Airlink Raven II User Manual
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AirLink Raven II CDPD Modem
User’s Manual
AirLink Communications, Inc.
August 9, 2001
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Copyright AirLink Communications, Inc, 1993-2001. All rights reserved.
Please send comments to:
email: pubs@AirLink.com
Fax: 510-226-4299
Phone: 510-226-4200
Post: AirLink Communications, Inc.
Attention: Technical Publications Dept.
472 Kato Terrace
Fremont, CA 94539
AirLink Tech Support can be reached at 510-226-4200 Mon-Fri 9:00a-5:00p Pacific Time.
Copyright 2001 AirLink Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................1
1.1 The CDPD Network.......................................................................................1
1.2 Modem LEDs: What They Mean ...................................................................2
2. Getting Started................................................................................................3
2.1 Contacting the CDPD Service Provider ........................................................3
2.2 Configuring the Modem.................................................................................3
2.2.1 Adding the Modem in Windows ..............................................................................4
2.2.2 Creating the PPP Connection..................................................................................8
2.3 Installing and Using Wireless ACE ............................................................14
2.4 Finding CDPD Service.................................................................................18
2.4.1 Registration Problems ...........................................................................................19
2.5 Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................20
3. Hardware Installation .................................................................................21
3.1 Mounting the Raven II ................................................................................21
4. Additional Information ...............................................................................26
4.1 Modem Technical Specifications .................................................................26
4.2 More Information......................................................................................... 27
Copyright 2001 AirLink Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
AirLink Raven II CDPD Modem
1. Introduction
This manual covers information for first-time setup and configuration of your
AirLink CDPD Raven II Modem, as well as technical details on this modem.
For detailed information on specific modem parameters please read the
AirLink Raven/PinPoint CDPD Modem User’s Manual. The parameters
for the Raven II are at this time identical to those of the Raven.
Updates to this manual and other manuals may be obtained online at:
http://ww.airlink.com/modems
User’s Manual
What is CDPD?
CDPD is a technology used to transmit packet data over cellular voice
networks. It is ideal for wireless applications. It is also more cost effective
than circuit-switched cellular data for small amounts of data. It provides
instantaneous response for data communications because there are no dialing
delays. Built-in encryption maintains the security of the application data over
the air.
1.1 The CDPD Network
Figure 1 – Raven II in CDPD Environment
AirLink Communications, Inc. August 9, 2001 Page 1
AirLink Raven II CDPD Modem
The Raven's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial
applications that require real-time communications. The Raven provides
wireless data communications for a variety of applications, such as oil and
gas monitoring, public safety, automated signs, financial transactions, and
security systems. It works with Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) from several
manufacturers (configuration instructions are detailed in the
Raven/PinPoint User’s Manual).
Front of Raven II Back of Raven II
1.2 Modem LEDs: What They Mean
When the modem is operating, the LEDs on the front panel provide the
following information. (see Finding CDPD Service
LED Description
Chan The unit has acquired a valid CDPD channel (solid), or is
scanning for CDPD channels (flashing).
Link A link has been established and a TEI (Temporary
Equipment Identifier) has been assigned.
Reg The unit is registered on the CDPD network (solid), or has
switched to a non-preferred side (flashing).
RSSI Flash patterns identify different RSSI levels in dBm:
TxRx The unit is transmitting/receiving blocks of data.
-69 and up
-70 to -79
-80 to -89
-90 to -99
-100 to -113
for more info):
Solid ON [best reception]
300 ms (fast blink)
600 ms (medium blink)
1200 ms (slow blink)
Off [worst reception]
Err Block errors on the forward or reverse channels.
Pwr The unit is powered on.
Page 2 AirLink Communications, Inc.
2. Getting Started
This section covers:
• Getting an IP address from a CDPD Service Provider.
• Setting up Windows to configure the modem with Wireless ACE.
• Reading the lights on the modem to ensure your connection is
working.
2.1 Contacting the CDPD Service Provider
The first step you must take before using your AirLink modem, is to contact a
CDPD Service Provider in your area. You will need to obtain the following
information from your Service Provider (or carrier):
• You need a CDPD account for each modem. The carrier will provide
an IP address for each account. You will need to give them the
modem’s Equipment ID (EID) which can be found on the label on top
of the modem.
User’s Manual
• Ask about Side Preference - Does your Service Provider provide
2.2 Configuring the Modem
Now that you have the IP address and Side Preference for your modem, you
will need to hook it up to a PC to configure the Raven II with the correct
parameters.
There are two ways to accomplish this:
The IP address is a valid Internet address and is matched up with
your unique EID.
service on the A-side or B-side? Is there another CDPD Service
Provider in your area?
If you have CDPD service on one side only and will not be using the
modem outside this area, set the side preference to A only or B only.
If the modem will be used in other areas and you want to use any
other CDPD service that is available, set your modem to "A-side
preferred or "B-side preferred." Ask your Service Provider about the
costs of using CDPD services other than them.
WARNING: Sometimes there are additional costs if you use a side
other than your carrier’s.
1. Use AT commands via a Terminal emulation program to configure
the modem (see Raven/PinPoint User’s Manual for further
instructions on this method).
2. Use Wireless ACE on a Windows computer to configure the modem.
This is the recommended method that is detailed in this manual.
AirLink Communications, Inc. August 9, 2001 Page 3
AirLink Raven II CDPD Modem
Wireless ACE needs a Dial-Up Networking (PPP) connection to talk to the
modem via Windows. Before configuring the PPP connection, first do the
following:
• Verify no other modems are installed that will conflict with your
AirLink modem, and verify there are no applications running that
will interfere with the COM port you are using. (See Adding the
Modem for more information.)
• TCP/IP must be installed on the system. Verify this by checking
Control Panel→→→→Network.
• Dial-Up Networking must be installed which provides the PPP
connection for communicating with your AirLink modem. You can
verify this by checking:
Control Panel→→→→ Add/Remove Programs→→→→ Windows
Setup→→→→ Communications→→→→ Dial-Up Networking
It should have a black checkmark next to it. If not, check the box.
You may be prompted for your Windows CD to install DUN. After
installation, you may have to reboot.
• Ensure you have a disk labeled "Modem Utilities" (or you have
previously installed another AirLink Product from a CD).
Otherwise you will be directed to various website links in this
manual for finding the files you will need.
Each of the following sections will walk you through how to do the above,
step-by-step, and get your Raven II working so you can begin using it.
The Dial-Up Networking (PPP) configuration in this manual uses
Windows ME (Millennium Edition) setup screens for examples. This
setup is very similar to a Windows 95/98 configuration.
For precise instructions on a particular Operating System setup please check
the Appendix of the Raven/PinPoint User’s Manual (available online at
http://www.airlink.com/modems
to our website instructions at http://www.airlink.com/help
Operating System you are installing on for step-by-step instructions online.
2.2.1 Adding the Modem in Windows
Your computer must have Windows ME (or some other version of Windows
for using Wireless ACE) and the computer must have an available serial
(COM) port to which you will attach your Raven II.
and select the Raven II support page), or go
and select the
Important: Ensure the serial or COM port you will be using on your
computer is available. Below are the items you can check so that your
AirLink modem will work properly in Windows.
• Do you have any software running that uses a COM port? Confirm
that the Windows computer that you are using does not have any
software loaded that may interfere with the COM port you're going to
use. For example, HotSync - software used for communicating with the
Page 4 AirLink Communications, Inc.
User’s Manual
PalmPilot can occupy the COM port even if you do not have your
PalmPilot connected to that COM port at this time.
Check any software that loads when your computer starts up - any
software that appears as an icon on your Windows Taskbar - and
Disable/Exit any applications that normally use a COM port.
• Do you have another modem installed? Older internal modems can
cause COM port conflicts. PC Card (PCMCIA) modems in laptops can
switch the COM port number of your built-in COM port. For example,
your built-in COM port is COM1, but when you install your PC Card
modem, that modem becomes COM1 and your built-in COM port becomes
COM2.
Remove your PC Card modem until you verify your AirLink Modem is
working, or ensure your internal modem won't be conflicting with the
COM port your AirLink modem is attached to.
• Infrared ports on laptops/desktops may cause similar conflicts. They too
can change the COM port number, or sometimes “share an interrupt”
with an existing COM port which can cause your serial port not to work
(since the IR port is usually active by default). Check your BIOS settings
or computer manual to disable this port, or ensure it will not be
conflicting.
Now setup the Raven II on the computer:
1. Plug in the AC adapter and attach it to the modem. Verify the Pwr
light is lit.
2. Attach the antenna to the modem.
3. Connect the PC to the modem with a standard DB-9 male connector
for the modem end, and a DB-9 or DB-25 on the other end for the PC.
The cable wiring should be straight through, not a null-modem cable.
(This cable may be provided with your modem.)
4. If you have previously installed another AirLink product (like ATS)
from a CD, then skip to step 6.
Insert your “Modem Utilities” disk into the computer. (Or download
the Windows modem driver from http://www.airlink.com/modems
5. Copy the file mdmarlnk.inf to the Windows' INF directory. Usually
this is "C:\Windows\Inf".
NOTE: This is a hidden directory and you will not see it with a
default configuration. Turn on the ability to view hidden files in your
Windows Explorer to see the directory. Select "Show all files" under
View→→→→Folder Options→→→→View.
6. Open Control Panel→→→→Modems→→→→Add. This brings up the "Install
New Modem" dialog box.
.)
7. Select Other then Next. This changes the dialog box.
8. Select "Don’t detect my modem….", then Next.
AirLink Communications, Inc. August 9, 2001 Page 5
AirLink Raven II CDPD Modem
9. A driver information database is built and a list of modems is
displayed. From the list of manufacturers, select AirLink. This
should display and highlight AirLink CDPD Modem.
10. Select Next. This should display a list of available COM ports.
11. Select the appropriate one, usually COM1, then Next.
12. You should see a dialog box telling you that "Your modem has been
set up successfully". Select Finish.
13. A list of installed modems will be displayed. AirLink CDPD Modem
should be one of them.
Page 6 AirLink Communications, Inc.
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