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Doc# 2016-25-05 Rev F Technical Support 678-208-3087 Ext #1 Airtext Installation Manual
Are you sure that the antenna for the Airtext router is designed for and certified for use with the Iridium
satellite system? Is it an unknown model or might it be designed for GPS, XM, or some other avionics
use?
Is the cable between the Airtext router and the Iridium antenna in good condition? Is it crimped, crushed,
or abraded? Tighten Type TNC connectors to a torque of 0.45 to 0.68 N-m (4 to 6 inch-lbs.). Is the
connector tight but cross threaded or jammed?
Could you have excessive RF attenuation (power loss) between the Airtext unit and the Iridium antenna?
What kind of cable is used for the Iridium antenna? Are connector adapters needed at either end of the
antenna cable? Are there disconnects in the antenna cable? Are all connectors used between the Airtext
router and the antenna specifically designed for use with the exact cable used? What is the length of the
antenna cable? What is the loss per foot rating on the cable? Ensure that all this information does not
explain more than a 3dB power loss for the antenna system.
Are the Bluetooth antennas connected? Are they bent or broken? If they have cables, are they crimped,
crushed, or abraded?
Is the Iridium antenna mounted outside on the top of the fuselage? Is it adjacent to an INMARSAT,
Satellite TV, Satellite Radio, or an avionics antenna? Is it in the shadow of a vertical stabilizer? Is it in
view of a RADAR antenna?
Is the Airtext unit getting power? Check for open circuit breakers.
Do you have a Voice/Data switch? (Antenna sharing relay). If so, then change the state of the relay to
check if perhaps the switch is labeled incorrectly or installed backwards.
Where is the Airtext router mounted? Under a Carbon fiber floor? Behind metal honeycomb partitions
hatches, and doors. Is there 6 inches of open space between the Bluetooth antennas and nearby plumbing,
wiring, or ribs? Any nearby high current wires from strobes, valves, power converters, galley appliances,
microwave ovens, avionics equipment?
Where is the airplane? Is it in the hangar on in a deep canyon formed from buildings/hangars?
Optimum location permits 360-degree view of horizon with no obstructions extending into the 8.2 degree
(from horizontal plane) free zone.
