XLINK 500/100 Operations & Maintenance Manual page # 123
12.
Telemetry
12.1.
Iridium Telemetry
XLink may be equipped with an optional Iridium module. The module is plug and play and fits
into one of the option port. When so equipped, XLink is capable of sending transmissions and
receiving messages using the Iridium satellite network.
Iridium may be used to provide reliable two-way communications anywhere on the planet.
section for details on setting up Iridium.
Iridium satellite coverage is available everywhere. The diagram below shows how the signal
travels through the Iridium Gateway to an email address, etc.
12.1.1.
Iridium Antenna Placement
The Iridium antenna must be placed where it has a clear view of the sky.
Iridium satellites are not geostationary. This means that coverage of a certain area may vary from
one minute to the next. To be considered reliable, the station must have a strong signal for 10 to
20 minutes.
The antenna-aiming feature can aid in correct station setup. It will show the current signal
strength. Signal strength ranges from 0 (no signal) to 5 (excellent signal).
A signal strength of 4 or higher indicates a strong signal.
The station needs to consistently report a strong signal for 10 to 20 minutes to indicate
good antenna placement.
If signal strength is varying, the antenna's view of the sky is obstructed.
In theory, any signal strength above 0 means that a transmission can be made.
However, to ensure reliable and consistent data transmissions, reposition the antenna
to get better signal.