Globalstar Data Service FAQ

[buycell]

Congratulations on purchasing a Globalstar satellite phone, and an even bigger congrats and thank you if you bought it from us! To better help our customers with questions about Globalstar's data capability, below is an FAQ of Globalstar satellite data service and functionality.

Internet Capability
1. Q: What does Globalstar Data Services Internet Access let me do? A: Internet Access allows Globalstar customers to launch a browser and begin doing the things they want to do on the World Wide Web. Email, web sites, location mapping, and information that customers could not gain when out on the yacht, the rig, or working the pipeline are now available with Internet Access over the Globalstar satellite phone. If your Windows, Apple, Palm or other operating system can reach the internet using Point to Point Protocol (PPP) and the Data Kit Cable, devices using that system can access Globalstar's network.

2. Q: Can I dial in to my company's network?
A: Internet Access provides a standard internet connection, with Globalstar serving as your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Corporate users typically use standard Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to connect to their company's network. Check with your system administrator for VPN requirements and configuration.

3. Q: What speed is Internet Access?
A: Internet Access runs at 9.6 KBps (bits per second). This is generally two to three times faster than the speeds currently offered by other satellite data services.

4. Q: How is my usage billed?
A: When using Globalstar data within the home service area, data minutes used are billed at the customer's per-minute rate plan. Data minutes are billed like voice minutes. They are deducted from bundled minutes if available, or billed at the same rate as voice if using additional minutes.

5. Q: How do I get Globalstar Data Services?
A: If you already have a Globalstar phone, contact us. If you aren't yet a customer, go to our Web Store, purchase which phone you'd like, and we'll contact you to discuss different data plans.

Service Coverage

6. Q: Where does Globalstar Data Services Work?


A: Globalstar Data Services works anywhere there is Globalstar coverage. In the US, Canada and Caribbean, Globalstar Data services work using Packet Data mode. Outside of these areas, Globalstar Data Services work using Asynchronous Data Mode.

Compatibility

7. Q: What devices can use Globalstar data services?
A: Any computing device can connect to the Globalstar data service, as long as it has a serial port and can connect to a standard modem. Globalstar data services work with any device that uses Point to Point Protocol (PPP). If the computer (or device) does not have a serial port, then an adapter must be used to provide a serial port.

8. Q: How do I know if my Globalstar GSP-1600 Phone is data capable?
A: To use data while in satellite mode, version 4.7 or higher of the phone system software must be installed on your handset. To check which version is on your handset: power on the handset, select the "Menu" button, enter "8" (System), enter "3" (Version); the version number will then be displayed on the third line, beginning with the letter "R". If you require a software version upgrade, the phone should be sent to Globalstar USA for an upgrade. Call your distributor's customer care, or call Globalstar Customer Care at 1-877-GLBLSTAR (452-5782) to have your existing phone upgraded.

9. Q: What version of software do I need on the phone, and how do I determine the software version I have?
A: On the phone, press MENU-8-3 to get software version.

Version R5.2: Globalstar: Packet data and asynch data service, Cellular: Packet data service

Version R5.1: Globalstar: Packet data service (no asynch available), Cellular: Packet data service

Version R4.7: Globalstar: Packet data, No cellular data service The latest version of software is R5.3.1.1.0. Your service provider (Globalstar USA, GMPCS, Seatel, Airstar, etc.) has the tools necessary to upgrade your software; it is not possible to upgrade the software on your own.

10. Q: My computer does not have a standard 9-pin Serial port. What are the alternatives?
A: If you have a USB port on your computer, you can use a USB-to-serial converter to create a serial port. However, it is ESSENTIAL that the USB-to-serial converter provide a fully standard serial port. The most common cause of failure on USB converter units is that some of them do not provide hardware handshaking, even though their documentation claims that they do.
We have found that Keyspan brand adapters work well. Belkin F5U109 adapters also work.
We have found that Belkin F5U103 adapters do NOT work, regardless of when they were manufactured. If model is unknown, then this is a potential source of failure.

11. Q: What about Internet Access on devices that do not use Windows?
A: Computers that do not use Windows (such as Mac OS, Linux, Lindows, Unix, etc. ) may still use Internet Access. Those devices may require specialized cabling and adaptors. The CD-ROM in the data kit has an instruction guide that can be read by Windows as well as other operating systems, which contains instructions for Globalstar data services setup and use on non-Windows devices. When creating dial-up configurations for these devices, the customer will need the following information:

Primary DNS: 142.77.2.36
Secondary DNS: 198.6.100.53

Because the computer knows to call in via the network's Internet connection, the dialing instructions also include a special phone number: #777. When the computer dials this number, it knows that it is going to go to an Internet connection instead of a voice call.

Q: Can I access the Internet with my Globalstar Vehicle kit?
A: The Globalstar GCK-1410 hands-free vehicle kits have a 9-pin port that can be connected via regular RS-232 cable to a laptop. The QUALCOMM Globalstar GSP-1600 Tri-Mode phone must have software version 4.7.1.0.3 or higher.

Q: Can I use Internet Access with my Globalstar Fixed Phone?
A: The GSP-2900 phone offers data services when used with the optional GSP-200 Data Kit, available through your Globalstar dealer. The Globalstar FAU-200 Fixed phone does not offer data services.

Q: Can I use POP3 for my email with Internet Access?
If your email server allows you to use POP3 functions, you may use them with Internet Access. Users should use their ISP's authenticated outgoing SMTP email server, if at all possible. If the ISP does not offer this service, then users must use the Globalstar SMTP server, which is "mail.uunet.ca". The user's ISP will be able to assist the user in setting up their email client.

12. Q: Can I use Globalstar data services with my Handspring PDA?
A: If you can find a cable or an expansion card for the Handspring which provides a standard serial port, then you will find that the Handspring works very well with Globalstar. Unfortunately, Handspring does not offer these accessories, but Springboard might have an expansion card, and there are some serial Handspring cables being advertised on the Internet. Again, the only requirement is that the serial port be a standard serial port, including all lines and hardware handshaking.

NOTE: The Handspring serial cradle will NOT work because it is not a standard serial port. There are instructions on the web for modifying the serial cradle to turn it into a standard serial port, but the modification requires a bit of soldering.

Troubleshooting

Q: I had everything working fine before, but now I have a different internet provider and a new computer and port configuration. How do I setup the new computer for Globalstar?
A: Go through all of the setup procedures on your new computer just as you did on your old computer. The most common mistake people make when switching computers is assuming that they can do the setup from memory. If you work methodically through the setup process, it will go very quickly and then you will be "up and on the air" far quicker than if you tried to do it from memory. If you encounter any difficulties, visit our web site or call Globalstar Customer Support (1-877-452-5782).

Q: I had everything working fine before, but I installed new software on my computer and now it doesn't work anymore. What is wrong?
A: Something that was done during your system update has changed either the software or the hardware configuration on your computer. Since your computer was working with Globalstar prior to the most recent changes, you can safely assume that you still have the right hardware on your computer, however it may not be configured correctly anymore. Re-check to ensure that the serial port is still available. As far as the software configuration, you must carefully review all the standard setup instructions for Globalstar.

Q: After I successfully connect to Globalstar, I am asked for a second username and password. This second username/password entry always fails and the data connection is terminatedA: This problem is usually a result of the Windows PC trying to logon to a Microsoft network during a Packet Data session. Since there is no Microsoft network at the gateway, the attempt always fails. Once the second logon fails, Microsoft Windows terminates the data connection.
Solution: "Uncheck" the "Client for Microsoft Networking" protocol on the "Networking" tab of the Dial-Up-Networking properties for the Globalstar Packet Data connection

Explanation: Windows uses the list of "checked" protocols to determine what constitutes a successful connection; if even one of the protocols cannot be established, then Windows tears down the connection so that the user does not have to pay for useless connection time. In this case, the Dial-Up-Networking properties were incorrect in that, under the "Networking" tab, and under the "Protocols" category, the "Client for Microsoft Networking" was checked. As a result, once the computer had successfully logged onto the G* packet data service, his WindowsXP computer asked him for a username/password to log onto a Microsoft LAN (at the gateway). Since he had no such username/password, and since our G* gateways do not provide any Microsoft network for users' PCs to log on to, his PC dutifully terminated the connection because, since he couldn't log on, the PC determined that the connection was defective.

Q: Even though all my connections and configurations are correct, my Dell computer hangs up immediately after obtaining a successful connection.
A: We have seen a Dell (with WindowsXP) and an iPaq (WindowsCE) which had unique serial port requirements. These systems would successfully connect to the network, and successfully verify username and password but, just after the "registering system on network" message from XP, would disconnect. Evidently, after obtaining Data Carrier Detect, and prior to starting to negotiate protocols, the PC would evaluate the state of DSR (Data Set Ready). If DSR was not asserted, then the PC wold not set up any protocols and, instead, would drop the connection immediately if it was not. On the Globalstar data cable, we let DSR float; therefore, for this Dell system, the user could not establish a network session. The solution was to connect the wires going to pin 4 and pin 6 so that DSR was "high: whenever the PC was using the modem. An alternate solution was to tie pin 1 to pin 6. (we used the same solution on the iPaq and it worked). Whichever modification you try, you'll have to test not only to make sure that the network connection is established properly, but also that the computer still detects when carrier is lost and drops the line.
On a DELL OPTIPLEX GX-150,. pin 4 and 6 MUST BE jumped together on the 9-pin connector. BUT, on a DELL OPTIPLEX GX-110 Series... either way is good.

Q: How can I speed up Internet Explorer?
A: 1. You can limit the unnecessary multimedia that is common with most web sites: Start Internet Explorer. Then select the "Internet Options" item from the TOOLS dropdown menu. Select the "Advanced" tab and scroll down until you reach the "Multimedia" group of options.

NO CHECK - Play animations

NO CHECK - Play sounds

NO CHECK - Play videos

CHECK - Show image download placeholders

NO CHECK - Show pictures

NO CHECK - Smart image dithering

By selecting the above options, you will instruct IE to bypass the downloading of extraneous images, videos, and sounds, and to use image placeholders instead. Once the page is loaded, you can selectively download images that you are interested in by right-clicking on the image download placeholders.

Q: How do I obtain a modem log?
A: The modem log is a very useful troubleshooting tool. It identifies the true serial port speed of the modem, lists all the error codes and diagnostics returned by the modem, and provides time-stamps for these events.
In WindowsXP and Windows 2000, the modem log is available by going to the modem control panel, selecting "Properties" for the modem driver you were using, and then pressing the "View Log" button on the lower right hand portion of the dialog box.
In Windows 9x, right-click the Dial-Up Networking icon with which you are having difficulties. Press the "Configure" button underneath the modem selector box (on the "General" tab), go to the "Connection" tab, select "Advanced", then "View Log"

Q: The Modem Properties box in the Control Panel says that the COM port speed is 38,400, the Dial-Up Networking configuration box says 38,400, but the modem log says that the modem is actually communicating at 19,200. What should I do?
A: There has been some corruption in the modem driver on your system. Simply remove that modem and re-install the Windows Standard 28,800 modem. The default port speed of the Standard 28,800 modem driver is 38,400, so there should be no reason to change this in the future.

Q: Why does Windows show my connection speed at 38,400bps instead of 9600bps
A: For an external modem, Windows reports the data rate as the port speed.