• General Questions
• Coverage
• Compatibility
• Setup/Installation
• Troubleshooting
• Other

General Questions

Q: What does Globalstar Data Services Internet Access let me do?
A: Internet Access allows Globalstar customers to launch a browser and begin doing the things they want to do on the World Wide Web. Email, web sites, location mapping, and information that customers could not gain when out on the yacht, the rig, or working the pipeline are now available with Internet Access over the Globalstar satellite phone. If your Windows, Apple, Palm or other operating system can reach the internet using Point to Point Protocol (PPP) and the Data Kit Cable, devices using that system can access our network.

Q: Can I dial in to my company's network?
A: Internet Access provides a standard internet connection, with Globalstar serving as your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Corporate users typically use standard Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to connect to their company's network. Check with your system administrator for VPN requirements and configuration.

Q: What speed is Internet Access?
A: Internet Access runs at 9.6 KBps (bits per second). This is generally two to three times faster than the speeds currently offered by other satellite data services.

Q: How is my usage billed?
A: When using Globalstar data within the home service area, data minutes used are billed at the customer's per-minute rate plan. Data minutes are billed like voice minutes. They are deducted from bundled minutes if available, or billed at the same rate as voice if using additional minutes.

Q: How do I get Globalstar Data Services
A: If you are already a Globalstar customer, call your distributor, or call Globalstar Customer Care at 1-877-GLBLSTAR. If you are not a current Globalstar subscriber and would like to purchase a Globalstar phone and service including Globalstar Data Services, see our dealer locator to find a distributor near you, or call 1-877-SATPHONE.

The Data Kit costs $199.00. Existing customers can purchase from any Globalstar Authorized Dealer location.

To support you in making an informed purchase, before placing the order please run through this short check-list:

Potential and Existing Globalstar customers: You know you can use Internet Access using dial-up PPP via an external modem connection.

Existing Globalstar customers: If you plan to use a device other than a laptop, of if your laptop does not have a 9-pin DB9 serial port, you may need to acquire additional cabling and/or adaptors (such as a null modem and a gender changer) to attach to and work with the data cable.

Existing Globalstar customers: Confirm the software level of your phone.

If you are using the phone only for satellite coverage and the software version is older than 4.7.1.0.3, we can arrange to upgrade your phone with the correct software version.

Are you using both satellite and cellular service with your Tri-Mode phone? If so, and you hope to use data with your cellular service (check with your cellular carrier for details of any data program they may offer) as well as with your Globalstar service, your phone should be sent to us to install the necessary software. The minimum software version needed to run data on both satellite and cellular modes is 5.1.2.2. Cellular data services are provided by your cellular service provider, and must be in digital mode.


[ Back to Top ]

Coverage

Q: Where does Globalstar Data Services Work?
A: Globalstar Data Services works anywhere there is Globalstar coverage. Please see our most recent coverage map. In the US, Canada and Caribbean, Globalstar Data services work using Packet Data mode. Outside of these areas, Globalstar Data Services work using Asynchronous Data Mode.

[ Back to Top ]

Compatibility

Q: What devices can use Globalstar data services?
A: Any computing device can connect to the Globalstar data service, as long as it has a serial port and can connect to a standard modem. Globalstar data services work with any device that uses Point to Point Protocol (PPP). If the computer (or device) does not have a serial port, then an adapter must be used to provide a serial port.

Q: How do I know if my Globalstar GSP-1600 Phone is data capable?
A: To use data while in satellite mode, version 4.7 or higher of the phone system software must be installed on your handset. To check which version is on your handset: power on the handset, select the "Menu" button, enter "8" (System), enter "3" (Version); the version number will then be displayed on the third line, beginning with the letter "R". If you require a software version upgrade, the phone should be sent to Globalstar for an upgrade. Call your distributor's customer care, or call Globalstar Customer Care at 1-877-GLBLSTAR (452-5782) to have your existing phone upgraded.

Q: What version of software do I need on the phone, and how do I determine the software version I have?
A: On the phone, press MENU-8-3 to get software version.

Version R5.2: Globalstar: Packet data and asynch data service, Cellular: Packet data service

Version R5.1: Globalstar: Packet data service (no asynch available), Cellular: Packet data service

Version R4.7: Globalstar: Packet data, No cellular data service The latest version of software is R5.3.1.1.0. Globalstar has the tools necessary to upgrade your software; it is not possible to upgrade the software on your own.

Q: My computer does not have a standard 9-pin Serial port. What are the alternatives?
A: If you have a USB port on your computer, you can use a USB-to-serial converter to create a serial port. However, it is ESSENTIAL that the USB-to-serial converter provide a fully standard serial port. The most common cause of failure on USB converter units is that some of them do not provide hardware handshaking, even though their documentation claims that they do.
We have found that Keyspan brand adapters work well. Belkin F5U109 adapters also work.
We have found that Belkin F5U103 adapters do NOT work, regardless of when they were manufactured. If model is unknown, then this is a potential source of failure.

Q: What about Internet Access on devices that do not use Windows?
A: Computers that do not use Windows (such as Mac OS, Linux, Lindows, Unix, etc. ) may still use Internet Access. Those devices may require specialized cabling and adaptors. The CD-ROM in the data kit has an instruction guide that can be read by Windows as well as other operating systems, which contains instructions for Globalstar data services setup and use on non-Windows devices. When creating dial-up configurations for these devices, the customer will need the following information:

Primary DNS: 142.77.2.36
Secondary DNS: 198.6.100.53

Because the computer knows to call in via the network's Internet connection, the dialing instructions also include a special phone number: #777. When the computer dials this number, it knows that it is going to go to an Internet connection instead of a voice call.

Q: Can I access the Internet with my Globalstar Vehicle kit?
A: The Globalstar GCK-1410 hands-free vehicle kits have a 9-pin port that can be connected via regular RS-232 cable to a laptop. The QUALCOMM Globalstar GSP-1600 Tri-Mode phone must have software version 4.7.1.0.3 or higher.

Q: Can I use Internet Access with my Globalstar Fixed Phone?
A: The GSP-2900 phone offers data services when used with the optional GSP-200 Data Kit, available through your Globalstar dealer. The Globalstar FAU-200 Fixed phone does not offer data services.

Q: Can I use POP3 for my email with Internet Access?
If your email server allows you to use POP3 functions, you may use them with Internet Access. Users should use their ISP's authenticated outgoing SMTP email server, if at all possible. If the ISP does not offer this service, then users must use the Globalstar SMTP server, which is "smtp.pdn.globalstar.com". The user's ISP will be able to assist the user in setting up their email client.

Q: Can I use Globalstar data services with my Handspring PDA?
A: If you can find a cable or an expansion card for the Handspring which provides a standard serial port, then you will find that the Handspring works very well with Globalstar. Unfortunately, Handspring does not offer these accessories, but Springboard might have an expansion card, and there are some serial Handspring cables being advertised on the Internet. Again, the only requirement is that the serial port be a standard serial port, including all lines and hardware handshaking.

NOTE: The Handspring serial cradle will NOT work because it is not a standard serial port. There are instructions on the web for modifying the serial cradle to turn it into a standard serial port, but the modification requires a bit of soldering.

[ Back to Top ]

Setup/Installation

Q: How do I use Internet Access with my (non-Windows XP) computer?
Install the data program onto the computer using the CD-ROM, which comes in the data kit, attach the cable to your Globalstar phone and computer, connect to the network (via the dial-up connection), and launch a browser.

Q: How do I set up my computer for Globalstar Data if I am running Windows XP?
For XP, users should run the installation that is supplied on the CD, with the following minor additional configuration.
When you get to the point where you are asked to select a modem, do NOT press "Have Disk". Instead, you MUST select the Standard 28,800 modem if for a GSP-1600. If you are connecting your computer to a GSP-2900 "Fixed" Globalstar phone, you will have to use the "Standard 19,200 modem". Then presses "Next", select a COM port, select 'Next' again, and Windows will finish installing the modem. After the modem installation is complete, simply press the "X" at the top of the installation instruction dialog box (so that it will close) and then press EXIT on the CDROM installation screen.
The next thing you will need to do is to check to see that the Dial-Up Networking icon/setup is using the "Standard 28800" modem (or "Standard 19200" modem if connecting to a GSP-2900 "Fixed" Globalstar phone). To do this, find the Networking icon labeled Globalstar Packet Data or something similar. Double-click on it so that the "Connect To" dialog box pops up. Press the PROPERTIES button located on the lower right-hand corner of the dialog box. The first "tab" of the Properties is GENERAL. On this panel, you have to do the following. a) Place a checkmark next to the box labeled "use same phone number for all modems"
b) Make sure that the 28,800 (or 19200) modem is the ONE and ONLY modem that has a check mark next to it.
c) After you have placed a check mark next to the 28,800 (or 19200) modem, make sure that the phone number is still showing as #777. In some cases, you will have to re-enter this phone number because Windows erases the phone number field when you change the selected modem.


Q: How do I set up my computer for Globalstar Data Services while traveling outside of the Canada Home Service Area or US/Caribbean?
A: While travelling outside of the Canada Home Service Area or US/Caribbean you need to set up your computer to use our Asynchronous Data Mode.

SETTING UP AN ASYNCHRONOUS DATA CONNECTION:

Assuming that your computer is already set up to be able to access the ISP when you are dialing from a landline (hotel, office, home), the easiest way to use asynchronous data over Globalstar is to simply modify the icon that is already working for you over the landline. It is very simple to do this. First, double-click on the same icon that you normal use when connecting via a landline. Then, when the "Connect To" dialog box appears, press the PROPERTIES button on the lower left of the dialog box. On the first "tab" which appears, entitled GENERAL, you will have to modify the "modem" section. Place a check mark next to the box, which says, "dial same number for all modems". Then remove the check mark next to the existing modem (probably the internal modem) and place a check mark next to the Standard 28,800 modem, which you installed for Globalstar (see below). Next, make sure that the dialing rules are correctly specified for dialing from Mexico, and press OK. Press DIAL and your phone will connect to the ISP's modem. Log in as normal for that ISP, and proceed with your data session.
Roaming from your home service area to other areas will incur roaming charges. If you roam outside the North American / Caribbean area, you will have to use asynchronous dialup access, and you will incur roaming charges. The phone must have software version R5.2 or above in order to use asynchronous dialup service.

Q: How do I use Internet Access with my Palm PDA?
A: Connect a serial HotSync cable and the Globalstar data cable using a null modem (Radio Shack has a 9-pin null modem). Set the baud rate of the PalmPilot serial port to 38,400. Your Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) must be able to use PPP via an external modem connection. A data cable from your PDA's manufacturer and a null modem and/or a gender changer may be required. You will need to have a browser in your PDA and you will have to set up a network entry that will load the Domain Name System (DNS) settings.

Primary DNS: 142.77.2.36, Secondary DNS: 198.6.100.53

Q: I don't have/lost the CD that came with my Data Kit. Do I need a new one?
A: No. The CD is convenient because it simplifies installation, but also because it includes an electronic PDF version of the data manual. Data Services can be set up on your computer without having the CD-ROM handy. Globalstar is unlike most other satellite data systems in that it does not require special software. To get up and running, it is possible to simply use the native 28,800 modem driver that comes with the Windows operating system. (Expert instructions: To do this, press START ... Settings ... Control Panel ... Modems ... and then go through the process of installing what Windows calls a Standard 28,800 modem. If these instructions don't make sense, then call customer service (877-452-5782) and we will walk you through the process over the phone.) If you use a Mac, then let us know.

Q: How do I set up a modem driver for Globalstar if I don't have the installation disk?
A: Manual Procedure :
Modem Driver: Use the standard 28,000 bps modem driver that comes with Windows XP. Open the Control Panel and go to the "Phones and Modems" icon, where you would install a new modem. Tell Windows that the modem is not PCMCIA (it is "other"), and that you don't want Windows to search for the modem (you'll pick it from a list). Eventually Windows will present you with a double-paned dialog box -- the left pane shows manufacturers and the right pane shows the modems available from the highlighted manufacturer. One of the topmost manufacturers is labeled "generic" or "standard" ... leave this selection highlighted. On the right-hand pane, select the Standard 28,800bps Modem.
During the installation process, Windows will ask you which Comm port to use. Select the port which corresponds to the external serial port on your computer. If you are using a USB-to-Serial port adapter, select that COM port. If no COM ports are displayed, then either your COM port is not set up properly or another program is using the COM port. Note that Windows XP and Windows 2000 are different than other operating systems in that they will not allow you to assign a COM port if it is already in use.
Set up Dial-Up networking for packet data (#777), for direct-dial calls to your ISP (*3282 1-AreaCode-PhoneNumber), etc. That should be it. (Remember that in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean).

Q: On a Windows PC, what modem driver should I use?
A: If user is using Windows 9x or Windows ME, then the Qualcomm driver which comes on the Globalstar Data Services CDROM is okay. Otherwise, use the "Standard 28,800" modem driver that comes with their particular version of Windows; this driver is already on the user's hard disk and just needs to be installed. (Use the Add Modems panel of the Control Panel to add the generic Windows modem driver).

Q: How do I access AOL from Globalstar?
A: 1. Confirm that the phone software is version R5.2 or above (Press Menu 8-3 on the phone)

Start AOL and select Setup.

Select "Expert Setup". Then select "Devices" tab.

Confirm the presence of the AOL modem driver labeled "Standard (Hayes compatible)"

If this modem driver is not present, then add it using the "Expert Add" button

ii.) Type: Modem (press next)

Select the modem "Standard (Hayes compatible)"

Confirm port speed=38400

Confirm that the defined COM port is the correct one

Confirm that under "Edit Commands", the "Dial Prefix" has been set to: ATD*3282

Press "OK" to exit from the modem setup screen

Press "CLOSE" to exit from the "Expert Add" screen and return to the SIGNON screen

At the initial SETUP screen, Press the SETUP button again, just as in step 2.

Select the "Add LOCATION" button and define a new location called "Globalstar"

Name=Globalstar, Select the "Standard (Hayes Compatible)" modem, Press NEXT

For the area code, have user put in an area code which s/he normally uses to connect to AOL. This way, user can use some already stored phone numbers instead of getting new numbers from AOL, since it costs the same to call any phone number in the US.

Select a few phone numbers from the list and then press NEXT

Dialog box now shows the chosen numbers. Modify entry in lower part of the dialog box to indicate

"Dial *3282 to reach an outside line"

For each access phone number, press EDIT and select both available options (dial 1, and dial area code)

Press OK and then NEXT. Confirm that all phone numbers read *3282-1-AreaCode-PhoneNumber

Press Finish

Q: I have the right phone software, my computer is set up properly, and I'm dialing the right number but I'm still unable to connect to Globalstar.
A: If you are using a USB-to-serial converter, make sure that it is one of the recommended models, such as the Belkin unit sold by Globalstar dealers, or any Keyspan unit.

Q: Whenever I dial a phone number I receive a voice recording saying that the call cannot be completed as dialed.
A: Make sure that you are dialing a "1" before the area code and phone number.

Q: How do I Globalstar Data Services while roaming in Mexico?
A: USING YOUR ISP FOR INTERNET ACCESS WHILE IN MEXICO:
After you have set up the modem and the Dial-Up networking per the instructions below, you will have to modify the dialed number for while you are in Mexico. Although Mexico does not yet have packet data service (#777), asynchronous dial-up data service is available. Therefore, in order to use data services from Mexico, you will have to dial up a standard ISP and access the Internet via that ISP.

ASYNCHRONOUS DATA CONNECTION: Assuming that your computer is already set up to be able to access the ISP when you are dialing from a landline (hotel, office, home), the easiest way to use asynchronous data over Globalstar is to simply modify the icon that is already working for you over the landline. It is very simple to do this. First, double-click on the same icon that you normal use when connecting via a landline. Then, when the "Connect To" dialog box appears, press the PROPERTIES button on the lower left of the dialog box. On the first "tab" which appears, entitled GENERAL, you will have to modify the "modem" section. Place a check mark next to the box, which says, "dial same number for all modems". Then remove the check mark next to the existing modem (probably the internal modem) and place a check mark next to the Standard 28,800 modem, which you installed for Globalstar (see below). Next, make sure that the dialing rules are correctly specified for dialing from Mexico, and press OK. Press DIAL and your phone will connect to the ISP's modem. Log in as normal for that ISP, and proceed with your data session. Roaming from your home service area to other areas will incur roaming charges. If you roam outside the North American / Caribbean area, you will have to use asynchronous dialup access, and you will incur roaming charges. The phone must have software version R5.2 or above in order to use asynchronous dialup service.

Q: How do I set up my email client so I can send email through SMTP?
A: First check with your ISP to see if they offer an "authenticated SMTP" server. This is definitely the best solution because once your email client (e.g., Outlook Express, Eudora, Pegasus, etc.) has been configured for authenticated SMTP service, you will never have to modify your email setup parameters again ... the configuration will allow you to send email regardless of whether you are connected to the ISP's POP, to your office network, your home LAN, or to a network at a conference center. All major ISPs (Earthlink, MSN, etc.) are now offering authenticated SMTP service. Usually it is documented on the ISP's web support page; if not, then your ISP will be able to lead you through the setup process.
If your ISP does not have an authenticated SMTP server, then you can use the Globalstar non-authenticated SMTP server, located at: smtp.pdn.globalstar.com

Q: When I dial another modem, the other modem answers but it never sets up a successful connection
A: In the US, Canada, and Caribbean, when using asynch dial-up data, you need to prefix the 1-AreaCode-PhoneNumber with *3282
For example, to dial a modem located at (555) 666-7777, you would need to dial:
*3282 1 555 666 7777
Do NOT use any commas in the dial string.

[ Back to Top ]


Troubleshooting

Q: I had everything working fine before, but now I have a different internet provider and a new computer and port configuration. How do I setup the new computer for Globalstar?
A: Go through all of the setup procedures on your new computer just as you did on your old computer. The most common mistake people make when switching computers is assuming that they can do the setup from memory. If you work methodically through the setup process, it will go very quickly and then you will be "up and on the air" far quicker than if you tried to do it from memory. If you encounter any difficulties, visit our web site or call Globalstar Customer Support (1-877-452-5782).

Q: I had everything working fine before, but I installed new software on my computer and now it doesn't work anymore. What is wrong?
A: Something that was done during your system update has changed either the software or the hardware configuration on your computer. Since your computer was working with Globalstar prior to the most recent changes, you can safely assume that you still have the right hardware on your computer, however it may not be configured correctly anymore. Re-check to ensure that the serial port is still available. As far as the software configuration, you must carefully review all the standard setup instructions for Globalstar.

Q: After I successfully connect to Globalstar, I am asked for a second username and password. This second username/password entry always fails and the data connection is terminated
A: This problem is usually a result of the Windows PC trying to logon to a Microsoft network during a Packet Data session. Since there is no Microsoft network at the gateway, the attempt always fails. Once the second logon fails, Microsoft Windows terminates the data connection.
Solution: "Uncheck" the "Client for Microsoft Networking" protocol on the "Networking" tab of the Dial-Up-Networking properties for the Globalstar Packet Data connection

Explanation: Windows uses the list of "checked" protocols to determine what constitutes a successful connection; if even one of the protocols cannot be established, then Windows tears down the connection so that the user does not have to pay for useless connection time. In this case, the Dial-Up-Networking properties were incorrect in that, under the "Networking" tab, and under the "Protocols" category, the "Client for Microsoft Networking" was checked. As a result, once the computer had successfully logged onto the G* packet data service, his WindowsXP computer asked him for a username/password to log onto a Microsoft LAN (at the gateway). Since he had no such username/password, and since our G* gateways do not provide any Microsoft network for users' PCs to log on to, his PC dutifully terminated the connection because, since he couldn't log on, the PC determined that the connection was defective.

Q: Even though all my connections and configurations are correct, my Dell computer hangs up immediately after obtaining a successful connection.
A: We have seen a Dell (with WindowsXP) and an iPaq (WindowsCE) which had unique serial port requirements. These systems would successfully connect to the network, and successfully verify username and password but, just after the "registering system on network" message from XP, would disconnect. Evidently, after obtaining Data Carrier Detect, and prior to starting to negotiate protocols, the PC would evaluate the state of DSR (Data Set Ready). If DSR was not asserted, then the PC would not set up any protocols and, instead, would drop the connection immediately if it was not. On the Globalstar data cable, we let DSR float; therefore, for this Dell system, the user could not establish a network session. The solution was to connect the wires going to pin 4 and pin 6 so that DSR was "high: whenever the PC was using the modem. An alternate solution was to tie pin 1 to pin 6. (we used the same solution on the iPaq and it worked). Whichever modification you try, you'll have to test not only to make sure that the network connection is established properly, but also that the computer still detects when carrier is lost and drops the line.
On a DELL OPTIPLEX GX-150,. pin 4 and 6 MUST BE jumped together on the 9-pin connector. BUT, on a DELL OPTIPLEX GX-110 Series... either way is good.

Q: How can I speed up Internet Explorer?
A: 1. You can limit the unnecessary multimedia that is common with most web sites: Start Internet Explorer. Then select the "Internet Options" item from the TOOLS dropdown menu. Select the "Advanced" tab and scroll down until you reach the "Multimedia" group of options.

NO CHECK - Play animations

NO CHECK - Play sounds

NO CHECK - Play videos

CHECK - Show image download placeholders

NO CHECK - Show pictures

NO CHECK - Smart image dithering

By selecting the above options, you will instruct IE to bypass the downloading of extraneous images, videos, and sounds, and to use image placeholders instead. Once the page is loaded, you can selectively download images that you are interested in by right-clicking on the image download placeholders.

Q: How do I obtain a modem log?
A: The modem log is a very useful troubleshooting tool. It identifies the true serial port speed of the modem, lists all the error codes and diagnostics returned by the modem, and provides time-stamps for these events.
In WindowsXP and Windows 2000, the modem log is available by going to the modem control panel, selecting "Properties" for the modem driver you were using, and then pressing the "View Log" button on the lower right hand portion of the dialog box.
In Windows 9x, right-click the Dial-Up Networking icon with which you are having difficulties. Press the "Configure" button underneath the modem selector box (on the "General" tab), go to the "Connection" tab, select "Advanced", then "View Log"

Q: The Modem Properties box in the Control Panel says that the COM port speed is 38,400, the Dial-Up Networking configuration box says 38,400, but the modem log says that the modem is actually communicating at 19,200. What should I do?
A: There has been some corruption in the modem driver on your system. Simply remove that modem and re-install the Windows Standard 28,800 modem. The default port speed of the Standard 28,800 modem driver is 38,400, so there should be no reason to change this in the future.

Q: Why does Windows show my connection speed at 38,400bps instead of 9600bps
A: For an external modem, Windows reports the data rate as the port speed.


[ Back to Top ]


Other