Sierra Wireless 580 User Manual

AirCard® 580 Wireless Modem

User Guide

Important Notice

Due to 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 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 POWERED 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 POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.

and the door is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.

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 offence.

Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground

The driver or operator of any vehicle

Limitation of Liability

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY. Not withstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless. and/or its affiliates aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the Sierra Wireless product.

Patents & Licenses

Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the following US patents: 5,515,013 5,617,106

5,629,960 5,682,602 5,748,449 5,845,216 5,847,553 5,878,234 5,890,057 5,929,815 6,169,884 6,191,741 6,199,168 6,327,154 6,339,405 6,359,591 6,400,336 6,643,501 6,516,204 6,561,851 6,653,979 6,712,627 6,697,030 D367,062 D372,248 D372,701 D416,857 D442,170 D452,495 D452,496 D453,733 D459,303 and

other patents pending.

Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless, its Affiliates, or its Licensees under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.

This product includes technology licensed from: Qualcomm 3G CDMA.

Trademarks

AirCard and “Heart of the Wireless Machine” are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design, the red-tipped antenna, and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Windows Qualcomm of the respective owners.

® is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Other trademark s are the property

® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Contact Information

Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com Post: Sierra Wireless, 13811 Wireless Way, Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 3A4 Fax: 1-604-231-1109 Web: www.sierrawireless.com

Your comments and suggestions on improving this documentation are welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your feedback to documentation@sierrawireless.com. Thank you.

Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases: www.sierrawireless.com

Table of Contents

1: Introducing the AirCard 580 Wireless Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .6

Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Verizon Wireless EVDO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

System components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2: Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 10

The AirCard 580 software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Your account and coverage area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3: Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Part 1: AirCard 580 software installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Part 2: Inserting and removing the AirCard 580 and driver installation . . . . 13

Inserting the AirCard 580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 13

Removing the AirCard 580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Part 3: Activating the AirCard 580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 16

4: WatcherTM Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Launching and exiting Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 17

Connect and disconnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 18

Components of the Watcher window (Full Mode View) . . .. . . . . . . . 19

System tray mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5: Understanding Alert Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

3G service alert . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Auto-connect alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Auto-connection failure alert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . 28

Call lost alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Card eject warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Connection in progress alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Power on card alert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Reset call log information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Security lock enabled alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Security enter lock code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Security incorrect lock code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Software mismatch alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Tray mode alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6: Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

7: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

8: Regulatory and Safety Information . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

1: Introducing the AirCard® 580

Wireless Modem

• Welcome

• Package contents

• Feature summary

• System components

• Care and maintenance

Note: Do not insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot prior to installing the software. It is important to install the software and driver in the correct order. (See Chapter 3: “Installation Procedures”, beginning on page 11).

Welcome

The AirCard® 580 wireless modem is a dual-band wireless PC Card that provides true wireless Internet access leveraging Verizon Wireless’ premier high-speed data networks. It enhances the functionality of your notebook PC by adding access to high speed wireless data. The AirCard 580 functions as a wireless modem with WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) connectivity. This card allows you to connect to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and connect to a corporate network (VPN) without the need of a network cable or phone line.

Package contents

Your AirCard 580 package contains the following components:

• AirCard 580 wireless modem

• Card case for portable storage

• Installation CD containing the AirCard software and this User Guide

• Quick Start Guide

• Warranty Card

Feature summary

Note: For step by step instructions to access features of the AirCard 580, consult the online help available with Watcher.

The AirCard® 580 wireless modem is designed to provide a wide range of capabilities using CDMA network technology. Implementation of these features will depend on network coverage availability and account features you have chosen. Contact Verizon Wireless Customer Service for details of the services and accounts available at

A Type II PC card wireless modem

The AirCard fits into the standard (Type II) PC Card slot available on most notebook PCs. Once installed and configured, the AirCard 580 connects to the high-speed third generation (3G) CDMA wireless

787-763-3333, or by dialing *611 on your Verizon Wireless phone.

network. You just insert the AirCard 580, allow Watcher to auto-launch, click connect, then launch your Internet browser—you’re on-line!

Verizon Wireless EVDO

The AirCard 580 operates on Verizon Wireless networks which leverage a 3G wireless cellular technology called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). 3G CDMA technology provides a variety of connectivity features, depending on network coverage availabilty and account features:

• EvDO is Verizon Wireless’ premier high-speed wireless data network and is one of the fastest, fully

mobile wireless Internet data solutions available. Leveraging 3G CDMA 1xEVDO, the AirCard quickly downloads complex files and views email attachments at typical speeds of 300-500 kbps, capable of reaching speeds up to 2 Mbps.

• Express Netowrk is Verizon Wireless’ national wireless Internet service that operates on 3G CDMA

1xRTT technology. Espress Network enables users to access the Internet, corporate email, attachments, and business applications with a laptop at typical speeds of 40-60 kbps and bursts up to 144 kbps. Express Network is available in thousands of cities and towns a cross America. Once the connection is established, you can open your browser and connect to any web site that is accessible through the Internet, or access other Internet services (such as e-mail and your corporate VPN).

Additional AirCard 580 features

Beyond the features of high-speed wireless connectivity, the AirCard 580 provides additional software and hardware features:

• PIN security code to protect your AirCard and account from unauthorized use.

• A 32-bit Cardbus electrical interface that extends battery life.

• Customized settings for alerts, auto-connection, and more.

• Supports Venturi WirelessTM network optimization software to boost performance while surfing the

web.

System components

Your AirCard 580 wireless modem is just one part of a system designed to provide you with a wide range of communication features. Every component of the system is needed to enable these capabilities.

Your host computing device

Your notebook PC hosts the AirCard hardware and runs the communication software: your web browser and e-mail application, and Watcher—the AirCard enabling software. You may also have other software on your computer that can be used wirelessly with the AirCard 580, such as: file transfer protocol (FTP), chat or instant messaging, and VPN (Virtual Private Network) client software for a corporate server.

The AirCard 580 wireless modem

The AirCard fits into a standard Type II PC Card slot available on most notebook PCs. As a dual-band product, the AirCard 580 provides all the advantages of EvDO where it is available while allowing you

to use the widely available Express Network network where EvDO has not yet been implemented. The benefits to you are that you can use the AirCard in any area that has coverage (assuming there are no account restrictions) and you will be able to take advantage of the fastest possible data transmission speed.

AirCard software and driver

Required to control, monitor, and manage your wireless connections is the Sierra Wireless Watcher™ software. The driver enables the AirCard to work with your computer’s operating system. The AirCard comes with a CD containing this software:

• The Watcher application required to manage the AirCard and monitor your connections. (This User

Guide outlines the details of Watcher).

• The driver software that enables communication between the AirCard and your Windows®

operating system.

The driver and application software must be installed before you insert the AirCard 580 for the first time. Detailed instructions are provided in Chapter 3: “Installation Procedures”, beginning on page 11.

A Verizon Wireless account

In order to begin using the AirCard 580, you must have an account with Verizon Wireless.

Note: You can use the Lock Code feature to prevent others from using yo ur account should your AirCard be stolen. (See Chapter 4: “Watcher Basics”, page 17 for more information on this security feature).

Each AirCard 580 has been provisioned at the factory for use with Verizon Wireless. The process of configuring your account is called activation. Procedures to activate your AirCard are covered in Chapter 3.

The 3G CDMA wireless network

Note: More information about CDMA networks is available on the CDMA Development Group web site,

www.cdg.org.

This is the worldwide infrastructure providing the radio coverage that allows you to stay connected. Made up of radio towers, and a variety of network switches, routers, and servers, the network is an interconnection of many service provider companies.

There are CDMA networks, that operate in the frequency bands supported by the AirCard 580 throughout North America and parts of Latin America, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. However, each service provider operates a network that covers a limited geographical area within the overall CDMA coverage area. Most service providers have “roaming” agreements with other service providers, so that they can offer service outside of the coverage area of their own networks. For example, assuming you live in Seattle, Washington and travel frequently to Vancouver, Canada, you can obtain an account with a service provider in Seattle that has a roaming agreement with a service provider in Vanc ouver. You would then have local service in Seattle, and roaming service in Vancouver.

Care and maintenance

As with any electronic device, the AirCard must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines in using and storing the AirCard:

• Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard. This may cause the AirCard to become

jammed inside the card slot.

• Optimal signal strength is usually obtained when the antenna is perpendicular to the

modem. The antenna should bend easily at the hinge. Do not forcefully bend the antenna.

• When storing or transporting your PC in a case (such as a notebook case), remove the

AirCard antenna and store it in a compartment where it cannot be crushed or broken.

• The AirCard should fit easily into your PC Card slot. Forcing the AirCard into a slot may

damage connector pins.

• Protect the card from liquids, dust, and excessive heat. When not installed in your

computer, store the AirCard in a safe place.

2: Getting Started

• The AirCard 580 software

• Your account and coverage area

Before you can begin using the AirCard 580 wireless modem, you must:

1. Install the Watcher software and the AirCard drivers.

2. Obtain a CDMA account (if this wasn’t done when you purchased the card).

3. Activate an account and configure the AirCard to use your account (unless the AirCard has been pre-

activated). This section provides an overview of this process.

The AirCard 580 software

The AirCard comes with this software:

• An application called Watcher™ that you use to manage the AirCard and monitor your connections.

• The driver software that forms the interface between the network card and your Windows operating

system. The Watcher software should be installed before you insert the AirCard 580 for the first time. Detailed

instructions are provided in Chapter 3: “Installation Proce d ures”.

Your account and coverage area

You must have an account with Verizon Wireless to use the AirCard 580. The process of setting up an account is called activation. Before you can use the AirCard, you must install the AirCard software and ensure that your AirCard is configured to use your account. Instructions on completing these steps are provided in the chapters that follow. Once installed and configured, you can connect to the Internet with the AirCard in any area in which you may obtain Verizon Wireless EVDO service. Your ability to obtain service depends on these factors:

• Proximity to a CDMA network - You must be within the coverage area of a CDMA network on which

1x-EV-DO and 1xRTT has been implemented, in order to use the AirCard.

Note: Do not insert the AirCard 580 into your notebook’s PC card slot until you are prompted to do so by Watcher

Note: Additional fees may apply when roaming.

• Roaming agreement - If you are within the coverage area of a network that is not operated by

Verizon Wireless, you can only obtain service if your plan includes roaming.

• Account provisions - Your account may restrict your usage to certain networks or limit the amount of

time you can use the network. Unless your AirCard has been pre-activated, Watcher automatically detects that no account has been configured when you run it for the first time. Watcher then runs the Activation Wizard to guide you through the activation and configuration process.

3: Installation Procedures

• Overview

• Part 1: AirCard 580 software installation

• Part 2: Inserting and removing the AirCard 580 and driver installation

• Part 3: Activating the AirCard 580 with a service provider

Overview

This chapter is separated into three parts that guide you through the steps necessary to install and to begin using the AirCard 580.

Note: Do not insert the AirCard 580 into your PC Card slot before installing the software.

The basic steps are:

1. Insert the AirCard 580 installation CD into your CD-ROMdrive to install Watcher.

2. Insert the AirCard 580 into the PC Card slot to install theAirCard 580 driver.

3. If the AirCard 580 has not been pre-activated, use the Activation Wizard to configure the AirCard

580 (as described in Part 3 of this chapter: “Activating the AirCard 580 with a service provider,” beginning on page 14).

Before you begin the installation process, ensure your PC meets the hardware requirements described below.

System requirements

The AirCard 580 wireless modem is supported on notebook PCs equipped with the follow ing Windows® operating systems:

• Windows 98 SE

• Windows Me

• Windows 2000 (with Service Pack 3 for optimal performance)

• Windows XP

Note: The AirCard 580 is not designed to function in Handhelds and Pocket PCs, nor does it support SMS or voice services.

To install the AirCard 580, you require these system resources

Table 3-1: System Resource Requirements

Card Slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) Slot Disk Drive CD-ROM (for installation only)

Processor Pentium 150 MHz or higher Memory at least 32 MB Disk Space at least 14 MB Dial-up Networking DUN bound to TCP/IP

Part 1: AirCard 580 software installation

Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP installation procedures

To install Watcher and the AirCard 580 drivers:

Windows 2000 & XP: You may require administrative privileges to install the AirCard 580.

1. The Installation CD launches automatically. Select Install Watcher Setup Welcome and a welcome

window appears.

2. Click Next on the Watcher Setup Welcome window.

3. Use the

Windows Me: It is recommended that your restart your PC at this time before proceeding with the insertion of the AirCard 580 and driver installation.

Windows 98 SE: Allow your notebook PC to fully restart before proceeding with the insertion of the AirCard 580

and driver installation.

4. Skip to step 5 if you did not check the option

step 3).

Skip to step 6 if you did check the option Run Watcher at Start up from the Setup window (refer

to step 3).

5. If you selected the Desktop Shortcut option only from the Watcher Setup window (refer to step 3) in

order to manually launch Watcher, double-click the Watcher icon located on your desktop or access Watcher from the Windows Start menu:

Next and Back buttons to navigate through the wizard noting the following:

• You must click Yes to indicate your acceptance of the terms of the license agreement to

proceed with the installation.

• Use the default settings for the Destination Location and Program Folder unless you have

special requirements and an advanced understanding of PC configuration. (The

Destination Location dictates where the software is installed. The Program Folder dictates

the name assigned to the software in Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.)

• To customize Watcher to launch automatically each time your notebook PC starts up,

select the

Run Watcher at Start up check box. To add the Watcher shortcut to your

desktop, providing you with the option of launching Watcher by double clicking an icon on your desktop (as well as from the Start menu), select the

Desktop Shortcut check box.

(You may select both).

• Click Finish to close the last screen of the wizard.

Run Watcher at Start up from the Setup window (refer to

Start > Programs > Watcher.

Figure 3-1: AirCard 580 Watcher desktop icon

6. Watcher launches and the system tray icon appears:

Figure 3-2: Watcher System tray icon

7. Watcher instructs you to insert the AirCard 580. Continue to Part 2: Inserting the AirCard 580 and

driver installation.

Figure 3-3: Watcher Full Mode view - Please Insert Card

Part 2: Inserting and removing the AirCard 580 and driver installation

This section outlines proper insertion and removal of the AirCard 580 into your notebook PC and explains the steps of driver installation.

Inserting the AirCard 580

To insert the AirCard 580 into your notebook PC:

Note: Before inserting the AirCard 580 into your PC Card slot, it is recommended that you remove the Installation CD from your CD-ROM drive.

1. Insert the AirCard 580 into the PC Card slot with the label facing up. Then, raise the antenna so

that it is fully extended and pointed up at a 90 degree angle. Use in any other configuration may exceed FCC RF Exposure Limits.

When you insert the AirCard, the following should occur:

• If sound effects are enabled, the PC beeps.

• The PC Card icon appears in the status area, if it is not already displayed for anot her

card, (and unless the feature has been disabled).

• Watcher launches (unless the auto launch feature has been disabled).

• The AirCard 580 is powered as soon as you insert it.

WARNING: Once the card is inserted, DO NOT physically remove the AirCard 580 until you have reviewed instructions for proper removal. Removing the AirCard 580 improperly may damage your notebook PC.

Removing the AirCard 580

To remove the AirCard 580 (Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me, or XP):

1. Verify that Watcher is disconnected and that a connection is no longer active. (S ee Chapter 4:

Watcher Basics, beginning on page 13 for more information).

2. Right or left-click on the Watcher icon found in the system tray and select

3. Double-click the Unplug/Eject Hardware PC Card icon in the system tray to display the option

to stop the card.

Exit from the menu.

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