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Sierra Wireless AirCard USB Modem User Guide 2131232 Rev 5
Preface 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.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Patents This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM® 3G. Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its licensees under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group. Copyright © 2010 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved. Trademarks AirCard® and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
Contents Sierra Wireless AirCard USB Modem User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 About the AirCard USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Your account and coverage area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 AirCard USB Modem features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Regulatory and safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Regulatory information for North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Regulatory information for EU countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sierra Wireless AirCard USB Modem User Guide About the AirCard USB modem The Sierra Wireless AirCard® USB Modem enables 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 network cable. The AirCard USB Modem connects to a Type A USB port on your computer. If the AirCard USB Modem is TRU-Install enabled, all the required software is available on the modem.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide • Account provisions—Your account may restrict your usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network. • Frequency band—You cannot connect to networks operating in bands not supported by your modem, regardless of roaming agreements or account provisions. Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
LED operation The AirCard USB Modem has two LEDs that show the current status of the modem. LED Power Data Rev 5 Oct.10 State Off Indicates Indicates one of the following states: • The AirCard USB Modem is not inserted in the computer. • The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode. • The AirCard USB Modem radio has been turned off using Watcher or other connection management software. Solid Blue The power is on, the AirCard USB Modem is working normally.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Connection management software Your AirCard USB Modem comes with Sierra Wireless AirCard Watcher® for Windows® and Mac®, or other connection management software, depending on your service provider. Use this software to manage the modem and monitor your connections. For information on Watcher features and using Watcher, refer to the online Help. From the main Watcher window, select Help > Help Topics or click the button (Windows) or Help > Sierra Wireless Watcher Help (Mac).
Launching Watcher (Mac) Watcher starts automatically at login. To disable this feature, go to Watcher > Preferences. You can also start Watcher by navigating to the Applications > Sierra Wireless folder and double-clicking AirCard Watcher. Tips To keep the Watcher icon in the dock: 1. Launch Watcher. 2. Click and hold the Watcher icon in the dock. 3. From the pop-up menu, select Keep in Dock. Reinstalling the software Windows If you need to reinstall or repair the Watcher software: 1.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Connecting 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 AirCard USB Modem. Depending on how your AirCard USB Modem is configured, the profile may already be set up or you may need to create one. Note: If you have a pre-paid wireless account, you’ll need to have credit in your account before you can connect.
Mac The first time you run Watcher: 1. When your computer detects the modem, the message "New network interfaces have been detected" appears. 2. Click the Network Preferences... button. 3. In the Network window, click Apply. Your modem connects to the network. a. If there is no profile defined, a message opens asking if you want to create a new profile. b. Click Create a new profile. c. In the Profiles window, click + to create a profile. To end a high-speed connection, click Disconnect.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Or if the microSD card slot is on the side of the AirCard USB Modem, insert the microSD card as shown in the illustration: 3. Insert the AirCard USB Modem into the computer. If the computer does not have Watcher installed, you may be given the option to install it. If you do not want to install Watcher, cancel the installation. You can use the microSD card without having Watcher installed. To remove the microSD card: 1. Remove the cap.
Back-loading models To insert and use a microSD card: 1. Remove the back cover from the modem. 2. Insert the microSD card in the slot as shown in the illustration. 3. Replace the back cover and insert the AirCard USB Modem into the computer. If the computer does not have Watcher installed, you may be given the option to install it. If you do not want to install Watcher, cancel the installation. You can use the microSD card without having Watcher installed. Rev 5 Oct.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Removing the SIM card For instructions on inserting the SIM card, see the printed guide that came with your product. Some AirCard USB Modems have a SIM card slot with a “push to insert/push to release” design. To remove the SIM card from the modem: 1. Push the SIM card in to release it. 2. Pull the SIM card out of the slot as shown in the illustration. Some AirCard USB Modems have an internal tray for inserting and removing the SIM card.
Using AirCard USB Modem Accessories Depending on your carrier and your modem model, your AirCard USB Modem may come with a: • USB extension cable and clip • Lanyard Using the extension cable and clip The extension cable and clip should be used if you have difficulty inserting the AirCard USB Modem because of the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer. The clip fits on the top of your notebook computer and holds your AirCard USB Modem.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Attaching the lanyard To keep everything together, thread the lanyard through the cap and the AirCard USB Modem, as shown in the illustrations. Depending on the cap design, you can also attach the lanyard to the cap.
Care and maintenance As with any electronic device, the AirCard USB Modem must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines when you use and store your AirCard USB Modem: • 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 AirCard USB Modem and SIM card in a safe place. • The modem should fit easily into your computer’s USB port.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Modem is not detected after AirCard Watcher installation completes You successfully complete the automatic installation process, but Watcher does not detect the AirCard USB Modem: 1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click TRU-Install. 3. When you are prompted to switch to modem mode, click OK. 4. Wait for Watcher to detect the AirCard USB Modem. 5. If the AirCard USB Modem still is not detected, connect to the Internet using another method and go to www.
Technical specifications Radio frequency and electrical specifications The radio frequency bands that your AirCard USB Modem supports will vary depending on your region and your model.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide Environmental specifications 20 Operating temperature 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F), ambient Storage temperature -40°C to +85°C, 96 hours (-40°F to +185°F) Humidity 85%, non-condensing Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6 G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes. Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours (non-operating).
Regulatory and safety information Notice Because of 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.
AirCard USB Modem User Guide The driver or operator of any vehicle should not use a wireless data device while in control of a vehicle. Doing so detracts from the driver or operator's ability to control and operate the vehicle. In some countries, using such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that these devices do 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.
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Index A N account, 5 network overview, 5 notebook computer clip, 15 C clip, 15 connect to the network, 10 coverage area, 5 P E R electrical specifications, 19 environmental specifications, 20 extension cable, 15 external memory storage, 5, 11 external SD, 11 external storage card, 11 radio frequency specifications, 19 receive frequencies, 19 regulatory information, 21 RF specifications, 19 roaming, 5 F flash drive, 11 frequencies receive, 19 transmit, 19 H humidity, 20 L lanyard, 16 launching Wa
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Sierra Wireless AirCard Data Card User Guide 2131233 Rev 5
Preface 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.
AirCard Data Card User Guide Patents This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM® 3G. Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its licensees under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group. Copyright © 2010 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved. Trademarks AirCard® and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless and the Sierra Wireless logo are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
Contents Sierra Wireless AirCard Data Card User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 About the Sierra Wireless AirCard Data Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Your account and coverage area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 AirCard Data Card features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard Data Card User Guide 4 2131233
Sierra Wireless AirCard Data Card User Guide About the Sierra Wireless AirCard Data Card The AirCard® Data Card third generation (3G) wireless modem enables 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 network cable. The AirCard Data Card can be inserted into an ExpressCard® slot or a PCMCIA (PC Card) slot on your computer.
AirCard Data Card User Guide When you obtain your account, you are given a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card containing account information. You must insert the SIM card into the AirCard Data Card before you use it. (Depending on your service provider, the SIM card may already be inserted.) When establishing a connection, your AirCard Data Card uses the fastest available service.
AirCard Data Card features LED operation Status LEDs The antenna can be flipped up to improve reception. LED Power Data State Modem shown inserted in an ExpressCard-to-PC Card adapter. Indicates Off Indicates one of the following states: • The AirCard Data Card is not inserted in the computer. • The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode. • The AirCard Data Card radio has been turned off using Watcher or other connection manager software.
AirCard Data Card User Guide Connection management software Your AirCard Data Card may include Sierra Wireless AirCard Watcher® for Windows® and Mac®, or other connection management software, depending on your service provider. If Watcher is not included, your quick start guide may direct you to where you can download it. Use Watcher to manage the AirCard Data Card and monitor your connections. For information on Watcher features and using Watcher, refer to the online Help.
Launching Watcher (Windows) Unless this feature has been disabled, Watcher launches automatically when you insert the AirCard Data Card. You can also launch Watcher by: • Double-clicking the desktop shortcut, or • Selecting Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard Watcher. Depending on how your profile is configured, your browser, VPN, or other program may launch automatically anytime you launch Watcher. Launching Watcher (Mac) Watcher starts automatically at login.
AirCard Data Card User Guide Connecting 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 AirCard Data Card. Depending on how your AirCard Data Card is configured, the profile may already be set up or you may need to create one. Note: If you have a pre-paid wireless account, you’ll need to have credit in your account before you can connect.
c. In the Profiles window, click + to create a profile. To end a high-speed connection, click Disconnect. Removing the SIM card To remove the SIM card, you need a pen. 1. If necessary, remove the AirCard Data Card from the PC Card adapter. 2. Place the AirCard Data Card on a smooth, hard surface. 3. Gently insert the pen into the end of the eject slot farthest from the SIM slot. Slide the pen towards the SIM slot as shown in the illustration. The SIM card pops out of its slot. 4.
AirCard Data Card User Guide Troubleshooting This section describes possible problems and solutions for Windows users. If you have a problem that is not described in this section, visit the Sierra Wireless support page at www.sierrawireless.com/support. Software installation does not start automatically Windows If Watcher installation does not start after you insert the AirCard Data Card: 1. Double-click My Computer (Windows XP) or Computer (Windows Vista, Windows 7) on your desktop. 2.
AirCard Data Card is not detected after AirCard Watcher installation completes You successfully complete the automatic installation process, but Watcher does not detect the AirCard Data Card: 1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click TRU-Install. 3. When you are prompted to switch to modem mode, click OK. 4. Wait for Watcher to detect the AirCard Data Card. 5. If the AirCard Data Card still is not detected, connect to the Internet using another method and go to www.sierrawireless.
AirCard Data Card User Guide Technical specifications Radio frequency and electrical specifications The radio frequency bands that your AirCard Data Card supports will vary depending on your region and your model.
Environmental specifications Rev 5 Oct.
AirCard Data Card User Guide Regulatory and safety information Notice Because of 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.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not use a wireless data device while in control of a vehicle. Doing so detracts from the driver or operator's ability to control and operate the vehicle. In some countries, using such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
AirCard Data Card User Guide 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.
Index C Care and maintenance, 11 connect to the network, 10 E ejecting a SIM card, 11 electrical specifications, 14 environmental specifications, 15 F frequencies receive, 14 transmit, 14 receive frequencies, 14 removing SIM card, 11 RF specifications, 14 S safety notice, 16 SIM card, removing, 11 specifications electrical, 14 environmental, 15 radio frequency, 14 storage temperature, 15 when not using card, 11 T H humidity, 15 L launching Watcher, 9 LEDs, 7 temperature, 15 transmit frequencies, 14
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