AirCard® 800 Series Wireless Network Cards Installation 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 modem® 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 . . .7 AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supported operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The AirCard modem as a network card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Stopping and ejecting the AirCard modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1: Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards • AirCard 800 Series wireless network cards • Your account and coverage area • AirCard modem software • Before you can begin using the AirCard modem • Package contents Caution: Do not insert your AirCard modem into your PC Card slot before installing the software.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS service support” on page 8.) Otherwise, you can configure Watcher to connect only when you click the Connect button. The AirCard modem connection provides access to the Internet. Once the connection is established, you can open your browser and connect to any web site available on the Internet, or access other Internet services (such as e-mail).
Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards • 1900 MHz band—(also called the PCS band) used by many North American service providers Every network that offers 3G UMTS/HSDPA service does so on one of these bands: • WCDMA 850—used by North American service providers • WCDMA 1900—used by North American service providers • WCDMA 2100—used by European, Asian, and Australian service providers The AirCard 850 modem and AirCard 860 modem support all of the 2G bands.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Your ability to obtain service depends on these factors: Note: The fee for service is usually higher when you are “roaming” (connected to a network other than the one belonging to your service provider). • Proximity to a GSM network—You must be within the coverage area of a GSM network in order to use the AirCard modem.
Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards 5. Configure the AirCard modem to use your account (unless it was pre-configured.) 6. If your Internet browser is configured to use a dial-up modem, you may need to set it to use a network card. The next chapters guide you through this process. Package contents Your AirCard modem package contains the following: Rev 3.6 Sep.
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2: The SIM Card and Your Account • Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard modem • Removing a SIM card • Attaching the antenna to your AirCard modem Note: Without a valid SIM card and a valid account, your AirCard modem will not work. 2 You require a GSM account and a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to use the AirCard modem. The SIM card is a small chip (about the size of a postage stamp) that you insert into the AirCard modem.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide AirCard 850 and AirCard 860 modems To install your SIM card into the AirCard modem, follow these steps: Note: To prevent the SIM from becoming jammed in the AirCard modem 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. 1. If your SIM is attached to a card, detach it and remove any fragments of the card stuck to the SIM. 2.
The SIM Card and Your Account Note: To prevent the SIM from becoming jammed in the AirCard modem 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. Figure 2-2: Inserting the SIM card into the AirCard modem Removing a SIM card The procedure for removing the SIM card depends on the model of AirCard modem you have. If you have an AirCard 850 / 860 modem, follow the instructions below.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Figure 2-3: Ejecting the SIM card 4. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free. AirCard 875 modem To remove the SIM/USIM card, you need a pen. 1. Place the AirCard modem on a smooth, hard surface such as a tabletop, or hold it face down. 2. Gently insert the pen into the end of the eject slot farthest from the SIM slot. Slide the pen towards the SIM slot. The SIM card pops out of its slot. Figure 2-4: Ejecting the SIM card 3.
The SIM Card and Your Account Attaching the antenna to your AirCard modem Note: This section applies only to the AirCard 850 modem and AirCard 860 modem. If your AirCard modem has an external antenna, the antenna attaches to the gold-plated connector on the end of the AirCard modem. Figure 2-5: Attaching the antenna to the AirCard modem Rev 3.6 Sep.
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3: Software and Driver Installation • System requirements • Installation on Windows XP and 2000 • Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard modem 3 System requirements The AirCard modem is supported on: • Windows XP (Home and Professional versions) • Windows 2000 • Windows Vista (when commercially available) For information on using the AirCard modem with Windows NT, 98, or Me, contact Sierra Wireless Technical Support (support@sierrawireless.com).
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 2. From the CD start-up menu, select your language, then notebook installation, and then the link under notebook software installation to launch the installer. 3. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the installer. 4. If the SIM is not already inserted in your AirCard modem, insert it. (See page 13.) 5. For the AirCard 850 modem / AirCard 860 modem: If the antenna is not yet attached, attach it. (See page 17.) 6.
Software and Driver Installation 4. Select the option “I want to set up my Internet connection manually, or I want to connect through a local area network (LAN).” Click Next. 5. Select “I connect through a local area network (LAN)”. Click Next. 6. Ensure no check boxes are selected in the “Local area network Internet configuration” window and click Next. 7. Select No when prompted to set up an Internet mail account and click Next. Click Finish to exit the wizard. Rev 3.6 Sep.
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4: Configuring Your Account • Setting up a profile 4 Profiles contain account information used by the AirCard modem to establish connections. At least one profile must be set up on the AirCard modem before you can use it. The profile(s) may have been stored on the AirCard modem before you purchased it. Otherwise, your service provider should give you all the information 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 19.) To determine whether you have a profile: 1. Insert the SIM into the AirCard modem if it is not already inserted. (See page 13.) 2. Insert the AirCard modem into the PC Card slot if it is not already inserted. (See page 20.) 3.
Configuring Your Account address(es), select the Advanced folder. Otherwise, click OK and skip to Step 10. 6. Select the Launch after connecting field, and from the dropdown list, select which application, if any, you want Watcher to automatically launch when a connection is established with this profile: · None—No application is autolaunched. · Browser—Watcher autolaunches your default Internet browser. · MS VPN—Watcher autolaunches a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 11. Click Apply to save the change without exiting the window, or, click OK to save the change and exit the window.
5: Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card 5 You can ensure reliable operation and long life of your AirCard modem by adhering to these guidelines in storage and use: Note: Do not insert the AirCard modem before installing the software. See “Software and Driver Installation” on page 19. • Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard modem or SIM. This may cause the AirCard modem 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 modem To remove the AirCard modem: 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.
6: Technical Specifications • LED operation • Radio frequency and electrical specifications • Environmental specifications • Sending GSM commands to the network 6 This chapter describes the operation of the LED and provides technical data for the AirCard modem. LED operation The number and function of the LEDs depends on the type of AirCard modem you have.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Table 6-2: LEDs for AirCard 875 modem Symbol LED State Power Off Indicates one of the following: • The card is not inserted in the computer. • The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode. • The AirCard modem radio has been turned off using Watcher (Tools > Turn Radio Off). Blue The power is on, the AirCard modem is working normally, and the firmware is not being updated. Blinking Blue The firmware is being updated.
Technical Specifications Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 6-3: Radio frequency and electrical specifications for AirCard 850 / 860 /875 modems Compliance GSM Release 5 Transmit PCS: 1850 to 1910 MHz DCS1800: 1710 to 1785 MHz EGSM900: 880 to 915 MHz GSM850: 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA2100: (AirCard 850 modem and AirCard 875 modem) 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA850: (AirCard 860 modem and AirCard 875 modem) 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA1900: (AirCard 860 modem and AirCard 875 modem) 1850 to 1910 MHz Receive
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Environmental specifications Table 6-4: Environmental specifications Operating temperature -20 to +60 °C (ambient, outside PCMCIA enclosure) Storage temperature -30 to +85 °C Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration 15 g peak 10 to 2000 Hz (non-operating) 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 subscrib
7: Watcher Basics • Launching Watcher • The Watcher window • Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window • View options • Status icons • Turning the radio on and off • Frequency band and network selection Note: It takes up to 20 seconds for Watcher to become fully functional after launch. 7 Watcher is the program you use to manage and monitor your AirCard modem connections. Watcher allows you to: • Create an account profile. (This is explained under “The SIM Card and Your Account” on page 13.
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. Roaming Compact view Minimize Close GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/ HSDPA coverage Signal strength Indicator area Profile drop-down list Figure 7-1: The Watcher window. Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window These icons are used on the main Watcher window: Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Device status.
Watcher Basics Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Coverage. The icon shows the fastest service available: • GPRS icon—GPRS is the fastest service available in your current coverage area. • EDGE icon—EDGE is the fastest service available in your current coverage area. (supported on EDGE AirCard modems) • 3G icon—UMTS is the fastest service available in your current coverage area. (supported on UMTS AirCard modems) • HS icon—HSDPA is the fastest service available in your current coverage area.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher Call forwarding. If your AirCard modem is voice-enabled, this indicator is displayed when call forwarding is in use. (This appears only when all calls are forwarded.) TTY. If your AirCard modem is voice-enabled, this indicator is displayed if TTY support is enabled. (TTY or TeleTYpe devices allow speech and hearing impaired people to use a phone).
Watcher Basics You have an active high-speed connection. You have new (unread) SMS messages. Turning the radio on and off This option allows you to conserve your computer’s battery by turning off the AirCard modem radio transmitter/receiver when you are not using it. To turn off the radio: 1. Select Tools > Turn Radio Off. When the radio is turned off, the menu option switches to Turn Radio On and the message, “Radio is off” is displayed in the Watcher window. To turn on the radio: 1.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Network selection Depending on your location, you may be within the coverage area of several networks. Your ability to obtain service on each network is dependent on your account. Your options for network selection are: • Automatic—The AirCard modem automatically selects a network based on your account and network availability. • Manual—The AirCard modem scans the area and displays a list of detected GSM networks.
8: Regulatory and Safety Information • Important notice • Important safety/ compliance information for North American users • EU regulatory conformity 8 Important notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans mission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (that is, have errors) or be totally lost.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide cations. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, or legal action or both. Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. The AirCard modem may be used normally at this time.
Regulatory and Safety Information Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions: WARNING (EMI) – United States FCC Information – This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an appropriate installation.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide radiation, the maximum antenna gain must not exceed 8 dBi in the Cellular band and 4 dBi in the PCS band. 3. The AirCard 850 / 860 / 875 wireless network cards and their antennas must not be colocated with any other trans mitter or antenna within a host device. 4.
Regulatory and Safety Information EU regulatory conformity Sierra Wireless hereby declares that the AirCard 850 / 875 wireless network cards conform to all the essential require ments of Directive 1999/5/EC: AirCard 875 wireless network card AirCard 850 wireless network card 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 Lakeside House 1 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park East Uxbridge, Middl
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Index Numerics driver 10 1800 MHz band 8 1900 MHz band 8 850 MHz band 8 900 MHz band 8 E A account 9 always-on data connection 7 antenna attaching 17, 20 icon 34 APN 23 application, launch automatically on high-speed connec tion 25 autoconnect 24 autolaunch application on high-speed connection 25 browser on high-speed connection 25 VPN on high-speed connection 25 B browser, launch automatically on high-speed connection 25 C call forwarding indicator 36 call, missed 35 care and maintenance 27 channel
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide roaming 35 signal strength 34 SMS message 35 TTY 36 voice mail 35 IMEI 13 indicator call forwarding 36 device status 34 EDGE coverage 35 GPRS coverage 35 headset 35 HSDPA coverage 35 missed call 35 roaming 35 signal strength 34 SMS message 35 status 36 TTY 36 UMTS coverage 35 voice mail 35 inserting AirCard modem Windows 98, 2000, Me 20 SIM card 14 installation 19–20 Internet Explorer, setting to use the card 20 IP address 23 entering static IP address 25 IRQ (interrup
inserting 14 removing 15, 16 SMS messages indicator 35 status 37 software installation 19–20 specifications 29–32 electrical 31 environmental 32 radio frequency 31 status call forwarding 36 connection 36 data transmission 36 device 34 EDGE connection 35 EDGE service 35 GPRS connection 35 GPRS service 35 headset 35 HSDPA connection 35 HSDPA service 35 roaming 35 signal strength 34 SMS messages 35, 37 system tray icons 36 TTY 36 UMTS connection 35 UMTS service 35 voice mail 35 storage temperature 32 when not
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