AirCard® 800 Series Installation Guide Products covered: AirCard 881 Wireless PC Card Modem AirCard 880 Wireless PC Card Modem AirCard 881E Wireless ExpressCard Modem AirCard 880E Wireless ExpressCard Modem AirCard 881U Wireless USB Modem AirCard 880U Wireless USB Modem AirCard 875 Wireless PC Card Modem AirCard 875U Wireless USB modem AirCard 860 Wireless PC Card Modem AirCard 850 Wireless PC Card Modem 2130893 Rev 1.
Preface Important Notice 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.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 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.
Preface Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under license. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners. Contact Information Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com Post: Sierra Wireless 13811 Wireless Way Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4 Fax: 1-604-231-1109 Web: www.sierrawireless.
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Contents Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 AirCard 800 Series modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Services supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, and HSDPA/HSUPA service support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide AirCard USB modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Inserting the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Inserting the SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Installing the 3G Watcher software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. Inserting the AirCard USB modem . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Removing a SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AirCard 850 and 860 modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AirCard 875, 88x, and 88xE modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AirCard USB modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 39 40 40 Regulatory and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1: Introducing the AirCard 800 Series 1 Modems AirCard 800 Series modems The AirCard 800 Series third generation (3G) wireless modems allow you to connect to the Internet, send and receive email, connect to a corporate network or virtual private network (VPN), or view streaming video, without the need for a network cable or phone line. Caution: The 3G Watcher® software must be installed before using your AirCard modem.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide • Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE)—236 kbps • General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)—56 kbps GPRS and EDGE are second generation (2G) data services. UMTS and HSDPA/HSUPA are 3G data services. When establishing a connection, your AirCard modem uses the fastest available service. If, for example, you are using an AirCard modem in an area that has GPRS and EDGE service but not UMTS or HSDPA/HSUPA service, the AirCard modem connects using EDGE service.
Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Modems 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). • GSM network coverage—You must be within the coverage area of a GSM network in order to use the AirCard modem.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Frequency band support The following table shows the frequency bands supported by the various AirCard products.
2: Installing the Software 2 This chapter guides you through the steps to install the AirCard modem software on your computer. It is divided by AirCard modem families: • “AirCard 850/860 modems” on page 16 • “AirCard 875, 88x, and 88xE modems” on page 19 • “AirCard USB modems” on page 22 Note: If a CD is provided with your AirCard modem, do not insert the modem into your computer before installing the software on the CD.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide The SIM card and your account To use your AirCard modem, you need a GSM account and a SIM card. The SIM card is a small chip about the size of a postage stamp that you insert into the AirCard modem. The SIM card contains account information used by the network to validate your access. Note: Without a valid SIM card and account, your AirCard modem will not work. Depending on how you purchased your AirCard modem, you may already have an account.
Installing the Software 2. Inserting the SIM card 1. If your SIM card is attached to a larger card, detach the SIM card and remove any fragments stuck to it. 2. Position the SIM card above the slot as shown in figure 2-2 (below). Figure 2-2: Inserting the SIM card into an AirCard 850/860 modem 3. Gently push the SIM card into the slot until you hear a click. 3. Installing the 3G Watcher software Note: Users of Windows 2000 must be logged in with adminis trative privileges.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 5. To close the CD start-up menu, click the exit option in the lower right corner of the window. 4. Inserting the AirCard modem 1. With the label facing up, insert the AirCard modem into your PC Card/ExpressCard slot. Note: Do not forcefully insert the AirCard modem. This may damage connector pins. If you have more than one PC Card/ExpressCard slot, you may obtain better signal strength using the top slot. Figure 2-3: Inserting the AirCard 850/860 modem 5.
Installing the Software If you have any problems with the TRU-Install process, please refer to the Sierra Wireless website at: www.sierrawireless.com/TRU-Install. Reinstalling the software Note: Skip this section if your AirCard modem comes with an installation CD. If you need to reinstall or repair the 3G Watcher software, use the Software Installation Mode. 1. Open the Control Panel. 2. Double-click TRU-Install. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions. AirCard 875, 88x, and 88xE modems 1.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Note: If you are running Mac OS X, please refer to the Watcher Quick Start Guide for the Mac OS X 10.4.x found at www.sierrawireless.com/mac 1. If your package does not include an installation CD, proceed to “4. TRU-Install” on page 21. 2. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD should AutoRun and display a menu. If the CD does not AutoRun, select Start > Run and enter d:\setup.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive. 3.
Installing the Software 4. TRU-Install Note: Skip this section if your AirCard modem comes with an instal lation CD. Note: If you are running Mac OS X, please refer to the Watcher Quick Start Guide for the Mac OS X 10.4.x found at www.sierrawireless.com/mac TRU-Install is a Sierra Wireless feature that installs the necessary software the first time you insert the AirCard modem into your computer. An installation CD is not required. 1. Insert the SIM card into your AirCard modem as shown on page 19. 2.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide AirCard USB modems 1. Inserting the battery Caution: To avoid the risk of explosion, use the same battery model as the one that originally came with your AirCard USB modem. Dispose of a used battery according to the instruc tions on it. 1. Slide the front panel off the AirCard USB modem. 2. Hold the battery so that the side with two white arrows faces up and the gold contact points on the end of the battery line up with the gold contact points on the modem.
Installing the Software 3. Installing the 3G Watcher software 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 2000, Windows Installer Redistrib utable 2.0 must be installed. This is available on the Microsoft web site, www.microsoft.com. Note: You may require your Windows CD. Note: If you are running Mac OS X, please refer to the Watcher Quick Start Guide for the Mac OS X 10.4.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide b. Adjust the USB connector to the desired angle. The USB connector is adjustable to a 90, 135, or 160 degree angle. Figure 2-8: USB connector adjustments c. Gently insert the modem into the USB slot. (Alterna tively, you can attach the docking cradle to your computer’s USB slot, and insert the AirCard modem into the docking cradle.) Note: Do not forcefully insert the AirCard modem as you may damage connector pins.
Installing the Software Warning: If the orientation of your computer’s USB port or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the modem’s end or side (as shown by the red circles in the drawings below), you may damage the modem or your computer. In such cases do not insert the modem directly into your computer’s USB port; use the docking cradle instead.. Figure 2-10: Incorrect ways to insert the USB modem 5.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Reinstalling the software Note: Skip this section if your AirCard modem comes with an installation CD. 26 If you need to reinstall or repair the 3G Watcher software, use the Software Installation Mode. 1. Open the Control Panel. 2. Double-click TRU-Install. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions.
3: Configuring Your Account Note: If you are running Mac OS X, please refer to the Watcher Quick Start Guide for the Mac OS X 10.4.x found at www.sierrawireless.com/mac 3 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.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Setting up a profile Determining whether you have a profile 1. Insert the SIM card into the AirCard modem if it is not already inserted. 2. Insert the AirCard modem into your computer. 3. If 3G Watcher is not running, start 3G Watcher by selecting Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > 3G Watcher > 3G Watcher or by double-clicking the desktop shortcut 4. . Click Connect.
Configuring Your Account 5. Select the Advanced folder if you want to set 3G Watcher to launch your Internet browser, VPN, or any other program automatically, or if your service provider specified an IP address or DNS address(es). Otherwise, click OK and skip to Step 10. 6.
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. The AirCard modem as a network card The AirCard modem can be configured to provide the always on data connection that an Ethernet card or other wired LAN card provides.
4: 3G Watcher Basics 4 3G Watcher is the program you use to manage and monitor your AirCard modem connections. 3G Watcher allows you to: Note: It takes up to 20 seconds for 3G Watcher to become fully functional after launch. • Create an account profile. • Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA/HSUPA availability, and other network connection parameters. • Monitor the status of the AirCard modem and GSM service. • Initiate data connections.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide The 3G Watcher window Note: To get help in 3G Watcher, select Help > Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing . GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA/HSUPA coverage Roaming Minimize Compact view Close Signal strength Indicator area Profile drop-down list Figure 4-1: The 3G Watcher window. Icons and indicators in the main 3G Watcher window: Table 4-1: Icons in 3G Watcher Device status.
3G Watcher Basics Table 4-1: Icons in 3G Watcher (cont.) Coverage. The icon indicates the fastest service that is: - Available in your current coverage area. - Supported by your AirCard modem.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide View options You have these options for the 3G Watcher window: • Enable/disable “Always on top” from the View menu. When enabled, the 3G Watcher window always appears in front of other application windows. • Switch between the full 3G Watcher window and the compact window from the View menu or by using the Compact View button: Compact view Minimize Close Compact view • Use the Minimize button to close the 3G Watcher window but leave the program running.
3G Watcher Basics Turning the radio on and off This option allows you to conserve your computer’s battery by turning off the AirCard modem’s 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 3G Watcher window. To turn on the radio: 1. Select Tools > Turn Radio On.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Network selection This option is set in the Network pane of the User Options window (Tools > Options > Network > Network Selection Mode). 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.
5: Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard Modem 5 As with any electronic device, the AirCard modem must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines when you use and store your AirCard modem: • Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard modem or SIM card. This may cause the AirCard modem or SIM card to become jammed inside the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly. • When not installed in your computer, store the AirCard modem and SIM card in a safe place.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Battery Note: This section only applies to AirCard USB modems. We recommend that you fully charge the battery for three hours before using it for the first time. Use only Sierra Wireless AirCard USB modem batteries intended for use with your device. Using other batteries and chargers could be dangerous. Avoid dropping the modem or battery. If you do drop it, especially on a hard surface, and you suspect damage, take it to a service center for inspection.
Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard Modem Stopping and ejecting the AirCard modem Note: This section only applies to the PC Card/ExpressCard AirCard modems. To remove the AirCard modem: 1. Close 3G Watcher if it is open. 2. Click the PC Card icon in the system tray to display the option to stop the card. 3. Click the appropriate option, depending on your operating system and the model of AirCard modem. 4. 5. If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to remove the card, click OK.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide 4. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free. AirCard 875, 88x, and 88xE modems To remove the SIM/USIM card, you need a pen. 1. Place the AirCard modem on a smooth, hard surface. 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 5-3: Ejecting the SIM card 3. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free.
6: Regulatory and Safety Information 6 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 In addition to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) require ments, many airline regulations state that you must sus pend wireless operations before boarding an aircraft. The AirCard modem is capable of transmitting signals that could interfere with various onboard systems and controls. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, legal action, or both.
Regulatory and Safety Information time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) These devices are only authorized to be used in laptop computers that are identical or substantially similar to those in its grant application. These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that these devices do not cause harmful interference.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide contracts or any successor regulations. If further government regulations apply, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with such regulations. Information pertaining to OEM customers The AirCard 850, 860, 875, 880, 881, 880E, and 881E wireless network cards have been granted modular approval for mobile applications.
Regulatory and Safety Information This device contains FCC ID: N7NAC860. This equipment contains equipment certified under IC: 2417C-AC860. AirCard 875, 880, 881, 880E, and 881E 1. To comply with FCC/IC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human exposure to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain must not exceed 5 dBi in the Cellular band and 4 dBi in the PCS band. 2.
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide EU regulatory conformity Sierra Wireless hereby declares that the AirCard 850, 875, 875U, 880, 880U, and 880E wireless modems conform to all the essential requirements of Directive 1999/5/EC: AirCard 875 and 880 Wireless modems AirCard 875U and 880U Wireless USB modems AirCard 880E ExpressCard AirCard 850 Wireless modem The Declaration of Conformity made under Directive 1999/5/ EC is available for viewing at the following location in the EU community: Sierra Wireless
7: Technical Specifications 7 LEDs For a description of LED operation for the AirCard 875, 880, 880E, 881, and 881E modems, please see the online Help in 3G Watcher. The following table describes the LED operation for the AirCard USB modem: Table 7-1: LEDs for the AirCard USB modem LED State Data Off The modem has no power. The modem is not completely inserted into the USB slot or the computer is in suspend mode (which powers down the modem).
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide Radio frequency and electrical specifications Table 7-2: Radio frequency and electrical specifications 48 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, 875, 88x, 88xE, 8xxU modems) 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA850: (AirCard 850, 875, 88x, 88xE, 8xxU modems) 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA1900: (AirCard 850, 875, 88x, 88xE, 8xxU modems) 1850 to 1910 MHz Receive PCS: 1930 to
Technical Specifications Environmental specifications Table 7-3: Environmental specifications for PC_Card/ExpressCard AirCard modems Operating temperature -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) Storage temperature -30°C to +85°C (-22°F to +185°F) Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration 15 g peak 10 to 2000 Hz (non-operating) Table 7-4: Environmental specifications for AirCard USB modems Rev 1.1 Aug.
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Index Numerics 3G Watcher introduction, 31 launching, 31 A account, 12 always-on data connection, 30 antenna attaching, 16, 23 icon, 32 APN, 27 autoconnect, 28 autolaunch on high-speed connection, 29 B ejecting a SIM card for AirCard 850/860 modem, 39 AirCard PC Card and ExpressCard, 40 AirCard USB modem, 40 ejecting the AirCard modem, 39 electrical specifications, 48 envelope icon main window, 33 system tray, 34 environmental specifications, 49 F frequencies receive, 48 transmit, 48 frequency stability
AirCard 800 Series Installation Guide indicator device status, 32 EDGE coverage, 33 GPRS coverage, 33 HSDPA / HSUPA coverage, 33 HSDPA coverage, 33 HSUPA coverage, 33 roaming, 33 signal strength, 32 SMS message, 33 status, 34 UMTS coverage, 33 installation of software, 15 IP address, 27 entering static IP address, 29 IRQ (interrupt request), 15 L launch automatically on high-speed connection, 29 launching 3G Watcher, 31 LEDs, 47 M maintenance, 37 memory required, 15 N network overview, 12 selection, 36
Index system requirements, notebook PCs, 15 system tray icons, 34 V vibration, 49 T technical specifications, 47– 49 temperature, 49 time-scheduled password, 28 transmit frequencies, 48 triangle icon, 33 U UMTS connection status, 33 UMTS indicator, 33 user name, 27 Rev 1.1 Aug.
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