AirCard® 580 Wireless 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.
Copyright ©2004 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved. Trademarks AirCard and “Heart of the Wireless Machine” are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design, the red-tipped antenna, and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Qualcomm® is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
Table of Contents 1: Introducing the AirCard 580 Wireless Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .6 Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 CLARO EVDO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 System components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security incorrect lock code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Software mismatch alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Tray mode alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 6: Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 7: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 8: Regulatory and Safety Information . . . . . . . . ..
1: Introducing the AirCard® 580 Wireless Modem • • • • • 1 Welcome Package contents Feature summary System components Care and maintenance Note: Do not insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot prior to installing the software. It is important to install the software and driver in the correct order. (See Chapter 3: “Installation Procedures”, beginning on page 11).
network. You just insert the AirCard 580, allow Watcher to auto-launch, click connect, then launch your Internet browser—you’re on-line! CLARO EVDO The AirCard 580 operates on CLARO networks which leverage a 3G wireless cellular technology called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
to use the widely available Express Network network where EvDO has not yet been implemented. The benefits to you are that you can use the AirCard in any area that has coverage (assuming there are no account restrictions) and you will be able to take advantage of the fastest possible data transmission speed. AirCard software and driver Required to control, monitor, and manage your wireless connections is the Sierra Wireless Watcher™ software.
Care and maintenance As with any electronic device, the AirCard must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines in using and storing the AirCard: • • • • • Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard. This may cause the AirCard to become jammed inside the card slot. Optimal signal strength is usually obtained when the antenna is perpendicular to the modem. The antenna should bend easily at the hinge. Do not forcefully bend the antenna.
2: Getting Started • • 2 The AirCard 580 software Your account and coverage area Before you can begin using the AirCard 580 wireless modem, you must: 1. Install the Watcher software and the AirCard drivers. 2. Obtain a CDMA account (if this wasn’t done when you purchased the card). 3. Activate an account and configure the AirCard to use your account (unless the AirCard has been preactivated). This section provides an overview of this process.
3: Installation Procedures • • • • 3 Overview Part 1: AirCard 580 software installation Part 2: Inserting and removing the AirCard 580 and driver installation Part 3: Activating the AirCard 580 with a service provider Overview This chapter is separated into three parts that guide you through the steps necessary to install and to begin using the AirCard 580. Note: Do not insert the AirCard 580 into your PC Card slot before installing the software. The basic steps are: 1.
Part 1: AirCard 580 software installation Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP installation procedures To install Watcher and the AirCard 580 drivers: Windows 2000 & XP: You may require administrative privileges to install the AirCard 580. 1. The Installation CD launches automatically. Select Install Watcher Setup Welcome and a welcome window appears. 2. Click Next on the Watcher Setup Welcome window. 3.
Figure 3-3: Watcher Full Mode view - Please Insert Card Part 2: Inserting and removing the AirCard 580 and driver installation This section outlines proper insertion and removal of the AirCard 580 into your notebook PC and explains the steps of driver installation. Inserting the AirCard 580 To insert the AirCard 580 into your notebook PC: Note: Before inserting the AirCard 580 into your PC Card slot, it is recommended that you remove the Installation CD from your CD-ROM drive. 1.
4. Select the following menu selection from the Unplug or Eject Hardware window for your operating system and click Stop to proceed: • • • Windows 98 SE and Me ONLY: Select Wireless PC Card USB Open Host Controller Windows 2000 ONLY: Select “Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller” Windows XP ONLY: Select “Lucent USB OpenHost Controller” 5. Select the appropriate menu selection for your operating system from the "Stop a Hardware Device" window.
• • • If you have installed an earlier version of the drivers, click Yes to upgrade to the current version. (Recommended). If you have already installed the current version of the drivers onto your PC, click Yes to keep the current drivers. In the event that you have installed a later version of the drivers, click Yes to keep the latest version of drivers on your PC.
Part 3: Activating the AirCard with CLARO Wireless Once the AirCard 580 is properly installed into the Type II PC Card slot of your notebook PC, the Activation Wizard will automatically appear. (In order to use your AirCard 580, you must have an account set up with CLARO). The process of setting up an account is called activation.
4: Watcher™ Basics • • • • • • • 4 Launching and exiting Watcher Connect and disconnect Components of the Watcher window System tray mode Launching and exiting Watcher Watcher is the application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the AirCard 580 wireless modem and the CDMA network.
Disconnect” in this chapter on page 18). 1. Click the Watcher system tray icon found in the system tray and a menu appears: Figure 4-1: System tray shortcut menu 2. Select Exit from the menu. (This closes and exits Watcher and the icon disappears from the system tray). Powering the AirCard 580 (On/Off) To power the AirCard 580 on and off: 1. Click the Watcher icon found in your system tray. 2. Select “Power Off Card” or “Power On Card” from the shortcut menu.
Figure 4-2: Watcher in Full Mode view - Connect action button 2. Watcher will take a few moments to connect to the network. Once a connection is established, the dialog box at the bottom of the Watcher window displays the word “Connected,” notifying that a connection has been established. The Connect button changes to read Disconnect. Disconnect 1. To end the current connection, click the Disconnect button. Figure 4-3: Watcher in Full Mode view - Disconnect action button 2.
Each time Watcher launches, it launches in Full Mode view. In Full Mode view all menus, indicators, and buttons are displayed. The window contains: • • The indicator area which contains icons showing your signal strength, coverage, and roaming status. Action buttons to connect and disconnect, links to customization menus, a digital help guide, and a shortcut that closes Full Mode view and enables System Tray Mode.
Icon Meaning The Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your own. When the indicator is off (gray), you are within the local coverage area of your service provider. When the indicator is on (solid black), you are in a “preferred” roaming area. When the indicator is blinking, you are within the coverage area of a CDMA network but not in a “preferred” roaming area.
Ready Service is available No Service No service is available Connecting Attempting to make a connection Connected 1 xEV-DO A connection is established (1xEV-DO or 1xRTT - active or dormant) or Connected 1xRTT Dormant / Connected A connection is established but no data transfer is in progress Disconnecting Disconnecting the current call Cal l Lost Call is dropped; transient state returning to Ready Card is Locked The modem security feature has been enabled Connection timer The connection t
Action buttons The action buttons allow you to customize Watcher and monitor your connections. Connect / disconnect When a connection has not been made, the action button reads Connect. To initiate a connection, click Connect. Once a connection is established, the button changes to read Disconnect. Select Disconnect to terminate your session. System tray shortcut Note: Clicking on the System Tray shortcut does not close the Watcher application.
Table 4-3: Settings Menu - General Tab Options Option Choices Description Option Choices Description Start in System Tray Mode On Off (default to Full Mode at launch) Run AirCard 580 Watcher at Startup On (default) Off When this option is enabled, Watcher automatically launches when your notebook PC is powered on. Turning this feature “off” disables auto launch and Watcher may only be opened through the desktop shortcut or from the start menu (See page 17 in this chapter “Launching Watcher”).
-- Run Activation Wizard You may manually launch the Activation Wizard from the general tab. Select “Run Activation Wizard” and follow the on-screen instructions. About tab The About Tab lists useful information about your device and provides direct access to a digital help file. Call log Tip: You are able to sort/organize the view (ascending and descending by any of the above columns). The call log lists a summary of all data calls made.
Figure 4-6: System tray area If you prefer to minimize the Full Mode view of Watcher, you can still monitor your connections with the System Tray Icon. system tray: a section of the task bar in Windows which displays the clock and icons of certain programs. Sometimes referred to as the notification or status area. System Tray Icon Watcher launches in Full Mode view by default. Once the program launches, an icon appears simultaneously in the system tray on your desktop.
System tray menu Note: When you select “Exit” from the system tray menu, you are “exiting” the Watcher program/application. Clicking on the system tray shortcut action button while in Full Mode does not close and exit Watcher; it only minimizes Watcher from Full Mode view. Remember: the Watcher system tray icon is only visible while Watcher is running.
5: Alert Windows • 5 Understanding alert windows Understanding alert windows Alerts are windows generated by Watcher in response to your selections. Close an alert window by selecting Yes, No, or OK. You also have the option to “turn off” an alert so that it never appears again either from the alert window itself, or by manually shutting it off.
Connection in progress alert A “Connection in Progress” or “Connection is still Active” alert occurs if you attempt to your select Exit or Power Off the AirCard 580 from the system tray shortcut menu prior to terminating your connection. When a connection is in progress, you cannot exit or power off the AirCard 580 without first terminating the connection. Select Disconnect from Full Mode view or the system tray icon shortcut menu.
Tray mode alert In order to run Watcher System Tray Mode rather than Full Mode, you must click the System Tray Icon. When this action occurs, an alert appears explaining that you have switched modes. In order to turn off the alert in the future, place a check mark in the check box next to “ Do not show this Alert in the future.
6: Troubleshooting Tips 6 The Watcher Help file includes descriptions of most common error messages and troubleshooting tips, including answers to frequently asked questions. Look in the table of contents under Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting. For help with other problems: • • Consult the Sierra Wireless website at www.sierrawireless.com. There is a troubleshooting wizard and an extensive knowledge base that can be searched to address most problems.
It is recommended to inhibit Standby Mode by selecting Standby “Never” option under the ‘Power Manager’ menu options in the Control Panel. It is also recommended not to use Start>Shutdown > Standby. What do I do with the message window: “The feature you are trying to use is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not available.
7: Technical Specifications • • • 7 LED operation Radio frequency and electrical specifications Environmental specifications This chapter describes the function of the LED, and provides technical product data for the AirCard 580 wireless modem. LED operation The AirCard 580 has a single red/green LED on the antenna end of the card. The LED operates as follows: Table 7-1: LED operationLED Behavior Indicates Slow flashing green LED Behavior Indicates Slow flashing green A signal has been acquired.
Receive PCS: 1715 to 1780 MHz Cellular: 868 to 894 MHz Channel Spacing 1.25 MHz Freq. Stability ±150 Hz Environmental specifications Table 7-3: Environmental specifications Operating Temp. -20 to +60°C (ambient, outside PCMCIA enclosure) Storage Temp. -30 to +65°C Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration 15 g peak 10 to 2000 Hz (non-operating) Drop 30” (76.
8: Regulatory and Safety Information • • Regulatory notices Safety hazards United States of America This Section outlines important regulatory notices concerning your new AirCard. Regulatory Notices This device complies with Parts 15, 22, and 24 of the FCC rules. This PC card has been tested with the typical laptop computer with the side loading PCMCIA bay. This PC card must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • • • • • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV tec
POWERED OFF. When operating it can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems. Driving The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 580 wireless modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator’s control and operation of that vehicle. In some jurisdictions, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offense.
Appendix A: Glossary 1xEV-DO -- Evolution Data Optimized An evolution of cdma2000® 1x technology and is an 3G standard. 1xEV-DO provides peak data rates of up to 2.4 Mbps. Also known as high data rate, or HDR, providing high-speed, high-capacity wireless Internet connectivity, and is optimized for packet data services. EVDO only addresses data - not voice. It requires a dedicated slice of spectrum, separate from voice networks using standards such as 1xRTT.
ESD -- Electro-Static Discharge ESN -- Electronic Serial Number The unique serial number Assigned to the modem for cellular network use. FCC -- Federal Communications Commission The U.S. federal agency that is responsible for interstate and foreign communications. 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.
IS-95 The standard for CDMA. ISO -- International Standards Organization A standards setting group. Consult www.iso.ch. ITU -- International Telecommunications Union Consult www.itu.int. kbps -- kilobits per second Actually 1000, not 1024, as used in computer memory size measurements of kilobytes. MHz -- Mega-Hertz One million cycles per second. MIN -- Mobile Identification Number A number that identifies a specific mobile unit within a wireless carrier’s network.
SAR -- Specific Absorption Rate A test metric for RF exposure. simple IP -- The standard method of allocating IP addresses to mobile units as they register with network serving stations (handoff). This is typically a dynamic IP addressing mechanism managed through DHCP. See also Mobile IP. 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).
