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Stevens SatComm  

FAQs 

For use with SatCommSet or Terminal Setup programs 

 
 
Q. 

What are the channel assignments for On Air Test Mode?

 

A. The assigned GOES test channels are as follows: 
 

GOES West 300 Baud:  Channel 196 
GOES West 1200 Baud: Channel 499  (look for it on channel 200) 
GOES East 300 Baud: Channel 195 
GOES East 1200 Baud: Channel 497 

 
 
Q. 

Why do the LEDs go all the way out?  I can’t tell if the unit is powered.

 

A. When SatComm is OnLine, it is in low-power standby mode waiting for the schedule transmission      time or for 
a Random transmission sequence.  For optimum lowest power, the LEDs, which draw current, are turned off to 
conserve batter life.  LEDs come on during a Timed or Random transmission sequence, or when the unit is in Off 
Line mode. 
 
 
Q. 

Why can’t I go Online until I have a GPS lock?

 

A. We designed SatComm using a GPSDO (GPS disciplined oscillator) instead of an expensive and fault-prone 
OCXO.  Because of this, the frequency stability is only ensured when there is a GPS lock.  We make sure we have a 
frequency and time lock before going online.  After the first initial GPS lock, the SatComm calibrates the internal 
RTC (real time clock) using the GPS acquired time and fixes the frequency so that it can continue transmitting 
within its channel assignment in the absence of GPS signal for up to 24 hours.  Normally, a GPS lock is obtained 
every time the SatComm turns on for a scheduled transmission.  Not getting a GPS lock is rare, and is a function of 
good GPS antenna placement. 
 
 
Q. 

Why is it taking so long to get a GPS lock?

 

A.  It can take up to 15min, depending on the part of the world that the SatComm unit was shipped to, for the GPS to 
receive all the almanac data from the GPS satellites.  It is a good idea to allow the SatComm unit to stay in Off Line 
mode, with a GPS antenna connected, until a GPS fix is achieved before trying to go online. 
 
 
Q. 

Why can’t I connect with the GUI?

 

A. There are a couple of reasons you may not be able to connect with the GUI: 

1.

 

In order to connect using the GUI, the SatComm needs to be in the Off Line Menu state (from the 
terminal program).  If the unit was left in another menu (I.E. System Setup), then the GUI will not 
connect.  You can either navigate back to the Off Line Menu or you can cycle the power to the unit. 

2.

 

If the unit was in OnLine mode (low power standby mode), then power was removed, you will not be 
able to connect using the GUI until the unit is repowered and a GPS lock is achieved (GPS LED is off) 
and SatComm has entered low-power standby mode again. 

 
 
 

Summary of Contents for SatComm GOES

Page 1: ...PS acquired time and fixes the frequency so that it can continue transmitting within its channel assignment in the absence of GPS signal for up to 24 hours Normally a GPS lock is obtained every time the SatComm turns on for a scheduled transmission Not getting a GPS lock is rare and is a function of good GPS antenna placement Q Why is it taking so long to get a GPS lock A It can take up to 15min d...

Page 2: ...te Enter B to go back to Off Line SATCOMM Autocalibrating Please Wait SATCOMM On Line Status Confirmed At this point SatComm is in Low Power Standby Mode AKA On Line Power will automatically come back on for either a Timed or Random transmission and LEDs will light up As soon as the unit is finished with the transmission it will resume On Line mode LEDs off Off Line mode is when the SatComm is not...

Page 3: ...emale RS232 cable to connect between the Stevens SatComm and the Stevens DL3000 data logger which is a DCE data communication equipment If a different data logger is used that has a different DB9 cable or is a DTE connection then an appropriate adapter will be necessary Q If I m setting up multiple units using the GUI how do I disconnect from one SatComm and connect to the next one I don t see a d...

Page 4: ...e USB port and the External Touch Screen port differently A You will need to make sure that when you are setting up the SatComm with the different ports that the baud rate and any other comm port setting is setup up to match the port you are using Q Why can t I change the USB port and Touch Screen port settings in the GUI They appear grayed out A The default settings of the SatComm unit baud rate ...

Page 5: ...a Stevens can supply this device and it is listed on the accessories list of the SatComm data sheet Stevens P N 92767 02 Also ensure that chassis ground is installed This will help protect the SatComm as well Q What happens if I accidentally connect my battery cables backward A The SatComm is equipped with reverse battery protection so if the unit is accidentally connected incorrectly there will b...

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