NAL RESEARCH A3LA-RM Iridium Satellite Modem User Guide

NAL RESEARCH A3LA-RM Iridium Satellite Modem

Product Information

The A3LA-RM-MIL is a variation of the original A3LA-RM. It functions the same as the A3LA-RM but is also certified to the environmental MIL-STD-810G standards and is IP67 rated. It features a SIM reader under the lid, a DB-25 multi-interface connector, an Iridium TNC antenna connector, and status LEDs. The multi-interface connector is a male 25-pin miniature D-sub type. NAL Research recommends using the SYN7391-C antenna for optimal performance. The device can be configured to operate with the DPL audio handset model DPLS0401-X and DB25 data kit model HRC-24-8R, allowing it to function as both a data modem and a satellite phone. The modem’s status can be displayed on the handset LCD. The red power button is used to power reset the A3LA-RG.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Ensure that the antenna has a clear view of the sky during transmission.
2. To change the voltage input range, follow these steps:
3. Turn off the device.
4. Remove the modem’s bottom plate to access the jumper.
5. Set the red jumper onto the middle and left pins to change the voltage input range to +4.0 V to +5.4 V.
6. To reset the input voltage range back to 3.6 V to +5.3 V, set the red jumper onto the middle and right pins.
7. Caution: Disconnect power before resetting the jumper.
8. To configure the device to operate with the DPL audio handset and DB25 data kit, follow these steps:
9. Turn off the device.
10. Remove the SIM cover located on top of the modem.
11. Insert the SIM chip (facing down) into the SIM chip reader bracket, ensuring the SIM chip cut-off aligns with the SIM reader. Lower and lock the SIM chip reader’s bracket.
12. Connect the HRC-24-8R Data Kit to the DB25 multi-interface connector on the device.
13. Connect the DPL Handset phone to the HRC-24-8R Data Kit.
14. Connect the antenna connector to the Iridium connector port on the device.
15. Ensure that the antenna has a full view of the sky and check for cable loss between the modem and antenna.

DEVICES DESCRIPTION

A3LA-RM
The A3LA-RM is an Iridium satellite modem comprising a 9523 L-band transceiver (LBT) with an extended input voltage range, and designed to transmit either AES 256-bit encrypted or unencrypted data via the Iridium satellite network. Services supported include Dial-up data switch, Direct internet connection (or NIPRNET connection), Direct internet connection using Apollo Emulator (only for DoD EMSS Gateway), SMS, SBD, RUDICS, and voice when combined with the DPL audio handset. The A3LA-RM can be controlled by a DTE capable of sending standard AT commands via a serial port.

A3LA-RM-MIL
The A3LA-RM-MIL is a variation of the original A3LA-RM. It functions the same as the A3LA-RM, but is also certified to the environmental MIL-STD-810G standards and is IP67 rated.

IMPORTANT: The antenna must have a clear view of the sky during transmission.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION (continued)

• DB-25 Multi-Interface Connector: The multi-interface connector is a male 25-pin miniature D-sub type.

• Antenna: NAL Research recommends the SYN7391-C antenna.

• CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect the antenna while device is powered..

• Status LEDs: P) LED lights up when power is provided, I) stays solid when the signal strength is between 3–5, S) lights up when the A3LA-RM is in data mode

• RS232 Data Interface: This interface allows a connected DTE to utilize the A3LA-R’s modem functionality through standard AT and extended sets of AT commands.

• POWER: The A3LA-RM accepts either 4.0 V – 5.4 V or 5.0 V – 32.0 V input through pin #4 and pin #16.
  Note : that two pins are provided for the external DC input and two pins are provided for the associated external ground input (pin# 3 and pin#17). The A3LA-RM is shipped with hardware set for +5.0 V to +32 V input. It can be changed to +4.0 V to +5.4 V input through an internal jumper. The modem will automatically be ON/OFF when DC power is applied/removed.

• Change Voltage Input to +4.0 V to +5.4 V

• CAUTION: DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE RESETING THE JUMPER

1. With the device turned off, remove the modem’s bottom plate to find the jumper.
2. Set the red jumper onto the middle and left pins.  

NOTE: To reset the input voltage range back to 3.6 V to +5.3 V, set the red jumper onto the middle and right pins.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION (continued)

• Audio Interface
  With the DPL audio handset model DPLS0401-X and DB25 data kit model HRC-24-8R, the A3LA-RG can be used both as a data modem and a satellite phone. The modem’s status can be displayed on the handset LCD. The red power button is used to power reset the A3LA-RG.

CONFIGURE DEVICE TO OPERATE

1. With the device turned off, remove the SIM cover located on top of the modem.
2. Insert the SIM chip (facing down) into the SIM chip reader bracket, ensure SIM chip cut-off aligns with the SIM reader, and then lower and lock the SIM chip reader’s bracket.
3. Connect the HRC-24-8R Data Kit to the DB25 multi-interface connector on the device.
4. Connect the DPL Handset phone to the HRC-24-8R Data Kit.
5. Connect the antenna connector to the Iridium connector port on the device.
6. Verify the antenna has full view of the sky and the cable loss between the modem and antenna is <3 dB.
7. Supply DC power to the power input of the HRC-24-8R data kit.
8. Verify Power LED is illuminated.
9. Wait for about 15 seconds for the modem to register with the Iridium satellite network.
10. Verify the LCD screen on the DPL handset is ON with the word “Iridium” written across the LCD screen.
11. Dial desired phone number using Iridium’s dialing format. Refer to the Iridium DPL Handset user guide.

References

• Home - NAL Research
• Home - NAL Research
• Home | Office of Foreign Assets Control
• FIPS 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules | CSRC
• Home - NAL Research

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