Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 Installation Manual

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Rev 1.0

AirCard® 750 Wireless Network Card

Installation Guide

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Rev. 1.0 May.02 iii

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 network card are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless network card 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. 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 network card, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless network card to transmit or receive such data.

Safety and Hazards Do not operate the Sierra Wireless AirCard

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 network card MUST BE POWERED OFF. The Sierra Wireless network card can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless network card in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless network card MUST BE POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless network card 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 network cards may be used at this time.

The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless network card 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.

FCC RF Exposure Information

In August 1996 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States with its action in Report and Order FCC 96-326 adopted an updated safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated transmitters. Those guidelines are

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consistent with the safety standard previously set by both U.S. and international standards bodies. The design of this wireless network card complies with the FCC guidelines and these international standards.

Use only the supplied or an approved antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could impair call quality, damage the phone, or result in violation of FCC regulations.

To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements (US) the AirCard PCS GSM modem card must be operated with a minimum separation distance of 2.5 cm (1 inch) between the user/nearby persons and the antenna. Always place the antenna in the upright position (oriented vertically) when using the AirCard in a laptop computer.

For more information about RF exposure, please visit the FCC web site at www.fcc.gov

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, Inc. or its affiliates. SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. 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, INC.AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAVE 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, INC. AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES’ AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF EVENTS, OCCURRANCES OR CLAIMS GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY, BE IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT.

Patents Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the

following US patents: 6339405, D452496, D452495, 6327154, D442170, 6199168, 6191741, 6169884, D416857, 5929815, 5890057, 5878234,

5847553, 5845216, 5748449, 5682602, 5629960, 5617106, D372701, D372248, 5515013, D367062 and other patents pending.

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Trademarks AirCard

and Heart of the Wireless Machine® are registered

trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.

Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design, the red-tipped antenna, and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.

Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.

All product specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Table of Contents

Introducing the AirCard® Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Supported operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The AirCard as a network card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The AirCard as a mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Supported GSM frequency bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

AirCard software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Before you can begin using the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The SIM Card and Your Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Removing a SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installation on Notebook PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installation on Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Installation on Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Installation on Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Inserting the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installing the network card driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installing the modem driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Changing the interrupt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Installation on Handheld and Pocket PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Installing the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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Inserting the AirCard into a Pocket PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Inserting the AirCard into a Handheld PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Configuring Your Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Setting up a profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

The Advanced Profile window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The Default Profile button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Stopping and ejecting the AirCard on a notebook PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Ejecting the AirCard on a Pocket PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Ejecting the AirCard on a Handheld PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Watcher™ Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Launching Watcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

The Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

View options (notebook PCs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Status Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Power Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Power Down and Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Transmit power consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Frequency band and network selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Frequency band selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Network selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

AirCard 750 Regulatory

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

CE approval (European Union) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Declaration of conformity for CE Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Industry Canada approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Singapore IDA Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Aircraft Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Explosive Atmospheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Road Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Non-Ionising Radiations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

FCC approval (US) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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1: Introducing the AirCard®

Wireless Network Card

• Your account and coverage area

• AirCard software

• Before you can begin using the AirCard

• Package contents

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

The AirCard 750 wireless network card is an accessory for

your PC that allows you to connect to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, and connect to a corporate network, without the need of a network cable or phone line. The AirCard 750 also allows you to use your PC as a mobile phone.

The wireless technology used by the cards is called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). This is a high-speed, data-only service that is an add-on to the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) cellular network—a type of network used to provide cellular phone service.

The AirCard fits into the standard (Type II) PC Card slot available on most notebook and Handheld PCs. You can also use the AirCard with a Pocket PC provided you have the PCMCIA jacket accessory.

Supported operating systems

Note: You can move the AirCard network card from notebook to Handheld PC or Pocket PC at any time—as long as you have installed the proper software and drivers on each computer.

The AirCard 750 wireless network card works in:

• Notebook PCs running Windows 95, 98 SE, Me, NT, XP,

NT 4.0, and 2000

• Handheld PCs running Windows CE 3.0 (Handheld PC

2000)

• Pocket PCs running Windows CE 3.0 (Pocket PC and

Pocket PC 2002).

For more details, see the "System requirements" on page 9 (notebooks) and page 19 (Pocket PCs).

The AirCard as a network card

The AirCard 750 can be configured to provide the “alwayson” data connection that an Ethernet card or other wired LAN card provides. That is, you can set options in Watcher™ (a

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program that comes with the AirCard) that will cause the AirCard to establish a network connection whenever you insert it, assuming GPRS service is available. Otherwise, you can configure Watcher to connect only when you select a button.

The AirCard as a mobile phone

You can use the AirCard 750 as a phone simply by connecting an approved headset. (See page 4.) The dial pad for the phone is in the Watcher program.

Supported GSM frequency bands

Every GSM network operates on one of three radio frequency bands:

• 900 MHz band—used by some European service

providers

• 1800 MHz band—used by some European and Asian

service providers

• 1900 MHz band—(also called the PCS band) used by

North American service providers

As a tri-band product, the AirCard 750 functions on networks operating on any of the three bands.

Your account and coverage area

Note: If you purchased the AirCard from a GSM service provider, you may already have an account. Otherwise, your retailer should be able to provide you with the names of companies that provide this service.

Companies that operate GSM networks and provide access to those networks are called service providers. You must have an account with a GSM service provider that offers GPRS service to use the AirCard.

When you obtain your account, you will be given a SIM card, otherwise called a “smart card” or “smart chip”. (Depending on how you purchased your AirCard, you may already have an account, and your SIM card may have been included in your package.) The SIM card contains account information and must be inserted in the AirCard anytime you use it.

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.

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Once installed and configured, you can connect to the Internet with the AirCard in any area in which you can obtain GPRS service. Your ability to obtain GPRS service depends on these factors:

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).

• Proximity to a GPRS/GSM network—You must be within

the coverage area of a GSM network on which GPRS has been implemented, in order to use the AirCard.

• Service provider—If you are within the coverage area of a

network that is not operated by your own service provider, you can only obtain service if there is a roaming agreement between your service provider and the network operator.

• Account provisions—Your account may restrict your

usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network.

Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.

AirCard software

The AirCard comes with this software:

• Sierra Wireless’s Watcher program 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

• For notebook PCs only, Sierra Wireless’s Network Adapter

Manager software that allows you to switch between the AirCard and other network cards

Before you can begin using the AirCard

Before you can use the AirCard for the first time you must:

1. Install the AirCard software: Watcher, the Network

Adapter Manager (notebooks only), and the AirCard driver.

2. Attach the antenna, insert the SIM into the AirCard and

insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot. (Do not insert the AirCard before installing the software.)

3. Obtain a GSM/GPRS account (if this wasn’t done when

you purchased the AirCard).

4. Configure the AirCard to use your account (unless it was

pre-configured.)

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5. If your Internet browser is configured to use a dial-up

modem, you may need to set it to use a network card.

The next three chapters guide you through this process.

Package contents

Your AirCard package contains the following:

• AirCard 750 wireless network card

• Antenna

• Installation CD containing the AirCard software and an

installation guide

• Quick reference card

If you want to use the AirCard 750 as a phone, a headset is necessary. Only a 4-wire headset with a 2.5 mm connector will work with the AirCard 750. Approved headsets are available on the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com.

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2: The SIM Card and Your Account

• Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard

• Removing a SIM card

You require a GSM/GPRS account and a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to use the AirCard. The SIM card is a small chip (about the size of a postage stamp) that you insert into the AirCard. The SIM contains account information used by the network to validate your access.

Note: Without a valid SIM card and a valid account, your AirCard will not work.

Depending on how you purchased your AirCard, you may already have an account. In this case, the SIM should be included in your package. Otherwise, your retailer should direct you to a local company that provides GSM service.

Note: Do not attach labels to your SIM as this may cause it to become jammed in the AirCard.

To activate an account, the service provider needs from you:

• Billing information (such as a credit card number) used to

collect payment for your network usage

• Possibly the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment

Identity)—a number that identifies your device (AirCard model) on the GSM network. This number is printed on the AirCard box and on the AirCard label.

Note: Keep a written record, in a secure place, of the account information that your service provider gives you. Instructions on creating a profile are in the section "Configuring Your Account" beginning on page 25.

Your AirCard must be configured to use your account. If purchased from a service provider, your AirCard may have been pre-configured. Otherwise, you must obtain the necessary information and set up a profile in Watcher. Depending on your service provider and account, some or all of this information must be entered in your profile:

• Phone number

• APN

• User name and password

Less commonly you may need to specify:

• An IP (Internet Protocol) address for your AirCard

• A DNS

address or addresses

• That IP header compression is to be used

1. APN (Access Point Name)—Name of the gateway between the wireless network and other networks such as the Internet or a corporate network (Example: internet.serviceprovider.ca).

2. DNS (Domain Name Server)—a computer that converts web site names, such as www.sierrawireless.com, into IP addresses, such as 64.114.87.11.

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Note: If you change GSM service providers (such as if you move to a new city), you will need a new SIM card from your new service provider. You will also need to enter your new profile information into the Watcher software (see “Configuring Your Account” on page 25).

Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard

To install your SIM card into the AirCard network card, follow these steps:

1. Hold the AirCard network card with the label on top and

the antenna closest to you.

2. Locate the thin SIM card slot on the left side of the AirCard

PC Card’s antenna end.

3. Orient the SIM card, as shown in the diagram on the

bottom side of the AirCard.

4. Insert the end of the SIM card into the slot, and gently

push it until it clicks into place.

Figure 2-1: Inserting the SIM card Into the AirCard SIM card slot

5. Once the SIM card is properly inserted, it should not

extend beyond the end of the card. See Figure 2-2.

Figure 2-2: A SIM card properly inserted

Removing a SIM card

To remove the SIM card, you will need a narrow object, such as a pen or a straightened paper clip, to push into the eject hole.

1. Place the AirCard PC Card on a smooth, hard surface such

as a tabletop, as shown in Figure 2-3.

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Figure 2-3: Positioning a pen to eject the SIM card

2. Position your pen or paperclip above the eject hole, which

is on the top surface of the AirCard housing, just to the right of the SIM card slot. (See the photo above.)

3. Press down gently (without excessive force) on the eject

hole. The SIM card should pop out of its slot.

Figure 2-4: Ejecting and removing the SIM card

4. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free.

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3: Installation on Notebook PCs

• System requirements

• Installation on Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Me

• Installation on Windows XP

• Installation on Windows NT

• Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard

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 and the Network Adapter Manager.

2. Insert the AirCard into the PC card slot and install the

AirCard driver from the CD.

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

Before you begin the installation process, ensure your PC is running a supported operating system and meets the hardware requirements described below.

System requirements

Note: Winsock is a component of the Windows operating system required by the AirCard. The version of Winsock shipped with Windows 95 OSR2 does not meet the AirCard requirements. If you are using Windows 95 OSR2 and have not yet upgraded to Winsock2 or later, you must do so before installing the AirCard. Winsock2 can be downloaded from the Microsoft web site, www.microsoft.com.

The AirCard wireless network card is supported on:

• Windows 95 OSR2 and higher with Winsock2

• Windows 98 SE

• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1

• Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a and Networking

installed

• Windows Me

• Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)

To install the AirCard, you require these system resources:

Table 3-1: System resource requirements

Card slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) slot

Disk drive CD-ROM

I/O resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space

Memory 32 MB

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Installation on Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Me

Note: Users of Windows 2000 must be logged in with administrative privileges.

Note: Users of Windows 95 must have Winsock2 installed. See the note in the margin above. You must also verify that your PC Card slots are enabled and that TCP/IP is installed. For instructions on installing TCP/IP and enabling your PC Card slots, see the Windows 95 online Help (available by selecting Start > Help).

Note: You may require your Windows CD (particularly if you are using Windows 95). Ensure you have the CD before proceeding.

1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,

insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.

· If the CD does not auto-start, select

Start > Run and enter

d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM

drive.

2. From the CD start-up menu, select

notebook installation and

documentation

and then notebook software installation to

launch the InstallShield

Wizard.

3. Use the

Next and Back buttons to navigate through the

wizard.

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.

4. If you are using Windows 2000, the

Digital Signature Not

Found

window appears. (This may happen several times.)

Click

Yes (to continue the installation).

5. When prompted to insert the AirCard:

a. Attach the antenna.

Figure 3-1: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard

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Note: Do not forcefully insert the AirCard. This may damage connector pins.

b. With the SIM card inserted into the AirCard (page 6)

and the label of the AirCard facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot.

Figure 3-2: Inserting the AirCard

c. Click OK in the window requesting you to insert the

AirCard.

Windows detects that a new device has been inserted and launches a wizard that guides you through the driver installation.

6. If prompted to eject the card and restart the PC:

a. Eject the AirCard.

b. Click

Yes to restart your computer.

c. Only after your computer has restarted and Windows

has finished launching, insert the AirCard.

Watcher should launch automatically when the AirCard is inserted. If your AirCard has not yet been configured to use your account, you are prompted to do so. See “Configuring Your Account” on page 25.

To close the CD start-up menu, click

Demoshield on the Taskbar

to restore the window, then use the

exit option in the lower

right corner of the window.

Installation on Windows XP

Note: Depending on the XP installation, you may require administrative privileges.

1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,

insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.

· If the CD does not auto-start, select

Start > Run and enter

d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM

drive.

2. From the CD start-up menu, select

notebook installation and

documentation

and then notebook software installation to

launch the InstallShield Wizard.

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3. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the

wizard.

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.

4. Each time the

Software Installation window appears, click

Continue Anyway.

5. When prompted to insert the AirCard: a. Attach the antenna.

Figure 3-3: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard

Note: Do not forcefully insert the AirCard. This may damage connector pins.

b. With the SIM card inserted into the AirCard (page 6)

and the label of the AirCard facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot.

Figure 3-4: Inserting the AirCard

c. Click OK in the window requesting you to insert the

AirCard.

Windows should detect that a new device has been inserted and launch a wizard that guides you through the driver installation.

6. On the first window of the Found New Hardware Wizard,

select

Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click

Next to proceed.

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7. In the Found New Hardware Wizard window:

a. Select the

Search for the best driver in these locations radio

button.

b. Ensure “Search removable media” is

not selected.

c. Select the

Include this location in the search check box,

then enter

d:\Drivers\WinXP where d is the drive letter of

your CD-ROM drive.

d. Click

Next to proceed to the next window.

8. If a window appears requesting you to “Please select the

best match for your hardware from the list below”, select the file that is located on the CD (in the

\drivers\winxp

folder) and click

Next.

9. If a warning appears stating that AirCard 710/750 has not

passed Windows Logo testing, click

Continue Anyway.

10. Click

Finish and repeat steps 6 to 9 as prompted.

11. When you see a window with the message “AirCard® 710/

750 has been successfully installed.“, click

OK.

To close the CD start-up menu, click

Demoshield on the

Taskbar, then use the

exit option in the lower right corner of

the window.

File on CD

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Installation on Windows NT

Note: The AirCard driver requires that Windows Networking is installed. Also the PC Card slots must be enabled. If you are not certain that networking is installed and the slots enabled, see the Windows NT user documentation for instructions. You must be logged in with administrative privileges.

Note: You must re-install the Windows NT Service Pack after you install 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.

1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,

insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.

· If the CD does not auto-start, select

Start > Run and enter

d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM

drive.

2. From the CD start-up menu, select

notebook installation and

documentation

and then notebook software installation to

launch the InstallShield Wizard.

3. Use the

Next and Back buttons to navigate through the

wizard.

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.

On completion of the software installation, exit from the startup menu by clicking

exit in the lower right corner.

Inserting the AirCard

Note: Your PC must be off whenever you insert or eject the AirCard.

1. Close all Windows programs and turn your PC off.

2. Attach the antenna.

Do not forcefully insert the AirCard. This may damage connector pins.

Figure 3-5: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard

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Installation on Notebook PCs

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3. With the SIM card inserted into the AirCard (page 6) and

the label of the AirCard facing up, carefully insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot.

Figure 3-6: Inserting the AirCard

4. Turn on your PC.

5. Log on as Administrator.

Note: Depending on how Windows NT is configured, the prompts and windows described here may not appear in the precise order indicated. Use these instructions as a guideline to the selections you should make.

Installing the network card driver

1. Open the Control Panel by selecting Start > Settings >

Control Panel

2. Double click the Network icon to open the Network

window.

3. Click the

Adapters tab in the Network window.

4. Click the

Add... button to open the Select Network Adapter

window.

5. Click the

Have Disk... button to open the Insert Disk

window.

Note: The AirCard will not function with the default settings for the I/O Port , Interrupt, and Com port if any of these resources are allocated to another network card or other device. If you are familiar with the Windows NT Diagnostics window, you can check to see if these resources are available. Otherwise, leave the default settings and if the AirCard does not function following the driver installation, see the instructions on changing the interrupt on page 16.

6. 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 in which

Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS

Adapter

is selected.

7. Click

OK. A window opens showing the settings for the

I/O Port (0x800), interrupt (10) and COM port (4).

8. If you are aware that these resources are in use by another

device (see the note in the margin), change the settings and click

OK. Otherwise, click OK to use the default settings.

Windows then copies the driver files.

9. Click

Close to close the Network window and open the

Microsoft TCP/IP Properties window.

10. Select

Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter in the Adapter

field and select

Obtain an IP address from a DHCP Server

radio button.

11. Click

Yes to confirm that DHCP is to be used.

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12. Click OK to close the TCP/IP Properties window.

13. Click

No if prompted to restart your PC. (You must restart

your PC after the modem driver installation.)

On completion of this step, the network card driver is installed and you can proceed to install the modem driver. Follow the instructions in the next section.

Installing the modem driver

1. In the Control Panel, double click the Modems icon. If the

Install New Modem wizard opens, skip to step 3. Otherwise, proceed to step 2.

2. Click the

Add button to open the Install New Modem

wizard.

3. Select

Don’t detect my modem, I will select it from a list and click

Next.

4. Select the

Have Disk button.

5. Enter

d:\Drivers\WinNT\ where d is the drive letter for your

CD-ROM drive and click

OK.

6. Verify that

Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Modem is displayed

and click

Next.

7. Select the

Selected Ports radio button and select the same

communications port used for the network card driver (COM 4 unless you changed it). Click

Next.

8. Click

Finish.

9. Click

Close to close the Network Properties window.

Note: You must restart your PC to complete the installation.

10. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click Yes.

Otherwise restart your PC from the Start menu.

11. When the PC restarts, re-install your Service Pack.

On completion of this step, the modem driver is installed and you can proceed to configure the AirCard to use your account (if it was not pre-activated). See the section “Account Configuration Procedures” on page 25.

Changing the interrupt

If the message, “Communication Failed!…” occurs when you start Watcher, a possible reason is that you have assigned an interrupt to the AirCard that has also been assigned to another device.

To change the interrupt assigned to the AirCard:

1. Open the Control Panel by selecting

Start > Settings >

Control Panel

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2. Double click the Network icon.

3. Select the

Adapters tab.

4. Select

Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter and click the

Properties… button.

5. Use the drop-down list to change the Interrupt to another

number and click

OK.

6. Close the Network window by clicking the

Close button.

7. Restart your PC.

8. If the AirCard still does not function properly, repeat the

procedure, selecting a different interrupt.

Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard

If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, and it is set to connect to the Internet through a dial-up modem, you must set it to use a LAN (local area network) card.

To set Internet Explorer version 5 or 6 to use a LAN, follow these steps:

1. In Internet Explorer, select

Tools > Internet Options.

2. Click the

Connections tab.

3. Click

Setup to run the Internet Connection Wizard.

4. Select the option "

I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network (LAN).

" Click Next.

5. Select "

I connect through a local area network (LAN)". Click

Next.

6. Ensure no checkboxes are selected in the “Local area

network Internet configuration“ window and click

Next.

7. Select

No when prompted to set up an Internet mail

account and click

Next.

8. Click

Finish to exit the wizard.

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Rev 1.0 May.02 19

4: Installation on Handheld and Pocket PCs

• System requirements

• Installing the software

• Inserting the AirCard into a Pocket PC

• Inserting the AirCard into a Handheld PC

Before installing the AirCard software on your Handheld/ Pocket PC, ensure you have the required hardware and software. Since software cannot be installed directly to a Handheld/Pocket PC, you require a desktop or notebook PC to function as the “host”. The host PC must have a program called ActiveSync installed on it.

System requirements

On Pocket PCs, your operating system must be:

• Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC, or

• Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002

Note: If your device is running Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC, upgrading to Pocket PC 2002 is recommended. Contact your retailer or manufacturer for details.

If you do not know what version of Windows CE you are using, select

Start > Settings, tap the System tab, and tap the

About icon. If the second line on the screen reads, “Windows

3.0.9348 (Build…)”, your operating system is Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC. If the second line reads, “Windows 3.0.11171 (Build…)”, your operating system is Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002.

Your Pocket PC must have:

• 2.6 MB of storage memory

• The PCMCIA jacket accessory (If you are using a jacket

with two slots, see the important note on page 22.)

• A method of connecting to the host, using either a serial

autosync cable, USB autosync cable, or infrared ports

On Handheld PCs, your operating system must be:

• Windows CE 3.0 Handheld PC 2000

Your Handheld PC must have:

• 2.6 MB of storage memory

• A PC Card slot

• A method of connecting to a host computer, using either a

serial autosync cable or infrared ports

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Whether you are using a Handheld or Pocket PC, you require a desktop or notebook computer to function as the host that:

Note: ActiveSync is made by Microsoft and is included with all Pocket PCs running Windows CE 3.0. (It is also available from the Microsoft web site.) ActiveSync 3.1 is supported on Windows 95/98, 2000, Me, and NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3 or later. ActiveSync 3.5 is supported on Windows 98, 2000, XP, and NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6 or later.

• Has the necessary port (serial, USB, or infrared) to connect

to the Handheld/Pocket PC

• Has a CD-ROM drive

• Has ActiveSync version 3.1 or 3.5 installed (ActiveSync 3.5

is required if you are using Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC

2002)

Installing the software

There are two methods of installing and downloading the software. You can either:

• Connect the host and the Handheld/Pocket PC before you

install the software to the host. (In this case, you are prompted to initiate the download as soon as the software installation is complete.)

Note: Do not insert the AirCard into the Handheld/Pocket PC before downloading the software.

• Install the software to the host and then connect the host

and the Handheld/Pocket PC, as described here.

This process installs Watcher and the AirCard drivers.

Installing the software on the host

1. If the AirCard installation CD is not in your CD-ROM

drive, insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a menu.

· If the CD does not auto-start, select

Start > Run and enter

d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM

drive.

2. From the CD start-up menu, select:

Pocket PC installation and documentation and then Pocket

PC software installation

(if you have a Pocket PC running

Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC), or

Pocket PC 2002 installation and documentation and then Pocket PC 2002 software installation (if you have a Pocket

PC running Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002), or

Handheld PC 2000 installation and documentation and then Handheld PC 2000 software installation (if you have a

Handheld PC running Windows CE 3.0)

This launches the InstallShield Wizard that installs the software to the host.

3. Use the

Next and Back buttons to navigate through the

wizard.

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· 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.

· A dialog box displays this message, “On the next mobile

device connection, the installed applications will be downloaded to the device.” Click

OK.

· Use the

exit option in the lower right corner of the

window to close the CD start-up menu.

Downloading the software to the Handheld/Pocket PC

Note: Do not insert the AirCard into the Handheld/Pocket PC before downloading the software.

1. Connect the Handheld/Pocket PC to the host in one of

these ways:

Pocket PCs:

· Connect one end of the serial cable to the bottom of the

Pocket PC and the other end to a serial port on your host PC, or

· Place your Pocket PC in its cradle and connect the USB

cable on the cradle to a USB port on your host PC, or

· Align the infrared port on your Pocket PC with an

infrared port on your host PC.

Handheld PCs:

· Place your Handheld PC in its docking cradle and

connect the serial cable on the cradle to a serial port on your host PC, or

· Align the infrared port on your Handheld PC with an

infrared port on your host PC.

Note: If you are unable to establish a connection, launch ActiveSync from the Start menu and use the online help in ActiveSync.

ActiveSync should launch automatically when the host and Handheld/Pocket PC are connected.

2. If you are prompted to indicate whether you want to set

up a partnership, click

Yes or No and click Next. (For the

purpose of downloading the AirCard software, it does not matter whether you have a partnership.) You should then be prompted that there is software to download.

3. In the Installing Applications window, click

Yes to start

the download. When complete, you will be prompted to check your mobile device screen to see if additional steps are required.

4. Click

OK.

5. Reset your Handheld/Pocket PC by inserting the stylus

into the reset button. (The reset button is usually a circular indentation that may be on the keyboard of the Handheld

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PC or the bottom of the Pocket PC. Consult the documentation that came with your PC if you do not know how to reset the device.)

Inserting the AirCard into a Pocket PC

To insert the AirCard into a Pocket PC:

1. If the PCMCIA jacket accessory is not already attached,

slide the Pocket PC bottom first into the jacket. It should click into place.

2. Ensure the SIM card is inserted into the AirCard

(described on page 6).

3. .Attach the antenna.

Figure 4-1: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard 750

Note: The Pocket PC operating system doesn’t allow two network devices to be simultaneously inserted into PC Card slots. If you are using a PCMCIA jacket that has two slots, ensure the second slot does not contain another network interface card when you use the AirCard.

4. With the label facing towards the front of the Pocket PC,

insert the network card into the slot at the top of the jacket, as shown in the photo.

Figure 4-2: Inserting the AirCard into a Pocket PC

5. Position the antenna so that it is vertical.

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Inserting the AirCard into a Handheld PC

To insert the AirCard into a Handheld PC:

1. Ensure the SIM card is inserted into the AirCard

(described on page 6).

2. .Attach the antenna.

Figure 4-3: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard 750

3. With the label facing towards the top of the Handheld PC,

insert the network card into the slot, as shown in the photo.

Figure 4-4: Inserting the AirCard into a Handheld PC

4. Position the antenna so that it is vertical.

5. If your Handheld PC is not plugged into a power supply,

the prompt, “Do you want to use this PC card on battery power?” appears. Tap

Yes.

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Page 35

Rev 1.0 May.02 25

5: Configuring Your Account

• Setting up a profile Unless your AirCard was pre-configured, you must set up a

user profile before you can use the AirCard. In most cases, one profile is all you require and your service provider should give you all the information you need to set up the profile that will allow you to make a GPRS network connection and access the Internet.

Note: Your profile is stored on your AirCard—not on the SIM. This means that if you use your SIM in another device, you must create a profile on that device.

If you want to use the AirCard with a specific application or network that requires settings different from those required to web browse, you may need to set up a separate profile. The AirCard allows you to create up to three profiles.

Setting up a profile

Note: You cannot set up a profile before installing the software. (See page 9 for notebook installation instructions or page 19 for Handheld/ Pocket PC installation instructions.)

To create a profile:

1. Insert the SIM into the AirCard if it is not already inserted.

(See page 6.)

2. Insert the AirCard into the PC Card slot if it is not already

inserted (See page 11 for notebook PCs, page 22 for Pocket PCs, or page 23 for Handheld PCs).

3. If Watcher is not running, start Watcher, by selecting

Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard 7X0 > AirCard 7X0 Watcher

or double clicking the desktop shortcut.

Select Start > Programs > AirCard 7X0 Watcher

If Watcher detects that no profile has been set up, you are prompted, “Would you like to configure a profile now?” Select

Yes.

If this prompt does not appear, your AirCard may have been pre-configured, or you may be outside the GPRS coverage area. Select

Tools > Options to access the Profiles

tab of the Options window.

Notebook PCs

Handheld/Pocket PCs

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Note: You must have a valid SIM and be within a GPRS coverage area for Watcher to detect whether you have a profile.

· If a profile is listed, your AirCard has likely been pre-

configured and is ready for use.

· If there is no profile, follow the next set of steps to add

one.

4. In the Profiles tab of the Options window, select

Add. The

User Profile window appears.

Note: Depending on your AirCard configuration, the User Profile window may or may not have an Advanced button.

Figure 5-1: User Profile window (notebooks)

Figure 5-2: User Profile window (Pocket PCs)

Figure 5-3: User Profile window (Handheld PCs)

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5. Enter your profile information as follows:

Profile Name—enter any name that will help you remember

the purpose/use of this account. This name appears in the main Watcher window and, if you later create more profiles, you can use it to select this profile.

User Name and Password—enter your username and/or

password if assigned by your service provider. (Leave the fields blank if not assigned.)

APN (Access Point Name)— enter the APN (see page 5) that

the service provider gave you, if any. (Leave the field blank if no APN was provided).

6. If you want Watcher to automatically establish a GPRS

connection when using this profile and whenever you are in GPRS coverage, then select

Auto Connect.

If there is an Advanced button on the User Profile window, proceed to the next section. Otherwise, select

OK to add the

profile and proceed to the section, "The Default Profile button" on page 28.

The Advanced Profile window

In most cases, the only entries required for your profile are those on the User Profile window. In some cases, the AirCard is configured to provide access to the Advanced Profile window that allows you to specify:

• An IP address

• Use of IP header compression

• A DNS address or addresses

• Quality of service parameters

If your service provider indicated that this information should be entered in your profile, the User Profile window should have an

Advanced button.

To use the Advanced Profile window:

1. Select the

Advanced button to open the Advanced Profile

window displaying the TCP/IP tab.

2. If your service provider specified an IP address for your

AirCard, select “

Use static IP address”, and enter the

address. (“

Use dynamic IP address“ is the default, and, in

most cases, should be selected.)

3. If your service provider is using IP header compression,

then select the checkbox(es) for the feature(s) that your service provider supports.

4. If your service provider specified a DNS address or

addresses, select the

DNS tab. If one address was provided,

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enter it in the Primary DNS field, and if a second address was provided, enter it in the

Secondary DNS field.

5. If your service provider specified quality of service param-

eters, enter these on the

Requested QOS and Minimum QOS

tabs.

6. Select

OK to close the Advanced Profile window and OK to

close the User Profile window.

The Default Profile button

The “default” profile is the one used to establish GPRS connections if you click Connect without selecting a profile. If you only have one profile, it is the default. If you create more than one profile, you can use the

Default Profile button to select

which is the default.

If the profile is set as the default and is set to auto connect, the AirCard automatically initiates a connection, using this profile, as soon as the AirCard is inserted in the PC Card slot.

Once your profile is complete, click

OK to exit the Options

window. Your AirCard is ready for use.

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6: Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card

• Inserting the AirCard

• Stopping and ejecting the AirCard

• Ejecting the AirCard on a Pocket PC

• Ejecting the AirCard on a Handheld PC

You can ensure reliable operation and long life of your AirCard by adhering to these guidelines in storage and use:

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

cause the AirCard to become jammed inside the card slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly.

• When not installed in your computer, store the AirCard in

a safe place.

Note: Do not insert the AirCard before installing the software. See "Installation on Notebook PCs" on page 9 or "Installing the software" on page 20 for installation instructions.

• When storing or transporting your PC in a case (such as a

notebook case), remove the AirCard antenna and position the computer where the antenna tip cannot be crushed or broken.

• Protect the card from liquids, dust, and excessive heat (see

"Environmental specifications" on page 45 for details).

• The AirCard should fit easily into your computer’s PC

Card slot. Forcing the AirCard into the slot may damage the connector pins.

• Optimal signal strength is usually obtained when the

antenna is pointing straight up. The antenna should bend easily at the hinge. Do not forcefully bend the antenna.

Figure 6-1: Proper positioning of the AirCard antenna

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When you insert the AirCard in a notebook PC, the following should happen:

• The PC beeps (unless the effect is disabled).

• The PC Card icon appears in the status area (usually

located in the lower right corner of the screen) unless the feature is disabled.

• The Network Adapter Manager icon for the AirCard also

appears in the status area.

• Watcher launches (unless the auto-launch option is

disabled).

Stopping and ejecting the AirCard on a notebook PC

Windows NT

If you are using Windows NT, your PC must be off whenever you insert or eject the AirCard.

Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, XP

To remove the AirCard:

1. Close Watcher if it is open.

2. Click the PC Card icon in the status area to display the

option to stop the card.

3. Click “Stop Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter

Parent” (Windows 95, 98, 2000, or Me) or “Safely remove Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter Parent” (Windows XP).

4. If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to

remove the card, click

OK.

5. Push the PC Card eject button on your computer to eject

the card.

Figure 6-2: Ejecting the AirCard from its slot

Windows PC Card icons

95/98 Me/2000 XP

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Chapter 2: The SIM Card and Your Account

Rev 1.0 May.02 31

6. Grasp the AirCard and remove it from the slot.

Ejecting the AirCard on a Pocket PC

To remove the AirCard from your Pocket PC:

1. Stop Watcher by selecting

Start > Settings > System tab >

Memory > Running Programs

. In the “Running Program

List”, select “

AirCard 7X0 Watcher”, then tap Stop.

2. Push the PC Card eject button on the Pocket PC to eject the

card.

3. Grasp the AirCard and remove it from the slot.

Figure 6-3: Removing the AirCard from its slot (Pocket PC)

Ejecting the AirCard on a Handheld PC

To remove the AirCard from your Handheld PC:

1. Close Watcher.

2. Push the PC Card eject button on your computer to eject

the card.

Figure 6-4: Ejecting the AirCard from its slot

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Rev 1.0 May.02 33

7: Watcher™ Basics

• Launching Watcher

• The Watcher window

• Icon and indicators on the main Watcher window

• View options (notebook PCs)

• Status icons

• Power options

• Frequency band and network selection

Watcher is the program you use to manage and monitor your AirCard connections. Watcher allows you to:

• Create an account profile. (This is explained under "The

SIM Card and Your Account" on page 5.)

• Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS avail-

ability, and other network connection parameters

• Monitor the status of the AirCard and GSM service

• Initiate data connections

• Make and receive phone calls

• Send and receive SMS messages

• Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from

using your SIM card if it is lost or stolen

• Set options related to battery power consumption

• Set options related to notifications and the Watcher

window

Note: It takes up to 20 seconds for Watcher to become fully functional after launch.

If you set your account profile to auto connect (see page 27), you do not need to run Watcher when you use the AirCard, but Watcher does provide useful status information.

Launching Watcher

On notebook PCs, unless the feature has been disabled, Watcher launches automatically anytime you insert the AirCard. You can also launch Watcher by:

Notebook PCs: • Double clicking the desktop shortcut, or

• Selecting

Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard 7X0 >

AirCard 7X0 Watcher

Handheld/Pocket PCs:

To launch Watcher on a Handheld/Pocket PC, select Start >

Programs > AirCard 7X0 Watcher

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The Watcher window

Note: To get help in Watcher on a notebook PC, select Help > Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing <F1> in most windows.

Notebook PCs

Figure 7-1: The Watcher window (on notebooks)

Note: To get help for Watcher on a Pocket PC, select Start > Help.

Pocket PCs

Indicator area

Profile drop-down list

Roaming

Packet mode

ompact View

Signal strength

DATA tab

VOICE tab

Indicator area

Profile drop-down list

Roaming indicator

Packet mode

Signal strength

DATA tab

VOICE tab

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Handheld PCs

Note: To get help in Watcher on a Handheld PC, select Help > Help Topics.

Figure 7-2: The Watcher window (on a Handheld PC)

Profile drop-down list

Roaming

Packet mode

DATA tab VOICE tab

Compact View

Indicator area

Signal strength

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Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window

These icons are used on the main Watcher window::

Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher

Icon Meaning

The Signal Strength indicator uses bars to show the intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars increases as signal strength increases to a maximum of five bars.

When the antenna and bars are dimmed, no connection is possible for one of these reasons:

• No antenna is attached

• You are outside the GSM/GPRS

network coverage area

• The signal strength is too weak

A network or account problem is preventing the AirCard from obtaining service

A red flashing antenna icon indicates an antenna problem. If this occurs, try reorienting the antenna and ensure that there is nothing on or near the antenna that could be blocking the signal.

A red thermometer icon indicates overheating. If this occurs, the AirCard suspends data transmission until the temperature drops, then normal operation is resumed. (This usually takes no more than 10 seconds.)

The GPRS indicator shows whether GPRS is available in this area. You can make data connections only in areas where GPRS is available.

You can make phone calls and receive SMS messages in areas where there is no GPRS service, provided you are within the GSM coverage area.

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View options (notebook PCs)

On notebook PCs, you have these options concerning the Watcher window:

Depending on

your AirCard configuration, you may not have this indicator

The Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your own.

When the indicator is off, you are within the local coverage area of your service provider. When the indicator is on, you are roaming.

Your coverage area and billing charges depend upon your service provider and the type of account you have. There may be surcharges for roaming service.

When the SMS message indicator is on, you have one or more unread messages.

When the SIM becomes full (and you cannot receive any new messages) the indicator flashes for several seconds and then turns red.

You can open the SMS Message window by double clicking (notebook PCs) or tapping (Handheld/Pocket PCs) the icon.

When this indicator is on, a headset is attached.

When this indicator is on, there is a call in progress.

When the missed call indicator is on, you received one or more calls that you failed to answer. You can view the missed calls in the call log.

AirCard 750 Only

When this indicator is on, you have unheard voice mail.

Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher

Icon Meaning

Compact View Minimize Close

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• You can enable/disable always on top from the VIEW

menu. When enabled, the Watcher window always appears in front of other application windows.

• You can switch between the full Watcher window and the

compact window from the VIEW menu or by using the Compact View button:

• You can use the Minimize button to close the Watcher

window but leave the program running.

You can also control where the Watcher window appears when launched.

• If you enable the

Restore Previous Position On Startup option,

Watcher opens in the same place you close it. Otherwise, Watcher opens in the center of the screen.

• If you enable

Remember Compact View Position option, the

compact Watcher window opens in the last place you closed it.

These options and the auto-launch feature (that causes Watcher to open automatically when you insert the AirCard) are enabled and disabled on the Display tab of the Options window (TOOLS > Options).

Status Icons

These icons appear in the status area (usually in the lower right corner of your screen) on notebook PCs and Handheld PCs, and on the lower right corner of the Today page on Pocket PCs.

Table 7-2: Status Icons

Icon Meaning

You have a GPRS connection.

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Power Options

The AirCard draws power from your PC’s battery. There are two features of the AirCard that allow you to manage battery power consumption:

• The power up/power down option

• The transmit power consumption option

Power Down and Up

The Power Down/Power Up option allows you to conserve your battery by powering the AirCard down when you’re not using it.

To power down the AirCard:

1. Select

Tools > Power Down

When powered down, the menu option switches to Power Up and the message, “Device powered down” is displayed on the Watcher window.

You cannot maintain a connection when the AirCard is powered down.

Transmit power consumption

Note: If you are using the AirCard in a Handheld or Pocket PC, it is recommended that you set the Transmit Power Consumption to low.

The Transmit Power Consumption option allows you to choose between maximizing your data transmission speed or minimizing battery drain on your PC. The settings for this option are:

• Normal (Notebook)

• Medium

• Low (PDA)

You do not have a GPRS connection.

You have one or more unread SMS messages.

Table 7-2: Status Icons

Icon Meaning

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If you select Normal (Notebook), the AirCard takes advantage of certain network resources (if they are available) to maximize the upload transmission speed. This increases peak battery consumption slightly but unless you are using a Handheld/ Pocket PC, the increase has little effect. (The maximum possible data transmission speed with this setting is 56 kbps).

If you select

Low (PDA), the AirCard makes no attempt to take

advantage of faster upload speeds that might be possible on some networks. This minimizes peak battery consumption and is the recommended setting for Handheld/Pocket PCs because they are unable to meet the peak power demands of the AirCard while operating at the highest upload transmission speeds.

(The maximum possible data transmission speed with

this setting is 14.4 kbps).

The

Medium setting has a maximum possible data transmission

speed of 28.8 kbps.

The change in data transmission speed or peak battery consumption that results from changing these settings is dependent on network conditions (such as the number of users in your area), and in some circumstances, may not be noticeable.

This setting does not affect the speed of downloads (data transmissions from the network to the AirCard).

Frequency band and network selection

Watcher has two options that affect your ability to obtain GPRS service in any given area. You can select:

• The frequency band you want to use

• The network you want to use, if you are within the

coverage area of more than one network

Frequency band selection

The AirCard 750 operates on the 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. (See "Supported GSM frequency bands" on page 2 for more information about frequency bands.) Generally, you need to select the 1900 MHz band in North America and the 900/1800 MHz bands outside of North America. This option is set on the Network tab of the Options window (TOOLS > Options).

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Network selection

Depending on your location, you may be within the coverage area of several networks. Your ability to obtain service on each network is dependent on your account.

Your options for network selection are:

• automatic—the AirCard automatically selects a network

based on your account and network availablility.

• manual—the AirCard scans the area and displays a list of

detected GSM networks. You can then choose from a list of available networks.

If you select a network on which you cannot obtain service, the message, “Failed to register with network” appears. You should then choose a different network.

This option is set on the Network tab of the Options window (TOOLS > Options).

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Rev 1.0 May.02 43

8: Technical Specifications

• LED operation

• Radio frequency and electrical specifications

• Environmental specifications

• Sending GSM commands to the network

This chapter describes the operation of the LED and provides technical data for the AirCard 750 wireless network card.

LED operation

The AirCard has a single LED1 located on the antenna end of the card beneath the SIM slot. The color (red, green or amber) and state (off, on solid, or blinking) of the LED indicate the connection status as follows:

1. LED—light emitting diode

Table 8-1: LED operation

LED state How to interpret

Solid

amber

a. The LED is red/green. The amber color occurs when both red and

green are lit.

The AirCard is powering up, or a firmware download is in progress.

Blinking

amber

The AirCard is scanning for service.

Blinking

green

The AirCard is in service and registered on the network.

Solid green A voice call is in progress.

Blinking red There is a hardware problem.

Off The AirCard is powered down.

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Radio frequency and electrical specifications

Table 8-2: Radio frequency & electrical specifications

Approvals FCC Parts 15, and 24

Industry Canada CE

Compliance Compliant with:

GPRS GSM Release 97 SMG 31 Phase 2+

Volt age +5 VDC from PCMCIA Slot

Current Typical requirement GSM Band:

4 TX slots on 1.0 A peak, 0.70 A average 2 TX slots on 0.8 A peak, 0.40 A average 1 TX slots on 0.75 A peak, 0.30 A average

Typical requirement PCS/DCS Band:

4 TX slots on 0.9 A peak, 0.60 A average 2 TX slots on 0.7 A peak, 0.35 A average 1 TX slots on 0.65 A peak, 0.25 A average Standby: Handhelds: 12 mA Notebooks: 16 mA

Multi-slot class Class 12

Transmit AirCard 750:

PCS:

1850 to 1910 MHz

DCS1800:

1710 to 1785 MHz

EGSM900:

880 to 915 MHz

Receive AirCard 750:

PCS:

1930 to 1990 MHz

DCS1800:

1805 to 1880 MHz

EGSM900:

925 to 960 MHz

Channel spacing 200 kHz

Frequency

stability

0.1 ppm

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Technical Specifications

Rev 1.0 May.02 45

Environmental specifications

Table 8-3: Environmental specifications

Operating

temperature

-20 to +60 °C (ambient, outside PCMCIA enclosure)

Storage

temperature

-30 to +85 °C

Humidity 95%, non-condensing

Vibration 15 g peak 10 to 2000 Hz (non-operating)

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Page 57

Rev 1.0 May.02 47

9: AirCard 750 Regulatory

Information

• CE approval (European Union)

• Industry Canada approval

• Singapore IDA safety notices

• FCC approval (US)

CE approval (European Union)

The AirCard 750 is certified to be used in the member states of the EU.

Declaration of conformity for CE Marking

We,

Sierra Wireless, Inc.

13811 Wireless Way Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4

declare under our sole responsibility that the product AirCard 750, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following standard(s) or other normative document(s):

• R&TTE 1999/EEC

· EN 301 511; V7.0.1

· EN 301 489-7 (9-2000)

· EN 60950:2000

· EC Recommendation 1999/519/EC

Marek Dutkiewicz

Vice President of Engineering

May 7, 2002

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Industry Canada approval

WARNING (EMI) – Canada – This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.

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

Industry Canada #: 2417C11897

Singapore IDA Safety Notices

Aircraft Safety

Switch off your AirCard 750 when in an aircraft. The use of cellular equipment in an aircraft may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt the cellular network and is illegal. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both.

Explosive Atmospheres

• Users are advised not to use the equipment when at a

refuelling point.

• Users are reminded of the need to observe restrictions on

the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, chemical plants or where blasting operations are in progress.

Road Safety

Users are advised to use only a fixed, neck slung, or clipped-on microphone when using the AirCard as a phone while operating a vehicle, except in an emergency.

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Non-Ionising Radiations

As with other mobile radio transmitting equipment, users are advised that for satisfactory operation of the equipment and for the safety of personnel, it is recommended that no part of the human body be allowed to come too close to the antenna during operation of the equipment.

FCC approval (US)

Tested to comply with FCC standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

CAUTION When the AirCard 750 is in use, users should maintain a distance of at least 25 mm (1”) between the antenna and any part of the body. This device has been tested for compliance with FCC RF exposure limits in a typical laptop computer such as the one reported in the grant application. This device is only authorized to be used in such a typical laptop computer.

FCC ID: N7NAC750

Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:

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

WARNING (EMI) – United States FCC Information – This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an appropriate installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

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• 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.

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Index

Numerics

1800 MHz band 2 1900 MHz band

900 MHz band

Access Point Name (APN) 5, 27 account

administrative privileges

10, 11, 14

aircraft, using the AirCard in

iii

"always on" connection

antenna

APN (Access Point Name)

5, 27

approvals

Auto Connect

care and maintenance 29 CD contents

certification

declaration of conformity for CE marking

class, multi-slot

Communication Failed

compact view

configuring a profile

25–28

coverage area

declaration of conformity for CE marking 47 destination location

Handheld/Pocket PCs

notebook PCs (Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me)

notebook PCs (Windows NT)

notebook PCs (Windows XP)

DNS

primary

secondary

driver (AirCard)

3, 11, 12, 14

ejecting a SIM card 6 ejecting the AirCard

30–31

electrical specifications

EMI warning

environmental specifications

FCC ID 49 FCC RF exposure information

iii

frequencies

receive

transmit

frequency bands

selection

GPRS 1

indicator

GSM networks supported

GSM wireless networks supported

Handheld PC

inserting the AirCard

installing the software

20–22

removing the AirCard

system requirements

Watcher window

hazards

iii

headset

humidity

I/O space (input/output space) 9 IMEI

Industry Canada #

inserting a SIM card

inserting the AirCard

Handheld PC

Pocket PC

Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me

Windows NT

Windows XP

installation

Handheld/Pocket PCs

19–23

notebook PCs

9–17

Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 Installation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual