Sierra Wireless 300 User Manual

Sierra Wireless

DART 300 CDPD Modem

Migration Guide

For Users of the DART 200

2110291 Rev 1.0

November 2000

DART 300 Modem Migration Guide

Important Notice

Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed.
Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are
rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed
network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could
result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss
of property. Sierra Wireless, Inc., accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors
in data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to
transmit or receive such data.

Safety and Hazards

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress, where explosive atmospheres may
be present, near medical equipment, near life support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any

form of radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE TURNED OFF. The Sierra

Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In

aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE TURNED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can

transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.

The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless modem while in control of a vehicle.
Doing so will detract from the driver or operator’s control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and
provinces, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offense.

Patents

Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the following US patents: D367062, D372248, D372701,
5515013, 5617106, 5629960, 5682602, 5748449, and other patents pending.

Copyright

©2000 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in Canada.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part
of Sierra Wireless, Inc. Sierra Wireless, Inc. shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting
from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.

Trademarks

Windows® and Microsoft® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

™

Hayes

All other brand or product names, logos, trademarks, etc. mentioned in this manual are owned by their respective
companies.

is a trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page i

DART 300 Modem Migration Guide

Regulatory Information

The equipment certifications appropriate to your device are marked on the device and the accompanying product
specific information. Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:

CAUTION

Unauthorized modifications or changes not expressly approved by Sierra Wireless, Inc.
could void compliance with regulatory rules, and thereby your authority to use this
equipment.

WARNING (EMI) - United States FCC Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the Class B limits pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in an appropriate installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

•

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

•

receiver is connected
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

•

WARNING – FCC RF Exposure Guidelines

While this device is in operation, a separation distance of at least 20cm must be
maintained between the radiating antenna and the body of all persons exposed by the
transmitter to meet FCC exposure guidelines.

This transmitter is only approved to operate with an antenna not exceeding 1.5 watts
total system ERP (effective radiated power) for operations with the antenna located at
more than 20 cm from all persons. The warning label must be displayed at the base of
the antenna (if stand-alone) or attached to the final product (if the antenna is integral
with the product), clearly visible to all persons exposed to the transmitter.

WARNING (EMI) – Canada

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus as set out in the interference causing equipment standard
entitled 'Digital Apparatus', ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux
appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur:
'Appareils Numériques', NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communications.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page ii

DART 300 Modem Migration Guide

RSA Licensee

If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall be subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations
(DFARs) Section 252.227-7013 for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in Federal
Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227-19 for civilian agency contracts or any successor
regulations. If further government regulations apply, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance
with such regulations.

Contact Information

Technical

Support:

Sales Desk:

Post:

Fax: [phone]

Web: www.sierrawireless.com

Your comments and suggestions on improving this documentation
are welcome and appreciated. Please email your feedback to

[e-mail]

Canada/US: 1-877-231-1144

Worldwide: 1-604-231-1128

Hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time

e-mail: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time

e-mail: [e-mail]

Sierra Wireless, Inc.
13575 Commerce Parkway
Suite 150
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 2L1

. Thank you.

Consult our website for

up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,

application notes, firmware upgrades,

troubleshooting tips, and press releases:

wwwwww..ssiieerrrraawwiirreelleessss..ccoom

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page iii

m

DART 300 Modem Migration Guide

Contents

1. About this Guide.............................................................................1

1.1. Introduction.............................................................................................................1

1.1.1.

1.2. References................................................................................................................1

1.3. Currency ..................................................................................................................2

1.4. Conventions Used in this Reference......................................................................2

Document Structure ................................................................................1

2. Sample Configurations...................................................................3

2.1. Sample UDP Setups ................................................................................................3

2.2. Sample TCP Setups.................................................................................................6

3. Difference Summary.....................................................................10

3.1. Interfaces................................................................................................................10

3.1.1.

3.1.2.

3.1.3.

3.1.4.

Serial Interface Specifications...............................................................10

Control Lines.........................................................................................11

Packet Service Interfaces ......................................................................12

Modem Control Interface......................................................................12

3.2. Operation...............................................................................................................13

3.2.1.

3.2.2.

3.2.3.

3.2.4.

3.3. Additional Control Considerations.....................................................................16

3.3.1.

3.3.2.

3.4. Specifications.........................................................................................................18

3.4.1.

3.4.2.

3.4.3.

Monitoring Network Connection ..........................................................13

Channel Acquisition Restrictions..........................................................13

TCP Characteristics...............................................................................14

UDP Characteristics ..............................................................................15

Escape Sequence ...................................................................................16

Packet Assembly / Disassembly (PAD) Features .................................16

Modem Features....................................................................................18

Radio Specifications..............................................................................18

Electrical Specification .........................................................................19

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page iv

DART 300 Modem Migration Guide

4. Comparative AT Command Reference .......................................20

4.1. Introduction...........................................................................................................20

4.2. AT Command Set..................................................................................................20

4.3. DART 300 Specific Commands ...........................................................................29

4.4. Status Registers .....................................................................................................31

4.4.1.

4.4.2.

4.5. Result Codes ..........................................................................................................35

S-Registers ............................................................................................31

WS-Registers in the DART 300............................................................34

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page v

1. About this Guide

1.1. Introduction

This Migration Guide is designed to assist application software developers who have experience
with the DART 200 in porting applications for use with the new DART 300 CDPD modem.

Installations will require changes to the DART configuration commands used on the DART 200 in
order to use the DART 300 in its place. There should not be a need to alter either local or remote
system applications related to end-to-end communication. Only the DART modem’s initial one­time configuration needs to be converted.

1.1.1. Document Structure

This guide is organized into the following sections:

• Section 1, About this Guide, introduces the references and conventions used.

• Section 2, Sample Configurations, provides DART 300 equivalents of the samples

that were included in the original DART 200 User Manual.

• Section 3, Difference Summary, highlights the differences between the two models in

areas such as: interfaces, operation, and control considerations, as well as
specifications.

• Section 4, Comparative AT Command Reference, cross-references the commands

and registers of the DART 200 and the DART 300.

The final section, providing the command and register comparison, first presents the list of
DART 200 commands and registers and their equivalents in the DART 300. This list should allow
you to translate any existing DART 200 configuration into an equivalent DART 300 set-up.

There is then an additional list of commands, unique to the DART 300, with an explanation of
how the DART 200 would achieve the same function. This is provided to help users familiar with
the DART 200 to better understand the commands available in the DART 300.

1.2. References

For background information on the nature of wireless communications consult your cellular
service provider and/or their Internet site. All major service providers provide web-based
information on CDPD.

The Sierra Wireless web site at www.sierrawireless.com
Support and Downloads section. This library includes other useful documents such as:

• DART 300 User’s Guide, 2110212

• Glossary of Terms and Acronyms, 2110032

• CDPD Primer, 2130006

• Problem Report Sheet, 2110125

includes a document library in the

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 1

DART 300 Migration Guide Introduction

1.3. Currency

This document may be revised from time to time as new firmware and features are made available.
Please check our website for revisions. This edition is:

Rev 1.0 November 8, 2000

DART 300 / SB300

This document is current with the modem firmware revision R1.3.5. To determine your firmware

revision:

1. Enter the Identification command
The modem will respond with the Firmware revision information:

R1_3_5 …

The details following the revision number include Sierra information on the specific build
followed by the date and time of the build.

ATI5

1.4. Conventions Used in this Reference

Result Code – This is a numeric or text code that is returned after all AT commands (except

resets).

Response – This term indicates a response from the modem that is issued prior to a result code.

Reading registers or issuing commands that report information will provide a response followed
by a result code unless the command generates an error.

Numbers are assumed decimal. Hexadecimal values are shown with a prefix of 0x, i.e. in the form
0x3F. Binary values are shown with a prefix of 0b, i.e. in the form 0b01101011.

Character codes that are described with words or standard abbreviations are shown within angle

brackets: such as <CR> for Carriage Return and <SP> for a blank space character.

AT Command and register syntax is noted using an alternate font:

AT+WS46=4

Responses and result codes from the modem are shown in an alternate font:

NO CARRIER

WARNING

Notes in this form denote a physical hazard. The warning calls attention to a
procedure or practice, which if not performed correctly could result in personal injury.

CAUTION

Notes in this form highlight a procedure or practice which, if not performed correctly,
could result in loss of data or damage to equipment. This is also used to highlight
issues related to regulatory limitations.

NOTE

This form of note draws attention to procedures or practices which, if not performed
correctly, could result in failure of a process or improper configuration. These are
typically pre-requisites to other operations.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 2

2. Sample Configurations

The DART 200 User’s Guide contained several sample configurations. This section provides the
equivalent configurations for the DART 300 modem to illustrate the scope of configuration
differences. The commands for both the DART 200 and DART 300 are shown side by side for
comparison.

Details of the differences in behaviour between the two modems are summarized in subsequent
sections. The comparative AT Command Reference at the end of this guide provides additional
details to aid in translating an existing DART 200 configuration into an equivalent DART 300 set­up.

2.1. Sample UDP Setups

Below are the Remote (telemetry server) UDP Setup and the matching Host (monitoring client)
UDP Setup from Section 5 of the DART 200 manual.

Table 2-1 Remote UDP Setup (Server)

DART 200 Command DART 300 Equivalent Description
^A<ip> +WPNEI=<ip>

\N<s2> +WS174=<s3>

(default)

\J0
\R4 +WS173=1
S13=0

\O0 +WS45=0
*A2

*L2100
S0=1
S82=0

(default)

+WS212=2100

+WPSPNI=

N/A

Handled by previous
command.

S0=1
+WS217=0

<enter>

(default)

(default)

(default)

Set the IP address (NEI) of the modem.

Set the side preference. The direct translation of
the side preference numbers is:

s

s

2

1 3 A Only
2 4 B Only
3 1 A Preferred
4 2 B Preferred

No channel restrictions, no SPNI matching.

Use auto-registration mode.

Continuous automatic registration. The
DART 300 always uses continuous mode.

Set (UDP) PAD mode.

UDP Server mode.

Listen on port 2100.

Auto-answer mode.

Turn off UDP server receive lock. The
DART 200 command also disables use of friends.
The DART 300 disables friends if the list is empty
(the default condition).

Consult Section 3.2.4.1 below for a discussion of
the receive lock.

3

E0 E0
V0 V0

(default)

Q0

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 3

Q0

(default)

Command state echo off.

Use numeric result codes.

Disable Quiet mode.

DART 300 Migration Guide Sample Configurations

Table 2-1 Remote UDP Setup (Server) (continued)

DART 200 Command DART 300 Equivalent Description
F1 (default)

X1 (default)

&C1 (default)

&D0 (default)
&E2

&S0 (default)

\F3 (default)

\M0 (default)
\Q0 Not supported.

\T1 (default)

*B0 (default)
*C1 (default)

+WS62=0

N/A

N/A

&D0
S2=43 (Sets TDES escape

character to “+”) (default)

N/A

Not needed, the next command
would change the setting.

+WS63=0

The DART 300 supports only
hardware flow control.

+WS70=20 Timed data forwarding (always used with binary

N/A Disable broadcast reception.

N/A Enable SLIP TCP header compression.

Data state echo off.

Extended result codes. The DART 300 will

accept the X1 command but takes no action.

DCD follows state of connection. The DART 300
uses this configuration and does not allow changes
to DCD function.

Ignore DTR for data state escape.

Enable the escape sequence and filter it from the
packet. The DART 300 ensures TDES is enabled;
the DART 300 always filters it from the packet.

DSR always active. The DART 300 always
asserts DSR.

Includes PAD forwarding character in packet.

Disables PAD forwarding character.

No flow control. (See Section 3.1.1 below if
hardware flow control is not provided by your
local host device.)

data). The DART 200 configuration assumes use
of the default value in S50 (20 tenths of a second).

*G1 (default)
*K0 (default) S30=0 (default)

*R0 (default)
*T0 (default)

N/A Multicast address selection.

N/A Auto-SLIP disabled.

N/A No Telnet keep-alives.

Session timeout not used in UDP on DART 200.

The DART 300 does support session timeout on
UDP sessions and will require it if receive locking
is not used and the local device cannot close the
session. Consult the DART 300 User Guide for
details on using it.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 4

DART 300 Migration Guide Sample Configurations

Table 2-2 Host UDP Setup (client)

DART 200 Command DART 300 Equivalent Description
^A<ip> +WPNEI=<ip>

Set the IP address (NEI) of the modem.

\N<s2> +WS174=<s3> Set the side preference. The direct translation of

the side preference numbers is:

s

s

2

3

1 3 A Only
2 4 B Only
3 1 A Preferred
4 2 B Preferred

\J0 (default)

+WPSPNI=<enter>

\R4 +WS173=1
S13=0

N/A

No channel restrictions, no SPNI matching.

Use auto-registration mode.

Continuous automatic registration. The
DART 300 always uses continuous mode.

\O0 +WS45=0
*A0 (default) S0=0 (manual answer)

Set (UDP) PAD mode.

No server required.

+WS212=0 (disable server)
*L2100 (default) +WS212=2100 (default)
S82=0

+WS217=0 (default)

Listen on port 2100.

Turn off UDP server receive lock. The
DART 200 command also disables use of friends.
The DART 300 disables friends if the list is empty
(the default condition).

E0 E0
V0 V0
Q0 (default) Q0 (default)
F1 (default)

+WS62=0

Command state echo off.

Use numeric result codes.

Disable Quiet mode.

Data state echo off.

X1 (default)

N/A

Extended result codes. The DART 300 will

accept the X1 command but takes no action.

&C1 (default)

N/A

DCD follows state of connection. The DART 300
uses this configuration and does not allow changes
to DCD function.

&D0 (default)
&E2

&D0

S2=43 (Sets TDES escape

character to “+”) (default)

Ignore DTR.

Enable the escape sequence and filter it from the
packet. The DART 300 ensures TDES is enabled;
the DART 300 always filters it from the packet.

&S0 (default)

N/A

DSR always active. The DART 300 always
asserts DSR.

\F3 (default)

Not needed, the next command

Includes PAD forwarding character in packet.

would change the setting.

\M0 (default)

+WS63=0

Disables PAD forwarding character.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 5

DART 300 Migration Guide Sample Configurations

Table 2-2 Host UDP Setup (client) (continued)

DART 200 Command DART 300 Equivalent Description
\Q2 (default)

\T1 (default)

*B0 (default)
*C1 (default)
*G1 (default)

N/A

+WS70=20 Timed data forwarding (always used with binary

N/A Disable broadcast reception.

N/A Enable SLIP TCP header compression.

N/A Multicast address selection.

*K0 (default) S30=0 (default)

*R0 (default)
*T0 (default)

N/A Auto-SLIP disabled.

N/A No Telnet keep-alives.

2.2. Sample TCP Setups

Below are the Remote (telemetry server) TCP Setup and the matching Host (monitoring client)
TCP Setup from Section 5 of the DART 200 manual.

Use hardware flow control (RTS/CTS). The
DART 300 supports only this flow control.

data). The DART 200 configuration assumes use
of the default value in S50 (20 tenths of a second).

Session timeout not used in UDP on DART 200.

The DART 300 does support session timeout on
UDP sessions. Consult the DART 300 User
Guide for details on using it.

Table 2-3 Remote TCP Setup (Server)

DART 200 Command DART 300 Equivalent Description
^A<ip> +WPNEI=<ip>

Set the IP address (NEI) of the modem.

\N<s2> +WS174=<s3> Set the side preference. The direct translation of

the side preference numbers is:

s

s

2

3

1 3 A Only
2 4 B Only
3 1 A Preferred
4 2 B Preferred

\J0 +WPSPNI=<enter>
\R4 +WS173=1
S13=0

N/A

No channel restrictions, no SPNI matching.

Use auto-registration mode.

Continuous automatic registration. The
DART 300 always uses continuous mode.

\O0 +WS45=1
*A1 Handled by previous

Set (TCP) PAD mode.

TCP Server mode.

command.

S0=1

S0=1 (default)
*L2100 (default) +WS212=2100 (default)

Auto-answer mode.

Listen on port 2100.

E0 E0

Command state echo off.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 6

DART 300 Migration Guide Sample Configurations

Table 2-3 Remote TCP Setup (Server) (continued)

DART 200 Command DART 300 Equivalent Description
V0 V0

Q0 (default) Q0 (default)
F1 (default)
X1 (default)

&C1 (default)

&D0 (default)
&E2

&S0 (default)

\F3 (default)

\M0 (default)
\Q0 Not supported.

+WS62=0

N/A

N/A

&D0

S2=43 (Sets TDES escape

character to “+”) (default)

N/A

Not needed, the next command

would change the setting.

+WS63=0

The DART 300 supports only

hardware flow control.

Use numeric result codes.

Disable Quiet mode.

Data state echo off.

Extended result codes. The DART 300 will

accept the X1 command but takes no action.

DCD follows state of connection. The DART 300
uses this configuration and does not allow changes
to DCD function.

Ignore DTR for data state escape.

Enable the escape sequence and filter it from the
packet. The DART 300 ensures TDES is enabled;
the DART 300 always filters it from the packet.

DSR always active. The DART 300 always
asserts DSR.

Includes PAD forwarding character in packet.

Disables PAD forwarding character.

No flow control. (See Section 3.1.1 below if
hardware flow control is not provided by your
local host device.)

\T1 (default)

*B0 (default)
*C1 (default)
*G1 (default)
*K2 Not supported.

S86=3 Not supported.

*R0 (default)
*T0 (default)

+WS70=20 Timed data forwarding (always used with binary

N/A Disable broadcast reception.

N/A Enable SLIP TCP header compression.

N/A Multicast address selection.

The DART 300 supports only

an idle session timeout (S30).

The DART 300 supports only a

bi-directional idle session

timeout (S30=3).

N/A Auto-SLIP disabled.

N/A No Telnet keep-alives.

data). The DART 200 configuration assumes use
of the default value in S50 (20 tenths of a second).

Receive keep-alive; unidirectional.

Keep-alive timer set to 3 minutes.

With the DART 200 setting of *K2 above, the
DART 300 setting of S30=3 is an equivalent with

the exception that any dummy keep-alive packets

will not be discarded by the DART 300. See

Section 3.2.3.1 below for details.

2110291 Rev 1.0 Page 7