Sierra Wireless ACRD555 User Manual
AirCard® 555 Wireless Network Card
User Guide
2130142
Rev 1.0 Beta
Preface
Important Notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans-
mission 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 AirCard 555 wireless
network card in areas where blasting is in progress, where
explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical
equipment, 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.
Limitation of
Liability
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.
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, Inc. SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES
Rev. 1.0 Sep.01 3
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Patents Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the
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, INC. PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA
WIRELESS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE
OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
following US patents: 5515013, 5617106, 5629960, 5682602,
5748449, 5845216, 5847553, 5878234, 5890057, 5929815, 6169884,
6191741, 6199168, D367062, D372248, D372701, D416857,
D442170 and other patents pending.
Licensed by QUALCOMM Incorporated under one or more of
the following United States Patents and/or their counterparts
in other nations:
4901307 5490165 5056109 5504773
5101501 5506865 5109390 5511073
5228054 5535239 5267261 5544196
5267262 5568483 5337338 5600754
5414796 5657420 5416797 5659569
5710784 5778338
Copyright ©2001 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks Sierra Wireless and the Red Swoosh design are trademarks of
Sierra Wireless, Inc. Heart of the Wireless Machine
AirCard
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
All product specifications are subject to change without notice.
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
®
are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
®
and
Contact
Information
Sales Desk: phone: 1-604-232-1488
hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time
e-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com
Technical Support: phone: 1-604-231-1128
hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time
e-mail: support@sierrawireless.com
4 2130142
Preface
address: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
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 web site for up-to-date product descriptions,
documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Rev. 1.0 Sep.01 5
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
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Table of Contents
Introducing the AirCard® 555 Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
A Network Card, a Modem, and a Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The AirCard 555 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Account Activation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . 5
Installation on Notebook PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Software Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows 98, 2000, and Me: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows 95 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Windows NT Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Card Insertion & Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Inserting the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Removing the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Account Configuration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Watcher Window & Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Components of the Watcher Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Minimize, Toggle Full/Compact and Close Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Connection Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Call Status Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Indicator Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide
Taskbar Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Data Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Dial-Up Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Incoming Data Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
QNC Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
1xRTT High Speed Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Voice Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
The Dial Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
The Scratch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Outgoing Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Incoming Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The Watcher Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Always On Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Toggle Full/Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
The Tools Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Mobile Messenger… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Phone Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Call Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Dial-Up Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
KeyGuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Options… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Administration > Activation Wizard… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Administration > Modem Update… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
The Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Help Topics… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
About Watcher… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
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Table of Contents
The Network Adapter Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Windows 95, 98, NT & Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Switching Primary Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
On-Line Help and Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Closing the Network Adapter Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
LED Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Radio Frequency & Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
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AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide
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1: Introducing the AirCard 555
Network Card
• A Network Card, a
Modem, and a Phone
• Package Contents
• About this Guide
The AirCard 555 wireless network card fits into a standard
Type II PC card slot (available on most notebook PCs) and
functions as a wireless network card, a modem, and a mobile
phone. This card allows you to connect to the Internet, send
and receive e-mail, connect to a corporate network, and make
phone calls, without the need of a network cable or phone line.
Basics
AirCard 555
Note: Do not insert the
AirCard 555 wireless network
card into a PC card slot before
installing the software.
The AirCard 555 functions in notebook PCs with these
Windows® operating systems: 95, 98, NT, 2000, and Me.
The AirCard 555 operates over a type of wireless network
called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). This network
technology has many features beyond providing a wireless
link, including:
• SMS (Short Messaging Service), which allows others to
send messages to your AirCard
• QNC (Quick Net Connect), which provides a direct
Internet connection
Use of the AirCard 555 requires that you have an account that
gives you access to a CDMA network.
Every CDMA network operates on one of three radio
frequency bands. As a dual band product, the AirCard 555
operates on two of these bands, providing a wide coverage
area.
The AirCard operates on the original CDMA network (IS 95A)
that provides data transmission speeds of up to 14.4 kbps
(kilobits per second). The Venturi compression software
included on your CD can increase this speed to a maximum of
56 kbps. The AirCard also runs on the newer 1xRTT network
technology that provides data transmission speeds up to 144
kbps. The AirCard 555 provides all the advantages of 1xRTT
where it is available while allowing you to use the older
CDMA IS 95A standard where 1xRTT 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.
Rev 1.0 Sep.01 1
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Note: More information about
CDMA networks is available on
the CDMA Development Group
web site, www.cdg.org.
A Network Card, a Modem, and a Phone
Where 1xRTT is available, the AirCard 555 is a true network
card that works just like the network cards familiar to most
corporate computer users. Once installed and configured, the
AirCard connects instantly to the CDMA network with a few
mouse clicks. You can just insert the AirCard 555, click a few
buttons, launch your Internet browser, and you’re ready to
web surf.
As a modem, the AirCard 555 allows you to dial up any other
modem or receive faxes. You can also connect a headset to the
AirCard 555 and use it as a phone.
Package Contents
Your AirCard 555 package contains the following components:
• AirCard 555 wireless network card
• Antenna
• CD containing the AirCard software, this user guide, and
the Venturi software user guide
• Quick reference card
If you want to use the AirCard as a phone, a headset is
necessary. Any standard headset with a 2.5 mm jack should
work.
About This Guide
This user guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to install and use your network card.
• Section 1 (which you are reading) gives you an overview
of the AirCard 555, providing the background information that is the basis for understanding the following
sections.
• Section 2 provides step-by-step instructions on installing,
configuring, and using the AirCard 555 on notebook PCs.
• Section 3 provides electrical, radio frequency, and other
parameters of the AirCard 555 for those who require
technical information.
• Section 4 provides regulatory information.
There is a separate user guide on the AirCard CD for the
Venturi compression software.
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2: Getting Started
• The AirCard 555
Software
• Account Activation and
Configuration
• Care and Maintenance
Before you can begin using the AirCard 555 wireless network
card, you must:
1. Install the AirCard 555 software.
2. 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 555 Software
The AirCard comes with this software:
Basics
AirCard 555
Note: You must run Watcher
anytime you use the
AirCard 555.
• An application called Watcher that you use to manage the
AirCard and monitor your connections
• An application called the Network Adapter Manager that
allows you to switch between the AirCard 555 and other
network cards
• Venturi compression software that speeds up your data
transmission rate (in network areas where it is supported)
• The driver software that forms the interface between the
network card and your Windows operating system
Detailed installation instructions are provided in the next
chapter. You can avoid problems by installing the application
software prior to inserting the AirCard, using the instructions
in Chapter 3.
Account Activation and Configuration
Companies that operate CDMA networks and provide access
to these networks are called service providers. You must have
an account with a CDMA service provider to use the
AirCard 555. The process of setting up an account is called
activation.
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AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
If you purchased the AirCard from a service provider, you
may already have an account. (That is, your network card is
pre-activated.) Otherwise, you can refer to the Sierra Wireless
web site, www.sierrawireless.com, for a list of service
providers.
When selecting a service provider, it is important to consider
the following:
• Coverage
Note: Most service providers
have coverage maps on their
web sites.
Note: The fee for service is
usually higher when you are
roaming (connecting to a
network other than the one
belonging to your service
provider).
There are CDMA networks, that operate in the frequency
bands supported by the AirCard 555, 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
Vancouver and travel frequently to Seattle, you can obtain
an account with a Vancouver service provider that has a
roaming agreement with a service provider in Seattle. You
would then have local service in Vancouver, and roaming
service in Seattle. (Most service providers charge more for
roaming service than local service.)
Select a service provider that gives you network coverage
in all areas you intend to use the AirCard 555.
• Pricing
Each service provider has its own pricing options. There
are flat rate accounts which provide you a maximum number of minutes of network usage for a fixed monthly fee.
There are accounts for which you are charged for network
usage by the minute or by the amount of data transmitted.
You may want to shop around to find the best value.
Your service provider will activate your account. To do so
your service provider requires from you:
• The billing information used to collect payment for your
network usage
• The ESN (electronic serial number) assigned to your
modem during the manufacturing process. (This number
is printed on a label on the AirCard and can be displayed
in Watcher.)
You require from your service provider:
• A phone number for your AirCard
• An activation code that gives you access to the window in
which the phone number is entered
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
• An SID (System Identifier) that identifies your home
network area and is used in conjuction with your phone
number to identify your account when you connect to the
CDMA network.
Unless your AirCard has been pre-activated, Watcher will
automatically detect that no account has been configured
when you run it for the first time. Watcher will then autolaunch the Activation Wizard to guide you through the
activation and configuration process.
Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card
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 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.
Basics
AirCard 555
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AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
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3: Installation on Notebook PCs
• System Requirements
• Software Installation
Procedures
• Driver Installation
Procedures
• Card Insertion &
Removal
• Account Configuration
Procedures
This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to making
the AirCard operational on a notebook PC. The basic steps are:
1. Insert the AirCard CD into your CD-ROM drive and
install Watcher, the Network Adapter Manager, and the
Venturi compression software.
2. Insert the AirCard into the PC card slot and install the
AirCard driver from the CD.
3. If the AirCard has not been pre-activated, use the
Activation Wizard to configure the AirCard.
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Note: Most problems in using
the AirCard can be avoided by
installing the software prior to
inserting the AirCard, and by
following the detailed software
and driver installation instructions in this chapter.
Before you begin the installation process, ensure your PC is
running a supported operating system and meets the
hardware requirements described below.
System Requirements
The AirCard 555 wireless network card is supported on:
• Windows 95 OSR2 and higher
• Windows 98 / 98 SE
• Windows 2000
• Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a
• Windows Me
To install the AirCard, you require these system resources:
Table 3-1: System Resource Requirements
Card Slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) Slot
Communications Ports 1 Available
Disk Drive CD-ROM
I/O Resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O Space
Memory 32 MB
Disk Space 7 MB
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AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Software Installation Procedures
Follow these steps to install Watcher, the Network Adapter
Manager, and the Venturi compression software:
Note: Users of Windows 2000
and Windows NT must be
logged in with administrative
privileges to install the AirCard
software.
1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,
insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.
2. If the CD does not auto-start, select
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
3. From the CD start-up window, select
(BETA) and documentation
installation
4. Use the
wizard noting the following:
· The first series of windows in the InstallShield Wizard
installs Watcher, the second series installs the Network
Adapter Manager, and the third series installs the
Venturi compression software.
· You must indicate your acceptance of the terms of the
license agreement by clicking
installation.
· Using the default settings for the Destination Location
and Program Folder is recommended 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 the Add/
Remove Programs in the Control Panel.)
to launch the InstallShield Wizard.
Next and Back buttons to navigate through the
and then notebook software
Start > Run and enter
notebook installation
Yes to proceed with the
· A check box allows you to choose to display release
notes. The release notes list known issues in the software
and are displayed in the Windows Notepad. (If you
choose to display them, when you are finished reading,
use the close box in the upper right corner of the
window to close the Notepad.)
· A check box allows you to choose to have a desktop
shortcut for Watcher. This gives you the option of
launching Watcher by double clicking an icon on your
desktop (as well as from the Start menu).
· Click
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Finish to close the last screen of each wizard. On
the final screen of the Venturi installation, select a radio
button to choose to restart your PC now or later before
clicking
Finish.
Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
· If you choose to re-start your PC later, use the exit option
in the lower left corner of the window to close the CD
start-up menu. YOU MUST RE-START YOUR PC TO
COMPLETE INSTALLATION OF THE VENTURI
SOFTWARE.
Once your PC is re-started, Watcher, the Network Adapter
Manager, and the Venturi compression software are installed.
You can proceed to install the driver.
Driver Installation
Note: A driver is software that
forms the interface between a
device (such as the AirCard) and
the operating system on your PC
(such as Windows 98).
Note: Do not forcefully connect
the antenna, or forcefully insert
the AirCard. This may damage
connector pins.
There is an AirCard driver for each supported operating
system on the AirCard CD. The AirCard will not function
properly unless the appropriate driver for your operating
system is installed.
In Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Me, driver installation is done
through a wizard. Windows NT does not have a wizard to
facilitate driver installation.
Windows 98, 2000, and Me:
To install the AirCard driver in Windows 98, 2000 or Me,
follow these instructions:
1. Insert the AirCard CD into your CD-ROM drive, if not
already inserted, and close any Windows programs that
are running.
2. If the CD start-up menu is displayed, use the
the lower left corner of the screen to exit the menu.
3. Attach the antenna to the AirCard and, with the label
facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC card
slot. Windows should detect that a new device has been
inserted and launch the wizard that guides you through
the driver installation.
4. Follow the instructions corresponding to your operating
system below.
exit option in
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Windows 98
1. Click
Next on the first window of the Add New Hardware
Wizard to proceed to the next window.
2. Select
3. Ensure that
Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended)
and click
enter
CD-ROM drive, and click
Next to proceed to the next window.
Specify a location is the only check box selected,
d:\Drivers\Win98 where d is the drive letter for your
Next to proceed.
Rev 1.0 Sep.01 9
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
4. Click Next on the window that displays the file name.
5. Click
6. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click
Finish and repeat steps 1 to 4 as prompted.
Yes.
Otherwise, restart your PC from the Start menu. (You
must restart your PC to complete the driver installation.)
Windows 2000
1. Click
Next on the first window of the Found New
Hardware Wizard to proceed to the next window.
2. Select
3. Ensure that
4. Enter
5. Click
Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)
and click
locations, is selected and click
CD-ROM drive, and click
Next.
Specify a location, under Optional search
Next to proceed.
d:\Drivers\Win2k, where d is the drive letter for your
OK to proceed.
Next on the window that displays the file name.
6. If the Digital Signature Not Found window displays, click
Yes.
7. Click
8. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click
Finish to proceed. Repeat steps 1 to 6 as prompted.
Yes.
Otherwise, restart your PC from the Start menu. (You
must restart your PC to complete the driver installation.)
Windows Me
1. Click
Specify the location of the driver (Advanced) on the first
window of the Add New Hardware Wizard and click
Next
to proceed.
2. Select the
button, and the
d:\Drivers\WinMe where d is the drive letter of your CD-
ROM drive. Click
3. If prompted, “What would you like to install?”, select
updated software (Recommended)
4. Click
5. Click
6. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click
Search for the best driver for your device radio
Specify a location check box, then enter
Next to proceed to the next window.
The
and click Next.
Next on the window that displays a file name.
Finish and repeat steps 1 to 4 as prompted.
Yes.
Otherwise, restart your PC from the Start menu. (You
must restart your PC to complete the driver installation.)
Once your PC is restarted, the driver is installed and you can
proceed to configure the AirCard to use your account (if it was
not pre-activated).
10 2130142
Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
Windows 95 Driver Installation
Note: Windows system files may be required to complete installation
of the AirCard 555 driver. These files are located on the Windows CD
and may be stored on your hard drive in .CAB files. Ensure you have
your Windows CD, or know the location of the .CAB files before
proceeding.
Depending on how Windows 95 was installed on your PC and
what devices have since been installed, your PC card
(PCMCIA) slots may or may not have been enabled and the
TCP/IP stack may or may not be installed.
These instructions guide you through these steps:
1. Verifying that the PC card slots are enabled
2. Verifying that TCP/IP is installed
3. Installing the driver
Verifying That the PC Card Slots Are Enabled
1. Open the Control Panel by selecting
Control Panel
.
2. Double click the PC card icon.
3. If the PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties window is displayed,
the slots are enabled and you can proceed to the section
titled Verifying That TCP/IP Is Installed.
4. If the PC Card (PCMCIA) Wizard is displayed, the slots
are not yet enabled, and the wizard guides you through
the enabling process. (Generally it is sufficient to click
at each window.) Click
click
Yes when prompted to restart the PC.
Finish on the final window and
Start > Settings >
Next
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Verifying That TCP/IP Is Installed
1. If the Control Panel is not already open, select
Settings > Control Panel
to open it.
Start >
2. Double click the Network icon.
3. Look for TCP/IP next to any listing on the Configuration
tab. If TCP/IP is listed, you can close the window and
proceed to the section titled Installing the Driver.
4. If TCP/IP is not listed, click the
Add... button to open the
Select Component Type window.
5. Select
6. Select
Protocol in the component type list and click the
Add... button to open the Select Network Protocol window.
Microsoft under Manufacturers and TCP/IP under
Network Protocols, then click the
OK button.
Rev 1.0 Sep.01 11
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
7. Verify that a listing for TCP/IP appears in the Network
window and then click the
OK button to close the window.
8. If you are prompted that your network is not complete,
make the selections appropriate to your network configuration.
9. If you are prompted for the Windows CD, remove the
AirCard CD and insert the Windows CD in your CD-ROM
drive, or enter the path to the .CAB files.
10. Click
Yes at the prompt to restart your PC. Once the PC
has restarted, proceed to the next section.
Installing the Driver
1. Insert the AirCard CD into your CD-ROM drive, if it is not
already inserted, and close any Windows programs that
are running.
2. If the CD start-up menu is displayed, use the
exit option in
the lower left corner of the screen to exit the menu.
3. Attach the antenna to the AirCard and, with the label
facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC card
slot. Windows should detect that a new device has been
inserted and launch the wizard that guides you through
the driver installation.
4. Click
Next on the first window of the Update Device Driver
Wizard to proceed to the next window.
5. Click the
Other Locations... button to open the Select Other
Location window.
6. Enter
d:\Drivers\Win95 where d is the drive letter for your
CD-ROM drive and click
OK. The wizard should search for
and find the Windows 95 AirCard driver on the CD-ROM
drive.
7. Click
Finish and repeat steps 4 to 6 as prompted.
8. If you are prompted to insert the Windows 95 CD, remove
the AirCard CD and insert the Windows CD.
9. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click
Yes.
Otherwise, restart your PC from the Start menu. You must
restart your PC to complete the driver installation.
Windows NT Driver Installation
Since Windows NT does not have the “Plug and Play” feature
included in other Windows operating systems, installing the
AirCard driver requires more steps. Installation involves:
1. Verifying that your PC card slots are enabled
2. Checking whether Networking is installed
12 2130142
Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
3. Installing the network card driver (procedures depend on
whether or not Networking is already installed)
4. Installing the modem driver
Note: You must re-install the Windows NT Service Pack following
installation of the AirCard driver. Ensure you have your Service Pack
CD before you begin. (Version 6a is supported.)
Note: Windows system files may also be required to complete the
installation. These files are located on the Windows NT CD and may
also be stored as .CAB files on your hard drive. If the .CAB files are
not available to you, the recommendation is to copy the Windows NT
driver from the AirCard CD to a directory on your hard drive. The
Windows NT driver is located on the CD in the directory
\Drivers\WinNT.
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Windows NT Users: Your PC
must be off whenever you insert
or eject the AirCard.
1. If your PC is on, close any Windows programs that are
running and shut down the PC.
2. Attach the antenna to the AirCard, and with the label
facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC card
slot. Power on your PC.
3. Insert the AirCard CD into your CD-ROM drive, if it is not
already inserted.
4. If the CD start-up menu is displayed, use the
exit option in
the lower left corner of the screen to exit the menu.
Verifying That the PC Card Slots Are Enabled
1. Open the Control Panel by selecting
Control Panel
from the taskbar.
Start > Settings >
2. Double click the PC card icon.
3. If a window titled PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties displays,
the slots are already enabled. Close this window and
proceed to the next section.
4. If the PC Card (PCMCIA) Wizard displays, the slots are
not yet enabled, and the wizard guides you through the
installation process. (Generally it is sufficient to click
at each window.) Click
should be prompted to restart your PC. Click
Finish on the final window and you
Yes and
Next
allow the PC to shut down. Then restart it.
Determining Whether Networking is Installed
1. If the Control Panel is not open, select
Control Panel
.
Start > Settings >
2. Double click the Network icon.
Rev 1.0 Sep.01 13
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
3. If the Network window opens, networking is already
installed. Proceed to the section Installing the Network Card
Driver When Networking Is Already Installed.
4. If a dialog box appears, prompting you to install
Networking, the component has not yet been installed.
Proceed to the section Installing the Network Card Driver
When Networking Has Not Been Installed.
Installing the Network Card Driver When Networking Has Not Been Installed
1. Click
Yes to the prompt, “Do you want to install it now?”
to launch the wizard that installs Networking.
2. Click the check boxes on the first window of the wizard so
that
Wired to the network: is checked and Remote access to
the network: is not checked. Click
3. Click the
Select from list... button to open the Select
Next to proceed.
Network Adapter window.
4. Click the
Have Disk... button to open the Insert Disk
window.
5. If you have copied the driver from the AirCard CD to your
hard drive, enter the path to the driver and click
OK to
open the Select OEM Option window.
6. If you are installing the driver from the AirCard CD, enter
d:\Drivers\WinNT where d is the drive letter for your CD-
ROM drive and click
OK to open the Select OEM Option
window.
7. If Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 is highlighted, click
OK. The
Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 should appear in the Network
Setup Wizard under Network Adapters. Otherwise click
Cancel and repeat the previous two steps.
8. Click
9. Ensure
Next to display a list of network protocols.
TCP/IP Protocol is checked (as well as any other
protocols appropriate to your network configuration) and
click
Next to display a list of network services.
10. Select the services appropriate to your network configu-
ration and click
Next. (For the purpose of installing the
AirCard 555, it does not matter what selections you make
in this window.)
11. Click
Next.
12. If the Windows NT Setup window appears, system files
are required to install the components you checked. Either
insert the Windows NT CD and enter your CD-ROM drive
letter, or enter the path to the .CAB files. Click
Continue.
14 2130142
Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
Note: Use the Windows NT
Diagnostics window to locate an
available IRQ and I/O space.
13. Use the drop down menus to select an I/O Port, Interrupt,
Memory, and Com Port, noting that the AirCard 555
requires 1 IRQ and 40 bytes of I/O Space. Click
Continue.
14. If the Windows NT Setup window displays again, enter
the path to your CD-ROM drive or the .CAB files.
15. Click
Yes at the DHCP prompt to proceed to a display of
network bindings. (DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol is required by the AirCard 555 regardless of your
network configuration.)
16. Click
17. Click
Next to start the Network component.
Next to proceed to the window in which you enter a
Computer Name and Workgroup or Domain.
18. Enter the information appropriate to your network config-
uration and click
19. Click
20. Click
Finish on the final window of the wizard.
Yes at the prompt to restart your PC. (You must
Next.
restart your PC to complete the driver installation.)
21. When the PC restarts, re-install your Service Pack.
22. On completion of this step, the driver is installed and you
can proceed to configure the AirCard to use your account
(if it was not pre-activated).
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Installing the Network Card Driver When Networking Is Already Installed
1. Click the
2. Click the
Adapters tab in the Network window.
Add... button to open the Select Network Adapter
window.
3. Click the
Have Disk... button to open the Insert Disk
window.
4. If you have copied the driver from the AirCard CD to your
hard drive, enter the path to the driver and click
OK to
open the Select OEM Option window.
5. If you are installing the driver from the AirCard CD, enter
d:\Drivers\WinNT where d is the drive letter for your CD-
ROM drive and click
OK to open the Select OEM Option
window.
6. If Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 is highlighted, click
OK. The
Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 should appear under Network
Adapters in the Network Setup Wizard. Otherwise, click
Cancel and repeat the previous two steps.
Rev 1.0 Sep.01 15
AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide
Note: Use the Windows NT
Diagnostics window to locate an
available IRQ and I/O space.
7. Use the drop-down menus to select an I/O Port, Interrupt,
Memory, and Com Port, noting that the AirCard 555
requires 1 IRQ and 40 bytes of I/O Space. Click
8. Select the
button and click the
9. Click
10. Click
Obtain an IP address from a DHCP Server radio
Close button.
Yes to confirm that you want to use DHCP.
No if prompted to restart your PC. (You must restart
Continue.
your PC after the modem driver installation.)
Installing the Modem Driver
1. In the Control Panel, double click the Modem icon to open
the Modem Properties window.
2. Click the
Add button to open the Install New Modem
wizard.
3. Select
4. Select the
5. Enter
6. Click
7. Verify th at
8. Select the
Don’t detect my modem, I will select it from a list and click
Next.
Have Disk button.
d:\Drivers\WinNT\mdmac555 where d is the drive letter
for your CD-ROM drive and click
OK.
Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 Modem is displayed
and click
Next.
Selected Ports radio button and select the same
Open.
communications port you selected when you installed the
network card driver. Click
9. Click
Finish.
Next.
10. If you are prompted that Dial-Up Networking needs to be
configured, click
11. Click
Add in the Remote Access Setup window.
Yes.
12. Select the AirCard 555 listing under RAS Capable Devices
and click
13. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click
OK.
Yes.
Otherwise restart your PC from the Start menu.
14. When the PC restarts, re-install your Service Pack.
On completion of this step, the driver is installed and you can
proceed to configure the AirCard to use your account (if it was
not pre-activated).
16 2130142
Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs
Card Insertion & Removal
Inserting the AirCard
The AirCard should be inserted into the PC card slot with the
label facing up.
Note: If you are using Windows NT, the PC must be off whenever you
insert or eject the AirCard.
In Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Me, 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 another card, and unless the feature
has been disabled)
• Wat cher launches.
The AirCard is powered as soon as you insert it.
on Notebook PCs
Installation and Use
Note: See Chapter 2 (Getting
Started) for an explanation of
account activation and configuration.
Removing the AirCard
To remove the AirCard (Windows 95, 98, 2000, or Me):
• Close Watcher if it is open.
• Click the PC Card icon in the status area to display the
option to stop the card.
• Click on “Stop Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 PC Card
Parent”.
• Click
OK in the dialog box that notifies you that it is safe to
remove the card.
Account Configuration Procedures
The final step to making the AirCard operational is configuring it to use your account.
If you purchased a pre-activated AirCard, this step is not
necessary. Once the application software and driver are
installed, the AirCard is ready for use.
Otherwise, you must use the Activation Wizard to activate and
configure your account. Future releases of the AirCard
software will allow for Manual Activation and Voice-Assisted
Activation but only Manual Activation is available in the Beta
Rev 1.0 Sep.01 17
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