Sierra Wireless DART 200 CDPD User Manual

DART 200 CDPD Modem

For CDPD Versions 1.0 and 1.1

User’s Guide

Firmware Version 3.0.10

Revision 1.0

Part Number: 1197-00

January 1998

DART 200 CDPD Modem User's Guide

?

NOTE:
This guide provides the information necessary to program the Data Access Radio Transceiver
(DART) 200 for operation on Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) 1.0 or 1.1 networks. The factory
default is for 1.1 mode. If you need to operate in CDPD 1.0 mode, refer to Selecting CDPD 1.0 or 1.1
mode of operation, p. 2-8, for detailed instructions.

The guide provides information for use with the current released version of the DART 200 software
(3.0.10). See the ATI command in Appendix F, DART AT Commands, to determine the firmware
version your DART 200 is currently using. If you need a prior or newer version of the software please
contact Sierra Wireless for the desired download package.

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide

Important Notice

The Data Access Radio Transceiver (DART) can only be exported from the US, or re-exported to another country with the
issuance of an export license from the US Government. Contact Sierra Wireless for more information.

Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data can be
delayed, corrupted, or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as DART
are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network. DART should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or
receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death,
or loss of property. Sierra Wireless, Inc., accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data
transmitted or received using DART, or for failure of DART to transmit or receive such data.

Contact Information

Sierra Wireless, Inc.
260 - 13151 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, Canada V2V 2J2
Tel. [phone] or 313.528.5880
Fax. [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web site: www.sierrawireless.com

Part Number: 1197-00, Revision 1.0
© 1997 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in Canada.

First Printing: January, 1998.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without

the prior permission of the publisher.
AT is a trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
All other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
The information in this guide is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra

Wireless, Inc. Sierra Wireless, Inc. shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this manual

Safety and Hazards

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress, where explosive atmospheres may be present,
near medical equipment, near life support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio
interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE TURNED OFF. The Sierra Wireless modem can transmit
signals which could interfere with this equipment.

Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra
Wireless modem MUST BE TURNED OFF. The reason for this is that when operating in the CDPD or cellular circuit switched
mode, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals which could interfere with various onboard equipment systems.

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.

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User's Guide

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide

Contents

Figures xi

Tables xii

About This Guide xiii

Who should read this guide xiii

Skills required to use this guide xiii

What is in this guide xiii

Changes and additions to this guide xiv

Related reading xv

Compliances xvi

FCC xvi
Canadian xvi

Safety information xvii

Conventions used in this guide xvii

1 Introduction 1-1

Description 1-1

New for this version 1-2

DART 200 accessories and services 1-2

RF accessories 1-2
Power accessories 1-2
Hardware options 1-2
Software options 1-2
Services 1-2

Migration considerations 1-2

Contacting your cellular carrier 1-3

CDPD network overview 1-3

AT command set summary 1-4

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User's Guide

2 Installation and Setup 2-1

Field installation 2-1

Physical installation considerations 2-1
Antenna considerations 2-2
Troubleshooting 2-4

Getting started 2-5

Modem setup 2-5
Basic modem personalization 2-6
Selecting CDPD 1.0 or 1.1 mode of operation 2-8

Initial testing 2-8

Setup verification 2-8
Register representation 2-9
Channel acquisition 2-10
Problem determination 2-12
Registration 2-15
Troubleshooting registration failure 2-17
Basic communications 2-21

3 CDPD Security Features 3-1

Airlink security 3-1

Authentication services 3-1

Modem security management 3-2

4 Broadcast and Multicast Operation 4-1

Overview 4-1

Broadcast 4-2

Multicast 4-2

Multicast setup 4-3

5 DART Supported Protocols 5-1

UDP 5-1

Basic UDP characteristics 5-2
Basic UDP communication 5-2
Basic UDP setup options 5-4
UDP server characteristics 5-5
UDP server setup options 5-6

Sample UDP server setups 11

Remote UDP setup 5-11
Host UDP setup 5-12

TCP 5-14

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide

DART TCP capabilities 5-14
Friends Only mode operation 5-14
TCP communication 5-15
Setup options 5-17

Sample TCP setups 5-19

Remote TCP setup 5-19
Host TCP setup 5-21

SLIP 5-22

Modem setup for SLIP 5-22
SLIP IP Address overview 5-24
SLIP operation 5-26
SLIP initial testing 5-27

Telnet 5-28

Setup options 5-28
Telnet escape commands 5-30
New for this version 5-31
Binary mode considerations 5-31
Telnet operation 5-31

6 Device Attachment 6-1

RS-232 connection 6-1

Null modem function 6-1

7 Vehicle Installation Considerations 7-1

Electrical transients 7-1

Application considerations 7-1

Proximity to other antennas 7-2

8 Application Programming 8-1

AT Command Set Support 8-1

Device drivers 8-2

Application program structure 8-2

DART setup 8-2
Network connection 8-2
Data transfer 8-3
Modes of operation 8-3
Error recovery 8-4

Automatic registration 8-6

Registration timer 8-7
Manual registration 8-7
Auto-Registration at power-on 8-7
Auto-Registration when not registered 8-8

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User's Guide

Auto-Registration/De-Registration at connection/disconnection 8-8
Deregistration 8-8

Data forwarding 8-8

Manual transmit control 8-9
Automatic transmit control 8-9
Maximum packet size transmit control 8-10
Escape transmit control 8-11
Usage considerations (for TCP and UDP) 8-11

Auto answer setup 8-11

Flow control considerations 8-12

Flow control and the new end-user 8-13
Flow control in application (online) mode 8-13
Hardware flow control operation 8-14
PAD operating mode 8-14

Data and control interface 8-15

CDPD status sensing 8-15
Escaping through the control interface 8-16

Binary data transfer 8-16

Flow control considerations 8-17
Data forwarding considerations 8-17

Parity considerations 8-17

PAD keep-alive considerations 8-18

Timer expiry in transmit mode 8-19
Timer expiry in receive mode 8-19
Timer expiry for keep-alives 8-19

Escape sequence considerations 8-20

Command response options 8-20

Echo option selection 8-21

Channel acquisition restrictions 8-22

Baud considerations 8-22

Maximum block size considerations 8-23

Modem dial directory 8-24

Messages and response codes 8-25

Messages 8-25

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide

A Limited Warranty and Service A-1

Limited warranty A-1

Service A-1

B Product Specifications B-1

Power requirements B-1

Mobile B-1
Stationary B-1
Peak B-1
Power cable B-1
Size B-1
Weight B-1
Operating environment B-1
RF power output B-1
Frequency range B-1
Data rates B-1
Antenna B-1
Antenna cable B-1
Data connection B-1
Data cable B-2
Protocols B-2

C Charts and Diagrams C-1

D SLIP Setup Examples D-1

Trumpet

D-1

Installation and startup D-1

Windows 95 D-3

E S-Registers E-1

Register display formats E-1

Registers 0 through 99 formats E-2
Register 100 through 126 formats E-2

Register definitions E-3

F DART AT Command Set F-1

AT command set usage F-1

Basic AT commands F-1

Service Provider commands F-24

Clearing BLOCKED status F-25

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G Loading DART 200 Firmware G-1

Firmware download procedure G-1

H Problem Sheet H-1

Glossary Glossary-1

Acronyms Glossary -1

Terms Glossary-8

Index Index-1

Notes Notes-1

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide

Figures

Figure 1-1. DART 200 front view 1-1
Figure 2-1. Installing DART 200 with mounting bracket 2-2
Figure 2-2. S-Register bit positions 2-9
Figure 2-3. Viewing the network S-Register (S57) 2-13
Figure 2-4. Monitoring the CDPD channel 2-13
Figure 2-5. Viewing registration status with ATS57? 2-15
Figure 4-1. Checking NEI status with AT\S? 4-3
Figure 5-1 Terminal connection to a CDPD network using SLIP 5-25
Figure 6-1. Standard RS-232 connection 6-1
Figure 6-2. Stand-alone RS-232 6-2
Figure 6-3. Null modem location 6-2
Figure 8-1. Viewing the IP Address directory 8-24
Figure C-1. Mounting bracket template C-1
Figure C-2. Modem connector pinout C-1
Figure E-1. S-Register bit positions E-3

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide

Tables

Table 1-1. Basic AT command set 1-5
Table 1-2. Service Provider AT command set 1-6
Table 2-1. S-Registers above 100 2-14
Table 2-2. Registration failure troubleshooting 2-17
Table 3-1. Key types 3-2
Table 5-1. Remote UDP setup 5-11
Table 5-2. Host UDP setup 5-13
Table 5-3. Remote TCP setup 5-20
Table 5-4. Host TCP setup 5-21
Table 6-1. Typical null modem pinout 6-2
Table 8-1. Telemetry options for PAD Mode 8-15
Table C-1. Pin functions C-2
Table C-2. RS-232 signal interface C-2
Table E-1. S-Register digits E-2
Table E-2. Register summary E-3
Table F-1. Commands beginning with letters F-2
Table F-2. Commands beginning with ampersand (&) F-9
Table F-3. Commands beginning with backslash (\) F-13
Table F-4. Commands beginning with asterisk (*) F-18
Table F-5. Enable/Disable Service Provider mode F-24
Table F-6. Service Provider commands beginning with caret (^) F-25
Table F-7 Service Provider commands beginning with dash (-) F-29

Sierra Wireless, Inc. xii

About This Guide

Who should read this guide

This User’s Guide is designed to assist application software developers
with setup, installation, testing, and design of applications for the Data
Access Radio Transceiver (DART) 200.

Skills required to use this guide

The reader requires a basic working knowledge of Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and the use of the Attention (AT)
command set to use this guide.

What is in this guide

This guide provides information and assistance for both physical
installation and programming of the DART.

This guide is composed of eight chapters, eight appendixes, a glossary
and an index.

Chapter 1, Introduction, describes new features for version 3.0.10, how
to migrate from previous versions, and Cellular Digital Packet Data
(CDPD) network information. Also, the AT command set is summarized
in this chapter.

Chapter 2, Installation and Setup, provides the basic information needed
to install, setup, and test the modem on the CDPD network.

Chapter 3, CDPD Security Features, discusses security features such as
airlink security, authentication services, and modem security
management.

Chapter 4, Broadcast and Multicast Operation, discusses the CDPD
broadcast and multicast functions.

Chapter 5, DART Supported Protocols, discusses and gives set up
instructions for the communication protocols supported by the DART,
including User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP), Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP), and telnet. The
TCP and UDP sections include sample setups for each of the protocols.

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide About This Guide

Chapter 6, Device Attachment, describes the RS-232 interface to the
DART, what a null modem is, and how to determine if one is required.

Chapter 7, Vehicle Installation, discusses the items to consider when
installing the DART 200 in a vehicle.

Chapter 8, Application Programming, describes the AT command set to
use with the DART in detail, presents command usage considerations,
and provides additional information for planning and designing CDPD
applications for the TCP and UDP environments.

Appendix A, Limited Warranty and Service, gives important warranty
information and instructions for getting service.

Appendix B, Product Specifications, summarizes the physical, electrical,
and environmental specifications for the DART 200.

Appendix C, Charts and Diagrams, provides the DART mounting
bracket template and the modem connector pinout figure.

Appendix D, SLIP Setup Examples, gives a setup example for the
Trumpet Winsock and directions for getting Windows 95 support.

Appendix E, S-Registers, lists the Status (S)-Registers supported by the
DART 200 and describes their function and usage.

Appendix F, DART AT Command Set, lists all the DART AT commands
and provides detailed descriptions of their function and usage.

Appendix G, Loading DART Firmware, describes how to update DART
200 firmware.

Appendix H, Problem Sheet, provides a Sierra Wireless form for
submitting problems to be resolved.

Glossary
Index

Changes and additions to this guide

For those readers familiar with the DART 200 User's Guide, the
following items have been added or enhanced:

• Migration considerations, p. 1-2

• Anntena grounding caution, p. 2-3

• Registration progress status in Registration, p. 2-15 and p. 8-6

• Improved description of Modem security management, p. 3-1

• Sample UDP setups, p. 5-11

• Ability to get client's IP Address and port in bullet point UDP server

communication, p.5-8 and in TCP communication, p. 5-15

• Friends Only mode operation, p. 5-14

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide About This Guide

• Sample TCP setups, p. 5-19

• Automatic SLIP restart bullet point, p. 5-24

• Telnet operation, p. 5-31

• Maximum packet size transmit control, p. 8-9

• Escape transmit control, p. 8-10

• Hardware flow control operation, p. 8-13

• PAD operating mode, p. 8-14

• RS-232 signal levels and states, in Table C-2, RS-232 signal

interface, p. C-2

• Channel acquisition restrictions, p. 8-21

• Modem dial directory, p. 8-24

• Message and response codes, p. 8-25

• Windows 95, p. D-3

• Clearing BLOCKED status, F-25

• Index, p. I-1

Related reading

Additional information regarding the CDPD network and communication
information can be found in the following references:

• Cellular Digital Packet Data System Specification, CDPD Forum,

401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, (tel.) 800.335.CDPD

• TCP/IP, Running a Successful Network, K. Washburn and J.T.

Evans, NY, Addison-Wesley, 1993

• Internetworking with TCP/IP, D.E. Comer, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1991

• The Whole Internet, E. Krol, Sabastopol, CA, 1992,

(tel.) 800.998.9938

• Computer Networks, A.S. Tannenbaum, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1989

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide About This Guide

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??

Compliances

FCC

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits

NOTE:
This unit was tested
with shielded cables on
the peripheral devices.
Shielded cables must be
used with the unit to
insure compliance.

provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential
installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, can cause harmful interference to radio communications.
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, determined by turning the equipment off
and on, try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

NOTE:
The manufacturer is
not responsible for any
radio or TV
interference caused by
unauthorized
modifications to this
equipment. Such
modification could void
the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the

circuit the receiver is connected to

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
can void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Canadian

“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 numerique respecte les limites de bruits radioelectriques
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans la
norme sur le materiel brouilleur: ‘Appareils Numeriques’, NHB-003
edictee par le ministre des Communications.”

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide About This Guide

!!

injury.

Safety information

A caution in the margin, as shown at the left or in the body of the text,
denotes a procedure or practice if not performed correctly could result in

CAUTION:
A caution calls
attention to a procedure
or practice if not
performed correctly
could result in loss of
data or damage to
equipment.

WARNING:
Denotes a hazard. A
warning calls attention
to a procedure or
practice if not
performed correctly
could result in personal

loss of data, or damage to equipment.

A warning in the margin, as shown at the left or included within the body
of the text denotes a hazard. A caution calls attention to a procedure or
practice if not performed correctly could result in personal injury.

Conventions used in this guide

The following conventions are used in this guide to help readers locate
and interpret information easily.

Italics Italicized text is used for book titles, and for

cross-referencing chapter titles, and subsections
within chapters. In cross-references the most
specific item, usually, the last item, is italicized, for
example:

• Chapter 1, Introduction

• Chapter 1, Introduction, Description

Courier

Courier text is used to show on-screen text, for
example:

at\s?
* NEI 0 = IP ADDRESS 198.225.189.032
GMID 00000
OK

SMALL CAPS

Small capitals are used for key names, key
combinations, and key sequences, for example:

Press ENTER.

ALL CAPS All capitals are used to show the connection states

of the DART, for example, CONNECT.

Bold

Bold text is used to emphasize the AT commands,
for example, AT\N.

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Sierra Wireless, Inc. xviii

1 Introduction

Power

Chapter

Description

The Data Access Radio Transceiver (DART) 200, as shown in Figure
1-1, is a wireless, multipurpose, programmable modem that provides
reliable, cost effective mobile and fixed communications over the
Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network. It is a 3-watt, half-duplex
device operating on a regulated 12 volts @ 2.5 amps, and contains flash
memory to allow software upgrades to be made in the field. The DART
200 differs from its predecessor, the DART 100, in that it has the flash
memory to enable field download of software upgrades.

Figure 1-1. DART 200 front view

PN1197-00 Revision 1.0

Power
connection
12VDC*

Data input
RS-232 DB-9
Connector

Switch

Power On
indicator
and RSSI

*Molex Micro-Fit 3.0 4305-0200 - Mates with Molex 43025-0200 on
cable.

The modem is lightweight (only 12 ounces), with a small form factor
(6.3” x 3.4” x 1.0”). Its rugged construction makes it well suited for
industrial and commercial applications of all kinds.

The DART 200 firmware supports either CDPD V1.0 or CDPD V1.1.
The present version of the modem comes pre-selected for CDPD V1.1.
This selection can be altered by modifying an Status (S)-Register. Refer
to Selecting CDPD 1.0 or 1.1 mode of operation, p. 2-8, for details.

DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 1 Introduction

From a networking perspective, the modem has complete built-in
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP),
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), and telnet protocols. Network
communications can be achieved without the attached end-user device
having to provide an integrated TCP or UDP capability. Select the
desired built-in protocol included in the DART 200 by using the
appropriate AT dial command and begin your data transfer. The end-user
can put the DART 200 in SLIP mode, providing an external software
stack, if desired.

A power cord with connector is supplied with each DART 200, and one
copy of this User’s Guide is included with each order. A power supply
and cellular antennas are available as options at additional cost.

New for this version

If you have prior experience with the DART 200, major differences and
enhancements between the old modem software (3.0.9 dated 7/2/96 and
earlier) and the current version are:

• Provides the “friends only” feature for TCP in addition to UDP

• The automatic SLIP restart feature is now available

DART 200 accessories and services

RF accessories
Power accessories

Hardware options
Software options
Services

• 3 dB cellular magnetic mount antenna

• 110 VAC to 12 VDC @2.5 amps power

supply

• Mounting bracket

• V.42 bis data compression

• Developers package

• DART technical training

Migration considerations

If you are migrating applications from prior versions of the DART 200
software to the current version, there are no changes in this version that
alter existing application operation to be aware of. However, to use TCP
Friends Only mode or Auto SLIP restart, some alteration can be required.

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Contacting your cellular carrier

There are currently two cellular carriers in each market area: the A side
carrier and the B side carrier. Each carrier can potentially install and
enable CDPD on their cellular network. The CDPD network allows
end-users to visit the regions of other carriers, as well as move within
their home cellular system.

Contact your cellular provider to get an IP Address for your modem.
This IP address lets you operate the modem on the CDPD network.
Although the modem can perform some basic functions without an IP

NOTE:

The EID is found on
the label on the bottom
of your DART 200.

Address, it cannot register, ping, or run end-user applications. Your
carrier requires the Equipment Identifier (EID) of the DART 200 to give
you an IP Address.

Ask your carrier for the following information:

• Side of their operation (A or B)

• IP Address

• IP Address of a router or server to ping when you are testing

Figure 1-2. CDPD network

M-ES

MAS/
CDPD
Modem

Cellular Tower

CDPD network overview

The CDPD system is an extensive communications system overlaying
the existing cellular voice network, as shown in Figure 1-2. It takes
advantage of the investments already made by cellular providers. By
adding CDPD to the network, packet data can be interspersed with voice
communications at an advantageous cost to the end-user.

F-ES

MDBS MDIS

Public or Private
Packet Data Networks

The communication flow sequence includes:

1. Data packets transmitted from the Mobile End Station (M-ES) are

received at the cellular towers by Mobile Data Base Stations
(MDBSs)

Host
System

2. Data packets are passed by the MDBS to the controlling Mobile Data

Intermediate System (MDIS)

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3. Data packets are routed by the MDIS through the appropriate

network to the Fixed End System (F-ES), usually a host computer
over a public or private data network.

NOTE:
Either the M-ES or
F-ES can initiate
CDPD communication.

4. If a response is required from the F-ES, the process is reversed.
The role of the DART 200 in the CDPD network is to:

1. Accept commands and digital data from the end-user application

equipment through the RS-232 port.

2. Assemble the data into packets.

3. Encrypt the packets.

4. Transmit the encrypted data packet to the network.
The DART 200 also:

1. Receives packet data from the network.

2. Decrypts the packets.

3. Disassembles the packets to extract the application data.

4. Passes the serial data to the end-user’s application equipment

through the RS-232 port.

Airlink security, to prevent eavesdropping, is provided by encrypting the
data packets between the DART 200 and the MDIS. If end-to-end data
security is desired it must be implemented or otherwise provided by the
end-user.

The major cellular carriers and equipment manufacturers created a trade
group called the Wireless Data Forum (formerly the CDPD Forum), that
develops and publishes the governing technical specifications for, and
promotes the use of CDPD technology.

AT command set summary

The Basic and Service Provider AT command sets are listed in Tables
1-1 and 1-2 (pp. 1-5 and 1-6). The AT commands can be concatenated
(end-to-end or with a blank between commands) for up to a length of 80
characters including blanks, for example:

• Normal command concatenation

• ATE1V1&D0&S1\F3\N2

• AT\S?S57?&V+

• White space concatenation (for readability)

• AT E1 V1 &D0 &S1 \F3 \N2

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??

unexpected results.

Do not enter an AT command that requires a parameter without using
one, as the missing parameter defaults to zero. For example, if you
entered AT\N without a value in the range of 1 to 4, the command
defaults to AT\N0. The \N0 setting also forces \J1, causing channel
acquisition problems.

Similarly, the same thing can happen with concatenation. If you enter an
invalid command, such as AT\N?, the DART 200 assumes a
concatenation of AT\N and AT? The result is a display of the last
register referenced (due to the AT?) and to set \Nn to \N0.

Use caution when entering commands. If you get unexpected results,
display the register settings and modem profile with an AT&V command
to check there is no entry error.

NOTE:
Entering invalid AT
commands can cause
incorrect and

Table 1-1. Basic AT command set

A/ Repeat
A Answer Online
D Dial (connection setup)
E Command Mode Echo
F Online Mode Echo
H Hang-up (close connection)
I Identify
O Enter Online Mode
Q Quiet Mode
S Select Register
V Verbose Result Codes
X Extended Result Codes
Z Soft Reset
? Read Selected Register
= Write Selected Register
&C Set DCD Operation
&D Set DTR Operation
&E Escape Code Recognition On or Off
&F Restore Factory Defaults
&L Set DART Line Speed and Format
&S Set DSR Operation
&V View Active Profile
&V+ View Radio Resource status
&W Save Active Profile
&Z Set or Display Dial Directory Entries
\F Set Data Forwarding Operation
\J Restrict Channel Selection
\M Manual Transmit Control
\N Set Side Preference
\O Select PAD or Telnet Operating Mode
\P Set, Enable or Disable PIN
\Q Set Flow Control Operation
\R Network Registration Control
\S Set Subscriber Identity
\T Automatic Transmit Control
*A Select Server Type
*B Enable/Disable Reception of Broadcast Messages

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Table 1-1. Basic AT command set (cont.)

*C Enable/Disable SLIP TCP Header Compression
*E Enable Network Connection with PIN
*G SLIP Multicast Address Selection
*K TCP PAD Keep Alive
*L Set Listen Port Number
*M Set MAS IP Address for SLIP
*P Ping Remote Host
*R Automatic SLIP Restart
*S Start SLIP (Serial Line IP) Mode
*T Telnet Keep Alive
*U Unblock Modem - Pin Access

Table 1-2. Service Provider AT command set

^A Set the IP Address of modem
^C Clear Blocked Status
^F Force PIN Usage
^G Set Multicast Group ID
^H Set Service Provider ID

^I Set Service Provider network ID
^L Set the Local Service Area ID
^P Enable/disable Supervisor Mode
^S Set the Modem SLIP Address

-L Set Channel Lock

-R Software Reboot

-V View Radio Resource Management Data

-Z View Modem Credentials

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2 Installation and Setup

Chapter

PP

Field installation

Physical installation considerations

The Data Access Radio Transceiver (DART) 200 is designed for both
stationary and mobile applications. The guidelines for modem

TIP:
Use the optional
mounting bracket to
simplify the physical
installation, refer to
Figure C-1 for the
mounting bracket
template.

installation are:

• Environment - The standalone DART 200 is ruggedly constructed.

However, it is not waterproof, so do not locate the modem where it
can get wet. Also, refer to the humidity specification in Appendix B,
Product Specifications. If installing the DART 200 in a wet
environment, enclose it in a proper National Electrical
Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) enclosure. Also, install the unit
where there is adequate ventilation to prevent possible overheating

• Location - Installation with clear access to the unit is recommended

for viewing the LED, that indicates power and RF status, and for
accessing the RS-232 port for required personalization or
troubleshooting. Locate the DART 200, if possible, at least 2 feet
from personnel

• Power Source - The DART 200 requires a nominal 13.8 V DC

regulated power source capable of supplying 2.5 amps maximum.
Refer to Appendix B, Product Specifications, for more details. Wire
the supplied power cord (Red positive, Black negative) with a Molex
connector to the power source using a 3.0 amp fuse

• Refer to Figure 2-1 for instructions for installing the DART 200 with

the mounting bracket

PN1197-00 Revision 1.0

DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 2 Installation and Setup

Figure 2-1. Installing DART 200 with mounting bracket

Sierra Wireless, Inc. 2-2

DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 2 Installation and Setup

??

Antenna considerations

The DART 200 uses standard mobile cellular radio signals and any
standard cellular antenna of good quality with a maximum gain of 3 dB

NOTE:
Snub-nosed (rubber
duck) antennas,
although they may work
in some areas, are NOT
recommended.

(FCC requirement) will function properly subject to the following
guidelines:

• Location

Locate the antenna as far away from personnel as possible to
minimize signal blocking. For optimum reception, in fixed location
applications position the antenna above the height of personnel and

Operating the unit
without an antenna
does not damage the
modem but can cause
unpredictable results.

nearby equipment or structures. If used inside locate the antenna as
close to a window as possible. In mobile applications, locate the
antenna outside and away from or above any portion of the vehicle
body that can block the RF signals. To determine the actual signal
strength, attach a PC with an ASCII terminal emulator, such as
Procomm, or Kermit, to view the Receive Signal Strength Indication
(RSSI) value in S-Register 102.

• Antenna cable

Select an antenna cable with a low loss, high quality, 50 ohm,
coaxial cable with the appropriate connectors. The cable can be any
length, but lengths greater than 12 feet increase cable loss and offset

CAUTION:
For outdoor fixed
installations ground the
antenna cable using an
antenna discharge unit
to prevent damage to
the modem and the
attached equipment.

the antenna’s nominal gain. If longer length cables are required, use
a heavier wire gauge to reduce the dB loss/ft and to minimize the
effect of the cable loss on antenna gain.

• Ground plane

For installations where a good antenna ground plane (metal surface)
is not available, use a non-ground plane type of antenna to help
maximize signal reception

• Proximity to other antennas

In general, do not locate the DART 200 and its antenna closer than
five feet to another antenna; in certain cases, even more separation is
required. In many vehicular applications, there are high-power
two-way voice transmitters used and usually the antenna mounting
locations are not five feet apart. The effect of the interference from
the two-way transmitters varies from slowing down response times
to blocking modem transmission.

In this situation, separate the antennas as far as possible and then do
a test with the voice system also being used. If the DART 200 works
satisfactorily you do not have an interference problem. If it does not
work properly, then use filtering on the two-way output, the DART
200 input, or both. The calculation to determine the required filtering
is not trivial and usually requires an RF engineer. However, if you do
not have the option to do a test first, this analytical approach is your
only option.

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 2 Installation and Setup

??

Troubleshooting

The DART 200 is thoroughly inspected during manufacturing. There are
no end-user access items within the case of the modem. If problems

NOTE:
To aid in
troubleshooting use an
IBM-compatible PC
with an ASCII terminal
emulator, such as
Procomm, Terminal,
Kermit, Hyperterminal,
or a Mac with White
Knight.

occur, check the following:

• Power supply

If the Power On/Registration Indicator is not flashing or glowing
solid red, check the power source for adequate voltage. The modem
requires regulated 12 V DC at 2.5 A. If the power is marginal it can
be the problem. Check the fuse (if any) in the power source, and as a
final test use a voltmeter to check for an open cable.

The DART 200 draws up to 2.5 amps under maximum power output.
The power output is a function of the modem’s distance from the
Mobile Data Base Station (MDBS). It is possible for the modem to
work well with a particular power supply in a location requiring low
power output (low current draw), and yet to fail using the same
power supply in a location requiring a high power output. Check the
amperage rating of the power supply to verify that it is adequate for
all situations.

• Channel acquisition

If the modem does not acquire a CDPD channel (fast blinking or
solid red light), refer to Channel acquisition, p. 2-10, for guidelines
on how to proceed.

• Registration

If the modem does not register refer to Registration, p. 2-15, for
guidelines on how to proceed.

• Unsuccessful data transfer

If the unit registered, but application data transfer is unsuccessful,
check that the RS-232 cable is properly attached. If that does not
correct the problem, substitute a good RS-232 cable (known to
work). If that does not work, you may have a flow control problem.
Refer to Flow control, p. 8-12, for guidelines. Also, review the Dial
command (ATD) in Appendix F, DART AT Command Set, Auto
Answer setup, p. 8-11, and Setup options, p. 5-17 or Basic UDP

setup options, p. 5-4, setup options as appropriate.

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 2 Installation and Setup

Getting started

Before opening the DART 200 box, but preferably before it arrives,
check that the following equipment is available:

• A 12.0 V DC regulated power source with 2.5 amp capability. You

can either provide your own, or order the power source as an option
with the DART 200

• A standard cellular antenna of good quality with a maximum gain of

3 dB. Cable attached magnetic mount antennas are preferred because
the antenna can be positioned easily for optimum signal reception

• A PC with a communications program capable of operating in ASCII

terminal emulation mode. For IBM PC-compatibles this can be
Procomm, Windows Terminal, Hyperterminal, Kermit or something
similar

This makes the PC function as a terminal attached to the modem and
permits the entering of AT commands required for both modem
setup and diagnostics. It is recommended that the program chosen is
capable of logging terminal communications activity to a file for
later analysis or printout in the event that technical support is
required

• A PC communications cable with a male DB9 connector. If your PC

has a DB25 communications port, get a DB25 to DB9 adapter
(available from electronics stores)

Modem setup

To setup the DART 200:

1. Connect the antenna, PC, and power supply to the DART 200 using

appropriate cables and connectors. The red light on the end of the
modem turns on and start blinking at a rate of approximately once
per second (slow blink). If the light does not turn on, check the
power source and connections.

The red OPR light doubles as a signal strength indicator. When the
DART 200 finds a usable CDPD channel the rate of blinking
increases in proportion to the strength of the received signal. This is
discussed in more detail in Channel acquisition, p. 2-10.

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DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 2 Installation and Setup

2. To proceed, your PC must have the ASCII terminal emulation

program installed and active, and be attached to the CDPD modem
by the PC communications cable. To verify the setup, enter AT and
press ENTER: an OK response should return. To verify that the
connection is with the DART 200 and not with an internal modem,
enter ATI1 and press ENTER. If the response is the modem software
version and date, proceed to Basic modem personalization. If you
fail to get that response, verify that your cable is working and that
the correct COM port is specified for the terminal emulation program
and repeat this step.

3. If you still fail to get the AT echo and/or the OK, enter an AT&V

command to display the modems communications setup, profile,
S-Registers and EID. The first three fields below the baud should be
E1, V1 and Q0. If the values are anything else, change to the correct
values and save the new values by entering ATE1V1Q0&W.

If the AT&V command fails, contact your DART 200 supplier for
technical assistance.

Basic modem personalization

The DART 200 requires an IP Address to be set internally before it can
be registered on the CDPD network. In addition, the side preference (A
or B) for your carrier needs to be specified. This information can be
preloaded by the carrier, but generally the carrier gives it to you upon
request. To determine if the IP Address was preloaded, refer to step 1
(below). If the IP Address was not preloaded contact your carrier to
obtain one along with the side preference (A or B), and a Domain Name
Server (DNS) IP Address.

In addition to the side preference, the DART 200 has 23 additional
operational parameters and several Status (S-)Registers to review. The
default values for these parameters and S-Registers can require changes
if they are not appropriate for your application. However, for initial setup
the default parameters (except for side preference) are adequate.

To set up the DART 200 for operation:

1. Load the IP Address supplied by the carrier. To check if it was

preloaded, use the AT\S? command, as shown in this example:

at\s?
* NEI 0 = IP ADDRESS 198.225.189.032 GMID 00000
OK

* - Means the Network Entity Identifier (NEI) is active

The DART 200 in the sample has the IP Addresses already entered.
Ignore the Group Multicast Identifier (GMID) field for now.

If your modem has no IP Address, the response to the AT\S?
command is OK. Enter the IP Address now, by:

• Putting the modem into Service Provider mode with an

AT^P+51348954 command

Sierra Wireless, Inc. 2-6