User Guide Freedom Box 200CTM Wireless Ruggedized Modem For Windows 2000 and XP Warning: You must install the modem software before inserting the FB200C modem. Notice: Restricted Proprietary Information Copyright Novatel Wireless Inc. (2003) The information contained in this document is the exclusive property of Novatel Wireless Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual in any form without the expressed written approval of Novatel Wireless Inc. is strictly prohibited. This manual may not, in whole or in part, be copied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic or magnetic storage medium without the written consent of a duly authorized officer of Novatel Wireless Inc. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Novatel Wireless Inc. unless such commitment is expressly given in a covering document. Novatel Wireless Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding this document, its merchantability, or its fitness, for any particular purpose. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names and product names used in this document are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The Novatel Wireless logo and Freedom Box 200C are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Produced in the USA. Table of Contents 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents Technical Support Safety and Regulatory Notices .............................................................................................................. 3 Regulatory Notices................................................................................................................................. 3 Technical Support.................................................................................................................................. 3 System Requirements............................................................................................................................ 3 FB200C Overview and Installation............................................................ 5 FB200C front panel................................................................................................................................ 5 FB200C Rear Panel............................................................................................................................... 6 Connecting the power cable .................................................................................................................. 7 Installing the Wireless Connection Manager Software on Windows .... 9 Uninstalling the Wireless Connection Manager Software.................................................................... 12 Getting Started With the Wireless Connection Manager...................... 13 Connecting to the Network................................................................................................................... 13 Disconnecting From the Network......................................................................................................... 17 Quitting the Wireless Connection Manager Application....................................................................... 17 System Tray Icons ............................................................................................................................... 18 Getting to Know the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows ...... 19 The Wireless Connection Manager Main Window ............................................................................... 19 The Modem Configuration Window...................................................................................................... 20 The Modem Properties Window........................................................................................................... 21 The Detailed Status Report Window.................................................................................................... 23 The About Wireless Connection Manager Window ............................................................................. 24 Additional Menu Commands................................................................................................................ 25 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting a Connection Failure................................................................................................. 27 Error Messages.................................................................................................................................... 28 Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................................................ 29 Index.......................................................................................................... 31 Manual Revision A for Windows 4 Table of Contents This Page Intentionally Left Blank Manual Revision A for Windows Technical Support Technical Support Safety and Regulatory Notices This product is not to be used in any environment where radio frequency equipment is prohibited or restricted in its use. To ensure that your modem is deactivated you should remove it from your computer under the above conditions. Regulatory Notices Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been certified to comply within the limits of a class B digital device pursuant to part 15 and 24 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential situations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not properly installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off. You are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the television, radio or cordless telephone. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. connected. http://www.novatelwireless.com/support/index.html Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. Technical Support If you have any questions or comments about your FB200C, please contact the Novatel Wireless Inc. Customer Support team. WWW:
Email:
Phone:
System Requirements The following items are required to set up and use your FB200C modem:
Pentium 90 processor or higher. Windows 2000 or XP support@novatelwireless.com 1 (888) 888-9231 64MB RAM 16MB hard drive space. Manual Revision A for Windows Technical Support CD-ROM drive. a user account, including a User Name and Password, from a network carrier with PCS CDMA the Wireless Connection Manager software, included with your FB200C modem, and 1X service. To purchase a user account, please contact network carrier. For a list of network service provider please email Novatel Wireless at support@novatelwireless.com or call 1 (888) 888-9231. Manual Revision A for Windows 7 FB200C Overview and Installation This section provides an overview of the modem box and installation instructions. FB200C front panel The FB200C front panel has power, service, and data status indicators and a reset button as shown on Figure 1. Figure 1 FB200C Front Panel Indicator/Button Function Reset Power Service Data Reset button for the FB200C. The power LED indicates power is on when lit. The service LED indicates that the FB200C has acquired network service. The data LED indicates data activity between the FB200C and the host computer. Manual Revision A for Windows 8 FB200C Rear Panel The rear panel of the FB200C is where the power, communication port, and antenna cables are connected. This is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 FB200C Rear Panel Connector 12V DC Serial USB Description Power cable plugs into this connector. The input supply should be between 10 to 18 Volts DC. RS232 connector for modem main port. When using this port, the modem acts as a AT modem. The Serial port is disconnected when an active USB port is connected. USB modem port. When using the USB port, the host computer will have additional modem status information not available when using the serial connector. USB must be used when using Windows Connection Manager. Antenna TNC antennae connector for external mount antennae. Manual Revision A for Windows 9 Connecting the power cable The FB200C comes supplied with a power cable as illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 Power cable Wire Color Green Functionality This wire is the positive terminal for the modem. The modem is designed to be always on when power is applied. Connect the green wire to vehicle IGN (IGNI-
TION) if you only want the modem on when vehicle is on. Connect the green wire to an always on fuse protected cir-
cuit connection to have modem always on. Black Ground Manual Revision A for Windows 10 Manual Revision A for Windows 11 Installing the Wireless Connection Manager Software on Windows This section guides you step-by-step through the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows installation procedure. Once you have completed the set up and installation process, you will be able to use your FB200C Modem with your Internet applications. Warning: This application is only supported by Windows 2000 and XP To install the Wireless Connection Manager onto your laptop or notebook computer:
1. 2. Insert the Installation CD into the CD-ROM drive of your desktop computer. Run the installation program WirelessConnectionManagerVx.xx.xx.exe. Follow the instructions displayed on screen to begin installing the Wireless Connection Manager software. The Welcome window will appear, shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 Welcome Window Manual Revision A for Windows 12 3. 4. 5. Read the information displayed on screen and click Next to continue. The Novatel Wireless License Agreement will appear. Read the agreement and select I read and agree to the above terms. Click Next to continue. The Start Copying Files window will appear, shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 Start Copying Files Window Manual Revision A for Windows 6. If you would like to review or change an installation setting, click Back. If you are satisfied with the installation settings click Next to continue. The Installation Complete window will appear, shown in Figure 3. 13 Figure 3 Installation Complete Window 7. Click Finish to exit the Installation program. The Install window will appear, shown in Figure 4. 8. Click OK to restart your computer. Figure 4 Install Window 9. Once your computer has rebooted, make sure the modem is powered on by checking to make sure the Power indicator is ON. Connect the FB200Cs USB cable into the computers USB port. Windows will automatically detect and install the necessary modem drivers in order to operate the FB200C modem. 10. When Windows has finished installing the FB200C modem drivers, you can access the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the shortcut icon that has been placed on your computers desktop. Manual Revision A for Windows 14 Uninstalling the Wireless Connection Manager Software To uninstall the Wireless Connection Manager application, select Start -> Programs -> Novatel Wireless -> Wireless Connection Manager -> Wireless Connection Manager Uninstall. The Uninstall wizard will open, and guide you through removing the Wireless Connection Manager program from your computer or by using the Windows Control panel and selecting "Add or Remove Programs". Manual Revision A for Windows 15 Getting Started With the Wireless Connection Manager The Wireless Connection Manager application allows you to monitor and control the operation of your FB200C modem. This section explains the basic steps required to operate the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows. Connecting to the Network In order to use your Internet applications, your modem must first establish a network connection. To connect to the network:
1. 2. Launch the Wireless Connection Manager application by double-clicking the Wireless Connection Manager icon, located on your desktop. From the Wireless Connection Manager Main window, click Connect. See Figure 1. Figure 1 Wireless Connection Manager Main Window Manual Revision A for Windows 16 3. If this is the first time you have attempted to connect to the network, the Wireless Connection Manager will walk you through the 5 step activation process. See Figure 2. Figure 2 Welcome Message 4. Click Next. The Activation Information window will appear, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 Activation Information Window Manual Revision A for Windows 5. Click Next. When the enterprise administrator provides you with the activation code, enter the number as indicated in Figure 4. 17 Figure 4 Activation code window 6. Click Next. Enter the phone number and MSID given by the Customer Solutions Advocate as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 MDN and MSID window Manual Revision A for Windows 18 7. Click Next. The FB200C modem is activated properly when you see the successful activation window as shown in Figure 6. Click Finish to close activation window. Figure 6 successful activation window 8. The modem's network connection status will be displayed in the Modem status bar, highlighted in Figure 7. Figure 7 Modem Status Bar If the modem is unable to connect to the network, check the modems signal strength as displayed in the Signal Strength status bar. The greater the number of green bars present, the stronger the signal strength. If the signal strength is poor, try changing your location in order to pick up a stronger signal. Manual Revision A for Windows 19 Disconnecting From the Network To disconnect your modem from the network, click Disconnect from the Wireless Connection Manager Main window, shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 Disconnect Button To disconnect from the network and close the Wireless Connection Manager application, click the located in the top-right corner of the Wireless Connection Manager Main window. Alternately, you can select Exit from the Modem menu. Quitting the Wireless Connection Manager Application To quit the Wireless Connection Manager application, click the of the Wireless Connection Manager main window. Alternately, you can select Exit from the File menu, shown in Figure 9. located in the top-right corner Figure 9 Exit Command Manual Revision A for Windows 20 The modem will terminate its network connection, and the Wireless Connection Manager application will shut down. System Tray Icons When you launch the Wireless Connection Manager application, a system tray icon will appear in the bottom-right corner of your desktop. These tray icons provide easy access to the Wireless Connection Manager Main window and the modems connection status. The following icons indicate the modems connection status:
- If this icon is visible, the modem is currently connected to the network.
- If this icon is visible, the modem is not connected to the network. If the Wireless Connection Manager window is not visible, double-click the tray icon to open it. Alternately, you can control the operation of the Wireless Connection Manager by right-clicking the tray icon and selecting an action from the pop-up menu. Manual Revision A for Windows 21 Getting to Know the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows This section introduces the various windows and menu commands that are contained in the Wireless Connection Manager application for Windows. The Wireless Connection Manager Main Window When you launch the Wireless Connection Manager application for Windows, the Main window will open, shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 Wireless Connection Manager Main Window The Wireless Connection Manager main window consists of the following items:
Duration Field Bytes Sent Field This field indicates how long the modem has been con-
nected to the network. This field indicates the amount of data (bytes) the modem has sent during the current network session. Bytes Received Field This field indicates the amount of data (bytes) the modem has received during the current network ses-
sion. Signal Strength Sta-
tus Bar This status bar indicates the modems signal strength. If adequate signal strength is present, a number of the five bars will be shaded green. Modem Status Bar This status bar displays the modems network connec-
tion status. Manual Revision A for Windows 22 The Modem Configuration Window To access the Modem Configuration window, shown in Figure 2, select Configuration from the Modem menu. The following fields are displayed in the Modem Configuration window:
Figure 2 Modem Configuration Window Network Service Field This value directs the modem to attempt to connect only with your service provides network. This is a read-only field and cannot be altered. Receive Next Call As Field Current System Time Field Current CDMA Time Field Show Connection Properties While Con-
necting Check Box Data Only - This value directs the modem to receive the next call as packet data only. This is a read-only field and cannot be altered. This field displays the current system time as displayed on your computers desktop. This field displays the time as indicated by the CDMA base station. Select this check box if you wish to see the Connection Properties window the next time you attempt to connect to the network. Manual Revision A for Windows 23 The Modem Properties Window To access the Modem Properties window, select Properties from the Modem menu
. Figure 3 Modem Properties Window The information contained in this window is useful for Customer Support in diagnosing problems you may experience while using your modem. Manual Revision A for Windows 24 The following fields are contained in the Modem Properties window:
User Name Mobile Identification Number ESN (HEX) PRL Version Firmware Version Hardware Version Modem Type Manufacturer This field displays your network user name. This field displays your modems Mobile Identification Number. This number is used by the CDMA base station to identify your modem. This field displays your modems Electronic Serial Num-
ber (ESN). The ESN is a unique number given to each modem as a means of identification. This field displays your modems Preferred Roaming List
(PRL) version. The PRL is a list of networks your modem would prefer to connect with. This field displays the firmware version your modem uses. This field displays the hardware version your modem uses. This field displays the type of modem core your modem uses. This field displays the name of the firmware manufactur-
ing company. Manual Revision A for Windows 25 The Detailed Status Report Window To access the Detailed Status Report window, select Detailed Status Report from the Tools menu. The Detailed Status Report window contains two tabs; the General and History tabs. The General tab, shown in Figure 4, is displayed by default and contains the following items:
Figure 4 General Tab Modem Status Bar Total Bytes Trans-
ferred Field Bytes Sent Field This status bar displays the modems network connec-
tion status. This field displays the total number of bytes, both sent and received, during the current network session. This field displays the total number of bytes sent, during the current network session. Bytes Received Field This field displays the total number of bytes received during the current network session. Date Byte Totals Were Last Cleared Field This field displays the date the byte totals were last cleared. Manual Revision A for Windows 26 The History tab, shown in Figure 5, displays the date, time, and current modem and network session activities. This tab is useful when attempting to diagnose problems with either your modem or network connection. Figure 5 History Tab The About Wireless Connection Manager Window To access the About Wireless Connection Manager window, shown in Figure 6, select About Wireless Connection Manager from the Help menu. Figure 6 About Wireless Connection Manager Window This window contains information about the Wireless Connection Manager application, including:
The software version The date the software was released The copyright information Manual Revision A for Windows 27 Additional Menu Commands The following menu commands are also available from the Wireless Connection Manager application. Clear Bytes Command To clear the modems total bytes counted, select Clear Bytes from the Tools menu. All byte totals counted, either sent or received, by the modem during the current network session will be cleared. The modems byte totals are displayed in the General tab of the Detailed Status Report window, shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 Total Bytes Counter Always on Top Command To keep the Wireless Connection Manager window on top of all other windows, select Always on Top from the Window menu, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 Always on Top Command Manual Revision A for Windows 28 Note: Click Always on Top a second time to disable this command. Hide Window Command To hide the Wireless Connection Manager window, select Hide Window from the Window menu, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 Hide Window Command The Wireless Connection Manager window will be minimized to the system tray icon
. Double-click on the icon to re-open the Wireless Connection Manager window. Wireless Connection Manager Help To access the online help for the Wireless Connection Manager application, select Wireless Connection Manager Help from the Help menu, as shown in Figure 10. The application will launch the Wireless Connection Manager online help files. Figure 10 Wireless Connection Manager Help Command Manual Revision A for Windows Troubleshooting 29 Troubleshooting This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter while using your FB200C Modem on a Windows operating system. You can contact Novatel Wireless representative at support@novatelwireless.com or 1 (888) 888-9231 for additional information. Troubleshooting a Connection Failure If you are unable to establish a network connection, the following suggestions may correct the problem:
Verify that your FB200C modem is powered on and communication port is connected to the computer. If the Wireless Connection Manager cannot communicate with the modem, exit the Wireless Connection Manager application. Reset your FB200C Modem by using a thin pen tip to push the reset button. This resets the modem hardware. Check your modems signal strength (displayed on the Wireless Connection Manager Main window). If the signal strength is weak (less than two bars), your modem might be unable to establish a network connection. Try moving to another location in order to pick up a stronger signal. Launch the Wireless Connection Manager application and try to connect to the network again. Manual Revision A for Windows 30 Troubleshooting Error Messages One of the following messages may be displayed if your modem is unable to register or connect with the Mobile Network. Message Modem Not Responding No Service Modem is not present Modem is already in use Device firmware incompatible There was no answer The remote access server is not responding The modem has reported an error Solution This message may appear if you plug your FB200C modem into the USB port and click on the Wireless Connection Manager shortcut icon before your computer has detected the modem. Click OK on the message window and wait between 15-30 seconds before clicking the shortcut icon. If the message appears a second time, unplug and reconnect the USB port to the modem and wait until your computer detects the modem before clicking the Wireless Connection Manager shortcut icon again. If this message is displayed, there is no service available at this time. The network could be busy or undergoing maintenance. Try connecting to the network at a later time or moving to another location if you are outside the networks coverage area. If this message is displayed, verify that the modem USB cable is plugged in properly. Note: Modem detection is only available when the modem is connected using the USB port. This message indicates the modem port is busy. Verify whether your modem has already established a network connection. If the modem is not currently connected to the network, exit the Wireless Connection Manager program, relaunch the application and try a second time to connect to the network. If this message appears, your FB200C modems firmware is incompatible with your current version of the Wireless Connection Manager software. Please contact Novatel Wireless customer support in order to upgrade your modems firmware. If this message appears, try and connect at a later time. If the message appears again, contact your service provider customer support. If this message appears, try and connect at a later time or move to a better signal strength location. If you still cannot connect to the network, contact your service provider customer support. If this message is displayed, reboot your computer and try to connect again. If you are still unable to connect, contact your service provider customer support. Manual Revision A for Windows Troubleshooting 31 Frequently Asked Questions Question How can I check the quality of my connection?
How do I find out what version of the Wireless Connection Manager software Im using?
How do I find out what version of firmware and hardware my modem is using?
I have forgotten my User Name and Password. What do I do?
How can I tell if I have service?
What is an ESN?
Why wont the Wireless Connection Manager recognize my User Name or Password?
Answer The Signal Strength status bar, located on the Wireless Connection Manager Main window, indicates the quality of the modems signal. If two or more bars are shaded green, the modems signal strength is good. If less than two bars are shaded green, the signal strength is poor and it will be difficult to establish and maintain a network connection. Open the Wireless Connection Manager Main window and select About Wireless Connection Manager from the Help menu. The Wireless Connection Manager software version, release date, and copyright information will be displayed in the About Wireless Connection Manager window. Open the Wireless Connection Manager Main window and select Properties from the Modem menu. The modems firmware and hardware version, as well as the modem type and manufacturer, will be displayed in the Modem Properties window. Call your network service provider customer support. The Wireless Connection Manager indicates whether you have service. The Wireless Connection Manager will indicate if there is no service available in the Modem Status field. An ESN (electronic serial number) is a unique number that identifies your wireless modem to the network. You can check your modems ESN by selecting Properties from the Modem menu. Verify that you are entering the correct information in the Connection Properties window. If the Caps Lock feature is activated, turn it off and enter the information again. If the problem persists, call Customer Support of the network service provider to verify you have the correct User Name and Password. Manual Revision A for Windows 32 Troubleshooting Manual Revision A for Windows Index A About Wireless Connection Manager Window Windows 24 C Connecting to the Network Windows 5, 13 Connection Failure Error Messages 28 Troubleshooting 27 D Detailed Status Report Window 23 General Tab 23 History Tab 24 Windows 6, 17 Disconnecting from the Network E Error Messages 28 F Frequently Asked Questions 29 G General Tab Bytes Received Field 23 Bytes Sent Field 23 Date Byte Totals Were Last Cleared Field 23 Detailed Status Report Window 23 Modem Status Bar 23 Total Bytes Transferred Field 23 H Help 26 History Tab Detailed Status Report Window 23 M Modem Configuration Window Current CDMA Time Field 20 Current System Time Field 20 Network Service Field 20 Receive Next Call As Field 20 Show Connection Properties Check Box 20 Windows 20 33 Modem Manager About Wireless Connection Manager Win-
Detailed Status Report Window 23 dow 24 General Tab 23 History Tab 24 Help 26 Main Window 19 Modem Properties Window 21 Quitting 7, 17 Windows Installation 9 Windows Modem Configuration Window 20 Modem Manager for Windows Starting 13 Modem Manager Main Window Bytes Received Field 19 Bytes Sent Field 19 Duration Field 19 Modem Status Bar 19 Signal Strength Status Bar 16, 19 Windows 19 Modem Properties Window ESN (HEX) Field 22 Firmware Version Field 22 Hardware Version Field 22 Manufacturer Field 22 Mobile Identification Number 22 Modem Type Field 22 PRL Version Field 22 Windows 21 N Network Disconnecting from 6, 17 S Signal Strength Status Bar 16 Software Installation Windows 9 System Tray Icons 18 T Total Byte Counter 25 Troubleshooting 27 Connection Failure 27 Error Messages 28 Frequently Asked Questions 29 Manual Revision A for Windows 34 W Windows Commands About Wireless Connection Manager 24 Always on Top 25 Clear Total Bytes 25 Configuration 20 Detailed Status Report 23 Exit 17 Hide Window 26 Wireless Connection Manager Help 26 Properties 21 Manual Revision A for Windows