AirLink MP890 User Guide
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.
AirLink MP User Guide Patents Portions of this product may be covered by some or all of the following US patents: 5,515,013 6,191,741 6,653,979 6,968,171 D459,303 5,629,960 6,199,168 6,697,030 6,985,757 5,845,216 6,339,405 6,785,830 7,023,878 5,847,553 6,359,591 6,845,249 7,053,843 5,878,2345,890,0575,929,8156,169,884 6,400,3366,516,2046,561,8516,643,501 6,847,8306,876,6976,879,5856,886,049 7,106,5697,145,2677,200,512D442,170 and other patents pending. Copyright © 2010 Sierra Wireless.
Preface Revision number Release date Changes 1.x 2009 ALEOS 4.0 documentation draft created. Rev 1.0 Mar.
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Contents Introducing the MP Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Network connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Accounts and coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Supported /GSM radio frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 ALEOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Activating your MP on your cellular provider network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Configure your account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Rev 1.0 Mar.
Contents Hardware and Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Installation overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 MP modem housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Connector panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 GPS and I/O options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Step 5- Start ACEmanager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 MP Modem Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Turning the MP modem on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Reset the MP modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Important Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 FCC Caution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Approved antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 European Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Rev 1.0 Mar.
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1 1: Introducing the MP Modem • Network connections • Accounts and coverage • ALEOS • ACEware • Connection methods • Virtual serial port • Networking • Applications • Software • Documentation Note: Do not connect the MP modem to a USB port on a computer before installing the software. The Sierra Wireless MP modem provides a wireless network connection for portable computers in vehicles or offices.
AirLink MP User Guide • Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)—up to 384 kilobits per second (kbps) • Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE)—up to 236 kbps • General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)—up to 56 kbps • Circuit switched (dial-up) data connections and type of wireless network called Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). CDMA Third Generation (3G) technology provides a variety of connectivity features, depending on your service provider and account.
Introducing the MP Modem • 900 MHz • 1800 MHz • 1900 MHz ALEOS ALEOS, the embedded core technology of the Sierra Wireless AirLink products simplifies installation, operation and maintenance of any solution, and provides an always-on, always-aware intelligent connection for mission-critical applications.
AirLink MP User Guide Note: ACEview and ACEmanager require the Microsoft .NET Framework v. 1.1 and Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or later. You can obtain the Microsoft .NET Framework from Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com/. ACEmanager, the AceWare remote configuration and monitoring tool, simplifies deployment and provides extensive monitoring, control and management capabilities.
Introducing the MP Modem Figure 1-2: Modem Doctor Connection methods You can connect the MP modem to a USB, Ethernet (RJ45), or serial (DB9) port on a computer. When connected to a USB or Ethernet port, the MP modem behaves like a network card. When connected to a serial port, the MP modem behaves like a dial-up modem. The MP modem also supports connections via IEEE802.11b/g if you are implementing a WiFi version.
AirLink MP User Guide Special MP modem modes such as GPS that are supported on a serial port are also available on the virtual port. For example, with the virtual port enabled, a mapping application on your computer that normally listens for GPS messages on a serial port listens for those same messages on the virtual port. Networking IPSec IP protocol that drives the Internet is inherently insecure.
Introducing the MP Modem GRE GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) tunnel is used to carry non-IP packets through an IP Network. Non -IP packets, that are send over the GRE tunnel, need to be first encapsulated. Hence, ALEOS is used to configure and encapsulate non-IP packets and transmit over IP through the GRE tunnel.
AirLink MP User Guide Software The MP modem comes with the following software: • AceView, the software for the MP modem which allows you to manage and monitor your connections. • The driver that forms the interface between the MP modem and your Windows operating system. • The firmware that is stored in non-volatile memory. The MP modem has an embedded radio module, also made by Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Introducing the MP Modem Rev 1.0 Mar.
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2 2: Getting Started • Plan your MP modem installation • Required equipment • System requirements This chapter provides: • An overview of the installation process • Information about the equipment you’ll need • System requirements for the clients you want to use with the MP modem • Planning considerations Overview of installation steps: • Plan the installation. · Location · Connection type · Routing • Ensure required equipment is available.
AirLink MP User Guide started, when the ignition is in accessory mode, or independently of the ignition). • If you are installing the MP modem in an office, an AC/DC adapter is available. Warning: Risk of electric shock: Only use the supply voltages listed in this user guide. Warning: When using AC to DC adapter the ambient temperature should not exceed 40 0C.
Getting Started · The Ethernet cable should have RJ-45 connectors. The MP modem’s performance is affected by the type of Ethernet card in the computer and the type of cable used. The minimum requirement for the Ethernet cable is an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, category 3 or 4. For better performance, use a shielded, category 5 cable. The maximum length is 100 m (328 feet). Note: If GPS is being implemented, you require either two antennas or a combination Main RF and GPS antenna.
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3 3: Activating your MP on your cellular provider network • Configure your account Configure your account 1. Install the USB, Ethernet or serial cable Note: Ensure that the MP modem and your computer are powered off while installing cables. To install the USB, Ethernet, or serial cable, thread the cable through the vehicle and attach it to the USB, Ethernet, or serial connector on the MP modem. Note: Do not connect the cables to the computer until you have installed the software.
AirLink MP User Guide 6. Insert the sled back into the SIM slot. 7. Push the sled in until it clicks into place in the slot. 8. Close the rubber cover again by fitting in the left edge and then pressing in to seal the cover. Note: For additional options regarding configuration and monitoring of your MP modem, refer to the SierraWireless AirLink MP User Guide and AceView User Guide.
4 4: Hardware and Software Installation • Installation overview • Install the MP modem This chapter provides instructions for installing the MP modem, installing the AceView software, and activating your account. The MP modem installation should be done by a professional. Before you begin the installation, ensure that you have all the necessary components and equipment listed and have read the “Installation overview” section below.
AirLink MP User Guide Connector panel The MP890 modem has the following connectors: Figure 4-2: MP890 modem rear connectors WAP antenna for wireless access point GPS antenna (female SMA) RS-232 serial (female DB9) Serial Host USB Host GPS Ethernet Host AP I/O Power Main RF Main RF antenna (female TNC) I/O connector (DB15HD) Ethernet USB (Type B) Power harness (Molex connector) GPS and I/O options The MP modem provides support for GPS (Global Positioning System) and for attaching input/output
Hardware and Software Installation 5. Install the software. Note: Please refer to MP 597 Quick Start Guide for instructions on software installation and MP modem activation. 6. Start AceView and activate your account. 7. Test the system. Install the MP modem Step 1—Mount the MP modem Note: Power off the MP modem, your computer, and any other devices while you are connecting cables.
AirLink MP User Guide Use the supplied mounting screws and washers to secure the MP modem through the holes along the edge of the case bottom. Figure 4-3: Mounting the MP modem. Arrows indicate the mounting holes. The front cover is open for illustration purposes only. Close it before mounting. Ground the MP modem Note: Electrical installations are potentially dangerous and should be performed by personnel thoroughly trained in safe electrical wiring procedures for vehicles.
Hardware and Software Installation You can also use a ground screw on the connector panel of the MP modem. Use a 16-gauge wire if you choose to use a ground screw. A ground screw is not required as long as the power harness is properly grounded. I/O Power If you are using a ground screw, insert it here. Figure 4-4: The ground screw connector on the connector panel. Note: Tighten cables connected to the MP modem by hand. Do not use tools.
AirLink MP User Guide 900 MHz 1800 MHz 1900 MHz If your MP modem will only be connected to networks that use one of the bands, an appropriate single-band antenna is sufficient. Contact your service provider for information about radio bands used in your area. For more information about antennas for your installation contact your account manager. GPS antenna The GPS antenna connects to the MP modem using a male SMA connector. Contact your account manager for more information about compatible GPS antennas.
Hardware and Software Installation Note: To avoid RF interference problems and possible damage to the MP modem, do not power on the MP modem before connecting the Main RF antenna. 3. Connect the Main RF antenna cable to the TNC connector on the rear of the MP modem. 4. If you are using GPS, connect the GPS antenna cable to the GPS antenna connector on the rear of the MP modem. 5. If you are using WAP, connect the AP antenna cable to the AP antenna connector on the rear of the MP modem.
AirLink MP User Guide Power connector (Molex) pinouts The pinouts for the Molex connector on the power harness are: White wire (Ignition sense) Unused Red wire (Battery) Black wire (Ground) Figure 4-6: Pinouts for the power harness. The battery (red) and ignition sense (white) wires in the power harness include 5 A fuses. The black ground wire is not fused. (See Ground the power harness on page 30.) Replacement power harnesses are available from Sierra Wireless.
Hardware and Software Installation Switch (vehicle ignition key, or separate) Red wire (Battery) 5 A fuses (on red and white only) MP modem White wire (Ignition sense) Black unfused wire (Ground) Vehicle battery Figure 4-7: Wiring for the power harness.The white wire is the ignition sense. • When the white ignition sense line is pulled high (5 to 36 V), the MP modem powers on.
AirLink MP User Guide Ground the power harness You must connect the black ground wire from the power harness to the grounded negative terminal of the vehicle battery, or another appropriate electrical ground. Failing to ground the power harness properly may damage the MP modem, may cause radio interference, and can be dangerous. (See Ground the MP modem on page 24.) The ground wire in the MP modem power harness is not fused.
Hardware and Software Installation • An Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors. The type of cable you use affects the performance of the MP modem. The minimum requirement for the Ethernet cable is an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, category 3 or 4. For better performance, use a shielded, category 5 cable. The theoretical maximum length is 100 m (328 feet). You can connect the MP modem Ethernet port directly to a computer or other Ethernet device with either a cross-over or a straight-through cable.
AirLink MP User Guide For more information about GPS, see the Primer on GPS Operations (document #2130313) on the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com. GPS protocols and commands Note: The “MP 3G Modems TAIP Reference manual” (document #2130312) provides a description of the TAIP commands that can be used with the MP modem. This is available at www.sierrawireless.com . Information about Trimble GPS modules, including more documentation on TAIP commands, is available at www.trimble.com.
Hardware and Software Installation GPS TAIP quick reference The following table is a quick summary of the TAIP message identifiers. For detailed information and message syntax, see the MP 3G Modems TAIP Reference manual (document #2130312) and the GPS documentation on TAIP commands available at www.trimble.com.
AirLink MP User Guide Connector pinouts The MP modem’s I/O port is a female DB15HD connector with eight active I/O pins: • Two (2) digital I/O pins. • Two (2) digital input pins. • Four (4) analog input pins. There are also six reserved pins and one ground pin. 1 6 11 5 10 15 DB15HD male cable DB15HD female connector on rear of MP modem 1. Reserved—do not connect 2. Reserved—do not connect 3. Digital Input/Output 1 4. Digital Input 3 5. Reserved—do not connect 6. Reserved—do not connect 7.
Hardware and Software Installation Note: Before using the input/output lines, you must configure them as inputs or outputs. Typically a digital input device should be connected between Ground (Pin 10) and the input port (Pin 3, 4, 11, or 12). Figure 4-10: A button wired to Pin 4 (digital input) and Pin 10 (Ground). The pins report a logic high on an input of 3.45 VDC. An internal pull-up resistor provides a high condition when the switch is open.
AirLink MP User Guide Figure 4-11: Wiring for using Pin 3 (digital output) as an electronic switch. Pin 10 is Ground. The digital I/O ports provide open-collector output to a maximum of 500 mA. Analog input devices Analog input devices are those that generate a signal of varying voltage, based on the state of an instrument or gauge. An example of an analog input device might be a sensor that detects the vehicle’s speed.
Hardware and Software Installation Step 5- Start ACEmanager ACEmanager is a free utility. Follow the steps below to connect to ACEmanager. • Ensure MP connectivity to access ACEmanager. • Go to: http://192.168.13.31:9191 the first time you connect to ACEmanager. • Enter username as User and password as 12345. • By default ethernet uses public mode and all other interfaces are in private mode using different subnets to differentiate the connection types.
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5 5: MP Modem Operation • Status indicators • AceView software Operating the MP modem requires some knowledge of both the MP modem hardware and the AceView software. This chapter describes the basics of each. Turning the MP modem on and off If the MP modem is installed in a vehicle, the way in which the MP modem is wired determines how it is powered on and off.
AirLink MP User Guide Status indicators The MP modem’s indicator panel includes four indicator lights. Power indicator Transmit Receive GPS indicato Figure 5-1: The indicator panel of the MP modem. The following table shows the behavior of the LEDs during normal MP modem operation: Table 5-1: LED operation LED Power Behavior Indicates Off MP modem is not powered. On solid MP modem has established a network connection. Tx Flashing MP modem is transmitting data.
MP Modem Operation Reset the MP modem The reset button for the MP modem is on the top of the housing. To reset the MP modem, press the button until all four indicator lights illuminate. (Do not use sharp implements that might puncture the rubber.) Resetting the MP modem is equivalent to turning the MP modem off and on. This terminates any data connection and causes the MP modem to perform a restart. (Stored settings are not lost.) Figure 5-2: The MP modem reset button.
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6 6: Configuring the MP modem • ACEmanager • Using a Terminal Application with AT Commands • AT Command With ALEOS as its “brain”, the MP is a highly configurable device. To configure your MP, you have two options. You can use the configuration and management applications of the AceWare suite or you can use a terminal emulator application such as HyperTerminal, PuTTY, or many others. ACEmanager To get a more expanded view of the other ACEmanager features, refer to the ACEmanager Guide.
AirLink MP User Guide Figure 6-1: HyperTerminal 1. Choose a name and icon for your connection a. Choose a name for your connection, such as MP or Sierra Wireless AirLink Solutions. The name and icon are only for your own reference so you can find the connection at a later date. Tip: If you want to have a connection saved for both local and remote, it is recommended the connection name reflect the connection type, i.e. MP local. b. Select OK. 2. Connect to Using USB/Serial: a.
Configuring the MP modem Figure 6-2: Connect To b. Change or verify the settings: · Bits per Second: 115200 (default) · Data Bits: 8 · Parity: None · Stop Bits: 1 · Flow Control: Hardware. Figure 6-3: Port Settings Tip: If you have configured the MP for settings different than the defaults for Bits per Second, Data Bits, Parity, and/or Stop Bits, you will need to use your changed settings. c. Select OK. Using Ethernet: d. Select TCP/IP (Winsock) for “Connect Using”. e. Type in 192.169.14.
AirLink MP User Guide 192.168.14.31 g. Select OK. 3. Connected Connecting on USB/net will prompt for password.
Configuring the MP modem Figure 6-5: HyperTerminal : connected a. If you are prompted for a password, enter 12345 (default password). Tip: You will not be prompted for a password if you connect using a COM port. b. Type AT and press Enter. You should get a reply of “OK” or “0”. c. To see what you are typing as you type it, you will need to turn on the echo and verbose mode. Type ATE1V1 and press Enter. d. If you get a reply of “OK”, then you entered the command successfully.
AirLink MP User Guide • AT Commands are not case sensitive. A capital “E” is the same as a lowercase “e”. • When you are using a terminal connection, if you enter a command which is recognized by the MP, it will respond with “OK”. If the command is not recognized, the response will be “ERROR”. • Those commands applicable only to certain model numbers of the MP will be noted. Caution: Symbols listed with commands, such as *, /, &, or ?, are part of the command and must be included.
A: Support and Warranty Technical support To obtain technical support for your MP modem, and firmware and software upgrades, please contact your account manager. Online technical support resources are also available at www.sierrawireless.com. Warranty Sierra Wireless, Inc. warrants the MP modem against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase. The sole responsibility of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
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B: Technical Specifications This chapter provides technical data for the MP890 modem. Note: The technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Regulatory, radio frequency and electrical specifications Approvals FCC Industry Canada PTCRB EU RoHS Network compliance GSM GPRS EDGE: (Class 12), peak 236 kbps downlink UMTS HSUPA Voltage range 9–36 VDC Reverse polarity protection Compliant Current draw Idle (Ignition sense off): 2 mAa Receive: 235 mA Max. transmit: 1.
AirLink MP User Guide Environmental specifications Operating temperature MIL 810F, Method 501.4, 502.4 -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F) Storage temperature MIL 810F, Method 501.4, 502.4 -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F) Humidity 95% RH non-condensing MIL 810F, Section 507.4 Drop MIL 810F, Section 516.5 D Shock MIL 810F, Method 516.5 Annex C (Fragility) Vibration MIL 810F, Method 514.5, Cat 5, Section 2.2.2 Procedure II (Loose Cargo) ASTM D-4169 (Restrained Cargo) MIL 810F, Method 514.
GPS specifications GPS specifications Satellite channels 12 channel, continuous tracking Protocols TSIP, TAIP, NMEA 0183 V3.0 Acquisition times Re-acquisition: 2 sec. Hot start: 9 sec. Warm start: 35 sec. Cold start: 39 sec. Accuracy Horizontal: < 3 m (50%), < 8 m (90%) Altitude: < 10 m (50%), < 16 m (90%) Velocity: 0.06 m/sec Sensitivity Tracking: –152 dBm Acquisition: –142 dBm Operational limits Velocity: 515 m/sec. I/O port characteristics Absolute maximum voltage -0.
AirLink MP User Guide Wireless access point specifications 54 Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11i Channels 1 (2.412 GHz) to 11 (2.462 GHz) Band 2.
C: Regulatory Information • European Union Note: Unauthorized modifications or changes not expressly approved by Sierra Wireless, Inc. could void compliance with regulatory rules, and thereby your authority to use this equipment. Canada To ensure that the MP modem meets Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 requirements, a separation distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) must be maintained between the modem’s antenna and the body of the user and any nearby persons at all times and in all applications and uses.
AirLink MP User Guide For the MP modem, the maximum gain for the AP antenna must not exceed 3 dBi, and the AP antenna must be professionally installed with a separation distance of at least 20 cm away from the Main RF antenna, per FCC Part 15 requirements. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
European Union MP ruggedized wireless modem with 802.11 b/g access point The technical documentation relevant to the above equipment is held at: Sierra Wireless (UK) Limited Lakeside House 1 Furzegraoun Way, Stockley Park East Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1BD England Rev 1.0 Mar.
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