The Utilities menu provides six options used mainly to check for proper hardware and network setup. These include Check GPS, Check Iridium, send Test Report, Check Mailbox, Check-In and Way Points.



Check GPS option forces the Indigo Xplorer to turn on its GPS receiver and to continuously update and display GPS data in real-time whether there is a valid fix or not. The GPS receiver remains on until user leaves this screen by pressing the BACK button. The Reset Ephemeris soft key is used to force the device to erase saved ephemeris in its memory and download a new set of ephemeris data. User must be careful not to deplete the battery power by staying on this option for too long.

The accuracy of the position can be monitored by observing the HACC. HACC stands for horizontal accuracy in meters. HACC is defined as the radius of a circle centered on the true value that contains the GPS measurement. Thus, a position fix with ten meters HACC accuracy indicates that it is within ten meters of the true position—the higher the HACC value, the less accurate the GPS measurement.

Check GPS option is a good indicator of letting user know whether or not to initiate a Way Point or a Test Report when located in a challenging environment; e.g. in dense foliage or around urban settings with tall buildings. HACC can be monitored in real-time to make sure it converges to a small and stable value (usually less than 30 meters). At which point, it is certain that a 3-D fix can be obtained with the most current ephemeris data being updated and saved. User can then go back to the Utilities menu to send a test report. When the GPS receiver cannot acquire a fix, HACC gradually increases and, at some point, stops at a value of 4294967.500. It is an indicative that the surrounding obstructions prevent the GPS receiver from obtaining a fix and user should move on to a different location.


Check Iridium option forces the Indigo Xplorer to turn on its Iridium transceiver and continuously update and display signal strength information in real-time. The Iridium transceiver remains on until user leaves this screen by pressing the BACK button. User must be careful not to deplete the battery power by staying on this option for too long.


When the Test Report option is selected, the Indigo Xplorer immediately turns the GPS receiver on to refresh its location data. The location information is continuously updated and displayed in real-time whether there is a valid fix or not. Similar to the Check GPS option, HACC can be monitored to see if a valid fix is possible. Once a valid fix is obtained, the GPS receiver is turned off and the most recent 3-D fix information is displayed on the screen. This information called test report can be forced to send by pressing the Send soft key. A test report has the same format as a regular position report. Sending a test report will not disrupt or change the tracking reporting rate.


Test Report option is a good diagnostic tool used to ensure proper operation of the GPS receiver and the Iridium transceiver. It can also be used to manage battery life by turning off tracking mode and strategically send on-demand location reports. It can be considered as “manual tracking mode”.



The Way Points menu is used to acquire, view, save, delete or send a waypoint. Choosing the New option is the same as pressing the Way Point soft key on the home screen. A list of saved waypoints can be displayed and viewed by selecting the List option. After selecting the List option, any saved waypoint label can be edited, sent/re-send or erased. The Indigo Xplorer can save up to 1,000 way points in its circular memory.