Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 User Manual
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Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 User Manual

Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 User Manual

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AirCard® 555 Wireless Network Card

User Guide

2130142
Rev 1.0 Beta

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  • Page 1: User Guide

    AirCard® 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide 2130142 Rev 1.0 Beta...
  • Page 3 Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless modems 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.

  • Page 4: Contact Information

    5659569 5710784 5778338 Copyright ©2001 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks Sierra Wireless and the Red Swoosh design are trademarks of ® Sierra Wireless, Inc. Heart of the Wireless Machine ® AirCard are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
  • Page 5 Preface address: Sierra Wireless, Inc. 13811 Wireless Way Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4 fax: 1-604-231-1109 web: www.sierrawireless.com Your comments and suggestions on improving this documen- tation are welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your documentation@sierrawireless.com feedback to . Thank you. Consult our web site for up-to-date product descriptions,...
  • Page 6 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide 2130142...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    The AirCard 555 Software ........
  • Page 8 AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide Taskbar Icons ........... . 24 Data Connections .
  • Page 9 Table of Contents The Network Adapter Manager ........69 Windows 95, 98, NT &...
  • Page 10 AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide 2130142...

  • Page 11: Introducing The Aircard® 555 Network Card

    • QNC (Quick Net Connect), which provides a direct Internet connection Use of the AirCard 555 requires that you have an account that gives you access to a CDMA network. Every CDMA network operates on one of three radio frequency bands. As a dual band product, the AirCard 555 operates on two of these bands, providing a wide coverage area.

  • Page 12: A Network Card, A Modem, And A Phone

    Internet browser, and you’re ready to web surf. As a modem, the AirCard 555 allows you to dial up any other modem or receive faxes. You can also connect a headset to the AirCard 555 and use it as a phone.

  • Page 13: Getting Started

    Companies that operate CDMA networks and provide access to these networks are called service providers. You must have an account with a CDMA service provider to use the AirCard 555. The process of setting up an account is called activation. Rev 1.0 Sep.01...
  • Page 14 Seattle. (Most service providers charge more for roaming service than local service.) Select a service provider that gives you network coverage in all areas you intend to use the AirCard 555. • Pricing Note: The fee for service is Each service provider has its own pricing options.

  • Page 15: Care And Maintenance Of Your Aircard 555 Wireless Network Card

    Activation Wizard to guide you through the activation and configuration process. Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 555 Wireless Network Card As with any electronic device, the AirCard must be handled with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines in using and storing the AirCard: •...
  • Page 16 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide 2130142...

  • Page 17: Installation On Notebook Pcs

    AirCard, and by following the detailed software System Requirements and driver installation instruc- tions in this chapter. The AirCard 555 wireless network card is supported on: • Windows 95 OSR2 and higher • Windows 98 / 98 SE •...

  • Page 18: Software Installation Procedures

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Software Installation Procedures Follow these steps to install Watcher, the Network Adapter Manager, and the Venturi compression software: Note: Users of Windows 2000 If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive, and Windows NT must be insert it.

  • Page 19: Driver Installation

    Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs exit · If you choose to re-start your PC later, use the option in the lower left corner of the window to close the CD start-up menu. YOU MUST RE-START YOUR PC TO COMPLETE INSTALLATION OF THE VENTURI SOFTWARE.
  • Page 20 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Next Click on the window that displays the file name. Finish Click and repeat steps 1 to 4 as prompted. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click Otherwise, restart your PC from the Start menu. (You must restart your PC to complete the driver installation.)

  • Page 21: Windows 95 Driver Installation

    Windows 95 Driver Installation Note: Windows system files may be required to complete installation of the AirCard 555 driver. These files are located on the Windows CD and may be stored on your hard drive in .CAB files. Ensure you have your Windows CD, or know the location of the .CAB files before...

  • Page 22: Windows Nt Driver Installation

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Verify that a listing for TCP/IP appears in the Network window and then click the button to close the window. If you are prompted that your network is not complete, make the selections appropriate to your network configu- ration.
  • Page 23 Chapter 3: Installation on Notebook PCs Installing the network card driver (procedures depend on whether or not Networking is already installed) Installing the modem driver Note: You must re-install the Windows NT Service Pack following installation of the AirCard driver. Ensure you have your Service Pack CD before you begin.
  • Page 24 Select the services appropriate to your network configu- Next ration and click . (For the purpose of installing the AirCard 555, it does not matter what selections you make in this window.) Next Click If the Windows NT Setup window appears, system files are required to install the components you checked.
  • Page 25 CD-ROM drive or the .CAB files. Click at the DHCP prompt to proceed to a display of network bindings. (DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is required by the AirCard 555 regardless of your network configuration.) Next Click to start the Network component.
  • Page 26 Note: Use the Windows NT Use the drop-down menus to select an I/O Port, Interrupt, Diagnostics window to locate an Memory, and Com Port, noting that the AirCard 555 available IRQ and I/O space. Continue requires 1 IRQ and 40 bytes of I/O Space. Click...

  • Page 27: Card Insertion & Removal

    • Click the PC Card icon in the status area to display the option to stop the card. • Click on “Stop Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 PC Card Parent”. • Click in the dialog box that notifies you that it is safe to remove the card.
  • Page 28 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide release. Manual Activation involves phoning a service provider, exchanging information, and entering your account information into the appropriate fields in the wizard. You require a phone, other than the AirCard, to use this method.

  • Page 29: The Watcher Window & Indicators

    • Indicator Area • Taskbar Icons Watcher is the application that allows you to manage and monitor the connection between the AirCard 555 network card and the CDMA network. You use Watcher to: • Determine your signal strength, roaming status, 1xRTT availability, and other network connection parameters •...

  • Page 30: Components Of The Watcher Window

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Components of the Watcher Window The Watcher window has these components: • A menu bar on the upper left side of the window • The Minimize, Toggle Full/Compact and Close buttons in the top right corner •...

  • Page 31: Connection Status Area

    • you are outside the CDMA network • coverage area the signal strength is too weak • a network or account problem is • preventing the AirCard 555 from obtaining service Rev 1.0 Sep.01...
  • Page 32 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 4-1: Connection Status Area Icons Icon Meaning The In Use indicator shows whether a call is in progress. Depending on the in use state, one of these icons is displayed: When the In Use indicator is a handset, a voice call is in progress.

  • Page 33: Call Status Box

    Chapter 4: The Watcher Window & Indicators Call Status Box The Call Status Box displays one of these messages: • Ready to Connect indicates that you have a network connection but there is no call in progress. • Dialing indicates that the AirCard is attempting to connect to a phone number.

  • Page 34: Aircard 555 Wireless Network Card User Guide

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 4-2: Indicator Area Icons Icon Meaning The auto-answer indicator shows whether Watcher is set to automatically answer incoming calls. You can enable and disable this feature under Tools > Options. The headset indicator shows whether a headset is connected to the AirCard.
  • Page 35 Chapter 4: The Watcher Window & Indicators Table 4-3: Status Area Icons Icon Meaning You missed (failed to answer) an incoming call. You can view the number of the caller in the call log. You have an unread SMS message. You have voice mail.
  • Page 36 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide 2130142...

  • Page 37: Data Connections

    Sending and receiving e-mail • Dialing into your corporate network • Sending and receiving faxes The AirCard 555 network card offers three types of data connections: Note: You cannot have a data • Dial-up connection – in this type of connection, the and a voice connection at the AirCard 555 functions as a modem.

  • Page 38: Dial-Up Connections

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Dial-Up Connections These steps are required to make a dial-up connection: Set up the number in the Dial-Up Manager. (This step is only necessary the first time you dial the number.) The Tools > Dial-Up...

  • Page 39: Qnc Connections

    Chapter 5: Data Connections QNC Connections The QNC connection is set up for you when Watcher is installed. All you need to do to make a QNC connection is: Quick 2NetSM (14.4 kbps) Select from the drop-down menu on the Data tab of the main Watcher window. Connect Click the button.
  • Page 40 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide 2130142...

  • Page 41: Voice Connections

    • The Scratch Pad • Outgoing Calls • Incoming Calls You can use your AirCard 555 network card as a mobile phone simply by connecting a headset. Any standard headset with a 2.5 mm jack can be used. Note: The headset connects to...

  • Page 42: The Dial Pad

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide The Dial Pad The dial pad for the AirCard is in Watcher and is displayed when you click the Voice tab. Table 6-1: The Watcher Dial-Pad Dial Pad Function Buttons 0-9, #, * Use these buttons to enter the digits (and other characters) you want to dial.

  • Page 43: The Scratch Pad

    Chapter 6: Voice Connections Table 6-1: The Watcher Dial-Pad Dial Pad Function Buttons Volume Keys Use the Up Arrow to increase the headset (Up Arrow and volume you hear. Use the Down Arrow to Down Arrow) decrease the volume. Mute Key Use this key during a call to prevent the caller from hearing what you say.

  • Page 44: Outgoing Calls

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Outgoing Calls To initiate a call: Connect a headset to the AirCard, if one is not already connected. Note: If you click the Send Enter the number you want to dial by either clicking the...

  • Page 45: The Watcher Menu Options

    7: The Watcher Menu Options • The View Menu • The Tools Menu • The Help Menu This chapter describes each option in each of the Watcher menus. The View Menu The options under the View menu allow you to: •...

  • Page 46: Toggle Full/Compact

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide To enable or disable Docking Docking View Select from the menu. A check mark next to the option indicates that it is enabled. Toggle Full/Compact The Watcher window has two sizes: The Full Window...

  • Page 47: The Tools Menu

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options To switch from the compact window to the full window: Note: The Watcher window Click the Toggle Full/Compact button. switches to full view automati- cally when you receive an Right click on the Watcher window. incoming call.

  • Page 48: Mobile Messenger

    Internet e-mail applications. Your phone number is then used as an e-mail address (example: 6045553993@serviceprovider.com). • Some products, such as the AirCard 555, have software that allows you to send messages to other subscribers, using their phone numbers to direct the message. Mobile Messenger…...
  • Page 49 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Note: Unread messages are The message header is displayed in the top of the window, displayed in bold. showing the address or phone number from which the message was sent, the beginning of the message, and the call back number.
  • Page 50 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Note: The Reply to Sender To forward a message: menu option is only available if Select the message header. the e-mail address of the person File > Forward Message… Select to open the Message who sent you the message is window.
  • Page 51 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options The third column from the left indicates the status of each message in the Outbox: Table 7-1: Outgoing Message Status Icons Icon Meaning Saved The message has been saved in the Outbox but not yet sent.
  • Page 52 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Note: A message can have up Enter the recipients for the message by typing e-mail to 16 recipients. addresses, or click the button to display the Add SMS Recipients window. The SMS Recipients window allows you to create a list of e-mail addresses for the field of the Message window.

  • Page 53: Phone Book

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options To open a message that is saved in the Outbox: Double click the message header to open the message in the Message window. You can then edit the message and change or add recipients. Exiting the Mobile Messenger Window To exit from the Mobile Messenger window and return to the main Watcher window:...
  • Page 54 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide For each message, the call log displays: • The call direction (see below) • The date and time the call was made or received • The phone number of the caller (for incoming calls), or the phone number that you dialed (for outgoing calls) •...

  • Page 55: Dial-Up Manager

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options View Note: Clicking All in the View Use the menu to select the call types: menu causes all call types to be Voice logs · When is checked, all voice calls are displayed. displayed. Data logs ·...
  • Page 56 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Add… Click the button to open the Connection Properties window. Enter a name for the connection and complete the remaining fields noting the following: · If the phone number must be preceded with an area...

  • Page 57: Keyguard

    A check mark next to the option indicates that it is enabled. Options… The Options window allows you to configure Watcher and the AirCard 555 to your preferences. In the Options window you can: • Enable and disable several features, including: Auto- Answer, Any-Key Answer, the Inactivity Time-Out, Auto- Connect, SMS Message Expiry, and the Lock Code.

  • Page 58: General Tab

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide General Tab Table 7-3: General Tab Options Field Description Data Call The Inactivity Timeout terminates your Inactivity connection to the CDMA network Timeout: automatically when the AirCard is inactive Disconnect for the amount of time you specify here.
  • Page 59 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Table 7-3: General Tab Options Field Description Call Logging You have the option of maintaining records Retain of your outgoing and incoming calls in the call log. (The call log is displayed when you select Tools >...
  • Page 60 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-3: General Tab Options Field Description Update System All PCs have an internal clock called the Clock with CDMA system clock. Depending on your time during start- configuration, the time according to this...

  • Page 61: Network Tab

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Network Tab Table 7-4: Network Tab Options Field Description Automatically In future releases the AirCard will have a establish a feature to allow for an immediate 1xRTT network session connection whenever the AirCard is when available inserted, where 1xRTT service is available.
  • Page 62 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-5: Display Tab Options Field Description Restore previous This field determines where the full position on Watcher window appears when launched. startup (The full and compact views of the Watcher window are shown in the Toggle Full/ Compact section above.)
  • Page 63 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Table 7-5: Display Tab Options Field Description Always on Top When Always On Top is enabled, the Watcher window displays in front of all other application windows, even when you position another window over Watcher. This allows you to view connection status indicators while using another application, such as your Internet browser.
  • Page 64 Where DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used, the network maintains a pool of IP addresses and assigns them to devices as needed. The AirCard 555 uses DHCP so that it is assigned an IP address by the network. This means that the IP...
  • Page 65 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Table 7-6: SMS Tab Options Field Description SMS Messages: This feature allows for the automatic Expire deletion of SMS messages that have been in your Inbox for a specified amount of time. The SMS messaging feature is described in detail under the heading Mobile Messaging…...
  • Page 66 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-6: SMS Tab Options Field Description Save to Outbox You have the option of retaining, in the Outbox, a copy of messages that you send. See the Mobile Messenger… section for details about the Outbox.

  • Page 67: Security Tab

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Security Tab Note: Locking the AirCard 555 does not prevent you from Table 7-7: Security Tab Options dialing 911. Field Description Lock modem The Lock Code feature can be used to prevent others from using your AirCard and your account.

  • Page 68: Sounds Tab

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-7: Security Tab Options Field Description Change Lock This button allows you to set a new lock Code code. To change the lock code: Click the Change Lock Code button. Enter your existing lock code (the last...
  • Page 69 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Table 7-8: Sounds Tab Options Field Description Enable This field allows you to enable and disable all sounds. When this box is checked, you have the option of individually enabling and disabling the Call Alert, Incoming Call, New SMS Message, and New Voice mail sounds.
  • Page 70 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-8: Sounds Tab Options Field Description Incoming Call This field allows you to select whether a sound is played when you receive a call. When this is disabled, the Silent Ringer icon is displayed in the indicator area of the main Watcher window.

  • Page 71: Voice Tab

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Table 7-8: Sounds Tab Options Field Description Headset Volume This slider allows you to adjust the volume of the ear piece on your headset. This affects only the volume of what you hear. (That is, it does not adjust the volume of the speaker.) This performs the same function as the volume controls on the main Watcher window.
  • Page 72 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-9: Voice Tab Options Field Description Auto-Retry This field allows you to enable and disable the Auto-Retry feature, and when enabled to select the interval between retrys. At times when a large number of users are...
  • Page 73 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Table 7-9: Voice Tab Options Field Description Tone Length DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) is the system used by touch tone phones under which a specific frequency or tone is assigned to each key. There is a standard length for these tones.

  • Page 74: Administration > Activation Wizard

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Table 7-9: Voice Tab Options Field Description Voice Mail Depending on your billing plan, you may Change … have a Voice Mail feature that allows callers to leave you a message when you don’t answer a call. If you have this feature,...

  • Page 75: Help Topics

    Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options Help Topics… The AirCard 555 network card comes with complete on-line help. To get help on any topic: Note: Help is available in most Help > Help Topics… Select Watcher windows by clicking the If the topic you want to display has a link on the main Help button or by pressing <F1>.

  • Page 76: About Watcher

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Find In the window, select a radio button to generate a database. Then use the word matching options to locate the help section you want to display. About Watcher… The About window displays version information.
  • Page 77 Chapter 7: The Watcher Menu Options • The version of the AirCard driver (software that forms the interface between the AirCard and your operating system) in use • The hardware version • The version of firmware (software that resides in the flash memory of the AirCard) in use •...
  • Page 78 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide 2130142...

  • Page 79: The Network Adapter Manager

    A network interface card during 1xRTT connections necessary to re-install the Network Adapter Manager from It is only while the AirCard 555 is behaving as a network the AirCard 555 CD. interface card (when there is an active 1xRTT connection) that the Network Adapter Manager is of use.

  • Page 80: Windows 95, 98, Nt & Me

    Windows 95, 98, NT & Me In Windows 95, 98, NT, and Me, the Network Adapter Manager can be used to switch between the AirCard 555 and other network interface cards. Switching Primary Cards If you initiate a 1xRTT connection with the AirCard 555 while a LAN card is primary, the Network Adapter Manager automatically makes the AirCard the primary card.

  • Page 81: Windows 2000

    Chapter 8: The Network Adapter Manager Windows 2000 Windows 2000 has more advanced device handling capabil- ities than Windows 95, 98, NT, and Me. If more than one network card is detected, Windows 2000 automatically routes network traffic through the card that provides the highest transmission speed.

  • Page 82: On-Line Help And Version Information

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide On-Line Help and Version Information To display on-line help for the Network Adapter Manager: Right click the Network Adapter Manager status area icon. Help Select from the shortcut menu. To display version information for the Network Adapter Manager: Right click the Network Adapter Manager status area icon.

  • Page 83: Technical Specifications

    Specifications technical product data for the AirCard 555 wireless network card. LED Operation The AirCard 555 has a single red/green LED on the antenna end of the card. The LED operates as follows: Table 9-1: LED Operation LED Behavior Indicates Solid amber* The AirCard is powering up.

  • Page 84: Radio Frequency & Electrical Specifications

    AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide Radio Frequency & Electrical Specifications Table 9-2: Radio Frequency & Electrical Specifications Approvals Compliant with: IS95A, IS95B, IS-98D, IS-707A, IS707A-1, CDMA Developers Group Industry Canada Voltage +5 Vdc from PCMCIA Slot Current Maximum: 680 mA...

  • Page 85: Regulatory Information

    Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions: CAUTION Unauthorized modifications or changes not expressly approved by Sierra Wireless, Inc. could void compliance with regulatory rules, and thereby your authority to use this equipment. 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.
  • Page 86 AirCard 555 Network Card User Guide 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: “Appareils Numériques”, NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communi- cations.

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