Thrane&Thrane EXPLORER 500 User manual

EXPLORER™ 500
User Manual

TT 98-122274-E ii
Document number: TT 98-122274-E
Release date: August 24, 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.
FCC Statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Part 15.21
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
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.
Note The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized
modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.

TT 98-122274-E iii
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-E iv
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 in
transmit mode. To avoid injury, keep a minimum safety
distance of 0.6 m from the antenna front.
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.

About the Manual
TT 98-122274-E v
About the Manual 2
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 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 - an overview of the BGAN services and a brief description of the system.
•Getting Started - how to insert SIM card and battery, start up the unit, and how to navigate the
display menus. Also a short guide to making the first call.
•Using the Display and Keypad - an overview of the display menu system and how to use the
menus.
•Using the Interfaces - how to set up and use each interface.
•Using the Web Interface - how to use the built-in Web interface of the EXPLORER™ 500,
including a description of the available menus and settings. Also advanced setup of interfaces using
the Web interface.
•Maintenance and Troubleshooting – a short troubleshooting guide, how to update software and a
description of the error messages that may appear in the handset. Also a list of system messages and
information on where to get further help if necessary.

TT 98-122274-E vi
Table of Contents
Safety Summary ........................................................................................ iv
About the Manual ....................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 Introduction
Welcome ....................................................................................................1-1
In This Chapter ..........................................................................................1-1
The BGAN System ...................................................................................1-2
The BGAN Services ..................................................................................1-4
Overview of the EXPLORER™ 500 ........................................................1-5
Your EXPLORER™ 500 ..........................................................................1-6
Matrix of Services and Communication Interfaces ...................................1-9
What’s Next? .............................................................................................1-9
Chapter 2 Getting Started
In This Chapter ..........................................................................................2-1
Unpacking and Assembling ......................................................................2-1
Connecting Cables ....................................................................................2-5
Powering the EXPLORER™ 500 .............................................................2-6
Options for the Start-up Procedure ............................................................2-7
Entering the PIN Code ..............................................................................2-9
Pointing the Antenna ...............................................................................2-10
Using an External Antenna .....................................................................2-14
Using a Fixed EXPLORER™ 500 ..........................................................2-14
Making the First Call ..............................................................................2-15
Receiving a Call ......................................................................................2-16
Making the First Data Connection (LAN) ..............................................2-16
What’s Next? ...........................................................................................2-16
Chapter 3 Using the Display and Keypad
In This Chapter ..........................................................................................3-1
Menu Overview .........................................................................................3-1
Display Sequence at Start-up ....................................................................3-3
Navigating the Display and Keypad ..........................................................3-5
The Menus .................................................................................................3-7

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-E vii
Messages Menu .........................................................................................3-7
Calls Menu ................................................................................................3-7
Settings Menu ............................................................................................3-8
Properties Menu ......................................................................................3-11
Help Desk ................................................................................................3-13
Displaying Ongoing Transmission ..........................................................3-13
Text Information in the Display ..............................................................3-13
What’s Next? ...........................................................................................3-14
Chapter 4 Using the Interfaces
In This Chapter ..........................................................................................4-1
General ......................................................................................................4-1
Tools for Setup and Use ............................................................................4-1
Services and Interfaces ..............................................................................4-2
Turning an Interface on or off ...................................................................4-3
Using a Phone or Fax Machine ...............................................................4-4
Selecting the Voice Quality .......................................................................4-4
Connecting an Analogue Phone or a Fax Machine ...................................4-6
Connecting a Bluetooth Handset ...............................................................4-6
Entering the PIN Code Using a Phone ......................................................4-7
Making or Receiving a Phone Call With the EXPLORER™ 500 ............4-8
Making a Call To the EXPLORER™ 500 ................................................4-9
Dialling Functions .....................................................................................4-9
Sending or Receiving a Fax Message .....................................................4-12
Using a Data Unit With the EXPLORER™ 500 .....................................4-13
Choosing an Interface for Data Connection ............................................4-13
Using the LAN Interface .........................................................................4-13
Using the USB Interface .........................................................................4-14
Handling Bluetooth Device Access .........................................................4-17
Using a Data Unit with Bluetooth ...........................................................4-18
Additional Interfaces ..............................................................................4-19
Using an External Antenna .....................................................................4-19
Using the EXPLORER™ 500 Bluetooth Handset Charger ....................4-19
What’s Next? ...........................................................................................4-19

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-E viii
Chapter 5 Using the Web Interface
In This Chapter ..........................................................................................5-1
The Web Interface .....................................................................................5-1
Accessing and Navigating the Web Interface ...........................................5-3
Entering the PIN Code in the Web Interface .............................................5-4
Pointing Using Web Interface ...................................................................5-4
Viewing the Status ....................................................................................5-5
Using the Phone Book ...............................................................................5-6
Handling Messages ...................................................................................5-8
Configuring Message Settings ................................................................5-10
Power up Behaviour ................................................................................5-11
Setting the Display Contrast and Brightness ...........................................5-11
Turning Audio Indicators on or off .........................................................5-12
Enabling Activation of Stealth Mode ......................................................5-12
Overview of Network Settings ................................................................5-13
Configuring the LAN Interface ...............................................................5-14
Configuring the USB Interface ...............................................................5-15
Configuring the Bluetooth Data Interface ...............................................5-16
Changing or Disabling the PIN Code ......................................................5-17
Viewing Properties of the EXPLORER™ 500 .......................................5-18
Updating Software ...................................................................................5-19
Accessing the Help Desk .........................................................................5-19
Generating a Diagnostic Report ..............................................................5-20
What’s Next? ...........................................................................................5-20
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
In This Chapter ..........................................................................................6-1
Getting Support .........................................................................................6-1
Recharging the Battery ..............................................................................6-1
Options and Accessories ...........................................................................6-2
Upgrading Software ..................................................................................6-3
Troubleshooting Guide ..............................................................................6-4
Status Signalling ......................................................................................6-10
Error Messages ........................................................................................6-10
Log Files ..................................................................................................6-11

Table of Contents
TT 98-122274-E ix
Appendix A Technical Specifications
In This Appendix ......................................................................................A-1
General Specifications ..............................................................................A-1
Battery ......................................................................................................A-2
Power Input ..............................................................................................A-3
SIM Interface ............................................................................................A-3
Phone/Fax Interface ..................................................................................A-4
LAN Interface ..........................................................................................A-5
USB Interface ...........................................................................................A-6
Bluetooth Interface ...................................................................................A-7
Built-in Antenna .......................................................................................A-8
External Antenna ......................................................................................A-9
EXPLORER™ 500 Bluetooth Handset Charger Interface ....................A-10
Appendix B AT Commands
In This Appendix ...................................................................................... B-1
Starting up an AT Command Session ...................................................... B-1
List of Supported AT Commands ............................................................ B-2
Glossary .........................................................................................................Glossary-1
Index ..............................................................................................................Index-1

TT 98-122274-E 1-1
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-E 1-2
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.
Inmarsat plans to launch a third satellite, F3, at a later stage, extending BGAN satellite
coverage to virtually the entire surface of the earth.
Note The actual ability to obtain BGAN service in the coverage area depends on a
number of factors, such as unobstructed view to the satellite, licensing conditions
etc.
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
fluctuate depending upon a variety of conditions.
30°
20°
10°
0°
40°
50°
60°
70°
80°
90°
10°
20°
30°
40°
50°
60°
70°
80°
90°
0°20°40°60°80°100°120°140°160°180° 20° 40° 60° 80° 100° 120° 140° 160° 180°
53°W
AOR-W
64°E
IOR
F1 I-4 Satellite
F2 I-4 Satellite
(service coverage planned from 2006)

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-E 1-3
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 terminal and the SAS, which is the gateway to the worldwide networks
(Internet, telephone network, cellular network, etc.).

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-E 1-4
The BGAN Services
Supported Services
The services currently supported by BGAN comprise:
• IP connection to the Internet
• Dialled connection for voice, fax or data
• Short Messaging Service (SMS)
IP 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 (per MB charge).
• 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).
Dialled Service
Two types of voice 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 subsequently the tariff.
•Premium voice: A high quality connection which can be used for voice, G.3 fax or
PSTN 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
• Call hold
• Call waiting
• Call forwarding
•Voicemail

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-E 1-5
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
Overview of Interfaces
The EXPLORER™ 500 provides a number of interfaces for connection of data equipment,
fax devices and phones.
Using the Interfaces on page 4-1 describes how to use each of the available interfaces.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-E 1-6
Power Saving
The EXPLORER™ 500 is designed to save power. This means that functions that are not
currently used will automatically go into a “sleep mode” to save power.
In addition to the automatic power saving, you can turn each of the interfaces off if they are
not currently used. Note, however, that you will not be able to use these interfaces until you
turn them back on. For information on how to turn interfaces on and off, see Turning an
Interface on or off on page 4-3.
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 3-1.
Power indicator
Power Button
Keypad
Display
Message indicator

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-E 1-7
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 Troubleshooting Guide
on page 6-4.
Off No power.
Behaviour of Red
Indicator Meaning
Flashing A message is present in the display.
Read the message and then acknowledge it by pressing
OK.
The red light will keep flashing after OK is pressed if:
• there are more messages, or
• the message is information of an error.
For information on error messages, see Error
Messages on page 6-10.
Off No messages are present.

Chapter 1: Introduction
TT 98-122274-E 1-8
User Interfaces
The keypad and display is 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 data unit (a PC,
Laptop, PDA or similar) and one of the following:
• The built-in Web interface. The EXPLORER™ 500 has a built-in Web interface for easy
configuration and daily use. The Web interface is accessed directly from a data unit
connected to the EXPLORER™ 500, using a standard Internet browser.
For information on the Web interface, see the chapter Using the Web Interface.
• The Inmarsat Launch Pad. Launch Pad is a PC application used to control terminals in
the BGAN system. Launch Pad is provided on the Inmarsat CD ROM supplied with your
EXPLORER™ 500. For information on how to use the Launch Pad, refer to the manual
on the Inmarsat CD ROM.
Additionally, it is possible to control the EXPLORER™ 500 using AT Commands. Refer to
the appendix 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 2-10.
Battery
The EXPLORER™ 500 comes with a rechargeable battery, which is easily inserted in the
terminal. The battery is automatically charged 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-E 1-9
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
Dialled Connection
Premium
voice
Analogue
telephone
Bluetooth
handset
G.3 Fax
machine
Standard
voice
Analogue
telephone
Bluetooth
handset
Data
Data unit with
modem
Data unit
with Soft
modem
IP Connection
Data
multi-
user
Data unit Data unit
with
Switch/Hub
Data
single-
user
Data unit Data unit Data unit
SMS Data unit Data unit Data unit View only

TT 98-122274-E 2-1
Chapter 2
Getting Started 2
In This Chapter
This chapter describes
• what is included in the delivery
• how to insert the battery and SIM card
• how to start up the EXPLORER™ 500 and make the first call
Unpacking and Assembling
Unpacking
Unpack the EXPLORER™ 500 and accessories.
Check that the following items are present:
Explorer 500 Terminal
With Built-in Antenna
LAN Cable
AC/DC Power Supply
Battery
Instruction Kit
Including:
- Getting Started
- Quick Guide
- Thrane & Thrane CD-ROM
- Inmarsat CD-ROM

Chapter 2: Getting Started
TT 98-122274-E 2-2
Inserting the SIM Card
The EXPLORER™ 500 normally comes with the battery separated from the user terminal. If
the battery is already inserted, remove it as described in Removing the Battery on page 2-3.
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 Before using the EXPLORER™ 500 the first time, It is recommended to fully
charge the battery.
To charge the battery, insert it into the EXPLORER™ 500 and connect the
EXPLORER™ 500 to power.
The indicator left to the display is constantly green as long as the battery is
charging. When the battery is fully charged, the green indicator is turned off. If the
EXPLORER™ 500 is switched on, the green indicator will be flashing shortly
every 2 seconds.