Multitech MTCBA-C-EN-N14, MTCBA-C-EN-N9, MTCBA-C-EN-N2, MTCBA-C-EN-N4, MTCBA-G-EN-F1 Quick Start Manual

MultiModem®

Wireless EDGE, GPRS, CDMA Modems

with Ethernet Interface

Quick Start Guide

Copyright and Technical Support

Cabling Guide

MultiModem® Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface
MTCBA-E-EN, MTCBA-G-EN-Fx, MTCBA-C-EN-Nx
82010074L, Revision E

Copyright © 2005-8 by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior
expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. All rights
reserved. Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranty 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 changes 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.

Record of Revisions
Revision Date Description

D 11/16/07 Updated Hazardous Warnings statements. The

E 03/07/08 Updated for software version 1.19.

Trademarks

Trademarks and registered trademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. include
MultiModem, the Multi-Tech logo, and Multi-Tech. All products or technologies
are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Technical Support
Country By Email By Phone

Europe, Middle East, Africa: [e-mail]
U.S., Canada, all others: [e-mail]
763-717-5863

World Headquarters

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
763-785-3500 or 800-328-9717
Fax [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

Wireless Activation section now sends the user
to the Wireless Activation Notices for directions
on activating a wireless account. Add AT
Command for changing quad-band frequency.

+(44) 118 959 7774

800 972-2439 or

2 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Introduction

The purpose of this guide is to cover safety concepts, the basic
connections, and general setup of the Multi-Tech wireless
MultiModem with Ethernet interface. For detailed information see the
User Guide which is available on the MultiModem CD accompanying
your wireless product and on the Multi-Tech Web site.

Check Multi-Tech’s Web site for current versions of our product
documentation.

Safety

Ethernet Ports Caution

The Ethernet ports are not designed to be connected to a Public
Telecommunication Network.

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.

Caution: Maintain a separation 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,
nor intended to be, used in applications within 20 cm (8
inches) of the body of the user.

Safety Instructions for Hazardous Locations

Installation Instructions

1. The modems are open devices intended for installation in

an ultimate enclosure suitable for the intended application.

2. THIS EQUIPMENT IS SUITABLE FOR USE IN CLASS I,

DIVISION 2, GROUPS A, B, C, AND D OR NON­HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS ONLY.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

3. “WARNING – Explosion Hazard – Substitution of

Components may Impair Suitability for Class I, Division 2”.

4. “WARNING – Explosion Hazard – Do not Disconnect

Equipment Unless Power has been switched off or the
area is known to be Non-hazardous”.

5. “WARNING – Explosion Hazard – Do not replace fuse

unless power has been switched off or the area is known
to be non-hazardous”

6. “WARNING – Do not install or remove SIM card unless

power has been switched off or the area is known to be
non-hazardous”.

Vehicle Safety

• Do not use your Wireless MultiModem while driving, unless

equipped with a correctly installed vehicle kit allowing ‘Hands­Free’ Operation.

• 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 Wireless

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.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Ship Kit Contents

Unbundled Package

Modem with Not Accessories

1 modem
1 fused DC power cable
4 rubber feet for flat
surface mounting
1 Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD

Note: You must supply

an antenna.

Note: See the User Guide for antenna specifications.

Bundled Package

Modem with Accessories

1 modem
1 power supply cable

(varies)
4 rubber feet for flat
surface mounting
1 antenna
1 Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD

Set Up Your Wireless Modem

Obtain a Wireless Account

Please see the wireless account Activation Notices located
on the MultiModem CD. Choose the one for your wireless
network provider and follow the directions to activate your
account.

Phone Numbers for the Wireless Modem

Every wireless modem will have its own unique phone number.
The phone number may simply be given to you by your
wireless service provider. For GPRS and EDGE, it may also be
on the SIM card. Wireless provider implementations may vary.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Connect the Antenna, Ethernet, and
Power

• Antenna. Connect a suitable antenna to SMA connector. An

antenna is supplied with the bundled package ship kit. If you
purchase a single unit, you must supply your own antenna.
See the User Guide for antenna/RF specifications.

• Ethernet. Using an RJ-45 Ethernet cable, connect the

10/100 jack to an internal network switch or hub.

• Power. Plug one end of the power cord into the device and

the other end onto a live power outlet.

Notes

• The PWR LED. The PWR LED on the front panel lights up

after power-up. LEDs are defined in the User Guide.

• Reset Button. Pressing and holding the Reset button for 5

seconds will restore all factory default settings.

Back Panel View

Antenna Power Supply Cable Ethernet

Cable

This part of the
power supply cable
varies by the region
of the world to which
the product is
shipped: NAM / EU /
GB / IE

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Fused DC Power Connection

• Connect the fused DC power

cable to the DC power source on
the vehicle or machine in which
you are mounting the modem. Be
sure the GND connection is
correct.

• Connect red wire to + (positive)

and black wire to – (negative).

Note: For automotive application:

according to the type of
application, you can use
permanent “+” or key-switched
“+”. Connect the power supply to
its source (for example, in a
mobile situation, to the vehicle’s
DC fuse/terminal block).

Warning: Over-voltage protection

is provided on the device. To
ensure complete protection, you
may want to add additional
filtering to the DC input.

Set Your PC’s TCP/IP Address for
Ethernet Functionality

After the wireless account is established and the device is
properly connected, set up the TCP/IP address on your PC, if
not previously set.

1. Open the PC's Control Panel.

2. Select Networks or Network Connections.

3. Under Protocols, select TCP/IP.

4. Under Properties, choose one of the following:

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

∗ Check Obtain IP Address Automatically and Obtain

DNS Server Address Automatically. If you check

these, then the DHCP function obtains the IP Address
automatically from the Ethernet wireless modem, or

∗ Check Use the Following IP Address and Use the

Following DNS Server Address. If you check these,

then enter the following addresses:

IP Address: 192.168.2.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.2.1
Specify a DNS Server. For example, 205.171.3.65

Using AT Commands

Prerequisite Steps

In order to communicate directly with the internal cellular
module with AT commands, you first must disable PPP by
logging into the Web Management software:

1. From the workstation, open a Web browser.

Type the default Gateway Address: http://192.168.2.1

2. Login

After entering the Address, the Login screen displays.

• Type the default User name: admin (all lower-case).

• Type the default password: admin (all lower-case).

Note: User name and Password are case-sensitive

(both must be typed in lower-case). A password can
be up to 12 characters. If Windows displays the
AutoComplete screen, you may want to click No to
tell the Windows OS not to remember the password;
this helps maintain PC security.

• Click the Login button. The Web Management Home

screen displays.

3. Go to the Wizard Setup Screen

• On the Wizard Setup screen under PPP

Configuration, disable PPP.

• Click the Submit button and then Save & Restart.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

4. Open the Command Window and Access Modem
Mode

You must be in modem mode in order to enter AT
Commands.

• From the workstation, open the command window by

clicking the Start button and selecting Run.

• Type CMD to open the command window. Click OK.

• When the command window opens, type: Telnet

192.168.2.1 5000

Note: 5000 is the port number.

• At Login, enter the user name admin.

• At Password, enter the password admin. Once

logged in, you can use AT commands to
communicate with the cellular module.

For CDMA, you will have to enter some AT Commands

to complete your activation steps. See the Customer
Activation Notices included in your ship kit.

For GPRS, you will have to use AT Commands to

change the quad-band frequency.

For CDMA, EDGE, and GPRS, you can use AT

commands to verify signal strength, check network
registration and roaming status, etc. See the AT
Command guides available on the CD in your ship kit
for other functionality you can view and set.

AT Command for Changing the GPRS
Quad-Band Frequency

For the GPRS Quad-Band product, the default setting may be either
850/1900MHz dual-band mode or 900/1800MHz depending upon
the model you ordered. If for any reason you want to change the
band, you can accomplish this by using the +WMBS command.

Steps for Changing the GPRS Band for Ethernet Models

Using the command window (see steps above), you can enter the
AT Command for changing the GPRS Band.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Type AT+WMBS=<Band>,<Param>. Press Enter.

For <Band>, enter the option you desire:

4 = Dual-band mode 850/1900MHz
5 = Dual-band mode 900/1800MHz

For <Param>, enter the option you desire:

0 = The modem will have to be reset to start on the

specified band(s). This is the default.

1 = The modem restarts immediately on the

Example: AT+WMBS=4,0. Press Enter.

specified band(s).

Exiting Modem Mode

1. After the last AT Command is entered, press:

CTRL + ] (the right bracket).

2. The following prompt displays:

telnet>
Type quit and press Enter.

3. Then the following prompt displays:

c:>

Type exit and press Enter.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Configure the Ethernet Interface
Using the Web Management Software

You are now ready to configure the Ethernet interface. This is
accomplished by using the modem's factory-installed Web
Management software. The software is accessed through a Web
Browser.

1. From the workstation, open a Web Browser.

Type the default Gateway Address: http://192.168.2.1

2. Login

After entering the Address, the Login screen displays.

• Type the default User name: admin (all lower-case).

• Type the default password: admin (all lower-case).

User Name and Password Note: The User name and

Password are case-sensitive (both must be typed in

lower-case). A password can be up to 12 characters. If
Windows displays the AutoComplete screen, you may
want to click No to tell the Windows OS not to
remember the password; this helps maintain PC
security.

Password Caution: It is recommended that you

change the default password to better protect the
security of your modem. Use a safe password! Your
first name spelled backwards is not a sufficiently safe
password; a password such as xfT35$4 is better.

• Click the Login button. The Web Management Home

screen displays.

4. Use the Setup Wizard for Quick Configuration

A quick way to configure the modem is to use the Wizard
Setup in the Web Management software.

• To begin configuration, click the Wizard Setup button

located under the menu bar.

• After clicking the Wizard Setup button, the Wizard

Setup screen displays.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

The Setup Wizard Screen

The following is a screen shot of the Setup Wizard. Using this
screen saves you time so that you are not entering the same
information several screens; the data entered here defaults to the
other screens.

IP Configuration

IP Address – The default is 192.168.2.1. To change it, simply

enter your own IP address.

Mask – The default is 255.255.255.0
DNS – Enter the primary DNS IP address for the system.

The default is 0.0.0.0

PPP Configuration

PPP – The default is Enable. This allows the PPP dialer to

operate.

Dial-on-Demand – The default is Enable. This allows the

dial-on-demand feature to operate. When Disabled, the
modem always stays connected.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Idle Time Out – Sets the amount of time the PPP link stays

active before disconnecting. Setting the value to zero causes
the link to stay active continuously.

Dial Number – Enter the dial number. This number connects

you to the Internet.

For GPRS and EDGE, the number is *99***1#.
For CDMA, the number is #777

APN – The APN (Access Point Name) is assigned by your

wireless service provider.

Init String – 5 modem initialization strings are allowed.

For GPRS & EDGE: Include the Access Point Name:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<APN>"

PPP Authentication

Authentication Type – Click the button corresponding to the

authentication protocol you want to use to negotiate with the
remote peer. PAP, CHAP, or PAP-CHAP.
Default = PAP-CHAP

User Name – Enter the PPP User Name (it authenticates the

remote peer).

Password – Enter the PPP Password (it authenticates the

remote peer).

Important Note About Submit and Save & Restart

Click the Submit button located at the bottom of most screens to
save any changes you make. Then you must click the Save &

Restart button in order for your settings to take effect. Save &
Restart does not have to be executed after each screen; you can
change and Submit several screens, and then click Save &
Restart. The Save & Restart button is located on the Menu bar.

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MultiModem Wireless Modem with Ethernet Interface

Setting Time and Date

The date and time must be set using the Web Management
software. The time and date set in IP Setup will not be correct unless
the SNTP client is enabled and you have a live Internet connection.
See SNTP Client in User Guide for more details.

Shutdown Caution

Never unplug the power until after you have performed the Save &
Restart process when changing settings. If setup changes are not

properly saved before unplugging the power, data could be lost.

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