Multi-Tech Systems MTCBA-E User Manual

MultiModem



EDGE

Wireless Modem

MTCBA-E

Quick Start Guide

Copyright and Technical Support

Quick Start

MultiModem Wireless EDGE Modem
MTCBA-E
82010743L, Revision D

Copyright © 2005-6 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

B 01/27/06 Add the fused DC power cable information.
C 06/13/06 Moved the AT Command section to the User

D 06/22/06 Changed location of Activation Notices. Added

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

France: [e-mail]
India: [e-mail] [phone]
Europe, Asia, Africa: [e-mail] +(44) 118 959 7774
U.S., Canada. all others: [e-mail]
[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

Guide. Changed the format to a booklet.

note about current document on Web site.

+(33) 1-64 61 09 81

[phone] or

2 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

MultiModem EDGE Wireless Modem

Introduction

The purpose of this guide is to show you how to set up your
MultiModem EDGE wireless modem. For information on operating
and configuring your modem see the User Guide, which is available
on the MultiModem CD and the Multi-Tech Web site.

See the Multi-Tech Web site for the lastest version of user
documentation.

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.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide 3

MultiModem EDGE Wireless Modem

• 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.

Package Contents

Single Package (one unit) Bundled Package (multiple units)

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

Note: You must supply:
Screws for the bracket
An antenna

Note: Your wireless provider will supply the SIM card.
4 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

Each individual package in the
bundle includes the following:

1 modem
1 mounting bracket
1 RS232 cable (15-to-9 pin)
1 antenna
1 power supply
4 rubber feet
1Quick Start Guide
1 MultiModem CD
Note: You must supply screws for
the bracket.

MultiModem EDGE Wireless Modem

Activate Your Wireless Account

Multi-Tech – A Certified National Activation Agent

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. is a certified national activation agent for
Cingular and Sprint wireless. For more information about
available data plans and to purchase and activate a wireless data
account, contact Multi-Tech at 888-288-5470.

Pre-Configured Multi-Tech Products

Each Multi-Tech wireless product has been pre-configured to
operate on a wireless network.

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.

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 or it may be on the SIM card or both. Wireless
provider implementations may vary.

Inserting SIM Card into Holder

The wireless modem requires a SIM card (Subscriber Identity
Module) to operate on a GSM/GPRS or EDGE network. To install
the SIM card:

1. Using your fingernail or a small screwdriver, pry off the SIM

cover.

2. Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot. The following graphic

illustrates the correct SIM card orientation.

Wireless Service Provider
will give you a SIM card.

Insert SIM card.

3. Verify that the SIM card fits properly. Then replace the cover.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide 5

Replace cover.

MultiModem EDGE 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:

∗ Connect the fused DC power cable into the power source

on a vehicle or machine in which you are mounting the
MultiModem. Be sure the GNS connection is correct.

∗ Connect the red wire to the + positive and the black wire

to the - negative.

6 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide

MultiModem EDGE Wireless Modem

Note

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

Warning

Do not connect your wireless modem directly to a
vehicle’s battery for your power source. Doing so
may cause power spikes. If you wish to use the
battery as a power source, add a filtering device to
the DC input.

Optional – Attach the Modem to Flat Surface

The MultiModem is mounted against a flat surface with the mounting
bracket and two mounting screws. Drill the mounting holes at the
desired mounting location. The mounting holes must be separated
by 125mm (4 -15/16 inches) center-to-center. Slide the mounting
brackets into slot on the back side of the MultiModem chassis.
Attach the MultiModem to the surface with two mounting screws.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Quick Start Guide 7

MultiModem EDGE Wireless Modem

Modem Driver Installation

Compatibility: The wireless modem is compatible with Windows

2000/2003+, Windows XP, and Linux.

Windows: To load the MultiModem wireless modem’s Windows

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. This file is
located at the root directory on the MultiModem CD. See the User
Guide for information that will detail each step for loading the driver.

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

AT Commands

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

For examples of how to use some common operating, configuring,
and querying commands, see the User Guide.

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.

82010743L