services:
• Call barring
•Callhold
• Call waiting
• Call forwarding
•Voicemail

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-J 5
Overview 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 interfaces (LAN, USB, Bluetooth and phone/fax)
Lightweight and portable design
Easy setup and use
Robust and durable design
CE, FCC and GMPCS certified
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 40 describes how to use each of the available interfaces.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-J 6
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 42.
Your EXPLORER™ 500
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 changing
simple parameters.
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 27.
Power indicator
Power Button
Keypad
Display
Message indicator

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-J 7
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:
Behaviour 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 94.
Off No power.
Behaviour of Red
Indicator Meaning
Flashing An alarm is active or
An SMS message has arrived.
Press OK to view the alarm(s) or SMS message(s).
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 100.
Off No messages are present.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-J 8
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, PDA or similar) and one of the following:
•TheWeb interface. The EXPLORER™ 500 has a built-in Web interface for easy
configuration and daily use. The Web interface is accessed directly from a computer
connected to the EXPLORER™ 500, using a standard Internet browser.
For 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 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 19.
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 card of 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.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-J 9
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
Analogue
telephone
Bluetooth
handset
G.3 Fax
machine
Standard
Voice
Analogue
telephone
Bluetooth
handset
Data
Computer with
analogue
modem
Computer
with Soft
modem
Packet Switched Connection
Data
multi-
user
Computer Computer
with
Switch/Hub
Data
single-
user
Computer Computer Computer
SMS Computer Computer Computer View only

TT 98-122274-J 10
Chapter 2
Getting Started 2
In This Chapter
This chapter describes:
• what is included in the delivery,
• how to insert and remove the battery and SIM card, and
• how to start up the EXPLORER™ 500 and make the first call or data session.
Unpacking and Assembling
Unpacking
Unpack the EXPLORER™ 500 and accessories and check that the following items are
present:
EXPLORER™500
LAN Cable
AC/DC Power Supply
EXPLORER™500 Battery
Getting Started packet
- Getting Started leaflet
- Quick Guide
- EXPLORER™500 CD-ROM
- BGAN LaunchPad CD-ROM
USB Cable
containing:

Chapter 2: Getting Started
TT 98-122274-J 11
Inserting the SIM Card
The EXPLORER™ 500 is delivered with the battery separated from the terminal. If the
battery is already inserted, remove it as described in Removing the Battery on page 12.
The SIM card is provided by your Airtime Provider. Insert the SIM card as follows:
1. Insert the SIM card into the SIM slot.
Make sure the SIM card is positioned as
shown!
2. Press gently until it clicks.
3. Slide the lock to close the SIM slot.
Inserting the Battery
Do as follows:
1. Insert the battery.
Make sure the battery is positioned correctly
as shown.
2. Press gently until it locks.
Note To ensure accurate information on the battery capacity, you should fully charge,
then fully discharge the battery (until the EXPLORER™ 500 closes down
automatically), and finally recharge the battery. The EXPLORER™ 500 can be
used during the discharging process, but the remaining battery capacity may not be
displayed correctly.
For information on how to recharge the battery, see Recharging the Battery on
page 90.