Sierra Wireless Airlink GX400 Hardware User's Manual

AirLink GX Series
Hardware User Guide
4114008
Rev 3
Preface
Important Notice
Safety and Hazards
Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to transmit or receive such data.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress, where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life support equipment, or any equipment 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.
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.
Limitation of Liability
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless and/or its affiliates aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the Sierra Wireless product.
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AirLink GX Series User Guide
Patents This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc. This
product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group and MMP Portfolio Licensing.
®
. This product is
Copyright © 2014 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks Sierra Wireless
are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
®
Contact Information
Watcher
Windows Corporation.
Macintosh the U.S. and other countries.
QUALCOMM under license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
International Contact Information
Please contact your AirLink Reseller for technical support.
®
, AirPrime®, AirLink®, AirVantage® and the Sierra Wireless logo
is a registered trademark of NETGEAR®, Inc., used under license.
®
and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft
®
and Mac OS X® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
®
is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used
AirLink Sales AirLink Support AirLink RMA Repairs AirLink Online Support
Knowledgebase AirLink Software
Downloads Corporate Web Site
airlinksales@sierrawireless.com
support@sierrawireless.com
repairs@sierrawireless.com
www.sierrawireless.com/Support/SupportCenter
www.sierrawireless.com/Support/Downloads
www.sierrawireless.com
Sierra Wireless Headquarters Contact Information
Postal Address: Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
4 4114008
Contents
Introduction to the AirLink GX Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
X-Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ALEOS Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ACEmanager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
ACEview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
AirVantage Management Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Installation and Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Tools and Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the SIM Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installing the SIM Card—No X-Card present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Installing the SIM Card—Wi-Fi X-Card present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Installing the SIM Card—I/O X-Card present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Installing the SIM Card—Dual Ethernet X-Card present . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Mounting the GX Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Antenna Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Antenna Separation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Antenna Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Mounting the GPS Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Connecting the GX Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Starting the GX Series Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
LED Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Power Connector Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Serial Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
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AirLink GX Series User Guide
X-Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Wi-Fi X-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
I/O X-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Dual Ethernet X-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Configuring AirLink GX Series devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Connection Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Configuring with ACEmanager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Configuring with AirVantage Management Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Configuring with AT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Simultaneous Wi-Fi AP and Client Mode with Automatic Switchover to Mo-
bile Broadband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
AirLink GX Series Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
AC Power Adapter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Federal Communications Commission Notice (FCC United States) . . . . . . 59
Notice for Canadian Users. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Important Information for North American Users on Radiation Exposure . . 60
EU (AirLink GX400 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6 4114008
1: Introduction to the AirLink GX Series
1
This chapter describes the Sierra Wireless AirLink GX Series device, including a description of ALEOS AirVantage Management Service (AVMS) device management platform.
TM
embedded software and the
Introduction
The AirLink GX Series device is a compact, intelligent and fully­featured cellular gateway that provides real-time wireless capabilities for fixed and mobile applications such as:
Public safety vehicle deployments
Public transit systems
Energy and utilities
Remote asset monitoring
Backup broadband connectivity
The AirLink GX Series device has multiple communication ports including serial, Ethernet, and USB ports. The power connector has one digital I/O pin for remote monitoring and control and one ignition sense pin to turn the device on and off and trigger the low power mode.
The AirLink GX Series device is available in the following variants:
4G LTE (GX440)
3G (GX400)
The AirLink GX Series device has several expansion options to add more capability. The following options are available:
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
Input/Output (I/O) 15-pin connector which adds:
· One additional RS-232 port
· Four additional digital I/O pins
· Four analog voltage sensing pins
The AirLink GX Series device, when coupled with the rich embedded intelligence provided by the embedded ALEOS software, is the perfect choice for a broad set of machine to machine solutions.
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AirLink GX Series User Guide
LEDs
Reset Button
Antenna
Connector
Diversity/AUX Antenna Connector
GPS Antenna
Connector
Power Connector
USB Port
Serial Port
Ethernet Connector
Description
Front Panel
The front panel has the following indicators and controls:
Figure 1-1: GX Series Front Panel
•LEDs – These show the device’s operating status. Each LED can be red,
Reset Button – Press and release to reboots the device. If you want to reset
green, yellow or off. The LEDs are described in detail in LED Operation on page 31. They are:
·Network – When green the device is connected to a cellular network with an IP address assigned and a channel acquired
· Signal – When green it is receiving a cellular signal
· Activity – When green, the radio link is active
·Power – When green, the device is connected to power
the device to factory default settings, hold the button down for 7 to 10 seconds.
Rear Panel
The rear panel has the following connectors and controls:
Figure 1-2: GX Series Rear Panel
Antenna Connector – This is the radio’s receive and transmit port. The device works with most cellular antennas with an SMA connector.
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Introduction to the AirLink GX Series
Note: For more information on antenna connection and use, see Antenna Installation on page 26.
GPS Antenna Connector – This connects an optional GPS antenna to the
device. It works with most antennas that have an SMA connector.
Note: The GPS antenna connector has a bias output and Sierra Wireless recommends that you use an active antenna for better sensitivity.
Diversity/AUX Antenna Connector – This connects an optional auxiliary
antenna to the device for backup reception capability. It works with most antennas that have an SMA connector.
Note: The Diversity/AUX connector is receive only, it does not transmit.
Ethernet Connector – This RJ-45 connector connects a standard Ethernet
cable to the device. This is used to connect a PC to the device for configu­ration and diagnostic purposes or attaching Ethernet equipment to the device.
Power Connector – This connects power to the device and provides
additional inputs and outputs for the control and monitoring of external devices as well as triggering the low power mode. More information on its operation and how to use it is given in Power Connector Description on page 33.
There are two types of optional power cables available from Sierra Wireless:
· Cables with an AC adapter that are usually used for indoor, fixed applica­tions where the device runs off line power
· DC cables that are usually used in vehicles or other installations where the device runs off battery power
The device automatically starts when it senses qualified power on the power connector as described in Starting the GX Series Device on page 30.
Serial Port – This 9-pin connector provides standard RS-232 communication with a standard straight-though serial cable. It is used to communicate with industrial machines like motors, computers or controllers or for connection to a computer to configure the device with AT commands. It also supports features like TCP PAD and UDP PAD.
•USB Port – This Micro AB connector accepts Micro A and Micro B plugs. You can connect a Windows PC to it to monitor and configure the device.
When connected to a PC, it becomes either a:
· Virtual serial port
· Virtual Ethernet port
Note: By default it is a virtual Ethernet port.
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Windows drivers for this port are available at Sierra Wireless’s download web site www.sierrawireless.com/en/Support/Downloads.aspx.
AirLink GX Series User Guide
X-Cards
The AirLink GX Series device has several optional, factory-installed, expansion cards (X-Cards) available to add more functions to the basic device. They are configurable with the ALEOS ACEmanager software and more information is available in the ALEOS Software Configuration User Guide.
The options are:
•Wi-Fi—Adds Wi-Fi capability to the device using the 802.11b/g/n standard
•I/O—Has a 15-pin connector which adds to the device:
Dual Ethernet—Adds two 10/100 baseT Ethernet ports
For a more complete description of each option, see X-Cards on page 38.
ALEOS Software
· One 4-wire RS-232 port
· Four analog inputs
· Four high-voltage/high-power digital I/ Os with analog readout
Note: For detailed information on all of the features in ALEOS, refer to the ALEOS Software Configuration User Guide. It is available for downloading from the Sierra Wireless web site.
ALEOS, the embedded core technology of the AirLink product line provides:
Simplified installation, operation and maintenance of any wireless solution
An always-on, always-aware, intelligent two-way connection for mission-
critical applications
ALEOS enables:
Persistent Network Connectivity
Over-The-Air (OTA) Upgrades
Wireless Optimized TCP/IP
Real-Time Notification
Real-Time GPS Reporting
GPS Store and Forward
Packet Level Diagnostics
Device Management & Control
Sierra Wireless has three tools for monitoring and configuring AirLink devices. They are:
ACEmanager – A web-based configuration tool for configuring a single AirLink device
•ACEview – A Windows application for monitoring the wireless connection status when the PC is connected via Ethernet to the AirLink device
AirVantage Management Service (AVMS) – A cloud based device management service for monitoring and configuring fleets of AirLink devices
Contact your dealer or Sierra Wireless representative for more information.
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Introduction to the AirLink GX Series
Download the applications and user guides from the Sierra Wireless AirLink Solutions web site at www.sierrawireless.com/support.
ACEmanager
ACEmanager:
Simplifies deployment
Provides extensive monitoring, control and management capabilities
Configures your device to meet your needs
Monitors and controls your AirLink device remotely and in real-time
Is accessed through a web browser connected to the device
See Configuring with ACEmanager on page 45 to learn how to access ACEmanager.
Figure 1-3: ACEmanager Home Page
ACEview
ACEview is a Windows-based monitoring application for the PC with an easy to read interface.
Figure 1-4: ACEview Screen
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AirLink GX Series User Guide
Note: ACEview requires the Microsoft .NET Framework v.2.0 and Microsoft Windows XP or later. Obtain the Microsoft .NET Framework from Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com.
AirVantage Management Service
AirLink devices can be managed with the AirVantage Management Service (AVMS) available from Sierra Wireless. AVMS is a cloud-based application, accessed from your web browser, that provides remote monitoring and configuration for any number of AirLink ALEOS devices from a single computer.
AVMS features include:
Device management with no software or hardware to buy and no ongoing
Advanced monitoring dashboards and alert notifications ensuring you always
Detailed configuration of all ALEOS parameters, including templates
Over-the-air (OTA) firmware upgrades for all of your AirLink devices with a
maintenance required
know the status of your AirLink devices
providing batch updates of pre-set configurations across multiple devices
single operation
To connect with AVMS, see Configuring with AirVantage Management Service on page 46.
For more information on AVMS, call your AirLink reseller or visit:
www.sierrawireless.com/productsandservices/AirVantage_M2M_Cloud.aspx
12 4114008
2: Installation and Startup
This chapter shows you how to connect, install and start the Sierra Wireless AirLink GX Series device. It also describes the front panel LEDs. Also described are the optional X-Cards available from Sierra Wireless that add more functions to the basic device.
Tools and Materials Required
If needed, a SIM card for your device as provided by your mobile network operator
If you are installing a SIM card, see Installing the SIM Card on page 14 for a list of required tools.
Laptop computer with Ethernet cable
Wireless antenna
If used, a GPS antenna
If used, a second wireless antenna
If used, a straight-through 9-pin connection cable for the RS-232
port
Power cable, either the DC cable or AC cable ordered from Sierra Wireless or your own custom-made cable
2
Note: Custom-made cables must incorporate strain relief and use the correct type of power connector to prevent intermittent connection to the device.
Note: The device has a hardened case for use in industrial and extreme environments. If you are installing it in these types of environments, use cables designed and specified for use in these types of environment to avoid cable failure.
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AirLink GX Series User Guide
Installing the SIM Card
All GX Series devices except the GX400 for Sprint and Verizon networks require a SIM card. If the SIM card has not already been installed by your Mobile Network Operator, install the SIM card before installing or connecting any external equipment or power to the AirLink device.
To install a SIM card, you need:
SIM card for your account (provided by your Mobile Network Operator)
2 mm Allen (hex) wrench or a Phillips #1 screwdriver, depending on the screw
If your GX Series device has a Serial I/O X-Card installed:
If your GX Series device has a Wi-Fi X-Card installed:
The procedure for installing a SIM card varies depending on whether or not the GX Series device has an X-Card installed, and if so, the type of X-Card present. Follow the appropriate instructions for your device:
Installing the SIM Card—No X-Card present on page 15
Installing the SIM Card—Wi-Fi X-Card present on page 16
Installing the SIM Card—I/ O X-Card present on page 19
Installing the SIM Card—Dual Ethernet X-Card present on page 22
type used on the black decorative cover
· Small adjustable torque wrench
· 4 mm nut driver or socket that works with the torque wrench
· Small adjustable torque wrench
· 8 mm socket—long enough to fit over the SMA antenna connector
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Installation and Startup
1) Remove the four screws attaching the cover.
2) Remove the cover.
3) Slide the SIM card into the SIM card holder.
Note the direction of notched
4) Use the screws you saved in step 1 to reattach the cover. Torque the screws to 5 in-lb. (0.6 N-m).
corner of SIM card for proper alignment.
Save the screws for reinstallation.
Installing the SIM Card—No X-Card present
Figure 2-1: SIM Card Installation, with no X-Card present
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AirLink GX Series User Guide
lock washer
hexagonal nut
SMA antenna connector
Installing the SIM Card—Wi-Fi X-Card present
Important: Failure to follow these instructions carefully may damage the X-Card and
void the warranty agreement.
To install a SIM card in a GX Series device with a Wi-Fi X-Card installed:
1. Unscrew the 8 mm hexagonal nut on the Wi-Fi SMA antenna connector at the
2. Remove the four screws used to secure the black decorative cover. Use a
front of the device, using the socket and wrench. Then slide off the nut and lock washer. Save the nut and washer. These are used again.
2 mm Allen (hex) wrench or a Phillips #1 screwdriver, depending on the screw type used on the black decorative cover. Save the screws for reinstallation.
16 4114008
Figure 2-2: Removing the screws, nut and washer (Wi-Fi X-Card installed)
3. Gently tilt up the back of the decorative black cover and then move the cover forward so that it slides over the Wi-Fi SMA antenna connector.
Installation and Startup
Wi-Fi SMA antenna
Figure 2-3: Tilting the cover (Wi-Fi X-Card installed)
4. Continue to slide the cover horizontally until it clears the SMA antenna
connector.
5. Lift the cover to remove it completely. Save the cover. It is used later.
6. Insert the SIM card, with the gold contacts facing down and the notch on the
Rev 3 Oct.14 17
Figure 2-4: Removing the cover (Wi-Fi X-Card installed)
right side, as shown in the following illustration.
AirLink GX Series User Guide
Note the direction of notched corner of SIM card for proper alignment.
black gasket
7. Ensure the black gasket is in place at the base of the SMA antenna
8. Re-install the decorative black cover:
9. Use the 4 screws saved in step 2 to re-attach the decorative black cover.
Figure 2-5: Inserting the SIM card (Wi-Fi X-Card installed)
connector.
a. Line up the SMA antenna connector with the hole in the cover.
b. Tilt the rear of the cover slightly to make sure the front bottom of the
cover seats in the front ridge. Slide the cover into place, and then push the top of the cover down.
It may require some force to make sure the 4 holes in the cover line up with the threaded holes on the top of the device. You may need to push from the front as well to ensure that the holes line up properly.
Torque the screws to 5 in-lb. (0.6 N-m). Ensure that the screws are tight so that the seal underneath the decorative black cover is tight against the device.
18 4114008
Installation and Startup
lock washer
hexagonal nut
SMA antenna connector
Figure 2-6: Replacing the screws, nut, and washer (Wi-Fi X-Card installed)
10. Place the lock washer onto the SMA antenna connector and move it to the
back of the connector, so it is touching the decorative black cover.
11. Install, then tighten the nut with a 5/16" or 8 mm socket torque wrench to a
torque spec of 8in-lbs.
Installing the SIM Card—I/O X-Card present
Important: Failure to follow these instructions carefully may damage the X-Card and
void the warranty agreement.
To install a SIM card in a GX Series device with a I/O X-Card installed:
1. Unscrew the two 4-40 male to female hexagonal threaded standoffs (jack
screws) on either side of the serial port at the front of the device, using the socket and wrench. Keep the hexagonal threaded standoffs for reinstallation.
2. Remove the four screws used to secure the black decorative cover. Use a
2 mm Allen (hex) wrench or a Phillips #1 screwdriver, depending on the screw type used on the decorative black cover. Save the screws for reinstallation.
Rev 3 Oct.14 19
AirLink GX Series User Guide
hexagonal threaded standoffs (jack screws)
3. Gently tilt up the back of the decorative black cover and then move the cover
Figure 2-7: Removing the screws and threaded standoffs (I/O X-Card installed)
forward so that it slides over the serial port.
Figure 2-8: Tilting the cover (I/O X-Card installed)
4. Continue to slide the cover horizontally until it clears the serial port.
20 4114008
Installation and Startup
Note the direction of notched corner of SIM card for proper alignment.
Figure 2-9: Removing the cover (I/O X-Card installed)
5. Lift the cover to remove it completely. Save the cover. It is used again.
6. Insert the SIM card, with the gold contacts facing down and the notch on the
right side, as shown in the following illustration.
7. Install the decorative black cover:
8. Use the four screws you saved in step 2 to re-attach the decorative black
Rev 3 Oct.14 21
Figure 2-10: Inserting the SIM card (I/O X-Card installed)
a. Line up the serial port with the hole in the cover.
b. Tilt the rear of the cover slightly to make sure the front bottom of the
cover seats in the front ridge. Slide the cover into place, and then push the top of the cover down.
It may require some force to make sure the 4 holes in the cover line up with the threaded holes on the top of the unit. You may need to push from the front as well to ensure that the holes line up properly.
cover. Torque the screws to 5 in-lb. (0.6 N-m). Ensure that the screws are
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