Sutron Corporation Satlink Operations & Maintenance Manual, Rev 8.04.2 11/3/2016 pg. 158
17.
Command Line Interface
Satlink uses a command line interface. You can use a terminal program instead of LinkComm to
talk to Satlink. All of Satlink's features are available over command line. In fact, LinkComm uses
the command line interface to talk to Satlink. When messages are sent to Satlink via SMS or
Iridium, they use the same format as regular command line communications.
17.1.
Why Use Command Line?
LinkComm provides an easy user friendly way to interact with Satlink. You should never
have
to
use Satlink's command line interface. However, some people prefer command-line interactions.
Also, if you want to send an SMS or an Iridium message to Satlink to check the station status, you
would need to find out what the command for checking status is.
LinkComm cannot send messages to Satlink. SMS messages may be sent to Satlink from a cell
phone, and Iridium messages may be sent via email.
17.2.
About the Command Line Interface
The command line interface provides a way to interact with Satlink. Any terminal program can be
used to connect to Satlink. You can connect via the RS232 port, USB port, or attach to the TCP/IP
address of Satlink that has a Cell modem. You can send and receive messages to and from Satlink
via SMS or Iridium.
By default the RS232 interface operates at 9600 Baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. Satlink
supports hardware handshaking; its use is recommended. Allow at least a half-second between
opening the communications port and starting communication.
To start command line mode, send carriage return or line feed (or both). If using a terminal
program, press ENTER. Satlink will respond with a prompt >
Once in command line mode, type HELP to get a list of supported commands. Also try HELP
SETUP.
While it is not recommended, changing the baud rate can be done by typing BAUD RATE. The
default baud rate is 9600.
With the terminal program, if the emulation is set for VT100, pressing the up arrow brings back
the last typed command.
Messages can be sent to the station remotely. Messages are treated like command line input
with a few differences. Some commands cannot be executed via a message. Other commands
may have a differently formatted output (in order to reduce message size).
GPRSLink, HSPALink, and CDMALink can receive SMS (text messages). IRIDIUMLink can have
messages sent to via emails that get routed through the Iridium system. (See
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.)