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USB 598 Modem with User Guide (Windows) 2131176 Rev 2...
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Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems. Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. The Sierra Wireless modem may be used at this time. 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 operatorʹs control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating such ...
USB 598 modem - User Guide Trademarks AirCard and “Heart of the Wireless Machine” are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Watcher is a trademark of Sierra Wireless, registered in the European Community. Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, TRU‐Locate, and the red wave design are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. ® Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. ® QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. gpsOne is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. ® InstallShield is a registered trademark of Macrovision Corpo‐ ration in the United States of America and/or other countries. Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners. Contact Information Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00 to 5:00 Pacific Time sales@sierrawireless.com E-mail: Post: Sierra Wireless...
1: Introducing the USB 598 modem • Welcome • Feature summary Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless device is the • Package contents USB 598 modem from Sierra Wireless. • System components • Care and maintenance...
USB 598 modem - User Guide Feature summary The USB modem is designed to provide a wide range of Note: For step-by-step instruc- capabilities using CDMA network technology. Implemen‐ tions to access features of the tation of these features depends on the particular service modem, consult the online help available with the Watcher ® provider and account features you have chosen. software (page 34). Some features described in this manual may not be supported by your service provider or may not be available with your network account. For details of the services and accounts available, contact your service provider. Wireless modem Once installed and configured, the modem can connect to the ...
Introducing the USB 598 modem Your modem requires an unobstructed view of GPS satellites (in the sky), and, like any other GPS device, might not perform well within forested areas or near tall buildings. Depending on your account, you may be charged for each position fix or after you have performed a certain number of fixes. For details, contact your service provider. Depending on the mechanism that the network and your modem use to obtain location information, GPS may not be supported: • If Network Mode is set to “EVDO Only” • If youʹre roaming • If you do not have network coverage • Due to other reasons. If you’re having problems using GPS, contact your service provider. CDMA 3G services The modem operates over a type of wireless network called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). CDMA 3G technology provides a variety of connectivity features, depending on your service provider and account: • 1x‐EVDO Rev. A supports Internet connections with data rates up to 3.1 Mbps (downlink from the network) and 1.8 Mbps (uplink to the network). Average data rates are 450‐800 Kbps (downlink from the network) and ...
USB 598 modem - User Guide • Circuit switched (dial‐up) data, using the earlier CDMA IS‐95 specification, supports data connections to any dial‐ in service at rates up to 14.4 Kbps. • QNC (Quick Net Connect) provides a simplified way to dial into an Internet connection (using circuit switched data) where 3G (1xEV‐DO or 1X) high‐speed packet service is not available. • (Short Message Service) allows you to send and receive short text messages using the modem. Watcher auto-update The auto‐update feature keeps your firmware, drivers and Watcher software up‐to‐date. You can set your own prefer‐ ences for when updates are downloaded. To configure the auto‐update feature: Options In Watcher, click the Menu button and select Check for updates In the User Options window, select the field. From the drop‐down list, select how often Watcher should check for updates. Click Additional features of the modem Beyond the features of the CDMA network, the modem ...
Introducing the USB 598 modem Package contents Your package contains the following items: • USB 598 modem • Quick Start Guide • USB extension cable • Laptop clip • Carrying pouch • Lanyard Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied USB extension cable and laptop clip; other cables and laptop clips should not be used.
USB 598 modem - User Guide The USB modem The modem provides your computer with a connection to the CDMA wireless network. The modem fits into a USB slot available on most notebook and desktop computers. Every CDMA network operates on one of three radio frequency bands. As a dual‐band product, the modem operates on two of these bands (see page 36), providing a wide coverage area. The modem drivers and enabling software The modem drivers and enabling software (Watcher) monitor and manage your wireless connections. Your modem uses the Sierra Wireless TRU‐Install feature—the drivers and software are installed when you insert the modem into your computer. The device driver software enables the modem to work with your computer’s operating system. Using the Watcher software, you can manage the modem and monitor your connections. For step‐by‐step instructions to access features of Watcher, use the application’s online help. CDMA service provider account Companies that operate CDMA networks and provide access ...
Introducing the USB 598 modem The process of setting up your account is called activation. Activation involves action by the service provider and configu‐ ration of the modem. The procedure to configure (activate) your modem is covered in “Activation” on page 25. The CDMA wireless network This is the worldwide infrastructure providing the radio Note: More information about coverage that allows you to stay connected. Made up of radio CDMA networks is available on towers and a variety of network switches, routers, and servers, the CDMA Development Group www.cdg.org the network is an interconnection of many service providers. web site, There are CDMA networks that operate in the frequency bands Note: Most service providers supported by the modem throughout North America and ...
2: Getting Started • The USB 598 software • Account activation and Before you can begin using the modem, you must: configuration Insert the modem, to install the enabling software and drivers. Activate an account and configure the modem to use your account (unless the modem has been pre‐activated). This section provides an overview of this process. The USB 598 software The modem comes with the following software: • Watcher application that you use to manage the modem and monitor your connections on your computer • The driver software that provides the interface between the modem and your Windows operating system Detailed instructions for installing the modem and its software are provided in “Installation” on page 17. Account activation and configuration To use the modem, you must have an account with a CDMA service provider. The process of setting up an account is called activation.
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USB 598 modem - User Guide Your service provider may need to know: • The billing information to use to collect payment for your network usage. • The ESN (Electronic Serial Number) or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) assigned to your modem during the manufacturing process. (The ESN or MEID is printed on a label on the modem and can be displayed in the software.) This number is used to help authenticate your account when you connect for service. You require from your service provider: • An activation code that gives you access to configure the account. • A phone number for your modem. • Additional information specific to your service provider such as: · A user ID (username) and password to authenticate your network connection. · A SID (System IDentifier) that identifies your home network area and is used together with your phone number to determine if you are “home” or “roaming”. 2131176...
3: Installation • System requirements • Installing the modem and software • Removing the modem • Using the USB extension cable and laptop clip • Using a microSD card This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to install the modem on a notebook or desktop computer. The basic steps are: Insert the modem into the USB slot to install the modem drivers and software. If the modem has not been pre‐activated, use the Activation Wizard to configure the modem (as described in “Activation” on page 25). Before you begin the installation process, ensure your computer meets the requirements described below. System requirements The modem is supported on notebook and desktop computers ...
USB 598 modem - User Guide Installing the modem and software Note: If you’re running Windows XP, you may require administrative privileges, depending on the Windows XP installation. If you’re running Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows 2000, you must be logged in with administrative privileges to install the modem software.
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Installation Warning: If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the modem’s end or side (as shown by the red circle in the drawing below), you may damage the modem or your computer. In such cases, do not insert the modem directly into your computer’s USB slot;...
Close Watcher if it is open. If a microSD card is inserted into the modem, ensure youʹve completed any file transfers. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray to display the option to stop the device. Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000 Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device Click the entry Stop USB Mass Storage (Windows Vista or Windows XP) or Device Stop Sierra Wireless USB 598 EVDO Network and Adapter entries (Windows 2000) for the modem. If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to remove the device, click Pull the device out of the slot by gripping both sides of the device and pulling the device straight out. 2131176...
Installation Using the USB extension cable and laptop clip Optionally, you can use the provided USB extension cable and laptop clip. The laptop clip fits on top of your laptop screen and holds your modem. This allows you to use your modem in crowded spaces. Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied USB extension cable and laptop clip; other cables and laptop clips should not be used. To connect the USB extension cable and laptop clip: Remove the protective cap from the USB connector of the modem.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Place the laptop clip, with the modem in it, on top of your laptop screen, as shown in the photo below. Using a microSD card Your computer recognizes the microSD card as a removable storage device. Note: If your microSD card has not been formatted, or is in a format that your computer does not recognize, you will need to format the microSD card before you can use it on your Windows computer.
Installation Hold the modem with the LEDs facing up. Gently insert the microSD card (label facing up—see the above photo) into the slot on the side of the modem (2) until the microSD card clicks into place. Removing the microSD card To remove the microSD card: Ensure youʹve completed any file transfers. Safely remove the hardware: Windows Vista and Windows XP: Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon ( in Windows Vista; in Win‐ Safely remove dows XP) in the system tray, and click the USB Mass Storage Device entry for the microSD card. Windows 2000: Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon Stop USB Mass Storage in the system tray, and click the Device entry for the microSD card. Using your fingernail or a thin blunt object, gently press the microSD card in and then release; it should partially pop out of its slot, as shown in the photo. Remove the microSD card and store it in a safe place. Close the tab over the microSD slot of the modem.
4: Activation Account configuration • Account configuration procedures procedures The final step to making the modem operational is configuring it to use your CDMA service provider account. The process of activation configures your modem with the required account parameters (phone number, username, password, and so on). If you purchased a pre‐activated modem, this step is not necessary. Once the application software and drivers are installed, the modem is ready for use. Proceed to “Watcher Basics” on page 27. Otherwise, you must either allow use the Activation Wizard to activate and configure your account. Activation Wizard The Activation Wizard walks you through the process of configuring an account. The process and options vary based on the service provider. This section is a guide only. Consult the Quick Start Guide, and follow the directions on screen and instructions given by your service provider representative. If your modem does not have an activated account, and Watcher has started automatically, then the Activation Wizard should start automatically. If this does not happen: Ensure Watcher is running. If it is not, double‐click the Watcher icon on your desktop. Start the Activation Wizard: click the Menu button and Activation Wizard. select Automated Activation If the ...
USB 598 modem - User Guide Note: If the window does not display “Activation successful”, retry the process. If the process continues to fail, use manual activation (below) or contact your service provider. At this point your modem is ready to use. Proceed to “Watcher Basics” on page 27. Manual activation Manual activation involves phoning your service provider, exchanging information, and entering your account infor‐...
Starting and closing Watcher Depending on your settings in the Options window, Watcher may launch automatically anytime you insert the modem. You can also launch Watcher by: • Double‐clicking the Watcher icon on your desktop • Selecting: Start > All In Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP: Programs > Sierra Wireless > Watcher > Watcher Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > In Windows 2000: Watcher > Watcher. Document 2131176. Rev 2 Feb.11...
USB 598 modem - User Guide The standard Windows control buttons in the upper right corner of the window are used to minimize or close Watcher. When minimized, Watcher does not appear as a taskbar button. Instead, an icon is shown in the system tray, usually at the right end of the taskbar. (See “Minimized icons” on page 32.) Components of the Watcher window The Watcher window has the following items, as shown in Figure 5‐1: • Status indicators (see Table 5‐1 on page 29) • Menu button • Buttons to open various windows (these windows can also be accessed by clicking the Menu button) • Connect/Disconnect button Windows control buttons (in the top right corner) • Minimize Toggle Full/ Menu button button...
Watcher Basics Window controls Minimize • The button closes the Watcher window but leaves the application running. When Watcher is minimized, you can use the Watcher icon in the system tray to determine the modem status. (See “Minimized icons” on page 32.) This icon replaces a taskbar button for Watcher. Once minimized, you can redisplay the Watcher window by doing one of the following: · Clicking the Watcher icon in the system tray · Double‐clicking the Watcher desktop shortcut · Launching Watcher from the Start menu. Toggle Full/Compact • The button is used to switch between the full Watcher window and the compact view: The compact view allows you to see connection status and indicators while using less space on the desktop. If you click the Menu button , a menu is displayed. From this menu you can open other Watcher windows and perform various operations. Toggle Full/Compact To return to full view, click the button in the top right. Close •...
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USB 598 modem - User Guide Table 5-1: Watcher icons (continued) Icon Meaning Modem detected but not connected to the network. Modem detected and connected to the network. The Signal Strength indicator uses bars to show the intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars increases as signal strength increases, to a maximum of five bars.
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Watcher Basics Table 5-1: Watcher icons (continued) Icon Meaning The Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your own. When the indicator is off (gray), you are within the local coverage area of your service provider. When the indicator is on (solid black), you are roaming.
USB 598 modem - User Guide Minimized icons Watcher displays an icon in the Windows system tray (which is usually located in the lower right corner of your screen). The system tray icon indicates your connection status or notifies you when you have SMS messages. Table 5-2: System tray icons Icon Meaning Watcher cannot detect the modem. Ensure that the modem is powered on, not locked, and properly connected to your computer. You are in service on the network but have no active data connection.
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Watcher Basics The modem must have a fix on at least four satellites to report latitude, longitude, altitude, velocity and heading. (The status bar at the bottom of the GPS Monitor window indicates how many satellites are being tracked.) To open the GPS Monitor window, in Watcher: Display GPS Click the Menu button and select ‐ or ‐ Click the Display GPS button ‐ or ‐ Double‐click the GPS icon in the main Watcher window (network operator dependent; this icon may not be available). The GPS Monitor window reports: • Longitude and Latitude — your coordinates in degrees, minutes, and seconds. • Direction — your direction in degrees from true north (0), increasing clockwise. • Speed — calculated based on your current latitude and longitude and the last reading (one second previous). This is either in kilometers per hour or miles per hour, depending on your chosen option. • Updated — date/time that the GPS values were last acquired. The display format is based on your Control Panel settings in Windows. • GPS port — port used for GPS activity. • Altitude — your altitude relative to mean sea level, in either feet or meters, depending on your chosen option. • HEPE — Horizontal Estimated Position Error. Reflects ...
Watcher_ENU.chm GPS_ENU.chm (for Watcher help) or (for GPS Monitor help). The help files have a table of contents, an index, and search capabilities. Warranty You can access a PDF of the warranty, in: Start > All • Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP: Programs > Sierra Wireless > Watcher Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > Watcher • Windows 2000: Troubleshooting The online help includes descriptions of most common error messages. Look in the table of contents under Troubleshooting. For help with other problems: • Consult the Sierra Wireless web site at www.sierrawireless.com , where you will find an extensive knowledge base that can be searched to address most problems.
6: Technical Specifications • LED operation • Radio frequency and electrical specifications • Environmental This chapter describes the function of the LEDs, and provides technical product data for the modem. specifications LED operation The modem has two LED lights. The LEDs operate as follows: Table 6-1: LED operation State Indicates The modem has no power, or the LED has been disabled through the software. Check whether any of the following apply: •...
USB 598 modem - User Guide Table 6-1: LED operation (continued) State Indicates No service is available. See the suggestions for “Amber, blinking” on page 35. Amber, coverage is detected. Ready to connect to the network (click Connect). blinking Amber, not...
Technical Specifications Environmental specifications Table 6-3: Environmental specifications Operating -20 to +55°C temperature Storage -40 to +85°C temperature Humidity 95%, non-condensing Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes. Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours (non-operating).
7: Regulatory Information Important safety/compliance • Important safety/ compliance information information Note: This USB modem is approved for use in normal-size laptop computers only (typically with 12" or larger display screens). To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, this modem should not be used in configurations that cannot maintain at least 12 mm (~0.5") from users and bystanders.
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USB 598 modem - User Guide other antenna or transmitter that has not been approved to operate in conjunction with this modem. Note: This USB modem must not be used in any unapproved configurations. For details, contact Sierra Wireless. WARNING: If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the modem’s end or side, you may damage the modem or your computer. In such cases, do not insert the modem directly into your computer’s USB slot; use the supplied laptop clip and USB extension cable instead. WARNING (EMI) - United States FCC Information ‐ This device complies with Part 15.19(a) (3) of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15.105(b) of FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential instal‐ lation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter‐ ference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or ...
Regulatory Information Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélec‐ triques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur: ʺAppareils Numériquesʺ, NMB‐003 édictée par le ministre des Communi‐ cations. If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall be subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227‐7013 for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227‐19 for civilian agency 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 USB 598 modem has been granted modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use the USB 598 modem in their final products without additional FCC / IC certification if they meet the following conditions. Otherwise, additional FCC / IC approvals must be obtained. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna and the user’s body must be maintained at all times. To comply with FCC / IC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human exposure to RF radiation, the maximum antenna gain including cable loss in a mobile‐only exposure condition must not exceed 2.4 dBi in the cellular band and 2.0 dBi in the PCS band. The USB 598 modem and its antenna must not be co‐located or operating in conjunction with any other transmitter or antenna within a host device. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product into which the USB 598 modem is incorporated, with a statement similar to the following: N7NU598 This device contains FCC ID: ...
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USB 598 modem - User Guide Note: If this modem is intended for use in a portable device, you are responsible for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093. 2131176...
Appendix A: Glossary One Times Radio Transmission Technology (the ʺone timesʺ refers to the frequency spectrum). Supports Internet connections with data rates up to 153 Kbps. Actual speed depends on the network conditions. Compare to 1x‐EVDO. 1x-EVDO A high‐speed standard for cellular packet data communica‐ tions. Rev. A supports Internet connections with data rates up to 3.1 Mbps (downlink from the network) and 1.8 Mbps (uplink to the network). Rev. 0 supports Internet connections with data rates up to 2.4 Mbps (downlink from the network) and 153 Kbps (uplink to the network). Average data rates are: for Rev. A: 450–800 Kbps (downlink from the network) and 300–400 Kbps (uplink to the network); for Rev. 0: 400‐700 Kbps (downlink from the network) and 40‐80 Kbps (uplink to the network). Actual speed depends on the network conditions. Compare to bits per second—The actual data speed over the transmission medium. CDMA Code Division Multiple Access—A wideband spread spectrum technique used in digital cellular, personal communications services, and other wireless networks. Wide channels (1.25 MHz) are obtained through spread spectrum transmis‐ sions, thus allowing many active users to share the same channel. Each user is assigned a unique digital code, which differentiates the individual conversations on the same ...
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USB 598 modem - User Guide Federal Communications Commission—The U.S. federal agency that is responsible for interstate and foreign communi‐ cations. The FCC regulates commercial and private radio spectrum management, sets rates for communications services, determines standards for equipment, and controls broadcast www.fcc.gov licensing. Consult firmware Software stored in ROM or EEPROM; essential programs that remain even when the system is turned off. Firmware is easier to change than hardware but more permanent than software stored on disk. Global Positioning System—A system that uses a series of 24 geosynchronous satellites to provide navigational data. host • A computer that uses a modem or a similar device to answer a calling computer. • A source or destination in the communication network. • A computer that contains data or files to be accessed by client computers. Also known as a server. Interim Standard—After receiving industry consensus, the TIA forwards the standard to ANSI for approval. IS-95 The standard for CDMA. Kbps Kilobits per second—Actually 1000, not 1024, as used in computer memory size measurements of kilobytes. Local Area Network Light Emitting Diode—A semiconductor diode that emits visible or infrared light. MEID Mobile Equipment Identifier—The unique second‐generation ...
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Glossary Short message services—A feature that allows users of a wireless device on a wireless network to receive or transmit short electronic alphanumeric messages (up to 160 characters, depending on the service provider). system tray Usually located in the lower right corner of your screen Telecommunications Industry Association—A standards‐ setting trade organization, whose members provide communications and information technology products, systems, distribution services and professional services in the www.tiaonline.org United States and around the world. Consult Virtual Private Network Document 2131176. Rev 2 Feb.11...
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