GEOSAT mobile wi-fi solution User Manual - User Manual

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User Manual

geosat mobile wi-fi

Thank you for purchasing the GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi

Solution and welcome to the world of wireless
networking on the water. Now you can take advantage
of the growing number of HotSpots along the
waterways of the U.S. and Canada as well as the
islands of the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

As a systems integrator, GEOSat’s engineers have

spent countless hours testing various configurations of
the mobile Wi-Fi hardware until they developed a
balanced package that delivers optimum performance
for mobile license-free local area network access.

Before you begin installation, remember that, with

the exception of your laptop or PC, the GEOSat
Mobile Wi-Fi Solution is sold as a complete package

only.

The antenna, antenna cable and the radio/

amplifier are a balanced system. Changing any one of
these elements will jeopardize performance, void the
Terabeam warranty and could result in a possible FCC
violation.

INTRODUCTION

Read through this entire section to understand how

to install the hardware. To configure the EC, please
refer to the ‘Configuration’ section.

Perform the following procedures once you have

determined the optimal location for the EC:

1. Mounting the EC – Make sure the location

you selected will support the weight of the
box. Select mounting hardware that is
appropriate in size and that will support the
weight of the EC in heavy seas.

CAUTION:

Make sure that the enclosure is

properly grounded for maximum lightning and
static protection.

2. Plug the round connector of the outdoor

Ethernet cable into the jack on the bottom of
the EC, making sure the notch is correctly
aligned with the tab on the jack (Fig. EC-1),
then turn the round locking nut clockwise as
you push in until it securely fastens onto the
jack. Please verify that the round connector is
properly plugged into the jack of the EC
because it is possible to push it in the wrong
way if enough force is used.

Damage to the

EC or the connector will not be covered by
the warranty.

3. Mount the supplied 10 dBi antenna securely

being certain that the LMR 400 antenna cable
can be run with no severe bends.

4. Connect one end of the antenna cable to the

antenna and the other end to the antenna
coupling on the bottom of the EC. (Fig. EC-2)

The GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi Solution (EC) is a single

channel 802.11b compliant radio housed in a
weatherproof NEMA 4 rated outdoor enclosure. It
features an Ethernet Converter (EC-II) for use as a
CPE (the equipment necessary to obtain access to a
wireless network).

It is powered from an external 12 VDC source but it

will operate from a source of 11 to 14 VDC. An
integrated bidirectional amplifier provides increased
transmit power and receive signal sensitivity for the
longest possible range. The unit draws about 1.5 amps
peak.

The 28-bit WEP-Plus encryption, if enabled,

provides extra security above standard 802.11b WEP.
The EC will accommodate virtually an unlimited
number of client MAC addresses on each side of the
link.

GEOSat Wi-Fi Kit Contents (Fig. EC-1)

1. The EC-AMP-12V radio and amplifier,

weatherproof outdoor enclosure.

2. DC Power cable - 10 feet with connector at one

end.

3. Outdoor Ethernet interface cable – 25 foot.

4. 10 dBi omni-directional marine antenna.

5. LMR 400 antenna cable –

25 foot.

6. CD-ROM with Windows - based Client Manager

software and documentation.

NOTE:

Optional

Ethernet Interface
Cables are available in
lengths up to 100 feet.

It is strongly

recommended that
you configure and test
the unit prior to
permanently mounting
the antenna or EC. It
is important that the
antenna be placed in
an unobstructed
location and within 25
feet of the EC. Per-

forming such a test will avoid the necessity of
relocating the antenna and rerouting cables.

ABOUT GEOSat WI-FI

Fig. EC-1

INSTALLATION

5. Run the outdoor Ethernet cable from the EC

(Fig. EC-1) box to the location of your
computer or PC. If you connect to a router,
switch or hub, make sure you plug the cable
into the WAN/Uplink port, otherwise a
crossover cable or adaptor will be needed.

6. Connect the two wires of the power cable

supplied to a fuse-protected 12 VDC power
source. Connect the red wire to the positive
(+) plug and the black wire to the negative (-)
plug.

7. Plug the power cable into the unit.

8. You’re ready to use your EC (see next

section).

Note:

For maximum protection against weather

and water leakage, make sure you firmly tighten
the three clamps on the sides of the EC that
hold the access door closed.

Client Manager Software

The Client Manager (CM) software can be installed

on a PC or workstation running Windows 98/ME,
2000, NT, or XP. This software is a GUI (Graphical
User Interface) which makes it easy to use. The
program allows you to locally or remotely perform the
following procedures:

√

Display a list of the EC units running on

the local network

√

Display and edit the current configuration

of the EC

√

Save and load configurations

√

Scan LAN’s in the area of the vessel

√

Update the EC firmware

Windows Installation

– To install the Client

Manager in Windows, insert the Wi-Fi CD-ROM
included in the GEOSat Wi-Fi Kit into the appropriate
drive of your computer. Using your Windows Explorer,
open the directory \Wi-Fi Support\Client Manager

and

run the Set Up or Installer program. Simply follow the
instructions on the screen which will guide you through
the entire process.

After completing the Client Manager installation,

you are ready to configure your GEOSat Wi-Fi EC
system (commonly referred to as “EC”).

GETTING STARTED

Fig. EC-2

Begin at the Windows Start menu and choose

Programs. You should see a folder labeled

YDI

. Select

this folder and click on

Client Manager

The first screen to appear is the

Select EC

screen

shown in Fig. CM-1. This screen lists information
about any devices associated in your network. If there
are no devices listed in the table, then you are not
connected. Recheck all connections and if you
connect to a router, switch or hub, make sure you
have followed the installation directions in #5 above.

CONFIGURA

CONFIGURATION

TION

Once you see the EC listed in the table, click on

the device to configure. Press the Select button and
you will be taken to the

General Information

window for

the EC (Fig. CM-2).

Fig. CM-1

Fig. CM-2

Quick Start Configuration

A quick way to configure the EC is through the

Wizard Manager

. By clicking on this button, the

screen shown in the Fig. CM-3 appears. Click on the

Start

button and let the Wizard guide you through the

configuration process.

The next screen to appear (Fig. CM-4) allows you

to verify that you are joining a wireless network via an
802.11b access point. Be sure

Yes

is on and click

Next.

Fig. CM-3

When the screen as seen in Fig. CM-5 appears,

you will have an opportunity to scan for available
wireless networks. Click on

Scan.

Fig. CM-4

Fig. CM-5

Fig. CM-6

Fig. CM-7

Fig. CM-8

The screen seen in Fig. CM-9 allows you to give

your EC its own identifier. It is not necessary to name
your EC; however, many people prefer to use the name
of their boat.

Fig. CM-6 shows the wireless networks within range

of your EC and their current status and whether
encryption is

Off

. Click to highlight network that

you wish to join then click

Next

Note:

While several networks may appear to be

not encrypted and available, many are private
networks that may or may not be connected to
the Internet or have Internet availability. Public
Access Networks usually have an identifiable
name. Avoid networks with router names like
Linksys, Belkin and Netgear.

At the next screen (Fig. CM-7), you will see the

network you selected in the window. Click

Next

advance to the next screen (Fig. CM-8) where you will
be able to enter the Key if the network is encrypted.
For Public Access Networks you will want to be sure
the

button is highlighted and click

Next

At the next screen (Fig. CM-10), be sure to

highlight the button opposite “Obtain an IP address
from the wireless interface,” then click

Next

. When the

message window opens (Fig. CM-11), click

Yes

continue.

Fig. CM-9

Fig. CM-10

When the next screen appears (Fig. CM-12), it will

confirm the configuration information is in place and
ready to be executed. Click on

Finish.

Part of the configuration process involves rebooting

the EC. The progress of the configuration can be
monitored as shown in Fig. CM-13. After the reboot
process ends successfully, the Client Manager will
issue a reset command to the EC that will cause the
new configuration to be loaded and return to the

Select

screen (Fig. CM-1). Again, highlight your EC and

click

Select.

Fig. CM-11

Fig. CM-12

Your EC is now configured and you are ready to join

the wireless network. You can now close the Client
Manager and proceed to the Internet.

Client Manager Detail and Manual
Configuration

Begin at the Windows Start menu and choose

Programs. You should see a folder called YDI. Select
this folder and click on Client Manager.

The first screen to appear is the

Select EC

screen

shown in Fig. CM-1.

This screen lists information about any devices

associated in your network. If there are no devices
listed in the table, then you are not connected.
Recheck all connections and if you connect to a
router, switch or hub, make sure you have followed the
directions in #5 above.

Once you see the EC listed in the table, click on

the device to configure. Press the Select button and
you will be taken to the

General Information

window for

the EC.

The window will automatically update as an EC is

discovered. If an EC has been disconnected, the
status of the EC will change to “Offline.” If any user is
logged in to an EC with the Client Manager, the status
will change to “Busy” and no other user will be given
access to that EC. Once the logged in user logs out,
the status will then reflect whether it is online or offline.
If you click the Advanced button, the screen shown in
the Fig. CM-14 appears and the Advanced button
toggles to Simple.

Fig. CM-13

Fig. CM-14

Fig. CM-15

The

General Information

screen displays informa-

tion about the connection with the device you selected
and is shown in the Fig. CM-2 There are two other
buttons at the top of this window.

Configuration

and

Utilities

, and three buttons on the left –

Scan, Save

Settings, and Reload Settings

. The

Scan

button takes

you back to the

Select EC

screen. The

Save Settings

button will load all changed parameters into the
associated EC. The

Reload Settings

button will restore

the parameters that are currently saved in the associ-
ated EC. Lastly, at the top of the screen, several drop-
down menu items are available. They are:

File, Edit,

View, Commands, Tools

and

Help

For Manual Configuration

, click the

Configuration

button. This features three options:

Ethernet Configuration

– This screen allows you to

specify the parameters associated with the EC’s local
Ethernet connection. The

Change IP Information

button opens up a dialog box used to configure the IP
information. You need to choose an IP address,
subnet mask, and gateway even if you are using
DHCP for the case in which a DHCP server can not be
found.

Serial Configuration

– Although there is an option for

Serial Configuration, the EC does not use a serial
interface. All screens for the Serial settings should be
ignored since they are not applicable. The Client
Manager grays this option out.

Wireless Configuration

– This screen allows you to

specify the parameters associated with the wireless
connection. You can add, edit, or delete profiles. A
profile is a combination of settings that you can define
and then use over and over. The default profile is

Default IS Profile

Finally, the

Utilities

screen features two buttons

(Fig. CM-15):

Diagnostic Utility

– To check the reliability of the

radio link.

Flash Utility

– To update the firmware program on

the EC.

When you press the

Update Firmware

button, you

start the firmware upgrading process. A

Flash Update

Progress Screen

will appear showing the different

steps as they take place. After the update process
ends successfully, the Client Manager will issue a
reset command to the EC that will cause the new
program image to be loaded into RAM, and return to
the

Select EC Screen

. The

Firmware Image File

should reflect the latest version that has been just
updated.

CAUTION:

If you power–cycle or turn the unit off

after a faulty update, it will cause the EC to fail
and require the unit to be sent back to GEOSat
for repair.

Always log back in via the Client

Manager and re-run the update process as many
times as needed until it is successful before
removing the power or power–cycling the unit.

For detailed information about the Client Manager,

please refer to the documentation in you CD ROM. In
addition, an online help is available by pressing F1 or
clicking

Help

Contents from the

General Information

screen.

Technical Support

Your primary source of assistance is the dealer

from which you purchased this product. GEOSat
Solutions support staff should only be contacted
directly if you are unable to get satisfactory assistance
from your dealer.

Before you contact GEOSat Technical Support,

please make sure that you have read and thoroughly
understood all instructions outlined on this manual.

GEOSat Solutions, Inc.
2 Oakwood Blvd., Suite 195
Hollywood, FL 33020-1962
Telephone: 954-922-9585
Telephone: 954-922-9585

E-mail: tech@geosatsolutions.com
www.geosatsolutions.com

Professional Installation Recommended

The GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi Solution must be

installed as a complete system and should be in-
stalled by experienced antenna installation profession-
als who are familiar with Radio Frequency (RF) issues
such as gains and losses.

Failure to follow NMEA installation practices will

void the product warranty and may expose the end
user to excessive RF hazard.

Regulations regarding maximum antenna gains,

power output and maximum permissible exposure vary
from country to country. It is the responsibility of the
end user to operate within the limits of these regula-
tions and to ensure that the installers who install this
device are aware of these regulations.

All antennas are intended to be installed outdoors.

FCC NOTIC

This equipment complies with FCC radiation

exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environ-
ment when installed as directed. This equipment
should be installed and operated with fix-mounted
antennas that are installed such that these antennas
will have a minimum of 2 meters (6.5 feet) of separa-
tion distance between the antenna and all persons
during normal operation.

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.

Terabeam Wireless, the manufacturer, and/or

GEOSat Solutions, the systems integrator, is not
responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such
modifications to this equipment could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.

GEOSat Solutions, Inc. warrants that your GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi Solution is free of defects in material

and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. GEOSat will, at its option, repair
or replace any parts supplied by GEOSat as part of the Mobile Wi-Fi Solution Kit found to be defective in
normal use. Components of the GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi Kit must be returned to the place of purchase
prepaid both ways.

GEOSat is not responsible for the cost of removal, reinstallation, or shipping to the place of repair.

GEOSat does not extend or modify the warranty period as a result or repair or replacement. GEOSat
Solutions’ obligation under this warranty is strictly of the GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi unit only which GEOSat
is the integrator.

This warranty does not apply to damage or conditions in materials that are subject to normal rate of

wear by exposure to the elements or result from improper installation, abuse, tampering or misuse.
Warranty is void if the GEOSat Mobile Wi-Fi is altered in any way from the original integration/configura-
tion.

GEOSat is not responsible for damage to any other equipment or property, or any other consequen-

tial or incidental damages of any kind, whether based on contract, negligence, or strict liability. Maxi-
mum liability shall not exceed the purchase price of the unit.

GEOSat Solutions cannot guarantee wireless signal availability.

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Special Warranty Notice

The warranty is null and void if any of the following occurs:
•

The EC enclosure is not sealed

•

The antenna connections are not properly waterproofed

•

The device is installed improperly or with incorrect connectors

•

The devise is operated outside the recommended DC power specifications

•

The devise is damaged by extreme forces of nature, lightning, or ‘Acts of God’

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