The AirCell Axxess II Satcom System is an advanced, capable, and user-friendly airborne telephone system designed for in-flight communication. It operates with the Iridium Satellite Network, comprising 66 Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, and functions within the frequency range of 1616 MHz to 1625.5 MHz. The system offers a host of exceptional features, many of which were previously unavailable in airborne telephone systems.
Function Description:
The AirCell Axxess II system enables voice calls from and to the aircraft, including calls to other Iridium phones, and supports data calls over the Iridium Network. It integrates with the aircraft's main avionics power system, making it available whenever the aircraft's power switch is on. The system allows for both direct dialing and two-stage dialing for calls to the aircraft from the ground, with two-stage dialing potentially being more cost-effective as the calling party is charged by their long-distance provider for a call to Tempe, Arizona, USA, while the aircraft is charged AirCell per-minute.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Network: Iridium Satellite Network (66 LEO satellites)
- Frequency Range: 1616 MHz to 1625.5 MHz
- Data Bandwidth: Limited to 2.4 Kbps over the Iridium Network. For enhanced data transfer rates, the Direct Internet 2.0 service from Iridium is recommended, which utilizes dedicated servers and data compression.
- Data Channels: Two data channels are provided. Channel 2 is recommended for data equipment to maintain Channel 1's availability for voice calls.
- Data Connection: PC data devices can be connected using a standard RS-232 serial computer cable. Only one data device can be connected per channel.
- Call Conferencing: Supports 3-way conference calls.
- Intercom: Allows two or more AirCell handsets to be used as an intercom, supporting a maximum of three handsets per channel for intercom conferencing and two for conferencing with a ground caller.
Usage Features:
The system is designed with easy-to-use graphical menus.
- Handset Display: The handset display shows the telephone number being dialed, system status, and additional options. It also indicates the handset's extension number.
- Navigation: Up and down scroll keys are used for menu navigation and adjusting volume.
- Dialing: Numbers and characters are entered via the keypad. Speed dialing numbers can be stored and dialed.
- Call Management:
- Placing Calls: Dial the desired number from the Main Dialing Screen (e.g., 9+1+Area Code+Number for USA/Canada, or 9+Country Code+Number for international calls). For Iridium-to-Iridium calls, dial 9+8816+Iridium Phone Number.
- Redialing: Press RCL then SND to redial the last number.
- Receiving Calls: Pick up the handset and press SND.
- Picking Up Other Extension Calls: Press FCN then 9.
- Ending Calls: Press END.
- Muting/Unmuting: Press FCN then 6 to mute or unmute the microphone.
- Holding Calls: Press HLD to put a call on hold. Press HLD again to reconnect.
- Transferring Calls: Put the call on hold (HLD), dial the extension number (e.g., 81 or 82), press SND, and when the other party answers, press FCN then 8.
- Conference Calls: While on a call, press HLD, dial the third party, press SND, and when they answer, press FCN then 3.
- Personalization:
- Personal Phone Book: Stores up to 99 frequently-called numbers with optional names. Numbers can be stored by entering the number, pressing STO, selecting a location (* for next open), entering a name (optional), and pressing STO again. Editing entries involves pressing RCL twice, scrolling to the entry, pressing STO, making changes, and confirming with STO. Clearing an entry involves pressing RCL twice, scrolling, pressing CLR, and confirming with STO.
- One-Touch Speed Dialing: Two dedicated keys allow for storing and dialing frequently called numbers (e.g., home or main office). Store by entering the number, pressing STO, pressing one of the two speed dialing keys, and pressing STO again (no name entry). Call by pressing RCL and then one of the two speed dialing keys.
- Volume Control:
- Earpiece Volume: Adjustable during a call or when the handset is out of the cradle using the up/down scroll keys. Maximum setting is five bars.
- Ringer Volume: Adjustable by pressing FCN, then 1, then the up/down scroll keys. Maximum setting is five bars; lowest setting turns the ringer off.
- Key Tone Volume: Adjustable by pressing FCN, then 2, then the up/down scroll keys. Maximum setting is five bars; lowest setting turns the key tone off.
- Handset Lock: Handsets can be locked to prevent unauthorized use by pressing FCN, then 5, then STO. To unlock, press FCN, then 5, enter code 333, and press SND.
Maintenance Features:
- Resetting Handset: If a handset becomes inoperative, first try pressing the END key. If the problem persists, reset the phone's circuit breaker.
- Troubleshooting:
- If the Main Dialing Screen displays but calls cannot be placed (fast busy signal), it indicates the Iridium system is unavailable (e.g., busy, no sky visibility, or unable to register).
- If "Contact Product Support" displays, the handset cannot register with the onboard PBX, requiring support from AirCell Customer Service or the installing dealer.
- If all channels are full, a fast busy signal will occur; wait for an outgoing channel to become available.
- Software Updates: Online manuals with the latest revisions are available on www.aircell.com.
- Customer Support: AirCell Customer Service is available Monday through Friday, 0730 (7:30 am) to 1700 (5:00 pm) USA Mountain Time, via AIR1 (2471) toll-free or +1.303.379.0278. For data call connection issues, contact AirCell Customer Support.
The AirCell Axxess phone is a mobile transmitter and receiver. The antenna, mounted on the outside of the aircraft, transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) energy. While most modern electronic equipment is shielded from RF energy, RF energy from radio telephones may affect some electronic equipment, including personal medical devices (pacemakers, hearing aids, etc.) and equipment in hospitals and cars.
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