Flarion FPC 1000 Wireless Network Card User Guide Version 1.0 Date: 07-22-2004 Flarion Technologies, Inc. Bedminster One 135 Route 202/206 South Bedminster, NJ 07921 Web: www.flarion.com Email: info@flarion.com Tel: (908) 947-7000 Fax: (908) 947-2050 Flarion Proprietary and Confidential 2004 Flarion Technologies, Inc.
Preliminary Material COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK STATEMENT Copyright 2003-2004 Flarion Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Flarion, FLASH-OFDM, RadioRouter, Vector-LPDC and FlashView are among the trademarks of Flarion Technologies, Inc. Other trademarks, trade names and brands contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Data subject to change without notice. Printed in the USA.
Preliminary Material TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1. FPC 1000 Basics ......................................................................................... 5 1.1 About the FPC 1000 ........................................................................................... 5 1.2 FPC 1000 Card Features and Benefits ................................................................ 5 1.3 FPC 1000 Applications ....................................................................................... 6 1.
Preliminary Material LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: FPC 1000 Wireless Network Card ...................................................................... 5 Figure 2: CD Launcher Menu ........................................................................................... 10 Figure 3: Mobility Manager Setup Screen........................................................................ 11 Figure 4: Attaching the Standard Antenna........................................................................
FPC 1000 Basics Chapter 1. FPC 1000 Basics 1.1 About the FPC 1000 The Flarion® FPC 1000 is a wireless broadband network card, that enables high-speed wireless connectivity for subscribers. It is plug and play compatible with a standard Type II PCMCIA card slot. It runs on most operating systems that are available on computing devices such as notebook PCs (laptops) and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs - Pocket PC).
Chapter 1 1.3 FPC 1000 Applications Examples of applications that can be used with the FPC 1000 include: • Email (including large file attachments) • High-Speed Web Browsing • Virtual Private Network (VPN) access • File Transfer • Online gaming • Streaming video and audio • Video Conferencing 1.
FPC 1000 Basics 1.5.1. About FMM Flarion Mobility Manager provides a user interface with the functionality of the PC-1000 PC Card. The FMM interface includes: • Session information o Connection status o Connection time o Kilobytes sent and received o Signal strength o Signal quality • Connection functionality o Enable o Disable o Exit • Upgrade functionality o Manual upgrade check o Automated upgrade • Help information o On line help o “About” information 1.5.2.
Chapter 2 Chapter 2. Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC The Flarion FPC 1000 wireless network card can be installed and used in a notebook PC, to provide high-speed mobile broadband connectivity. This chapter details procedures for using the FPC 1000 with a notebook PC, including: • Installing the FPC 1000 • Using the FPC 1000 • Troubleshooting the FPC 1000 2.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.1.1. Checking Hardware and Software Requirements The FPC 1000 requires certain hardware and software capabilities of the notebook PC.
Chapter 2 2.1.2. Installing Flarion Mobility Manager Software When it is clear that hardware and software requirements are met, installation may proceed. Flarion Mobility Manager software must be installed, prior to insertion of the PC-1000 card. To install Flarion Mobility Manager: 1. Power on the PC and/or close any Windows programs that are running. 2. Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM driver.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 4. Select the operating system to launch the Flarion Mobility Manager setup. The Mobility Manager Setup screen appears (see Figure 3). Figure 3: Mobility Manager Setup Screen 5. Follow the Mobility Manager on screen directions. Click “Next” after each step. 6. Click Finish to end the installation. Note: If the CD Launcher menu is still visible, click “Main Menu” and then “Exit Browser”. 7. Remove the Flarion Mobility Manager CD from the PC.
Chapter 2 2.1.3. Attaching the Antenna to the PC Card When FMM installation is complete, attach the antenna to the FPC 1000 PC card. The FPC 1000 ships with two types of antennas: • Standard antenna • Extended range antenna 2.1.3.1 Attaching the Standard Antenna The standard antenna allows for improved signal quality and strength. To attach the standard antenna to the FPC 1000: Antenna Graphic label facing up Figure 4: Attaching the Standard Antenna 1.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.1.3.2 Attaching the Extended Range Antenna The extended range antenna cable greatly improves signal strength and quality. It increases the operating range of the PC, and enhances connectivity and throughput. To install the extended range antenna, follow the instructions in Figure 5: 1. Place the foam tape bracket retainer on the back of the laptop screen. Make sure that the open edge is facing upwards. 2. Insert the connector end of the cable into the antenna bracket.
Chapter 2 When complete, the installed extended range antenna appears as in Figure 6. Card Antenna Bracket Circular connector for cable Figure 6: Installed Extended Range Antenna Note: The above figure shows the extended range antenna already installed. As such, the FPC 1000 is already inserted in the PCMCIA slot. Consult with the Inserting the FPC 1000 into the PCMCIA Slot section for card insertion instructions. 2.1.4.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.1.4.1 Loading Device Drivers for Windows 98 1. When the Windows 98 SE hardware setup detects the FPC 1000, it presents a “Welcome to the Found New Hardware Setup” screen. If prompted, insert the original Windows operating system CD into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Select the option to install the software automatically (recommended) or to install from a specific location (advanced). Then click “Next”. 3. From the “Completing the Found New Hardware Setup” page, click “Finish”.
Chapter 2 2.2 Using the FPC 1000 When the FPC 1000 software has been installed, the antenna attached and the FPC has been placed in the PCMCIA slot, the card is ready for use. Registered users can enjoy high-speed mobile connectivity. This section details usage of the FPC 1000, including • General usage guidelines • Using the Flarion Mobility Manager • Removing the FPC 1000 • Removing the antenna 2.2.1.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.2. Using the Flarion Mobility Manager The Flarion Mobility Manager (FMM) enables monitoring of the wireless broadband connection, as well as connection and upgrade functionality. After installation, the FMM icon appears on the PC desktop: Figure 9: FMM Icon After installation, and every time the FPC 1000 is inserted into the PCMCIA slot, the FMM system tray icon appears: Figure 10: FMM System Tray Icon 2004 Flarion Flarion Proprietary and Confidential Version 1.
Chapter 2 After installation, and every time the FPC 1000 is inserted into the PCMCIA slot, the FMM application opens. If for any reason it does not open, initialize the program via the desktop or system tray icon.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.2.1 Monitoring Connection Status and Connection Time FMM indicates either “Connected” or “Searching”, depending on the Connection Status. The light on the side of the card also blinks until a connection is made. The Connection Time Indicator shows how long your notebook PC has been connected to the network. When you end the session (turn the computer off or disable the session), this value is reset to zero.
Chapter 2 2.2.2.2 Monitoring Kilobytes Received and Sent To monitor the amount of data sent or received during your session, refer to the relevant indicators number of kilobytes: Kilobytes Received Kilobytes Sent Figure 13: Kilobytes Received and Sent These indicators show the total number of bytes transmitted and received during the current session. When the session ends (when the PC is turned off or the session is disabled), these values are both reset to zero.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.2.3 Monitoring Signal Strength and Quality Signal strength shows the power level of the signal you are receiving. When the signal is strongest, four bars are shown. When it is weakest, one bar is shown. When the modem is searching for a signal, the bars will scan from left to right. Signal Quality measures the actual quality of the signal (signal in relation to surrounding noise/interference, etc.).
Chapter 2 2.2.2.4 Closing, Exiting and Ending Sessions To close the Mobility Manager window, click the “X” in the top right corner. Note that this does not end the session. To relaunch FMM Mobility Manager, click the PC card icon on the system tray or desktop. To exit the Flarion Mobility Manager program, but keep the modem session running, click Options⇒Exit. This will remove the FPC card icon from the system tray. To reenter the program, click the icon on the desktop.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC Options Menu (Exit, Enable/Disable) Close Window (does not end session) Figure 15: Closing, Exiting and Ending 2004 Flarion Flarion Proprietary and Confidential Version 1.
Chapter 2 2.2.2.5 Enabling and Disabling the FPC 1000 To end a wireless broadband connection without shutting down the PC, click Options⇒Disable. To begin another session, click Options⇒Enable. Certain operating systems act differently when the “Enable” or “Disable” function is selected: • Windows 2000/XP o Enable: When searching for the connection, the Flarion Mobility Manager displays "Ready/Searching".
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.2.6 Upgrading Software 2.2.2.6.1 About Software Upgrades Upgrading FPC 1000 software assures that all the latest features and functionalities are available for use.
Chapter 2 2.2.2.6.2 Upgrade Methods PC Card software can be upgraded with one of the following methods: • Over-the-Air automatic upgrade • Over-the-Air manual upgrade • Complete package uninstall and reinstall Note: Several issues may affect the software upgrade process. Refer to Software Upgrade Notes on page 33 for details. 2.2.2.6.2.1 Over-the-Air Automatic Upgrade During the course of connected operation, Flarion Mobility Manager maintains contact with an Over-the-Air (OTA) server.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC Figure 17: Information Screen – Advanced Tab o When “Always notify me before downloading and installing updates” is selected, NMM will present the “Upgrade Available” message when a DSP Image update is available o When “Always notify me before downloading and installing updates” is not selected, NMM will automatically upgrade DSP firmware, without prior notification. Note: By default, “Always notify me before downloading and installing updates” is not selected.
Chapter 2 To install the automatically detected upgrade: 1. In the Software Upgrade Available (see Figure 16) message, click Yes. Flarion Mobility Manager downloads the update (see Figure 18), and presents the Click OK to Update message (see Figure 19). Figure 18: Downloading Update Message Figure 19: Click OK to Update Message 2. In the Click OK to Update Mobility Manager message box, click OK. Flarion Mobility Manager installs the updated software.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.2.6.2.2 Over-the-Air Manual Upgrade Users may wish to manually check if upgrades are available (rather than waiting for automated notification). This method enables immediate checking of upgrade availability, rather than waiting for a preset “polling” interval. To manually check for upgrades: 1. From the Options menu, select Check for Upgrade…(see Figure 20). Figure 20: Check for Upgrade Flarion Mobility Manager checks the Over-the-Air server for available upgrades.
Chapter 2 • If no upgrade is available, the “No files need updating” message (see Figure 21) appears: Figure 21: No Files Need Updating Message • If an upgrade is available (whether DSP Image or full package), the Update Available message appears (see Figure 22), along with an Update Yes/No message (see Figure 23): Figure 22: Update Available Message Figure 23: Update Yes/No Message Flarion FPC 1000 Wireless Network Card User Guide Page 30 2004 Flarion Flarion Proprietary and Confidential
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC To install the manually detected upgrade: 1. In the Update Yes/No message, click Yes. Mobility manager downloads the update (see Figure 24), and presents the Click OK to Update message (see Figure 25) Figure 24: Downloading Updates Message Figure 25: Click OK to Update Message 4. In the Click OK to Update Mobility Manager message box, click OK. Flarion Mobility Manager installs the updated software 2004 Flarion Flarion Proprietary and Confidential Version 1.
Chapter 2 2.2.2.6.2.3 Complete Package Uninstall and Reinstall In addition to Over-the-Air upgrade, PC Card software can be upgraded by uninstalling current software, and installing upgraded software. To uninstall the Flarion Mobility Manager software: 1. Double click the “My Computer” icon on your desktop. 2. Double click the “Control Panel” icon in your “My Computer” folder. 3. Double click the “Add/Remove Programs” icon. 4. Scroll down to “Flarion Mobility Manager” and click it.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.2.7 Software Upgrade Notes Several issues apply to the FPC 1000 upgrade process: • Third party firewall programs may affect over-the-air upgrade. If the over-the-air upgrade does not work, you may need to disable all third party firewalls before retrying. Check with third party firewall software user instructions on how to disable. • The situation may occur that users stop download of upgrade software before completion.
Chapter 2 2.2.3. Removing the FPC 1000 To remove the FPC 1000 from the PC: 1. Click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on your system tray. 2. From the options presented, select “Stop FLASH-OFDM NIC device”. Click “Stop”. A dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to eject the card 3. Press the Ejector button at the side of the PCMCIA slot and remove the card from the slot.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC 2.2.4. Removing the Antenna from the FPC 1000 When transporting the FPC 1000, it may be helpful remove the antenna. WARNING WHEN REMOVING THE ANTENNA FROM THE PC CARD, DO NOT PULL FROM THE TOP OF THE ANTENNA. THIS MAY CAUSE THE ANTENNA TO BREAK. To remove the antenna from the FPC 1000: 1. Rotate the antenna so that it aligns with the FPC 1000. FPC 1000 Antenna (Aligned to FPC 1000) Figure 26: Antenna Aligned with the FPC 1000 2.
Chapter 2 2.3 Troubleshooting the FPC 1000 When properly installed and used, the Flarion Wireless Broadband PC Card is very reliable. Problems that arise are likely to be because: • Wireless Broadband coverage is not available. • The FPC 1000 is not compatible with the operating system in your PC. The following operating systems do not work with the wireless network card: Windows 95, Windows 98 (Gold Edition), and NT 4.0.
Using FPC 1000 with a Notebook PC Card Problems Possible Causes Suggestions The blue light (LED) on the side of the PC card fails to illuminate after driver installation, OR "Driver Installation Error" message displays after software installation. Unsuccessful driver installation. An ft1000clean.exe utility is provided on the distribution CD under the Tools directory to resolve unsuccessful driver installation. Use the following procedure to resolve the above problems during a full installation: 1.
Chapter 2 Card Problems Possible Causes Suggestions Windows asks you to restart your computer before the “click to finish” message appears from the installation. You may have inserted the PC card before completing the software installation. Choose “No” or “Cancel” and then restart your computer manually after clicking “Finish” on the installation setup. The extended range cable connector becomes loose and separated from the PC card. The extension cable connector is not properly installed.
Appendix A Appendix A. Technical Specifications A.1 Environmental Specifications Operating Temperature: -30 to +60 C Storage Temperature: -30 C to +85 C Humidity: 95% A.2 Mechanical Specifications PCMCIA Type II Unextended Card 2004 Flarion Flarion Proprietary and Confidential Version 1.