Sierra Wireless AC500 ExpressCard Wireless Modem User Manual

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Users Manual

Sierra Wireless AirCard Modem

User Guide

2131233

Rev 1.0

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 3

Important Notice Duetothenatureofwirelesscommunications,transmission

andreceptionofdatacanneverbeguaranteed.Datamaybe

delayed,corrupted(thatis,haveerrors)orbetotallylost.

Althoughsignificantdelaysorlossesofdataarerarewhen

wirelessdevicessuchastheSierraWirelessmodemareusedin

anormalmannerwithawell‐constructednetwork,theSierra

Wirelessmodem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

acceptsnoresponsibilityfordamagesofanykindresulting

fromdelaysorerrorsindatatransmittedorreceivedusingthe

SierraWirelessmodem,orforfailureoftheSierraWireless

modemtotransmitorreceivesuchdata.

Safety and Hazards DonotoperatetheSierraWirelessmodeminareaswhere

blastingisinprogress,whereexplosiveatmospheresmaybe

present,nearmedicalequipment,nearlifesupportequipment,

oranyequipmentwhichmaybesusceptibletoanyformof

radiointerference.Insuchareas,theSierraWirelessmodem

MUSTBEPOWEREDOFF.TheSierraWirelessmodemcan

transmitsignalsthatcouldinterferewiththisequipment.

DonotoperatetheSierraWirelessmodeminanyaircraft,

whethertheaircraftisonthegroundorinflight.Inaircraft,the

SierraWirelessmodemMUSTBEPOWEREDOFF.When

operating,theSierraWirelessmodemcantransmitsignalsthat

couldinterferewithvariousonboardsystems.

Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the

aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless

modems may be used at this time.

Thedriveroroperatorofanyvehicleshouldnotoperatethe

SierraWirelessmodemwhileincontrolofavehicle.Doingso

willdetractfromthedriveroroperatorʹscontrolandoperation

ofthatvehicle.Insomestatesandprovinces,operatingsuch

communicationsdeviceswhileincontrolofavehicleisan

offence.

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.SIERRAWIRELESS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

AirCard Modem User Guide

42131233

REVENUEORANTICIPATEDPROFITSORREVENUE

ARISINGOUTOFTHEUSEORINABILITYTOUSEANY

SIERRAWIRELESSPRODUCT,EVENIFSIERRAWIRELESS

AND/ORITSAFFILIATESHASBEENADVISEDOFTHE

POSSIBILITYOFSUCHDAMAGESORTHEYARE

FORESEEABLEORFORCLAIMSBYANYTHIRDPARTY.

Notwithstandingtheforegoing,innoeventshallSierra

Wireless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maybecoveredbysomeorallofthe

followingUSpatents:

5,515,013 5,629,960 5,845,216 5,847,553 5,878,234

5,890,057 5,929,815 6,169,884 6,191,741 6,199,168

6,339,405 6,359,591 6,400,336 6,516,204 6,561,851

6,643,501 6,653,979 6,697,030 6,785,830 6,845,249

6,847,830 6,876,697 6,879,585 6,886,049 6,968,171

6,985,757 7,023,878 7,053,843 7,106,569 7,145,267

7,200,512 7,295,171 7,287,162 D442,170 D459,303

D599,256 D560,911

andotherpatentspending.

Thisproductincludes

technologylicensedfrom:

ManufacturedorsoldbySierraWirelessoritslicenseesunder

oneormorepatentslicensedfromInterDigitalGroup.

Trademarks “HeartoftheWirelessMachine®”isaregisteredtrademarkof

SierraWireless.Watcher®isatrademarkofSierraWireless,

registeredintheEuropeanCommunity.

SierraWireless,theSierraWirelesslogo,theredwavedesign,

thered‐tippedantenna,andTRU‐Installaretrademarksof

SierraWireless.

Windows®isaregisteredtrademarkofMicrosoftCorporation.

QUALCOMM®isaregisteredtrademarkofQUALCOMM

Incorporated.Usedunderlicense.

Macintosh®isatrademarkofAppleInc.,registeredintheU.S.

andothercountries.

Othertrademarksarethepropertyoftherespectiveowners.

QUALCOMM

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 5

Contact

Information

ConsultourWebsiteforup‐to‐dateproductdescriptions,

documentation,applicationnotes,firmwareupgrades,trouble‐

shootingtips,andpressreleases:

www.sierrawireless.com

Revision History

Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time

E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com

Post: Sierra Wireless

13811 Wireless Way

Richmond, BC

Canada V6V 3A4

Fax: 1-604-231-1109

Web: www.sierrawireless.com

Revision

number Release date Changes

1.0 November 2009 New document

AirCard Modem User Guide

62131233

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 7

Contents

AirCard Modem User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

About the AirCard modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Services supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AirCard modem features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connection management software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Launching Watcher (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Launching Watcher (Mac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Reinstalling the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connect to the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Removing the SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Care and maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Regulatory and safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Regulatory information for North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Regulatory information for EU countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

AirCard Modem User Guide

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Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 9

AirCard Modem User Guide

About the AirCard modem

TheAirCard®thirdgeneration(3G)wirelessmodemenables

youtoconnecttotheInternet,sendandreceiveemail,connect

toacorporatenetworkorvirtualprivatenetwork(VPN),or

viewstreamingvideo,withouttheneedforacable.

Dependingonthemodel,theAirCardmodemcanconnect

eithertoaPCMCIA(PCCard)slotoranExpressCard®slot

onyourcomputer.

Note: When using the AirCard modem with a PC Card adapter, use

only the PC Card adapter that came with your modem. Your modem

may not work properly with adapters that are not specifically designed

for your product.

IfthemodemisTRU‐Installenabled,alltherequired

softwareisavailableonthemodem.Whenyousetupyour

modem,thesoftwareisinstalledonyourcomputer.Youdonot

needaninstallationCD.(Dependingonyourserviceprovider,

yourmodemmayincludeaninstallationCD.)

Services supported

Dependingonthemodel,yourmodemsupportsspeedsofup

to21Mbps(Megabitspersecond).However,actualspeed

dependsonnetworkconditionsandtheservicesthatyour

serviceprovideroffers.Contactyourserviceproviderandvisit

www.sierrawireless.comfordetails.

Maximumtheoreticaldataspeedsare:

•EvolvedHighSpeedPacketAccess(EvolvedHSPAor

HSPA+)—upto21 Mbps

•HighSpeedDownloadPacketAccess(HSDPA)—upto

7.2 Mbps

•HighSpeedUploadPacketAccess(HSUPA)—upto

5.76 Mbps

•ConcurrentHSDPA/HSUPA(HSPA)—upto3.6Mbps

downloadandupto1.5Mbpsupload

•UniversalMobileTelecommunicationsSystem(UMTS)—

384 kbps(kilobitspersecond)

•EnhancedDataratesforGSMEvolution(EDGE)—

236 kbps

AirCard Modem User Guide

10 2131233

•GeneralPacketRadioService(GPRS)—56 kbps

GPRSandEDGEaresecondgeneration(2G)dataservices.

UMTS,HSDPA/HSUPA,andHSPA+are3Gdataservices.

Whenestablishingaconnection,yourmodemusesthefastest

availableservice.If,forexample,youareusingthemodemin

anareathathasEDGEservicebutnotUMTSorHSDPA/

HSUPAservice,themodemconnectsusingEDGEservice.

Oncetheconnectionisestablished,youhaveaccesstoall

Internetservices.

Your account and coverage area

IfyoupurchasedthemodemfromaGSMserviceprovider,

youmayalreadyhaveanaccountandaSIMcard.Otherwise,

yourretailershouldbeabletogiveyouthenamesof

companiesthatprovidetheseitems.

YoumusthaveanaccountwithaGSMserviceprovidertouse

themodem.Tousethemodem’s3Gcapability,youraccount

mustbewithaserviceproviderthatoffersHSDPA/HSUPAor

UMTSservice.(Themodemisbackwardscompatiblewith2G

service.)

Whenyouobtainyouraccount,youaregivenaSubscriber

IdentityModule(SIM)cardcontainingaccountinformation.

Beforeyouusethemodem,youmustinserttheSIMcardinto

it.(Dependingonyourserviceprovider,theSIMcardmay

alreadybeinserted.)

Yourabilitytoobtainservicedependsonthesefactors:

Note: The fee for service is

usually higher when you are

roaming (connected to a network

other than the one belonging to

your service provider).

•Networkcoverage — Youmustbewithinthenetwork

coveragearea.

•Serviceprovider — Ifyouarewithinthecoverageareaof

anetworkthatisnotoperatedbyyourownservice

provider,youcanobtainserviceonly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.

•Frequencyband — Youcannotconnecttonetworks

operatinginbandsnotsupportedbyyourmodem,

regardlessofroamingagreementsoraccountprovisions.

MostserviceprovidershavecoveragemapsontheirWebsites.

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 11

AirCard modem features

LED operation

Dependingonthemodel,themodemhasthreeortwoLEDs

thatshowthecurrentstatusofthemodem.

Three status LEDs

2G LED

Power LED

3G LED

SIM card slot

LED State Indicates

Power Off Indicates one of the following states:

•The modem is not inserted in the computer.

•The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode.

•The modem radio has been turned off using Watcher or another

connection client.

Solid Blue The power is on, the modem is working normally.

Blinking Blue The firmware is being updated.

Do not remove the modem from the computer.

Blinking Amber The modem is searching for service (initializing).

Solid Amber Modem error—either the modem is having a problem initializing (searching

for service) or is offline because of a failure.

Contact your service provider.

2G Off The modem is unable to detect 2G service.

Blinking Amber The modem has detected a 2G network (EDGE, GPRS, GSM) and is ready

to connect.

Solid Amber The modem is connected to a 2G network and is able to send and receive

data.

3G Off The modem is unable to detect 3G service.

Blinking Blue The modem has detected a 3G network (UMTS, HSPA) and is ready to

connect.

Solid Blue The modem is connected to a 3G network and can send and receive data.

AirCard Modem User Guide

12 2131233

Two status LEDs

Status LEDs

Modem shown inserted

in PC Card adapter

LED State Indicates

Power Off Indicates one of the following states:

•The modem is not inserted in the computer.

•The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode.

•The modem radio has been turned off using Watcher or another

connection client.

Solid Blue The power is on, the modem is working normally.

Blinking Blue The firmware is being updated.

Do not remove the modem from the computer.

Blinking Amber The modem is searching for service (initializing).

Solid Amber Modem error—either the modem is having a problem initializing (searching

for service) or is offline because of a failure.

Contact your service provider.

Data Off The modem is unable to detect 2G or 3G service.

Blinking Amber The modem has detected a 2G network (EDGE, GPRS, GSM) and is ready

to connect.

Solid Amber The modem is connected to a 2G network and is able to send and receive

data.

Blinking Blue The modem has detected a 3G network (UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+) and is

ready to connect.

Solid Blue The modem is connected to a 3G network and can send and receive data.

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 13

Connection management

software

YourmodemcomeswithWatcher®softwareforWindows®or

Mac®,orotherconnectionmanagementsoftware,depending

onyourserviceprovider.Usethissoftwaretomanagethe

modemandmonitoryourconnections.

ForinformationonWatcherfeaturesandusingWatcher,refer

totheonlineHelp.FromthemainWatcherwindow,selectHelp

> Help Topicsorclickthebutton(Windows)orHelp > Sierra

Wireless 3G Watcher Help(Mac).

Note: Watcher is compatible with earlier Sierra Wireless modems.

Watcherenablesyouto:

•Initiatedataconnections

•Determinesignalstrength,roamingstatus,GPRS,EDGE,

UMTS,orHSDPA/HSUPAavailability,andothernetwork

connectionparameters

•MonitorthestatusofthemodemandGSMservice

•SendandreceiveSMSmessages

•EnableordisableSIMsecuritythatpreventsothersfrom

usingyourSIMcardifitislostorstolen

•ConfigurestartupandexitactionsforWatcherandthe

modem

•Createormodifyaconnectionprofile

YoudonotneedtorunWatcherwhenyouusethemodem,but

Watcherdoesprovideusefulstatusinformation.

AirCard Modem User Guide

14 2131233

Launching Watcher (Windows)

Unlessthisfeaturehasbeendisabled,Watcherlaunches

automaticallywhenyouinsertthemodem.Youcanalso

launchWatcherby:

•Double‐clickingthedesktopshortcut,or

•SelectingStart > Programs > Sierra Wireless > Sierra Wireless

Watcher.

Dependingonhowyourprofileisconfigured,yourbrowser,

VPN,orotherprogrammaylaunchautomaticallyanytimeyou

launchWatcher.

Launching Watcher (Mac)

Watcherstartsautomaticallyatlogin.Todisablethisfeature,

goto3G Watcher > Preferences.

YoucanalsostartWatcherbynavigatingtotheApplications >

3G Watcherfolderanddouble‐clicking3G Watcher.

Tip

TokeeptheWatchericoninthedock:

1. LaunchWatcher.

2. ClickandholdtheWatchericoninthedock.

3. Fromthepop‐upmenu,selectKeep in Dock.

Reinstalling the software

Windows

IfyouneedtoreinstallorrepairtheWatchersoftware:

1. GotoStart > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

2. UninstallWatcher.

3. Insertthemodemintoyourcomputer.

4. Followtheon‐screeninstructions.

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 15

Or,inWatcher:

1. SelectTools > Software Installation Mode.

2. Followtheon‐screeninstructions.

Note: Do not remove the modem until the software installation

process is complete.

Mac

TouninstallWatcher:

1. Select3G Watcher > Uninstall 3G Watcher.

2. Followtheon‐screeninstructions.

Connect to the network

Windows

Touseyouraccount(andconnecttoyourserviceprovider’s

network),youneedtohaveatleastoneprofilesetuponyour

modem.Dependingonhowyourmodemisconfigured,the

profilemayalreadybesetuporyoumayneedtocreateone.

Oncethesoftwareissuccessfullyinstalledandtheprofileisset

up,themodemisreadytouse.

Anytimeyouusethemodemwiththesamecomputer,TRU‐

Installverifiesthatthecorrectsoftwareisalreadyinstalled.

Thisprocessmaytakeafewseconds.

Ifyouneedtore‐installthesoftware,seepage 14.

Scenario Required action

Watcher automatically detects or creates a default

profile. Click Connecta.

Watcher prompts you to create a data profile. 1. Click Yes, then....

•If Watcher opens the Options window Profile

pane and pre-selects an appropriate profile

(normally the name of your service provider)

from the drop-down list...

a. Click OK to accept that profile (or choose

another from the drop-down list).

b. Click Connecta.

•If Watcher opens the Options window Profile

pane, the Profile name field is blank, and

your service provider is not included in the

drop-down list...

You need to create a profile manually. Refer to the

Watcher online help for details.

Click Help > Help topics or click the button.

a. The first time you insert the modem in the computer, it takes a few seconds for the modem to locate the net-

work. While it is scanning for a network, the Connect button is unavailable.

AirCard Modem User Guide

16 2131233

Mac

ToconnecttothenetworkusingWatcher:

1. Selectaprofilefromthedrop‐downlistandclickConnect.

Note: If you have a pre-paid wireless account, you’ll need to have

credit in your account before you can connect.

Toendahigh‐speedconnection,clickDisconnect.

The first time you run Watcher

Dependingonyourdevice,youmayhaveanadditionalstep

thefirsttimeyourunWatcher.

MacOSX10.5.xandlater

1. ThefirsttimeyouclickConnect,themessage“A new

networkinterfacehasbeendetected.”ClicktheNetwork

Preferencesbutton.

2. IntheNetworkwindow,clickApply.Yourmodemconnects

tothenetwork.

MacOSX10.4.11

1. AfterclickingConnect,openSystem Preferencesandselect

Network.

2. WhentheʺNewPortDetectedʺmessageappears,clickOK.

3. ClickApply Now.Yourmodemconnectstothenetwork.

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 17

Removing the SIM card

ToremovetheSIMcard,youneedapen.

1. Placethemodemonasmooth,hardsurface.

2. Gentlyinsertthepenintotheendoftheejectslotfarthest

fromtheSIMslot.SlidethepentowardstheSIMslot.The

SIMcardpopsoutofitsslot.SeeFigure 1.

Figure 1: Removing the SIM card from the modem

3. GentlypulltheSIMcardfromtheslotuntilitslidesfree.

Care and maintenance

Aswithanyelectronicdevice,themodemmustbehandled

withcaretoensurereliableoperation.Followtheseguidelines

whenyouuseandstoreyourmodem:

•DonotapplyadhesivelabelstotheSIMcard.Thismay

causeittojaminsidetheslot,orpreventitfrombeing

insertedproperly.

•Whennotinstalledinyourcomputer,storethemodem

andSIMcardinasafeplace.

•Protectthemodemfromliquids,dust,andexcessiveheat.

(Seethe“Environmentalspecifications”onpage 21for

maximumtolerances.)

Eject slot

AirCard Modem User Guide

18 2131233

Troubleshooting

Thissectiondescribespossibleproblemsandsolutionsfor

Windowsusers.Ifyouhaveaproblemthatisnotdescribedin

thissection,visittheSierraWirelesssupportpageat

www.sierrawireless.com/support.

TRU-Install software installation does not start

automatically

IfWatcherinstallationdoesnotstartafteryouinsertthe

modem:

1. Double‐clickMy Computer(WindowsXP)orComputer

(WindowsVista,Windows7)onyourdesktop.

2. ClicktheTRU-Installdrive.

3. UndertheTRU-Installdrive,opentheWinfolderand

double‐clickSetup.exe.Followtheon‐screenpromptsto

installthesoftware.

PC Card slot no longer works after you remove the

AirCard modem (with PC Card adapter) from the laptop

Ifyourlaptopdoesnotrecognizethatyouhaveremovedthe

modemwithPCCardadapter,youmayhavetorestartyour

laptoptorestorePCCardslotoperation.

Inthefuture,beforeyouremovethemodemwithPCCard

adapter,clicktheSafely Remove HardwareiconintheWindows

systemtray,thenselectthemodem.

Modem is not detected after TRU-Install installation

completes

YousuccessfullycompletetheTRU‐Installinstallationprocess,

butWatcherdoesnotdetectthemodem:

1. ClickStart,andthenclickControl Panel.

2. Double‐clickTRU-Install.

3. Whenyouarepromptedtoswitchtomodemmode,click

OK.

4. WaitforWatchertodetectthemodem.

5. Ifthemodemstillisnotdetected,connecttotheInternet

usinganothermethodandgoto

www.sierrawireless.com/supportforassistance.

The Windows Installer fails

WhenyoutrytoinstalloruninstallWatcher,themessage

Windows Installer is not accessible(forexample,Errorcode:1601)

appears.

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 19

TofixError1601,firstseeifanotherinstallationprocessis

running.

1. PressCtrl + Alt + DelandselectTaskManager.

2. GototheProcessestab.

3. Checktherunningprocessesforanyofthesenames:

·setup.exe

·isetup.exe

·ikernel.exe

·msiexec.exe

·idriver.exe

·IsUninst.exe

·Uninst.exe

Ifanyoftheseprocessesarerunningonthesystem:

1. Selecteachprocess.

2. ClickEnd Process.

3. TrytoruntheWatcherinstallationagain.

Iftheinstallationisnotsuccessful,connecttotheInternet

usinganothermethodandcheckSierraWirelessKnowledge

Basearticlesathttp://sierrawireless.custhelp.com.

AirCard Modem User Guide

20 2131233

Technical specifications

Radio frequency and electrical

specifications

Theradiofrequencybandsthatyourmodemsupportswill

varydependingonyourregionandyourmodemmodel.

Frequency band support

Transmit GSM 1900 (PCS): 1850 – 1910 MHz

GSM 1800 (DCS):1710 – 1785 MHz

EGSM 900: 880 – 915 MHz

GSM 850: 824 – 849 MHz

WCDMA 2100 (Band I): 1920 – 1980 MHz

WCDMA 1900 (Band II): 1850 – 1910 MHz

WCDMA 850 (Band V): 824 – 849 MHz

WCDMA 800 (Band VI): 830 – 840 MHz

WCDMA 900 (Band VIII) 880 - 915 MHz

Receive GSM 1900 (PCS): 1930 – 1990 MHz

GSM 1800 (DCS): 1805 – 1880 MHz

EGSM 900: 925 – 960 MHz

GSM 850: 869 – 894 MHz

WCDMA 2100 (Band I): 2110 – 2170 MHz

WCDMA 1900 (Band II): 1930 – 1990 MHz

WCDMA 850 (Band V): 869 – 894 MHz

WCDMA 800 (Band VI): 875 – 885 MHz

WCDMA 900 (Band VIII) 925 – 960 MHz

Technology Bands Location

2G 850 MHz (cellular band) North America

900 MHz (EGSM band) Europe

1800 MHz (DCS band) Europe and Asia

1900 MHz (PCS band) North America

3G WCDMA 850 (band V) North America and

Australia

WCDMA 800 (band VI) Japan

WCDMA 900 (band VIII) Europe, Asia, and

Australia

WCDMA 1900 (band II) North America

WCDMA 2100 (band I) Europe, Asia, and

Australia

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 21

Environmental specifications

Operating

temperature 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)

Storage

temperature -20°C to 85°C (-4°F to 185°F)

Humidity 95%, non-condensing

Vibration 15 g peak 10 to 2000 Hz (non-operating)

AirCard Modem User Guide

22 2131233

Regulatory and safety

information

Notice

Becauseofthenatureofwirelesscommunications,trans‐

missionandreceptionofdatacanneverbeguaranteed.Data

maybedelayed,corrupted(thatis,haveerrors),orbetotally

lost.Althoughsignificantdelaysorlossesofdataarerare

whenwirelessdevicessuchastheSierraWirelessmodemare

usedinanormalmannerwithawell‐constructednetwork,the

SierraWirelessmodem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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modem,orforfailureof

theSierraWirelessmodemtotransmitorreceivesuchdata.

Safety and hazards

ThemodemMUSTBEPOWEREDOFFinallareasthatmay

besusceptibletoradiointerference,inparticular:

•Prohibitedareas

Obeyallsignsandnoticesandfollowallrulesandregula‐

tions.Poweroffthemodemwheninstructedtodosoor

whenyoususpectthatitmaycauseinterferenceordanger.

•Inareaswhereblastingisinprogress

•Whereexplosiveatmospheresmaybepresent

Areaswithapotentiallyexplosiveatmospherearenot

alwaysclearlymarked.Suchareasincludegasstations,

fueldepots,chemicaltransferorstoragefacilities,areas

whereblastingisinprogress,areaswheretheaircontains

chemicalsorparticlessuchasgrain,dust,ormetalpow‐

ders,andanyotherareawhereyouwouldnormallybe

advisedtoturnoffyourcellularphoneorvehicleengine.

•Nearmedicalorlife‐supportequipment

Medicalequipmentmaybesusceptibletoanyformof

radiointerference.Insuchareasthemodemcantransmit

signalsthatcouldinterferewiththisequipment.

•Onboardaircraft

InadditiontoFederalAviationAuthority(FAA)require‐

ments,manyairlineregulationsstatethatyoumustsus‐

pendwirelessoperationsbeforeboardinganaircraft.The

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 23

modemiscapableoftransmittingsignalsthatcouldinter‐

ferewithvariousonboardsystemsandcontrols.

Failuretoobservethisinstructionmayleadtosuspension

ordenialofcellulartelephoneservicestotheoffender,

legalaction,orboth.

Someairlinesmaypermittheuseofcellularphoneswhile

theaircraftisonthegroundandthedoorisopen.The

modemmaybeusednormallyatthistime.

•Whileoperatingavehicle

Thedriveroroperatorofanyvehicleshouldnotusea

wirelessdatadevicewhileincontrolofavehicle.Doingso

detractsfromthedriveroroperatorʹsabilitytocontroland

operatethevehicle.Insomecountries,usingsuchcommu‐

nicationsdeviceswhileincontrolofavehicleisanoffence.

Regulatory information for North

America

Note: Regulatory information in

this section applies to these

models:

AirCard 880E

AirCard 881

AirCard 881E (Canada only)

AirCard 504

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.

ThedesignofthemodemcomplieswithU.S.FederalCommu‐

nicationsCommission(FCC)andIndustryCanada(IC)guide‐

linesrespectingsafetylevelsofradiofrequency(RF)exposure

forportabledevices,whichinturnareconsistentwiththe

followingsafetystandardspreviouslysetbyCanadian,U.S.

andinternationalstandardsbodies:

•ANSI/IEEEC95.1‐2005,IEEEStandardforSafetyLevelswith

RespecttoHumanExposuretoRadioFrequencyElectromag‐

neticFields,3kHzto300GHz

•NationalCouncilonRadiationProtectionandMeasure‐

ments(NCRP)Report86,‐1986,BiologicalEffectsand

ExposureCriteriaforRadioFrequencyElectromagneticFields

•HealthCanada,SafetyCode6,1999,LimitsofHuman

ExposuretoRadiofrequencyElectromagneticFieldsinthe

FrequencyRangefrom3kHzto300GHz

•InternationalCommissiononNon‐IonisingRadiation

Protection(ICNIRP)1998,Guidelinesforlimitingexposureto

time‐varyingelectric,magnetic,andelectromagneticfields(up

to300GHz)

Caution: The modem must be 1.0 cm or more from users during

operation, to satisfy FCC / IC RF exposure requirements. This modem

must not be used with any other antenna or transmitter that has not

AirCard Modem User Guide

24 2131233

been approved to operate in conjunction with this modem. Note: This

modem must not be used in any unapproved configurations. For

details, contact Sierra Wireless.

Note: The modem is approved for normal-size notebook computers

only (typically with 12 inches or larger display screens). For notebook

computers with a display screen smaller than 12 inches, ensure a

safe distance between the modem antenna and users or bystanders.

ThesedevicescomplywithPart15oftheFCCRules.

Operationissubjecttotheconditionthatthesedevicesdonot

causeharmfulinterference.

Whereappropriate,theuseoftheequipmentissubjecttothe

followingconditions:

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 inter-

ference 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:

•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

•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

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 25

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.

Regulatory information for EU countries

Note: Regulatory information in

this section applies to these

models:

AirCard 880

AirCard 880E

AirCard 501

AirCard 503

SierraWirelessherebydeclaresthatthemodemconformstoall

theessentialrequirementsofDirective1999/5/EC:

TheDeclarationofConformitymadeunderDirective1999/5/

ECisavailableforviewingatthefollowinglocationintheEU

community:

SierraWireless(UK),Limited

LakesideHouse

1FurzegroundWay,StockleyParkEast

Uxbridge,Middlesex

UB111BD

England

AirCard Modem User Guide

26 2131233

Rev 1.0 Nov. 09 27

Numerics

3GWatcher

launching,14

Careandmaintenance,17

connecttothenetwork,15

ejectingaSIMcard,17

electricalspecifications,20

environmentalspecifications,21

frequencies

receive,20

transmit,20

humidity,21

launching3GWatcher,14

LaunchingWatcher,14

LEDs,11

profile,15

radiofrequencyspecifications,20

receivefrequencies,20

removingSIMcard,17

RFspecifications,20

safetynotice,22

SIMcard,removing,17

specifications

electrical,20

environmental,21

radiofrequency,20

storage

temperature,21

whennotusingcard,17

temperature,21

transmitfrequencies,20

vibration,21

Watcher

introduction,13

launching,14

reinstalling,14

Index

AirCard Modem User Guide

28 2131233

Sierra Wireless AC500 ExpressCard Wireless Modem User Manual

Sierra Wireless Inc. ExpressCard Wireless Modem

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