Multitech MultiModem MTCBA-E-GP, MultiModem MTCBA-G-GP-Fx, MultiModem MTCBA-C-GP-Nx User Manual

MultiModem

Wireless Modems

EDGE, GPRS, CDMA

with GPS Functionality

MTCBA-E-GP
MTCBA-G-GP-Fx
MTCBA-C-GP-Nx

User Guide

Copyright and Technical Support

User Guide

MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS Functionality
MTCBA-E-GP, MTCBA-G-GP-Fx, MTCBA-C-GP-Nx
S000376A, Revision A

Copyright

This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from Multi­Tech Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2006 by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
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.

Record of Revisions
Revision Date Description

A 03/07/06 Initial release. Includes the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Statement.

Trademarks

Trademarks and registered trademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. include MultiModem, the Multi-Tech logo, and
Multi-Tech. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All
products or technologies mentioned in this guide are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

Technical Support
Country By Email By Phone

France [e-mail]
India [e-mail]
Europe, Asia, Africa [e-mail]
U.S., Canada, all others [e-mail]

+(33) 1-64 61 09 81

+(91) 124-2340780

+(44) 118 959 7774

800-972-2439 or [phone]

World Headquarters

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

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 2

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Product Description ................................................................................... 4

GPS Interface............................................................................................................................................................4

MultiModem EDGE...................................................................................................................................................4

MultiModem GPRS...................................................................................................................................................4

MultiModem CDMA ..................................................................................................................................................4

Safety Warnings.......................................................................................................................................................5

General Safety.................................................................................................................................................5

Vehicle Safety..................................................................................................................................................5

Maintenance of the Wireless MultiModem .......................................................................................................5

Handling Precautions....................................................................................................................................... 5

Safety Recommendations for Rack Installations..............................................................................................6

Ship Kit Contents.....................................................................................................................................................6

Wireless Modem Specifications..............................................................................................................................7

GPS Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................8

Key Features ...................................................................................................................................................8

Performance ....................................................................................................................................................8

Interface........................................................................................................................................................... 8

The Front Panel........................................................................................................................................................9

LEDs ................................................................................................................................................................9

Modem LEDs ...................................................................................................................................................9

Chapter 2 – Setup and Configuration ....................................................................................................... 10

Back Panel of the MultiModem with GPS.............................................................................................................10

S1/S2 Switches..............................................................................................................................................10

Configuring the Wireless Modem Side of the MultiModem ................................................................................10

1. Hardware Setup........................................................................................................................................10

2. SIM Card for GPRS or EDGE ................................................................................................................... 11

3. Establish a Wireless Account.................................................................................................................... 11

4. Establish Internet Access..........................................................................................................................11

5. Login Using TTY .......................................................................................................................................12

6. Using AT Commands to Test Your Modem ..............................................................................................12

Configuring the GPS Side of the MultiModem.....................................................................................................13

1. Port Configuration.....................................................................................................................................13

2. Hardware Setup........................................................................................................................................14

3. Verify the GPS Connection ....................................................................................................................... 14

Chapter 3 – Setup/Configuration Examples............................................................................................. 15

Application Example 1...........................................................................................................................................15

Application Example 2...........................................................................................................................................16

Chapter 4 – Antennas and Cables ............................................................................................................17

The Antenna ...........................................................................................................................................................17

EDGE, GSM, and CDMA Antenna................................................................................................................. 17

EDGE and GSM Radio Characteristics..........................................................................................................17

CDMA Radio Characteristics .........................................................................................................................17

GSM / CDMA Antenna Example....................................................................................................................17

GPS Antenna Compact Magnetic Mount Antenna ..............................................................................................18

Serial Cable for MultiModem GPS ........................................................................................................................20

Fused Cable for MultiModem GPS........................................................................................................................20

Fused Cable Dimensions...............................................................................................................................21

Appendix A – Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Warranty and Repair Policies ................................................ 22

Multi-Tech Warranty Statement ............................................................................................................................22

Appendix B – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ....................................................................24

Index............................................................................................................................................................. 25

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 3

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Product Description

Chapter 1 – Introduction and

Product Description

This User Guide describes the MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA modems with GPS functionality.

Your product choice depends on the technology (cellular network) available to you.

Product Your Cellular Network Interface

MTCBA-C-GP-Nx CDMA GPS
MTCBA-E-GP EDGE GPS
MTCBA-G-GP-Fx GPRS GPS

GPS Interface

The MultiModem EDGE, GPRS, or CDMA wireless modem with GPS incorporates an internal Trimble Lassen
iQ GPS module providing 12-channel GPS functionality. It delivers complete position, velocity, and time (PVT)
solutions making it ideal for real-time vehicle tracking, navigation, and fleet management applications.

The GPS functionality supports four of the most popular protocols: NMEA 0183, DGPS (RTCM), TSIP (Trimble
Standard Interface Protocol), and TAIP (Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol) and provides dual sensitivity modes
allowing it to automatically switch to higher sensitivity when satellite signals are weak.

The MultiModem EDGE, GPRS, or CDMA wireless modem with GPS utilizes an RS-232 interface. The GPS
information is received on a secondary serial port and can be used for in-vehicle navigation. In addition, the data
can be sent through the wireless modem to a central, real-time tracking server via SMS or GPRS.

The MultiModem EDGE, GPRS, or CDMA wireless modem provides flexibility to allow third party GPS
applications and Application Service Providers (ASPs) the ability to customize their software to work with the
wireless modem hardware.

MultiModem 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 and 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. The MultiModem EDGE wireless modem is equipped with quad-band GSM, which means it can be
used worldwide on all existing GSM networks.

AT Commands

The MultiModem EDGE 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 located on the MultiModem CD included in your ship kit.

MultiModem GPRS

The MultiModem® GPRS wireless modem offers standards-based multi-band GSM/GPRS Class 10
performance. It supports GSM circuit-switched cellular data connections, offers SMS features, and includes an
embedded TCP/IP protocol stack.

AT Commands

The MultiModem GPRS 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 GSM IP
Commands, document number S000333x located on the MultiModem CD included in your ship
kit.

MultiModem CDMA

The MultiModem® CDMA wireless modem offers standards-based multi-band CDMA200 1xRTT performance. It
supports CDMA IS-95A and IS-95B circuit-switched cellular data connections and offers SMS services.

AT Commands

The MultiModem CDMA 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 S000294x located on the MultiModem CD included in your ship kit.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 4

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Product Description

Safety Warnings

General Safety

The modem is designed and intended to be used in either fixed or mobile applications. In the “Fixed” application, the
device is physically secured at one location and not easily moved to another location. In the “Mobile” application, the
device may be regularly moved to different 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, nor intended to be, used in applications within 20 cm
(8 inches) of the body of the user. Such uses are strictly prohibited.

Avoid possible radio frequency (RF) interference by carefully following the safety guidelines below.

• Switch OFF the MultiModem in the vicinity of gasoline or diesel-fuel pumps or before filling a vehicle with fuel.

• Switch OFF the 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 in the vicinity of 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 the MultiModem in the vicinity of other electronic equipment may 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 the installation has been performed by
qualified personnel. 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.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 5

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Product Description

Safety Recommendations for Rack Installations

• Ensure proper installation in a closed or multi-unit enclosure by following the recommended installation

as defined by the enclosure manufacturer.

• If installing the wireless modem in a closed or multi-unit enclosure, ensure adequate airflow so that the

maximum recommended ambient temperature is not exceeded.

• Do not place the device directly on top of other equipment or place other equipment directly on top of

this device.

• Ensure that the device is properly connected to earth ground via a grounded power cord. If a power

strip is used, ensure that the power strip also provides adequate grounding.

• Ensure that the main supply circuit is capable of handling the load. See the power label on the device

for requirements.

• Maximum ambient temperature is 70 degrees Celsius.

• This device should be installed by properly qualified personnel.

• Only connect like circuits; e.g., connect SELV (Secondary Extra Low Voltage) circuits to SELV circuits

and TN (Telecommunications Network) circuits to TN circuits.

Ship Kit Contents

The single wireless modem is shipped with the following:

• One MultiModem GPRS/EDGE/CDMA wireless modem with GPS functionality.

• One fused DC power cable.

• Four rubber feet for desktop placement.

• Printed Activation Customer Notices (for Cingular, Sprint, Verizon networks, and general CDMA

activation).

• One printed Quick Start Guide.

• One MultiModem CD that provides documentation, two GPS utility programs (iQ Monitor.exe and iQ

Chat.exe), and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The GPS Developer Kit is shipped with the following:

• Three power cords.

• One fused DC power cable.

• One universal power supply.

• Two serial cables.

• Some international kits may have three antennas (two wireless antennas and one GPS antenna).

• Printed Customer Activation Notices (for Cingular, Sprint, Verizon networks, and general CDMA

activation).

• One printed Quick Start Guide.

• One MultiModem CD that provides documentation, two GPS utility programs (iQ Monitor.exe and iQ

Chat.exe), and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 6

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Product Description

Wireless Modem Specifications

Features EDGE Modem GPRS Modem CDMA Modem

Performance EDGE: E-GPRS Class 10

Band,
Frequency

Packet Data EDGE: E-GPRS Up to 240K bps,

Circuit­Switched Data

Fax Class 1 Group 3 GSM Class 1 and Class 2 Group 3 Class 2.0 Group 3
Short Message

Services-SMS
Internet

Protocols
Supported

Voice Features Half rate (HR), Full rate (FR),

Antenna
Connectors

SIM Connector Standard 3V SIM receptacle Standard 3V SIM receptacle NA
Interface

Connectors
Power
Connectors
Voice
Connectors
Power
Requirements
Physical
Description

Operating
Environment

Humidity 20% to 90% non-condensing 20% to 90% non-condensing 20% to 90% non-condensing
Certifications CE Mark, R&TTE

Miscellaneous AT Command Compatible

Warranty Two years Two years Two years

GPRS: Class 12

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

Coding scheme MCS 1-9, Mobile
station Class B, LLC layer, 4 time
slots
GPRS: GPRS Class 12, Full
PBCCH support, Coding scheme 1­4, Mobile station Class B

Asynchronous, transparent and
non-transparent up to 14.4K bps

Text & PDU, Point-to-Point MO &
MT, cell broadcast

TCP, UDP, DNS, FTP, SMTP,
POP3, HTTP

Enhanced full rate (EHR), Adaptive
multi rate (AMR). Basic hands free
operation with echo cancellation and
noise reduction

RF Antenna: 50 ohm SMA
GPS Antenna: 50 ohm SMA

(2) DB-9 (2) DB-9 (2) DB-9

2.5mm miniature screw 2.5mm miniature screw 2.5mm miniature screw

RJ-9 4-pos modjack NA NA

5V to 32 VDC 5V to 32 VDC 5V to 32 VDC

2.8" L x 6.4" W x 1.2" H; 11.5 oz.
(7.1 cm x 16.3 cm x 3.0 cm; 326g)

0° to +50° C 0° to +50° C 0° to +50° C

EMC:
FCC Part 2, 15 Class A, 22, 24

EN 55022

EN 55024

Safety: cUL, UL 60950; EN 60950
Network: PTCRB

Desktop or panel mounting
Carrier approved
Numerous LEDs provide status
Embedded TCP/IP stack

GPRS Class 10 CDMA2000 1xRTT

Dual-band 850/1900 or 900/1800
MHz GSM/GPRS

Up to 85.5K bps
PBCCH support
Coding schemes: CS1 to CS4

Asynchronous, transparent and
non-transparent up to 14.4K bps

Text & PDU, Point-to-Point, cell
broadcast

ARP, Dial-in PPP, DNS Resolve,
FTP client, ICMP, IP, IPCP, LCP,
POP3 (receive mail), PPP, SMTP
(send mail), TCP socket, Telnet
client, Telnet server, UDP socket,
CHAP, PAP

NA NA

RF Antenna: 50 ohm SMA
GPS Antenna: 50 ohm SMA

2.8" L x 6.4" W x 1.2" H; 11.5 oz.
(7.1 cm x 16.3 cm x 3.0 cm; 326g)

CE Mark, R&TTE
EMC:

FCC Part 2, 15 Class A, 22, 24

EN 55022

EN 55024

Safety: cUL, UL 60950; EN 60950
Network: PTCRB

AT Command Compatible
Desktop or panel mounting
Carrier approved
Numerous LEDs provide status
Embedded TCP/IP stack

Dual-band 800/1900 MHz CDMA;
800 MHz with R-UIM support

Up to 153.6K bps forward and
reverse

IS-95A, IS 95B up to 14.4K bps

ASCII Text & UCS-2, Point-to-Point,
cell broadcast

Dial-in PPP, DNS, FTP, HTTP,
ICMP, IP, IPCP, LCP, POP3, PPP,
SMTP, SNMP, SNTP, TCP, Telnet,
TFTP & UDP

RF Antenna: 50 ohm SMA
GPS Antenna: 50 ohm SMA

2.8" L x 6.4" W x 1.2" H; 11.5 oz.
(7.1 cm x 16.3 cm x 3.0 cm; 326g)

EMC:
FCC Part 2, 15 Class A, 22, 24
EN 55022
EN 55024

Safety: cUL, UL 60950; EN 60950
Network: PTCRB

AT Command Compatible
Desktop or panel mounting
Carrier approved
Numerous LEDs provide status
CDG 1 and 2 network certified
CDMA IS-95A, IS-95B backwards

compatible

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 7

GPS Specifications

Key Features

• 12-channel simultaneous operation

• Dual sensitivity modes with automatic switching

• Aided GPS through TSIP

• Antenna open and short circuit detection and protection

• Supports NMEA 0183, TSIP, and TAIP, DGPS protocols

• DGPS capable

Performance

General

Update Rate
Accuracy

Acquisition (Autonomous Operation in Standard Sensitivity Mode)

Interface

PPS

Protocols
NMEA

L1 frequency (1575.42 MHz), C/A code (Standard Positioning Service),
12-channel, continuous tracking receiver
TSIP @ 1 Hz; NMEA @ 1 Hz; TAIP @ 1Hz
Horizontal: <5 meters (50%), <8 meters (90%) Altitude: <10 meters
(50%), <16 meters (90%) Velocity: 0.06 m/sec. PPS (static): ±50
nanoseconds

Reacquisition: <2 sec. (90%)

Hot Start: <10 sec. (50%), <13 sec. (90%)

Warm Start: <38 sec. (50%), <42 sec. (90%)

Cold Start: <50 sec. (50%), <84 sec. (90%) (Cold Start requires no

initialization. Warm Start implies that the last position, time, and almanac
are saved by backup power. Hot start implies ephemeris also saved.

Optional (COCOM) Limits

Altitude: 18,000 m
Velocity: 515 m/s

Either limit may be exceeded, but not both.

3.3 V CMOS-compatible
TTL-level pulse
Once per second
TSIP, TAIP, NMEA 0183 v3.0, RTCM SC-104
GGA, VTG, GLL, ZDA, GSA, GSV and RMC
Messages selectable by TSIP command; selection stored in flash memory.

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Product Description

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem Wireless EDGE, GPRS, and CDMA Modems with GPS (S000376A) 8