anyone with experience setting up Internet access with Iridium phone?

[SailingNat]

struggling a bit - tried with Axcess Point but doesn't seem to recognize USB cable (cable is fine when just plugged into laptop)
tried with spsmail and direct usb to laptop much having trouble getting drivers to work, etc...
help much appreciated.
muchas gracias

[jakmang]

I will be setting up a phone on Wednesday or Thursday. If you are going to be at CYC, we can compare notes.

[BobJ]

Try watching GMN's short videos:

http://web.globalmarinenet.com/blog/bid/100618/View-AxcessPoint-Training-Videos-from-Iridium-2012-Conference

It's okay to sign in - they're good folks.

I'll be doing the same thing in a couple of days - I bought the Iridium AccessPoint too - so please let me know how it goes.

After watching Luis's videos, if you are still having problems I'd suspect the cable. Those mini-USB plugs (on the phone end) aren't that great. OTOH, if it's the older 9505A (phone) you're probably going to need a serial-to-USB dongle and the driver software for it. I have the newer 9555 now so my Keyspan Serial-to-USB dongle is up for grabs if you need it.

[JAMcDonald]

A related note:

I have the same system as BobJ and used it on last year's Long Pac without issues. The AxccessPoint (a modified CradlePoint PHS300 Personal Hotspot - Wireless access point - 802.11b/g) has an internal Li battery, BUT it isn't recharged via its usb connection. So you can recharge it with the 120V brick, or a 12V adapter. I purchased a waterproof 12V-5VDC -DC converter I was going to use to keep the Axcesspoint charged with an appropriate mini-plug. This avoids the use of an inverter or a 12V plug to power the Axcesspoints external power supply.

If you go this route, the mini-Jack specs are: Input: 12VDC, Output: 5V 2.5A, Barrel Connector Size: 2.3mm, center pin positive. Don't use from a store named R**** Sh***. They have a high failure rate. I hope everyone has a safe and fun journey this year and wish I was with you.

[SailingNat]

Try watching GMN's short videos:

http://web.globalmarinenet.com/blog/bid/100618/View-AxcessPoint-Training-Videos-from-Iridium-2012-Conference

It's okay to sign in - they're good folks.

I'll be doing the same thing in a couple of days - I bought the Iridium AccessPoint too - so please let me know how it goes.

After watching Luis's videos, if you are still having problems I'd suspect the cable. Those mini-USB plugs (on the phone end) aren't that great. OTOH, if it's the older 9505A (phone) you're probably going to need a serial-to-USB dongle and the driver software for it. I have the newer 9555 now so my Keyspan Serial-to-USB dongle is up for grabs if you need it.


thanks - no problem registering the Axcess Point software and the wifi does work (I will go get a car charger for it as it only comes with a regular charger) but for some reason, the USB connection doesn't seem to work. However, when I connect it to the laptop it does work... Bizarre.

[Lightspeed]

Nat, a common problem is the com port setting. Check your laptop after connecting. Sat Phones are like a modem and need to be set to com port 1 - 4. once assigned that com port needs to be constant.

[BobJ]

Regarding the charger, the barrel plug on the AccessPoint's end is weird. John McD pointed me to this and I ordered one last night:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2460XT4103

[SailingNat]

Regarding the charger, the barrel plug on the AccessPoint's end is weird. John McD pointed me to this and I ordered one last night:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2460XT4103

you mean for the AxcessPoint?

[SailingNat]

it looked like there was two pieces of software trying to manage the Axcess Point which created a conflict. (Both AxcessPoint something...)

Resolved by uninstalling one of them. Works fine now. Thanks everyone

[BobJ]

you mean for the AxcessPoint?

Yes. I think the AccessPoint has lithium batteries so if you charge it before you go (with its AC charger) you might be okay, but if you have to charge it from DC (cigarette lighter plug) you'll need a charger that will plug into the AccessPoint's odd-sized socket. Alternatively, if you have a small inverter you could plug in AccessPoint's supplied AC charger but that takes more juice: DC>AC>DC.

Thanks for info re the software conflict. Mine arrives Wednesday and I'll watch out for that.