AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide 2140712 Rev 2.
Preface Important Notice Safety and Hazards Due to the nature of wireless communications, the transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or totally lost.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Patents Copyright Trademarks This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless Inc. This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM®. This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group. © 2012 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved. AirCard® and Watcher® are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
Preface Revision History Revision number Release date Changes 1.0 June 2011 GX400 HSPA+ User Guide created. 2.0 January 2012 GX400 HSPA+ User Guide updated. Major edits and additions made to Chapters 3 and 5, including new graphics, and new sections on device mounting, low power modes, digital output, and LED reset. Other miscellaneous updates also added. Rev 2.0 Feb.
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Contents Introduction to the GX400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 ACEware™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ACEmanager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Simplified Deployment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Monitor and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Configuring the AirLink GX400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 ACEmanager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Using a Terminal Application with AT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 AT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Inputs, Relay Outputs, and Power Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 1: Introduction to the GX400 • ACEware™ • Connecting to Your Cellular Provider • Communication • Connection Methods • Networking • Applications • Software • Documentation The GX400 is a compact, intelligent, and fully-featured mobile communications platform with multiple peripheral connections including serial, Ethernet, and USB. Expanded I/O functionality in the power connector includes one digital I/O and one low power timer enable input allowing remote instrumentation possibilities.
GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Figure 1-2: Powered by ALEOS ACEware™ A wireless solution is not complete until you have software tools to manage the devices monitoring your valuable equipment. Using the AirLink Control Environment (ACE), ACEWare is the device management and monitoring application suite for Sierra Wireless AirLink devices powered by ALEOS.
Introduction to the GX400 Figure 1-4: ACEmanager Simplified Deployment ACEmanager provides the ability to remotely set up and configure your Sierra Wireless AirLink products. Remote device setup and configuration reduces the deployment timeline of your wireless solution and provides a quicker path to ROI. Templates allow you to easily configure devices in your fleet with identical settings, ensuring a simple, accurate deployment.
GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Connecting to Your Cellular Provider The GX400 uses your cellular provider as an ISP (Internet Service Provider) to connect you to the Internet. Connection Steps: 1. When the GX400 is powered on, it automatically searches for cellular service. 2. The GX400 establishes a communications link to the cellular provider with the radio module. 3.
Introduction to the GX400 Caution: If you want to connect remotely to your GX400 using TCP/IP, the IP address given to your modem by your cellular provider cannot be a private or internal IP address (e.g., a special private network) unless you are on the same network or inside that network’s firewall (e.g., with frame relay). Communication Many of the GSM Networks have been expanded to HSPA+.
GX400 HSPA+ User Guide GPRS General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is packet-switched with many users sharing the same transmission channel, but only transmitting when they have data to send. This means that the total available bandwidth can be immediately dedicated to those users who are actually sending at any given moment, providing higher utilization where users only send or receive data intermittently. GPRS provides speeds of 30–70 kbps with bursts up to 170 kbps.
Introduction to the GX400 • Access Control: Access Control implies a security service that prevents unauthorized use of a Security Gateway, a network behind a gateway or bandwidth on that network. • Data Origin Authentication: Data Origin Authentication verifies the actual sender, thus eliminating the possibility of forging the actual sender’s identification by a third-party.
GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Software The GX400 modem comes with the following software: • ACEview, the software for the GX400 which allows you to monitor your connections. • The driver that forms the interface between the GX400 and your Windows operating system when using USB virtual Ethernet or USB virtual serial. • The firmware that is stored in non-volatile memory and includes ACEmanager. The GX400 has an embedded radio module, also made by Sierra Wireless, Inc.
2 2: Specifications • Interface Port PinOuts • Power Connector Features and Benefits • Powered by ALEOS • Embedded Intelligence • Connection Management • IPsec/VPN Firewall • LBS & Events Reporting engines • ACEware interface • Remote Management and Configuration • Ethernet, Serial, USB OTG (On-The-Go) • One Digital I/O, one low power timer enable input • Multiple Interfaces, I/O Port • RX Diversity (3G) • Hardware expansion options (IESM) Technology • HSPA+ With Fallback to: · HSP
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Power Consumption: (@12V DC) • Transmit/Receive (Typical/Max) 230/380 mA • Idle 180 mA • Low Power Mode <50 mA • Input Voltage 9 - 36V DC Standards/Approvals • Carrier specific approvals • CE • FCC • RoHS Compliant • Industry Canada • Mil-Spec 810-F Certified • Class 1 Div 2 Certified • e-Mark • IP 64 Host Interfaces • Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 • USB “micro A/B” locking • RS-232: DB-9 DCE (300-230400 baud) • I/O: one on power connector • A
Specifications LED Indicators • Network • Signal • Activity • Power Interface Port Pin-Outs Serial Port 5 9 R1 (Ring Indicator) CTS (Clear to Send) < - 8 RTS (Request to Send) - > 7 DSR (Data to Send) < - 6 4 3 2 1 < - > GND (Ground) < - DTR Data Terminal Ready) < - Rx (Receive) - > Tx (Transmit) - > DCD (Data Carrier Detect) Figure 2-1: Serial Port Diagram: Female DB9 DCE (not to scale) Power Connector Figure 2-2: Power Connector (not to scale) Table 2-1: GX400 I/O Power Connector Pin
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Table 2-2: GX400 Digital I/O Specifications Pin Name Specification Param Min Typ Max Units 4 Dig I/O (Input) Input low state voltage VIL -0.5 0 1.2 V Input high state voltage range VIH 1.3 3.3 30 V Input leakage current (3.3 VDC IN) IIN ---- 58 ---- μA Typical application input source is a dry switch contact to ground. Pin includes an internal 56K ohm pull up to 3.3 VDC.
3 3: Installing and Activating AirLink GX400 • Physical Interfaces • Requirements • Activating the AirLink GX400 • Updating AirLink GX400 Firmware • Configuring Through ACEmanager • Connecting the Antennas • Connecting to a Computer or Other Device • LED Operation • Mounting an AirLink GX400 This chapter provides step-by-step directions for activating your AirLink GX400 on Sprint’s network. The AirLink GX400 should be mounted in a position that provides easy access for all cabling.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Physical Interfaces The AirLink GX400 has the following physical interfaces and connection methods: • Primary Cellular - 50 Ohm SMA • Receive Diversity - 50 Ohm SMA • GPS - 50 Ohm SMA • USB OTG Micro A/B locking • 1 Ethernet port • 1 serial port Requirements 1. Cellular account from a cellular provider. 2. Software: · ACEmanager - Graphical interface for configuring/managing the GX400. · A terminal emulator application (e.g., Microsoft HyperTerminal). 3.
Installing and Activating AirLink GX400 Activating the AirLink GX400 To activate your GX400: 1. Install the AirLink GX400 antennas - See Connecting the Antennas on page 26. 2. Remove the GX400’s top cover by removing the four retaining screws with a 5/64” or 2 mm Allen wrench. Insert a SIM card into the SIM tray. Replace the screws and cover. 3. Plug the power cable into the power connector on the back panel of the AirLink GX400 - See Connecting to Power on page 27. 4.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Configuring Through ACEmanager ACEmanager is a free utility. Follow the steps below to connect to ACEmanager and begin configuring the GX400 device. • Ensure that the AirLink GX400 is properly connected to allow access to the ACEmanager user interface. • Go to: http://192.168.13.31:9191 the first time you connect to ACEmanager. Connecting the Antennas Warning: This device is not intended for use within close proximity of the human body.
Installing and Activating AirLink GX400 GPS Antenna The AirLink GX400 will work with most standard active GPS antennas. Connect the GPS antenna or cable directly to the threaded SMA connector. If mounting the AirLink GX400 in a vehicle, the less the cable is wrapped and bound together, the better it will perform. Place it on the roof, on the dash, or on a rear panel where it has a greater than 90° angle view of the sky.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide If the AirLink GX400 is used in a vehicle or battery-operated application, the red wire should be connected to battery power and the black wire to ground. The white low-power timer enable input wire must be connected to either unswitched or switched power for the GX400 to operate. The AC adapter accessory for the GX400 has power on two pins: main power and low-power timer enable.
Installing and Activating AirLink GX400 Connecting to a Computer or Other Device The AirLink GX400 can be connected to the computer through an Ethernet, serial, or USB connection. Ethernet Port Figure 3-5: Ethernet cable connector The Ethernet port is a standard RJ-45 connector: two LEDs at the top of the port indicate link and activity. The left LED blinks yellow during activity, and the right LED is Green for 100 Mbps and Orange for 10 Mbps.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide USB OTG Port Figure 3-7: USB Micro-A cable connector The CPU OTG port operates in device mode; when the port is unused, the AirLink GX400 operates in device mode. If a Micro-B plug is inserted into the port, the AirLink GX400 operates as a self-powered device; it will not draw any current from the USB. If a Micro-A plug is inserted, the AirLink GX400 can operate in host mode and supply power to the device that is plugged into.
Installing and Activating AirLink GX400 LED Operation Four LEDs are visible from the front and top of the AirLink GX400. Labeled (from left to right) Network, Signal, Activity, and Power, each LED can display one of three colors: green, yellow, or red. Caution: If you need to reset the device configuration using the Reset button, depress the button until the LEDs start cycling yellow, and then release the button.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Light Patterns The LEDs on the front of the device respond with different light patterns to indicate device states. • Normal - Each LED is lit as applicable. • Start up and Device Reboot - All LEDS simultaneously cycle red, yellow, and green at the start. Various light patterns continue until the Power LED turns yellow and then green, and the Network LED flashes yellow, changes to a solid yellow, and finally turns green, to indicate an active device.
Installing and Activating AirLink GX400 Mounting an AirLink GX400 The GX400 can be mounted almost anywhere using the device’s recessed mounting ears. An optional mounting kit (with mounting adapter plate) is also available when replacing a PinPoint X device. Mounting Hardware All GX400s are shipped with a Hardware Mounting Kit (P/N 1202162) that contains four #8 sheet metal/wood-type screws and four internal lock washers. Figure 3-9 is a diagram (with dimensions) of the GX400’s mounting base. 31.8 mm 1.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Mounting Bracket Kit An optional Mounting Bracket Kit (P/N 1202404) is available from Sierra Wireless for mounting the GX400 when replacing a PinPoint X device. The GX400 Mounting Bracket Kit includes: • One mounting adapter plate • Four #8 sheet metal/wood-type screws • Four internal lock washers The adapter plate is designed to reuse the mounting holes of a PinPoint X for a GX400 installation.
4 4: Configuring the AirLink GX400 • ACEmanager • Using a Terminal Application with AT Commands • AT Commands The AirLink GX400, with its ALEOS embedded firmware, is a highly configurable device. Configure the AirLink GX400 using one of two options: 1. Use the configuration and management applications of the AceWare suite, or 2. Use a terminal emulator application such as HyperTerminal, PuTTY, etc.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide b. Select OK. 2. At the Connect to window, using USB or serial: a. Select COM1, or the COM port to which the device is connected, for the “Connect using” option. Figure 4-1: Connect To window b. Change or verify the settings when the COM1 Properties window appears: · Bits per Second: 115200 (default) · Data Bits: 8 · Parity: None · Stop Bits: 1 · Flow Control: Hardware (or None).
Configuring the AirLink GX400 Tip: If you have configured the AirLink GX400 for settings different than the defaults for Bits per second, Data bits, Parity, and/or Stop bits, you will need to use your changed settings. c. Select OK. If using Telnet with either Ethernet or USB/net: d. Select TCP/IP (Winsock) for “Connect using”. e. Type in 192.168.13.31 for “Host address”. f. Change “Port number” to 2332. g. Select OK. 3. You are now connected. Connecting with Telnet will prompt for a password.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Figure 4-4: HyperTerminal: connected a. If you are prompted for a password, enter the default password 12345. Tip: You will not be prompted for a password if you connect using a COM port. b. Type AT and press Enter. You should get a reply of “OK” or “0”. c. To see what you are typing as you type it, you will need to turn on the echo and verbose mode. Type ATE1V1, and press Enter. d. If you get a reply of “OK”, then you entered the command successfully.
Configuring the AirLink GX400 • Most commands with parameters can be entered with ? to read the current value. (For example, AT&D? will respond with “2” if the default has not been changed.) • Optional parameters are denoted with square brackets [ ]. • AT Commands are not case sensitive. A capital “E” is the same as a lowercase “e”. • When you are using a terminal connection, if you enter a command which is recognized by the AirLink GX400, it will respond with “OK”.
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5 5: Inputs, Relay Outputs, and Power Status • Capturing External Events • Power Modes and Information The AirLink GX400 can be configured to monitor the input, respond to specific types of events, and trigger digital output. The device can also be configured to change its power mode in order to conserve power. These features can be configured to your needs.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Examples of using the input with a switch to ground: • When a door or other latch is opened or closed. • Counting pulses or other electronic events. • When a gauge reaches a certain point. • When a container fills or empties. • When a switch or valve is opened or closed. • When the tow bar is raised or lowered. • Connected to a sensor, the level of fuel in a vehicle. • When the trunk of a vehicle is opened or closed. • When the ignition is turned on or off.
Inputs, Relay Outputs, and Power Status Power Modes and Information AirLink GX400 low power modes can be configured using ACEmanager (Default: no power modes). You can switch power modes in response to specific events, such as when the voltage to the device drops below a configured threshold or when ignition is turned off, in order to conserve battery life.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Power Effect on Device State Once the transition from powered on to low-power mode starts, the device will change state to AT mode. This results in the current mode being gracefully terminated. For the brief period when the device is preparing for low-power mode, the device will remain in AT mode. At that time, it won't auto-answer, ATD will fail, etc. Once low-power mode is entered, the device will then discard any data received on the host port.
6 6: Regulatory Information Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice - United States Electronic devices, including computers and wireless devices, generate RF energy incidental to their intended function and are therefore subject to FCC rules and regulations. This equipment has been tested to, and found to be within the acceptable limits for a Class A device. This equipment generates radio frequency energy and is designed for use in accordance with the manufacturer's user manual.
AirLink GX400 HSPA+ User Guide Antenna Considerations Although the antenna model(s) used with these devices meet(s) the Industry Canada Radio Frequency requirements, it is possible that future customers may swap them for different ones without network provider's knowledge and approval.
Regulatory Information The Declaration of Conformity made under Directive 1999/5/EC is available for viewing at the following location in the EU community. Sierra Wireless (UK), Limited Suite 5, The Hub Fowler Avenue Farnborough Business Park Farnborough, United Kingdom GU14 7JP WEEE Notice If you purchased an AirLink GX400 in Europe, please ensure that the device is collected separately from general domestic waste at the end of its life.
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