Sierra Wireless AB300A Cellular 3W Power Booster for CDPD Modem User Manual AirBooster 350 User Guide

Sierra Wireless Inc. Cellular 3W Power Booster for CDPD Modem AirBooster 350 User Guide

AirBooster 350 User Manual

User Guideo Welcome o Overview o Components o Supported Prods.o Safety Noticeso Specificationso Installationo Using AirBoostero Troubleshootingo Serviceo Contact Us2110195 Rev CSeptember 1999Welcome to the AirBooster™ 350 RF amplifierThe AirBooster 350 is an intelligent RF amplifier for boosting some SierraWireless Class III (600mW) CDPD devices to Class I (3W). The amplifier isan "intelligent" booster in that it does not simply apply a fixed gain to avarying input RF level like a linear amplifier would. Instead, the AirBoosteramplifier takes a constant RF level from the CDPD device and applies asmuch gain as the CDPD system requires at that moment.A GPS Option is also available, adding a GPS receiver inside the package.This is available as a field upgrade kit or pre-installed at the factory.Documentation related to GPS is covered in a separate section.Your AirBooster 350 ComponentsAll AirBooster 350 packages will include the following components:AirBooster™ 350 RF amplifier.● Power Cable.● Sierra Wireless Product CD-ROM with this Documentation including a3 Year Warranty.● 4 Screws with Washers.● Mounting Template.● Quick Start Guide.● Units with the factory installed GPS option will also include:DB-9 Serial Cable.● Additional accessories are available from Sierra Wireless. These include:RF Connector Cables (an assortment of lengths and connector optionsare available).● GPS Options (Factory Installed or Field Upgrade Kit).● GPS antennas (Magnetic or Hard Mount options).● For details on these and other Sierra Wireless accessories contact sales orvisit our web site.Supported ProductsAt the time of this writing, the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier is supported bythe following Sierra Wireless products:AirCard® 350 CDPD Adapter● SB300 OEM Module● Additional Sierra Wireless products may be added to this list. Consult ourweb site for a complete and current list.
CAUTION - The AirBooster 350 amplifier is designed to beused exclusively with supported Sierra Wireless products.Attaching non-supported devices will not harm the device or theamplifier but will severely impair transmissions from the device.o Welcome (top) o Overviewo Safety Notices o Hazards o Regulatory o Patentso SpecificationsImportant NoticeBecause of the nature of wireless communications, transmission andreception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted(i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses ofdata are rare when wireless devices such as the AirBooster 350 RF amplifierare used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, they should notbe used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result indamage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited topersonal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless, Inc. accepts noresponsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in datatransmitted or received using the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier, or for failureof the AirBooster 350 amplifier to transmit or receive such data. Safety and HazardsDo not operate the AirBooster amplifier in areas where blasting is inprogress, where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medicalequipment, near life support equipment, or any equipment which may besusceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the hostcommunications device MUST BE TURNED OFF. The RF amplifier cantransmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.Do not operate your data transmitter in close proximity to any aircraft,whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. Near aircraft, the hostcommunications device MUST BE TURNED OFF. When operating, theAirBooster RF amplifier can transmit signals that could interfere with variousonboard systems.The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate a wireless datadevice while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver oroperator's control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces,operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is anoffence.WARNING - The FCC has developed guidelines to reduce anypossible hazard due to exposure of the human body toelectromagnetic radiation (i.e. to radio waves). In accordancewith these guidelines, the antenna should be positioned at adistance greater than 50 cm (1'8") from unshielded users andbystanders when transmitting.WARNING - In order to preserve FCC compliance, the antennaused with the AirBooster 350 must have a gain of 3dBd or less.The combination of cable loss and antenna gain must not exceedan overall gain of 1dB. Antennas meeting this specification areavaiable from the following manufacturers:Allgon LarsenAntenna Specialists Mobile MarkAntenna World Sinclair
Regulatory InformationThe equipment certifications appropriate to your device are marked on thedevice and the accompanying product specific information. Whereappropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:CAUTION - Unauthorized modifications or changes notexpressly approved by Sierra Wireless, Inc. could voidcompliance with regulatory rules, and thereby your authority touse this equipment.WARNING (EMI) - United States FCC Information - Thisequipment has been tested and found to comply with the limitspursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designedto provide reasonable protection against harmful interference inan appropriate installation. This equipment generates, uses, andcan radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and usedin accordance with the instructions, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communication. However, there is noguarantee that interference will not occur in a particularinstallation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference toradio or television reception, which can be determined by turningthe equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correctthe interference by one or more of the following measures:Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna● Increase the separation between the equipment andreceiver● Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit differentfrom that to which the receiver is connected● Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technicianfor help● WARNING (EMI) - Canada - This digital apparatus does notexceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digitalapparatus as set out in the interference causing equipmentstandard entitled "Digital Apparatus", ICES-003 of theDepartment of Communications.Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruitsradioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques deClasse A prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur:"Appareils Numériques", NMB-003 édictée par le ministre desCommunications. Patents and TrademarksPortions of this product are covered by some or all of the following USpatents: 5515013, 5617106, 5629960, 5682602, 5748449, 5845216, 5845553,5878234, 5890057, and other patents pending.©1998, 1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and doesnot represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless, Inc. SierraWireless, Inc. shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damagesresulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.
AirBooster™ is a trademark of Sierra Wireless, Inc.AirCard® is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless, Inc.All other brand or product names, logos, trademarks, etc. mentioned in thismanual are owned by their respective companies.o Welcome (top) o Overviewo Safety Noticeso Specifications o RF Amplifier o Environmental o DB-9 PinoutsTechnical SpecificationsAirBooster 350 RF AmplifierCompliance: CDPD Release 1.1FCC Parts 15 and 22Voltage: Standard 13.8 Vdc vehicle batteryCurrent: Power Reduction Mode: 70mAEnabled (Receive): 90mA (240mA w/GPS)Maximum Transmit: 1.2A (1.35A w/GPS)Transmitter Power: Class I mobileUp to 3 Watts power output from device(Higher ERP depending on antenna/cabling)CDPD device Interface: SMA RF connectorAntenna Interface: 50 ohm TNC RF connectorGPS Interface: DB-9 at RS-232 levelnon-standard pinouts.GPS Antenna Interface: SMB RF connectorEnvironmental SpecificationsOperating Temp: -30 to +70° C (restricted duty cycle)-30 to +60° C (un-restriced duty cycle)Storage Temp: -40 to +80° CHumidity: 5 - 95%, non-condensingVibration: MIL-STD-810E,I-3.4.9.GPS DB-9 Connector PinoutsPin # RS-232 AirBooster Application1 DCD 1 Pulse/sec output from GPS module2 RxD RxD (from GPS to host)3 TxD TxD (from host to GPS)4 DTR Input (reserved, DTR is accepted)5 GND GND Signal Ground6 DSR Output (reserved)7 RTS TxD_2 (from host to GPS secondary port)8 CTS RxD_2 (from GPS secondary port to host)9 RI Output (reserved, disregard signal)
Document Map Back to Product ListUse the document map to jump to a subject of interest or turn the pages toread the full manual.Page Top Next Page©1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
o Welcomeo Installation o Overviewo Mountingo Host Cableo Antennao Power Cableo Using AirBoostero Troubleshootingo Serviceo Contact UsUser GuideInstallation OverviewThis section contains instructions for installing the AirBooster RF amplifier.Before you can use your AirBooster amplifier for the first time you must:Mount the AirBooster amplifier in your vehicle. (more...)1. Install the CDPD device cabling and connector. (more...)2. Install the antenna, cabling, and connector. (more...)3. Install and connect the power cable. (more...)4. Installation of the optional GPS Field Upgrade Kit and its related software iscovered in a separate section.o Installation (top) o Mountingo Host Cableo Antennao Power CableMounting the AirBooster RF AmplifierYour AirBooster RF amplifier is designed for mounting in a vehicle, either inthe trunk or some other suitable location.Choose a location within the vehicle which:Allows access to the connectors on the front panel.❍ Provides access for installing needed connector cables.❍ Avoids excessive heat from sources such as the enginecompartment, heaters, or vehicle exhaust.❍ Protects it from weather and excessive moisture. If mounted inthe passenger compartment ensure that spills cannot leak into theunit.❍ 1. Use the mounting template supplied to mark the location of themounting holes.2. Drill the required pilot holes (5/32").3. Use the four mounting screws supplied to secure the booster throughthe holes along the base of the booster case.4. o Installation (top) o Mountingo Host Cableo Antennao Power CableInstall CDPD Cabling and ConnectorDue to the variation in required cable lengths and connector types that may beneeded between the booster and the host CDPD device, there is no host cablein the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier package. These cables are orderedseparately from Sierra Wireless.The steps involved in the connection are:Determine a suitable location for the host end connection.1. Thread the cable through the vehicle so that the SMA connector isavailable for connection to the booster.2. Connect the SMA connector to the AirBooster 350 MODEMconnector. Tighten firmly by hand; do not use tools.3.
o Installation (top) o Mountingo Host Cableo Antennao Power CableInstalling the Antenna, Cable, and ConnectorVariation in the installation requirements for antenna type and cable lengthsprevent inclusion of these components in the product package. Antennas andcables can be ordered separately from Sierra Wireless or other suppliers.The requirements for the antenna are:Standard cellular frequencies.● 50 Ohm impedence.● TNC connector (for the booster end).● 3db gain (recommended but not required)● Approved Manufacturer● The steps involved in the installation and connection are:Determine a suitable location for the antenna at least 50cm frombystanders (open air exposure). Mount it according to the instructionsprovided with it.1. Thread the cable through the vehicle so that the TNC connector isavailable for connection to the booster.2. Connect the TNC connector to the AirBooster 350 ANTENNAconnector. Tighten firmly by hand; do not use tools.3. o Installation (top) o Mountingo Host Cableo Antennao Power CableConnecting Power to the AirBooster 350 AmplifierA power cable is provided in the AirBooster 350 package. The recommendedconnection is illustrated below.Ignition Sense ConsiderationsThe white ignition sense line controls a power switch within the booster usedto reduce power consumption when the vehicle is switched off and there isno CDPD device connected. The ignition sense is used in conjunction with aCDPD device detection switch. If either of these is on, the AirBoosteramplifier (and the optional GPS module) is enabled. Only if the ignition andthe CDPD device connection are both off is the power reduction enabled.In power reduction mode, an installed GPS module will stop trackingsatellites and is not available for communication. It will still receive sufficientpower to maintain its real-time clock and RAM data. This ensures a warmstart condition when the GPS becomes fully enabled.It is permissible to connect the white ignition sense to the red 12V power line.This will mean the AirBooster amplifier will be on at all times and the currentdraw on the battery will be slightly higher than with power reduction enabled.This additional draw amounts to approximately 20mA for a unit without the
GPS option and 170mA for units with the option.NOTE - Users With the GPS Option - When the AirBoosteramplifier switches to the power reduction mode, access to theGPS is lost. If you need access to the GPS module even when thevehicle is off and there is no CDPD device connected, you mustconnect the ignition sense to the 12V line. This ensures the GPSmodule is always on.Power Connection ProcedureSwitch off the vehicle.1. Thread the cable through the vehicle.2. Connect the Black (Ground) wire to the negative terminal of thebattery.3. Connect the White (Ignition Sense) wire to a suitable location, either aswitch (ignition or accessories) or directly to the Red (12V power) line.4. Connect the Red (12V) wire to the positive terminal of the battery.5. Insert the power connector into the AirBooster 350 amplifier.6. Installation CompletionUpon successful completion of the installation, the amplifier should show a litgreen LED for POWER. This will be on whether power reduction is used ornot. It indicates that the AirBooster 350 amplifier is receiving 12V power andis available for use. Document Map Back to Product ListPrevious Page Page Top Next Page©1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
o Welcomeo Installationo Using AirBooster o Operationo Care & Handlingo Troubleshootingo Serviceo Contact UsUser GuideUsing AirBoosterThis section deals with the day to day use of the AirBooster amplifier afterinstallation, as well as the care and handling to provide long life. Details onthe use of the optional GPS module are covered in another section.Operating the AirBooster RF AmplifierEnabling of the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier requires only that the power beconnected. The amplifier should show a lit green LED for POWERindicating that it is available for use. This LED is on whether power reductionis enabled or not.As soon as a supported device is connected to the booster, it willautomatically be detected and the amplifier will begin operation. The ignitionof the vehicle does not need to be on. When a host device is detected, theSTATUS indicator LED will light green.During normal operation the STATUS indicator will blink intermittently.The light remains on while the host device is connected and will go off onlyduring active data transmission.To ensure that your AirBooster does not transmit in environments where useof cellular equipment is hazardous, you must disconnect the CDPD device.o Using AirBooster (top) o Operationo Care & HandlingCaring for Your AirBooster AmplifierThe AirBooster 350 is designed to withstand the normal conditions found invehicles, with regard to vibration, shock, and temperature. Provided adequatecare is taken in selecting a mounting location, there should not be any needfor further attention. Document Map Back to Product ListPrevious Page Page Top Next Page©1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
o Welcomeo Installationo Using AirBoostero Troubleshootingo Serviceo Contact UsUser GuideTroubleshootingFor the most up-to-date and detailed troubleshooting tips, visit the SierraWireless AirBooster 350 website. There is a separate section fortroubleshooting GPS issues.The most common cause of problems with the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier iswith connectors and cables. Always check the connectors before callingTechnical Support.Problem SuggestionCDPD device can receive but nottransmit.STATUS indicator fails to lightwhen CDPD device is connected.The device is either not supported bythe booster, or has had its boostersupport capability switched off(+WS214).Verify that the CDPD device is asupported model and revision, and ison (enabled).STATUS indicator is workingnormally but CDPD device fails toregister, receive, or transmit.Coverage may be unavailable in thecurrent location.Verify the antenna connection issecure and cable is unbroken. Tryanother antenna.STATUS indicator is dim orflickering. CDPD device is losingpackets or appears to have slowerthroughput or does not function atall.Power to the booster has droppedbelow 9Vdc. Check the battery beingused to power the booster.Disconnect the CDPD device from thebooster and use the CDPD device'sown antenna until adequate power canbe restored to the booster. Document Map Back to Product ListPrevious Page Page Top Next Page©1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
o Welcomeo Installationo Using AirBoostero Troubleshootingo Service o Contact Uso Get Serviceo WarrantyUser GuideWarranty and Customer ServiceFor technical support of third-party accessories used with the AirBooster 350RF amplifier, contact the accessory vendor directly. Sierra Wireless, Inc. doesnot provide support for these components.Customer Service ContactsHelp Desk (604) 231-1128 (06:00 - 17:00 Pacific Time)support@sierrawireless.comSales Desk (604) 231-1100 (08:00 - 17:00 Pacific Time)sales@sierrawireless.comWeb www.sierrawireless.como Service (top) o Contact Uso Get Service o Report Formo WarrantyGetting ServiceIn the event of equipment malfunction, Sierra Wireless, Inc., or one of itsauthorized agents should perform all repairs. It is the responsibility of usersrequiring service to report the need for service to Sierra Wireless, Inc. or toone of its authorized agents.For warranty service or out-of-warranty repair:Contact the Help Desk to determine the nature of the problem. If returnof the product is required they will help you with the rest of thisprocess.1. Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from the SierraWireless Help Desk.2. Print and fill out the Problem Sheet (PDF). A MS Word version isavailable if you prefer.Remember: the more detailed your description of the problem, thefaster your booster can be diagnosed and repaired.3. Return the equipment, with the Problem Sheet enclosed, shippingpre-paid, to the address specified by the Customer ServiceRepresentative.4. o Service (top) o Contact Uso Get Serviceo Warranty o RegistrationWarrantySierra Wireless, Inc. warrants the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier against alldefects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from thedate of purchase.The sole responsibility of Sierra Wireless, Inc. under this warranty is limitedto either repair or, at the option of Sierra Wireless, Inc., replacement of theAirBooster 350 RF amplifier. There are no expressed or implied warranties,including those of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, whichextend beyond the face hereof.Sierra Wireless, Inc. is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages
arising from the use, misuse, or installation of the AirBooster 350 RFamplifier.This warranty does not apply if the serial number label has been removed, orif the AirBooster 350 RF amplifier has been subjected to physical abuse,improper installation, or modification.Warranty RegistrationTo register the warranty visit our web site and register on-line from theREGISTER option on the main tab. Alternatively, you can complete and mailor fax the registration card provided in the package. Document Map Back to Product ListPrevious Page Page Top Main Page©1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
User Guide Document MapPAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION©1999 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.

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