Inseego NVWFB2C Users Manual

User Guide

Freedom Box 200C

Wireless Ruggedized Modem

Warning: You must install the modem software before inserting the FB200C modem.
TM
For Windows 2000 and XP
Notice: Restricted Proprietary Information
© Copyright Novatel Wireless Inc. (2003)
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Novatel Wireless Inc. unless such commitment is expressly given in a covering document.
Novatel Wireless Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding this document, its merchantability, or its fitness, for any particular purpose.
Microsoft
®
and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names and product names used in this document are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
The Novatel Wireless logo and Freedom Box 200C are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.
Produced in the USA.
Table of Contents 3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Technical Support

Safety and Regulatory Notices .............................................................................................................. 3
Regulatory Notices................................................................................................................................. 3
Technical Support .................................................................................................................................. 3
System Requirements............................................................................................................................ 3
FB200C Overview and Installation............................................................ 5
FB200C front panel................................................................................................................................ 5
FB200C Rear Panel............................................................................................................................... 6
Connecting the power cable .................................................................................................................. 7
Installing the Wireless Connection Manager Software on Windows ....9
Uninstalling the Wireless Connection Manager Software .................................................................... 12
Getting Started With the Wireless Connection Manager...................... 13
Connecting to the Network................................................................................................................... 13
Disconnecting From the Network......................................................................................................... 17
Quitting the Wireless Connection Manager Application....................................................................... 17
System Tray Icons ............................................................................................................................... 18
Getting to Know the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows ...... 19
The Wireless Connection Manager Main Window ............................................................................... 19
The Modem Configuration Window...................................................................................................... 20
The Modem Properties Window........................................................................................................... 21
The Detailed Status Report Window.................................................................................................... 23
The About Wireless Connection Manager Window ............................................................................. 24
Additional Menu Commands................................................................................................................ 25

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a Connection Failure ................................................................................................. 27
Error Messages.................................................................................................................................... 28
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................................................ 29
Index.......................................................................................................... 31
Manual Revision A for Windows
4 Table of Contents
Manual Revision A for Windows
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Technical Support —

Technical Support

Safety and Regulatory Notices

This product is not to be used in any environment where radio frequency equipment is prohibited or restricted in its use. To ensure that your modem is deactivated you should remove it from your computer under the above conditions.

Regulatory Notices

Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been certified to comply within the limits of a class B digital device pursuant to part 15 and 24 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential situations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not properly installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off. You are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the television, radio or cordless telephone.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.

Technical Support

If you have any questions or comments about your FB200C, please contact the Novatel Wireless Inc. Customer Support team.
WWW: http://www.novatelwireless.com/support/index.html
Email: support@novatelwireless.com
Phone: 1 (888) 888-9231

System Requirements

The following items are required to set up and use your FB200C modem:
Pentium 90 processor or higher.
Windows 2000 or XP
•64MB RAM
16MB hard drive space.
Manual Revision A for Windows
Technical Support —
CD-ROM drive.
the Wireless Connection Manager software, included with your FB200C modem, and
a user account, including a User Name and Password, from a network carrier with PCS CDMA 1X service.
To purchase a user account, please contact network carrier. For a list of network service provider please email Novatel Wireless at support@novatelwireless.com or call 1 (888) 888-9231.
Manual Revision A for Windows
7

FB200C Overview and Installation

This section provides an overview of the modem box and installation instructions.

FB200C front panel

The FB200C front panel has power, service, and data status indicators and a reset button as shown on Figure 1.
Figure 1 FB200C Front Panel
Indicator/Button Function
Reset Reset button for the FB200C.
Power The power LED indicates power is on when lit.
Service The service LED indicates that the FB200C has acquired
network service.
Data The data LED indicates data activity between the
FB200C and the host computer.
Manual Revision A for Windows
8

FB200C Rear Panel

The rear panel of the FB200C is where the power, communication port, and antenna cables are connected. This is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 FB200C Rear Panel
Connector Description
12V DC Power cable plugs into this connector. The input supply
should be between 10 to 18 Volts DC.
Serial RS232 connector for modem main port. When using this
port, the modem acts as a AT modem. The Serial port is disconnected when an active USB port is connected.
USB USB modem port. When using the USB port, the host
computer will have additional modem status information not available when using the serial connector. USB must be used when using Windows Connection Manager.
Antenna TNC antennae connector for external mount antennae.
Manual Revision A for Windows
9

Connecting the power cable

The FB200C comes supplied with a power cable as illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Power cable
Wire Color Functionality
Green This wire is the positive terminal for the modem. The
modem is designed to be always on when power is applied. Connect the green wire to vehicle IGN (IGNI­TION) if you only want the modem on when vehicle is on. Connect the green wire to an always on fuse protected cir­cuit connection to have modem always on.
Black Ground
Manual Revision A for Windows
10
Manual Revision A for Windows
11

Installing the Wireless Connection Manager Software on Windows

This section guides you step-by-step through the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows installation procedure.
Once you have completed the set up and installation process, you will be able to use your FB200C Modem with your Internet applications.
Warning: This application is only supported by Windows 2000 and XP
To install the Wireless Connection Manager onto your laptop or notebook computer:
1. Insert the Installation CD into the CD-ROM drive of your desktop computer. Run the installation program WirelessConnectionManagerVx.xx.xx.exe.
2. Follow the instructions displayed on screen to begin installing the Wireless Connection Manager software. The Welcome window will appear, shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Welcome Window
Manual Revision A for Windows
12
3. Read the information displayed on screen and click Next to continue. The Novatel Wireless License Agreement will appear.
4. Read the agreement and select I read and agree to the above terms.
5. Click Next to continue. The Start Copying Files window will appear, shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Start Copying Files Window
Manual Revision A for Windows
13
6. If you would like to review or change an installation setting, click Back. If you are satisfied with the installation settings click Next to continue. The Installation Complete window will appear, shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Installation Complete Window
7. Click Finish to exit the Installation program. The Install window will appear, shown in Figure
4.
Figure 4 Install Window
8. Click OK to restart your computer.
9. Once your computer has rebooted, make sure the modem is powered on by checking to make sure the Power indicator is ON. Connect the FB200C’s USB cable into the computer’s USB port. Windows will automatically detect and install the necessary modem drivers in order to operate the FB200C modem.
10. When Windows has finished installing the FB200C modem drivers, you can access the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the shortcut icon that has been placed on your computer’s desktop.
Manual Revision A for Windows
14

Uninstalling the Wireless Connection Manager Software

To uninstall the Wireless Connection Manager application, select Start -> Programs -> Novatel Wireless -> Wireless Connection Manager -> Wireless Connection Manager Uninstall. The
Uninstall wizard will open, and guide you through removing the Wireless Connection Manager program from your computer or by using the Windows Control panel and selecting "Add or Remove Programs".
Manual Revision A for Windows
15

Getting Started With the Wireless Connection Manager

The Wireless Connection Manager application allows you to monitor and control the operation of your FB200C modem.
This section explains the basic steps required to operate the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows.

Connecting to the Network

In order to use your Internet applications, your modem must first establish a network connection.
To connect to the network:
1. Launch the Wireless Connection Manager application by double-clicking the Wireless Connection Manager icon, located on your desktop.
2. From the Wireless Connection Manager Main window, click Connect. See Figure 1.
Figure 1 Wireless Connection Manager Main Window
Manual Revision A for Windows
16
3. If this is the first time you have attempted to connect to the network, the Wireless Connection Manager will walk you through the 5 step activation process. See Figure 2.
Figure 2 Welcome Message
4. Click Next. The Activation Information window will appear, as shown in Figure 3.
Manual Revision A for Windows
Figure 3 Activation Information Window
17
5. Click Next. When the enterprise administrator provides you with the activation code, enter the number as indicated in Figure 4.
Figure 4 Activation code window
6. Click Next. Enter the phone number and MSID given by the Customer Solutions Advocate as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 MDN and MSID window
Manual Revision A for Windows
18
7. Click Next. The FB200C modem is activated properly when you see the successful activation window as shown in Figure 6. Click Finish to close activation window.
Figure 6 successful activation window
8. The modem's network connection status will be displayed in the Modem status bar, highlighted in Figure 7.
Figure 7 Modem Status Bar
If the modem is unable to connect to the network, check the modem’s signal strength as displayed in the Signal Strength status bar. The greater the number of green bars present, the stronger the signal strength. If the signal strength is poor, try changing your location in order to pick up a stronger signal.
Manual Revision A for Windows
19

Disconnecting From the Network

To disconnect your modem from the network, click Disconnect from the Wireless Connection Manager Main window, shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8 Disconnect Button
To disconnect from the network and close the Wireless Connection Manager application, click the
located in the top-right corner of the Wireless Connection Manager Main window.
Alternately, you can select Exit from the Modem menu.

Quitting the Wireless Connection Manager Application

To quit the Wireless Connection Manager application, click the located in the top-right corner of the Wireless Connection Manager main window.
Alternately, you can select Exit from the File menu, shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9 Exit Command
Manual Revision A for Windows
20
The modem will terminate its network connection, and the Wireless Connection Manager application will shut down.

System Tray Icons

When you launch the Wireless Connection Manager application, a system tray icon will appear in the bottom-right corner of your desktop. These tray icons provide easy access to the Wireless Connection Manager Main window and the modem’s connection status.
The following icons indicate the modem’s connection status:
- If this icon is visible, the modem is currently connected to the network.
- If this icon is visible, the modem is not connected to the network.
If the Wireless Connection Manager window is not visible, double-click the tray icon to open it.
Alternately, you can control the operation of the Wireless Connection Manager by right-clicking the tray icon and selecting an action from the pop-up menu.
Manual Revision A for Windows
21

Getting to Know the Wireless Connection Manager for Windows

This section introduces the various windows and menu commands that are contained in the Wireless Connection Manager application for Windows.

The Wireless Connection Manager Main Window

When you launch the Wireless Connection Manager application for Windows, the Main window will open, shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Wireless Connection Manager Main Window
The Wireless Connection Manager main window consists of the following items:
Duration Field This field indicates how long the modem has been con-
nected to the network.
Bytes Sent Field This field indicates the amount of data (bytes) the
modem has sent during the current network session.
Bytes Received Field This field indicates the amount of data (bytes) the
modem has received during the current network ses­sion.
Signal Strength Sta­tus Bar
Modem Status Bar This status bar displays the modem’s network connec-
This status bar indicates the modem’s signal strength. If adequate signal strength is present, a number of the five bars will be shaded green.
tion status.
Manual Revision A for Windows
22

The Modem Configuration Window

To access the Modem Configuration window, shown in Figure 2, select Configuration from the Modem menu.
Figure 2 Modem Configuration Window
The following fields are displayed in the Modem Configuration window:
Network Service Field This value directs the modem to attempt to connect only
with your service provide’s network. This is a read-only field and cannot be altered.
Receive Next Call As Field
Current System Time Field
Current CDMA Time Field
Show Connection Properties While Con­necting Check Box
Data Only - This value directs the modem to receive the next call as packet data only. This is a read-only field and cannot be altered.
This field displays the current system time as displayed on your computer’s desktop.
This field displays the time as indicated by the CDMA base station.
Select this check box if you wish to see the Connection Properties window the next time you attempt to connect to the network.
Manual Revision A for Windows
23

The Modem Properties Window

To access the Modem Properties window, select Properties from the Modem menu
.
Figure 3 Modem Properties Window
The information contained in this window is useful for Customer Support in diagnosing problems you may experience while using your modem.
Manual Revision A for Windows
24
The following fields are contained in the Modem Properties window:
User Name This field displays your network user name.
Mobile Identification Number
This field displays your modem’s Mobile Identification Number. This number is used by the CDMA base station to identify your modem.
ESN (HEX) This field displays your modem’s Electronic Serial Num-
ber (ESN). The ESN is a unique number given to each modem as a means of identification.
PRL Version This field displays your modem’s Preferred Roaming List
(PRL) version. The PRL is a list of networks your modem would prefer to connect with.
Firmware Version This field displays the firmware version your modem
uses.
Hardware Version This field displays the hardware version your modem
uses.
Modem Type This field displays the type of modem core your modem
uses.
Manufacturer This field displays the name of the firmware manufactur-
ing company.
Manual Revision A for Windows
25

The Detailed Status Report Window

To access the Detailed Status Report window, select Detailed Status Report from the Tools menu.
The Detailed Status Report window contains two tabs; the General and History tabs.
Figure 4 General Tab
The General tab, shown in Figure 4, is displayed by default and contains the following items:
Modem Status Bar This status bar displays the modem’s network connec-
tion status.
Total Bytes Trans­ferred Field
Bytes Sent Field This field displays the total number of bytes sent, during
Bytes Received Field This field displays the total number of bytes received
Date Byte Totals Were Last Cleared Field
This field displays the total number of bytes, both sent and received, during the current network session.
the current network session.
during the current network session.
This field displays the date the byte totals were last cleared.
Manual Revision A for Windows
26
The History tab, shown in Figure 5, displays the date, time, and current modem and network session activities. This tab is useful when attempting to diagnose problems with either your modem or network connection.
Figure 5 History Tab

The About Wireless Connection Manager Window

To access the About Wireless Connection Manager window, shown in Figure 6, select About Wireless Connection Manager from the Help menu.
Figure 6 About Wireless Connection Manager Window
This window contains information about the Wireless Connection Manager application, including:
The software version
The date the software was released
The copyright information
Manual Revision A for Windows
27

Additional Menu Commands

The following menu commands are also available from the Wireless Connection Manager application.
Clear Bytes Command
To clear the modem’s total bytes counted, select Clear Bytes from the Tools menu.
All byte totals counted, either sent or received, by the modem during the current network session will be cleared.
The modem’s byte totals are displayed in the General tab of the Detailed Status Report window, shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 Total Bytes Counter
Always on Top Command
To keep the Wireless Connection Manager window on top of all other windows, select Always on Top from the Window menu, as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8 Always on Top Command
Manual Revision A for Windows
28
Note: Click Always on Top a second time to disable this command.
Hide Window Command
To hide the Wireless Connection Manager window, select Hide Window from the Window menu, as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9 Hide Window Command
The Wireless Connection Manager window will be minimized to the system tray icon .
Double-click on the icon to re-open the Wireless Connection Manager window.
Wireless Connection Manager Help
To access the online help for the Wireless Connection Manager application, select Wireless Connection Manager Help from the Help menu, as shown in Figure 10. The application will
launch the Wireless Connection Manager online help files.
Manual Revision A for Windows
Figure 10 Wireless Connection Manager Help Command
Troubleshooting 29

Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to problems you may encounter while using your FB200C Modem on a Windows operating system.
You can contact Novatel Wireless representative at support@novatelwireless.com or 1 (888) 888-9231 for additional information.

Troubleshooting a Connection Failure

If you are unable to establish a network connection, the following suggestions may correct the problem:
Verify that your FB200C modem is powered on and communication port is connected to the computer.
If the Wireless Connection Manager cannot communicate with the modem, exit the Wireless Connection Manager application. Reset your FB200C Modem by using a thin pen tip to push the reset button. This resets the modem hardware.
Check your modem’s signal strength (displayed on the Wireless Connection Manager Main window). If the signal strength is weak (less than two bars), your modem might be
unable to establish a network connection. Try moving to another location in order to pick up a stronger signal.
Launch the Wireless Connection Manager application and try to connect to the network again.
Manual Revision A for Windows
30 Troubleshooting

Error Messages

One of the following messages may be displayed if your modem is unable to register or connect with the Mobile Network.
Message Solution
Modem Not Responding
No Service If this message is displayed, there is no service available at this time.
Modem is not present
Modem is already in use
Device firmware incompatible
This message may appear if you plug your FB200C modem into the USB port and click on the Wireless Connection Manager shortcut icon before your computer has detected the modem. Click OK on the message window and wait between 15-30 seconds before clicking the shortcut icon. If the message appears a second time, unplug and reconnect the USB port to the modem and wait until your computer detects the modem before clicking the Wireless Connection Manager shortcut icon again.
The network could be busy or undergoing maintenance. Try connecting to the network at a later time or moving to another location if you are outside the network’s coverage area.
If this message is displayed, verify that the modem USB cable is plugged in properly. Note: Modem detection is only available when the modem is connected using the USB port.
This message indicates the modem port is busy. Verify whether your modem has already established a network connection. If the modem is not currently connected to the network, exit the Wireless Connection Manager program, relaunch the application and try a second time to connect to the network.
If this message appears, your FB200C modem’s firmware is incompatible with your current version of the Wireless Connection Manager software. Please contact Novatel Wireless customer support in order to upgrade your modem’s firmware.
There was no answer
The remote access server is not responding
The modem has reported an error
Manual Revision A for Windows
If this message appears, try and connect at a later time. If the message appears again, contact your service provider customer support.
If this message appears, try and connect at a later time or move to a better signal strength location. If you still cannot connect to the network, contact your service provider customer support.
If this message is displayed, reboot your computer and try to connect again. If you are still unable to connect, contact your service provider customer support.
Troubleshooting 31

Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer
How can I check the quality of my connection?
How do I find out what version of the Wireless Connection Manager software I’m using?
How do I find out what version of firmware and hardware my modem is using?
I have forgotten my User Name and Password. What do I do?
How can I tell if I have service?
The Signal Strength status bar, located on the Wireless Connection Manager Main window, indicates the quality of the modem’s signal. If two or more bars are shaded green, the modem’s signal strength is good. If less than two bars are shaded green, the signal strength is poor and it will be difficult to establish and maintain a network connection.
Open the Wireless Connection Manager Main window and select About Wireless Connection Manager from the Help menu. The Wireless Connection Manager software version, release date, and copyright information will be displayed in the About Wireless Connection Manager window.
Open the Wireless Connection Manager Main window and select Properties from the Modem menu. The modem’s firmware and hardware version, as well as the modem type and manufacturer, will be displayed in the Modem Properties window.
Call your network service provider customer support.
The Wireless Connection Manager indicates whether you have service. The Wireless Connection Manager will indicate if there is no service available in the Modem Status field.
What is an ESN? An ESN (electronic serial number) is a unique number that identifies
your wireless modem to the network. You can check your modem’s ESN by selecting Properties from the Modem menu.
Why won’t the Wireless Connection Manager recognize my User Name or Password?
Verify that you are entering the correct information in the Connection Properties window. If the Caps Lock feature is activated, turn it off and
enter the information again. If the problem persists, call Customer Support of the network service provider to verify you have the correct User Name and Password.
Manual Revision A for Windows
32 Troubleshooting
Manual Revision A for Windows

Index

A About Wireless Connection Manager Window
Windows 24 C Connecting to the Network
Windows 5, 13 Connection Failure
Error Messages 28
Troubleshooting 27 D Detailed Status Report Window 23
General Tab 23
History Tab 24 Disconnecting from the Network
Windows 6, 17 E Error Messages 28 F Frequently Asked Questions 29 G General Tab
Bytes Received Field 23
Bytes Sent Field 23
Date Byte Totals Were Last Cleared Field
23 Detailed Status Report Window 23 Modem Status Bar 23 Total Bytes Transferred Field 23
H Help 26 History Tab
Detailed Status Report Window 23
M Modem Configuration Window
Current CDMA Time Field 20 Current System Time Field 20 Network Service Field 20 Receive Next Call As Field 20 Show Connection Properties Check Box 20 Windows 20
33
Modem Manager
About Wireless Connection Manager Win-
dow 24
Detailed Status Report Window 23
General Tab 23
History Tab 24 Help 26 Main Window 19 Modem Properties Window 21 Quitting 7, 17 Windows Installation 9 Windows Modem Configuration Window
20
Modem Manager for Windows
Starting 13
Modem Manager Main Window
Bytes Received Field 19 Bytes Sent Field 19 Duration Field 19 Modem Status Bar 19 Signal Strength Status Bar 16, 19 Windows 19
Modem Properties Window
ESN (HEX) Field 22 Firmware Version Field 22 Hardware Version Field 22 Manufacturer Field 22 Mobile Identification Number 22 Modem Type Field 22 PRL Version Field 22 Windows 21
N Network
Disconnecting from 6, 17
S Signal Strength Status Bar 16 Software Installation
Windows 9
System Tray Icons 18 T Total Byte Counter 25 Troubleshooting 27
Connection Failure 27 Error Messages 28 Frequently Asked Questions 29
Manual Revision A for Windows
34
W Windows Commands
About Wireless Connection Manager 24 Always on Top 25 Clear Total Bytes 25 Configuration 20 Detailed Status Report 23 Exit 17 Hide Window 26 Wireless Connection Manager Help 26 Properties 21
Manual Revision A for Windows
Loading...