MultiModem® iCell User Guide
Intelligent Wireless Modem
MTCMR-H, MTCMR-E, MTCMR-G-F4
S000455B, 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.
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 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.
Revision History
Revision Date Description
A 05/27/09 Initial release.
B 04/09/10 Add Universal IP, USB support, Windows Installer, and a Rev C back panel.
Trademarks and Logos
The Multi-Tech logo and MultiModem are registered trademarks 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
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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 Portalhttps://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: 763-785-3500 or 800-328-9717
Fax: 763-785-9874
Universal IP ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
General Safety ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Maintenance of the Wireless MultiModem .......................................................................................................................... 6
Front Panel ................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Signal LEDs ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Back Panels............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Antennas Available from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. .......................................................................................................... 10
RS232 9-Pin Functions of the Female End Connector ............................................................................................................................... 10
GPIO DC Characteristics .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation .................................................................................... 12
Activate Your Wireless Account ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Insert the SIM Card into Holder, If required ............................................................................................................................. 12
Connect the Antenna, Serial Cable, GPIO Cable, and Power ................................................................................................. 13
Optional – Attach the Modem to a Flat Surface ....................................................................................................................... 14
UIP USB CDC-ACM Virtual COM Port Installation .................................................................................................................. 15
Install the Modem Driver ................................................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 3 – Using Your Wireless Modem ................................................................................ 20
Phone Numbers for the Wireless Modem ................................................................................................................................ 20
Examples of Useful AT Commands ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Verifying Signal Strength .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Checking Network Registration and Roaming Status ....................................................................................................... 20
Checking the Modem’s Identity ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Connecting to the Internet ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting to a GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA Network for Internet Access ................................................................................ 21
Create Your Dial-Up Connection in Windows Vista and XP ............................................................................................. 22
Appendix A – Regulatory Compliance ..................................................................................... 24
EMC, Safety, and R&TTE Directive Compliance .............................................................................................................. 24
International Modem Restrictions ..................................................................................................................................... 24
FCC Part 15 Class B Statement ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Industry Canada ............................................................................................................................................................... 24
Appendix B – DC Power Cable ................................................................................................. 25
DC Power Cable Dimensions ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix C - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Statement ..................... 26
Appendix D – ROHS HT/TS Substance Concentration ........................................................... 27
Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) ................................................................................................ 27
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem iCell Intelligent Wireless Modem User Guide 3
Chapter 1 – Product Description and
Specifications
Product Description
The Multi-Tech MultiModem® iCell is a mid-range wireless modem. It is available in three models that require a SIM. All models
contain an embedded TCP/IP protocol stack for Internet connectivity, serial and USB connectors for modem configuration, and a
General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) connector for customer interface connection. All MultiModem iCells can be desktop or
panel mounted.
The MultiModem iCell modems are available in four models:
Model Description
MTCMR-H (HSDPA)
MTCMR-E (EDGE)
MTCMR-G-F4 (GPRS)
All models contain an embedded TCP/IP protocol stack to bring Internet connectivity to any device without making changes to
its hardware design. Using the Internet protocols and the wireless connection to an IP network, the modems send and receive
data over the Internet. The modems offer short message service (SMS) features such as text and PDU, Point-to-point (MT/MO)
and cell broadcast.
The MultiModem iCell modems deliver some of the fastest cellular wireless data speeds using the various Internet protocols.
This is ideal for highly data-intensive applications such as remote video surveillance and other multimedia applications where
you are sending digital images, web pages and photographs.
The MultiModem iCell modems are designed around a wide variety of interface options including serial RS-232, USB, and
General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO). The serial RS-232 and USB connections provide seamless connectivity for configuration
of your application. The GPIO interface provides five user configurable GPIO’s as CMOS input or output ports to be connected
to a customer’s peripheral device. A customer application in which the GPIO interface could be used is one with a monitoring
device connected to the GPIO interface in which the monitoring device triggers an event in the IP stack to establish a TCP or
UPD socket connection or send an email stating that the monitoring device was triggered by high water.
Standards based tri-band UMTS/HSDPA performance
Quad-band E-GPRS Class 10 performance
Quad-band GSM/GPRS Class 10 performance
Universal IP
All MultiModem iCell modems are equipped with an embedded TCP/IP protocol stack to automate the connection process
and open a socket for bidirectional data transmission. Multi-Tech’s Universal IP supports Telnet, SMTP/POP, FTP, TCP,
UDP, PPP as well as other automatic call management options.
AT Commands: The embedded TCP/IP stack on the MultiModem iCell modems is configured using the
Universal IP (UIP) AT Commands. These commands are documented in the Reference Guide document
number S000457x.
4 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem iCell Intelligent Wireless Modem User Guide
Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
MultiModem MTCMR-H (HSDPA)
The MultiModem MTCMR-H wireless modem delivers some of the fastest cellular data speeds by utilizing HSDPA
technology. It allows users to connect to the Internet and send and receive data faster than possible with an ordinary
GSM/GPRS network making it ideal for highly data-intensive applications. Based on industry-standard open interfaces, the
MultiModem MTCMR-H 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 MTCMR-H wireless modem is configured using the HSDPA AT
Commands. These commands are documented in the Reference Guide for the MultiModem Wireless
HSDPA Modems, document number S000453x.
MultiModem MTCMR-E (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-intensive multimedia applications.
AT Commands: The MultiModem MTCMR-E 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 S000371x.
MultiModem MTCMR-G-F4 (GPRS)
The MultiModem GPRS wireless modem offers standards-based quad-band GSM/GPRS Class 10 performance. Ready to
deploy, standalone data modem allows developers to add wireless communication to products with a minimum of
deployment time and expense.
AT Commands:The MultiModem MTCMR-G 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 S000293x and also the Reference Guide for the Universal IP Commands,
document number S000457x.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem iCell Intelligent Wireless Modem User Guide 5
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 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 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 specifications 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.
6 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc MultiModem iCell Intelligent Modem User Guide
Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
Front Panel
The front panel is designed with two groups of LEDs that display modem activity and signal strength. The first group of LEDs
display modem activity, such as transmit and receive data, carrier detection, link status, terminal ready indicating connection to
the pc, and the power indicator. The three Signal LEDs display the signal strength level of the wireless connection. 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. Not valid while in USB mode.
RD Receive Data. Lit when modem is receiving data. Not valid while in USB mode.
CD Carrier Detect. Lit when data connection has been established. Not valid while in USB mode.
LS Link Status Dependent on Model
MTCMR-G MTCMR-H MTCMR-E
Continuous “on”
state indicates that the
wireless modem is not
registered on the
network.
Flashingstate
indicates registration
on network.
Off state. Modem is
off (not ready) or in
download mode.
TR Terminal Ready. Lit when modem is transmitting data. Not valid while in USB mode.
PWR Power. Indicates presence of DC power when lit.
Signal
Indicates the wireless signal strength. Refer to Signal Strength LEDs below.
Continuous “on” state
indicates that the wireless
modem is registered on the
network.
Flashing state Indicates
attempted registration on
network.
Off state. Modem could
not register
Permanently off. ME is in one of the following
modes: Power Down mode, Airplane mode NonCyclic 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
Depending on type of call:
Voice call – Connected to remote party
Data call – Connected to remote party or
exchange of parameters while setting up or
disconnecting a call.
Signal LEDs
In order to verify signal strength, you must use a terminal application such as HyperTerminal. Refer to Examples of Useful AT
Commands in Chapter 3 of this guide.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem iCell Intelligent Wireless Modem User Guide 7
Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
Back Panels
The reason for two different back panels is that the Rev B back panel could only support a 5Volt input on pins 1 and 2. The Rev
C and later back panel can support a 24Volt input on pins 1 and 2. The way to distinguish between Rev B and Rev C back
panels is that the RS-232 connector for the Rev B back panel is more to the left side of the back panel. The Rev C and later
back panel is 1.73 inches from the left side of the unit to the center point of the RS-232 connector.
Rev B Rev C and later
Package Contents
Unbundled Package
with No Accessories
1 modem
1 Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD
Note: You must supply mounting
screws, AC or DC power
supply, and an antenna.
1 modem
1 antenna
1 RS232 cable
1 USB cable
1 GPIO cable
1 power supply
1 Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD
Note: You must supply mounting screws.
Bundled Package
With Accessories
Note: Your wireless provider will supply the SIM card.
Interfaces
The MultiModem has several interfaces:
● LED function indicating operating status
● External antenna (via SMA connector)
● Serial and control link (via 9-pin DB9 female)
● USB 2.0 full speed, CDC-ACM Compliant
● General purpose input/output (via 6 pin 2x3 style connector)
● Power supply (via 2.5mm miniature power jack)
● SIM card holder
8 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc MultiModem iCell Intelligent Modem User Guide
Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
Specifications
Features MTCMR-H MTCMR-E MTCMR-G-F4
Performance HSDPA/UMTS
EDGE: Class 10
GPRS: Class 10
Band, Frequency Quad-band
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA
850/900/1800/1900 MHz
UMTS FDD: Band I/
Band II/Band V
Packet Data HSDPA: UE CAT [1-6], 11, 12
supported,compressed mode
according to 3GPP TS5.212
EDGE: Class 10, full
PBCCH support, coding schemes
CS-9, Mobile station Class B
GPRS: Class 10, full PBCCH
support, coding schemes CS1-4,
Mobile station Class B
Circuit-Switched
Data
GSM: Asynchronous, non-
transparent up to 9600bps
UMTS: Asynchronous,nontransparent up to 64K bps
Short Message
Services-SMS
Antenna
Connector
Text & PDU,Point-to-Point
(MO/MT), cell broadcast
RF Antenna: 50 ohm SMA (female
connector)
SIM Connector Standard 1.8 and 3V SIM receptacle Standard 1.8 and 3V SIM receptacle Standard 1.8 and 3V SIM receptacle
RS232 Connector DE9 DE9 DE9
GPIO Connector 6 pin 2x3 style 6 pin 2x3 style 6 pin 2x3 style
Power Connector 2.5mm miniature(screw-on) 2.5mm miniature(screw-on) 2.5mm miniature(screw-on)
Voltage 9V to 32 VDC 9V to 32 VDC 9V to 32 VDC
Power*
Physical
Description
Operating
Temperature **
Sleep .046A, .43W @ 9V, .021A,.42W @ 20V,
.014A, .45W @ 32V
Typical .325A,.2.99W @ 9V, .152A,3.04W @ 20V;
0.1A, 3.20W @ 32V
Max .532A,4.89W @ 9V, .225A,4.50W @ 20V,
.146A, 4.67W @ 32V
Peak. N/A
4.2” Wx1.1”Hx3.4”D 2lbs
12.5 cmW x2.7cmHx 8.6cmD 0.23Kg
-30° to +60° C
UL listed @ 40°
Storage Temp -40° to +85° C -40° to +85° C-40° to +85° C
Humidity Relative humidity 20% to 90%