Multitech MultiModem MTCBA-G-F1, MultiModem MTCBA-G-F2 User Manual

MultiModem® GPRS

External Wireless Modem

MTCBA-G-F1
MTCBA-G-F2

User Guide

User Guide for MultiModem® GPRS

External Wireless Modem

Models MTCBA-G-F1 & MTCBA-G-F2

P/N S000304J, Revision J

Copyright © 2005 by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

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

Revision History
Revision Date Description

A 05/01/03 Initial Release
B 09/17/03 Revise package contents list & powering drawing.
C 01/20/04 Revise package contents, add RS232 Connector pinout diagram.
D 04/12/04 Revise package contents and features lists.
E 07/13/04 Revise network access info
F 12/30/04 Revise package contents list & powering drawing and add 2 cable drawings.
G 01/07/05 Added instructions for hazardous locations.
H 09/15/05 Added WEEE update to User Guide.
I 10/13/05 Changed temperature range, added humidity rating, changed modem maintenance
And warranty chapter.
J 11/15/05 Change footer.

Trademarks and Logos

Multi-Tech, MultiModem and the Multi-Tech logo are 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.

World Headquarters

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112

[phone]; [phone]; Fax [phone]

Technical Support
Country By Email By Phone

France: [e-mail] (33) 1-64 61 09 81
India: [e-mail] 91 (124) 6340778
U.K.: [e-mail] (44) 118 959 7774
U.S. and Canada: [e-mail] [phone]
Rest of the World: [e-mail] [phone]

Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

Contents

Chapter 1: Product Description and Specifications................................................................................ 4

Product Description ...................................................................................................................................4

Package Contents .................................................................................................................................. 4

Interfaces ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Parts to be Supplied by Wireless Service Provider................................................................................ 4

Parts to be Supplied by End User .......................................................................................................... 4

Antenna/RF Specifications ..................................................................................................................... 5

AT Command Info...................................................................................................................................5

Phone Number for the Wireless Modem ................................................................................................ 5

Network Access...................................................................................................................................... 5

Features.................................................................................................................................................. 6

Application Overview ................................................................................................................................. 7

Application Types ................................................................................................................................... 7

Benefits/Features in Applications ...........................................................................................................8

Functions – GSM Modes ........................................................................................................................ 9

Specifications...........................................................................................................................................10

General Specifications.......................................................................................................................... 10

Electrical Characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 10

Input/output electrical characteristics for external connections............................................................ 10

LED Indicators ......................................................................................................................................11

RS232 15-Pin Connector Pinout .......................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 2: Installation .............................................................................................................................. 12

Mechanical Mounting............................................................................................................................... 12

Electrical Installation & Configuration ......................................................................................................14

Mobile Phonetools ................................................................................................................................... 17

Direct Modem Installation ........................................................................................................................ 17

Verifying Signal Strength ......................................................................................................................... 17

Verifying Network Registration ................................................................................................................ 18

Testing the Configuration......................................................................................................................... 19

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................... 20

Troubleshooting Examples ...................................................................................................................... 20

Situation A: The modem does not answer through the serial link........................................................ 20

Situation B: The modem always returns «Error» when trying to issue a communication.................... 21

Situation C: The modem always returns «No carrier» when trying to issue a communication............ 22

Chapter 4: Safety.......................................................................................................................................23

Safety....................................................................................................................................................... 23

General Safety...................................................................................................................................... 23

Vehicle Safety....................................................................................................................................... 24

Your Responsibility...............................................................................................................................24

Chapter 5: Warranty and Repairs ............................................................................................................ 25

Multi-Tech Warranty Statement............................................................................................................ 25

Repair Procedures for International Customers...................................................................................26

Repairs for damages caused by lightning storms, water, power surges, incorrect installation, physical

abuse, or user-caused damages are billed on a time-plus-materials basis......................................... 26

Replacement Parts ...............................................................................................................................26

Chapter 6: Reference Information........................................................................................................... 27

Wireless Modem Reference Information ................................................................................................. 27

General ................................................................................................................................................. 27

Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................. 27

Data Cable Diagram, Regular Wireless MultiModem........................................................................... 27

Data Cable Diagram, Wireless MultiModem with Voice.......................................................................28

Appendix A - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Statement...................................29

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 3

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

Chapter 1: Product Description and
Specifications

Product Description

The Multi-Tech MultiModem® GPRS is an external data/fax/voice wireless modem. It also supports mobile originated
short message service (SMS) and mobile-terminated SMS. It offers standards-based multi-band GSM/GPRS Class
10 performance. This ready-to-deploy, standalone modem allows developers to add wireless communication to
products with a minimum of development time and expense. The MultiModem GRPS
industry-standard open interfaces, is fully type approved, and can be desktop or panel mounted.

Package Contents

Basic Package

one modem
two holding bridles (mounting brackets)
one fused power cable

Bundled Package

All Basic package items except the fused power cable, plus
one RS232 15-to-9 pin cable
one antenna
four adhesive-backed rubber feet for table-top mounting
one universal power supply with power cord
one MultiModem CD
one Quick Start Guide

Wireless Modem is based on

Interfaces

The Wireless MultiModem has several interfaces:

LED function indicating operating status
External antenna (via SMA connector)
Serial and control link (via 15 pins SUB D)
Power supply (via 2.5mm miniature power jack)
SIM card holder

Parts to be Supplied by Wireless Service Provider

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) configuration chip
The SIM contains information specific to your wireless account and its features.

Parts to be Supplied by End User

mounting screws (screw shaft diameter = .17” max.)
antenna (Basic Package)

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 4

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

Antenna/RF Specifications

If the antenna shipped with the bundled version does not meet your application requirements (for size,
shape,mounting style, etc.), you may supply an antenna yourself. The antenna used must be of the correct
frequency and must be a style appropriate to the application. See the Antenna/RF Specifications section below.

Frequency RX
Frequency TX
RF Power Stand
Impedance
VSWR
Typical Radiated Gain

Frequency RX
Frequency TX
RF Power Stand
Impedance
VSWR
Typical Radiated Gain

GSM 850 EGSM 900

869 to 894 MHz 925 to 960 MHz
824 to 849 MHz 880 to 915 MHz
2W at 12.5% duty cycle 2W at 12.5% duty cycle
50 ohms
<2
0 dBi on azimuth plane

GSM 1800 GSM 1900

1805 to 1880 MHz 1930 to 1990 MHz
1710 to 1785 MHz 1850 to 1910 MHz
1W at 12.5% duty cycle 1W at 12.5% duty cycle
50 ohms
<2
0 dBi on azimuth plane

AT Command Info

AT commands for the GPRS wireless modem are published in a separate Reference Guide
included on the MultiModem CD and posted on the Multi-Tech web site.

IP commands for GPRS modems are also published in a separate Reference Guide included
on the MultiModem CD and posted on the Multi-Tech web site.

Phone Number for the Wireless Modem

• Every wireless modem will have its own unique phone number.

• The wireless modem’s phone number may simply be told to the subscriber or be on the

SIM or both. Wireless provider implementations may vary.

Network Access

The network access arrangements to be specified in Windows Dial-Up Networking (of the
computer that the wireless modem is serving) will vary according to the type of wireless service
used.

• For GSM-without-GPRS, a circuit-switched data connection is used. The user can set up
DUN to make a conventional V.32 modem connection to any terminating modem at the
other end. The phone number specified in DUN can be one supplied by the wireless
service provider or another phone number related to a different dialup modem service (e.g.,
a dialup modem service phone number from any commercial or private dialup network).

• For GSM-with-GPRS, a single DUN number is generally used by all of a wireless provider’s
subscribers throughout its area of coverage (regional, nationwide, continental, etc.).
Rather than being a literal phone directory number, as in conventional DUN, this is a code
that gives the modem Internet access.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 5

Features

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

• GPRS Class 10 operation

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

• GSM Class 1 and Class 2 Group 3 FAX

• Desktop or panel mounting

• Short Message Services including text and PDU, point-to-point, cell

broadcast

• 14.4K GSM circuit switched data

• SMA antenna connector and SIM socket

• Serial interface supports DTE speeds to 115.2K

• AT command compatible

• MNP2 V.42bis data compression

• Numerous LEDs provide operational status

• ME + SIM phone book management

• Fixed dialing number

• SIM Toolkit Class 2

• SIM, network and service provider locks

• Real time clock

• Alarm management

• UCS2 character set management

• Packet data up to 85K bps

• Embedded TCP/IP stack

• Circuit-switched data (GSM) up to 14.4K bps transparent and non-

transparent

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 6

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

Application Overview

Application Types

With circuit switched data rates up to 14.4K bps, the MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem is
targeted at applications that periodically need to send or receive data over a wireless network. It is
an ideal solution for:

Appliances

ATM Terminals

Automotive

Data Collection

Gas Pumps

Industrial and Medical Remote Monitoring Systems

Remote Diagnostics

Remote Metering

Security Systems

Vending/Gaming Machines

Other devices requiring wireless connectivity.

Note: The Wireless MultiModem must be mounted with at

least 8 inches (20 cm) of clearance from the human body.

Wireless MultiModem used in
remote ATM application.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 7

RS232

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

Benefits/Features in Applications

Short Development Time. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem can make your existing and
next generation device, machine, or system, communication-ready without requiring any hardware
changes to its design. It actually provides faster time-to-market because it relieves the burden and
expense of obtaining network and RF approvals. This complete, ready-to-deploy wireless modem
allows you to enhance your product while you focus on developing its core features.

Voice Features. The MultiModem GRPS provides telephony and Dual Tone Multi Frequency
(DTMF) functionality. It also allows for emergency calls as well as echo cancellation and noise
reduction (option), and full rate, enhanced Full Rate and Half Rate (FR/EFR/HR).

Short Message Services. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem offers SMS features such as
text and PDU, point-to-point (MT/MO) and cell broadcast.

Compatible Supplementary Services. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem is compatible
with supplementary services such as call forwarding, call barring, multiparty, call waiting and call
hold, calling line identification, advice of charge, USSD, closed user group and explicit call transfer.

Management Features. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem provides advanced
management features including phone book management, fixed dialing number, and real time clock
and alarm management.

Industry-standard Modem Commands. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem provides
industry-standard AT-style commands for ease of integration into your existing software application.

Industrial Chassis. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem is packaged in a rugged, water
resistant, industrial chassis. The chassis has an RS-232 DE-15 Voice/Data interface connector
and a permanent screw-type power connector. It also has an SMA antenna connector. The
chassis can be side-mounted on a panel or top-mounted on a desktop or other surface. A set of
LEDs indicates the modem’s operational status.

Packet-Switched Data. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem supports GPRS Class 10
packet-switched cellular data. This enables mobile Internet functionality by allowing interworking
between the existing Internet and the cellular network at speeds up to 85K bps. Any service that is
used over the fixed Internet today – File Transfer Protocol (FTP), web browsing, chat, e-mail, telnet

-- is available over the cellular network, as well. The MultiModem GRPS supports PBCCH and
coding schemes CS1 to CS4, and is compliant with SMG31bis.

Circuit-Switched Data (CSD). The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem also supports GSM
circuit-switched cellular data connections. Circuit-switched data connections support speeds up to

14.4K bps, Class 1 and Class 2 Group 3 fax, as well as MNP2 V.42bis compression. CSD cellular
wireless connections are ideal for applications that require a quick wireless replacement of an
existing point-to-point analog dial-up connection. They integrate seamlessly with your current
application requiring little infrastructure change.

Internet-Enabled. The MultiModem GRPS Wireless Modem includes an embedded TCP/IP
protocol stack to bring Internet connectivity to any device. Using the embedded Internet protocols
and the wirless connection to an IP network, it sends and receives data over the Internet. It can
also serve a single web page in response to a web browser request.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 8

Chapter 1 – Description & Specification

Functions – GSM Modes

MODE DESCRIPTION

Standard Dual Band Extended GSM 900 MHz Class 4 (2W) and GSM 1800/1900 MHz

Class 1 (1W)

Interface Serial interface RS232. V.24/V.28 Autobauding function. AT command set

based on V.25ter and GSM 07.05 & 07.07

SMS Mobile Originated (MO) and Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS Mode Text & PDU

point to point. Cell broadcast in accordance with GSM 07.05.

Data Asynchronous 2400, 4800, 9600 and 14400 bps.

Data Transparent and Non Transparent modes.
In Non Transparent Mode only: 300, 1200, 1200/75 baud rates are available.
Mode 3.1 KHz (PSTN) and V110 (ISDN).

Fax [phone]/9600 bps

Fax GSM teleservice 62 in Transparent Mode.
Class 2. Group 3 compatible.

GPRS Class 10. Coding schemes: CS1 to CS4.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem® GPRS User Guide 9