Compass™ Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide 2130961 Rev 1.
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.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation 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.
Preface Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license. Macintosh® is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners. Contact Information Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.
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Contents Introducing the Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Services supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Compass USB modem software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Regulatory and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . .
1: Introducing the Compass USB Modem • Services supported • Your account and coverage area • Compass USB modem software • Frequency band support 1 The Compass™ USB 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 cable. The modem fits into Type A USB ports. The Compass USB modem is TRU‐Install™ enabled.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide GPRS and EDGE are second generation (2G) data services. UMTS and HSDPA/HSUPA are 3G data services. When establishing a connection, your Compass USB modem uses the fastest available service. If, for example, you are using a Compass USB modem in an area that has EDGE service but not UMTS or HSDPA/HSUPA service, the Compass USB modem connects using EDGE service. Once the connection is established, you have access to all Internet services.
Introducing the Compass USB Modem Compass USB modem software The Compass USB 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: • 3G Watcher for Windows®. Use this software to manage the Compass USB modem and monitor your connections.
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2: Getting Started 2 Follow the instructions in this chapter to set up and start using your Compass USB modem. To use your Compass USB modem, you’ll need: Note: Keep a written record in a secure place of the account information that your service provider gives you.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Insert 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 cap from the end of the Compass USB modem. 3. If there is a non‐functional SIM card in the upper slot: a.
Getting Started If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the end or side of the modem, you may damage the modem or your computer. In such cases, do not insert the modem directly into your computer’s USB slot; use the supplied USB extension cable and notebook computer clip instead. Note: Do not forcefully insert the Compass USB modem as you may damage connector pins.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Scenario • • Required action If Watcher opens the Options window Profile pane and pre-selects an appropriate profile (normally the name of your service provider) from the drop-down list... a. Click OK to accept that profile (or choose If Watcher opens the Options window Profile pane, the Profile name field is blank, and your service provider is not included in the drop-down list... You need to create a profile manually.
Getting Started Attach the Compass USB modem to the lanyard To keep everything together, thread the lanyard through the cap and the modem, as shown in the illustrations. ➊ ➌ Rev 1.1C Sep.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide You can also attach the lanyard to the cap.
3: Using your Compass USB Modem • Removing a SIM card • Using the microSD card • Connection management software 3 Your HSPA Compass USB modem has 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 microSD card slot and SIM card slot USB connector Cap Rev 1.1C Sep.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide LEDs The Compass 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 (Tools > Turn Radio Off) or another connection client. Solid Blue The power is on, the modem is working normally.
Using your Compass USB Modem Removing a SIM card Chapter 2 provides instructions for inserting the SIM. To remove the SIM card from the Compass USB modem: Rev 1.1C Sep.08 1. Remove the cap. 2. Push the SIM card in and then release it. 3. Remove the SIM card.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Using the microSD card The Compass USB modem is built to 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 3.
Using your Compass USB Modem Removing the microSD card Tip: To help conserve battery life, remove the microSD card when you are not using it. To remove the microSD card: 1. Remove the cap. 2. Push the microSD card in and then release it. 3. Gently pull the microSD card out. Using the extension cable and notebook computer clip Your Compass USB modem comes with an extension cable and clip. The clip fits on the top of your notebook computer and holds your Compass USB modem.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Note: Do not insert the Compass USB 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. To use the extension cable and clip: 1. Place the clip on top of the notebook computer. 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.
Using your Compass USB Modem Connection management software Your Compass USB modem comes with Sierra Wireless 3G Watcher or other connection management software, depending on your carrier. Note: 3G Watcher is also compatible with earlier Sierra Wireless modems such as the AirCard 88xU USB modem, AirCard 88xE ExpressCard modem, and the AirCard 88x PC card modem.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide The 3G Watcher window Note: To view the online Help in 3G Watcher, select Help > Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing . Roaming GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA/HSUPA coverage Compact view Signal strength Service Provider Connect/Disconnect button Profile drop-down list Device status. If an icon of the Compass USB modem with an “X” is displayed, 3G Watcher is unable to detect the modem.
Using your Compass USB Modem 3G icon—Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) EDGE icon—Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) GPRS icon—General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) When only the letters are displayed, (for example ), you are within the coverage area, but have not yet acquired the service. When the indicator has an outline ( ), you have acquired service and are able to establish a data connection. When the indicator is filled ( wireless service.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Turning the radio on and off This option allows you to conserve your computer’s battery by turning off the Compass USB modem’s radio transmitter/ receiver when you are not using it. To turn off the radio: 1. Select Tools > Turn Radio Off. When the radio is turned off, the menu option switches to Turn Radio On and the message “Radio is off ” is displayed in the 3G Watcher window. To turn on the radio: 1. Select Tools > Turn Radio On.
Using your Compass USB Modem If you select a network on which you cannot obtain service, the message, “Failed to register with network” appears. Choose a different network. More information is available in the Watcher Online Help. From the main Watcher window, select Help > Help Topics. Reinstalling the software If you need to reinstall or repair the 3G Watcher software: 1. Open the Control Panel. 2. Double‐click TRU-Install. 3. Follow the on‐screen instructions. Or, in Watcher: 1.
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4: Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB Modem 4 As with any electronic device, the Compass USB modem must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines when you use and store your Compass USB modem: Rev 1.1C Sep.08 • 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 Compass USB modem and SIM card in a safe place.
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5: Technical Specifications 5 Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 5-1: Radio frequency and electrical specifications Compliance GSM Release 6 Transmit GSM 1900 (PCS): 1850 to 1910 MHz GSM 1800 (DCS):1710 to 1785 MHz EGSM 900: 880 to 915 MHz GSM 850: 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA 2100 (Band I): 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA 1900 (Band II): 1850 to 1910 MHz WCDMA 850 (Band V): 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA 800 (Band VI): 830 to 840 MHz Receive GSM 1900 (PCS): 1930 to 1990 MHz GSM 1800 (DCS): 1805 to 1880 MHz EG
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide Environmental specifications 34 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 (non-operating).
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.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide • On board aircraft 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 Compass 888 USB modem is capable of transmitting sig‐ nals that could interfere 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 • International Commission on Non‐Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998, Guidelines for limiting exposure to time‐varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) Caution: The Compass 888 USB modem must be 1.0 cm or more from users during operation, to satisfy FCC /IC RF exposure requirements.
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide ference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Index Numerics frequency stability, 33 3G Watcher introduction, 25 launching, 25 G A account, 10 antenna icon, 26 C channel raster, 33 channel spacing, 33 clip, 23 Compass USB modem, inserting, 14 connect to the network, 15 coverage, 27 coverage area, 10 D data transmission, 27 device not available, 26 device not responding, 26 driver, 11 E EDGE connection status, 27 indicator, 27 electrical specifications, 33 envelope icon main window, 27 system tray, 27 environmental specifications, 34 error messag
Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide M Macintosh OSX support, 13 memory card, 9 memory required, 13 micro external memory card, 22 microSD, 9, 22 modem, inserting, 14 N network overview, 10 selection, 28 notebook computer clip, 23 O online help, 26 operating systems supported, 13 P power options, power up/down, 28 profile, 13, 15 R radio frequency specifications, 33 receive frequencies, 33 regulatory information, 35 requirements, software, 13 RF specifications, 33 roaming, 10 roaming indica
