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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who provides satellite communications service for the MCOM hardware?
A: The MCOM1 series MSAT-G2 series satellite radio/telephone uses services provided by SkyTerra, formely Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV). SkyTerra owns the satellites, the ground stations, etc. MJ Sales provides you with the MCOM1 series MSAT-G2 satellite radio / telephone and, in coordination with an SkyTerra representative, will assist you to select the appropriate SkyTerra satellite service package to meet your requirements. This is similar to the method employed by your local telephone company. That is, you purchase your home telephone from a local retail store but service is provided by the telephone company, not the retail store. The difference is that MJ Sales, as an authorized dealer, facilitates your service connection.
Q: What is the SkyTerra coverage area?
A: SkyTerra Service covers North and Central America, the Caribbean, parts of South America, and up to 250 miles offshore. It can also be used to reach some areas in Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.
Q: Explain the services that the MCOM1 series MSAT-G2 satellite radio/telephones offers. What can it do for me?
A: There are 2 types of service, point-to-point dial-up and two-way radio dispatch.
1. DIAL-UP TELEPHONE
A dial-up satellite telephone call functions the same as a common cellular telephone call. You simply dial the 10-digit area code and telephone number. Dial-up calls may be made to any telephone throughout the entire public switched telephone network (PSTN).
2. DISPATCH TWO-WAY RADIO
Dispatch two-way radio is a means of broadcast communications. Operating on a push-to-talk principle, dispatch Radio Service relies on established talk groups for up to 15 talk groups. Users can belong to more than one talk group and each talk group can include as many as 10,000 members. Users also have the ability to dial in to a talk group from the PSTN or dial out from a talk group to the PSTN. The dispatch network acts much the same as a land mobile radio repeater, turning the entire network (or sub-networks) into a single cell and transmitting signals to and receiving signals from subscribers on the ground. The major features are as follows:
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Two-way Group Communications - One user can simultaneously converse with many users.
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Private Mode Communications - Allows a user to call another user privately
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One-way Broadcast Capability - Enables one user to broadcast to many users simultaneously
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Priority 1 Interrupt - In emergencies, a user can override other users within the same Talk Group.
Example: You have an MCOM1 MSAT-G2 satellite radio / telephone installed in your vehicle and you are driving in the Arizona desert. Other MCOM1 users in one of your talk groups are located in Honolulu, Seattle, Boston, Miami, and Detroit. You push the PTT button on your handset, wait about 1 second for all of them to be connected and you speak into the handset. When you speak, they all hear you and can likewise respond. If you want to conduct a private conversation, then use the dial-up function to make a standard satellite telephone call to the other person.
Q: Are there any advantages or disadvantages to using the MCOM1 MSAT-G2 series satellite radio / telephone equipment as compared to INMARSAT and Iridium hardware? (See the additional question below reference differences in service between these providers.)
A: The other satellite communications providers’ vendors offer equipment that may have a few minor advantages, but the overall advantage goes to the MCOM1 series satellite radios.
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The MSAT G2 antenna is self-aiming and is more stable in high winds. INMARSAT antennas must be aimed at their satellite and have a tendency to blow around during high winds, thereby causing loss of communications, which increases the need for training and decreases communications reliability. Iridium provides handheld satellite telephones and offers a magnetic mount antenna that can be used for mobile communications, but it does not suffice for fixed-site operations.
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During inclement weather at an emergency site, the MSAT-G2 transceiver and the DT-240 handset may be installed inside of a protective structure (building, tent, vehicle, cave, etc.) with the antenna placed outside and up to 50 feet from the transceiver, thereby, keeping the equipment and the user protected from the elements. INMARSAT offers some similar remote capability, but their antennas have to be aimed at the satellite and kept in place during high wind conditions. INMARSAT also employs an international dialing sequence, which is often difficult for users to master.
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The MCOM1 series MSAT-G2 satellite radio may be employed for mobile, portable, and/or fixed-site operations. The multi purpose, self-aiming antenna may be used for all modes of operation. For example, an emergency responder may use the MCOM1 series MSAT-G2 satellite radio in a fixed environment at the work place, then, when called to travel to an emergency site, place the antenna on top of a vehicle and communicate en route. Upon arrival at the emergency site, the responder can quickly install the equipment as a portable satellite radio/telephone. The other providers do not have this capability.
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Although Iridium has a mobile antenna for its lightweight hand held unit, it must be employed outside, in an open area, away from any obstacle that may interfere with the line-of-site to satellites moving overhead. Otherwise, continuous, reliable communications will not be possible. Iridium satellite telephones do not normally receive incoming calls while inside of a building. In order to initiate a call, the emergency responder must leave the protective environment and stand outside, something not very desirable during freezing, windy, and/or rainy weather.
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The MCOM1 MSAT G2 series satellite radio has various interface devices that allow it to extend LMR communications via SkyTerra dispatch two-way radio. INMARSAT and Iridium do not have dispatch two-way radio capability.
Q: Are there any advantages or disadvantages to using SkyTerra service as compared to INMARSAT and Iridium services?
A: These other satellite communication providers offer service outside the footprint of SkyTerra satellites. However, their services require international dialing, which can be complicated for many users. SkyTerra has numerous advantages for customers within their footprint, which covers most of North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. Here are some of MOCOM1 / SkyTerra advantages. SkyTerra is the only satellite service company that:
Q: Can I use a remote handset with the MCOM1 series MSAT G2 satellite radio? For example, if I have an MCOM1 series MSAT G2 satellite radio in my corporate headquarters or in the field, is there some way that I can connect the satellite telephone line into my company PBX or to a regular telephone handset?
A: Yes. The MCOM1 MSAT-G2 series satellite radio can be connected to a device, the MSAT-PSTN, that converts the dial up voice calls so that you can use a standard telephone handset or introduce the line into your telephone business system.
Q: Can I use a regular land mobile radio (LMR) with the MCOM1 satellite radio? For example, if I have a regular LMR mobile, hand held, or base station radio, the type used by the law enforcement, fire fighters, or other emergency responders, is there some way that I can use these radios to access emergency calls from remote locations?
A: Yes. The MCOM1 MSAT-G2 satellite radio can be interfaced through an electronic device to a regular radio or repeater, allowing communications over the satellite radio for any distance that is within the communicating range of your LMR radio/repeater system.
Q: What is the manufacturer’s warranty with the MCOM1 series MSAT-G2 satellite radio?
A:
MJ Sales offers a one year, limited manufacturer’s warranty on all parts and labor at their facility in Pearce, AZ.
Q: How much does it cost to talk on the MCOM1 series MSAT G2 satellite radio?
A: The price for service is determined by SkyTerra. SkyTerra offers various dial-up and dispatch two-way radio packages to suit your particular requirements. Call MJ Sales for current airtime cost information.
Q: Who can benefit from the services provided by MCOM1 / SkyTerra MSAT-G2 satellite radio?
A: SkyTerra's satellite radio/telephone service supports Federal, state, and local governments; other public safety organizations; and businesses that have nationwide coverage requirements, particularly those operating in geographic areas that lack significant terrestrial coverage, such as natural resource companies, utilities and telecommunications companies that require backup and re-storable support.
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