Software
Take Advantage
of Voice and Data
Using an Iridium
Onboard Modem.
An Aircell Satcom system enables two-way communications from the aircraft. Over the Iridium satellite network, you can take advantage of voice service, or a data connection using an Iridium onboard modem.
Using Iridium Direct Internet 2.0 Service.
For best results with data calls, we recommend using the Direct Internet 2.0 service from Iridium. This new service uses dedicated network ground servers, plus data compression techniques, that result in faster data transfer rates. Although the data connection is only 2.4 Kbps, with Direct Internet 2.0 the transfer can be enhanced up to 10 Kbps.
Direct Internet 2.0 requires a compatible computer, a serial cable, an available Iridium transceiver channel and the installation of free software.
Both the software and the ISP (Internet Service Provider) service are free – you only pay for Iridium connection time. For more information, visit the Direct Internet 2.0 sections on the Iridium website (http://www.iridium.com).
After downloading the software, see the following section for information about data calls.
Placing data calls.
Before placing data calls, connect a laptop computer that has Direct Internet 2.0 service. Do that by connecting a standard RS-232 serial cable to the aircraft's 9-pin D-type connector for the data port on your Aircell Satcom transceiver.
Note that only one data device can be connected to an Iridium channel at a time – so be sure to disconnect any unneeded device.
How to place data calls:
- Connect the computer to your Aircell system.
- Using your software, initiate a data call.
- While connecting, watch the call progress on the computer monitor. Watch for the message that indicates a connection.
- Test the connection by opening a simple website with your browser. For example, browse www.google.com.
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