AirCard® 800 Series Wireless Network Cards arInstallation Guide 2130623 Rev 3.
Preface 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 or its affiliates.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Trademarks AirCard® and Heart of the Wireless Machine® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design, the red-tipped antenna, and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners. All product specifications are subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards . . .5 AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supported operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The AirCard as a network card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Watcher™ Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Launching Watcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 View options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1: Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards • AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards • 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.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, and HSDPA are add-on data services to GSM mobile phone networks. The maximum data speeds when connected on these services are: • GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)—56 kbps • EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment)—216 kbps • UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)— 384 kbps • HSDPA (High Speed Download Packet Access)—up to 1.
Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards The AirCard 850 and AirCard 860 support all of the 2G bands. The AirCard 850 supports the WCDMA 2100 3G band (for use outside of North America). The AirCard 860 supports the WCDMA 850 and WCDMA 1900 bands (for North American use). Your account and coverage area Note: If you purchased the AirCard from a GSM service provider, you may already have an account.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide AirCard software The AirCard comes with this software (made by Sierra Wireless): • The 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 • The 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 t
2: The SIM Card and Your Account • Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard • Removing a SIM card • Attaching the antenna to your AirCard Note: Without a valid SIM card and a valid account, your AirCard will not work. You require a GSM 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.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Note: To prevent the SIM from becoming jammed in the AirCard slot, ensure the edge of the SIM is smooth before inserting it. Do not attach labels to your SIM as this may also cause it to become jammed. 4. Orient the SIM card, as shown in the diagram on the bottom side of the AirCard. 5. Insert the end of the SIM card into the slot, and gently push it until it is fully inserted.
The SIM Card and Your Account Figure 2-2: Ejecting the SIM card 4. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free. Attaching the antenna to your AirCard The antenna attaches to the gold-plated connector on the end of the AirCard. Figure 2-3: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard Rev 3.2 Sep.
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3: Software and Driver Installation • System requirements • Installation on Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP • Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard System requirements The AirCard wireless network card is supported on: • Windows 98 SE • Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 • Windows NT 4.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Installation on Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP Note: Users of Windows 2000 must be logged in with adminis trative privileges. Users of Windows XP may require admin istrative privileges. Note: If you are running Windows 98 SE, Me, or 2000, Windows Installer Redistributable 2.0 must be installed. This is available on the Microsoft website, www.microsoft.com. Note: You may require your Windows CD. Ensure you have the CD before proceeding.
Software and Driver Installation Figure 3-1: Inserting 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 “Setting up a profile” on page 18. To close the CD start-up menu, click the exit option in the lower right corner of the window.
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4: Configuring Your Account • Setting up a profile Profiles contain account information used by the AirCard to establish connections. At least one profile must be set up on the AirCard before you can use it. The profile(s) may have been stored on the AirCard before you purchased it. Otherwise, your service provider should give you all the infor mation you need to set up the profile(s) you require.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Setting up a profile Note: You cannot set up a profile before installing the software. (See page 13.) To determine whether you have a profile: 1. Insert the SIM into the AirCard if it is not already inserted. (See page 9.) 2. Insert the AirCard into the PC Card slot if it is not already inserted. (See page 15.) 3.
Configuring Your Account your service provider specified an IP address, DNS address(es), or Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, select the Advanced button to open the Advanced Profile window. Otherwise, click OK and skip to Step 12. 6. On the Autolaunch tab, select which application, if any, you want Watcher to automatically launch when a connection is established with this profile: · None—Select this if you do not want any application to be autolaunched.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide any Quality of Service parameters unless advised to do so by your service provider. 10. Select OK to close the Advanced Profile window. 11. Select OK to close the GPRS Profile window. 12. If you have more than one profile, use the Default Profile radio button to select which is the default. (The “default” profile is the one used by the autoconnect feature and is used if you select Connect without selecting a profile.
5: Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card • Stopping and ejecting the AirCard Note: Do not insert the AirCard before installing the software. See “Software and Driver Instal lation” on page 13. 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 or SIM. This may cause the AirCard or SIM to become jammed inside the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Stopping and ejecting the AirCard 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 3G Adapter Parent” (Windows 98,2000, or Me) or “Safely remove Sierra Wireless AirCard 3G Adapter Parent” (Windows XP). 4. If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to remove the card, click OK.
6: Watcher™ Basics • Launching Watcher • The Watcher window • Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window • View options • Status icons • Power Down and Up • Frequency band and network selection Note: It takes up to 20 seconds for Watcher to become fully functional after launch. 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 9.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide The Watcher window Note: To get help in Watcher, select Help > Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing in most windows. Compact view Close Minimize Roaming GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/ HSDPA coveraage Signal strength Indicator area Profile drop-down list Figure 6-1: The Watcher window. Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window These icons are used on the main Watcher window: Table 6-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Icon Meaning Device status.
Watcher™ Basics Table 6-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Icon Meaning Signal strength and service status. The number of bars beside the antenna increases as signal strength increases, to a maximum of five bars. The ToolTip that displays when you position the mouse pointer over this indicator, shows the numeric value of the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication in dBm). Depending on your AirCard configuration, you may have two signal strength indicators.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Table 6-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Icon Depending on your AirCard configuration, you may not have this indicator Meaning Roaming. When displayed, you are connected to a network other than your local service provider's. There may be a surcharge for roaming service. New SMS message. Select the icon to open the SMS Express window and read your messages. When your SIM becomes full, this icon flashes and turns red. Data transmission.
Watcher™ Basics Status icons These icons appear in the system tray (usually in the lower right corner of your screen). Table 6-2: Status icons Icon Meaning You have a GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA connection. You do not have a GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA connection. You have one or more unread SMS messages. Power Down and Up The power down/power up option allows you to conserve your battery by powering the AirCard down when you are not using it. To power down the AirCard: 1.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Frequency band selection Every GSM network operates on one set of frequency bands. (See “Frequency band selection” on page 28.) The AirCard is designed to change frequency bands automatically as required to obtain network service. You can also change frequency bands manually from the Network tab of the Options window (Tools > Options > Network). Note: Unless your service provider specifies otherwise, it is recom mended that you use the Auto setting.
7: 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 800 Series wireless network card. LED operation The AirCard has a single LED (Light Emitting Diode) located on the antenna end of the card beneath the SIM slot.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Table 7-2: Radio frequency & electrical specifications 30 Multi-slot class Class 10 Transmit PCS: 1850 to 1910 MHz DCS1800: 1710 to 1785 MHz EGSM900: 880 to 915 MHz GSM850 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA2100 (AirCard 850 only) 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA850 (AirCard 860 only) 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA1900 (AirCard 860 only) 1850 to 1910 MHz Receive PCS: 1930 to 1990 MHz DDCS1800: 1805 to 1880 MHz EGSM900: 925 to 960 MHz GSM850: 869 to 894 MHz WCDMA2100 (AirCard 850 only) 2110 to 217
Technical Specifications Environmental specifications Table 7-3: Environmental specifications Operating temperature -20 to +65 °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) Sending GSM commands to the network GSM commands are used to: • Access network services • Display network and device parameters • Provide account status information (for example, indicate whether a subscribed service is
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8: Regulatory and Safety Information • Important notice • EU regulatory conformity 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.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide EU regulatory conformity Sierra Wireless hereby declares that the AirCard 850 is in conformity to all the essential requirements of Directive 1999/ 5/EC.
Index Numerics 1800 MHz band 6 1900 MHz band 6 850 MHz band 6 900 MHz band 6 EDGE indicator 25 ejecting a SIM card 10 ejecting the card 22 electrical specifications 29 envelope icon 26 environmental specifications 31 A F account 7 always-on data connection 5 antenna 14 attaching 11 antenna icon 25 APN 17 autoconnect 18 autolaunch browser on connection 19 VPN on connection 19 frequencies receive 30 transmit 30 frequency bands 6 selection 27 B G GPRS connection status 25 GPRS indicator 25 GSM commands,
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide IP address 17 IRQ (interrupt request) 13 L launch browser automatically on connection 19 VPN automatically on connection 19 Launching 23 LED operation 29 liability, limitation of 1 R radio frequency specifications 29 receive frequencies 30 removing a SIM card 10 removing the card 22 RF specifications 29 roaming 7 roaming indicator 26 RSSI 25 S M maintenance 21 memory required 13 multi-slot class 30 N network 7 send GSM commands to 31 networks supported 5 notebook P
Index tri-band 6 U UMTS connection status 25 UMTS indicator 25 user name 17 V vibration 31 VPN, launch on connection 19 W Windows operating systems supported 5 Rev 3.2 Sep.
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