Inmarsat C

Device Summary

The Inmarsat C is a satellite communication and tracking terminal for maritime, aviation, and land applications. Integrated with GSatTrack, it provides global coverage for two-way messaging and real-time asset tracking in remote and harsh environments.

Setup

Inmarsat-C devices can be set up by configuring them for automatic polling and having the information routed to InmarsatC@gsattrack.com.

Operations

Activation

An Inmarsat C terminal is activated by programming a DNID and member number (1-255) onto the terminal which allows the terminal to communicate with the Inmarsat ground station and pass traffic on the specific DNID. This can be programmed over the air by performing a “DNID Download” command which pushes a DNID and member number to the remote terminal. Once the DNID download is successful in any ocean region, the terminal can pass traffic there.

Polling

Once a terminal has been successfully activated with a DNID and member number, you can poll the terminal in all ocean regions, or a specific ocean region, and request an immediate position which will be returned in another message. A successful poll request means the remote terminal has received the poll request and is processing a response. When the position is acquired and ready to transmit, it will transmit the current location. Polling does consume more airtime as there is a charge for the poll message and a charge for the position response.

Scheduled Reports

Once a terminal has been successfully activated with a DNID and member number, it can also be programmed to send a position on an automatic interval. A single command is sent to set a schedule on the terminal, and the terminal will automatically acquire and send position reports. This consumes less airtime than polling for positions as there is only a position response, not a poll command for every position.

Troubleshooting

Failed to contact terminal (All regions failed download)

The terminal is likely not powered on or is not logged into the network. Please refer to the manual for the specific terminal type to determine how to initiate the login process. This is an example login process for a Cobham Sailor 6120/6130/6140/6150 terminal:

Start the easyMail application.
Select Setup › Mobile number.
Type in the mobile number (9 digits) and click OK.
You should now see the mobile number in the status field at the top of the page.
Select Actions › Login and select the Ocean region that matches your current position.After a short while you should see the Ocean region just below the mobile number in the status field at the top of the page. This means you are now logged on.
Select Setup › Default ISP...
Choose your Inmarsat Service Provider from the list.
Select Setup › Default LES.
Choose the Land Earth Stations of your Inmarsat Service Provider for each Ocean region.

The system is now ready to send and receive messages

Additional Information

Key Features

Global Coverage — Uses Inmarsat's satellite network for communication and tracking worldwide, including remote areas.
Two-Way Messaging — Supports text messaging and data transfer to and from the terminal.
Real-Time Tracking — Provides continuous location updates for assets and personnel.
Automatic Position Reporting — Sends periodic location updates on a scheduled interval.
Durable and Weather-Resistant — Built to withstand extreme conditions in maritime and land deployments.

Use Cases

Maritime Operations — Track vessel locations for safe navigation and compliance with maritime regulations.
Aviation Monitoring — Monitor aircraft positions and communicate with crews.
Disaster Response — Maintain communication and tracking during natural disasters or humanitarian missions.
Oil and Gas Exploration — Keep communication with drilling rigs and remote exploration teams.