Compass 597 USB modem with User Guide 2130972 Rev 1.
Compass 597 USB 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.
Preface Limitation of Liability The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Trademarks AirCard and “Heart of the Wireless Machine” are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Watcher is a trademark of Sierra Wireless, registered in the European Community. Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, TRU‐Install, TRU‐Locate, and the red wave design are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Table of Contents Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide USB modem insertion and removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inserting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removing the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Watcher Lite Basics (Mac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Starting and closing Watcher Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Watcher Lite window . . . . . . . .
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Regulatory Information . . . .
1: Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem 1 Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless device is the Compass™ 597 USB modem from Sierra Wireless. This document does not apply, if you are using an AirCard® 595 PC Card, AirCard 595U USB modem, AirCard 597E ExpressCard, or a wireless device that is built into your computer.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Feature summary Note: For step-by-step instructions to access features of the modem, consult the online help available with the Watcher® software for Windows (page 38). The Compass USB modem is designed to provide a wide range of capabilities using CDMA network technology. Implemen‐ tation of these features depends on the particular service provider and account features you have chosen.
Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem TRU-Locate With TRU‐Locate™, you can use location‐based services (GPS) on your Windows computer to query, for example, the network for information on points of interest (POI) that are near your current location, or display driving instructions. Note: TRU-Locate is available on Windows only; subject to feature availability.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide • 1X supports Internet connections with data rates up to 153 Kbps. Actual speed depends on the network condi‐ tions. Once the connection is established, you can open your browser and connect to any web site that is accessible through the Internet, or access other Internet services (such as e‐mail). The connection is “active” when data transmission is occurring. If data transmission stops for a period of time (determined by the network), the connection becomes dormant.
Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem Package contents Your package contains the following components: • Compass 597 USB modem • Quick Start Guide • Carrying pouch • Lanyard • 7‐inch USB extension cable Note: Use only the supplied USB extension cable; other cables may not work with the modem. To install the Compass USB modem drivers and software, you do not need an installation CD. Your modem uses the Sierra Wireless TRU‐Install feature.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Every CDMA network operates on one of three radio frequency bands. As a dual‐band product, the modem operates on two of these bands (see page 50), providing a wide coverage area. The modem drivers and enabling software The modem drivers and enabling software (Watcher [Windows] or Watcher Lite [Mac]) monitor and manage your wireless connections.
Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem The CDMA wireless network Note: More information about CDMA networks is available on the CDMA Development Group web site, www.cdg.org. This is the worldwide infrastructure providing the radio coverage that allows you to stay connected. Made up of radio towers and a variety of network switches, routers, and servers, the network is an interconnection of many service providers. Note: Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
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2: Getting Started • The Compass 597 software • Account activation and configuration 2 Before you can begin using the modem, you must: 1. Insert the modem, to install the enabling software and drivers. 2. Activate an account and configure the modem to use your account (unless the modem has been pre‐activated). This section provides an overview of this process.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Configuring the modem involves setting the phone number assigned by your service provider and may involve entering other network parameters and settings such as a user name and password to access services. Your service provider needs to know: • The billing information to use to collect payment for your network usage. • The ESN (Electronic Serial Number) or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) assigned to your modem during the manufacturing process.
3: Installation System requirements Installation (Windows) Installation (Mac) Inserting the modem Removing the modem Using the USB extension cable • Using a microSD card • Using an external antenna 3 • • • • • • This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to install the modem on a notebook or desktop computer. The basic steps are: 1. Insert the modem into the USB slot (page 22) to install the modem drivers and software. 2.
Installation Mac requirements The USB modem is supported on these Mac computers running Mac OS X version 10.4 or newer: • MacBook™ • MacBook Air™ • MacBook Pro • PowerBook® G4 • Power Mac® G5 • desktop iMac To check your version of Mac OS X, from the Apple menu ( ) choose About This Mac. If your version is earlier than 10.4, then you must upgrade to version 10.4 or newer. Contact an Apple reseller, an Apple retail store, or visit www.apple.com/store.
Installation 4. If the Open With... window appears, cancel the installation (your computer is missing some files required for the installation). Search for Instmsiw.exe (if you’re running Windows 2000) among the downloads at www.microsoft.com. Install the file on your computer, remove the modem from your computer, then rerun the installation. 5. If the Ikernel Application Error window appears: a) Cancel the installation. b) Download the file: http://support.installshield.
Installation Installing on a Mac computer To install Watcher Lite and the modem drivers: Note: Do not forcefully insert the modem. This may damage the connector pins. 1. Insert the modem into your USB slot (as described in “Inserting the modem” on page 22). 2. In the Finder™ window, double‐click SierraWirelessWatcherLite.mpkg. 3. In the “Welcome to the Sierra Wireless Watcher Lite Installer” window, click Continue. 4. In the “Standard Install on ...” window, click Install. 5.
Installation Warning: If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the modem’s end or side (as shown by the red circle in the drawing below), 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 USB extension cable instead. See “Using the USB extension cable” on page 24.
Installation 4. Click the Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device (Windows Vista or Windows XP) or Stop USB Mass Storage Device (Windows 2000) entry for the USB modem. 5. If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to remove the device, click OK. 6. If you’re running Windows 2000, click Stop Sierra Wireless Compass 597 EVDO Network Adapter. 7. Pull the modem out of the slot by gripping both sides of the modem and pulling the modem straight out. Mac To remove the modem: 1.
Installation Note: Using microSD cards larger than 32 GB can cause data loss and damage your modem. Inserting the microSD card To insert the microSD card: 1 1. Gently flip open the tab (labelled “microSD”) on the side of the modem (1). 2. Hold the modem with the LEDs facing up. 3. Gently insert the microSD card (label facing up—see the above photo) into the slot on the side of the modem (2) until the microSD card clicks into place.
Installation 3. Using your fingernail or a thin blunt object, gently press the microSD card in and then release; it should partially pop out of its slot, as shown in the photo. 4. Remove the microSD card and store it in a safe place. 5. Close the tab over the microSD card of the modem. Using an external antenna You can improve the signal strength, by attaching an external antenna (sold separately). The recommended antenna is the 5‐band blade antenna with SMK connector, available from www.
4: Activation • Account configuration procedures • Activating on a Windows computer • Activating on a Mac computer 4 Account configuration procedures The final step to making the modem operational is configuring it to use your CDMA service provider account. The process of activation configures your modem with the required account parameters (phone number, username, password, and so on). If you purchased a pre‐activated modem, this step is not necessary.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide 3. If the Automated Activation option is not available, select Manual Activation and go to “Manual activation” (below). 4. Select the Automated Activation option. The activation progress is displayed in the Activation Wiz‐ ard window. If the process is successful, the window dis‐ plays “Activation successful”. Note: If the window does not display “Activation successful”, retry the process.
Activation 3. If a window appears, prompting you to enter your password, enter your Mac password, and then click OK. Watcher Lite displays a status message or the “Activation Assistant” window. 4. Use the following table to determine your next actions. Table 4-1: Text/window displayed, and your next action Text/window displayed Description/next action “Disconnected” Your device is preactivated. You are ready to connect to the network. Proceed to “Watcher Lite window” on page 42.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Activation Assistant If your device is not activated, use the Activation Assistant: 1. From the Extras item on the Sierra Wireless Watcher menu, choose Activation. 2. In the Activation Assistant window, click Continue. 3. Ensure you have the items listed on the screen, and phone your service provider. Inform them that you are activating a Sierra Wireless wireless device. 4. Follow the instructions of your service provider to activate your device.
5: Watcher Basics (Windows) • Starting and closing Watcher • Components of the Watcher Window • Interpreting icons • GPS Monitor window • Online Help • Warranty • Troubleshooting 5 Watcher is the Windows application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the modem and the CDMA network.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide The standard Windows control buttons in the upper right corner of the window are used to minimize or close Watcher. When minimized, Watcher does not appear as a taskbar button. Instead, an icon is shown in the system tray, usually at the right end of the taskbar. (See “Minimized icons” on page 36.
Watcher Basics (Windows) Window controls • The Minimize button closes the Watcher window but leaves the application running. When Watcher is minimized, you can use the Watcher icon in the system tray to determine the modem status. (See “Minimized icons” on page 36.) This icon replaces a taskbar button for Watcher. Once minimized, you can redisplay the Watcher window by doing one of the following: · Clicking the Watcher icon in the system tray.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Interpreting icons Watcher makes extensive use of icons to indicate status and events. The various icons are described in the following sections on the display areas of Watcher. Connection Status Area The Connection Status Area uses the icons shown in the following table. Table 5-1: Connection Status Area icons Icon Meaning Modem not detected.
Watcher Basics (Windows) Table 5-1: Connection Status Area icons (continued) 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 roaming. Your coverage area and account charges depend upon your service provider and the type of account you have.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Indicator area The Indicator area displays an icon that notifies you when you receive SMS messages, and an icon that reflects the GPS status (subject to feature availability; network operator dependent). Table 5-2: Indicator Area icons Icon Meaning The SMS message indicator shows whether you have unread messages. A blinking icon indicates that there are one or more urgent or important unread messages.
Watcher Basics (Windows) Only one icon can be displayed at a time. The priority of icons, from highest to lowest, is: • No modem detected • SMS message(s) • Active or inactive connection. For example, if you have unread SMS messages, and then establish a data connection, the icon still displays as an unread SMS message. GPS Monitor window The GPS Monitor window reports GPS data from your modem.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide • GPS port — port used for GPS activity. • Updated — date/time that the GPS values were last acquired. The display format is based on your Control Panel settings in Windows.
Watcher Basics (Windows) Troubleshooting The online help includes descriptions of most common error messages. Look in the table of contents under Troubleshooting. For help with other problems: Document 2130972. Rev 1.0 Apr.08 • Consult the Sierra Wireless web site at www.sierrawireless.com, where you will find an extensive knowledge base that can be searched to address most problems. • Contact your service provider.
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6: Watcher Lite Basics (Mac) • Starting and closing Watcher Lite • Watcher Lite window • Watcher Lite menu options • Connecting to the network • Displaying your phone number and ESN • Security • Powering the modem off • Warranty • Troubleshooting • Uninstalling the Watcher Lite software 6 Watcher Lite is the Mac application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the modem and the CDMA network.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Watcher Lite window The window has two areas that display messages and icons: the Message Area, and Indicator Area. These areas are shown in Figure 6‐1 that follows.
Watcher Lite Basics (Mac) Table 6-1: Watcher Lite icons and text (continued) Icon/text Meaning Rx Amount of data received from the network. Tx Amount of data transmitted to the network. Connection states The Watcher Lite window can display various connection and interaction states, including: • No device detected • Not activated • Updating User Profile • Disconnected • Connecting • Connected • Device is Locked No device detected Watcher Lite did not detect the modem.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Connected The connection is established. In addition to the signal strength icon ( ), coverage indicator ( ), and roaming icon ( ), the amount of time you’ve been connected and the amount of data received (Rx) and transmitted (Tx) are also displayed. (See the note on page 45.) To end the connection, click Disconnect. Device is Locked The modem is locked, so that others cannot use the modem and your account. To use most of the features, you must unlock the modem (page 47).
Watcher Lite Basics (Mac) Connecting to the network To connect to the network: 1. In the Watcher Lite window, click Connect. Once you’re connected to the network, Watcher Lite displays “Connected,” the amount of time you’ve been connected, and the amount of data received (Rx) and transmitted (Tx). Note: In some cases, the Connect button can establish a connection to the network, even if the button seems unavailable.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Initial lock code The initial lock code value is determined by your service provider. For service provider configurations that do not require account activation, a default lock code is set at the factory to a value determined by the service provider. For assistance, contact your service provider.
Watcher Lite Basics (Mac) When the modem is locked, Watcher Lite displays “Device is Locked.” The Connect button is unavailable. Unlocking the modem When the modem is locked, Watcher Lite displays “Device is Locked.” To unlock the modem: 1. If the “Unlock Device” window is not displayed: from the Extras item on the Sierra Wireless Watcher menu, choose Unlock Device. 2. In the “Unlock Device” window, enter the lock code (PIN), and click OK.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Warranty The Sierra Wireless warranty is installed as a PDF file on your Mac desktop. Troubleshooting • Consult the Sierra Wireless web site at www.sierrawireless.com, where you will find an extensive knowledge base that can be searched to address most problems. • Contact your service provider. Uninstalling the Watcher Lite software Note: As part of the software removal process you will be prompted to restart your computer; save any open documents.
7: Technical Specifications • LED operation • Radio frequency and electrical specifications • Environmental specifications 7 This chapter describes the function of the LEDs, and provides technical product data for the USB modem. LED operation The modem has two LED lights. The LEDs operate as follows: Table 7-1: LED operation LED Document 2130972. Rev 1.0 Apr.08 State Indicates Off The modem has no power.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide Table 7-1: LED operation LED State Indicates Off No service is available. See the suggestions for “Amber, blinking” on page 49. Amber, blinking 1X coverage is detected. Ready to connect to the network (click Connect). Amber, not blinking The modem is connected to the 1X network, and can send or receive data. Blue, blinking 1x-EVDO coverage (Rev. 0 or Rev. A) is detected. Ready to connect to the network (click Connect).
Technical Specifications Table 7-2: Radio frequency and electrical specifications (continued) Frequency stability ±150 Hz Environmental specifications Table 7-3: Environmental specifications Document 2130972. Rev 1.0 Apr.08 Operating temperature -20 to +55°C Storage temperature -40 to +85°C Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes.
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8: Regulatory Information • Important safety/ compliance information 8 Important safety/compliance information The design of the Compass 597 USB modem complies with U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) guidelines respecting safety levels of radio frequency (RF) exposure for portable devices, which in turn are consistent with the following safety standards previ‐ ously set by Canadian, U.S. and international standards bodies: • ANSI / IEEE C95.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide WARNING: If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the modem’s end or side, 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 USB extension cable instead.
Regulatory Information If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall be subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227‐7013 for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227‐19 for civilian agency contracts or any successor regulations.
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Appendix A: Glossary 1X One Times Radio Transmission Technology (the ʺone timesʺ refers to the frequency spectrum). Supports Internet connections with data rates up to 153 Kbps. Actual speed depends on the network conditions. Compare to 1x‐EVDO. 1x-EVDO A high‐speed standard for cellular packet data communica‐ tions. A Rev. A supports Internet connections with data rates up to 3.1 Mbps (downlink from the network) and 1.8 Mbps (uplink to the network). Rev.
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide FCC Federal Communications Commission—The U.S. federal agency that is responsible for interstate and foreign communi‐ cations. 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. GPS Global Positioning System—A system that uses a series of 24 geosynchronous satellites to provide navigational data.
Glossary roaming SMS system tray TIA VPN Document 2130972. Rev 1.0 Apr.08 A cellular subscriber is in an area where service is obtained from a cellular service provider that is not the subscriber’s provider. 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).
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Index Numerics 1X description, 12 icon, Mac, 42 icon, Windows, 34 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 50 1x‐EVDO description, 11 icon (Mac), 42 icon (Windows), 34 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 50 3G description, 11 A About ...
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide E I electrical specifications, 50 Electronic Serial Number (ESN) description, 18 view (Mac), 45 EMI warning, 54 environmental specifications, 51 ESN (Electronic Serial Number) description, 18 view (Mac), 45 EVDO description, 11 icon (Mac), 42 icon (Windows), 34 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 50 extension cable, 24 external antenna, 26 icons connection status (Windows), 34 coverage (Mac), 42 coverage (Windows), 34 GPS (Windows only), 36 indicator area (Mac), 42 indicator a
Index M Q Mac QNC, 12 Quick Net Connect (QNC), 12 activation of modem/account, 28 software (Watcher Lite), 41 system requirements, 20 Mac OS X, 19 Mac software (Watcher Lite) overview, 41 areas in the window, 42 connection states, 43 indicators, 42 installing, 22 menu options, 44 starting, 41 text, 42 uninstalling, 48 map of your current location, 38 MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier), 18 memory card (microSD card), 24 menu options, Mac, 44 message area (Mac), 42 microSD card inserting, 25 removing, 25
Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide temperature, 51 tips, operating (Windows), 38 tracking session, 38 troubleshooting Mac, 48 Windows, 39 TRU‐Install, 10 TRU‐Locate, 11 Turn ...
