Sierra Wireless ULC AC755 Tri-Band GSM/GPRS PC Card User Manual AC750 Installation Guide
Sierra Wireless Inc. Tri-Band GSM/GPRS PC Card AC750 Installation Guide
User Manual for Data Modem

2130336
Rev D
AirCard® 755 Wireless Network Card
Installation Guide

Preface
Rev D Dec.03 1
Important Notice Because of the nature of wireless communications, trans-
mission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data
may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost.
Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when
wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless network card are
used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the
Sierra Wireless network card should not be used in situations
where failure to transmit or receive data could result in
damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including
but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property.
Sierra Wireless, Inc. and its affiliates accept no responsibility
for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data
transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless network
card, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless network card to
transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Hazards Do not operate the Sierra Wireless AirCard® wireless network
card in areas where blasting is in progress, where explosive
atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, life
support equipment, or any equipment which may be suscep-
tible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra
Wireless network card MUST BE POWERED OFF. The Sierra
Wireless network card can transmit signals that could interfere
with this equipment.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless network card in any
aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In
aircraft, the Sierra Wireless network card MUST BE
POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless network
card 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. Sierra Wireless network
cards may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the
Sierra Wireless network card while in control of a vehicle.
Doing so will detract from the driver or operator's control and
operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces,
operating such communications devices while in control of a
vehicle is an offence.
FCC RF Exposure
Information
In August 1996 the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) of the United States with its action in Report and Order
FCC 96-326 adopted an updated safety standard for human
exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
22130336
emitted by FCC regulated transmitters. Those guidelines are
consistent with the safety standard previously set by both U.S.
and international standards bodies. The design of this wireless
network card complies with the FCC guidelines and these
international standards.
Use only the supplied or an approved antenna. Unauthorized
antennas, modifications, or attachments could impair call
quality, damage the phone, or result in violation of FCC
regulations.
To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements (US) the
AirCard 755 GSM/GPRS modem card must be operated with
a minimum separation distance of 2.5 cm (1 inch) between
the user/nearby persons and the antenna. Always place the
antenna in the upright position (oriented vertically) when
using the AirCard 755 in a laptop computer.
For more information about RF exposure, please visit the FCC
web site at www.fcc.gov.
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, Inc. or its affiliates. SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
AND ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY
FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE
OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICI-
PATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT,
EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES
HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS
BY ANY THIRD PARTY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE
FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL SIERRA WIRELESS,
INC. AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES’ AGGREGATE LIABILITY
ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SIERRA
WIRELESS PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF
EVENTS, OCCURRENCES OR CLAIMS GIVING RISE TO
LIABILITY, BE IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE PAID BY THE
PURCHASER FOR THE SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT.
Patents Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the
following US patents:
5,515,013 5,617,106 5,629,960 5,682,602 5,748,449
5,845,216 5,847,553 5,878,234 5,890,057 5,929,815
6,169,884 6,191,741 6,199,168 6,327,154 6,339,405
D367,062 D372,248 D372,701 D416,857 D442,170

Preface
Rev D Dec.03 3
D452,495 D452,496 and other patents pending.
Copyright ©2003 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks AirCard® and Heart of the Wireless Machine® are registered
trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design,
the red-tipped antenna, and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra
Wireless, Inc.
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
All product specifications are subject to change without notice.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
42130336

Rev D Dec.03 5
Table of Contents
Introducing the AirCard® 755 Wireless Network Card . . . . . . . . .9
Supported operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The AirCard as a network card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The AirCard as a mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Supported GSM frequency bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Your account and coverage area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
AirCard software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Before you can begin using the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The SIM Card and Your Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Inserting a SIM card into your AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Removing a SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installation on Notebook PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installation on Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Installation on Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installation on Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Inserting the AirCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the network card driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the modem driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Changing the interrupt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Setting Internet Explorer to use the AirCard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Installation on Devices Running Windows CE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ActiveSync installation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
62130336
Flash card installation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Pocket PC and Handheld PC installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Windows CE .NET device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Extracting the CAB file to the host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
ActiveSync installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Flash card installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Inserting the AirCard into a Pocket PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Inserting the AirCard into a Handheld or Tablet PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Configuring Your Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Setting up a profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The Advanced Profile window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The Default Profile button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Care and Maintenance of Your Network Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Stopping and ejecting the AirCard on a notebook PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ejecting the AirCard on a Pocket PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ejecting the AirCard on a Handheld or Tablet PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Watcher™ Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Launching Watcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
The Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Icons and indicators on the main Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
View options (notebook PCs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Status Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Power Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Power Down and Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Transmit power consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Frequency band and network selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Table of Contents
Rev D Dec.03 7
Frequency band selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Network selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
AirCard 755 Regulatory
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
FCC approval (US) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Information pertaining to OEM customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
82130336

Rev D Dec.03 9
1: Introducing the AirCard® 755
Wireless Network Card
• Your account and
coverage area
• AirCard software
• Before you can begin
using the AirCard
• Package contents
Caution: Do not insert your
AirCard into your PC Card slot
before installing the software.
The AirCard®755 wireless network card is an accessory for
your PC that allows you to connect to the Internet, send and
receive e-mail, and connect to a corporate network, without
the need of a network cable or phone line. The AirCard 755
also allows you to use your PC as a mobile phone.
The wireless technology used by the cards is called GPRS
(General Packet Radio Service). This is a high-speed, data-only
service that is an add-on to the GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications) cellular network—a type of network used to
provide cellular phone service.
The AirCard fits into the standard (Type II) PC Card slot
available on most notebook, Handheld, and Tablet PCs. You
can also use the AirCard with a Pocket PC provided you have
the PCMCIA jacket accessory.
Supported operating systems
The AirCard 755 wireless network card works in:
•Notebook PCs running Windows 95, 98 SE, Me, NT, XP,
NT 4.0, and 2000
•Tablet, Handheld and Pocket PCs running Windows CE 3
or CE .NET (CE 4)
For more details, see the ‘System requirements” on page 17
(notebooks) and page 25 (CE devices).
The AirCard as a network card
The AirCard 755 can be configured to provide the “always-
on” data connection that an Ethernet card or other wired LAN
card provides. That is, you can set options in Watcher™ (a
program that comes with the AirCard) that will cause the
AirCard to establish a network connection whenever you

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
10 2130336
insert it, assuming GPRS service is available. Otherwise, you
can configure Watcher to connect only when you select a
button.
The AirCard as a mobile phone
You can use the AirCard 755 as a phone simply by connecting
an approved headset. (See page 12.) The keypad for the phone
is in the Watcher program.
Supported GSM frequency bands
Every GSM network operates on one set of radio frequency
bands. As a tri-band product, the AirCard 755 functions on
networks operating on any of these three bands.
•900 MHz band—used by some European service
providers
•850 MHz band—used by some North American service
providers
•1800 MHz band—used by some European and Asian
service providers
•1900 MHz band—(also called the PCS band) used by some
North American service providers
Your account and coverage area
Note: If you purchased the
AirCard from a GSM service
provider, you may already have
an account. Otherwise, your
retailer should be able to provide
you with the names of
companies that provide this
service.
Companies that operate GSM networks and provide access to
those networks are called service providers. You must have an
account with a GSM service provider that offers GPRS service
to use the AirCard.
When you obtain your account, you will be given a SIM card,
otherwise called a “smart card” or “smart chip”. (Depending
on how you purchased your AirCard, you may already have
an account, and your SIM card may have been included in
your package.) The SIM card contains account information
and must be inserted in the AirCard anytime you use it.
Before you can use the AirCard, you must install the AirCard
software and ensure that your AirCard is configured to use
your account. Instructions on completing these steps are
provided in the chapters that follow.
Once installed and configured, you can connect to the Internet
with the AirCard in any area in which you can obtain GPRS
service. Your ability to obtain GPRS service depends on these
factors:

Introducing the AirCard® 755 Wireless Network Card
Rev D Dec.03 11
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 GPRS/GSM network—You must be within
the coverage area of a GSM network on which GPRS has
been implemented, in order to use the AirCard.
•Service provider—If you are within the coverage area of a
network that is not operated by your own service
provider, you can only obtain service if there is a roaming
agreement between your service provider and the network
operator.
•Account provisions—Your account may restrict your
usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you
can use the network.
Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
AirCard software
The AirCard comes with this software (made by Sierra
Wireless, Inc.):
•The Watcher program that you use to manage the AirCard
and monitor your connections
•The driver software that forms the interface between the
network card and your Windows operating system
•For notebook PCs only, the Network Adapter Manager
software that allows you to switch between the AirCard
and other network cards
Before you can begin using the
AirCard
Before you can use the AirCard for the first time you must:
1. Install the AirCard software: Watcher, the Network
Adapter Manager (notebooks only), and the AirCard
driver.
2. Attach the antenna, insert the SIM into the AirCard and
insert the AirCard into your PC Card slot. (Do not insert
the AirCard before installing the software.)
3. Obtain a GSM/GPRS account (if this wasn’t done when
you purchased the AirCard).
4. Configure the AirCard to use your account (unless it was
pre-configured.)
5. If your Internet browser is configured to use a dial-up
modem, you may need to set it to use a network card.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
12 2130336
The next three chapters guide you through this process.
Package contents
Your AirCard package contains the following:
•AirCard 755 wireless network card
•Antenna
•Installation CD containing the AirCard software and
anthis installation guide
•Quick reference card
If you want to use the AirCard 755 as a phone, a headset is
necessary. Only a 4-wire headset with a 2.5 mm connector will
work with the AirCard 755. Approved headsets are available
on the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com.

Rev D Dec.03 13
2: The SIM Card and Your Account
• Inserting a SIM card
into your AirCard
• Removing a SIM card You require a GSM/GPRS account and a SIM (Subscriber
Identity Module) card to use the AirCard. The SIM card is a
small chip (about the size of a postage stamp) that you insert
into the AirCard. The SIM contains account information used
by the network to validate your access.
Note: Without a valid SIM card
and a valid account, your
AirCard will not work.
Depending on how you purchased your AirCard, you may
already have an account. In this case, the SIM should be
included in your package. Otherwise, your retailer should
direct you to a local company that provides GSM service.
To activate an account, the service provider needs from you:
•Billing information (such as a credit card number) used to
collect payment for your network usage
•Possibly the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment
Identity)—a number that identifies your device (AirCard
model) on the GSM network. This number is printed on
the AirCard box and on the AirCard label.
Note: Keep a written record, in a
secure place, of the account
information that your service
provider gives you. Instructions
on creating a profile are in the
section ‘Configuring Your
Account” on page 33.
Your AirCard must be configured to use your account. If
purchased from a service provider, your AirCard may have
been pre-configured. Otherwise, you must obtain the
necessary information and set up a profile in Watcher.
Depending on your service provider and account, some or all
of this information must be entered in your profile:
•Phone number
•APN1
•User name and password
Less commonly you may need to specify:
•An IP (Internet Protocol) address for your AirCard
•A DNS2 address or addresses
•That IP header compression is to be used
1. APN (Access Point Name)—Name of the gateway between the
wireless network and other networks such as the Internet or a
corporate network (Example: internet.serviceprovider.ca).
2. DNS (Domain Name Server)—a computer that converts web
site names, such as www.sierrawireless.com, into IP
addresses, such as 64.114.87.11.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
14 2130336
Note: If you change GSM
service providers (such as if you
move to a new city), you will
need a new SIM card from your
new service provider. You will
also need to enter your new
profile information into the
Watcher software (see “Config-
uring Your Account” on page 33).
Inserting a SIM card into your
AirCard
To install your SIM card into the AirCard network card, follow
these steps:
1. If your SIM is attached to a card, detach it and remove any
fragments of the card stuck to the SIM.
2. Hold the AirCard network card with the label on top and
the antenna closest to you.
3. Locate the thin SIM card slot on the left side of the AirCard
PC Card’s antenna end.
4. Orient the SIM card, as shown in the diagram on the
bottom side of the AirCard.
Note: To prevent the SIM from
becoming jammed in the AirCard
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.
5. Insert the end of the SIM card into the slot, and gently
push it until it is fully inserted.
Figure 2-1: Inserting the SIM card Into the AirCard SIM card slot
Once the SIM card is properly inserted, it should not
extend beyond the end of the card. See Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2: A SIM card properly inserted
Removing a SIM card
To remove the SIM card, you will need a narrow object, such
as a pen or a straightened paper clip, to push into the eject
hole.
1. Place the AirCard PC Card on a smooth, hard surface such
as a tabletop, as shown in Figure 2-3.

The SIM Card and Your Account
Rev D Dec.03 15
Figure 2-3: Positioning a pen to eject the SIM card
2. Position your pen or paper-clip above the eject hole, which
is on the top surface of the AirCard housing, just to the
right of the SIM card slot. (See the photo above.)
3. Press down gently (without excessive force) on the eject
hole. The SIM card should pop out of its slot.
Figure 2-4: Ejecting and removing the SIM card
4. Gently pull the SIM card from the slot until it slides free.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
16 2130336

Rev D Dec.03 17
3: Installation on Notebook PCs
• System requirements
• Installation on
Windows 95, 98, 2000,
and Me
• Installation on
Windows XP
• Installation on
Windows NT
• Setting Internet
Explorer to use the
AirCard
This chapter guides you through the steps necessary to making
the AirCard operational on a notebook PC. The basic steps are:
1. Insert the AirCard CD into your CD-ROM drive and install
Watcher and the Network Adapter Manager.
2. Insert the AirCard into the PC card slot and install the
AirCard driver from the CD.
Note: Do not insert the
AirCard into your PC card slot
before installing the software.
Before you begin the installation process, ensure your PC is
running a supported operating system and meets the
hardware requirements described below.
System requirements
Note: Winsock is a component
of the Windows operating
system required by the AirCard.
The version of Winsock shipped
with Windows 95 OSR2 does not
meet the AirCard requirements.
If you are using Windows 95
OSR2 and have not yet
upgraded to Winsock2 or later,
you must do so before installing
the AirCard. Winsock2 can be
downloaded from the Microsoft
web site, www.microsoft.com.
The AirCard wireless network card is supported on:
•Windows 95 OSR2 and higher with Winsock2
•Windows 98 SE
•Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1
•Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a and Networking
installed
•Windows Me
•Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)
To install the AirCard, you require these system resources:
Table 3-1: System resource requirements
Card slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) slot
Disk drive CD-ROM
I/O resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space
Memory 32 MB

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
18 2130336
Installation on Windows 95, 98,
2000, and Me
Note: Users of Windows 2000
must be logged in with adminis-
trative privileges.
Note: Users of Windows 95 must have Winsock2 installed. See the
note in the margin above. You must also verify that your PC Card slots
are enabled and that TCP/IP is installed. For instructions on installing
TCP/IP and enabling your PC Card slots, see the Windows 95 online
Help (available by selecting Start > Help).
Note: You may require your Windows CD (particularly if you are using
Windows 95). Ensure you have the CD before proceeding.
1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,
insert it. The CD should autostart and display a menu.
·If the CD does not autostart, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
2. From the CD start-up menu, select notebook installation and
documentation and then notebook software installation to
launch the InstallShield® Wizard.
3. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the
wizard.
Using the default settings for the Destination Location and
Program Folder is recommended unless you have special
requirements and an advanced understanding of PC con-
figuration.
4. If you are using Windows 2000, the Digital Signature Not
Found window appears. (This may happen several times.)
Click Yes (to continue the installation).
5. When prompted to insert the AirCard:
a. Attach the antenna.
Note: Do not forcefully insert the
AirCard. This may damage
connector pins. If you have more
than one PC Card slot, you may
obtain better signal strength
using the top slot.
b. With the SIM card inserted into the AirCard (page 14)
and the label of the AirCard facing up, carefully insert
the AirCard into your PC Card slot.
c. Click OK in the window requesting you to insert the
AirCard.
Windows detects that a new device has been inserted and
launches a wizard that guides you through the driver
installation.
6. If prompted to eject the card and restart the PC:
a. Eject the AirCard.

Installation on Notebook PCs
Rev D Dec.03 19
b. Click Yes to restart your computer.
c. Only after your computer has restarted and Windows
has finished launching, insert the AirCard.
Watcher should launch automatically when the AirCard is
inserted. If your AirCard has not yet been configured to use
your account, you are prompted to do so. See “Configuring
Your Account” on page 33.
To close the CD start-up menu, click Demoshield on the Taskbar
to restore the window, then use the exit option in the lower
right corner of the window.
Installation on Windows XP
Note: Depending on the XP
installation, you may require
administrative privileges.
1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,
insert it. The CD should autostart and display a menu.
·If the CD does not autostart, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
2. From the CD start-up menu, select notebook installation and
documentation and then notebook software installation to
launch the InstallShield Wizard.
3. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the
wizard.
Using the default settings for the Destination Location and
Program Folder is recommended unless you have special
requirements and an advanced understanding of PC con-
figuration.
4. If the Software Installation window appears, you can safely
ignore the warning. Click Continue Anyway, each time it
appears.
5. When prompted to insert the AirCard:
a. Attach the antenna.
Note: Do not forcefully insert the
AirCard. This may damage
connector pins.
b. With the SIM card inserted into the AirCard (page 14)
and the label of the AirCard facing up, carefully insert
the AirCard into your PC Card slot.
c. Click OK in the window requesting you to insert the
AirCard.
The Found New Hardware wizard launches.
Windows should detect that a new device has been
inserted and launch a wizard that guides you through the
driver installation.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
20 2130336
6. On the first window of the Found New Hardware Wizard,
select Install the software automatically (Recommended) and
click Next.
7. If the Software Installation window appears, you can safely
ignore the warning. Click Continue Anyway, each time it
appears.
8. Click Finish and repeat steps 6 to 8 as prompted.
9. When you see a window with the message “AirCard® has
been successfully installed.”, click OK.
Watcher should launch automatically when the AirCard is
inserted. If your AirCard has not yet been configured to use
your account, you are prompted to do so. See “Configuring
Your Account” on page 33.
To close the CD start-up menu, click Demoshield on the Taskbar,
then use the exit option in the lower right corner of the
window.
Installation on Windows NT
Note: The AirCard driver
requires that Windows
Networking is installed. Also
the PC Card slots must be
enabled. If you are not certain
that networking is installed
and the slots enabled, see the
Windows NT user documen-
tation for instructions. You
must be logged in with admin-
istrative privileges.
Note: You must re-install the Windows NT Service Pack after you
install the AirCard driver. Ensure you have your Service Pack CD
before you begin. (Version 6a is supported.)
Note: Windows system files may also be required to complete the
installation. These files are located on the Windows NT CD.
1. If the AirCard CD is not already in your CD-ROM drive,
insert it. The CD should autostart and display a menu.
·If the CD does not autostart, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
2. From the CD start-up menu, select notebook installation and
documentation and then notebook software installation to
launch the InstallShield Wizard.
3. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the
wizard.
Using the default settings for the Destination Location and
Program Folder is recommended unless you have special
requirements and an advanced understanding of PC con-
figuration.
On completion of the software installation, exit from the
startup menu by clicking exit in the lower right corner.

Installation on Notebook PCs
Rev D Dec.03 21
Inserting the AirCard
Note: Your PC must be off
whenever you insert or eject the
AirCard.
1. Close all Windows programs and turn your PC off.
2. Attach the antenna.
Do not forcefully insert the AirCard. This may damage
connector pins.
3. With the SIM card inserted into the AirCard (page 14) and
the label of the AirCard facing up, carefully insert the
AirCard into your PC Card slot.
4. Turn on your PC.
5. Log on as Administrator.
Note: Depending on how
Windows NT is configured, the
prompts and windows described
here may not appear in the
precise order indicated. Use
these instructions as a guideline
to the selections you should
make.
Installing the network card driver
1. Open the Control Panel by selecting Start > Settings >
Control Panel.
2. Double click the Network icon to open the Network
window.
3. Click the Adapters tab in the Network window.
4. Click the Add... button to open the Select Network Adapter
window.
5. Click the Have Disk... button to open the Insert Disk
window.
Note: The AirCard will not
function with the default settings
for the I/O Port , Interrupt, and
Com port if any of these
resources are allocated to
another network card or other
device. If you are familiar with
the Windows NT Diagnostics
window, you can check to see if
these resources are available.
Otherwise, leave the default
settings and if the AirCard does
not function following the driver
installation, see the instructions
on changing the interrupt on
page 22.
6. Enter d:\Drivers\WinNT where d is the drive letter for your
CD-ROM drive and click OK to open the Select OEM
Option window in which Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS
Adapter is selected.
7. Click OK. A window opens showing the settings for the
I/O Port (0x800), interrupt (10) and COM port (4).
8. If you are aware that these resources are in use by another
device (see the note in the margin), change the settings and
click OK. Otherwise, click OK to use the default settings.
Windows then copies the driver files.
9. Click Close to close the Network window and open the
Microsoft TCP/IP Properties window.
10. Select Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter in the Adapter
field and select Obtain an IP address from a DHCP Server
radio button.
11. Click Yes to confirm that DHCP is to be used.
12. Click OK to close the TCP/IP Properties window.
13. Click No if prompted to restart your PC. (You must restart
your PC after the modem driver installation.)

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
22 2130336
On completion of this step, the network card driver is installed
and you can proceed to install the modem driver. Follow the
instructions in the next section.
Installing the modem driver
1. In the Control Panel, double click the Modems icon. If the
Install New Modem wizard opens, skip to step 3.
Otherwise, proceed to step 2.
2. Click the Add button to open the Install New Modem
wizard.
3. Select Don’t detect my modem, I will select it from a list and click
Next.
4. Select the Have Disk button.
5. Enter d:\Drivers\WinNT\ where d is the drive letter for your
CD-ROM drive and click OK.
6. Verify that Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Modem is displayed
and click Next.
7. Select the Selected Ports radio button and select the same
communications port used for the network card driver
(COM 4 unless you changed it). Click Next.
8. Click Finish.
9. Click Close to close the Network Properties window.
Note: You must restart your PC
to complete the installation.
10. If you are prompted to restart your PC, click Yes.
Otherwise restart your PC from the Start menu.
11. When the PC restarts, re-install your Service Pack.
On completion of this step, the modem driver is installed and
you can proceed to configure the AirCard to use your account
(if it was not preactivated). See the section “Account Configu-
ration Procedures” on page 33.
Changing the interrupt
If the message, “Communication Failed!…” occurs when you
start Watcher, a possible reason is that you have assigned an
interrupt to the AirCard that has also been assigned to another
device.
To change the interrupt assigned to the AirCard:
1. Open the Control Panel by selecting Start > Settings >
Control Panel.
2. Double click the Network icon.
3. Select the Adapters tab.

Installation on Notebook PCs
Rev D Dec.03 23
4. Select Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter and click the
Properties… button.
5. Use the drop-down list to change the Interrupt to another
number and click OK.
6. Close the Network window by clicking the Close button.
7. Restart your PC.
8. If the AirCard still does not function properly, repeat the
procedure, selecting a different interrupt.
Setting Internet Explorer to use
the AirCard
If you are using Internet Explorer as your browser, and it is set
to connect to the Internet through a dial-up modem, you must
set it to use a LAN (local area network) card.
To set Internet Explorer version 5 or 6 to use a LAN, follow
these steps:
1. In Internet Explorer, select Tools > Internet Options.
2. Click the Connections tab.
3. Click Setup to run the Internet Connection Wizard.
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 checkboxes 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.
8. Click Finish to exit the wizard.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
24 2130336

Rev D Dec.03 25
4: Installation on Devices Running
Windows CE
• System requirements
• Pocket PC and
Handheld PC
installation
• Windows CE .NET
device installation
• Inserting the AirCard
into a Pocket PC
• Inserting the AirCard
into a Handheld or
Tablet PC
This chapter provides installation instructions for users of
computers running the Windows CE operating system. The
AirCard runs on Handheld, Pocket, and Tablet PCs running
Windows CE 3.x and CE .NET. (CE .NET is sometimes called
CE 4.x).
Before installing the AirCard software on your CE device,
ensure you have the required hardware and software. Since
software cannot be directly installed to a CE device, you
require a desktop or notebook PC to perform the installation.
There are two methods of installation:
•If you are running CE 3.x, you install the software to a
desktop or notebook PC that functions as the “host”. The
host connects to the CE device by a cable or infrared ports
and the software is downloaded from the host to the CE
device using the Microsoft ActiveSync® application.
•If you are running CE .NET, you download a CAB file (a
compressed file containing the software) from the AirCard
installation CD to either a host PC or a flash card. You then
copy the CAB file to the CE device by inserting the flash
card into your CE device or by establishing an ActiveSync
connection between the host and the CE device.
System requirements
These CE operating systems are supported:
Pocket PCs:
•Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC
•Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002
•Windows CE 4.x Pocket PC 2003

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
26 2130336
Handheld PCs:
•Windows CE 3.0 Handheld PC 2000
CE .NET devices:
•Windows CE .NET (Windows CE 4.1 or later)
If you have a Pocket PC and do not know what version of
Windows CE you are using, select Start > Settings, tap the
System tab, and tap the About icon. The second line on the
screen identifies your version of Windows CE as follows:
•Version 4.20.1081 (Build...)—your operating systems is
Windows CE 4.x Pocket PC 2003
•Windows 3.0.11171 (Build…)—your operating systems is
Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002
•Windows 3.0.9348 (Build…)—your operating systems is
Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC
Your CE device must have:
•2.6 MB of storage memory
•A PC Card slot or, if you are using a Pocket PC, the
PCMCIA jacket accessory (If you are using a jacket with
two slots, see the important note on page 31.)
Note: ActiveSync is made by
Microsoft and is included with
PCs running Windows CE. (It is
also available from the Microsoft
web site.) ActiveSync 3.5 is
supported on Windows 98, 2000,
XP, and NT 4.0 with Service
Pack 6 or later. ActiveSync 3.7 is
supported on Windows 98 SE,
2000, Me, NT, and XP.
ActiveSync installation requirements
If you are installing using ActiveSync, the host PC (the desktop
or notebook PC to which you install the software) must have:
•A CD-ROM drive
• ActiveSync version 3.5 or 3.7 installed.
Note: ActiveSync 3.5 is required if you are using:
Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC, or
Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002.
ActiveSync 3.7 is required if you are using:
Windows CE 4.x Pocket PC 2003, or
Windows CE .NET.
You must also have the ability to establish a conection between
the CE device and host. This could be:
•An infrared connection (requiring that both the CE device
and host have infrared ports).
•A cable connection using either a USB or serial cable
(requiring the cable and that the CE device and host have
the necessary connectors)

Installation on Devices Running Windows CE
Rev D Dec.03 27
Flash card installation requirements
Note: This method of installation is only available to users of CE .NET
(not including Pocket PC users).
If you are installing using a flash card, you require a flash card
with at least 5 MB of available memory. You also require a PC
that has both a CD-ROM drive and the appropriate flash card
reader (and you must be able to read the flash card on your CE
device).
Pocket PC and Handheld PC
installation
Follow these instructions if your operating system is:
•Windows CE 3.0 MS Pocket PC
•Windows CE 3.0 Pocket PC 2002
•Windows CE 4.x Pocket PC 2003
•Windows CE 3.0 Handheld PC 2000
There are two methods of installing and downloading the
software using ActiveSync. You can either:
•Connect the host and the CE device before you install the
software to the host. (In this case, you are prompted to
initiate the download as soon as the software installation is
complete.)
Or
Note: Do not insert the AirCard
into the CE device before
downloading the software.
•Install the software to the host and then connect the host
and the CE device, as described here.
This process installs Watcher and the AirCard drivers.
Installing the software on the host
1. If the AirCard installation CD is not in your CD-ROM
drive, insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a
menu.
·If the CD does not auto-start, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
2. From the CD start-up menu, select your language
preference, and from the next menu, select Pocket PC and
Handheld PC installation.
3. From the next menu, select the installation option that
corresponds to your version of Windows CE.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
28 2130336
This launches the installation wizard that installs the soft-
ware to the host.
4. Use the Next , Back, and Finish buttons to navigate through
the wizard.
·Using the default settings for the Destination Location
and Program Folder is recommended unless you have
special requirements and an advanced understanding of
PC configuration.
·A dialog box displays this message, “On the next mobile
device connection, the installed applications will be
downloaded to the device.” Click OK.
·Use the exit option in the lower right corner of the
window to close the CD start-up menu.
Downloading the software to the CE device
1. Connect the CE device to the host in one of these ways:
·Connect the CE device and the host PC, using the serial
or USB cable provided by the manufacturer of the CE
device, or
·Place your CE device in its cradle and connect the cradle
to the host PC using the serial or USB cable provided by
the manufacturer of the CE device, or
·Align the infrared port on your CE device with the
infrared port on your host PC
Note: If you are unable to
establish a connection, launch
ActiveSync from the Start menu
and use the online help in
ActiveSync.
ActiveSync should launch automatically when the host
and CE device are connected.
2. If you are prompted to indicate whether you want to set
up a partnership, click Yes or No and click Next. (For the
purpose of downloading the AirCard software, it does not
matter whether you have a partnership.) You should then
be prompted that there is software to download.
3. In the Installing Applications window, click Yes to start the
download. When complete, you are prompted to check
your mobile device screen to see if additional steps are
required.
4. Click OK.
5. Reset your CE device.
·If your device has a reset button (usually a circular
indentation on the bottom of the device, or in the case of
Handheld PCs, on the keyboard) press the stylus or pen
into the reset button.
·If there is no reset button, you may need to run a
software utility to reset the device. (Consult the

Installation on Devices Running Windows CE
Rev D Dec.03 29
documentation that came with your PC if you do not
know how to reset the device.)
Windows CE .NET device
installation
Note: Do not insert the AirCard
into the CE device before
downloading the software.
To install to a CE .NET device, you must first extract the .CAB
file to a host PC, then copy the CAB file to the CE .NET device
using ActiveSync or using a flash card.
Extracting the CAB file to the host
On a notebook or desktop PC:
1. If the AirCard installation CD is not in your CD-ROM
drive, insert it. The CD should auto-start and display a
menu.
·If the CD does not auto-start, select Start > Run and enter
d:\launch.exe where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive.
2. From the CD start-up menu, select your language
preference, and from the next menu, select CE .NET
installation.
3. From the next menu, select CE .NET software installation
(CAB). This opens the installation wizard.
4. Click Next to display the license agreement.
5. If you accept the terms of the agreement, click Yes to
proceed.
6. Click the Browse button and select the location in which to
place the CAB file. If the CAB file will be copied to the CE
device using ActiveSync, select a folder on the host PC. If
the CAB file will be copied to the CE device using a flash
card, select the drive location of the flash card.
7. Click Finish to close the installation wizard, and close the
start-up menu using the Exit option in the lower right
corner of the window.
To complete the installation, follow either the steps in the next
section, “ActiveSync installation” or the section that comes
after it, “Flash card installation”.
ActiveSync installation
1. Connect the CE device to the host in one of these ways:

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
30 2130336
·Connect the CE device and the host PC, using the serial
or USB cable provided by the manufacturer of the CE
device, or
·Place your CE device in its cradle and connect the cradle
to the host PC using the serial or USB cable provided by
the manufacturer of the CE device, or
·Align the infrared port on your CE device with the
infrared port on your host PC
Note: If you are unable to
establish a connection, launch
ActiveSync from the Start menu
and use the online help in
ActiveSync.
ActiveSync should launch automatically when the host
and CE device are connected.
2. If you are prompted to indicate whether you want to set
up a partnership, click Yes or No and click Next. (For the
purpose of downloading the CAB file, it does not matter
whether you have a partnership.)
3. Select the Explore button from the ActiveSync window to
open the Mobile Device window.
4. Copy the CAB file from the host to the CE device:
·Open Windows Explorer, browse to the folder to which
you copied the CAB file and drag the file
(AC7X0_xxx_CENET.CAB, where xxx is a language abbre-
viation) to the Mobile Device window.
5. Click OK at the file conversion warning.
6. On the CE device (NOT the host), double tap the CAB file.
7. If a warning occurs, indicating that the application is not
supported for this device type, click Yes to proceed.
8. Tap OK to install the software to the Program Files folder.
9. When prompted to do a soft reset, tap OK and reset the
device:
·If your device has a reset button (usually a circular
indentation on the bottom of the device, or in the case of
Handheld PCs, on the keyboard) press the stylus or pen
into the reset button.
·If there is no reset button, you may need to run a
software utility to reset the device. (Consult the
documentation that came with your PC if you do not
know how to reset the device.)
Flash card installation
1. Insert the flash card into the reader on the CE device.
2. Open Windows Explorer (Start > Programs > Windows
Explorer) and locate the CAB file that you copied to the
flash card (AC7X0_xxx_CENET.CAB, where xxx is a
language abbreviation).

Installation on Devices Running Windows CE
Rev D Dec.03 31
3. Copy the CAB file to a folder on the CE device, if you do
NOT want to install from the flash card. (The CAB file will
be erased during installation.)
4. Double-tap the CAB file to install the software.
5. If a warning occurs, indicating that the application is not
supported for this device type, click Yes to proceed.
6. Tap OK to install the software to the Program Files folder.
7. When prompted to do a soft reset, tap OK and reset the
device.
·If your device has a reset button (usually a circular
indentation on the bottom of the device, or in the case of
Handheld PCs, on the keyboard) press the stylus or pen
into the reset button.
·If there is no reset button, you may need to run a
software utility to reset the device. (Consult the
documentation that came with your PC if you do not
know how to reset the device.)
Inserting the AirCard into a
Pocket PC
Note: The Pocket PC operating
system doesn’t allow two
network devices to be simulta-
neously inserted into PC Card
slots. If you are using a PCMCIA
jacket that has two slots, ensure
the second slot does not contain
another network interface card
when you use the AirCard.
To insert the AirCard into a Pocket PC:
1. If the PCMCIA jacket accessory is not already attached,
slide the Pocket PC bottom first into the jacket. It should
click into place.
2. Ensure the SIM card is inserted into the AirCard
(described on page 14).
3. Attach the antenna.
4. With the label facing towards the front of the Pocket PC,
insert the network card into the slot at the top of the jacket,
as shown in the photo.
5. Position the antenna so that it is vertical.
Inserting the AirCard into a
Handheld or Tablet PC
To insert the AirCard into a Handheld or Tablet PC:
1. Ensure the SIM card is inserted into the AirCard
(described on page 14).
2. .Attach the antenna.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
32 2130336
3. With the label facing towards the top or front of the PC,
insert the network card into the slot, as shown in the
photo.
4. Position the antenna so that it is vertical.
5. If your PC is not plugged into a power supply, the prompt,
“Do you want to use this PC card on battery power?”
appears. Tap Yes.

Rev D Dec.03 33
5: Configuring Your Account
• Setting up a profile Unless your AirCard was pre-configured, you must set up a
user profile before you can use the AirCard. In most cases, one
profile is all you require and your service provider should give
you all the information you need to set up the profile that will
allow you to make a GPRS network connection and access the
Internet.
Note: Your profile is stored on
your AirCard—not on the SIM.
This means that if you use your
SIM in another device, you must
create a profile on that device.
If you want to use the AirCard with a specific application or
network that requires settings different from those required to
web browse, you may need to set up a separate profile. The
AirCard allows you to create up to three profiles.
Setting up a profile
Note: You cannot set up a
profile before installing the
software. (See page 17 for
notebook installation instruc-
tions or page 25 for CE device
installation instructions.)
To create a profile:
1. Insert the SIM into the AirCard if it is not already inserted.
(See page 14.)
2. Insert the AirCard into the PC Card slot if it is not already
inserted (See page 21 for notebook PCs, page 31 for Pocket
PCs, or page 31 for Tablet and Handheld PCs).
3. If Watcher is not running, start Watcher, by selecting
Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard 7X0 > AirCard 7X0
Watcher
or double clicking the desktop shortcut.
Select Start > Programs > AirCard 7X0 Watcher
If Watcher detects that no profile has been set up, you are
prompted, “Would you like to configure a profile now?”
Select Yes.
If this prompt does not appear, your AirCard may have
been preconfigured, or you may be outside the GPRS
coverage area. Select Tools > Options to access the Profiles
tab of the Options window.
Notebook PCs
CE devices

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
34 2130336
Note: You must have a valid
SIM and be within a GPRS
coverage area for Watcher to
detect whether you have a
profile.
·If a profile is listed, your AirCard has likely been pre-
configured and is ready for use.
·If there is no profile, follow the next set of steps to add
one.
4. In the Profiles tab of the Options window, select Add. The
User Profile window appears.
Figure 5-1: User Profile window (notebooks)
Figure 5-2: User Profile window (Pocket PCs)
Figure 5-3: User Profile window (Tablet and Handheld PCs)

Configuring Your Account
Rev D Dec.03 35
5. Enter your profile information as follows:
Profile Name—enter any name that will help you remember
the purpose/use of this account. This name appears in the
main Watcher window and, if you later create more pro-
files, you can use it to select this profile.
User Name and Password—enter your username and/or
password if assigned by your service provider. (Leave the
fields blank if not assigned.)
APN (Access Point Name)— enter the APN (see page 13) that
the service provider gave you, if any. (Leave the field blank
if no APN was provided).
6. If you want Watcher to automatically establish a GPRS
connection when using this profile and whenever you are
in GPRS coverage, then select Auto Connect.
The Advanced Profile window
The Advanced Profile window allows you to specify:
•An IP address
•Use of IP header compression
•A DNS address or addresses
•Quality of service parameters (depending on your AirCard
configuration)
If your service provider indicated that this information should
be entered in your profile, follow the instructions below.
Otherwise proceed to the section: See “The Default Profile
button” on page 36.
To use the Advanced Profile window:
1. Select the Advanced button to open the Advanced Profile
window displaying the TCP/IP tab.
2. If your service provider specified an IP address for your
AirCard, select “Use static IP address”, and enter the
address. (“Use dynamic IP address“ is the default, and, in
most cases, should be selected.)
Note: The
Use IP header
compression
field should not be
checked unless your service
provider is using this
compression. The AirCard
cannot maintain a connection if
this is enabled but not supported
on the network.
3. If your service provider is using IP header compression,
then select the checkbox(es) for the feature(s) that your
service provider supports.
4. If your service provider specified a DNS address or
addresses, select the DNS tab. If one address was provided,
enter it in the Primary DNS field, and if a second address
was provided, enter it in the Secondary DNS field.
5. If your service provider specified quality of service param-
eters, enter these on the Requested QOS and Minimum QOS

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
36 2130336
tabs. (These tabs may not be present, depending on your
configuration.)
6. Select OK to close the Advanced Profile window and OK to
close the User Profile window.
The Default Profile button
The “default” profile is the one used to establish GPRS connec-
tions if you click Connect without selecting a profile. If you
only have one profile, it is the default. If you create more than
one profile, you can use the Default Profile button to select
which is the default.
If the profile is set as the default and is set to auto connect, the
AirCard automatically initiates a connection, using this profile,
as soon as the AirCard is inserted in the PC Card slot.
Once your profile is complete, click OK to exit the Options
window. Your AirCard is ready for use.

Rev D Dec.03 37
6: Care and Maintenance of Your
Network Card
• Stopping and ejecting
the AirCard on a
notebook PC
• Ejecting the AirCard
on a Pocket PC
• Ejecting the AirCard
on a Handheld or
Tablet PC
You can ensure reliable operation and long life of your
AirCard by adhering to these guidelines in storage and use:
•Do not apply adhesive labels to the AirCard or SIM. This
may cause the AirCard or SIM to become jammed inside
the slot, or prevent it from being inserted properly.
•When not installed in your computer, store the AirCard
and SIM in a safe place.
Note: Do not insert the AirCard
before installing the software.
See ‘Installation on Notebook
PCs” on page 17 or ‘Pocket PC
and Handheld PC installation” on
page 27 for installation instruc-
tions.
•When storing or transporting your PC in a case (such as a
notebook case), remove the AirCard antenna and position
the computer where the antenna tip cannot be crushed or
broken.
•Protect the card from liquids, dust, and excessive heat (see
‘Environmental specifications” on page 51 for details).
•The AirCard should fit easily into your computer’s PC
Card slot. Forcing the AirCard into the slot may damage
the connector pins.
When you insert the AirCard in a notebook PC, the following
should happen:
•The PC beeps (unless the effect is disabled).
•The PC Card icon appears in the status area (usually
located in the lower right corner of the screen) unless the
feature is disabled.
•The Network Adapter Manager icon for the AirCard
also appears in the status area.
•Watcher launches (unless the autolaunch option is
disabled).
Windows PC Card icons
95/98 Me/2000 XP

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
38 2130336
Stopping and ejecting the
AirCard on a notebook PC
Windows NT
If you are using Windows NT, your PC must be off whenever
you insert or eject the AirCard.
Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, XP
To remove the AirCard:
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. Click “Stop Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter
Parent” (Windows 95, 98, 2000, or Me) or “Safely remove
Sierra Wireless AirCard GPRS Adapter Parent” (Windows
XP).
4. If a dialog box appears notifying you that it is safe to
remove the card, click OK.
5. Push the PC Card eject button on your computer to eject
the card.
6. Grasp the AirCard and remove it from the slot.
Ejecting the AirCard on a Pocket
PC
To remove the AirCard from your Pocket PC:
1. Stop Watcher by selecting Start > Settings > System tab >
Memory > Running Programs. In the “Running Program
List”, select “AirCard 7X0 Watcher”, then tap Stop.
2. Push the PC Card eject button on the Pocket PC to eject the
card.
3. Grasp the AirCard and remove it from the slot.
Ejecting the AirCard on a
Handheld or Tablet PC
To remove the AirCard from your Handheld PC:
1. Close Watcher.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
40 2130336

Rev D Dec.03 41
7: Watcher™ Basics
• Launching Watcher
• The Watcher window
• Icon and indicators on
the main Watcher
window
• View options
(notebook PCs)
• Status icons
• Power options
• Frequency band and
network selection
Watcher is the program you use to manage and monitor your
AirCard connections. Watcher allows you to:
•Create an account profile. (This is explained under ‘The
SIM Card and Your Account” on page 13.)
•Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS avail-
ability, and other network connection parameters
•Monitor the status of the AirCard and GSM service
•Initiate data connections
•Make and receive phone calls
•Send and receive SMS messages
•Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from
using your SIM card if it is lost or stolen
•Set options related to battery power consumption
•Set options related to notifications and the Watcher
window
Note: It takes up to 20 seconds
for Watcher to become fully
functional after launch.
If you set your account profile to autoconnect, you do not
need to run Watcher when you use the AirCard, but Watcher
does provide useful status information.
Launching Watcher
On notebook PCs, unless the feature has been disabled,
Watcher launches automatically anytime you insert the
AirCard. You can also launch Watcher by:
Notebook PCs: •Double clicking the desktop shortcut, or
•Selecting Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard 7X0 >
AirCard 7X0 Watcher
To launch Watcher on a CE device, select Start > Programs >
AirCard 7X0 Watcher
CE Devices

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
42 2130336
If the auto-launch browser feature is enabled, anytime you
launch Watcher, your browser will open to a specified web
page.
The Watcher window
Note: To get help in Watcher on
a notebook or Tablet or
Handheld PC, select Help >
Help Topics. You can also
display help by pressing <F1> in
most windows.
Notebook / Handheld /Tablet PCs
Figure 7-1: The Watcher window (on notebooks, Tablet and Handheld PCs)
Note: To get help for Watcher on
a Pocket PC, select Start > Help.
Pocket PCs
Indicator area
Profile drop-down list
Roaming
Packet mode
C
ompact
Vi
ew
Signal strength
DATA tab VOICE tab
Indicator area
Profile drop-down list
Roaming indicator
Packet mode
Signal strength
DATA tab
VOICE tab

Watcher™ Basics
Rev D Dec.03 43
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
Icon Meaning
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.
When the antenna and bars are dimmed,
no connection is possible for one of these
reasons:
•No antenna is attached
•You are outside the GSM/GPRS
network coverage area
•The signal strength is too weak
•A network or account problem is
preventing the AirCard from obtaining
service
A red flashing antenna icon indicates an
antenna problem. If this occurs, try
reorienting the antenna and ensure that
there is nothing on or near the antenna that
could be blocking the signal.
A red thermometer icon indicates
overheating. If this occurs, the AirCard
suspends data transmission until the
temperature drops, then normal operation
is resumed. (This usually takes no more
than 10 seconds.)
Depending on
your AirCard
configuration,
you may not have
this indicator
The GPRS indicator shows whether GPRS
is available in this area. You can make data
connections only in areas where GPRS is
available.
can make phone calls and receive SMS
messages in areas where there is no
GPRS service, provided you are within the
GSM coverage area.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
44 2130336
Depending on
your AirCard
configuration,
you may not have
this indicator
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, you are within the
local coverage area of your service
provider. When the indicator is on, you are
roaming.
Your coverage area and billing charges
depend upon your service provider and the
type of account you have. There may be
surcharges for roaming service.
When the SMS message indicator is on,
you have one or more unread messages.
When the SIM becomes full (and you
cannot receive any new messages) the
indicator flashes for several seconds and
then turns red.
You can open the SMS Message window
by double clicking (notebook PCs) or
tapping (Handheld/Pocket PCs) the icon.
When this indicator is on, a headset is
attached.
When this indicator is on, there is an
incoming call.
When the missed call indicator is on, you
received one or more calls that you failed to
answer. You can view the missed calls in
the call log.
When this indicator is on, call forwarding is
enabled. (This icon is only shown if all calls
are being forwarded.)
When this indicator is on, you have
unheard voice mail. You can connect to
your voice mail by selecting this indicator.
The phone number for your voice mail is
shown on the My Numbers tab of the
Options window.
Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher
Icon Meaning

Watcher™ Basics
Rev D Dec.03 45
View options (notebook PCs)
On notebook PCs, you have these options concerning the
Watcher window:
•You can enable/disable always on top from the VIEW
menu. When enabled, the Watcher window always
appears in front of other application windows.
•You can switch between the full Watcher window and the
compact window from the VIEW menu or by using the
Compact View button:
•You can use the Minimize button to close the Watcher
window but leave the program running.
You can also control where the Watcher window appears when
launched.
•If you enable the Restore Previous Position On Startup option,
Watcher opens in the same place you close it. Otherwise,
Watcher opens in the center of the screen.
•If you enable Remember Compact View Position option, the
compact Watcher window opens in the last place you
closed it.
These options and the autolaunch feature (that causes Watcher
to open automatically when you insert the AirCard) are
enabled and disabled on the Display tab of the Options
window (TOOLS > Options).
When this indicator is on and neither circle
is shaded, you have a connection but no
data transmission is occurring.
A shaded top circle indicates that data is
being sent and a shaded bottom circle that
data is being received.
Table 7-1: Icons and indicators in Watcher
Icon Meaning
Compact View
Minimize Close

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
46 2130336
Status Icons
These icons appear in the status area (usually in the lower
right corner of your screen) on notebook, Tablet, and
Handheld PCs, and on the lower right corner of the Today
page on Pocket PCs.
Power Options
The AirCard draws power from your PC’s battery. There are
two features of the AirCard that allow you to manage battery
power consumption:
•The power down/power up option
•The transmit power consumption option
Power Down and Up
The power down/power up option allows you to conserve
your battery by powering the AirCard down when you’re not
using it.
To power down the AirCard:
1. Select Tools > Power Down
When powered down, the menu option switches to Power Up
and the message, “Device powered down” is displayed on the
Watcher window.
You cannot maintain a connection when the AirCard is
powered down.
Table 7-2: Status Icons
Icon Meaning
You have a GPRS connection.
You do not have a GPRS connection.
You have one or more unread SMS
messages.

Watcher™ Basics
Rev D Dec.03 47
Transmit power consumption
Note: If you are using the
AirCard in a CE device, it is
recommended that you set the
Transmit Power Consumption to
low.
The Transmit Power Consumption option allows you to choose
between maximizing your data transmission speed or
minimizing battery drain on your PC. The settings for this
option are:
•Normal (Notebook)
•Medium
•Low (PDA)
If you select Normal (Notebook), the AirCard takes advantage of
certain network resources (if they are available) to maximize
the upload transmission speed. This increases peak battery
consumption slightly but unless you are using a CE device, the
increase has little effect. (The maximum possible data trans-
mission speed with this setting is 56 kbps).
If you select Low (PDA), the AirCard makes no attempt to take
advantage of faster upload speeds that might be possible on
some networks. This minimizes peak battery consumption and
is the recommended setting for CE devices because they are
unable to meet the peak power demands of the AirCard while
operating at the highest upload transmission speeds. (The
maximum possible data transmission speed with this setting is
14.4 kbps).
The Medium setting has a maximum possible data transmission
speed of 28.8 kbps.
The change in data transmission speed or peak battery
consumption that results from changing these settings is
dependent on network conditions (such as the number of users
in your area), and in some circumstances, may not be
noticeable.
This setting does not affect the speed of downloads (data
transmissions from the network to the AirCard).
Frequency band and network
selection
Watcher has two options that affect your ability to obtain GPRS
service in any given area. You can select:
•The frequency band you want to use
•The network you want to use, if you are within the
coverage area of more than one network

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
48 2130336
Frequency band selection
The AirCard 755 operates on the 900, 850, 1800, and 1900 MHz
bands. (See ‘Supported GSM frequency bands” on page 10 for
more information about frequency bands.) Generally, you need
to select the 1900 MHz band in North America and the 900/
1800 MHz bands outside of North America. Generally, you
need to select the 900 or 1900 MHz band in North America
(depending on your service provider) and the 1800 MHz band
outside of North America. This option is set on the Network
tab of the Options window (TOOLS > Options).
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 automatically selects a network
based on your account and network availablility.
•manual—the AirCard scans the area and displays a list of
detected GSM networks. You can then choose from a list of
available networks.
If you select a network on which you cannot obtain service, the
message, “Failed to register with network” appears. You
should then choose a different network.
This option is set on the Network tab of the Options window
(TOOLS > Options).

Rev D Dec.03 49
8: Technical Specifications
• LED operation
• Radio frequency and
electrical
specifications
• Environmental
specifications
• Sending GSM
commands to the
network
This chapter describes the operation of the LED and provides
technical data for the755 wireless network card.
LED operation
The AirCard has a single LED1 located on the antenna end of
the card beneath the SIM slot. The color (red, green or amber)
and state (off, on solid, or blinking) of the LED indicate the
connection status as follows:
1. LED—light emitting diode
Table 8-1: LED operation
LED state How to interpret
Solid
ambera
a. The LED is red/green. The amber color occurs when both red and
green are lit.
The AirCard is powering up, or a firmware
download is in progress.
Blinking
amber
The AirCard is scanning for service.
Blinking
green
The AirCard is in service and registered on the
network.
Solid green A voice call is in progress.
Blinking red There is a hardware problem.
Off The AirCard is powered down.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
50 2130336
Radio frequency and electrical
specifications
Table 8-2: Radio frequency & electrical
specifications
Approvals FCC Parts 22, and 24
Industry Canada
Compliance Compliant with:
GPRS GSM Release 97 SMG 31 Phase 2+
Voltage +5 VDC from PCMCIA Slot
Current Typical requirement GSM Band:
4 TX slots on 1.0 A peak, 0.70 A average
2 TX slots on 0.8 A peak, 0.40 A average
1 TX slots on 0.75 A peak, 0.30 A average
Typical requirement PCS/DCS Band:
4 TX slots on 0.9 A peak, 0.60 A average
2 TX slots on 0.7 A peak, 0.35 A average
1 TX slots on 0.65 A peak, 0.25 A average
Standby:
Handhelds: 12 mA
Notebooks: 16 mA
Multi-slot class Class 12
Transmit AirCard 755:
PCS:
1850 to 1910 MHz
DCS1800:
1710 to 1785 MHz
GSM850:
824 to 849 MHz
Receive AirCard 755:
PCS:
1930 to 1990 MHz
DCS1800:
1805 to 1880 MHz
GSM850:
869 to 894 MHz
Channel spacing 200 kHz
Frequency
stability
0.1 ppm

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
52 2130336

Rev D Dec.03 53
9: AirCard 755 Regulatory
Information
FCC approval (US)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the condition that this device does not cause-
harmful interference.
CAUTION This device has been tested for compliance with
FCC RF exposure limits in a Compaq Armanda E500 notebook
computer. This device is only authorized to be used in
notebook computers that are the same as the one in the grant
application. When the AirCard 755 is in use, users should
maintain a distance of at least 25 mm between the antenna and
the user's torso, head or legs. Always place the antenna in the
upright position (oriented vertically) when using the AirCard
755 in a notebook computer.
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. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in an appropriate installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communication.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
54 2130336
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help
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 AirCard 755 wireless network card has also been granted
modular approval for mobile applications. Integrators may use
the AirCard 755 card in their end products that can be catego-
rized as Mobile Devices without additional FCC certification
approvals if the following conditions are met. Otherwise,
additional FCC approvals must be obtained.
Note: The FCC defines a mobile
device as being designed for use
“in other than fixed locations and
to generally be used in such a
way that a separation distance of
at least 20 centimeters is
normally maintained between
radiating structures and the body
of the user or nearby persons.”
1. At least 20 cm separation distance between the antenna
and the user's body must be maintained at all times.
2. To comply with FCC regulations limiting both maximum
RF output power and human exposure to RF radiation, the
maximum antenna gain in Cellular and PCS bands must
not exceed 4.5 dBi.
3. The AirCard 755 card and its antenna must not be collo-
cated or operating in conjunction with any other trans-
mitter or antenna within a host device.
4. A label must be affixed to the outside of the end product
into which the AirCard 755 is incorporated, with a
statement similar to the following:
This device contains TX FCC ID: N7NAC755
5. A user manual with the end product must clearly indicate
the operating requirements and conditions that must be
observed to ensure compliance with current FCC RF
exposure guidelines.
Note: If this PC Card is intended for use in a portable device, you are
responsible for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements of
part 2.1093.

AirCard 755 Regulatory Information
Rev D Dec.03 55
Note: The FCC defines a
portable device as being
“designed to be used with any
part of its radiating structure in
direct contact with the user's
body or within 20 centimeters of
the body of a user or bystanders
under normal operating condi-
tions.”
The end product with an embedded AirCard 755 card must
pass the unintentional emission testing and properly autho-
rized per FCC Part 15 requirements.

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
56 2130336

Rev D Dec.03 57
Index
Numerics
1800 MHz band 10
1900 MHz band 10
900 MHz band 10
A
Access Point Name (APN) 13, 35
account 10
administrative privileges 18, 19, 20
aircraft, using the AirCard in 1
"always on" connection 9
antenna 12
APN (Access Point Name) 13, 35
approvals 50
Auto Connect 35
C
care and maintenance 37
CD contents 12
CE devices
installing the software 27–31
system requirements 25
class, multi-slot 50
Communication Failed 22
compact view 45
configuring a profile 33–36
copyright information 3
coverage area 10
D
destination location
Handheld/Pocket PCs 28
notebook PCs (Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me) 18
notebook PCs (Windows NT) 20
notebook PCs (Windows XP) 19
DNS 13
primary 35
secondary 35
driver (AirCard) 11, 18, 19, 20
E
ejecting a SIM card 14
ejecting the AirCard 38–??
electrical specifications 50
environmental specifications 51
F
FCC RF exposure information 1
frequencies
receive 50
transmit 50
frequency bands 10
selection 47
G
GPRS 9
indicator 43
GSM networks supported 10
GSM wireless networks supported 10
H
Handheld PC
inserting the AirCard 31
installing the software 27–31
removing the AirCard 38
system requirements 25
Watcher window 42
hazards 1
headset 12
humidity 51
I
I/O space (input/output space) 17
IMEI 13
inserting a SIM card 14
inserting the AirCard
Handheld PC 31
Pocket PC 31
Tablet PC 31
Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me 18
Windows NT 21
Windows XP 19
installation
Handheld/Pocket PCs 25–32
notebook PCs 17–23
See also software installation
Internet Explorer
setting to use the AirCard 23
IP address 35
IP header compression 35
IRQ (interrupt request) 17

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
58 2130336
L
LED operation 49
liability, limitation of 2
M
maintenance 37
memory required 17
multi-slot class 50
N
network 9, 10
networks supported 9
notebook PC
installing the software 18–23
removing the AirCard 38
system requirements 17
Watcher window 42
notebook PC See also Windows.
O
online help
Handheld PCs 42
notebook PCs 42
Pocket PCs 42
operating systems supported 9
P
package contents 12
password (service provider) 35
patents 2
PC Card slots required 17
PCS frequency band 10
platforms supported 9
Pocket PC
inserting the AirCard 31
installing the software 27–31
removing the AirCard 38
system requirements 25
Watcher screen 42
Power 46
power options
power up/down 46
primary DNS 35
profile
configuring 33–36
Profile Name 35
program folder
Handheld/Pocket PCs 28
notebook PCs (Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me) 18
notebook PCs (Windows NT) 20
notebook PCs (Windows XP) 19
R
radio frequency specifications 50
receive frequencies 50
regulatory information 53–??
removing a SIM card 14
removing the AirCard 38–??
Handheld PCs 38
Pocket PC 38
Tablet PCs 38
Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, XP 38
Windows NT 38
RF exposure information 1
RF specifications 50
roaming 11
indicator 44
S
safety and hazards 1
secondary DNS 35
service pack 20
signal strength 43
SIM card
inserting 14
removing 14
SMS messages
indicator 44
software
See Watcher.
software installation
Handheld/Pocket/Tablet PCs 27–31
notebook PCs
Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me 18–19
Windows NT 20–23
Windows XP 19–20
specifications 49–51
electrical 50
environmental 51
radio frequency 50
starting Watcher 41
storage
temperature 51
when not using AirCard 37
system requirements
Handheld/Pocket/Tablet PCs 25
notebook PCs 17
T
Tablet PC
inserting the AirCard 31
installing the software 27–31
removing the AirCard 38
system requirements 25
Watcher window 42
TCP/IP 18
technical specifications 49–51

Index
Rev D Dec.03 59
temperature 51
trademarks 3
transmit frequencies 50
tri-band 10
Type II PC card 9
U
User Name 35
V
vibration 51
W
warning
safety and hazards 1
Watcher 41–48
screen areas
notebook PCs 42
Pocket PCs 42
starting 41
window position 45
Watcher screen areas
Handheld /Tablet PCs 42
Windows
operating systems supported 9
Windows 2000
as a supported operating system
service pack 17
inserting the AirCard 18
installation 18–19
removing the AirCard 38
Windows 95
as a supported operating system 17
inserting the AirCard 18
installation 18–19
removing the AirCard 38
Windows 98
as a supported operating system 17
inserting the AirCard 18
installation 18–19
removing the AirCard 38
Windows Me
as a supported operating system 17
inserting the AirCard 18
installation 18–19
removing the AirCard 38
Windows NT
as a supported operating system 17
changing the interrupt 22
inserting the AirCard 21
installation 20–23
removing the AirCard 38
Windows XP
as a supported operating system 17
inserting the AirCard 19
installation 19–20
removing the AirCard 38
Winsock 18
wireless networks supported 9

AirCard 755 Installation Guide
60 2130336
