Quick Start Guide

Only one communications company connects the entire globe

Iridium commands the world’s furthest reaching network, making it the only truly global
communications company with solutions that span from pole-to-pole. Iridium voice and data
products provide superior communications solutions that allow global companies, government
agencies and individuals to stay connected everywhere. With a unique, global ecosystem of
partners, Iridium continues to create new, high-value capabilities that are leading the world
Read Installation Guide, User Manual and all safety information before
into a new era of communication.
installing or using Iridium Pilot™. Failure to do so can result in serious injury
or death. The User Manual contains important warranty terms, limitations,
www.iridium.com exclusions and terms and conditions that govern Iridium Pilot use.

© Copyright 2012 Iridium Satellite LLC. All rights reserved. Iridium is a registered mark of Iridium Satellite LLC. and its affiliates. All other registered
08/12

marks, trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice.
www.iridium.com [email protected] toll free: +1.866.947.4348 phone: +1.480.752.5155
PQSG1201
INSTALLATION COMPONENTS & PARTS LIST:
1. Iridium Pilot Unit includes the following parts: Required Tools for Installation:
A. Above Decks Equipment (ADE) 1. User supplied mast
B. Mounting bracket (optional accessory included, if purchased) 2. Windows compatible computer
C. Below Decks Equipment (BDE) 3. Ethernet cable (installer/customer provided)
D. ADE/BDE cable (20 m and 50 m cable available) 4. RJ11 telephones
E. BDE power supply unit: the AC power supply unit (PSU) provides power to the BDE 5. Slotted and Phillips screw drivers
F. Iridium Pilot accessory CD 6. Hammer and center punch
G. SIM card 7. Power drill and associated bits
8. Wire cutters
9. Wire strippers and terminal lug crimper
10. RJ-45 crimp tool
11. Electrical tape

WARNING
C Exposure to radio frequency energy (RF) from the antenna may cause thermal injuries including
tissue damage from increased heating and body temperature. Do not substitute any antenna for the
one supplied or recommended by the manufacturer or radio dealer. Substitution of antennas could
cause exposure to excess radio frequency radiation which could result in serious injury or death.
E
B
Blasting Areas
D F SIM card, reset button
and on/off switch are WARNING
located behind panel
To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your device OFF when in a “blasting area” or in
areas posted: “Turn off two-way radio.” Obey all signs and instructions. Failure to do so could result in
serious injury or death.
 STEP 1: LOCATION FOR ADE
Conduct a visual survey to determine the best location for the ADE. The ADE Place the ADE transmitter in a manner to maintain the minimum spacing requirement of
needs clear exposure, in all directions, to the sky to avoid interference. 1.0 m from the antenna to personnel.

ation Hazard
Unobstructed view of sky all directions

di
Ra

1.
0
m
(3
.3
8.0 m (26.2 ft.) 8.0 m (26.2 ft.)

ft.
)
Minimize Minimize
obstructions Unrestricted area for obstructions obstructions
Description Minimum Distance
2.0 m (6.6 ft.) No metallic or concrete
from Antenna
obstructions in
grey shaded area within 0˚- 180˚ of the 1.0 m (3-3 ft.)
antenna elevation range
Keep clear of sources of interference, such as the ship’s RADAR, high power transmitters
or other satellite communications terminals.
Offset Distances from other Communications &
Minimum distance from S-band & X-band RADARs Navigation Equipment ADE Location Priorities
S-band (-10 cm/ 3 GHz) radars X-band (~3 cm/ 1 GHz) and C-band (4-8 GHz) radars WARNING
Radar Power Min distance at 15˚ Min distance at 60˚ Radar Power Min distance at 15˚ Min distance at 60˚
vertical separation vertical separation
Exposure to radio frequency energy (RF) from the antenna may cause thermal injuries including
vertical separation vertical separation
tissue damage from increased heating and body temperature. Keep everyone at a safe distance from
0-10kW 0.4 m (1.3 ft.) 0.4 m (1.3 ft.) 0-10kW 0.8 m (2.6 ft.) 0.4 m (1.3 ft.) the antenna when the system power is ON. Personnel must maintain a minimum separation distance
30kW 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) 30kW 2.4 m (7.9 ft.) 1.2 m (3.9 ft.) of 1.0 m from the unit and installers must place ADE transmitter in a manner to maintain minimum
50kW 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) 50kW 4.0 m (13.1 ft.) 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) spacing requirement. Failure to do so could result in exposure to radio frequency energy (RF)
transmitted from the ADE that could result in serious injury or death.
STEP 2: INSTALL THE ADE STAND MOUNTING STEP 3: INSTALL THE ADE RADOME
MOUNTING
Note: You can use the ADE shipping container as a temporary 1
platform to support the ADE and provide clearance for the connector Note: Grounding lug on radome base must be facing stern. Align
9
and cable by cutting small hole on the cardboard box. 4 ship-side mount so that the mounting bolt holes form a diamond
Connect the 9-pin circular connector on the interface cable to the pattern with a single hole facing forward and aft. 9
ADE receptacle on the bottom of the ADE. Elevate the ADE to the 5 1. Place an isolation gasket (3) on top of the stand. 11 3
approximate intended install height and use a temporary platform 2. Route the power/data cable (not pictured) through 5
to hold the unit. Orient the grounding lug on the bottom of the either the bottom of the stand or through its side hole,
9 APPLY ANTI-SEIZE 4
ADE towards the stern of the vessel. Route the interface cable 5 up through the top hole in the stand. Plug the cable into COMPOUND HERE

along the deck to a location where Mains power is available. Tape the connector on the bottom of the radome. 10
the cable to the deck to reduce any trip hazard during the 3. Place the radome onto the stand, with the arrow on the
temporary operation of the system. A suitable mounting bracket base pointing toward the bow.
or mast needs to be procured or fabricated to support the ADE. 4. Slide a lock washer (9) then an isolation washer (5) onto an M10x30 mm hex head bolt (10).
The metal side of the isolation washer should face the lock washer. Apply anti-seize compound
Recommended stand mounting
(12, not pictured) to the bolt threads.
Note: Ship-side mount may differ from the example shown. Neoprene bonded stainless steel washers are
5. Slide the prepared bolt up through the stand, and finger tighten into the dome array.
included to protect the anti-corrosion coating on the stand and to prevent galvanic corrosion of the assembly.
6. Repeat steps 1 and 3 for the remaining three bolts.
316 stainless steel hardware is recommended for installation.
7. Tighten the four bolts using 10-12 ft-lbs of torque.
1. Take care when transporting the radome (1) and stand (2) so as not to damage the
8. Attach ground cable between two lock washers (9) on the 20 mm M10 bolt (11) and
corrosion resistant coatings.
tighten into ground post.
2. Place an isolation gasket (3) onto the ship’s mounting post (8).
3. Place the stand (2) onto the isolation gasket, with the slotted side facing down.
4. Slide a neoprene bonded isolation washer (5) onto an M10 hex head bolt (4), with its metal side WARNING
contacting the bolt.
ADE must be properly mounted and secured to vessel. Failure to do so could result in detachment of
5. Slide this bolt assembly through the slot in the stand then through the hole the unit, causing disruption in operation of the unit, or danger from a falling unit, which could result
in the ship’s mounting post. in serious injury or death.
6. Slide on another isolation washer with the rubber side facing the mounting post.
7. Thread on a jam nut (6) finger tight. CAUTION
8. Thread on a hex nut (7).
9. Repeat steps 4-8 for the remaining three bolts. Damage to the paint coating may allow rust to the ADE which could result in failure of the ADE.
10. Tighten the jam nuts using 10-12 ft-lbs of torque. This in turn could cause disruption in operation of the Iridium Pilot device or danger from a falling
11. For all four bolts: preventing the jam nut and bolt from turning, tighten the hex nut against unit. Avoid damaging the paint coating. If damage occurs, re-apply appropriate anti-corrosion paint.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
the jam nut until they lock, taking care not to overtighten.
STEP 4: CONNECT THE ADE/BDE CABLE STEP 5: INSTALL THE BDE
The interface cable has a waterproof circular connector that connects to the ADE and a shielded The Below Decks Equipment (BDE) should be located within 20 or 50 m of the ADE and mounted with
RJ-45 connector that connects to the BDE. Since the BDE side is much smaller it makes sense to pull the cable connectors pointing downwards on a flat vertical surface (wall) which is sheltered from the
the cable from the ADE towards the BDE. Once the ADE site is known a BDE location must be selected elements. The wall must be able to support the weight (1.35 kg, 3 lbs) and have adequate space for
that is within 20 or 50 meters, accounting for the path through the cable chase. Drill the necessary the unit that is 250 mm (9.8 in.) x 190 mm (7.5 in.) x 55 mm (2.16 in.).
hole to route the cable to the interior of the vessel. The cable should be pulled with the RJ-45
connector installed since it has been tested in previous steps. Use care and install a pull string that 1. Layout the locations for the mounting screws, 3 total. The BDE is mounted with the connector
attaches to the cable jacket and does not place stress on the connector. Use electrical tape to protect edge facing down.
the RJ-45 during the pull operation. Leave just enough service loop at the ADE and store any excess Note: Use the template in the appendix of the Pilot Installation Guide as a guide for correctly drilling
cable in the cable chase or near the BDE. the mounting holes.
2. Drill and tap holes for M4 flange style mounting screws.
Note: Alternative screws or screw / washer combination may be used. Flange must fit into
Above Decks Equipment a 4.5 mm (.18 in.) hole.
3. Hold and screw the BDE against the wall.
4. Remove the SIM cover (retain).
5. Switch the ON/OFF switch in to the OFF position.
6. Remove installation cover from bottom left hand corner of BDE (retain cover and screw).
7. Connect internal cables:
• Fit power feed from the ship’s DC buss or from the supplied PSU to power
connector on BDE, use strain relief provided within BDE. The power LED should light Amber.
• Fit cable from ADE to BDE, use strain relief provided within BDE.
8. After checking that all the connections are securely made and have strain relief, replace and
fasten the installation cover.

Shock Hazard

WARNING
Interconnect Cable
The Below Decks Equipment (BDE) contains low voltage that may cause serious injury if opened or not
50 metres (optionally 20 m)
grounded. Ensure the unit is properly grounded before operation and do not, under any conditions,
open or dismantle the BDE. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury or death.
 STEP 6: CONNECT BDE TO PHONE AND ETHERNET STEP 7: INSTALL SIM CARD
Connect an Ethernet cable from the BDE “Data” port to the RJ-45 connector on the lap top computer. 1. Remove SIM cover (retain somewhere safe) and ensure ON/OFF switch is in OFF position.
Connect the RJ-11 cable from “Voice 1” on the BDE to the “Normal” handset. 2. Insert an IOP provisioned (898816777xxxxxx) SIM card and slide the locking tab across.
Note: If the SIM card is removed or unlocked during operation any voice or data calls will be
terminated immediately.
3. Power on and replace the SIM cover.
Voice
Connections
Slide Locking Tab
Below Decks Equipment
Data
Connection

Insert SIM Card

Insert OpenPort SIM Card

User Supplied Captain’s Phone Crew’s Handset Optional

Computer & 2 m RJ-11 Cable & 2 m RJ-11 Cable Handset
Slide Locking Tab
and
EthernetCable
STEP 8: POWER ON BDE STEP 10: CONNECT TO STATUS PAGE
On the BDE, press the on/off Power Switch located under the SIM cover. The system To access the Iridium Broadband Subscriber Unit (IBSU) Web Pages:
authentication will occur and the ADE will automatically establish a link with the Iridium network.
1. Connect a PC to the data port on the BDE.
Note: 90-120 seconds should be allowed for this authentication and sync process to complete.
2. Open the web browser and in the web browser address window, type: http://192.168.0.1.
Note: The default IP address is assigned to the IBSU at the factory. The IP address can be changed if
there are multiple IBSU’s at a single site. If this has been done, then type in the new IP address. To reset
the IP address back to the default (192.168.0.1), press the network reset button on the BDE.
3. Select “Login” for administrator level diagnostics. The guest login is the default login. The admin
login is only to be used for configuration. Type in the user name and password specified by
Iridium. Call your Service Provider if login fails.

STEP 9: CONFIRM LEDs

The status LEDs on the BDE should light as follows: Provisioned lines will
Power = Green illuminate green
Status = Amber or Green with software version AO12001. Reset Button
Signal = Green
GPS = Green
4. Select the “Status” link to link to the Status page.
5. Confirm configuration is in operation.
6. We recommend that you run the Site Survey Tool (SST) to confirm proper installation.
See the Iridium Pilot User Manual for more information.

SIM
STEP 11: PLACE A TEST CALL REGULATORY INFORMATION
Using the normal handset connected to the “Voice 1” port on the BDE place a call. FCC Declaration for 9701

1. Ensure the SST software has been stopped. This equipment has been tested and found to comply 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
2. Lift the receiver and listen for a dial tone.
interference in a residential installation.
3. Dial the country code, area code and phone number of a phone that can be used for voice
quality testing. Don’t forget to press the # key to initiate the call. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
4. When the call is answered verify there is intelligible voice in both directions. accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
5. If any issues are detected, hang-up and attempt the call again. If the problem persists,
attempt a call to an alternate test number preferably in a different exchange (different If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
provider) from the initial attempt. by turning the equipment Off and On, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
6. If after all of these attempts there is still an issue consider the following: more of the following measures:
• Clear voice from the Iridium Pilot unit to the landline and garbled voice in the other • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
direction is typical of local ship interference disturbing the down-link signal. • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• If the clear voice is from the land-line side and the Iridium Pilot side is garbled then there is • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
likely another issue and you should consult the trouble-shooting section of the User Manual. receiver is connected.
• If the call is not clear in either direction then there could be an interference issue. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
An alternate location should be considered. Modifications to this device not expressly approved by Iridium Satellite LLC may void authority granted
• If the call fails to connect go to the trouble-shooting section of the User Manual. under the rules of the Federal Communications Commission to operate this device.

Note: Voice quality of the Iridium Pilot network is characterized as narrow band telephony. Industry Canada
Significant voice compression is used in transporting voice and it can sound slightly degraded from This product is compliant with Industry Canada RSS-102 for RF Exposure.
a typical mobile telephone call. The 9701 BDE is a Class B digital apparatus and complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

EU Regulatory Conformity
Iridium Pilot complies with the essential requirements & other relevant provisions of the EC Directives
1999/5/EC and 73/23/EC as amended by 93/68/EC.