Multitech MTCBA-G2, MTCBA-E1, MTCBA-E1-U, MTCBA-C1, MTCBA-C1-U User Manual

MultiModem® Cell

Wireless Modem

User Guide

Copyright and Technical Support

MultiModem® Cell User Guide
Wireless Modem
MTCBA-E1, MTCBA-E1-U, MTCBA-C1, MTCBA-C1-U, MTCBA-G2, MTCBA-G2-U
S000489B, Revision B

Copyright

This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech
Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2010 by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims
any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.

Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make cha nges from time to time in the
content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Check Multi-Tech’s Web site for current versions of our product documentation.

Revision History
Revision Date Description
A 07/14/10 Initial release.

B 10/14/10 Updated operating temperatures, added weight, and added a
note for the DSR signal on pin6 of the serial connector.

Trademarks and Logos

The Multi-Tech logo and MultiModem are registered trademar ks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark
of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this publication belong to their
respective owners.

Contacting Multi-Tech Support

In order to better serve our customers, manage support requests and shorten resolution times, we have created the online web
portal allowing you to submit questions regarding Multi-Tech products directly to our technical support team. Get answers to
your most complex questions, ranging from implementation, troubleshooting, product configuration, firmware upgrades and
much more.

To create an account and submit a Support Case on the Portal, visit

https://support.multitech.com

Online Web Portal https://support.multitech.com

The Knowledge Base provides immediate answers to your questions and gives you access to support resolutions for all Multi­Tech products. Visit our support area on the website for other support services.

Knowledge Base and Support Services www.multitech.com/support.go
World Headquarters

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
Phone: [phone] or 800-328-9717
Fax: [phone]

Technical Support

Business Hours: M-F, 9am to 5pm CST

Country By Email By Phone

Europe, Middle East, Africa: [e-mail] +(44) 118 959 7774
U.S., Canada, all others: [e-mail] [phone] or [phone]

Warranty

To read the warranty statement for your product, please visit: http://www.multitech.com/warranty.go

2 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide

Table of Contents

Contents

Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications ..................................................... 5

Product Description .................................................................................................................................................. 5

Related Documentation ............................................................................................................................................ 6

MultiModem MTCBA-E1 (EDGE) ............................................................................................................................................. 6

MultiModem MTCBA-C1 (CDMA) ............................................................................................................................................ 6

MultiModem MTCBA-G2 (GPRS) ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Safety ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7

General Safety ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

RF Interference Issues ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

Vehicle Safety .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Maintenance of the Wireless MultiModem ............................................................................................................................... 7

Handling Precautions ............................................................................................................................................................... 7

Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................................... 8

LEDs ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Package Contents .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

9-Pin Fem-D Sub Serial Connector ........................................................................................................................ 10

4-Position DIP Switch ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation ...............................................................................11

Activate Your Wireless Account.............................................................................................................................. 11

Insert the SIM Card into Holder [if required] ........................................................................................................... 11

Connect the Antenna, Serial or USB Cable, Power, Optional Power or Voice Cable ............................................ 12

Optional Mounting ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Flat Surface Mounting ............................................................................................................................................................ 13

USB CDC-ACM Virtual COM Port Installation ........................................................................................................ 14

Install Virtual COM Port .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Install the Modem Driver ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Chapter 3 – Using Your Wireless Modem ............................................................................ 19

Phone Numbers for the Wireless Modem ............................................................................................................... 19

Examples of Useful AT Commands ........................................................................................................................ 19

Verifying Signal Strength ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

Checking Network Registration and Roaming Status ............................................................................................................. 19

Checking the Modem’s Identity .............................................................................................................................................. 19

Connecting to the Internet ...................................................................................................................................... 20

Connecting to a CDMA Network for Internet Access.............................................................................................................. 20

Connecting to an EDGE Network for Internet Access ............................................................................................................ 20

Create Your Dial-Up Connection in Windows Vista and XP ................................................................................................... 21

Generic Dial-Up Method - Non-Windows ............................................................................................................................... 22

Appendix A – Regulatory Compliance .................................................................................. 23

EMC, Safety, and R&TTE Directive Compliance.................................................................................................................... 23

International Modem Restric tions ........................................................................................................................................... 23

FCC Part 15 Class B Statement............................................................................................................................................. 23

Industry Canada ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23

4BAppendix B - Cellular Information ......................................................................................... 24

Antenna System for Cellular Devices ..................................................................................................................... 24

FCC Requirements for the Antenna ....................................................................................................................... 24

Antenna Specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 24

CDMA RF Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

CDMA Antenna Requirements/Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 24

GSM/EGSM RF Specifications............................................................................................................................................... 24

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide 3

Table of Contents

GSM Antenna Requirements/Specifications .......................................................................................................................... 25

PTCRB Requirements for the Antenna .................................................................................................................................. 25

Antennas Available from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. ................................................................................................................ 25

Appendix C – DC Power Cable .................................................................................................... 26

DC Power Cable Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................. 26

Appendix D – Environmental Information ...................................................................... 27

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Sta tement ............................................................................................ 27

REACH Statement ................................................................................................................................................................. 27

Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) ...................................................................................................... 28

C – RoHS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 29

4 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide

Chapter 1 – Product Description and

Specifications

Product Description

The Multi-Tech MultiModem® Cell cellular modems are a ready-to-deploy, standalone modems that provide wireless data
communication and integrate seamlessly with virtually any application. The MultiModem Cell cellular modem is based on
industry-standard open interface and utilizes Multi-Tech’s Universal Socket design. The Cell modem is designed with either a
quad-band GSM/GPRS network or dual-band CDMA2000 1xRTT network and a broad range of interface options including
RS232, RS422, or a USB interface. All MultiModem Cells can be desktop or panel mounted.

Model Description

MTCBA-E1

MTCBA-E1-U
MTCBA-C1

MTCBA-C1-U
MTCBA-G2

MTCBA-G2-U

Quad-band E-GPRS Class 12 performance and either RS232 serial interface or RS422 serial
interface

Quad-band E-GPRS Class 12 performance and USB connectivity
Multi-band CDMA2000 1xRTT performance and either RS232 serial interface or RS422 serial

interface
Multi-band CDMA2000 1xRTT performance and USB connectivity
Quad-band GPRS Class 10 performance and either RS232 serial interface or RS422 serial

interface
Quad-band GPRS Class 10 performance and USB connectivity

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide 5

Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications

Related Documentation

MultiModem MTCBA-E1 (EDGE)

The MultiModem EDGE wireless modem delivers some of the fastest cellular wireless data speeds utilizing EDGE technology. It
allows users to connect to the Internet, send and receive data up to three times faster than possible with an ordinary
GSM/GPRS network making it ideal for highly data-int ensive multimedia applications.

AT Commands: The MultiModem MTCBA-E1 wireless modem is configured using the EDGE AT

Commands. These commands are documented in the Reference Guide for the MultiModem Wireless EDGE
Modems, document number S000474x.

MultiModem MTCBA-C1 (CDMA)

The MultiModem CDMA wireless modem offers standards-based multi-band CDMA200 1xRTT performance. The ready-to­deploy, standalone modem allows developers to add wireless communication to products with a miniumum of development time
and expense. The MultiModem CDMA wireless modem is base on industry-standard open interfaces and can be desktop or
panel mounted.

AT Commands: The MultiMo dem MTCBA-C1 wireless modem is configured using the CDMA AT

Commands. These commands are documented in the Reference Guide for the MultiModem Wireless CDMA
Modems, document number S000478x.

MultiModem MTCBA-G2 (GPRS)

The MultiModem MTCBA-G2 wireless modem offers standards-based quad-band GPRS Class 10 performance. It allows user s
to connect to the Internet and send and receive data faster than possible with an ordinary GSM/GPRS network. Based on
industry-standard open interfaces, the MultiModem MTCBA-G2 wireless modem is equipped with quad-band, high-speed
RS232 technology, which means it can be used worldwide on all existing GSM networks.

AT Commands: The MultiModem MTCBA-G2 wireless modem is configured using the GPRS AT

Commands. These commands are documented in the Reference Guide for the MultiModem Wireless
GPRS Modems, document number S000463x.

6 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide

Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications

Safety

General Safety

The modem is designed for and intended to be used in fixed and mobile applications. “Fixed” means that the device is physically
secured at one location and is not able to be easily moved to another location. “Mobile” means that the device is designed to be
used in other than fixed locations.

Caution: Maintain a separatio n distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) between the transmitter’s antenna

and the body of the user or nearby persons. The Modem is not designed for or intended to be used in
portable applications within 20 cm. (8 inches) of the body of the user.

RF Interference Issues

It is important to follow any special regulations regarding the use of radio equipment due in particular to the possibility of radio
frequency, RF, interference. Please follow the safety advice given below carefully.

● Switch OFF your MultiModem when in an aircraft. The use of cellular telephones in an aircraft may endanger the

operation of the aircraft, disrupt the cellular network and is illegal. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to
suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both.

● Switch OFF your MultiModem when around gasoline or diesel-fuel pumps and before filling your vehicle with fuel.

● Switch OFF your MultiModem in hospitals and any other place where medical equipment may be in use.

● Respect restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, chemical plants or where blasting operations are in

progress.

● There may be a hazard associated with the operation of your MultiModem close to inadequately protected personal

medical devices such as hearing aids and pacemakers. Consult the manufacturers of the medical device to determine
if it is adequately protected.

● Operation of your MultiModem close to other electronic equipment may also cause interference if the equipment is

inadequately protected. Observe any warning signs and manufacturers’ recommendations.

Vehicle Safety

● Do not use your MultiModem while driving.

● Respect national regulations on the use of cellular telephones in vehicles. Road safety always comes first.

● If incorrectly installed in a vehicle, the operation of MultiModem telephone could interfere with the correct functioning of

vehicle electronics. To avoid such problems, be sure that qualified personnel have performed the installation.
Verification of the protection of vehicle electronics should be part of the installation.

● The use of an alert device to operate a vehicle’s lights or horn on public roads is not permitted.

Maintenance of the Wireless MultiModem

Your wireless MultiModem is the product of advanced engineering, design, and craftsmanship and should be treated with care.
The suggestions below will help you to enjoy this product for many years.

● Do not expose the MultiModem to any extreme environment where the temperature or humidity is high.

● Do not attempt to disassemble the MultiModem. There are no user serviceable parts inside.

● Do not expose the MultiModem to water, rain, or spilled beverages. It is not waterproof.

● Do not abuse your MultiModem by dropping, knocking, or violently shaking it. Rough handling can damage it.

● Do not place the MultiModem alongside computer discs, credit or travel cards, or other magnetic media. The

information contained on discs or cards may be affected by the phone.

● The use of accessories not authorized by Multi-Tech or not compliant with Multi-Tech’s accessory specif icat ion s may

invalidate the warranty of the MultiModem.

● In the unlikely event of a fault in the MultiModem, contact Multi-Tech Technical Support.

Handling Precautions

All devices must be handled with certain precautions to avoid damage due to the accumulation of static charge. Although input
protection circuitry has been incorporated into the devices to minimize the effect of this static build up, proper precautions should
be taken to avoid exposure to electrostatic discharge during handling and mounting.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide 7

Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications

MTCBA-E1/-U, MTCBA-G2/-U

MTCBA-C1/-U

supply, and an antenna.

Front Panel

The front panel is designed with LEDs that display modem activity. The LEDs displ ay modem activity, such as transmit and
receive data, carrier detection, link status, terminal ready indicating connection to the pc, and the power indicator. The SIM door
on the right side of the modem provides access to the SIM card holder for those configurations.

LEDs

LED Indicators

TD Transmit Data: Lit when modem is transmitting data.
RD Receive Data: Lit when modem is receiving data.
CD Carrier Detect: Lit when data connection has been established.
TR Terminal Ready: Lit when modem is transmitting data.

LS Link Status Dependent on Model

-E1 version* (AT^SSYNC=1) -G2 version -C1 version

Permanently off. ME is in one of the
following modes: Power Down mode,
Airplane mode Non-Cyclic Sleep mode
with no temporary wake-up event in
progress.

600 ms on/600 ms off

Limited Network Service: No SIM card
inserted or no PIN entered, or network
search in progress or ongoing user
authentication, or network login in
progress.

75 ms on/3 sec off

Idle mode: The mobile is registered to the
GSM network (monitoring control
channels and user interactions). No call
is in progress.

75 ms on/ 75 ms off/75 ms on/3 sec off

One or more GPRS contexts activated.

500 ms on/ 25 ms off

Packet switched data transfer in
progress.

Permanently on

CSD call – Connected to remote party.

PWR Power: Indicates presence of DC power when lit.

Note: The Link Status (LS) LED requires an AT^SSYNC=1 command on power up or Reset in order the LED to perfor m as

in the above table. For other EDGE AT commands, refer to the EDGE (E1) AT Command Reference Guide on your CD.

Continuous “on” state

indicates that the wireless
modem is not registered on the
network.

Flashing states:

200 ms on / 2 sec off

Indicates registration on
network.

200 ms on / 600 ms off

Indicates it is registered on a
network and communication is
in progress.

Off state. Modem is off (not
ready) or in download mode.

Continuous “on” state

indicates that the
wireless modem is not
registered on the
network.

Flashing states:

200 ms on / 2 sec off

Indicates registration on
network.

200 ms on / 600 ms off

Indicates it is registered
on a network and
communi c ation is in
progress.

Off state. Modem is off
(not ready) or in
download mode.

Package Contents

Note: Your wireless provider will supply the SIM card (not needed for –C1 versions).

Unbundled Package

with No Accessories

1 modem
1 MultiModem CD

Note: You must supply mounting screws, AC or DC power

8 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide

Bundled Package
With Accessories

1 modem 1 antenna 1 MultiModem CD
1 RS232 or USB cable 1 power supply with serial versions
Note: You must supply mounting screws.

Specifications

Features

GPRS: Cl ass 10

EDGE: E-GPRS Up to 240K bps,

Up to 85.6K bps, coding schemes

Circuit-Switched
Data

Up to 14.4K bps, non-transparent

IS-95A, IS 95B up to 14.4K bps
forward and reverse

GPRS up to 14.4K bps transparent
and non-transparent

Short Message
Services- SMS

Antenna Connector

RF Antenna: 50 ohm SMA (female connector)

SIM Connector

RS232 Connector

DE9 only on serial versions

USB Connector***

Type B only on USB versions

Power Connector

2.5mm miniature (screw-on) Serial only

Voltage

9V to 32 VDC Serial only, 5.0V USB input voltage supplied by USB connector

Peak 1.450A

Peak 1.000A

Physical Description

Temperature **

Storage Temp

-40° to +85° C

Humidity

Relative humidity 20% to 90% noncondensing

Network:

Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications

MTCBA-E1/-U

Performance EDGE: E-GPRS Class 12,

Band, Frequency

Packet Data

Serial Power* Sleep 0.028A, .26W @ 9V,0.018A, .36W @

USB Power*** Sleep 0.035A, 0.181W

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
850/900/1800/1900MHz

coding scheme MCS-9, mobile station
Class B, LLC layer, 4 time slots
GPRS: Full PBCCH support, coding
scheme 1-4, mobile station Class B

Text & PDU, Point-to-Point (MO/MT), cell broadcast

Standard 1.8 and 3V SIM receptacle - Standard 1.8 & 3V SIM receptacle

20V, 0.013A, 0.042W @ 32V

Typical 0.086A, 0.80W @ 9V, 0.045A, .90W
@ 20V; .032A, 1.02W @ 32V
Max 0.305A, 2.81W @ 9V, 0.42A, 2.84W @
20V,.094A, 3.01W @ 32V
Peak. 2.20A @9 V, 0.850A @ 20V, 0.520A

@32V

Typical 0.136A, 0.68W
Max 0.495A, 2.38W

MTCBA-C1/-U

CDMA2000 1xRTT

Dual-band 800/1900 MHz CDMA;
800 MHz and 800/1900 MHz

Up to 153.6K bps forward and
reverse

Sleep 0.030A, .28W @ 9V,.018A, 0.36W @

20V, 0.013A, 0.042W @ 32V

Typical 0.112A,.1.03W @ 9V, 0.058A, 1.16W
@ 20V; 0.041A, 1.31W @ 32V
Max 0.287A, 2.63W @ 9V, 0.171A, 3.42W @
20V,0.113A, 3.62W @ 32V

Sleep 0.028A, 0.141W
Typical 0.175A, 0.858W
Max 0.510A, 2.326W

MTCBA-G2/-U

GPRS; Cl ass 10

Quad-band, GSM/GPRS,
850/900/1800/1900 MHz,

CS1 to CS4

Sleep 0.027A, 0.25W @ 9V, 0.017A,

0.34W @ 20V, 0.013A, 0.42W@32V

Typical 0.084A, 0.78W @ 9V, 0.045A,

0.90W @ 20V, .032A, 1.02W @32V
Max 0.178A, 1.64W @ 9V, 0.086A,

1.72W @ 20V, 0.058A, 1.86W @ 32V

Peak 1.90A @ 9V, 0.840A @ 20V,

0.575A @ 32V

Sleep 0.070A, 0.35W
Typical 0.133A, 0.66W
Max 0.250A, 1.23W

4.114” W x1.065”Hx2.350”D 0.4 lbs 12.5cmW x2.7cmH x 8.6cmD 0.175Kg

Operating

Certifications

EMC Compliance

FCC Part 15
EN55022
EN55024

Radio Compliance

FCC Part 22, 24
RSS132,133
EN301 489-1
EN301 489-7
EN301 511

Safety: UL60950-1

Network: PTCRB

-35° to +75° C -40° to 85° C -40° to 85° C

EMC Compliance

FCC Part 15

Radio Compliance

FCC Part 22, 24
RSS132,133

Safety: UL60950-1

cUL60950-1
IEC60950-1

Network: CDG 1&2

AS/ACIF S042.1, S042.3

cUL60950-1
IEC60950-1

CE Mark, R&TTE
EMC Compliance:

FCC Part 5
EN55022,
EN55024

Radio Compliance

FCC Part 22, 24
RSS 132,133
EN 301 511
EN 301 489-1
EN 301 489-7
AS/ACIF S042.1, .3

Safety: UL60950-1

cUL 60950-1
EN 60950-1
AS/NZS 60950-1

PTCRB, GCF

* Multi-Tech Systems, Inc recommends that the customer incorporate a 10% buffer into their power source when

determining product load.

** UL Listed @ 40° C, limited by power supply. UL Certification does not apply or extend to an ambient above 40° C and

has not been evaluated by UL for ambient greater than 40° C.
“UL has evaluated this device for use in ordinary locations only. Installation in a vehicle or other outdoor locations has

not been evaluated by UL. UL Certification does not apply or extend to use in vehicles or outdoor applications or in
ambient above 40° C.”

*** The USB connector replaces the serial connector on the –U versions.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Cell User Guide 9