Novatel Minstrel S User Manual
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The information contained in this document is su bje ct to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Novatel Wireless Inc. unless such commitment is expressly given
in a covering document.
The information herein is the exclusive property of Novatel Wireless Inc. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic storage, reproduction, execution, or transmission without the prior written consent of Novatel Wireless Inc.
© 2000 Novatel Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Getting Started.......................................................................................................................................4
Welcome....................................................................................................................................5
Requirements............................................................................................................................6
Overview of the Minstrel S Modem............................................................................................ 7
Overview of the Minstrel S Software .......................................................................................10
Charging the Battery................................................................................................................11
Installing the Minstrel S Software............................................................................................12
Connecting the Minstrel to the Visor........................................................................................ 13
Configuring the Minstrel...........................................................................................................14
Connecting to the Internet.......................................................................................................15
Working with the Minstrel S................................................................................................................16
Managing the Network Connection .........................................................................................17
Using the Power Switch..................................... ...... ....................................... .........................19
Changing the Configuration........................................... ..... .....................................................22
Updating the Flash..................................................................................................................23
Using File Mover............................... ...... ...... ..... ...... ....................................... .........................26
Configuring the Button.............................................................................................................34
Setup Wizard........................................................................................................................................37
Introduction to Setup Wizard...................................................................................................38
Starti ng Setu p Wiza rd........................................ ...... ...... ..... .....................................................39
Select Provider........................................................................................................................41
Configure Palm Device............................................................................................................44
Contact a Provider...................................................................................................................46
Settings....................................................................................................................................48
Confirm Settings......................................................................................................................50
Auto Config..............................................................................................................................52
Check Network........................................................................................................................54
Successful...............................................................................................................................56
Modem Manager..................................................................................................................................57
Introduction to Modem Manager..............................................................................................58
Starti ng Mo dem Manager.............................................. ..... .....................................................61
Minstrel....................................................................................................................................65
Config......................................................................................................................................69
Detailed Status ........................................................................................................................77
Push Message Configuration ..................................................................................................81
Terminal...................................................................................................................................84
Ping .........................................................................................................................................89
Glossary ............................................................................................................................................... 92
Glossary A-H............................... ..... ...... ...... ..... ........................................ ..............................93
Glossary I-R................................. ..... ........................................ ..................................... ..........94
Glossary S-V ...........................................................................................................................95
Glossary W-Z............................... ..... ...... ....................................... ..........................................96
Index .....................................................................................................................................................97
Index A-Co............................................................................................................................... 98
Index Co-Em............................................................................................................................99
Index En-Ld...........................................................................................................................100
Index Le-Ou...........................................................................................................................101
Index Ov-R ............................................................................................................................102
Index S-St..............................................................................................................................103
Index Su-Z.............................................................................................................................104
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Getting Started
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Welcome
Welcome to the Minstrel S User Guide. This guide provides information on using the many components and features of your Minstrel S
TM
Wireless SpringboardTM Modem, including the follow-
ing:
• General information about the Minstrel S modem and software
• Instructions to help get you started with your Minstrel S so you can download web
pages and send email almost immediately
• Detailed information about the software used to configure and control the operation of your Minstrel S
Caution
To satisfy FCC RF exposure compliance requirements for portable transmitting devices, the user
should generally maintain a separation distance of 4 cm between the person’s body, and the
device and its antenna. The hands and wrists have a higher exposure limit because they are
extremities, and the device should be used in a hand-held, hand-operated configuration only.
This device has been tested for compliance with a separation distance of 4 cm from a person's
body. The operating configurations of this device generally do not support normal transmissions
while it is carried in pockets or holsters next to a person’s body.
Technical Support
If you have any questions or comments about your Minstrel S, please contact the Novatel Wireless
Technical Support Team.
WWW: www.novatelwireless.com/support/index.html
Email: support@novatelwireless.com
Phone: 1-888-888-9231
Fax: 1-888-812-2888
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Requirements
The following is required to set up and use your Minstrel S for sending and receiving data across
the Internet:
• A HandspringTM VisorTM handheld computer
• Desktop software that allows you to communicate between your desktop PC and
the Visor
• Modem application software for the Visor (included with your Minstrel)
• An account with a Wireless IP network service provider in your area
• Application software for your Visor such as an email client and web browser
Wireless IP service is available from your local cellular carrier in most North American cities.
Check your product packaging or www.novatelwireless.com for network provider contact information.
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Overview of the Minstrel S Modem
The Minstrel S modem has many important features such as status indicator LEDs, a configurable
button, and a DC jack for powering the unit with the supplied AC adapter.
Information on the operation of the configurable button and status indicator LEDs are provided in
the sections below.
Configurable Button
On the front of the Minstrel S there is a button that can be customized to launch any program when
pressed. For information on how to customize this button, refer to Configuring the Button.
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Status Indicator LEDs
The Minstrel S has three LED indicators that allow you to easily determine the status of various
modem parameters.
Service LED
The LED labeled with the icon below indicates the status of the connection to the Wireless IP network.
The table below explains the various states of this LED.
Data/Message Waiting LED
The LED labeled with the icon shown below is used to indicate the transfer of data and provide
notification of waiting messages.
Color State Meaning
Green Solid The Minstrel is registered or con-
nected to the Wireless IP network and,
therefore, data can be sent and
received across the Internet.
Green Solid but flashes off
every 5 seconds
The Minstrel is registered to the network but is in sleep mode.
Green Flashing quickly The Minstrel is attempting to register
to the network.
Green Flashing slowly The Minstrel is attempting to locate a
network provider.
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The table below shows the various states of this LED and their meanings.
Battery LED
The LED that indicates the state of the Minstrel’s internal battery is labeled with the icon below.
The table below describes the various states of this LED.
For more information on charging the battery, refer to the section entitled Charging the Battery.
Color State Meaning
Green Flashing The Minstrel is sending or receiving
data.
Red Flashing The Minstrel has received a “push”
message notification. Push messaging must be enabled for this to occur.
For more information, refer to Push
Message Configuration.
Color State Meaning
Green Flashing The Minstrel’s battery is being
charged. The Minstrel is being powered by the AC adapter.
Green Solid The Minstrel’s battery is fully charged
but the AC adapter is still plugged in
and, therefore, powering the unit.
Red Flashing The Minstrel’s battery is low and
requires charging.
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Overview of the Minstrel S Software
In order for you to easily configure and operate your Minstrel S, there are two main software programs included with the Minstrel S modem. These programs, which are described below, are
already installed on the flash memory of the unit.
Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard utility is designed to guide you step-by-step through the setup of your Minstrel
S. Once you have a Wireless IP account established with a network provider, you can use the
Setup Wizard to enter and save the necessary settings to the Minstrel S modem and configure
your Visor for use with the Minstrel S. For more information about this program and the configuration process refer to the Setup Wizard section of this document.
Modem Manager
The Modem Manager software provides you with complete status information about the Minstrel S
and control over its connection to the Wireless IP network. It also contains screens for more
advanced users to configure their modem without the use of Setup Wizard. For more information
about this program and its many features, refer to the Modem Manager section of this document.
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Charging the Battery
The Minstrel S contains a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. This battery is shipped only partially
charged, so it is necessary to charge the battery to its full capacity before using the unit.
To charge the battery, plug the AC adapter (supplied) into an outlet and insert the barrel connector
into the DC jack found on the top of the Minstrel.
It will take approximately 3 hours to charge the battery from a zero charge state. With sleep mode
enabled, the battery will provide power to the unit for many hours of web browsing.
Battery LED
When the Battery LED is flashing red, this indicates that the battery is low and requires charging.
For more information about the Battery LED, refer to Status Indicator LEDs in the Overview of the
Minstrel S Modem section.
NOTE: If the battery charge goes lower than a pre-set threshold, the modem will automatically
disconnect from the network and power off in order to preserve the settings in its internal
memory.
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Installing the Minstrel S Software
The software necessary for configuring and operating the Minstrel S is already installed on the
Minstrel’s flash memory. Third-party email and web browsing applications, including Eudora® and
AvantGo™ are also installed on the flash memory. Therefore, no software installation is necessary to access the Internet using your Minstrel S.
Eudora®, AvantGo™, and JP Systems’ OneTouch™ are also included on a CD in order to provide
you with the associated desktop applications. For information on installing these desktop applications, consult the software manufacturer’s instructions.
In the future, there may be updates to the Minstrel S software available at www.novatelwireless.com. For information on installing these updates, refer to the section entitled Updating the
Flash.
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Connecting the Minstrel to the Visor
The Minstrel S uses Handspring’s SpringboardTM technology to attach to and communicate with
your Visor handheld computer. In order to configure and use your Minstrel S, you must first connect the Minstrel to the Visor by following the directions below.
First, remove the Visor’s Springboard slot protector. Then, with the front of the Minstrel S facing
the same direction as the front of the Visor, slide the Minstrel into the slot until the connectors are
secure.
As soon as the Minstrel is inserted into the slot, the Modem Manager software will automatically
start and attempt to establish a connection to the Wireless IP network.
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Configuring the Minstrel
In order to connect to the Internet, the Minstrel S must first be configured with the necessary
parameters to be able to register to the Wireless IP network.
To configure the Minstrel, first insert the Minstrel into the Visor’s expansion slot as explained in
Connecting the Minstrel to the V isor. The Modem Manager software will automatically start and
a window will appear stating that the modem has not yet been initialized. Tap Yes to launch Setup
Wizard.
Once Setup Wizard opens, follow the steps provided to configure your Minstrel S. For more information about Setup Wizard and the configuration process, refer to the section entitled Setup Wiz-
ard.
NOTE: In order to configure and use the Minstrel, an account must first be established with a
Wireless IP network provider.
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Connecting to the Internet
To send and receive data across the Internet using the Minstrel S, a connection to the Wireless IP
network is required. To register to the network once configuration has been completed, simply
insert your Minstrel S into the Springboard slot of your Visor. The Modem Manager program will
automatically run, attempting to connect to the network.
Once the Minstrel is registered, you can use almost any Internet application on your Visor or Minstrel S to send and receive data, including downloading web pages and sending email.
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Managing the Network Connection
In order to send and receive data across the Internet, the modem must be connected or registered
to the Wireless IP network. In the sections below, information is provided on how to
• establish the network connection
• disconnect from the network
• close the PPP session.
Connecting to the Network
To establish a connection, or register, to the Wireless IP network, simply insert the Minstrel S into
the Visor’s expansion slot. The Modem Manager will automatically launch and attempt to register
to the Wireless IP network. If the Minstrel S is already inserted, tap the Applications icon and
then the Minstrel icon to start the Modem Manager so ftwar e.
Disconnecting from the Network
To disconnect, or de-register, from the Wireless IP network and power off the modem, tap the
Shutdown button at the bottom of the Minstrel screen of the Modem Manager software.
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You can also tap the Menu icon and select Shutdown from the Minstrel menu to de-register and
power off the unit or use the Power Switch utility, which is described in Using the Power Switch.
Closing the PPP Session
To close the active PPP session but remain registered to the Wireless IP network, tap the Menu
icon and select Disconnect from the Minstrel menu.
Closing the PPP session means that you cannot send and receive data across the Internet but
because the modem is registered it can still communicate with the Wireless IP network, including
receiving push message notifications.
NOTE: If Auto Power Off is enabled, tapping Disconnect will close the active PPP session
causing the modem to de-register from the Wireless IP network and power off. If Auto
Power Off is disabled, tapping Disconnect will close the PPP session but the modem will
remain registered to the Wireless IP network. For more information on the Auto Power Off
feature, refer to Auto Power Off in the Config section.
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Using the Power Switch
The Power Switch utility allows you to quickly power on and power off your Minstrel S with the tap
of a button.
Starting Power Switch
To start the Power Switch utility, tap the Applications icon and then the Power Switch icon.
The Power Switch screen will show the current status of the Minstrel S. If the animated antenna
is radiating power, the Minstrel S is powered on.
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If the antenna is not radiating power, the Minstrel S is off.
Powering On the Minstrel S
To power on the Minstrel S, start the Power Switch utility and tap the Turn Modem On button.
As soon as the Minstrel S is turned on, it will attempt to register to the Wireless IP network.
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Powering Off the Minstrel S
To de-register and power off the Minstrel S, start the Power Switch utility and tap the Turn Modem
Off button.
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Changing the Configuration
Unless instructed to do so by your network provider or by Novatel Wireless, you will not need to
change the configuration of your modem once the Setup Wizard has been run. In the event that
you do need to change the configuration, you can either run the Setup Wizard utility again or
directly edit the settings using the Config screen in the Modem Manager software.
Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard utility will guide you step-by-step through the configuration. As before, you will
be required to select the network provider. However, the saved network addresses will be displayed and you will only need to edit the specific addresses that need to be changed. For more
information about the configuration process and starting Setup Wizard, refer to the Setup Wizard
section of this document.
Config Screen
Using the Config screen, you can directly edit the configuration settings that need to be changed
and then save the settings to the modem by tapping the Save button. For more information on the
Config screen and changing any of the fields that it contains, refer to the section entitled Config.
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Updating the Flash
In the future, software upgrades may be available for the Minstrel S. These upgrades will be available at www.novatelwireless.com and will be in the form of a Minstrel S Updater .prc file.
To update the software on the flash, first install the Minstrel S Updater application on to your Visor
as you would any other application and tap the Applications icon and then the Minstrel S U icon.
The Minstrel S Up dater screen shows the software version of the update in the Update: field and
the version currently installed on the Minstrel S in the Module: field.
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To begin the software update, first ensure that the Minstrel S is inserted into the expansion slot,
and then tap the Update Now button.
NOTE: Do not remove the Minstrel S from the Visor’s expansion slot while using the Updater
utility.
Tap OK when asked if you wish to continue.
The Updating Minstrel S screen will appear showing the progress of the software update. First,
the currently installed software is erased from the flash.
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Next, the updated software is written to the flash.
Once the update is complete, reset your Visor by tapping the Reset button when the window
below appears.
NOTE: If the software currently installed on the Minstrel S is a more recent version than the
update, the following message will appear when the Update Now button is tapped.
Tap OK to close the message.
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Using File Mover
Since both the Visor and the Minstrel S have their own separate memory, the File Mover application has been included with the Minstrel S. This application allows you to delete items from the
memory of either device or move items between the two devices.
Starting File Mover
To start this application, tap the Applications icon and then the File Mover icon.
Viewing the Contents of the Minstrel S Flash
To view the contents of the Minstrel’s flash memory , start the File Mover application and tap the
Minstrel S box in the top, right-hand corner of the screen.
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The pick list just above the list of contents controls whether applications, data, or both are displayed.
Tap the Sort button to change the way the memory contents are displayed.
The Sort Options window will open, allowing you to change the way the contents are sorted and
what information is displayed using the Sort by and Show pick lists, respectively.
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Moving or Copying Items to the Minstrel S
To move or copy items from the Visor’s RAM to the Minstrel S’s flash, start File Mover and then tap
the Internal box in the top, right-hand corner of the screen if it is not already selected.
Tap the check box beside the item(s) you wish to move or copy.
Once all the items to be moved or copied are checked, tap the Move or Copy button as required.
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Tap OK when asked to confirm that you wish to either move or copy the items.
The following screen will appear, showing the status as the items are being moved or copied.
NOTE: Do not remove the Minstrel S from the Visor’s expansion slot while transferring files.
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Moving or Copying Items from the Minstrel S
To move data or applications from the Minstrel’s flash to the Visor’s RAM, start the File Mover program and select the Minstrel S box in the top, right-hand corner.
Tap the check box beside the item(s) you wish to move or copy.
Once all the items to be moved or copied are checked, tap the Move or Copy button as required.
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