AirCard® 597E ExpressCard with User Guide 2130917 Rev 2
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - 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.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - 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, and the red wave design are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Table of Contents Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDMA 3G services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Automated activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Watcher Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Starting and closing Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Components of the Watcher window.
1: Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard 1 Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless card is the AirCard 597E ExpressCard from Sierra Wireless. This document does not apply, if you are using a wireless card that is built into your computer. • • • • Welcome Feature summary Package contents System components Welcome The Sierra Wireless AirCard 597E ExpressCard is a dual‐band wireless ExpressCard/34 module for cellular and PCS networks.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Feature summary Note: For step-by-step instructions to access features of the AirCard ExpressCard, consult the online help available with Watcher® (page 33). The AirCard ExpressCard is designed to provide a wide range of capabilities using CDMA network technology. Implemen‐ tation of these features depends on the particular service provider and account features you have chosen.
Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard 40‐80 Kbps (uplink to the network). Actual speed depends on the network conditions. • 1X supports Internet connections with data rates up to 153 Kbps. Actual speed depends on the network condi‐ tions. Once the connection is established, you can open your browser and connect to any web site that is accessible through the Internet, or access other Internet services (such as e‐mail). The connection is “active” when data transmission is occurring.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Package contents Your AirCard ExpressCard package contains the following components: • AirCard 597E ExpressCard • Quick Start Guide To install the AirCard ExpressCard drivers and software, you do not need an installation CD. Your AirCard ExpressCard uses the Sierra Wireless TRU‐Install feature—the drivers and software are installed when you insert the AirCard ExpressCard into your computer.
Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard The AirCard ExpressCard drivers and enabling software The AirCard ExpressCard drivers and enabling software (Watcher) monitor and manage your wireless connections. Your AirCard ExpressCard uses the Sierra Wireless TRU‐Install™ feature—the drivers and software are installed when you insert the AirCard ExpressCard into your computer. The device driver software enables the AirCard ExpressCard to work with your computer’s operating system.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide The CDMA wireless network 12 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. Note: Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
2: Getting Started • The AirCard 597E software • Account activation and configuration 2 Before you can begin using the AirCard ExpressCard, you must: 1. Insert the AirCard ExpressCard, to install the enabling software and drivers. 2. Activate an account and configure the AirCard ExpressCard to use your account (unless the AirCard ExpressCard has been pre‐activated). This section provides an overview of this process.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Configuring the AirCard ExpressCard involves setting the phone number assigned by your service provider and may involve entering other network parameters and settings such as a user name and password to access services. Your service provider needs to know: • The billing information to use to collect payment for your network usage.
3: Installation • System requirements • Installation • Inserting the AirCard ExpressCard • Removing the AirCard ExpressCard 3 This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to install the AirCard ExpressCard on a notebook computer. The basic steps are: 1. Insert the AirCard ExpressCard into the ExpressCard slot (page 18) to install the AirCard ExpressCard drivers and Watcher software. 2.
Installation To install the AirCard ExpressCard, you require these system resources: Table 3-1: System resource requirements ExpressCard slots One ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slot; alternatively, a Type II PC Card slot and an ExpressCard/34 adapter (sold separately).
Installation 5. If the Ikernel Application Error window appears: a) Cancel the installation. b) Download the file: http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108312/ ikernelupdate.exe. c) Install the file on your computer, remove the AirCard ExpressCard from your computer, then rerun the AirCard ExpressCard installation. 6.
Installation ExpressCard insertion and removal Inserting the AirCard ExpressCard To insert the AirCard ExpressCard into a notebook: 1. With the picture label facing up, insert the AirCard ExpressCard into the slot. Correct Incorrect When you insert the AirCard ExpressCard, the following should occur: • If sound effects are enabled, the PC beeps.
Installation 5. Use the ejector to remove the AirCard ExpressCard from the slot. Pull the card out of the slot by gripping both sides of the card and pulling the card straight out. Correct Document 2130917. Rev 2 Mar.
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4: Activation • Account configuration procedures • Manual activation • Automated activation 4 Account configuration procedures The final step to making the AirCard ExpressCard operational is configuring it to use your CDMA service provider account. The process of activation configures your AirCard ExpressCard with the required account parameters (phone number, username, password, etc.). If you purchased a pre‐activated AirCard ExpressCard, this step is not necessary.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Manual activation Activation involves phoning your service provider, exchanging information, and entering your account infor‐ mation into the appropriate fields in the wizard. (To use this method, you require a phone.
Activation Note: If you do not get the “Ready to Connect” message, retry the process. If the process continues to fail, use manual activation (page 22) or contact your service provider. At this point your AirCard ExpressCard is ready to use. Document 2130917. Rev 2 Mar.
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5: Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard ExpressCard 5 As with any electronic device, the AirCard ExpressCard must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines in using and storing the AirCard ExpressCard: Document 2130917. Rev 2 Mar.11 • Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard ExpressCard. This may cause the AirCard ExpressCard to become jammed inside the card slot. • The AirCard ExpressCard should fit easily into your ExpressCard slot.
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6: Watcher Basics • Starting and closing Watcher • Components of the Watcher Window • Interpreting icons • Online Help • Troubleshooting • Using an external antenna 6 Watcher is the application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the AirCard ExpressCard and the CDMA network.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide The standard Windows control buttons in the upper right corner of the window are used to minimize or close Watcher. When minimized, Watcher does not appear as a taskbar button. Instead, an icon is shown in the system tray, usually at the right end of the taskbar. (See “Minimized icons” on page 32.
Watcher Basics • The Toggle Full/Compact button is used to switch between the full Watcher window and the compact view: The compact view allows you to see connection status and indicators while using less space on the desktop. To make data connections, disconnect, or access Watcher features, you must use full view. To return to full view, select the view toggle button in the top right. • The Close button is used to exit Watcher.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Connection Status Area The Connection Status Area uses the icons shown in the following table. Table 6-1: Connection Status Area icons Icon Meaning AirCard ExpressCard not detected (displayed in the left part of the Connection Status Area). The Signal Strength indicator (displayed in the left part of the Connection Status Area) uses bars to show the intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars increases as signal strength increases to a maximum of five bars.
Watcher Basics Table 6-1: Connection Status Area icons (continued) Icon Meaning A circuit switched data call is in progress. A high-speed (1X or 1xEV-DO) packet data connection is dormant; the radio channel has been released. You can resume data transmission without the need of re-establishing the connection. Some applications may not be able to function on a dormant connection. A fatal error has occurred and the AirCard ExpressCard is inoperable. 1. Close Watcher. 2.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Indicator area The Indicator area displays an icon that notifies you when you receive SMS messages. The icon is black when “on” and gray when “off”. Table 6-2: Indicator Area icons Icon Meaning The SMS message indicator shows whether you have unread messages. A blinking icon indicates that there are one or more urgent or important unread messages.
Watcher Basics Online Help Watcher includes extensive online help to provide operating hints and step‐by‐step instructions for getting the most from your AirCard ExpressCard. You can access online help in several ways: • Press in any window. • Click the Hints button available in many windows. • Use Windows Explorer to navigate to C:\Program Files\Sierra Wireless\3G Wireless Module\ Generic\Watcher.chm. Double‐click to open the help file.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Using an external antenna You can improve the signal strength, by attaching an external antenna (sold separately). To attach the external antenna: 34 1. Remove the ExpressCard from your computer. 2. Remove the rubber cap (located on the thick end of the card). 3. Holding the antenna cable by the connector (end) part, carefully push the connector part of the cable into the corresponding connector on the AirCard ExpressCard.
7: Technical Specifications • LED operation • Radio frequency and electrical specifications • Environmental specifications 7 This chapter describes the function of the LED, and provides technical product data for the AirCard ExpressCard. LED operation The AirCard ExpressCard has two LED light bars near the antenna end of the card. The LED light bars operate as follows: Table 7-1: LED operation LED Document 2130917. Rev 2 Mar.11 State Indicates Off The card has no power.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 7-2: Radio frequency and electrical specifications 36 Approvals Compliant with: IS-2000 Release 1.0 (CDMA 1X) IS-707-A Data, IS-856 (CDMA 1x-EVDO), IS-866, IS-878, IS-890, CDMA Development Group FCC (ID: N7NAC597E) Industry Canada (ID: 2417C-AC597E) Voltage +3.
Technical Specifications Environmental specifications Table 7-3: Environmental specifications Document 2130917. Rev 2 Mar.11 Operating temperature -30 to +60°C (ambient, outside PCMCIA enclosure) Storage temperature -20 to +85°C Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration 147 m/s2 (15 G) sinusoidal vibration, 10 to 2000 Hz, 20 minute sweep, 12 cycles per axis, 3 axes for 36 cycles. 12 hours total test time (non-operating) Drop 30” (76.
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8: Regulatory Information • Important safety/ compliance information • Information pertaining to OEM customers 8 Important safety/compliance information The design of the AirCard 597E ExpressCard 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 previ‐ ously set by Canadian, U.S.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide and 24 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential 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 communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter‐ ference will not occur in a particular installation.
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.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide Note: If this ExpressCard 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.
Appendix A: Glossary 1X 1x-EVDO A 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. A high‐speed standard for cellular packet data communica‐ tions. 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.
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - 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 system tray TIA VPN Document 2130917. Rev 2 Mar.11 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).
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Index Numerics CSD description, 9 indicator, 31 1X description, 9 indicator, 30 1xEV‐DO description, 8 indicator, 30 3G description, 8 indicator (1xEV‐DO and 1X), 30 A account activation, 13 configuration, 21 activation overview, 13 automated, 22 manual, 22 Activation Wizard, 21 always on top, 29 antenna, external, 34 automated activation, 22 B bands, frequency, 10 C call status area, 31 care and maintenance, 25 CDMA 1X description, 9 indicator, 30 CDMA 1xEV‐DO description, 8 ind
AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide icons connection status, 30 indicator area, 32 minimized, 32 system tray, 32 see also indicators ID, FCC, 39 in use indicator, 30 indicator area, 32 indicators 1X, 30 1xEV‐DO, 30 circuit‐switched data call, 31 connection status, 32 SMS messages, 32, 32 inserting the AirCard, 18 installation hardware, 18 software, 15– 19 troubleshooting wizard, 33 interference, 40 Internet, 9 IRQ (interrupt request), 16 M Mac OS X, 15 MEID, 14 memory required, 1
