Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 2131232 Rev 2
Important Notice Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (that is, have errors) or be totally lost.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 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 HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
Post: Sierra Wireless 13811 Wireless Way Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4 Fax: 1-604-231-1109 Web: www.sierrawireless.com Consult our Web site for up‐to‐date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, trouble‐ shooting tips, and press releases: www.sierrawireless.com Revision History Revision number Release date Changes 1.0 Sept. 2009 New document 2 August, 2010 Updated patent information in the Preface. Rev 2 Aug.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 6 2131232
Contents Introducing the Sierra Wireless USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 About the USB modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Services supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Modem software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide Reinstalling the software (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Care and Maintenance of Your USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1: Introducing the Sierra Wireless USB Modem • Services supported • Your account and coverage area • Modem software • Frequency band support 1 About the USB modems Sierra Wireless USB wireless modems enable you to connect to the Internet, send and receive email, connect to a corporate network or virtual private network (VPN), or view streaming video, without the need for a cable. The USB modems connect to a Type A USB port on your computer. The modems are TRU‐Install enabled.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide • Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)— 384 kbps (kilobits per second) • Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)— 236 kbps • General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)—56 kbps GPRS and EDGE are second generation (2G) data services. UMTS, HSDPA/HSUPA, and HSPA+ are 3G data services. When establishing a connection, your modem uses the fastest available service.
Introducing the Sierra Wireless USB Modem Modem software The modem comes with connection management software. Depending on your carrier, it may come with carrier‐specific software or the following software made by Sierra Wireless: • Sierra Wireless Watcher® for Windows or 3G Watcher for Mac®. Use this software to manage the modem and monitor your connections.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 12 2131232
2: Getting Started 2 Follow the instructions in this chapter to set up and start using your modem. To use your modem, you’ll need: Note: Keep a written record in a secure place of the account information that your service provider gives you.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide Inserting the SIM card Note: To prevent the SIM card from becoming jammed in its slot, ensure the edge of the card is smooth before inserting it. Do not attach labels to your SIM card as this may also cause it to jam. 1. If your SIM card is attached to a larger card, detach the SIM card and remove any fragments stuck to it. 2. Remove the end cap. The SIM card slot is the uppermost slot above the USB connector1. See Figure 2‐1. 3. Insert the SIM card.
Getting Started b. Place the SIM card on the tray, as shown in the following illustration. c. Close the SIM tray. Note: For instructions on removing the SIM card, see page 23. Insert the modem into the computer Gently insert the modem into the USB slot. Note: To ensure FCC RF exposure limits, ensure that there is at least 1 cm (0.4 inches) between you and the modem. For more safety and regulatory information, see page 33. 1.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide Note: Do not forcefully insert the modem as you may damage connector pins. Note: Do not insert the modem or the USB extension cable into a USB hub or, if your keyboard is separate from your notebook computer, a USB slot on your keyboard. Installing the software The modem comes with TRU‐Installa Sierra Wireless feature that installs the necessary software the first time you insert the modem into your computer. (You do not need an installation CD.
Getting Started Connect to the network To use your account (and connect to your service provider’s network), you need to have at least one profile set up on your modem. Depending on how your modem is configured, the profile may already be set up or you may need to create one. Scenario Required action Watcher automatically detects or creates a default profile. Click Connecta. Watcher prompts you to create a data profile. 1. • • Click Yes, then....
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide Connect to the network Once the software is successfully installed, the modem is ready to use. 1. Click the Connect button to connect to the network. Attach the modem to the lanyard To keep everything together, thread the lanyard through the cap and the modem, as shown in the illustrations. ➊ ➋ ➌ ➍ You can also attach the lanyard to the cap.
3: Using your USB Modem • USB modem LED operation • Using the microSD card (some models only) • Using the extension cable and clip • Connection management software 3 USB modem features USB modems have a USB connector and slots for a SIM card and a microSD external storage card. LEDs on the front of the modem provide status information. Power LED Data LED SIM card slot microSD card slot1 USB connector Cap Note: 1. Depending on the modem, the microSD card slot may be on the side of the modem.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide LED operation The USB modem has two LEDs that show the current status of the modem. LED Power Data 20 State Indicates Off Indicates one of the following states: • The modem is not inserted in the computer. • The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode. • The modem radio has been turned off using Watcher (see “Enable Airplane mode” on page 25) or another connection client. Solid Blue The power is on, the modem is working normally.
Using your USB Modem Using the microSD card (some models only) Some Sierra Wireless modems can accommodate a microSD external storage card. To use a microSD card: 1. If there is a non‐functional microSD card in the lower slot: a. Press it in and then release it. b. Gently remove the non‐functional microSD card. 2. Insert the microSD card into the lower slot at the end of the modem, as shown in the illustration. SIM card slot microSD card slot Or if the microSD slot is on the side of the modem: 3.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide Removing the microSD card To remove the microSD card: If the microSD slot is in the end of the modem: 1. Remove the cap. 2. Push the microSD card in and then release it. 3. Gently pull the microSD card out. If the microSD slot is on the side of the modem: 22 1. Open the flap on the side of the modem. 2. Push the microSD card in and then release it.
Using your USB Modem 3. Gently pull the microSD card out. Removing the SIM card To remove the SIM card from the modem, push the SIM card in and then release it. See Figure 3‐1. Figure 3-1: Removing the SIM card from a USB modem Using the extension cable and clip Some USB modems may come with an extension cable and clip. The clip fits on the top of your notebook computer and holds your modem.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 2. Connect the extension cable to the modem. 3. Place the modem in the clip holder. 4. Connect the other end of the extension cable to the USB slot on your computer. Connection management software Your modem comes with Sierra Wireless Watcher, Watcher for Mac, or other connection management software, depending on your carrier. Note: Sierra Wireless Watcher and Watcher for Mac are compatible with earlier Sierra Wireless modems.
Using your USB Modem • Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from using your SIM card if it is lost or stolen • Set options related to notifications and the 3G Watcher window • Create or modify an account profile You do not need to run Watcher when you use the modem, but Watcher does provide useful status information. Launching Watcher Unless this feature has been disabled, Watcher launches automatically anytime you insert the modem.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 2. Under Startup, select the On exit field, and from the drop‐ down list, select Enable Airplane Mode. 3. Click OK. Frequency band and network selection 3G Watcher has two options that affect your ability to obtain GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA/HSUPA or HSPA+ service: • 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 Note: Your service provide may not permit manual network selection.
Using your USB Modem Network selection To change your network selection mode: Windows 1. 2. Mac From the main window, select Tools > Options > 1. Select 3G Watcher > Preferences > Network. Network > Network Selection Mode. 2. Select an option in the Network Selection Mode field. Select an option from the Network Selection Mode drop-down list. Depending on your location, you may be within the coverage area of several networks.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 28 2131232
4: Care and Maintenance of Your USB Modem 4 As with any electronic device, the modem must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines when you use and store your modem: Rev 2 Aug. 10 • Do not apply adhesive labels to the SIM card. This may cause it to jam inside the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly. • When not installed in your computer, store the modem and SIM card in a safe place.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 30 2131232
5: Technical Specifications 5 Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 5-1: Radio frequency and electrical specifications Rev 2 Aug.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide Environmental specifications 32 Operating temperature 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) Storage temperature -20°C to +85°C (-4°F to +185°F) Humidity 85%, non-condensing Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes. Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours (nonoperating).
6: Regulatory and Safety Information 6 Notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans‐ mission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (that is, have errors), or be totally lost.
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide In addition to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) require‐ ments, many airline regulations state that you must sus‐ pend wireless operations before boarding an aircraft. The modem is capable of transmitting signals that could inter‐ fere with various onboard systems and controls. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, legal action, or both.
Regulatory and Safety Information Caution: The Sierra Wireless USB modem must be 1 cm (0.4 inches) or more from the user and bystanders during operation to satisfy FCC (regulatory) RF exposure requirements. It is approved for use with normal-size notebook computers only (typically with 12-inch or larger display screens).
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide 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.
Index Numerics LEDs, 20 3G Watcher introduction, 24 launching, 25 M A account, 10 Airplane mode, 25 antenna, external, 36 C channel raster, 31 channel spacing, 31 clip, 23 connect to the network, 17 coverage area, 10 Macintosh OSX support, 13 memory card, 9 memory required, 13 micro external memory card, 21 microSD, 9, 21 modem, inserting, 15 N network overview, 10 selection, 27 notebook computer clip, 23 O D operating systems supported, 13 driver, 11 P E profile, 13,
Sierra Wireless USB Modem User Guide T V technical specifications, 31– 32 temperature, 32 transmit frequencies, 31 TRU‐Install, 9, 16, 16 turn radio off on exit, 25 vibration, 32 U W Watcher, description, 11 Windows 7 support, 13 Windows Vista support, 13 Windows XP support, 13 USB modem, inserting, 15 USB port requirements, 13 38 2131232
