The DSAT-300, or DataSat-300, is an airborne data/position communicator designed for automatic position reporting and messaging via mobile devices. It utilizes Iridium® Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to transmit data from an aircraft to any point in the world. The device supports mobile applications running Remote Display Application (RDA) or STS Messenger software, which require a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Access Point adapter for connectivity. Position reporting intervals are user-defined and configurable through the Hardware Management section of SkyWeb, a SKYTRAC software platform. The base software displays current and historical position data, including latitude, longitude, GPS time, relative position (to a known waypoint), ground speed, altitude, and heading, in both tabular format and on a map.
Models:
The DSAT-300 is available in two models:
- DSAT-300I (Model No 108-300-01): Features an integrated Combo (Dual) antenna.
- DSAT-300E (Model No 108-300-02): Designed for use with external Iridium and GPS antennas.
Key Features:
- Automatic Position Reports: Configurable reporting intervals via SkyWeb.
- Emergency Mode: Can be activated via a push button, an external emergency switch, or a mobile device running RDA or STS Messenger software. In Emergency Mode, the unit transmits positions at an increased rate, and reports appear in red with an audible alarm in SkyWeb. The unit cannot be shut down in this mode until it's cancelled by the user or batteries expire.
- Mission On/Off Reporting: Supports reporting of mission status.
- Wheels On/Off Reporting: If GPS Speed is configured in SkyWeb.
- Messaging: Enables sending and receiving emails via mobile devices running RDA or STS Messenger software, connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The DSAT-300 queues messages if there's an Iridium Satellite communication problem and attempts to send them when the connection is restored. If the queue is full, it sends a "Message rejected, Inbox is full" notification.
- Logging: Automatically logs and stores the latest position data, unprocessed GPS data, battery health data, and error logs. This data is retrievable by SKYTRAC Systems only.
- LED Indicator Lights: Four one-color LEDs (PWR, SAT, GPS, EMERG) on the side of the unit indicate operational status. Brightness adjusts automatically based on ambient light.
- Start-up Sequence: LED Test (all blink), Battery Level (indicated for 5 secs), Factory Reset Indication (double blink of all LEDs if reset initiated), Operational Status (normal or charge mode), Shutting down (Power LED intermediate dimming).
- Normal Mode:
- PWR (Green): Solid ON during operation, dimming/blinking intermittently during shutdown.
- SAT (Amber): Normally OFF. ON solid if unable to connect to satellite or send/receive messages via Iridium network.
- GPS (Amber): Normally OFF. ON solid if GPS fault.
- EMERG (Amber): Normally OFF. Blinks when Emergency is requested (times out if not confirmed by second press). ON solid when Emergency is enabled.
- Push Button:
- Press and hold (greater than 4 seconds) to turn the unit on/off when on battery power.
- Press twice in succession to activate/deactivate Emergency Mode (not available in recharge mode).
Technical Specifications:
- Voltage Requirements: 11 to 30 VDC nominal (airplane power).
- Absolute Maximum Voltage: 40 VDC.
- Power Requirements: 1 A at 14 VDC, 0.5A at 28 VDC when charging.
- Battery Type: Two Lithium ION batteries (P/N: STS0065, except for the Li-ion battery).
- Approximate Operating Time (Fully Charged Batteries, Room Temperature):
- 2-minute reporting interval (no Bluetooth): 60+ Hours.
- 1-minute reporting interval (no Bluetooth): 40+ Hours.
- 15-second reporting interval: 15+ Hours.
- Bluetooth device (email connectivity): 15+ Hours (with 1-minute reporting).
- Temperatures below -10 °C: 20% reduction.
- Note: Use of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi reduces overall operating time.
- Temperature Range - Operational:
- Batteries Installed: -20 °C to 60 °C.
- Batteries Removed: -30 °C to 60 °C.
- Batteries Charging: 0 to 45 °C.
- Temperature Range - Storage:
- Batteries Installed: -20 °C to 50 °C.
- Batteries Removed: -40 °C to 85 °C.
- Note: Storage at high temperatures for an extended period will decrease the lifetime of onboard components, including the internal battery.
- Power Connector (5-pin):
- Pin 1+3: Positive (+) Aircraft power (nominal 12V/28V).
- Pin 2: Short to ground (Pin 5/A1) for charge mode only (no position reports) when powered through power connector.
- Pin 4: Short to ground (Pin 5/A1) to reset unit to factory default (normally not connected).
- Pin 5/A1: Ground (Aircraft power return).
- RS232 (DB9) for Bluetooth:
- Pin 1: DCD
- Pin 2: RxD
- Pin 3: TxD
- Pin 4: DTR
- Pin 5: GND
- Pin 6: DSR
- Pin 7: RTS
- Pin 8: CTS
- Pin 9: 150mA power supply for Bluetooth dongle Parani SD100/200 or similar.
Usage Features:
- Powering the DSAT-300:
- Battery Power: Runs on two Lithium ION batteries. The processor enters 'sleep' mode between reports to conserve power. Automatic shutdown occurs when battery voltage reaches 6.0 volts. New batteries are shipped at 30-50% capacity and should be fully charged before first use.
- Aircraft Mains Power: Can be powered on/off by applying or removing power via the aircraft (cigarette lighter) adapter (12V to 30V, 120VAC NOT supported). The adapter charges batteries during operation. The push button cannot be used for on/off control when connected to aircraft mains.
- Wall Charger: Plugs into a standard 120V power outlet to charge batteries. In "Recharge Mode," the power LED flashes twice per second, and the unit only charges batteries and displays charge levels; no position reporting or BlackBerry communications are performed. The push button cannot be used for on/off control in this mode.
- Antennas:
- DSAT-300I: Integrated antenna.
- DSAT-300E: Uses external antennas.
- Portable active L1 GPS antenna STS0039 and separate portable passive Iridium antenna STS0040.
- Single TSO Combination Antenna STS0021 (active L1 GPS/Passive low profile, molded radome, Iridium antenna).
- Portable Antenna Installation: Two antennas must be installed at least 18 inches from one another with a clear view of the sky. Cable length should not exceed 7.5 feet. Portable Iridium antenna must be at least three feet away from any other GPS antenna. GPS uses BNC connector, Iridium uses TNC connector.
- TSO Combination Antenna Installation: Must be installed at least three feet away from any other GPS antenna, outside the aircraft, as high as possible, and in a horizontal position for a 360-degree sky view. Uses SMA and BNC connectors for GPS, and TNC connectors for L Band or Iridium. Incorrect cable connection can cause damage. RG-400 low-loss coaxial cable maximum length is 18 ft; longer runs require lower loss coax cable. Bond between airframe and antenna must be 10 milliohms or less. Includes a rubber seal for environmental protection.
- Firmware Upgrade:
- Uses the USB programming port. The DSAT-300 enters programming mode automatically when the USB cable is connected and the unit is powered on or charging.
- Required Hardware: Laptop or PC with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port and chipset (programming will not work if USB 2.0 port is on a computer with a USB 3.0 chipset), Windows XP or higher, Type A to Type B USB connector.
- USB Driver: User must download the latest driver (CP2103) as part of the upgrade process.
- Process: Download firmware from www.skytrac.ca, extract zip file, apply power to DSAT-300, connect USB cable, determine correct COM Port via Device Manager, run firmware upgrade batch file, enter COM port, confirm upgrade, wait for completion, power down, remove USB cable, then power up with new firmware.
- Bluetooth / Wi-Fi:
- Supports Parani SD200 Bluetooth Adapter and STS0062 Wi-Fi Access Point for mobile device interface.
- Functions: Receive, read, send, delete, reply/forward emails; send emails to SkyMail; create, edit, save, send, delete quick mail messages; display status and alert information; change Mission and Emergency status.
- Note: Only one mobile device can communicate at a time. DSAT-300 will not enter sleep mode if Bluetooth/Wi-Fi device is active. Disconnect Bluetooth/Wi-Fi if email communication is not required to extend battery life. Bluetooth adapters receive power from DSAT-300 RS232(DB9) port (after approx. 1 minute) unless charge level is too low. Wi-Fi adapters require external power.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Precautions:
- Batteries should be stored at room temperature, charged to 30-50% capacity, and charged about once per year to prevent overdischarge.
- New batteries are shipped at 30-50% capacity and should be fully charged before first use and after replacement.
- Connecting aircraft mains power and then disconnecting it while in operation mode will cause the unit to shut down. It can be restarted via the push button.
- Use only adapters delivered with the DSAT-300 to operate or charge batteries. Unapproved chargers may damage batteries and pose fire/explosion risk.
- Li-ION batteries have a shelf life of approximately 2-3 years. Inaccurate handling can cause deterioration or failure.
- Installed batteries should be charged every 6 months (until two LEDs are on during charging).
- When powered down, the DSAT-300 still uses a slight amount of battery power. For storage without external power, regularly recharge or remove the battery pack (see DOC 0595).
- Except in Emergency Mode, the DSAT-300 automatically shuts down when battery capacity is critically low to prevent permanent damage.
- ESD Caution: The DSAT-300 contains static-sensitive circuitry. Use care when handling and avoid touching connector pins unless properly grounded.
- Factory Reset: All configuration parameters can be reset to default values by creating a jumper between pin 4 and 5/A1 (GND) of the power connector. This reset is detected during power-up and is followed by a reboot with a double-blink of all LEDs. Not normally required for users.
- EMI Test: Users must ensure no interference with existing aircraft electronic systems. Refer to EMI/RFI Test Report DOC0593 Rev 01.000 for testing procedures. Most tests can be done on the ground, but flight-testing is required for IFR operations to check interference with approach aids. On-board GPS should be operational, VHF Comm. set to common frequencies with squelch open, VOR/DME receivers selected for display. Transponder and encoder should be monitored with ramp test equipment. ADF should be set to a nearby navigation station.
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