USB 598 Modem with User Guide (Windows) 2131176 Rev 2
USB 598 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.
USB 598 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‐Locate, and the red wave design are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. gpsOne is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated.
Table of Contents Introducing the USB 598 modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Wireless modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 TRU-Install . . . . . . . . . .
USB 598 modem - User Guide Using a microSD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Inserting the microSD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Removing the microSD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Account configuration procedures. .
1: Introducing the USB 598 modem 1 • • • • • Welcome Feature summary Package contents System components Care and maintenance of your modem Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless device is the USB 598 modem from Sierra Wireless. Welcome The Sierra Wireless USB 598 modem is a wireless USB modem for cellular and PCS networks, and the GPS frequency band.
USB 598 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 (page 34). The 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 USB 598 modem Your modem requires an unobstructed view of GPS satellites (in the sky), and, like any other GPS device, might not perform well within forested areas or near tall buildings. Depending on your account, you may be charged for each position fix or after you have performed a certain number of fixes. For details, contact your service provider.
USB 598 modem - User Guide • Circuit switched (dial‐up) data, using the earlier CDMA IS‐95 specification, supports data connections to any dial‐ in service at rates up to 14.4 Kbps. • QNC (Quick Net Connect) provides a simplified way to dial into an Internet connection (using circuit switched data) where 3G (1xEV‐DO or 1X) high‐speed packet service is not available. • SMS (Short Message Service) allows you to send and receive short text messages using the modem.
Introducing the USB 598 modem Package contents Your package contains the following items: • USB 598 modem • Quick Start Guide • USB extension cable • Laptop clip • Carrying pouch • Lanyard Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied USB extension cable and laptop clip; other cables and laptop clips should not be used. To install the modem drivers and software, you do not need an installation CD. Your modem uses the Sierra Wireless TRU‐Install feature.
USB 598 modem - User Guide The USB modem The modem provides your computer with a connection to the CDMA wireless network. The modem fits into a USB slot available on most notebook and desktop computers. 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 36), providing a wide coverage area.
Introducing the USB 598 modem The process of setting up your account is called activation. Activation involves action by the service provider and configu‐ ration of the modem. The procedure to configure (activate) your modem is covered in “Activation” on page 25. 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.
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2: Getting Started • The USB 598 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.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Your service provider may need 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. (The ESN or MEID is printed on a label on the modem and can be displayed in the software.) This number is used to help authenticate your account when you connect for service.
3: Installation • System requirements • Installing the modem and software • Removing the modem • Using the USB extension cable and laptop clip • Using a microSD card 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 to install the modem drivers and software. 2.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Installing the modem and software Note: If you’re running Windows XP, you may require administrative privileges, depending on the Windows XP installation. If you’re running Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows 2000, you must be logged in with administrative privileges to install the modem software. If you’re running Windows 2000, your computer might be restarted, as part of the installation process; save any open documents.
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 supplied USB extension cable and the supplied laptop clip instead (see page 21). 4.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Windows detects the modem and installs the drivers for it. This may take a few minutes. Once completed, the system tray may display the message “Your devices are ready to use“ or “Your new hardware is installed and ready to use”: 10. If you are prompted to restart your computer: a) Save any open documents. b) Select the option to restart your computer. c) Wait until your computer restarts and Windows is ready. 11.
Installation Using the USB extension cable and laptop clip Optionally, you can use the provided USB extension cable and laptop clip. The laptop clip fits on top of your laptop screen and holds your modem. This allows you to use your modem in crowded spaces. Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied USB extension cable and laptop clip; other cables and laptop clips should not be used. To connect the USB extension cable and laptop clip: 1.
USB 598 modem - User Guide 5. Place the laptop clip, with the modem in it, on top of your laptop screen, as shown in the photo below. Using a microSD card Your computer recognizes the microSD card as a removable storage device. Note: If your microSD card has not been formatted, or is in a format that your computer does not recognize, you will need to format the microSD card before you can use it on your Windows computer.
Installation 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. Removing the microSD card To remove the microSD card: 1. Ensure youʹve completed any file transfers. 2.
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4: Activation • Account configuration procedures 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. Once the application software and drivers are installed, the modem is ready for use.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Note: If the window does not display “Activation successful”, retry the process. If the process continues to fail, use manual activation (below) or contact your service provider. At this point your modem is ready to use. Proceed to “Watcher Basics” on page 27. Manual activation Manual activation involves phoning your service provider, exchanging information, and entering your account infor‐ mation into the appropriate fields in the wizard.
5: Watcher Basics • Starting and closing Watcher • Components of the Watcher Window • Interpreting icons • GPS Monitor window • Online Help • Warranty • Troubleshooting 5 Watcher is the application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the modem and the CDMA network.
USB 598 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 32.
Watcher Basics 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 32.) This icon replaces a taskbar button for Watcher.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Table 5-1: Watcher icons (continued) Icon Meaning Modem detected but not connected to the network. Modem detected and connected to the network. The Signal Strength indicator uses bars to show the intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars increases as signal strength increases, to a maximum of five bars.
Watcher Basics Table 5-1: Watcher 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. There may be surcharges for roaming service.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Minimized icons Watcher displays an icon in the Windows system tray (which is usually located in the lower right corner of your screen). The system tray icon indicates your connection status or notifies you when you have SMS messages. Table 5-2: System tray icons Icon Meaning Watcher cannot detect the modem. Ensure that the modem is powered on, not locked, and properly connected to your computer. You are in service on the network but have no active data connection.
Watcher Basics The modem must have a fix on at least four satellites to report latitude, longitude, altitude, velocity and heading. (The status bar at the bottom of the GPS Monitor window indicates how many satellites are being tracked.) To open the GPS Monitor window, in Watcher: 1. Click the Menu button and select Display GPS. ‐ or ‐ Click the Display GPS button . ‐ or ‐ Double‐click the GPS icon in the main Watcher window (network operator dependent; this icon may not be available).
USB 598 modem - User Guide Online Help The Watcher and GPS Monitor applications include extensive online help to provide operating hints and step‐by‐step instructions for getting the most from your modem. You can access online help in several ways: • Press in any window. • In Watcher, click the Menu button and select Help Topics, or click the Help Topics button (displays the online Help of Watcher).
6: Technical Specifications • LED operation • Radio frequency and electrical specifications • Environmental specifications 6 This chapter describes the function of the LEDs, and provides technical product data for the modem. LED operation The modem has two LED lights. The LEDs operate as follows: Table 6-1: LED operation LED State Indicates Off The modem has no power, or the LED has been disabled through the software. Check whether any of the following apply: • You have powered off the modem.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Table 6-1: LED operation (continued) LED State Indicates Off No service is available. See the suggestions for “Amber, blinking” on page 35. 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 Environmental specifications Table 6-3: Environmental specifications Document 2131176. Rev 2 Feb.11 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. Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours (non-operating).
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7: Regulatory Information • Important safety/ compliance information 7 Important safety/compliance information Note: This USB modem is approved for use in normal-size laptop computers only (typically with 12" or larger display screens). To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, this modem should not be used in configurations that cannot maintain at least 12 mm (~0.5") from users and bystanders.
USB 598 modem - User Guide other antenna or transmitter that has not been approved to operate in conjunction with this modem. Note: This USB modem must not be used in any unapproved configurations. For details, contact Sierra Wireless. 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.
Regulatory Information Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélec‐ triques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur: ʺAppareils Numériquesʺ, NMB‐003 édictée par le ministre des Communi‐ cations. 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.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Note: If this modem is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093.
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.
USB 598 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. firmware Software stored in ROM or EEPROM; essential programs that remain even when the system is turned off.
Glossary SMS system tray TIA VPN Document 2131176. Rev 2 Feb.11 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, 9 icon, 30 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 36 1x‐EVDO description, 9 icon, 30 LED ‐ coverage is detected, 36 3G description, 9 contact information, 4 coverage description, 13 indicator, 30 CSD (circuit switched data) description, 10 current location get, 33 map of, 33 D data A account configuration, 25 activation automated, 25 manual, 26 altitude, 33 approvals, 36 automated activation, 25 auto‐update, 10 B bands, frequency, 12 C cable, USB extension, 21 care and maintenance,
USB 598 modem - User Guide full view toggle button, 29 G GPS overview, 8 GPS Monitor window, 32 icon, 31 port number, GPS, 33 GPS Monitor window, 32 H hardware memory card (microSD card), 22 modem, removing, 20 hazards, 2 help, online, 34 help, troubleshooting, 34 HEPE (Horizontal Estimated Position Error), 33 high‐speed packet data, 9 Horizontal Estimated Position Error (HEPE), 33 humidity, 37 I icons minimized, 32 system tray, 32 See also indicators.
Index R T radio frequency specifications, 36 regulatory information, 39 requirements, system, 17 roaming definition, 13 indicator, 31 taskbar icons, 32 temperature, 37 text messaging indicator, 31 tips, operating, 34 tracking session, 33 traveling speed, 33 troubleshooting, 34 TRU‐Install, 8 TRU‐Locate, 8 See also GPS.
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