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.
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 that 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.
Limitation of
Liability
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.
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 offence.
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.
Notwithstanding 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.
Rev 1 Jun.111
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
PatentsThis product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless, Inc.
This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM
This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under
one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Wireless™, the Sierra Wireless logo, and the red wave design are trademarks of
Sierra Wireless.
Windows
Corporation.
Macintosh
the U.S. and other countries.
QUALCOMM
under license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
®
and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra
®
and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft
®
and Mac OS® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
®
is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used
Contact
Information
Sales Desk:Phone:1-604-232-1488
Hours:8:00
E-mail:sales@sierrawireless.com
Post:Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Fax:1-604-231-1109
Web:www.sierrawireless.com
Consult our web site for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Revision
History
Revision number Release dateChanges
1June 2011Initial release
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Contents
Sierra Wireless AirCard USB Modem User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Sierra Wireless AirCard® 313U USB Modem enables you to
connect to the Internet, send and receive email, connect to a
corporate network or virtual private network (VPN), or view streaming
video without the need for a network cable.
The AirCard 313U USB Modem connects to a Type A USB port on
your computer.
If the AirCard 313U USB Modem is TRU-Install enabled, all the
required software is available on the modem. When you set up your
AirCard 313U USB Modem, the software is installed on your
computer. You do not need an installation CD. (Depending on your
service provider, your modem may include an installation CD.)
Note: If you purchased the
modem from a GSM
service provider, you may
already have an account
and a SIM card.
Otherwise, your retailer
should be able to give you
the names of companies
that provide these items.
Note: The fee for service
is usually higher when you
are roaming (connected to
a network other than the
one belonging to your
service provider).
The AirCard 313U USB Modem has a built-in antenna and a slot that
accommodates a microSD
your service provider, a microSD card may be included in your
package, or you may need to purchase it separately.
external memory card. Depending on
Your account and coverage area
You must have an account with a GSM service provider to use the
AirCard 313U USB Modem. To use the AirCard 313U USB Modem’s
3G or LTE capability, your account must be with a service provider
that offers 3G or LTE service. (The AirCard 313U USB Modem is
backwards compatible with 2G service.)
When you obtain your account, you are given a Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM) card containing account information. You must insert
the SIM card into the AirCard 313U USB Modem before you use it.
(Depending on your service provider, the SIM card may already be
inserted.)
When establishing a connection, your AirCard 313U USB Modem
uses the fastest available service. Your ability to obtain service
depends on these factors:
•Network coverage—You must be within the network coverage
area.
•Service provider—If you are within the coverage area of a
network that is not operated by your own service provider, you
can obtain service only if there is a roaming agreement between
your service provider and the network operator.
Rev 1 Jun.115
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
Power LED
Data LED
The microSD card and SIM card slots are
under the back cover. See page 11 for details.
•Account provisions—Your account may restrict your usage to certain
networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network.
•Frequency band— You cannot connect to networks operating in bands not
supported by your modem, regardless of roaming agreements or account
provisions.
Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
AirCard USB Modem features
The AirCard 313U USB Modem has a USB connector, slots for a SIM card, and
(on some models) a microSD external storage card. LEDs on the front of the
AirCard 313U USB Modem provide status information.
The placement of card slots, connectors, and LEDs varies depending on your
modem model.
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LED operation
The AirCard 313U USB Modem has two LEDs that show the current status of the
modem.
LEDStateIndicates
PowerOffIndicates one of the following states:
•The modem is not inserted in the computer.
•The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode.
•The modem radio has been turned off using Watcher
connection client.
®
or another
Solid BlueThe power is on, the modem is working normally, and the firmware is not
Blinking BlueThe firmware is being upgraded.
Blinking AmberThe modem is searching for service (initializing).
Solid AmberError—either the modem is having a problem initializing (searching for
DataOffThe modem is unable to detect 2G or 3G service.
Blinking AmberThe modem has detected a 2G network (EDGE, GPRS, GSM) and is ready
Solid AmberThe modem is connected to a 2G network and is able to send and receive
Blinking BlueThe modem has detected a 3G network (UMTS, HSPA, HSP A+) and is ready
Solid BlueThe modem is connected to a 3G network and can send and receive data.
Blinking GreenaThe modem has detected an LTE network and is ready to connect.
Solid GreenThe modem is connected to an LTE network and can send and receive data.
a. LTE LED functionality is preliminary
being upgraded.
Do not remove the modem from the computer.
service) or is offline because of a failure.
Contact your service provider.
to connect.
data.
to connect.
Connection management software
Your AirCard 313U USB Modem comes with Sierra Wireless AirCard Watcher for
Windows
your service provider. Use this software to manage the modem and monitor your
connections.
For information on Watcher features and using Watcher, refer to the online Help.
From the main Watcher window, select
(Windows) or Help > Sierra Wireless Watcher Help (Mac).
Note: Watcher is compatible with earlier Sierra Wireless modems.
Rev 1 Jun.117
®
and Mac®, or other connection management software, depending on
Help > Help Topics or click the button
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
Watcher enables you to:
•Initiate data connections
•Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA/
HSUPA availability, and other network connection parameters
•Monitor the status of the AirCard 313U USB Modem and GSM service
•Send and receive SMS messages
•Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from using your SIM card
if it is lost or stolen
•Configure startup and exit actions for Watcher and the AirCard 313U USB
Modem
•Create or modify a connection profile
For more information about using Watcher, view the Online Help that comes with
Watcher.
You do not need to run Watcher when you use the AirCard 313U USB Modem,
but Watcher does provide useful status information.
Launching Watcher (Windows)
Unless this feature has been disabled, Watcher launches automatically when you
insert the AirCard 313U USB Modem. You can also launch Watcher by:
•Double-clicking the desktop shortcut, or
•Selecting
Depending on how your profile is configured, your browser, VPN, or other
program may launch automatically anytime you launch Watcher.
Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard Watcher.
Launching Watcher (Mac)
Watcher starts automatically at login. To disable this feature, go to Watcher >
Preferences
You can also start Watcher by navigating to the
and double-clicking
Tips
To keep the Watcher icon in the dock:
1. Launch Watcher.
2. Click and hold the Watcher icon in the dock.
3. From the pop-up menu, select
.
Applications > Sierra Wireless folder
AirCard Watcher.
Keep in Dock.
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Reinstalling the software
Windows
If you need to reinstall or repair the Watcher software:
1. Go to
2. Uninstall Watcher.
3. Insert the modem into your computer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Or, in Watcher:
1. Select
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: Do not remove the AirCard 313U USB Modem until the software installation process
is complete.
Mac
To uninstall Watcher:
1. Select
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Tools > Software Installation Mode.
AirCard Watcher > Uninstall AirCard Watcher.
Rev 1 Jun.119
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
Connecting to the network
To use your account (and connect to your service provider’s network), you need to
have at least one profile set up on your AirCard 313U USB Modem. Depending
on how your AirCard 313U USB Modem is configured, the profile may already be
set up or you may need to create one.
Note: If you have a pre-paid wireless account, you’ll need to have credit in your account
before you can connect.
Windows
Once the software is successfully installed and the profile is set up, the AirCard
313U USB Modem is ready to use.
The first time you insert the AirCard 313U USB Modem in the computer, it takes a
few seconds for it to locate the network. While the AirCard 313U USB Modem is
scanning for a network, the Connect button is unavailable.
When you use the AirCard 313U USB Modem with the same computer,
TRU-Install verifies that the correct software is already installed. This process
may take a few seconds.
ScenarioRequired action
Watcher automati ca lly detects or creates a
default profile.
Watcher prompts you to create a data profile.
•If Watcher opens the Options window Profile
pane and pre-selects an appropriate profile
(normally the name of your service provider)
from the drop-down list...
•If Watcher opens the Options window Profile
pane, the Profile name field is blank, and
your service provider is not included in the
drop-down list...
Click Connect.
1. Click Yes, then....
a. Click OK to accept that profile (or choose
another from the drop-down list).
b. Click Connect.
You need to create a profile manually. Refer to the
Watcher online help for details.
Click Help > Help topics or click the button.
If you need to re-install the software, see page 9.
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Mac
The first time you run Watcher:
1. When your computer detects the modem, the message "New network interfaces have been detected" appears.
2. Click the
3. In the Network window, click
a. If there is no profile defined, a message opens asking if you want to
b. Click
c. In the
Network Preferences... button.
Apply. Your modem connects to the network.
create a new profile.
Create a new profile.
Profiles window, click + to create a profile.
To end a high-speed connection, click
Disconnect.
Using the microSD card
Some AirCard 313U USB Modem models can accommodate a microSD external
storage card.
The microSD card appears as a USB memory drive when the AirCard 313U USB
Modem is inserted in your computer. You can copy, paste, and drag files to and
from it the same way as you can with any other external drive.
To insert and use a microSD card:
1. Remove the back cover from the modem.
2. Insert the microSD card in the slot as shown in the illustration.
Rev 1 Jun.1111
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
3. Replace the back cover and insert the AirCard 313U USB Modem into the
computer.
If the computer does not have Watcher installed, you may be given the option
to install it. If you do not want to install Watcher, cancel the installation. You
can use the microSD card without having Watcher installed.
To remove the microSD card:
1. Remove the back cover from the modem.
2. Gently pull the microSD card out.
Removing the SIM card
For instructions on inserting the SIM card, see the printed guide that came with
your product.
To remove the SIM card on the AirCard 313U USB Modem, remove the back
panel and slide the SIM card out of the slot.
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Care and maintenance
As with any electronic device, the AirCard 313U USB Modem must be handled
with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines when you use and
store your AirCard 313U USB Modem:
•Do not apply adhesive labels to the SIM card. This may cause it to jam inside
the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly.
•When not installed in your computer, store the AirCard 313U USB Modem
and SIM card in a safe place.
•The modem should fit easily into your computer’s USB port. Forcing the
AirCard 313U USB Modem into the port may damage the connector pins.
•Protect the AirCard 313U USB Modem from liquids, dust, and excessive heat.
(See the Environmental specifications for maximum tolerances.)
Troubleshooting
This section describes possible problems and solutions for Windows users. If you
have a problem that is not described in this section, visit the Sierra Wireless
support page at www.sierrawireless.com/support.
Software installation does not start
automatically (Windows) or you do not see the
installer package (Mac)
Windows
If Watcher installation does not start after you insert the AirCard 313U USB
Modem:
1. Double-click
Windows 7) on your desktop.
2. Click the
3. Under the
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the software.
Mac OS X
If you do not see the installer package:
1. Open Finder.
2. Under
3. Double-click the installer package.
My Computer (Windows XP) or Computer (Windows Vista,
TRU-Install drive.
TRU-Install drive, open the Win folder and double-click Setup.exe.
Devices, click AirCard
xxx
(where xxx is the model name).
Rev 1 Jun.1113
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
Modem is not detected after AirCard Watcher
installation completes (Windows)
You successfully complete the automatic installation process, but Watcher does
not detect the AirCard 313U USB Modem:
1. Click
2. Double-click
3. When you are prompted to switch to modem mode, click
4. Wait for Watcher to detect the AirCard 313U USB Modem.
5. If the AirCard 313U USB Modem still is not detected, connect to the Internet
Start, and then click Control Panel.
using another method and go to www.sierrawireless.com/support for assistance.
Windows installer fails
When you try to install or uninstall Watcher, the message Windows Installer is not
accessible
To fix Error 1601, first see if another installation process is running.
1. Press
2. Go to the
3. Check the running processes for any of these names:
(for example, Error code: 1601) appears.
Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
· setup.exe
· isetup.exe
· ikernel.exe
· msiexec.exe
· idriver.exe
· IsUninst.exe
· IsUninst.exe
· Uninst.exe
TRU-Install.
OK.
Processes tab.
If any of these processes are running on the system:
1. Select each process.
2. Click
3. Try to run the Watcher installation again.
If the installation is not successful, connect to the Internet using another method
and check Sierra Wireless Knowledge Base articles at sierrawireless.com.
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End Process.
Technical specifications
Radio frequency and electrical specifications
The radio frequency bands that your AirCard 313U USB Modem supports will
vary depending on your region and your model.
900 MHz (EGSM band)Europe
1800 MHz (DCS band)Europe and Asia
1900 MHz (PCS band)North America
3GWCDMA 850 (Band 5)North America, Australia,
WCDMA 1900 (Band 2)North America
WCDMA 2100 (Band 1)Europe, Asia, and
LTE Band 4 (1700/2100) North America
LTE Band 17 (700)North America
and New Zealand
Australia
Rev 1 Jun.1115
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
Environmental specifications
Operating
temperature
(ambient)
Stor ag e
temperature
Humidity85°C, 85% relative humidity for 48 hours (non-condensing)
Vibra t i o nRandom vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6 G RMS in each of 3
Drop1 m on concrete on each of 6 faces, 2 times
0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
-40°C to +85°C, 96 hours (-40°F to +185°F)
mutually perpendicular axes. Test duration of 60 minutes for
each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours.
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Regulatory and safety information
Notice
Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of
data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (that is, 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 and its affiliates accept
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
The modem MUST BE POWERED OFF in all areas that may be susceptible to
radio interference, in particular:
•Prohibited areas
Obey all signs and notices and follow all rules and regulations. Power off the
modem when instructed to do so or when you suspect that it may cause interference or danger.
•In areas where blasting is in progress
•Where explosive atmospheres may be present
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are not always clearly marked.
Such areas include gas stations, fuel depots, chemical transfer or storage
facilities, areas where blasting is in progress, areas where the air contains
chemicals or particles such as grain, dust, or metal powders, and any other
area where you would normally be advised to turn off your cellular phone or
vehicle engine.
•Near medical or life-support equipment
Medical equipment may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In
such areas the modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this
equipment.
•On board aircraft
In addition to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requirements, many airline regulations state that you must suspend wireless operations before boarding an
aircraft. The modem is capable of transmitting signals that could interfere with
various onboard systems and controls.
Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular
telephone services to the offender, legal action, or both.
Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. The modem may be used normally at this time.
•While operating a vehicle
Rev 1 Jun.1117
AirCard 313U USB Modem User Guide
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not use a wireless data device
while in control of a vehicle. Doing so detracts from the driver or operator's
ability to control and operate the vehicle. In some countries, using such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
Regulatory information for North America
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.
Note: This USB modem is approved for use in normal-size laptop computers only
(typically with 12" or larger display screens). To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, this modem should not be used in configurations that cannot maintain at least
5 mm from users and bystanders. For example, this modem should not be used in certain
laptop and tablet computers and configurations where the USB connectors are unable to
provide or ensure the necessary separation is available between the modem and its users
to satisfy compliance.
FCC ID: N7NAC313U.
CAUTION: The AirCard 313U USB Modem must be 5 mm or more from users
during operation, to satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements. The AirCard 313U
USB Modem has been tested for compliance with FCC RF exposure limits in the
laptop computer(s) configurations with horizontal and vertical USB slots (see
Figure 1 below) and can be used in laptop computers with substantially similar
physical dimensions, construction, and electrical and RF characteristics. This
USB modem must not be used with any other antenna or transmitter that has not
been approved to operate in conjunction with this modem. Note: This USB
modem must not be used in any unapproved configurations. For details, contact
Sierra Wireless.
Figure 1: Acceptable operating configurations to satisfy RF exposure requirements
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
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Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:
Warning: (EMI) – United States FCC Information – This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the 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:
•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
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.