AirCard® 580 Wireless Modem User Guide 2130374 v3
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.
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. Not withstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless.
Preface Contact Information Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com Post: Sierra Wireless 13811 Wireless Way, Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4 Fax: 1-604-231-1109 Web: www.sierrawireless.com Your comments and suggestions on improving this documentation are welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your feedback to documentation@sierrawireless.com. Thank you.
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Table of Contents 1: Introducing the AirCard 580 Wireless Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 580 User Guide Auto-connect alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Auto-connection failure alert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Call lost alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Card eject warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1: Introducing the AirCard® 580 Wireless Modem • • • • • 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 9).
User Guide A Type II PC card wireless modem The AirCard fits into the standard (Type II) PC Card slot available on most notebook PCs. Once installed and configured, the AirCard 580 connects to the high-speed third generation (3G) CDMA wireless network.
Introducing the AirCard® 580 Wireless Modem • A 32-bit Cardbus electrical interface that extends battery life. • An Activation Wizard (page 14) to assist with configuring your CDMA accounts. • Customized settings for alerts, auto-connection, and more. • Supports Venturi WirelessTM network optimization software to boost performance while surfing the web. System components Your AirCard 580 wireless modem is just one part of a system designed to provide you with a wide range of communication features.
User Guide The AirCard comes with a CD containing this software: • The Watcher application required to manage the AirCard and monitor your connections. (This User Guide outlines the details of Watcher). • The driver software that enables communication between the AirCard and your Windows® operating system. The driver and application software must be installed before you insert the AirCard 580 for the first time.
Introducing the AirCard® 580 Wireless Modem 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: v3 Mar.11 • 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.
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2: Getting Started • The AirCard 580 software • Your account and coverage area Note: Do not insert the AirCard 580 into your notebook’s PC card slot until you are prompted to do so by Watcher. 2 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.
User Guide Note: Additional fees may apply when roaming. • Roaming agreement - If you are within the coverage area of a network that is not operated by Verizon Wireless , you can only obtain service if your plan includes roaming. • Account provisions - Your account may restrict your usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network. Visit the Verizon Wireless website for coverage maps and detailed roaming information.
User Guide 3: Installation Procedures • 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 Note: Do not insert the AirCard 580 into your PC Card slot before installing the software. 3 Overview This chapter is separated into three parts that guide you through the steps necessary to install and to begin using the AirCard 580. The basic steps are: 1.
User Guide Table 3-1: System Resource Requirements (cont.) Processor Pentium 150 MHz or higher Memory at least 32 MB Disk Space at least 14 MB Dial-up Networking DUN bound to TCP/IP 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.
Installation Procedures Windows Me: It is recommended that your restart your PC at this time before proceeding with the insertion of the AirCard 580 and driver installation. Windows 98 SE: Allow your notebook PC to fully restart before proceeding with the insertion of the AirCard 580 and driver installation. 4. Skip to step 5 if you did not check the option Run Watcher at Start up from the Setup window (refer to step 3).
User Guide 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.
Installation Procedures 4. Select the following menu selection from the ʺUnplug or Eject Hardwareʺ window for your operating system and click Stop to proceed: · Windows 98 SE and Me ONLY: Select ʺWireless PC Card USB Open Host Controllerʺ · Windows 2000 ONLY: Select “Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller” · Windows XP ONLY: Select “Lucent USB OpenHost Controller” Tip: Windows shortcut for Unplug/Eject and Stop Hardware steps: Left-click on the "Unplug and Eject Hardware" icon found in the system tray.
User Guide Windows 98 SE/2000/Me: Once you have inserted the card properly your Windows operating system will notify you that new hardware has been detected. Please wait for the “Found New Hardware” function to complete the automated tasks. (Multiple windows will appear briefly. Once complete you will be prompted to begin activation). Windows XP: Once you have inserted the card properly, your Windows operating system will notify you that new hardware has been detected.
Installation Procedures Note: If you receive a message explaining that "Activation Failed" check to ensure that you are in a strong signal area. v3 Mar.11 You are now ready to use the Sierra Wireless AirCard 580! For further assistance, contact Verizon Wireless, toll-free, 1-(800) 2-JOIN-IN (256-4646).
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4: Watcher™ Basics • Launching and exiting Watcher • Connect and disconnect • Components of the Watcher window • System tray mode 4 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.
User Guide Exiting Watcher In order to close and exit Watcher, you must ensure that you are disconnected from the network. (See “Connect / 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).
Watcher™ Basics Note: A “No Service” message appears when the AirCard 580 cannot locate the network. 1. Click the Connect button to establish a connection. 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.
User Guide Components of the Watcher window Figure 4-4: Full Mode view of Watcher 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.
Watcher™ Basics Indicator area and icons Depending on the AirCard 580’s operating status, various icons are displayed in the Indicator Area. Table 4-1: Indicator Area Icons Icon Meaning The Signal Strength icon displays when Watcher is turned on. The bars indicate the strength of the radio signal. Four bars signify that the signal strength is at its maximum peak. The strength will change depending on where you are. This displays when no signal is available or when the AirCard 580 is powered off.
User Guide 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.
Watcher™ Basics Service status dialog Table 4-2: Service Status Dialog and Associated Icon Service Status Dialog Description Please Insert Card No card is detected Card is Off AirCard 580 is powered off Ready Service is available No Service No service is available Connecting Attempting to make a connection Connected 1xEV-DO or Connected 1xRTT A connection is established (1xEV-DO or 1xRTT - active or dormant) Dormant / Connected A connection is established but no data transfer is in progress
User Guide 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.
Watcher™ Basics Table 4-3: Settings Menu - General Tab Options Option Choices Description Start in System Tray Mode On Off (default to Full Mode at launch) When this option is enabled, Watcher will launch from the system tray. (See System Tray Mode on page 26).This feature is turned off by default (it is unchecked) and Watcher launches in Full Mode. (See Full Mode on page 20).
User Guide Option Choices Security Lock On Off (default) Description For security purposes, you have the option to lock the AirCard 580 when not in use. Place a checkmark in the check box entitled, “Lock Card” to enable this feature. By enabling this feature, the AirCard 580 locks, disabling any connection attempts, even if Watcher is set to "Auto Connect". Each time you use the AirCard 580, you are asked to enter a four-digit passcode.
Watcher™ Basics Column Header Format Descriptions Bytes In Examples: 7 KB, 68 KB, 768 KB, 3.2 MB, 343.3 MB, 1.3GB Indicates the total amount of data received during a session. Bytes Out Examples: 7 KB, 68 KB, 768 KB, 3.2 MB, 343.3 MB, 1.3GB. Indicates the total amount of data transmitted during a session. To reset the counter (and begin counting from 0): 1. Select Reset. 2. Select Yes to confirm that you want to delete the entries.
User Guide Table 4-5: System Tray Icon meanings Icon Description Ready - Watcher is ready to make a connection AirCard 580 Watcher: Ready Connecting - Icon flashes as it attempts to make a connection AirCard 580 Watcher: Connecting Connected - Connection is established and data transfer is in progress AirCard 580 Watcher: Connected Dormant / Connected - Icon color is yellow, signifying that the connection is established, but idle (no data transmission is occurring) AirCard 580 Watcher: Dormant/Conn
Watcher™ Basics Menu Item v3 Mar.11 Action Help Open the About tab in the Settings window. The About tab displays a direct link to the digital Watcher Help guide. Exit Close the Watcher application. Once you have exited Watcher, the System Tray Icon disappears.
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5: Alert Windows • Understanding alert windows 5 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.
User Guide WARNING: Removing theAirCard 580 improperly may damage your notebook PC. See page 12 for complete instructions on proper removal of the AirCard 580 from your notebook PC. 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.
Alert Windows Security lock enabled alert A connection cannot be made while the security lock feature is enabled. If a connection attempt is made while the security lock is on, an alert appears explaining that the card is locked. You may disable the feature from the Settings menu. Security enter lock code For security purposes, you have the option to lock the AirCard 580 when not in use. Each time you use the AirCard 580, you will be asked for a four-digit passcode.
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User Guide 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.
User Guide (For further information on specific operating systems, consult Windows® Help (Start > Help). A “Location Information” window has popped up asking for dialing information. Do I need to put any information in this window? Windows 98 SE & Windows Me ONLY: During Watcher software loading, if the computer has never had any modem configuration performed, the Location Information screen may pop up. This window has nothing to do with Watcher software.
Troubleshooting Tips Why won’t my laptop hibernate or go into standby since I loaded Watcher software? Due to power control issues with Windows 2000 SP2 (Service Pack 2) and earlier regarding USB device management, a standby / hibernate blocker has been written into Watcher software. If the laptop is upgraded to Windows 2000 SP3, the software will see this and restore the standby and hibernate functionality.
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User Guide 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 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 operation LED Behavior v 0DU Indicates Slow flashing green A signal has been acquired.
User Guide Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 7-2: Radio frequency and electrical specifications Approvals Compliant with: IS-95A, IS-96B, IS2000, Release 1.0 (CDMA 1XRTT) IS-707-A Data, IS-856 (CDMA 1xEV-DO) IS-866, IS-878, IS-890 CDMA Developers Group FCC (ID: PNF-PC3220P) Voltage +3.
8: Regulatory and Safety Information • Regulatory notices • Safety hazards 8 United States of America FCC 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.
User Guide CAUTION: Unauthorized modification or changes not expressly approved could void compliance with RF exposure guidelines. WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15, 22, and 24 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an appropriate installation.
Regulatory and Safety Information Safety Information This section outlines important liability and safety guidelines concerning your new PC Card. Important Notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or totally be lost.
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Appendix A: Glossary 1xEV-DO 1xRTT 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. EV-DO only addresses data - not voice. It requires a dedicated slice of spectrum, separate from voice networks using standards such as 1xRTT.
User Guide CnS COM directory number DNS 46 Control and Status—A proprietary protocol for managing Sierra Wireless devices. The serial communications port of a computer. See MIN Domain Name Server—Internet server that supplies the mapping of domain names to IP addresses. dormancy The packet data connection has the logical PPP session left open while the underlying physical link (the radio channel) is released. When traffic is to resume, a radio channel is reaquired and the original PPP session resumes.
Glossary 3. HTTP IC IMSI Internet address IOTA Hypertext Transfer Protocol - A set of rules for transferring files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web. 1. Industry Canada 2. Integrated Circuit International Mobile Station Identity A 32-bit source or destination address that is given an IP number and is assigned to hosts using IP.
User Guide OEM originate The origin of a connection or message. Mobile originated means the connection of message starts from the mobile and goes to the network for termination at the destination. Contrast with terminate. packet A short fixed-length block of data including a header that is transmitted as a unit in a communications network. PC Card™ PCMCIA PCS Add-in memory and communications cards for portable computers.
Glossary contrast to UDP, TCP ensures both ends of the connection are present and active on the network. TCP ensures delivery of datagrams. TIA WAN Watcher™ WWAN WWW v 0DU Telecommunications Industry Association—A standards setting trade organization, whose members provide communications and information technology products, systems, distribution services and professional services in the United States and around the world. Consult www.tiaonline.org.
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Index A account, 7, 14 See also activation action buttons, 24 See also settings call log help connect disconnect activation, 4, 7-9, 14, 26 Activation Code, 14 Activation Wizard, 14, 26 administrative privileges, 10 aircraft, using the AirCard in, (i), 43 alerts, 31 3G service, 31 auto-connect, 31 auto-connection failure, 31 call lost, 31 card eject, 31 connection in progress, 32 power on card, 32 reset call log, 32 security lock enabled, 32 security enter lock code, 33 security incorrect lock code, 33 soft
User Guide indicator area, 20-22 indicators connection indicator, 22 roaming indicator, 22 service indicator, 21 signal strength indicator, 21 inserting the AirCard 580, 12, 41 installation software (Watcher), 10 driver, 12 interface See views; Full Mode view; system tray view P passcode, 25, 33 PC Card slot, 9, 12-13 R removing the card, 12 roaming, 4, 25 indicator, 22 S L lock See security lock M minimize See system tray shortcut MIN (Mobile Identification Number), 47 See also Directory Number N Nat
Index v 0DU 53
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