FCC ID: N7NAC850 Multi-Mode & Multi-Band Wireless Network Card

AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards arInstallation Guide 2130623 Rev 3.1A Limitation of Liability Patents Preface The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless or its affiliates. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF EVENTS, OCCURRENCES OR CLAIMS GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY, BE IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT. Portions of this product may be covered by some or all of the following US patents:

5,515,013 5,629,960 5,890,057 5,878,234 6,339,405 6,199,168 6,561,851 6,516,204 6,845,249 6,847,830 D459,303 and other patents pending. 5,847,553 6,191,741 6,643,501 6,785,830 D442,170 5,682,602 5,929,815 6,359,591 6,653,979 6,876,697 5,845,216 6,169,884 6,400,336 6,697,030 6,879,585 This product includes technology licensed from:

Licensed by QUALCOMM Incorporated under one or more of the following United States patents and/or their counterparts in other nations:

4,901,307 5,267,261 5,490,165 5,544,196 5,710,784 Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group. 5,056,109 5,267,262 5,504,773 5,568,483 5,778,338 5,101,501 5,337,338 5,506,865 5,600,754 5,228,054 5,416,797 5,535,239 5,659,569 5,109,390 5,414,796 5,511,073 5,657,420 Copyright 2005 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 1 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Trademarks AirCard and Heart of the Wireless Machine are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design, the red-tipped antenna, and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners. All product specifications are subject to change without notice. 2 2130623 Table of Contents Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards . 5 AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards. 5 Supported operating systems . 5 The AirCard as a network card . 5 HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support . 6 Frequency band support . 6 Your account and coverage area . 7 AirCard software . 8 Before you can begin using the AirCard . 8 Package contents . 8 The SIM Card and Your Account . 9 Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard . 9 Removing a SIM card . 10 Attaching the antenna to your AirCard . 11 Software and Driver Installation . 13 System requirements . 13 Installation on Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP . 13 Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard. 15 Configuring Your Account . 17 Setting up a profile . 18 Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card . 21 Stopping and ejecting the AirCard. 22 Rev 3.1A Sep.05 3 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Watcher Basics . 23 Launching Watcher. 23 The Watcher window . 24 Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window . 24 View options . 26 Status icons . 27 Power Down and Up . 27 Frequency band and network selection. 27 Frequency band selection . 28 Network selection . 28 Technical Specifications . 29 LED operation . 29 Radio frequency and electrical specifications . 29 Environmental specifications . 31 Sending GSM commands to the network . 31 Regulatory and Safety Information . 33 Important notice . 33 Safety and hazards . 33 Important safety/compliance information for North American users. 34 Information pertaining to OEM customers . 35 EU regulatory conformity . 36 4 2130623 1: Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards Your account and coverage area AirCard software Before you can begin using the AirCard Package contents Caution: Do not insert your AirCard into your PC Card slot before installing the software. AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards The AirCard 800 Series 3G wireless network cards are acces-

sories for your PC that allow you to connect to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, connect to a corporate network/VPN, or view streaming video, without the need of a network cable or phone line. The AirCard fits into the standard (Type II) PC Card slot available on most notebook PCs. Supported operating systems The AirCard wireless network cards work in:

Notebook PCs running Windows 98 SE, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, and XP. (See Chapter 3 for more details.) The AirCard as a network card The AirCard 800 Series network cards can be configured to provide the always-on data connection that an Ethernet card or other wired LAN card provides. That is, you can set options in Watcher (a program that comes with the AirCard) that will cause the AirCard to establish a network connection whenever you insert it, assuming GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA service is available. (See HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support on page 6.) Otherwise, you can configure Watcher to connect only when you select a button. The AirCard connection provides access to the Internet. Once the connection is established, you can open your browser and connect to any web site available on the Internet, or access other Internet services (such as e-mail). Rev 3.1A Sep.05 5 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, and HSDPA are add-on data services to GSM mobile phone networks. The maximum data speeds when connected on these services are:

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)56 kbps

EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment)216 kbps

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) 384 kbps

HSDPA (High Speed Download Packet Access)up to 1.8 Mbps on the downlink (receive) with 500 to 800 kbps typical GPRS and EDGE are 2G (second generation) data services. UMTS and HSDPA are 3G (third generation) data services. When establishing a connection, your AirCard uses the fastest available service. If, for example, you are using an AirCard in an area that has GPRS and EDGE service but not UMTS or HSDPA service, the AirCard connects using EDGE service. These data connections are Internet connections. Once the connection is established, you can connect to any web site accessible through the Internet or use Internet services (such as e-mail). Frequency band support Every GSM network operates on one of these radio frequency bands, in providing 2G (GPRS or EDGE) service:

850 MHz band(also called the cellular band) used by some North American service providers 900 MHz bandused by some European service providers 1800 MHz bandused by some European and Asian service providers 1900 MHz band(also called the PCS band) used by many North American service providers

Every network that offers 3G UMTS/HSDPA service does so on one of these bands:

WCDMA 850used by North American service providers

WCDMA 1900used by North American service providers

WCDMA 2100used by European, Asian, and Australian service providers 6 2130623 Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards The AirCard 850 and AirCard 860 support all of the 2G bands. The AirCard 850 supports the WCDMA 2100 3G band (for use outside of North America). The AirCard 860 supports the WCDMA 850 and WCDMA 1900 bands (for North American use). Your account and coverage area Companies that operate GSM networks and provide access to those networks are called service providers. You must have an account with a GSM service provider that offers HSDPA or UMTS service to use the AirCards 3G capability. (The AirCard is backward compatible to 2G service.) When you obtain your account, you are given a SIM card, also called a smart card or smart chip. (Depending on how you purchased your AirCard, you may already have an account, and your SIM card may have been included in your package.) The SIM card contains account information and must be inserted in the AirCard anytime you use it. Before you can use the AirCard, you must install the AirCard software and ensure that your AirCard is configured to use your account. Instructions on completing these steps are provided in the chapters that follow. Once installed and configured, you can connect to the Internet with the AirCard in any area in which you can obtain GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA service. Your ability to obtain service depends on these factors:

Proximity to a GSM networkYou must be within the coverage area of a GSM network in order to use the AirCard.

Service providerIf you are within the coverage area of a network that is not operated by your own service provider, you can only obtain service if there is a roaming agreement between your service provider and the network operator. Note: If you purchased the AirCard from a GSM service provider, you may already have an account. Otherwise, your retailer should be able to provide you with the names of companies that provide this service. Note: The fee for service is usually higher when you are roaming (connected to a network other than the one belonging to your service provider).

Account provisionsYour account may restrict your usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network. Frequency bandYou cannot connect to networks operating in bands not supported by your AirCard, regardless of roaming agreements or account provisions.

Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 7 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide AirCard software The AirCard comes with this software (made by Sierra Wireless):

The Watcher program that you use to manage the AirCard and monitor your connections

The driver software that forms the interface between the network card and your Windows operating system

The Network Adapter Manager software that allows you to switch between the AirCard and other network cards Before you can begin using the AirCard Before you can use the AirCard for the first time you must:

1. Install the AirCard software: Watcher, the Network Adapter Manager, and the AirCard driver. 2. Attach the antenna, insert the SIM into the AirCard and insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot. (Do not insert the AirCard before installing the software.) 3. Obtain a GSM account (if this wasnt done when you purchased the AirCard). 4. Configure the AirCard to use your account (unless it was 5. pre-configured.) If your Internet browser is configured to use a dial-up modem, you may need to set it to use a network card. The next chapters guide you through this process. Package contents Your AirCard package contains the following:

AirCard wireless network card

Antenna

Installation CD containing the AirCard software and this installation guide

Quick start guide 8 2130623 2: The SIM Card and Your Account Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard Removing a SIM card Attaching the antenna to your AirCard Note: Without a valid SIM card and a valid account, your AirCard will not work. Note: Keep a written record, in a secure place, of the account information that your service provider gives you. Instructions on creating a profile are in the section Configuring Your Account on page 17. You require a GSM account and a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to use the AirCard. The SIM card is a small chip

(about the size of a postage stamp) that you insert into the AirCard. The SIM contains account information used by the network to validate your access. Depending on how you purchased your AirCard, you may already have an account. In this case, the SIM should be included in your package. Otherwise, your retailer should direct you to a local company that provides GSM service. To activate an account, the service provider needs from you:

Billing information (such as a credit card number) used to collect payment for your network usage Possibly the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)a number that identifies your device (AirCard model) on the GSM network. This number is printed on the AirCard box and on the AirCard label.

Your AirCard must be configured to use your account. If purchased from a service provider, your AirCard may have been pre-configured. Otherwise, you must set up a profile in Watcher. Instructions on setting up a profile are described in Chapter 4. If you change GSM service providers (such as if you move to a new city), you will need a new SIM card from your new service provider. You will also need to set up a new profile. Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard To install your SIM card into the AirCard network card, follow these steps:

1. If your SIM is attached to a card, detach it and remove any fragments of the card stuck to the SIM. 2. Hold the AirCard network card with the label on top and the antenna closest to you. 3. Locate the thin SIM card slot on the left side of the AirCard PC Cards antenna end. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 9 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Note: To prevent the SIM from becoming jammed in the AirCard slot, ensure the edge of the SIM is smooth before inserting it. Do not attach labels to your SIM as this may also cause it to become jammed. 4. Orient the SIM card, as shown in the diagram on the bottom side of the AirCard. 5. Insert the end of the SIM card into the slot, and gently push it until it is fully inserted. Figure 2-1: Inserting the SIM card Into the AirCard SIM card slot Once the SIM card is properly inserted, it should not extend beyond the end of the card. Removing a SIM card To remove the SIM card, you will need a narrow object, such as a pen or a straightened paper clip, to push into the eject hole. 1. Place the AirCard PC Card on a smooth, hard surface such as a tabletop. 2. Position your pen or paper-clip above the eject hole, which is on the top surface of the AirCard housing, just to the right of the SIM card slot. (See Figure 2-2.) 3. Press down gently (without excessive force) on the eject hole. The SIM card should pop out of its slot. 10 2130623 The SIM Card and Your Account Figure 2-2: Ejecting the SIM card 4. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free. Attaching the antenna to your AirCard The antenna attaches to the gold-plated connector on the end of the AirCard. Figure 2-3: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard Rev 3.1A Sep.05 11 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 12 2130623 3: Software and Driver Installation System requirements Installation on System requirements Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard The AirCard wireless network card is supported on:

Windows 98 SE

Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4

Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a and Networking installed

Windows Me

Windows XP (Home and Professional versions) with Service Pack 1 Note: The installation CD and this guide provide the software and instructions for installing on Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me, and XP. For Windows NT 4.0 software and instructions, see the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com. To install the AirCard, you require these system resources:

Table 3-1: System resource requirements Card slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) slot Disk drive CD-ROM I/O resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space Memory 32 MB Installation on Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP Note: Users of Windows 2000 must be logged in with adminis-

trative privileges. Users of Windows XP may require admin-

istrative privileges. Note: If you are running Windows 98 SE, Me, or 2000, Windows Installer Redistributable 2.0 must be installed. This is available on the Microsoft website, www.microsoft.com. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 13 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Note: The installer runs twice once to install Watcher and once to install the Network Adapter Manager. Note: Do not forcefully insert the AirCard. This may damage connector pins. If you have more than one PC Card slot, you may obtain better signal strength using the top slot. Note: You may require your Windows CD. Ensure you have the CD before proceeding. 1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive, insert it. The CD should autostart and display a menu. If the CD does not autostart, select Start > Run and enter d:\setup.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive. 2. From the CD start-up menu, select your language, then notebook installation, and then notebook software installation to launch the installer. 3. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the installer. 4. If the SIM is not already inserted in your AirCard, insert it.

(See page 9.) If the antenna is not yet attached, attach it.

(See page 11.) With the label facing up, insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot. Figure 3-1: Inserting the AirCard Watcher should launch automatically when the AirCard is inserted. If your AirCard has not yet been configured to use your account, you are prompted to do so. See Setting up a profile on page 18. To close the CD start-up menu, click the exit option in the lower right corner of the window. 14 2130623 Software and Driver Installation Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, and it is set to connect to the Internet through a dial-up modem, you must set it to use a LAN (local area network) card. To set Internet Explorer version 5 or 6 to use a LAN, follow these steps:

1. 2. Click the Connections tab. 3. Click Setup to run the Internet Connection Wizard. 4. Select the option I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network

(LAN). Click Next. In Internet Explorer, select Tools > Internet Options. 5. Select I connect through a local area network (LAN). Click Next. 6. Ensure no check boxes are selected in the Local area network Internet configuration window and click Next. 7. Select No when prompted to set up an Internet mail account and click Next. Click Finish to exit the wizard. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 15 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 16 2130623 4: Configuring Your Account Setting up a profile Profiles contain account information used by the AirCard to establish connections. At least one profile must be set up on the AirCard before you can use it. The profile(s) may have been stored on the AirCard before you purchased it. Otherwise, your service provider should give you all the infor-

mation you need to set up the profile(s) you require. Depending on your service provider, some or all of this infor-

mation must be entered into your profile:

User Name

APN (Access Point Name)

IP (Internet Protocol) Address (if the address is not automatically assigned by the network) Password

Use of IP header compression

DNS (Domain Name Server) address or addresses Your service provider may give you only one APN in which case you require only one profile. Some service providers assign separate APNs for separate purposes. For example, some service providers supply one APN to use for Internet browsing and a different APN to use with a VPN. In this case you must set up multiple profiles. The AirCard allows for up to twelve profiles. Most service providers have one or two standard profiles that all or most of their subscribers are expected to use. Most of these standard profiles have been pre-defined in Watcher, allowing you to select a standard profile, rather than creating it manually. One of your profiles must be set as the default profile. This is the one that is used if you select the Connect button without selecting a profile. The default profile is also used if you set the AirCard to autoconnect. If you are using the AirCard to access a network that requires you to provide a password each time you connect, you must set the connection mode for your profile to prompt for password (in which case you must connect manually). Rev 3.1A Sep.05 17 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Note: You cannot set up a profile before installing the software. (See page 13.) Setting up a profile To determine whether you have a profile:

1. Insert the SIM into the AirCard if it is not already inserted.

(See page 9.) Insert the AirCard into the PC Card slot if it is not already inserted. (See page 14.) If Watcher is not running, start Watcher, by selecting Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard Watcher for GSM >

AirCard Watcher 2. 3. or double-click the desktop shortcut. If Watcher detects that no profile has been set up, you are prompted, Would you like to configure a profile now?

Select Yes. If this prompt does not appear, your AirCard may have been preconfigured. You can verify that you have a profile by selecting Tools > Connections to access the AirCard tab of the Connections window which lists all profiles. To create a profile:

1. On the Connections window, select the Add button. 2. If you want to use a pre-defined profile, in the Profile Name field, select the profile from the drop-down list. Then skip to Step 5. 3. Complete the fields in the AirCard Profile window by entering a Profile Name (any meaningful description of the profile, such as the name of your service provider) and User Name, Password, and/or APN, if applicable. 4. Select whether you want to make connections automati-

cally or manually, or whether you are required to provide a password each time you make a connection:

If you select Autoconnect, a connection is established automatically whenever you insert the AirCard. If you select Manual, you must select the Connect button on the main Watcher window to make a connection. If you select Prompt for Password, you must select Connect and enter a password to make a connection. Use this option if you have an external device that provides a time-scheduled secure password for your corporate network. 5. If you want to set Watcher to launch your Internet browser, VPN, or any other program automatically, or if 18 2130623 Configuring Your Account your service provider specified an IP address, DNS address(es), or Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, select the Advanced button to open the Advanced Profile window. Otherwise, click OK and skip to Step 12. 6. On the Autolaunch tab, select which application, if any, you want Watcher to automatically launch when a connection is established with this profile:

NoneSelect this if you do not want any application to be autolaunched. BrowserSelect this if you want Watcher to autolaunch your Internet browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator) when a connection is estab-

lished with this profile. In the URL field, specify the web site (such as http://www.sierrawireless.com) you want to view on connection. Microsoft VPN (PPTP) ConnectionSelect this if you want Watcher to autolaunch a VPN connection that you have set up in Windows when a GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS connection is established with this profile. From the drop-down list, select the VPN connection. Application (VPN Client, etc...)Select this if you want Watcher to autolaunch an installed VPN program, or any other program, when a GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS connection is established with this profile. In the field below, enter the path to the program, or use the Browse button to locate the program. 7. If your service provider has given you an IP address, on the TCP/IP tab, select Use static IP address and enter the address in the field below. Otherwise select Use dynamic IP address. (This is the default because most networks use dynamic IP addressing.) Use the check boxes to enable data compression or IP header compression if supported by your service provider. Note: The Use IP header compression field should NOT be checked unless your service provider is using this compression. The AirCard cannot maintain a connection if this is enabled but not supported on the network. 8. 9. If you have a DNS address or addresses, select the DNS tab and enter the address(es). (In most cases, it is not necessary to enter a DNS address.) If your service provider specifies values for Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, enter those settings on the appropriate tabs (Minimum QoS and Requested QoS). (In most cases it is not necessary to adjust Quality of Service parameters and the tabs do not appear.) Do NOT change Rev 3.1A Sep.05 19 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide any Quality of Service parameters unless advised to do so by your service provider. 10. Select OK to close the Advanced Profile window. 11. Select OK to close the GPRS Profile window. 12. If you have more than one profile, use the Default Profile radio button to select which is the default. (The default profile is the one used by the autoconnect feature and is used if you select Connect without selecting a profile.) 20 2130623 5: Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card Stopping and ejecting the AirCard You can ensure reliable operation and long life of your AirCard by adhering to these guidelines in storage and use:

Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard or SIM. This may cause the AirCard or SIM to become jammed inside the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly. Note: Do not insert the AirCard before installing the software. See Software and Driver Instal-

lation on page 13.

When not installed in your computer, store the AirCard and SIM in a safe place.

Protect the card from liquids, dust, and excessive heat (see Environmental specifications on page 31 for details).

The AirCard should fit easily into your computers PC Card slot. Forcing the AirCard into the slot may damage the connector pins.

Optimal signal strength is usually obtained when the antenna is pointing straight up. The antenna should bend easily at the hinge. Do not forcefully bend the antenna. Windows PC Card icons 98 Me/2000 XP Figure 5-1: Proper positioning of the AirCard antenna When you insert the AirCard in a notebook PC, the following should happen:

The PC beeps (unless the effect is disabled).

The PC Card icon appears in the status area (usually located in the lower right corner of the screen) unless the feature is disabled.

The Network Adapter Manager icon also appears in the status area. for the AirCard

Watcher launches (unless the autolaunch option is disabled). Rev 3.1A Sep.05 21 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Stopping and ejecting the AirCard To remove the AirCard:

1. Close Watcher if it is open. 2. Click the PC Card icon in the status area to display the option to stop the card. 3. Click Stop Sierra Wireless AirCard 3G Adapter Parent

(Windows 98,2000, or Me) or Safely remove Sierra Wireless AirCard 3G Adapter Parent (Windows XP). If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to remove the card, click OK. 4. 5. Push the PC Card eject button on your computer to eject the card. Figure 5-2: Ejecting the AirCard from its slot 6. Grasp the AirCard and remove it from the slot. 22 2130623 6: Watcher Basics Launching Watcher The Watcher window Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window View options Status icons Power Down and Up Frequency band and network selection Watcher is the program you use to manage and monitor your AirCard connections. Watcher allows you to:

Create an account profile. (This is explained under The SIM Card and Your Account on page 9.)

Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS/EDGE/

UMTS/HSDPA availability, and other network connection parameters

Monitor the status of the AirCard and GSM service

Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from Initiate data connections

using your SIM card if it is lost or stolen Set options related to notifications and the Watcher window Note: It takes up to 20 seconds for Watcher to become fully functional after launch. If you set your account profile to autoconnect (see page 18), you do not need to run Watcher when you use the AirCard, but Watcher does provide useful status information. Launching Watcher On notebook PCs, unless the feature has been disabled, Watcher launches automatically anytime you insert the AirCard. You can also launch Watcher by:

Double clicking the desktop shortcut,

Selecting Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard 800 Series > Watcher for AirCard 800 Series or Depending on how your profile is configured, your browser, VPN, or other program may launch automatically anytime you launch Watcher. See page 19. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 23 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Note: To get help in Watcher, select Help > Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing

<F1> in most windows. The Watcher window Compact view Close Minimize Roaming GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/

HSDPA coveraage Signal strength Indicator area Profile drop-down list Figure 6-1: The Watcher window. Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window These icons are used on the main Watcher window:

Table 6-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Icon Meaning Device status. If an AirCard icon with an X is displayed, Watcher is unable to detect the AirCard. The ToolTip that displays when you position the mouse pointer over this indicator says, Device not available. This usually indicates that the AirCard is not fully inserted into the PC Card slot. If an AirCard icon with a ? is displayed, Watcher has detected the AirCard but is unable to communicate with it. The ToolTip that displays when you position the mouse pointer over this indicator says, Device not responding. You may be able to resolve this problem by restarting Watcher, by stopping, ejecting, and reinserting the AirCard, or by restarting your PC. 24 2130623 Watcher Basics Table 6-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Icon Meaning Signal strength and service status. The number of bars beside the antenna increases as signal strength increases, to a maximum of five bars. The ToolTip that displays when you position the mouse pointer over this indicator, shows the numeric value of the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication in dBm). Blank bars in the signal strength indicator mean that you are outside of the coverage area or have insufficient signal strength to maintain a GSM data connection. A red thermometer icon indicates overheating. In the unlikely event that this occurs, the AirCard suspends data transmission until the temperature drops, then normal operation is resumed. (This usually takes no more than 10 seconds.) A red flashing antenna icon indicates an antenna problem. If this occurs, try reorienting the antenna and ensure that there is nothing on or near the antenna that could be blocking the signal. Depending on your AirCard configuration, you may have two signal strength indicators. If you have two, the indicator on the right shows the WiFi signal strength (the hotspot with the strongest signal). Coverage. The icon shows the best service available where the:

gprs iconindicates that GPRS is the fastest service available edge iconindicates that EDGE is the fastest service available 3Gindicates that UMTS is the fastest service available

Depending on your AirCard configuration, you may not have this indicator.

HSindicates that HSDPA is the fastest service available. When only the letters are displayed, you are within coverage but have not yet acquired the service. When the indicator has an outline, you have acquired service and are able to establish a connection. When the indicator is filled, you have a connection on the service. Rev 3.1A Sep.05 25 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Table 6-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Icon Meaning Depending on your AirCard configuration, you may not have this indicator Roaming. When displayed, you are connected to a network other than your local service provider's. There may be a surcharge for roaming service. New SMS message. Select the icon to open the SMS Express window and read your messages. When your SIM becomes full, this icon flashes and turns red. Data transmission. When this indicator is on and neither circle is shaded, you have a connection but no data transmission is occurring. A shaded top circle indicates that data is being sent and a shaded bottom circle that data is being received. These statistics are displayed during GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA connections only; no statistics are displayed for dial-up connections. Compact View Minimize Close View options On notebook PCs, you have these options concerning the Watcher window:

You can enable/disable always on top from the View menu. When enabled, the Watcher window always appears in front of other application windows.

You can switch between the full Watcher window and the compact window from the View menu or by using the Compact View button:

You can use the Minimize button to close the Watcher window but leave the program running. 26 2130623 Watcher Basics Status icons These icons appear in the system tray (usually in the lower right corner of your screen). Table 6-2: Status icons Icon Meaning You have a GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA connection. You do not have a GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA connection. You have one or more unread SMS messages. Power Down and Up The power down/power up option allows you to conserve your battery by powering the AirCard down when you are not using it. To power down the AirCard:

1. Select Tools > Power Down When powered down, the menu option switches to Power Up and the message, Device powered down is displayed on the Watcher window. You cannot maintain a connection when the AirCard is powered down. Frequency band and network selection Watcher has two options that affect your ability to obtain GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA service in any given area. You can select:

The frequency band you want to use

The network you want to use, if you are within the coverage area of more than one network Rev 3.1A Sep.05 27 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Frequency band selection Every GSM network operates on one set of frequency bands.

(See Frequency band selection on page 28.) The AirCard is designed to change frequency bands automatically as required to obtain network service. You can also change frequency bands manually from the Network tab of the Options window

(Tools > Options > Network). Note: Unless your service provider specifies otherwise, it is recom-

mended that you use the Auto setting. Network selection Depending on your location, you may be within the coverage area of several networks. Your ability to obtain service on each network is dependent on your account. Your options for network selection are:

AutomaticThe AirCard automatically selects a network based on your account and network availability.

ManualThe AirCard scans the area and displays a list of detected GSM networks. You can then choose from a list of available networks. If you select a network on which you cannot obtain service, the message, Failed to register with network appears. You should then choose a different network. This option is set on the Network tab of the Options window

(Tools > Options > Network). 28 2130623 7: Technical Specifications LED operation Radio frequency and electrical specifications Environmental specifications Sending GSM commands to the network This chapter describes the operation of the LED and provides technical data for the AirCard 800 Series wireless network card. LED operation The AirCard has a single LED (Light Emitting Diode) located on the antenna end of the card beneath the SIM slot. The color

(red, green or amber) and state (off, on solid, or blinking) of the LED indicate the connection status as follows:

Table 7-1: LED operation LED state How to interpret Solid ambera Blinking amber Blinking green The AirCard is powering up, or a firmware download is in progress. The AirCard is scanning for service. The AirCard is in service and registered on the network. Blinking red There is a hardware problem. Off The AirCard is powered down. a. The LED is red/green. The amber color occurs when both red and green are lit. Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 7-2: Radio frequency & electrical specifications Compliance GSM Release 99 Rev 3.1A Sep.05 29 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Table 7-2: Radio frequency & electrical specifications Multi-slot class Class 10 Transmit Receive PCS:

1850 to 1910 MHz DCS1800:

1710 to 1785 MHz EGSM900:

880 to 915 MHz GSM850 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA2100 (AirCard 850 only) 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA850 (AirCard 860 only) 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA1900 (AirCard 860 only) 1850 to 1910 MHz PCS:

1930 to 1990 MHz DDCS1800:

1805 to 1880 MHz EGSM900:

925 to 960 MHz GSM850:

869 to 894 MHz WCDMA2100 (AirCard 850 only) 2110 to 2170 MHz WCDMA850 (AirCard 860 only) 869 to 894 MHz WCDMA1900 (AirCard 860 only) 1930 to 1990 MHz Channel spacing 200 kHz (GSM) 5 MHz (WCDMA) Channel raster Frequency stability 200 kHz 0.1 ppm 30 2130623 Technical Specifications Environmental specifications Table 7-3: Environmental specifications Operating temperature Storage temperature Humidity Vibration

-20 to +65 C (ambient, outside PCMCIA enclosure)

-30 to +85 C 95%, non-condensing 15 g peak 10 to 2000 Hz (non-operating) Sending GSM commands to the network GSM commands are used to:

Access network services

Display network and device parameters

Provide account status information (for example, indicate whether a subscribed service is available to you) If your service provider asks you to enter a specific command:

1. Using your keyboard or the keypad on the VOICE tab in the main Watcher window, type the command. If the command was valid and accepted by the network, the results are displayed in the Watcher window. Other-

wise, the message Invalid GSM Command is displayed. For example, enter *#06#. This command displays the IMEI1. You can send GSM commands even when a data transfer is in progress. 1. IMEIInternational Mobile Equipment Identitya number that uniquely identifies your device (AirCard wireless network card) on the GSM network Rev 3.1A Sep.05 31 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 32 2130623 8: Regulatory and Safety Information Important notice Important safety/

Important notice compliance information for North American users EU regulatory conformity Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans-

mission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless network card are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless network card should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless network card, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless network card to transmit or receive such data. Safety and hazards Do not operate your AirCard wireless network card:

Where explosive atmospheres may be present including In areas where blasting is in progress refuelling points, fuel depots, and chemical plants

Near medical equipment

Near life support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the AirCard MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the AirCard can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. In an aircraft, the AirCard MUST BE POWERED OFF. Otherwise, the AirCard can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems and may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft or disrupt the cellular network. Use of a cellular phone in an aircraft is illegal in some jurisdi-

Rev 3.1A Sep.05 33 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide cations. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both. Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. The AirCard may be used normally at this time. Important safety/compliance information for North American users CAUTION: Unauthorized modifications or changes not expressly approved by Sierra Wireless, Inc. could void compliance with regulatory rules, and thereby your authority to use this equipment. The design of the AirCard 850/860 complies with U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada

(IC) guidelines respecting safety levels of radio frequency (RF) exposure for portable devices, which in turn are consistent with the following safety standards previously set by Canadian, U.S. and international standards bodies:

ANSI / IEEE C95.1-1999, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electro-

magnetic Fields, 3kHz to 300 GHz

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measure-

ments (NCRP) Report 86, -1986, Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Health Canada, Safety Code 6, 1999, Limits of Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998, Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz)

CAUTION: The AirCard 850/860 has been tested for compliance with FCC / IC RF exposure limits in the laptop computer(s) configurations with side PCMCIA slot and can be used in laptop computers with substantially similar physical dimensions, construction, and electrical and RF character-

istics. Always place the antenna in the upright position

(oriented vertically) when using the AirCard in a notebook computer. Note: If this PC Card is intended for use in any 34 2130623 Regulatory and Safety Information other portable device, you are responsible for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of Part 2.1093 of FCC rules. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:

WARNING (EMI) United States FCC Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an appropriate installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall be subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227-7013 for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227-19 for civilian agency contracts or any successor regulations. If further government regulations apply, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with such regulations. Information pertaining to OEM customers The AirCard 850/860 wireless network card has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use the AirCard 850/860 card in their final products without Rev 3.1A Sep.05 35 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide additional FCC / IC certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC / IC approvals must be obtained. 1. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna and the users body must be maintained at all times. 2. To comply with FCC / IC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human exposure to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain must not exceed 8 dBi in the Cellular band and 4 dBi in the PCS band. 3. The AirCard 850/860 card and its antenna must not be colocated with any other transmitter or antenna within a host device. 4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the AirCard 850/860 is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following:

For an end product with an embedded AirCard 850:

This device contains TX FCC ID: N7NAC850. This equipment contains equipment certified under IC:

2417C-AC850. For an end product with an embedded AirCard 860 This device contains TX FCC ID: N7NAC860. This equipment contains equipment certified under IC:

2417C-AC860. 5. A user manual with the end product must clearly indicate the operating requirements and conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance with current FCC / IC RF exposure guidelines. The end product with an embedded AirCard 850/860 card must pass the unintentional emission testing and properly authorized per FCC Part 15 requirements. Note: If this PC Card is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093 and IC RSS-102. EU regulatory conformity Sierra Wireless hereby declares that the AirCard 850 is in conformity to all the essential requirements of Directive 1999/

5/EC.:

36 2130623 Regulatory and Safety Information The Declaration of Conformity made under Directive 1999/5/

EC is available for viewing at the following location in the EU community:

Sierra Wireless (UK), Limited Lakeside House 1 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park East Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1BD England Rev 3.1A Sep.05 37 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 38 2130623 Index Numerics 1800 MHz band 6 1900 MHz band 6 850 MHz band 6 900 MHz band 6 A account 7 always-on data connection 5 antenna 14 attaching 11 antenna icon 25 APN 17 autoconnect 18 autolaunch browser on connection 19 VPN on connection 19 B browser, launch automatically on connection 19 C care and maintenance 21 circles on main window 26 class, multi-slot 30 compact view 26 connect automatically 18 copyright information 1 coverage 25 EDGE 25 GPRS 25 HSDPA 25 UMTS 25 coverage area 7 D data transmission indicator 26 device not available 24 device not responding 24 DNS 17 driver 8 E EDGE connection status 25 EDGE indicator 25 ejecting a SIM card 10 ejecting the card 22 electrical specifications 29 envelope icon 26 environmental specifications 31 F frequencies receive 30 transmit 30 frequency bands 6 selection 27 G status 25 GPRS connection GPRS indicator 25 GSM commands, sending to the network 31 GSM networks supported 6 H HSDPA connection status 25 HSDPA indicator 25 humidity 31 I I/O space (input/output space) 13 icon If 23 IMEI 9 indicator data transmission 26 data transmission 26 device status 24 EDGE coverage 25 GPRS coverage 25 HSDPA coverage 25 roaming 26 signal strength 25 SMS message 26 UMTS coverage 25 inserting a SIM card 9 inserting the card installation 1314 Internet Explorer Windows 98, 2000, Me 14 Rev 3.1A Sep.05 39 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide setting to use the card 15 IP address 17 IRQ (interrupt request) 13 L launch browser automatically on connection 19 VPN automatically on connection 19 Launching 23 LED operation 29 liability, limitation of 1 R radio frequency specifications 29 receive frequencies 30 removing a SIM card 10 removing the card 22 RF specifications 29 roaming 7 roaming indicator 26 RSSI 25 S M maintenance 21 memory required 13 multi-slot class 30 N network 7 networks supported 5 notebook PC send GSM commands to 31 inserting the card 14 installing the software 13??

removing the card 22 system requirements 13 O online help Handheld PCs 24 notebook PCs 24 operating systems supported 5 prompt for 18 P password 17 PC Card slots required 13 PCS frequency band 6 platforms supported 5 Power 27 power options power up/down 27 profiles 1720 default 17 prompt for password 18 Q quad-band 6 quality of service parameters 19 Windows 98, 2000, Me 13??

Windows XP 13??

service EDGE 25 GPRS 25 HSDPA 25 UMTS 25 signal strength indicator 25 SIM card inserting 9 removing 10 indicator 26 SMS messages software installation notebook PCs specifications 2931 status electrical 29 environmental 31 radio frequency 29 data transmission 26 device 24 EDGE connection 25 EDGE service 25 GPRS connection 25 GPRS service 25 HSDPA connection 25 HSDPA service 25 roaming 26 signal strength 25 SMS messages 26 UMTS connection 25 UMTS service 25 temperature 31 when not using card 21 system requirements notebook PCs 13 storage T technical specifications 2931 temperature 31 The 24 thermometer icon 25 40 2130623 time-scheduled password 18 trademarks 2 transmit frequencies 30 triangle icon 26 tri-band 6 U UMTS connection status 25 UMTS indicator 25 user name 17 V vibration 31 VPN, launch on connection 19 W Windows Index operating systems supported 5 Windows 2000 Windows 98 as a supported operating system service pack 13 inserting the card 14 installation 13??

as a supported operating system 13 inserting the card 14 installation 13??

as a supported operating system 13 inserting the card 14 installation 13??

as a supported operating system 13 as a supported operating system 13 installation 13??

Windows Me Windows NT Windows XP wireless networks supported 5 Rev 3.1A Sep.05 41 AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 42 2130623