USB 598 Modem with User Guide (Mac) 2131141 Rev 1.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Important Notice Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost.
Preface Limitation of Liability The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Trademarks AirCard and “Heart of the Wireless Machine” are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Watcher is a trademark of Sierra Wireless, registered in the European Community. Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, TRU‐Install, TRU‐Locate, and the red wave design are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated.
Table of Contents Introducing the USB 598 modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Wireless modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 TRU-Install . . . . . . . . . .
USB 598 modem - User Guide Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Account configuration procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Activating on a Mac computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Activation Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Watcher Basics . . . . . . . .
Contents Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Initial lock code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warning regarding the lock code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When the modem is locked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Locking the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1: Introducing the USB 598 modem 1 • • • • • Welcome Feature summary Package contents System components Care and maintenance of your modem Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless device is the USB 598 modem from Sierra Wireless. Welcome The Sierra Wireless USB 598 modem is a dual‐band wireless USB modem for cellular and PCS networks, and the GPS frequency band.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Some features described in this manual may not be supported by your service provider or may not be available with your network account. For details of the services and accounts available, contact your service provider. Wireless modem Once the modem is installed and configured, you can use it to connect to the CDMA network.
Introducing the USB 598 modem CDMA 3G services The modem operates over a type of wireless network called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). CDMA 3G technology provides a variety of connectivity features, depending on your service provider and account: • 1x‐EVDO Rev. A supports Internet connections with data rates up to 3.1 Mbps (downlink from the network) and 1.8 Mbps (uplink to the network). Average data rates are 450‐800 Kbps (downlink from the network) and 300‐400 Kbps (uplink to the network).
USB 598 modem - User Guide The modem has a microSD™ slot that can be used, with a microSD card (sold separately), for file transfer or storage. For more information, see “Using a microSD card” on page 21. Package contents Your package contains the following items: • USB 598 modem • Quick Start Guide • USB extension cable • Laptop clip Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied USB extension cable and laptop clip; other cables and laptop clips should not be used.
Introducing the USB 598 modem The USB modem The modem provides your computer with a connection to the CDMA wireless network. The modem fits into a USB slot available on most notebook and desktop computers. Every CDMA network operates on one of three radio frequency bands. As a dual‐band product, the modem operates on two of these bands (see page 40), providing a wide coverage area.
USB 598 modem - User Guide The procedure to configure (activate) your modem is covered in “Activation” on page 23. The CDMA wireless network Note: More information about CDMA networks is available on the CDMA Development Group web site, www.cdg.org. This is the worldwide infrastructure providing the radio coverage that allows you to stay connected. Made up of radio towers and a variety of network switches, routers, and servers, the network is an interconnection of many service providers.
2: Getting Started • The USB 598 software • Account activation and configuration 2 Before you can begin using the modem, you must: 1. Insert the modem, to install the enabling software and drivers. 2. Activate an account and configure the modem to use your account (unless the modem has been pre‐activated). This section provides an overview of this process.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Your service provider may need to know: • The billing information to use to collect payment for your network usage. • The ESN (Electronic Serial Number) or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) assigned to your modem during the manufacturing process. (The ESN or MEID is printed on a label on the modem and can be displayed in the software.) This number is used to help authenticate your account when you connect for service.
3: Installation • System requirements • Installing the modem and software • Removing the modem • Using the USB extension cable and laptop clip • Using a microSD card 3 This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to install the modem on a notebook or desktop computer. The basic steps are: 1. Insert the modem into the USB slot to install the modem drivers and software. 2. If the modem has not been pre‐activated, activate the modem (as described in “Activation” on page 23).
USB 598 modem - User Guide Installing the modem and software To install Watcher and the modem drivers: Note: Do not forcefully insert the modem. This may damage the connector pins. 1. If your computer has an AirPort®, AirPort Extreme®, AirPort Express®, or Bluetooth adapter, turn it off. (For instructions, see the user guide of your computer). 2. Remove the protective cap from the USB connector of the modem. 3. Gently insert the modem into the USB slot.
Installation 6. Read the agreement displayed in the “Software License Agreement” window, and click Continue. 7. Click Agree to accept the agreement and to continue with the software installation. 8. If the “Select a Destination” window is displayed, select a destination volume to install the software, and click Continue. 9. In the “Standard Install on ...” window, click Install. 10. If a window appears, prompting you to enter your password, enter your Mac password, and then click OK. 11.
USB 598 modem - User Guide To connect the USB extension cable and laptop clip: 1. Remove the protective cap from the USB connector of the modem. 2. Slide the modem into the laptop clip. 3. Connect the USB extension cable to the modem. Modem Laptop clip USB extension cable 4. Insert the other end of the USB extension cable into the USB slot of your computer. When the modem and the cable are properly connected, the 5. 20 LED indicator is lit (blue, or blinking amber).
Installation Using a microSD card Your computer recognizes the microSD card as a removable storage device. The modem supports microSD cards up to 32 GB capacity. Note: Using microSD cards larger than 32 GB can cause data loss and damage your modem. Inserting the microSD card To insert the microSD card: 1. Gently flip open the tab (labelled “microSD”) on the side of the modem (1), as shown in the photo below. 1 2 2. Hold the modem with the LEDs facing up. 3.
USB 598 modem - User Guide 22 3. Using your fingernail or a thin blunt object, gently press the microSD card in and then release; it should partially pop out of its slot, as shown in the photo. 4. Remove the microSD card and store it in a safe place. 5. Close the tab over the microSD slot of the modem.
4: Activation • Account configuration procedures 4 Account configuration procedures The final step to making the modem operational is configuring it to use your CDMA service provider account. The process of activation configures your modem with the required account parameters (phone number, username, password, and so on). If you purchased a pre‐activated modem, this step is not necessary. Once the application software and drivers are installed, the modem is ready for use.
USB 598 modem - User Guide 4. Use the following table to determine your next actions. Table 4-1: Text/window displayed, and your next action Text/window displayed “Device is Locked” Description/next action Your device is preactivated. Unlock the device: 1. If the “Please enter the 4 digit PIN” field is not displayed: from the Extras item on the Watcher menu, choose Unlock ... Device. 2. In the “Please enter the 4 digit PIN” field, enter the lock code (PIN), and click OK.
Activation Activation Assistant If your device is not activated, use the Activation Assistant: 1. From the Extras item on the Watcher menu, choose Activation. The Activation Assistant window is displayed. 2. Phone your service provider. Inform them that you are activating a Sierra Wireless wireless device. 3. Follow the instructions of your service provider to activate your device.
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5: Watcher Basics • Starting and closing Watcher • Watcher window • Watcher menu options • Connecting to the network • Using SMS • GPS • Displaying your phone number and ESN • Security • Powering the modem off • Warranty • Troubleshooting • Uninstalling the Watcher software 5 Watcher is the application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the modem and the CDMA network.
USB 598 USB - User Guide Watcher window The window has three areas that display messages and icons: the connection status area, call status area, and indicator area. These areas are shown in Figure 5‐1 that follows.
Watcher Basics Connection states The Watcher window can display various connection and interaction states, including: • No device detected / Searching • Not activated / • Activating • Updating User Profile • Carrier name only • Connecting • Connected • Call Dormant • Device is Locked • Device is powered OFF No device detected / Searching Watcher did not detect the modem. The Connect button is unavailable. 1. Insert the modem.
USB 598 USB - User Guide The Connect button is available; the signal strength icon ( ), coverage indicator ( ), and the roaming icon ( ) are visible. To connect to the network, click the Connect button. Connecting Watcher is establishing a connection to the network. Connected The connection is established.
Watcher Basics Watcher menu options The following table describes some of the menu options available from the Watcher menu (most of them are available under the Extras item). Table 5-2: Watcher menu options Menu item Description About Watcher View information about the modem, including: • Phone number • ESN • Version of the Watcher software • Firmware version of the modem • Hardware version of the modem • PRL version Turn ... Device Off Power off your modem. See “Powering the modem off” on page 36.
USB 598 USB - User Guide Connecting to the network To connect to the network: 1. In the Watcher window, click Connect. Once you’re connected to the network, Watcher displays “Connected,” the amount of time you’ve been connected, and the amount of data received (Rx) and transmitted (Tx). Viewing the amount of data transferred Once you’re connected to the network, Watcher shows the amount of data received (Rx) and transmitted (Tx). Note: The information is not intended for billing purposes.
Watcher Basics Displaying the SMS window To display the SMS window: 1. From the Extras menu on the Watcher menu, choose SMS. Creating and sending an SMS message To create and send an SMS message: 1. Ensure you have 1X service. 2. Display the SMS window (see above). 3. Click Send SMS. 4. In the To: field, enter the recipientʹs phone number. — or— In the To: field, enter the first or last name of a person who is in Address Book.
USB 598 USB - User Guide Deleting SMS messages 1. Display the SMS window. 2. Select the message(s) you want to delete. 3. Click Delete SMS. GPS (Location-based services) For an overview of GPS (Location based services), see “TRU‐Locate” on page 10. If you’re having problems using GPS, see “Troubleshooting GPS” on page 37. If you have questions about using GPS, contact your service provider. Displaying GPS information To display GPS information: 1.
Watcher Basics Security When it is disconnected, you can lock your modem so that others cannot use the modem and your account. A four‐digit lock code is needed to unlock the modem. Initial lock code The initial lock code value is determined by your service provider. For service provider configurations that do not require account activation, a default lock code is set at the factory to a value determined by the service provider. For assistance, contact your service provider.
USB 598 USB - User Guide Locking the modem Note: If you forget the lock code, you will not be able to use the modem until you receive assistance from your service provider. To lock the modem: 1. 2. End any active connection. (You can lock the modem only when it is disconnected; page 29.) From the Extras item on the Watcher menu, choose Lock ... Device. 3. In the Watcher window, enter the lock code (PIN), and click Ok. When the modem is locked, Watcher displays “Device is Locked.
Watcher Basics 3. From the Extras item on the Watcher menu, select Turn ... Device Off. When the modem is powered off, Watcher displays “Device is powered OFF;” most of the Watcher and modem features are not available. To power the modem on: 1. From the Extras item on the Watcher menu, select Turn ... Device On. Warranty To view the Sierra Wireless warranty (PDF), in Finder navigate to Applications > Sierra Wireless Watcher > Docs. Troubleshooting • Consult the Sierra Wireless web site at www.
USB 598 USB - User Guide 38 2. Remove the modem (page 19). 3. In Finder, choose Go > Applications > Sierra Wireless Watcher, and then double‐click SierraUninstaller. 4. Click Proceed. 5. If a window appears, prompting you to enter your password, enter your Mac password, and then click OK. 6. Click Restart Now.
6: Technical Specifications • LED operation • Radio frequency and electrical specifications • Environmental specifications 6 This chapter describes the function of the LEDs, and provides technical product data for the modem. LED operation The modem has two LED lights. The LEDs operate as follows: Table 6-1: LED operation LED Document 2131141. Rev 1.0 Feb.09 State Indicates Off The modem has no power, or the LED has been turned off through the software.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Table 6-1: LED operation (continued) LED State Indicates Off No service is available. See the suggestions for “Amber, blinking” on page 39. Amber, blinking 1X coverage is detected. Ready to connect to the network (click Connect). Amber, not blinking The modem is connected to the 1X network, and can send or receive data. Blue, blinking 1x-EVDO coverage (Rev. 0 or Rev. A) is detected. Ready to connect to the network (click Connect).
Technical Specifications Table 6-2: Radio frequency and electrical specifications (continued) Frequency stability ±150 Hz Environmental specifications Table 6-3: Environmental specifications Document 2131141. Rev 1.0 Feb.09 Operating temperature -20 to +55°C Storage temperature -40 to +85°C Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes.
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7: Regulatory Information • Important safety/ compliance information 7 Important safety/compliance information Note: This USB modem is approved for use in normal-size laptop computers only (typically with 12" or larger display screens). To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, this modem should not be used in configurations that cannot maintain at least 12 mm (~0.5") from users and bystanders.
USB 598 modem - User Guide other antenna or transmitter that has not been approved to operate in conjunction with this modem. Note: This USB modem must not be used in any unapproved configurations. For details, contact Sierra Wireless. WARNING: If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the modem’s end or side, you may damage the modem or your computer.
Regulatory Information Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélec‐ triques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur: ʺAppareils Numériquesʺ, NMB‐003 édictée par le ministre des Communi‐ cations. 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.
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Appendix A: Glossary 1X One Times Radio Transmission Technology (the ʺone timesʺ refers to the frequency spectrum). Supports Internet connections with data rates up to 153 Kbps. Actual speed depends on the network conditions. Compare to 1x‐EVDO. 1x-EVDO A high‐speed standard for cellular packet data communica‐ tions. A Rev. A supports Internet connections with data rates up to 3.1 Mbps (downlink from the network) and 1.8 Mbps (uplink to the network). Rev.
USB 598 modem - User Guide FCC Federal Communications Commission—The U.S. federal agency that is responsible for interstate and foreign communi‐ cations. The FCC regulates commercial and private radio spectrum management, sets rates for communications services, determines standards for equipment, and controls broadcast licensing. Consult www.fcc.gov. firmware Software stored in ROM or EEPROM; essential programs that remain even when the system is turned off.
Glossary SMS Short message services—A feature that allows users of a wireless device on a wireless network to receive or transmit short electronic alphanumeric messages (up to 160 characters, depending on the service provider). TIA Telecommunications Industry Association—A standards‐ setting trade organization, whose members provide communications and information technology products, systems, distribution services and professional services in the United States and around the world. Consult www.
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Index Numerics 1X description, 11 icon, 28 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 40 1x‐EVDO description, 11 icon, 28 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 40 3G description, 11 A About Watcher, 31 account activation, 15 configuration, 23 activation overview, 15 Activation Assistant, 25 instructions, 23 Activation Assistant, 25 altitude, 34 amount of data transferred, 32 approvals, 40 B bands, frequency, 13 C cable, USB extension, 19 Call Dormant, 30 call status area, 28 care and maintenance, 14 CDMA 1X description, 11 icon,
USB 598 modem - User Guide F FCC compliance, 44 ID, 43 firmware upgrades, 4 firmware version of the modem, 31 forward an SMS message, 33 frequency bands, CDMA network, 13 G GPS overview, 34 altitude, 34 latitude, longitude, 34 map of your current location, 34 troubleshooting, 37 H hardware memory card (microSD card), 21 modem, removing, 19 hardware version of the modem, 31 hazards, 2 help, troubleshooting, 37 high‐speed packet data, 11 humidity, 41 I icons connection status area, 28 coverage, 28 indicat
Index Q QNC, 11 Quick Net Connect (QNC), 11 R radio frequency specifications, 40 regulatory information, 43 reply to SMS message, 33 requirements, system, 17 roaming definition, 14 indicator, 28 S safety, 2 sales desk, 4 searching for service, 39 security overview, 35 initial lock code, 35 lock modem, 36 unlock modem, 36 send SMS message, 33 short text messaging See SMS.
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