Multi-Tech Systems MTCBA-C User Manual

MultiModem® CDMA

Wireless Modem

MTCBA-C

Quick Start Guide

Copyright and Technical Support

Quick Start

MultiModem® Wireless CDMA Modem
MTCBA-C (82001229L, Revision J)

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

H 04/24/07 Updated the Technical Support contact list. Removed

I 12/03/07 Updated the Hazardous Locations text. Changed the
J 10/30/08 Removed GPRS F1/F2 that was a part of this manual.

Trademarks

MultiModem and the Multi-Tech logo are registered trademarks of Multi-Tech
Systems, Inc.

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
Phone: [phone] or 800-328-9717
Fax: [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

the Multi-Tech Certified National Activation Agent
statement.

Technical Support list. Revised the package contents.
Added Windows server 2008. Updated drawings.

+(44) 118 959 7774

800-972-2439 or

2 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

MultiModem CDMA Wireless Modem

Introduction

This guide shows you how to set up your Multi-Tech wireless
MultiModem. For detailed information, product specifications,
troubleshooting tips, and more, see the User Guide, available on the
MultiModem CD accompanying your wireless modem.

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. In a “Mobile” application, the device may be moved
regularly from one location to another.

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.

RF Interference Issues

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

• Switch OFF the MultiModem when in an aircraft. The use of

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

• 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 in areas of blasting operations.

• 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.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide 3

MultiModem CDMA Wireless Modem

• 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.

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.

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.

4 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

MultiModem CDMA Wireless Modem

Package Contents

Unbundled Package:

Modem and No Accessories

1 modem
1 mounting bracket
1 fused DC power cable
1 Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD

Note: You must supply
bracket screws and an
antenna.

Note:

See the User Guide for antenna specifications.

Bundled Package:

Modem and Accessories

1 modem
1 mounting bracket
1 antenna
1 serial cable
1 power supply/cable (varies)
4 rubber feet for flat surface

mounting
1 Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD

Note: You must supply bracket
screws.

Activate Your 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.

Pre-Configured Multi-Tech Products

Each Multi-Tech wireless product has been pre-configured to
operate on a wireless network. Some CDMA models are available
without a network configuration.

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. Wireless provider implementations may vary.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide 5

MultiModem CDMA Wireless Modem

Hook up the Antenna, Serial Cable, and Power

• Antenna. Connect a suitable antenna to the SMA connector

(see the User Guide for antenna/RF specifications).

• Serial Cable. Connect one end of the serial cable to the

modem and the other end to a PC.

• Power. Plug the power supply into the wireless MultiModem.

For standard transformer power supply:

∗ Connect the AC cord and its transform block.
∗ Connect the AC cord plug into the main power outlet.

Note: Units shipped with the universal AC power supply are

not suited for installation in hazardous locations.

For optional direct-DC powering:

∗ See the User Guide for views of the fused cable, hook up

directions and other information.

6 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

MultiModem CDMA Wireless Modem

Modem Driver Installation

Compatibility: The wireless MultiModem is compatible with

Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, XP, 2003, and Linux.

Windows: To load the wireless modem’s driver onto your PC, select

the Control Panel’s Phone and Modem Options option. During this
installation, you will be required to browse the MultiModem CD to
load the modem’s INF file (located at the CD’s root directory). See
the User Guide for a description of each step.

Linux: Linux does not require a driver for serial modems.

AT Commands

AT commands can be used to operate, configure, and query your
modem. The CDMA AT Commands Reference Guide is included on
the MultiModem CD and on the Multi-Tech Web site.

Internet Access

See the User Guide for Internet access directions.

Using Mobile PhoneTools

Mobile PhoneTools is a communication software program included
on your MultiModem CD. You can install this program onto your PC
and use it for making Internet connections, voice calls, SMS
messaging, and email. This program allows you to use your wireless
modem hooked up to your PC as if it were a cell phone.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide 7

82001229L