Sierra Wireless AC597E ExpressCard Modem CDMA User Manual AirCard 597 ExpressCard User Guide rev 1 0
Sierra Wireless Inc. ExpressCard Modem CDMA AirCard 597 ExpressCard User Guide rev 1 0
Contents
- 1. Users Manual
- 2. User Manual
Users Manual
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard
User Guide
2130755
Rev 1.0
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Preface
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 2
Important Notice Duetothenatureofwirelesscommunications,transmission
andreceptionofdatacanneverbeguaranteed.Datamaybe
delayed,corrupted(i.e.,haveerrors)orbetotallylost.
Althoughsignificantdelaysorlossesofdataarerarewhen
wirelessdevicessuchastheSierraWirelessmodemareusedin
anormalmannerwithawell‐constructednetwork,theSierra
Wirelessmodemshouldnotbeusedinsituationswherefailure
totransmitorreceivedatacouldresultindamageofanykind
totheuseroranyotherparty,includingbutnotlimitedto
personalinjury,death,orlossofproperty.SierraWireless
acceptsnoresponsibilityfordamagesofanykindresulting
fromdelaysorerrorsindatatransmittedorreceivedusingthe
SierraWirelessmodem,orforfailureoftheSierraWireless
modemtotransmitorreceivesuchdata.
Safety and Hazards DonotoperatetheSierraWirelessmodem:
•Inareaswhereblastingisinprogress
•Whereexplosiveatmospheresmaybepresent
•Nearmedicalequipment
•Nearlifesupportequipment,oranyequipmentthatmay
besusceptibletoanyformofradiointerference.Insuch
areas,theSierraWirelessmodemMUSTBEPOWERED
OFF.TheSierraWirelessmodemcantransmitsignalsthat
couldinterferewiththisequipment.
DonotoperatetheSierraWirelessmodeminanyaircraft,
whethertheaircraftisonthegroundorinflight.Inaircraft,the
SierraWirelessmodemMUSTBEPOWEREDOFF.When
operating,theSierraWirelessmodemcantransmitsignalsthat
couldinterferewithvariousonboardsystems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the
aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. The Sierra Wireless
modem may be used at this time.
Thedriveroroperatorofanyvehicleshouldnotoperatethe
SierraWirelessmodemwhileincontrolofavehicle.Doingso
willdetractfromthedriveroroperatorʹscontrolandoperation
ofthatvehicle.Insomestatesandprovinces,operatingsuch
communicationsdeviceswhileincontrolofavehicleisan
offence.
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Preface
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 3
Limitation of
Liability
Theinformationinthismanualissubjecttochangewithout
noticeanddoesnotrepresentacommitmentonthepartof
SierraWireless.SIERRAWIRELESSANDITSAFFILIATES
SPECIFICALLYDISCLAIMLIABILITYFORANYANDALL
DIRECT,INDIRECT,SPECIAL,GENERAL,INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL,PUNITIVEOREXEMPLARYDAMAGES
INCLUDING,BUTNOTLIMITEDTO,LOSSOFPROFITSOR
REVENUEORANTICIPATEDPROFITSORREVENUE
ARISINGOUTOFTHEUSEORINABILITYTOUSEANY
SIERRAWIRELESSPRODUCT,EVENIFSIERRAWIRELESS
AND/ORITSAFFILIATESHASBEENADVISEDOFTHE
POSSIBILITYOFSUCHDAMAGESORTHEYARE
FORESEEABLEORFORCLAIMSBYANYTHIRDPARTY.
Notwithstandingtheforegoing,innoeventshallSierra
Wirelessand/oritsaffiliatesaggregateliabilityarisingunderor
inconnectionwiththeSierraWirelessproduct,regardlessof
thenumberofevents,occurrences,orclaimsgivingriseto
liability,beinexcessofthepricepaidbythepurchaserforthe
SierraWirelessproduct.
Patents Portionsofthisproductmaybecoveredbysomeorallofthe
followingUSpatents:
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 D442,170
D459,303
andotherpatentspending.
Thisproductincludes
technologylicensedfrom:
LicensedbyQUALCOMMIncorporatedunderoneormoreofthe
followingUnitedStatespatentsand/ortheircounterpartsinother
nations:
4,901,307 5,056,109 5,101,501 5,109,390 5,228,054
5,267,261 5,267,262 5,337,338 5,414,796 5,416,797
5,490,165 5,504,773 5,506,865 5,511,073 5,535,239
5,544,196 5,568,483 5,600,754 5,657,420 5,659,569
5,710,784 5,778,338
ManufacturedorsoldbySierraWirelessInc.oritsLicensees
underoneormorepatentslicensedfromInterDigitalGroup.
Copyright ©2006SierraWireless.Allrightsreserved.
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Preface
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 4
Trademarks AirCardand“HeartoftheWirelessMachine”areregistered
trademarksofSierraWireless.
SierraWireless,theSierraWirelesslogo,theredwavedesign,
andWatcheraretrademarksofSierraWireless.
Windows®isaregisteredtrademarkofMicrosoftCorporation.
MacOSisatrademarkofAppleComputer,Inc.,registeredin
theU.S.andothercountries.
ExpressCardisatrademarkofPCMCIA.
QUALCOMM®isaregisteredtrademarkofQUALCOMM
Incorporated.gpsOneisatrademarkofQUALCOMM
Incorporated.
InstallShield®isaregisteredtrademarkofMacrovisionCorpo‐
rationintheUnitedStatesofAmericaand/orothercountries.
Othertrademarksarethepropertyoftherespectiveowners.
Comments
Additional
information and
updates
Forup‐to‐dateproductdescriptions,documentation,appli‐
cationnotes,firmwareupgrades,troubleshootingtips,and
pressreleases,visit.www.sierrawireless.com.
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
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 5
Table of Contents
Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Wireless ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CDMA 3G services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Additional AirCard ExpressCard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
System components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Your host computing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The AirCard 597E ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The AirCard ExpressCard drivers and enabling software . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
A CDMA service provider account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The CDMA wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
The AirCard 597E software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Account activation and configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AirCard ExpressCard software installation procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ExpressCard insertion and removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Inserting the AirCard ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Removing the AirCard ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Account configuration procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Activation Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Manual activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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Contents
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 6
Automated activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Watcher Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Starting and closing Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Components of the Watcher window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Window controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Always On Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Interpreting icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connection Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Call Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Indicator area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Minimized icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using an external antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Important safety/compliance information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Information pertaining to OEM customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 7
1
1: Introducing the AirCard® 597E
ExpressCard
Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless card is the
AirCard 597E ExpressCard from Sierra Wireless. This document does
not apply, if you are using a wireless card that is built into your
computer.
•Welcome
•Feature summary
•Package contents
•System components
Welcome
Note: Do not insert the AirCard
ExpressCard into your
ExpressCard slot prior to
installing the software. It is
important to install the software
and drivers in the correct order.
For detailed procedures, see
page 15.
TheSierraWirelessAirCard 597EExpressCardisadual‐band
wirelessExpressCard/34moduleforcellularandPCS
networks,andtheGPSfrequencyband.Itenhancesthe
functionalityofyourmobilecomputingdevicebyadding
2‐waymessagingandhigh‐speedmobiledatainextended
areas,comparedtowirelesslocalareanetworks.
ThisExpressCardallowsyoutodothefollowing(subjectto
featureavailability),withoutusingawirelinephoneor
network:
•ConnecttotheInternet,VPNandcorporatenetworks
•Sendandreceivelargee‐mailmessages
•SendandreceiveSMSmessages
•Conductvideo‐conferencing
•Accessstreaming,real‐timemedia
•Playgamesonline
Note: You can view this guide online or print it to keep on hand. If
you're viewing it online, simply click a topic in the Table of Contents, or
a page number in the Index, or any page reference or section
reference. (Most text that is blue is a clickable link.) The PDF
automatically displays the appropriate page.
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Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 8
Feature summary
Note: For step-by-step instruc-
tions to access features of the
AirCard ExpressCard, consult
the online help available with
Watcher™ (page 29).
TheAirCardExpressCardisdesignedtoprovideawiderange
ofcapabilitiesusingCDMAnetworktechnology.Implemen‐
tationofthesefeaturesdependsontheparticularservice
providerandaccountfeaturesyouhavechosen.
Somefeaturesdescribedinthismanualmaynotbesupported
byyourserviceproviderormaynotbeavailablewithyour
networkaccount.Fordetailsoftheservicesandaccounts
available,contactyourserviceprovider.
Wireless ExpressCard
Onceinstalledandconfigured,theAirCardExpressCardcan
connecttotheCDMAnetworkautomatically.Youjustinsert
theAirCardExpressCard,allowWatchertoautolaunchand
authenticateyouraccountonthenetwork,thenlaunchyour
Internetbrowser(whichyoucanalsoconfigureinWatcherto
launchautomatically)—you’reonline!
Alternatively,youcanmakeahigh‐speeddataconnection
withoutrunningWatcher—simplybylaunchingwhatever
applicationyouwanttouse(suchasyourwebbrowseror
e‐mailapplication).Prerequisites:youmusthavepreviously
selected,inWatcher,“Always-on”forthehigh‐speedconnection
and(subjecttofeatureavailability)“Enable NIC for data
connections”.
TheAirCardExpressCardalsoallowsyoutodialupamodem
(suchasacorporateserver).
CDMA 3G services
TheAirCardExpressCardoperatesoveratypeofwireless
networkcalledCDMA (CodeDivisionMultipleAccess).
CDMA 3Gtechnologyprovidesavarietyofconnectivity
features,dependingonyourserviceproviderandaccount:
•1x‐EVDORev.AsupportsInternetconnectionswithdata
ratesupto3.1 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and
1.8 Mbps(uplinktothenetwork).Averagedataratesare
450‐800 Kbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and
300‐400 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).Actualspeed
dependsonthenetworkconditions.
•1x‐EVDORev.0supportsInternetconnectionswithdata
ratesupto2.4 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and
153 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).Averagedataratesare
400‐700 Kbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
92130755
40‐80 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).Actualspeeddepends
onthenetworkconditions.
•1XsupportsInternetconnectionswithdataratesupto
153 Kbps.Actualspeeddependsonthenetworkcondi‐
tions.
Oncetheconnectionisestablished,youcanopenyourbrowser
andconnecttoanywebsitethatisaccessiblethroughthe
Internet,oraccessotherInternetservices(suchase‐mail).
Theconnectionis“active”whendatatransmissionis
occurring.Ifdatatransmissionstopsforaperiodoftime
(determinedbythenetwork),theconnectionbecomes
“dormant”;seepage 27.
•Circuitswitched(dial‐up)data,usingtheearlierCDMA
IS‐95specification,supportsdataconnectionstoanydial‐
inserviceatratesupto14.4 Kbps.
•QNC (QuickNetConnect),providesasimplifiedwayto
dialintoanInternetconnection(usingcircuitswitched
data)where3G(1xEV‐DOor1X)high‐speedpacket
serviceisnotavailable.
•SMS (ShortMessageService),allowsyoutosendand
receiveshorttextmessagesusingtheAirCard
ExpressCard.
Additional AirCard ExpressCard features
BeyondthefeaturesoftheCDMAnetwork,theAirCard
ExpressCardprovidesadditionalsoftwarefeatures:
•SupportforgpsOneandLocationBasedServices
•PINsecuritycodetoprotectyourAirCardExpressCard
andaccountfromunauthorizeduse.
•AnActivationWizard(page 19)toassistwithconfiguring
yourCDMAaccount.
•SoundoptionstocustomizeringtonesforSMSmessages.
•ACallLogtotrackoutgoingcallsanddeterminethe
amountofdatatransferred.
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Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 10
Package contents
YourAirCardExpressCardpackagecontainsthefollowing
components:
•AirCard 597EExpressCard
•InstallationCDcontainingtheAirCardExpressCard
software,thisuserguide,andwarrantyinformation
•QuickStartGuide
System components
YourAirCard 597EExpressCardisjustonepartofasystem
designedtoprovideyouwithawiderangeofcommunication
features.Everycomponentofthesystemisneededtoenable
thesecapabilities.
Your host computing device
YournotebookhoststheAirCardExpressCardhardwareand
runsthecommunicationsoftware:yourwebbrowserore‐mail
application,andWatcher—theAirCardExpressCardenabling
software.
Youmayalsohaveothersoftwareonyourcomputerthatcan
beusedwirelesslywiththeAirCardExpressCard,suchas:file
transferapplications(FTP),chatorinstantmessaging,aVPN
(VirtualPrivateNetwork)client,clientsoftwareforacorporate
serverapplication.
The AirCard 597E ExpressCard
TheAirCardExpressCardprovidesyourcomputerwitha
connectiontotheCDMAwirelessnetwork.
TheAirCardExpressCardfitsintoastandardExpressCard/34
orExpressCard/54slotavailableonnewernotebookPCs.
EveryCDMAnetworkoperatesononeofthreeradio
frequencybands.Asadual‐bandproduct,theAirCard
ExpressCardoperatesontwoofthesebands(seepage 31),
providingawidecoveragearea.
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
11 2130755
The AirCard ExpressCard drivers and
enabling software
TheAirCardExpressCarddriversandenablingsoftware
(Watcher)monitorandmanageyourwirelessconnections.
TheAirCardExpressCardcomeswithaCDcontainingthis
software:
•WatcherapplicationthatyouusetomanagetheAirCard
ExpressCardandmonitoryourconnections.Forstep‐by‐
stepinstructionstoaccessfeaturesofWatcher,usethe
application’sonlinehelp.
•ThedevicedriversoftwarethatenablestheAirCard
ExpressCardtoworkwithyourcomputer’soperating
system.
Thedriversandapplicationsoftwaremustbeinstalledbefore
youinserttheAirCardExpressCardforthefirsttime.Detailed
instructionsareprovidedinthefollowingchapters.
A CDMA service provider account
CompaniesthatoperateCDMAnetworksandprovideaccess
tothesenetworksarecalledserviceproviders.Tousethe
AirCardExpressCard,youmusthaveanaccountwitha
CDMAserviceprovider.
Note: You can use the Lock
Code feature to prevent others
from using your account, should
your AirCard ExpressCard be
stolen. For information on this
feature, see the online help.
Eachserviceproviderhasitsownpricingoptions.Theremay
beflatrateaccounts,whichprovideyouamaximumnumber
ofminutesofnetworkusageforafixedmonthlyfee.There
maybeaccountsforwhichyouarechargedfornetworkusage
bytheminuteorbytheamountofdatatransmitted.
Youraccountmayincludeavarietyofotherservicessuchas
SMSmessaging.
EachAirCardExpressCardhasbeenprovisionedatthefactory
forusewithaparticularserviceprovider.Thissetsthe
AirCardExpressCardtouseparticularradiochannelsand
enablesservicesspecificforthatprovider.
Theprocessofsettingupyouraccountiscalledactivation.
Activationinvolvesactionbytheserviceproviderandconfigu‐
rationoftheAirCardExpressCard.
Theproceduretoconfigure(activate)yourAirCard
ExpressCardiscoveredin“Activation”onpage 19.
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Introducing the AirCard® 597E ExpressCard
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 12
The CDMA wireless network
Note: More information about
CDMA networks is available on
the CDMA Development Group
web site,
www.cdg.org
.
Thisistheworldwideinfrastructureprovidingtheradio
coveragethatallowsyoutostayconnected.Madeupofradio
towersandavarietyofnetworkswitches,routers,andservers,
thenetworkisaninterconnectionofmanyserviceproviders.
Note: Most service providers
have coverage maps on their
web sites.
ThereareCDMAnetworksthatoperateinthefrequencybands
supportedbytheAirCardExpressCardthroughoutNorth
AmericaandpartsofLatinAmerica,Asia,andNewZealand.
However,eachserviceprovideroperatesanetworkthatcovers
alimitedgeographicalareawithintheoverallCDMAcoverage
area.
Note: The fee for service is
usually higher when you are
roaming (connecting to a
network other than the one
belonging to your service
provider).
Mostserviceprovidershave“roaming”agreementswithother
serviceproviders,sothattheycanofferserviceoutsideofthe
coverageareaoftheirownnetworks.Forexample,assuming
youliveinVancouver(Canada),andtravelfrequentlyto
Seattle(UnitedStates),youcanobtainanaccountwitha
Vancouverserviceproviderthathasaroamingagreementwith
aserviceproviderinSeattle.Youwouldthenhavelocalservice
inVancouver,androamingserviceinSeattle.
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 13
2
2: Getting Started
•The AirCard 597E
software
•Account activation and
configuration
BeforeyoucanbeginusingtheAirCardExpressCard,you
must:
1. InstalltheAirCardExpressCardenablingsoftwareand
drivers.
2. ActivateanaccountandconfiguretheAirCard
ExpressCardtouseyouraccount(unlesstheAirCard
ExpressCardhasbeenpre‐activated).
Thissectionprovidesanoverviewofthisprocess.
The AirCard 597E software
TheAirCardExpressCardcomeswiththissoftware:
•WatcherapplicationthatyouusetomanagetheAirCard
ExpressCardandmonitoryourconnections
•Thedriversoftwarethatprovidestheinterfacebetween
theAirCardExpressCardandyourWindowsoperating
system
TheWatchersoftwaremustbeinstalledbeforeyouinsertthe
AirCardExpressCardforthefirsttime.Detailedinstructions
areprovidedin“Installation”onpage 15.
Account activation and
configuration
TousetheAirCardExpressCard,youmusthaveanaccount
withaCDMAserviceprovider.Theprocessofsettingupan
accountiscalledactivation.
IfyoupurchasedtheAirCardExpressCarddirectlyfroma
serviceprovider,youmayalreadyhaveanaccount;your
AirCardExpressCardmaybepre‐activated.
Otherwise,runWatcherandtheActivationWizard,which
guidesyouthroughtheactivationandconfigurationprocess.
(Dependingonyourconfiguration,WatcherandtheActivation
Wizardmaystartautomatically.)
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Getting Started
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 14
ConfiguringtheAirCardExpressCardinvolvessettingthe
phonenumberassignedbyyourserviceproviderandmay
involveenteringothernetworkparametersandsettingssuch
asausernameandpasswordtoaccessservices.
Yourserviceproviderneedstoknow:
•Thebillinginformationtousetocollectpaymentforyour
networkusage.
•TheESN (ElectronicSerialNumber)orMEID(Mobile
EquipmentIdentifier)assignedtoyourAirCard
ExpressCardduringthemanufacturingprocess.(TheESN
orMEIDisprintedonalabelontheAirCardExpressCard
andcanbedisplayedinWatcher.)Thisnumberisusedto
helpauthenticateyouraccountwhenyouconnectfor
service.
Yourequirefromyourserviceprovider:
•Anactivationcodethatgivesyouaccesstoconfigurethe
account.
•AphonenumberforyourAirCardExpressCard.
•Additionalinformationspecifictoyourserviceprovider
suchas:
·AuserID(username)andpasswordtoauthenticateyour
networkconnection.
·ASID(SystemIDentifier)thatidentifiesyourhome
networkareaandisusedtogetherwithyourphone
numbertodetermineifyouare“home”or“roaming”.
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 15
3
3: Installation
•System requirements
•Installation
•Inserting the AirCard
ExpressCard
•Removing the AirCard
ExpressCard
Thischapterguidesyouthroughthestepsnecessarytoinstall
theAirCardExpressCardonanotebookcomputer.
Note: Do not insert the AirCard ExpressCard into your ExpressCard
slot before installing the software.
Thebasicstepsare:
1. InserttheAirCard 597EinstallationCDintoyourCD‐
ROMdriveandinstallWatcher.
2. InserttheAirCardExpressCardintotheExpressCard
slot (page 17)toinstalltheAirCardExpressCarddrivers.
3. IftheAirCardExpressCardhasnotbeenpre‐activated,use
theActivationWizardtoconfiguretheAirCard
ExpressCard(asdescribedin“Activation”onpage 19).
Beforeyoubegintheinstallationprocess,ensureyourPCis
runningasupportedoperatingsystemandmeetsthe
hardwarerequirementsdescribedinthenextsection.
System requirements
TheAirCardExpressCardissupportedonnotebookPCs
running:
•WindowsVista(whencommerciallyavailable)
•Windows2000withServicePack4androll‐up1
•Windows XP(HomeandProfessionalversions)with
ServicePack2
•MacOSX(supportedthroughtheWatcherLitesoftware)
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Installation
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 16
ToinstalltheAirCardExpressCard,yourequirethesesystem
resources:
AirCard ExpressCard software
installation procedures
ToinstallWatcherandtheAirCardExpressCarddrivers:
Note: Users of Windows Vista
and 2000 must be logged in with
administrative privileges to install
the AirCard ExpressCard
software. Users of Windows XP
may require administrative privi-
leges, depending on the XP
installation.
1. IftheinstallationCDisnotalreadyinyourCD‐ROM
drive,insertit.TheCDshouldautostartanddisplaya
menu.
IftheCDdoesnotautostart,selectStart > Runandenter
d:\launch.exewheredisthedriveletterofyourCD‐ROM
drive.
2. FromtheCDstartupwindow,selectInstall Watcher software
tolaunchtheInstallShield®Wizard.
3. IftheOpen With...windowappears,canceltheinstallation
(yourcomputerismissingsomefilesrequiredforthe
installation).SearchforInstmsiw.exe(ifyou’rerunning
Windows2000)amongthedownloadsat
www.microsoft.com.Installthefileonyourcomputer,
thenreruntheAirCardExpressCardsoftwareinstallation.
4. IftheIkernel Application Errorwindowappears:
a)Canceltheinstallation.
b)Downloadthefile:
http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108312/
ikernelupdate.exe.
c)Installthefileonyourcomputer,thenrerunthesoftware
installation.
5. UsetheNextandBackbuttonstonavigatethroughthe
wizardnotingthefollowing:
·Toproceedwiththeinstallation,youmustclickI accept
the terms in the license agreement toindicateyouraccep‐
tanceofthetermsofthelicenseagreement.
Table 3-1: System resource requirements
ExpressCard slots One ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54
slot
Disk drive CD-ROM (for installation only)
I/O resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space
Memory 32 MB
Disk space 32 MB
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Installation
17 2130755
·UsethedefaultsettingsfortheDestination Folderunless
youhavespecialrequirementsandanadvancedunder‐
standingofPCconfiguration.(TheDestinationFolder
dictateswherethesoftwareisinstalled.)
6. Whenyouarenotifiedthattheinstallationiscomplete,
clickFinish.
Note: Do not forcefully insert the
AirCard ExpressCard. This may
damage the connector pins.
7. InserttheAirCardExpressCardintoyourExpressCard
slot (describedinthefollowingsection).Thisinstallsthe
driversfortheExpressCard.
Whenthedrivershavebeeninstalled,thesystemtraydis‐
playsthemessage“Yournewhardwareisinstalledand
readytouse”:
8. IfWatcherhasnotstartedautomatically,startit:double‐
clicktheWatchericononyourdesktop.
ProceedtoconfiguretheAirCardExpressCardtouseyour
account(ifitwasnotpre‐activated).See“Activation”on
page 19.
ExpressCard insertion and
removal
Inserting the AirCard ExpressCard
ToinserttheAirCardExpressCardintoanotebook:
1. Withthepicturelabelfacingup,inserttheAirCard
ExpressCardintotheslot.
Correct Incorrect
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Installation
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 18
WhenyouinserttheAirCardExpressCard,thefollowing
shouldoccur:
•Ifsoundeffectsareenabled,thePCbeeps.
•TheSafelyRemoveHardwareiconappearsinthesystem
tray,ifitisnotalreadydisplayedforanothercard,(and
unlessthefeaturehasbeendisabled).
•Watcherlaunches(unlesstheautolaunchfeaturehasbeen
disabled).
TheAirCardExpressCardispoweredassoonasyouinsertit.
Removing the AirCard ExpressCard
ToremovetheAirCardExpressCard:
1. CloseWatcherifitisopen.
2. ClicktheSafelyRemoveHardwareiconinthesystemtray
todisplaytheoptiontostopthecard.
3. Clicktheentryfor“NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller”or
“Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller“.
4. Ifadialogboxappearsnotifyingyouthatitissafeto
removethecard,clickOK.
5. UsetheejectortoremovetheAirCardExpressCardfrom
theslot.Pullthecardoutoftheslotbygrippingbothsides
ofthecardandpullingthecardstraightout.
Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000
Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000
Correct Incorrect
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 19
4
4: Activation
•Account configuration
procedures
•Manual activation
• Automated activation Account configuration
procedures
ThefinalsteptomakingtheAirCardExpressCardoperational
isconfiguringittouseyourCDMAserviceprovideraccount.
TheprocessofactivationconfiguresyourAirCard
ExpressCardwiththerequiredaccountparameters(phone
number,username,password,etc.).
Ifyoupurchasedapre‐activatedAirCardExpressCard,this
stepisnotnecessary.Oncetheapplicationsoftwareand
driversareinstalled,theAirCardExpressCardisreadyforuse.
Otherwise,youmustusetheActivationWizardtoactivateand
configureyouraccount.
Activation Wizard
TheActivationWizardwalksyouthroughtheprocessof
configuringanaccount.Theprocessandoptionsvarybasedon
theserviceprovider.
Thissectionisaguideonly.ConsulttheQuickStartGuide,
andfollowthedirectionsonscreenandinstructionsgivenby
yourserviceproviderrepresentative.
ToactivateanaccountandconfigureyourAirCard
ExpressCardforuse:
IfyourAirCardExpressCarddoesnothaveanactivated
account,andWatcherhasstartedautomatically,thenthe
ActivationWizardshouldstartautomatically.Ifthisdoesnot
happen:
1. EnsureWatcherisrunning.Ifitisnot,double‐clickthe
Watchericononyourdesktop.
2. StarttheActivationWizard:selectTOOLS >
Activation Wizard.
TobeginactivationoftheAirCardExpressCard,clickNext.
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Activation
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 20
Manual activation
Activationinvolvesphoningyourserviceprovider,
exchanginginformation,andenteringyouraccountinfor‐
mationintotheappropriatefieldsinthewizard.(Tousethis
method,yourequireaphone.)
Tousemanualactivation,usetheNextandBackbuttonsto
navigatethroughthewizard,notingthefollowing:
•Obtainthebillinginformationlistedonthesecond
windowofthewizard,beforeyouphonetheservice
providerorproceedtothenextwindow.
•Contactyourserviceprovider.Informyourservice
providerthatyouareactivatingyourSierraWireless
AirCard 597EExpressCard.Therepresentativewill
requestyourESN (ElectronicSerialNumber)orMEID.
ThisisdisplayedintheActivationWizard(andisprinted
ontheAirCardExpressCardboxandonthelabelonthe
backoftheAirCardExpressCard).
•Aspromptedbythewizard,entertheinformation
providedbytheservicerepresentative.
•SelectFinishinthefinalwindowofthewizard.
OncompletionoftheActivationWizard,theAirCard
ExpressCardisreadyforuse.Thefollowingchaptersexplain
howtouseWatchertomanageandmonitoryourconnections.
Automated activation
Touseautomatedactivation:
1. SelecttheAutomated ActivationradiobuttonandclickNext.
2. Thewizardadvisesthatitwillmakeanetworkconnection,
dialingthedisplayednumber.Leavethenumber
unchangedunlesstoldbyatechnicalservicerepresen‐
tativetoenteradifferentvalue.ClickNext.
3. Followanyinstructionsorpromptsprovidedtoactivate
theExpressCard.
WatcherdisplaystheactivationprogressintheCallStatus
Area.Whentheprocessiscompleteyoushouldseethe
message“Ready to Connect”.
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 22
5
5: Care and Maintenance of Your
AirCard ExpressCard
Aswithanyelectronicdevice,theAirCardExpressCardmust
behandledwithcaretoensurereliableoperation.Followthese
guidelinesinusingandstoringtheAirCardExpressCard:
•DonotapplyadhesivelabelstotheAirCardExpressCard.
ThismaycausetheAirCardExpressCardtobecome
jammedinsidethecardslot.
•TheAirCardExpressCardshouldfiteasilyintoyour
ExpressCardslot.ForcingtheAirCardExpressCardintoa
slotmaydamageconnectorpins.
•Protectthecardfromliquids,dust,andexcessiveheat.
•Whennotinstalledinyourcomputer,storetheAirCard
ExpressCardinitscarrycase.
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 23
6
6: Watcher Basics
• Starting and closing
Watcher
• Components of the
Watcher Window
• Interpreting icons
• Online Help
• Troubleshooting
• Using an external
antenna
Watcheristheapplicationthatallowsyoutomanageand
monitortheconnectionbetweentheAirCardExpressCardand
theCDMAnetwork.YouuseWatcherto:
•Determineyoursignalstrength,roamingstatus,3Ghigh‐
speeddataavailability,andothernetworkconnection
parameters
•Initiatedatacalls
•Viewcallstatistics
•ReceiveandsendSMSmessages
•Customizefeaturesandoptions
DependingonWatchersettings,youmaybeabletoconnectto
theCDMAnetworkwithoutstartingWatcher—simplyby
launchingwhateverapplicationyouwanttouse(suchasyour
webbrowserore‐mailapplication).However,Watcherandits
iconinthesystemtraywon’tbeavailableforyoutomonitor
thestatusoftheconnection.
Starting and closing Watcher
DependingonyoursettingsintheOptionswindow,Watcher
launchesautomaticallyanytimeyouinserttheAirCard
ExpressCard.YoucanalsolaunchWatcherby:
•Double‐clickingtheWatchericon onyourdesktop
•Selecting:
InWindowsXP:Start > All Programs > Sierra Wireless >
3G Wireless Module > EVDO Watcher
InWindows2000:Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless >
3G Wireless Module > EVDO Watcher
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Watcher Basics
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 24
ThestandardWindowscontrolbuttonsintheupperright
cornerofthewindowareusedtominimizeorcloseWatcher.
Whenminimized,Watcherdoesnotappearasataskbar
button.Instead,aniconisshowninthesystemtray,usuallyat
therightendofthetaskbar.(See“Minimizedicons”on
page 28.)
Components of the Watcher
window
Thewindowhasthreeareasthatdisplaymessagesandicons:
theConnectionStatusArea(page 26),CallStatusArea
(page 27),andIndicatorArea(page 28).Theseareasareshown
inFigure 6‐1thatfollows.
Amenubarislocatedontheupperleftsideofthewindow.
Windowscontrolbuttonsareinthetoprightcorner.
Figure 6-1: Watcher window
Foradetaileddescriptionofeachoptioninthemenus,seethe
onlinehelp.
Window controls
•TheMinimizebuttonclosestheWatcherwindowbutleaves
theapplicationrunning.WhenWatcherisminimized,you
canusetheWatchericoninthesystemtraytodetermine
theAirCardExpressCardstatus.(Seepage 28.)Thisicon
replacesataskbarbuttonforWatcher.
Onceminimized,youcanredisplaytheWatcherwindow
byselectingtheWatchericoninthesystemtray.Youcan
alsorestorethewindowbydouble‐clickingthedesktop
shortcutorlaunchingWatcherfromtheStartmenu.
ToggleFull/Compactbutton
ClosebuttonMinimizebutton
Menubar
ConnectionStatusArea
CallStatusArea
Indicatorarea Button
Manager
Connection
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
25 2130755
•TheToggle Full/Compactbuttonisusedtoswitch
betweenthefullWatcherwindowandthecompactview:
Thecompactviewallowsyoutoseeconnectionstatusand
indicatorswhileusinglessspaceonthedesktop.
Tomakedataconnections,disconnect,oraccessWatcher
features,youmustusefullview.Toreturntofullview,
selecttheviewtogglebuttoninthetopright.
•TheClosebuttonisusedtoexitWatcher.
Docking
YoucansettheWatcherwindowto“jump”totheedgeofyour
screenwhenyoumovethewindowclosetoanedge.Thislets
youeasilypositionWatcherinacornerofthescreen.
•SelectVIEW > Docking
Always On Top
YoucansetWatchertoalwaysdisplayinfrontofother
windows.Thisallowsyoutomonitorconnectionstatuswhile
usinganothermaximizedapplication,suchasyourweb
browser.
•SelectVIEW > Always On Top
Interpreting icons
Watchermakesextensiveuseoficonstoindicatestatusand
events.Thevariousiconsaredescribedinthefollowing
sectionsonthedisplayareasofWatcher.
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Watcher Basics
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 26
Connection Status Area
TheConnectionStatusAreausestheiconsshowninthe
followingtable.
Table 6-1: Connection Status Area icons
Icon Meaning
AirCard ExpressCard not detected (displayed in the left part of the
Connection Status Area).
The Signal Strength indicator (displayed in the left part of the
Connection Status Area) 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 bars are dimmed and the antenna icon is crossed out, no
connection is possible for one of these reasons:
•You are outside the CDMA network coverage area
•The signal strength is too weak
•A network or account problem is preventing the AirCard
ExpressCard from obtaining service
Indicates whether 1xEV-DO Rev. A is available in this area.
Indicates whether 1xEV-DO Rev. 0 is available in this area.
Indicates whether 1X is available in this area. (Not displayed if 1xEV-DO
is available).
The Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the
network of a service provider other than your own.
When the indicator is off (gray), you are within the local coverage area
of your service provider. When the indicator is on (solid black), you are
in a “preferred” roaming area. When the indicator is blinking, you are
within the coverage area of a CDMA network but not in a “preferred”
roaming area.
Your coverage area and account charges depend upon your service
provider and the type of account you have. There may be surcharges
for roaming service that vary based on whether you are in a preferred or
non-preferred roaming area. If there is no roaming agreement between
your service provider and the local carrier, you may be unable to
complete calls.
The In Use indicator shows whether a call is in progress. No icon is displayed when
the AirCard ExpressCard is idle. Otherwise, one of these icons is displayed:
A high-speed (1xEV-DO Rev. A) packet data call is in progress.
A high-speed (1xEV-DO Rev. 0) packet data call is in progress.
A high-speed (1X) packet data call is in progress.
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
27 2130755
Call Status Area
TheCallStatusAreadisplaysmessagesrelatedtothestatusor
progressofaconnection.
Whereadurationtimerisshown,timingbeginswhenthecall
isinitiated—notfromthetimethecallisfullyconnected.This
isameasureofthetimetheAirCardExpressCardhasbeen
usingtheradiochannel(awirelessnetworkresource).
“Click this display to exit PowerSave mode”indicatesthatthe
AirCardExpressCardcouldnotfindasystemwithina
15 minuteinterval.Toconservepower,theAirCard
ExpressCardreduceschannelscanningtoonceeverythree
minutes.ToforcetheAirCardExpressCardoutofPowerSave
mode,clickintheCallStatusArea.TheAirCardExpressCard
performsachannelscanand,ifnonetworkisdetected,returns
toPowerSavemode.
A circuit switched data call is in progress.
A high-speed (1X or 1xEV-DO) packet data connection is dormant; the
radio channel has been released. You can resume data transmission
without the need of re-establishing the connection.
Some applications may not be able to function on a dormant
connection.
A fatal error has occurred and the AirCard ExpressCard is inoperable.
1. Close Watcher.
2. Safely eject and remove your AirCard ExpressCard.
3. Re-insert your AirCard ExpressCard.
4. Restart Watcher.
5. If this icon is still displayed, restart your computer.
Table 6-1: Connection Status Area icons (continued)
Icon Meaning
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Watcher Basics
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 28
Indicator area
TheIndicatorareadisplaysaniconthatnotifiesyouwhenyou
receiveSMSmessages.Theiconisblackwhen“on”andgray
when“off”.
Minimized icons
WatcherdisplaysaniconintheWindowssystemtray(which
isusuallylocatedinthelowerrightcornerofyourscreen).The
systemtrayiconindicatesyourconnectionstatusornotifies
youwhenyouhaveSMSmessages.
Onlyoneiconcanbedisplayedatatime.Thepriorityoficons,
fromhighesttolowest,is:
•SMSmessage(s)
•Activeorinactiveconnection.
Forexample,ifyouhaveunreadSMSmessages,andthen
establishadataconnection,theiconstilldisplaysasanunread
SMSmessage.
Table 6-2: Indicator Area icons
Icon Meaning
The SMS message indicator shows whether you have
unread messages. A blinking icon indicates that there are
one or more urgent or important unread messages.
To display the SMS Express window (in which the
messages are displayed) select TOOLS >
SMS Express… or double-click the icon.
Table 6-3: System tray icons
Icon Meaning
You are in service on the network but have no active data
connection.
The number of red bars indicates the signal strength.
You have an active data connection.
The number of green bars indicates the signal strength.
You are not in service on the CDMA network.
You have a new SMS message.
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29 2130755
Online Help
Watcherincludesextensiveonlinehelptoprovideoperating
hintsandstep‐by‐stepinstructionsforgettingthemostfrom
yourAirCardExpressCard.
Youcanaccessonlinehelpinseveralways:
•Press<F1>inanywindow.
•ClicktheHintsbuttonavailableinmanywindows.
•UseWindowsExplorertonavigatetoProgram Files >
Sierra Wireless > 3G Wireless Module > Generic > Watcher.chm.
Double‐clicktoopenthehelpfile.
Thehelpfilehasatableofcontents,anindex,andsearch
capabilities.
Troubleshooting
Theonlinehelpincludesdescriptionsofmostcommonerror
messages.LookinthetableofcontentsunderTroubleshooting.
Forhelpwithotherproblems:
•ConsulttheSierraWirelesswebsiteat
www.sierrawireless.com,whereyouwillfindanextensive
knowledgebasethatcanbesearchedtoaddressmost
problems,andtheInstallationTroubleshootingwizard(in
theSupportsection).
•Contactyourserviceprovider.
Using an external antenna
Youcanimprovethesignalstrength,byattachinganexternal
antenna(soldseparately).
Toattachtheexternalantenna:
1. RemovetheExpressCardfromyourcomputer.
2. Removetherubbercap(locatedonthethickendofthe
card).
3. Holdingtheantennacablebytheconnector(end)part,
carefullypushtheconnectorpartofthecableintothe
correspondingconnectorontheAirCardExpressCard.
(TheconnectorisonthethickendoftheAirCard
ExpressCard).
4. CarefullyinserttheExpressCardintoyourcomputer’s
cardslot.
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 30
7
7: Technical Specifications
•LED operation
•Radio frequency and
electrical
specifications
•Environmental
specifications
ThischapterdescribesthefunctionoftheLED,andprovides
technicalproductdatafortheAirCardExpressCard.
LED operation
TheAirCardExpressCardhastwoLEDlightbarsnearthe
antennaendofthecard.TheLEDlightbarsoperateasfollows:
Table 7-1: LED operation
LED behavior Indicates
9 9 Off The card has no power. You have
powered off the card (TOOLS >
Power Off Modem), or the card may
not be completely inserted into the
computer, or the computer may be
in suspend mode (which powers
down the card).
9N/a Red, slowly
blinking The card is powering up, or no
service is available.
See the online Help (“Not in
Service”).
9 9 Solid blue The card has power, has found a
signal, and is ready to connect.
9 9 Blue, slowly
blinking The card is sending or receiving
data—a 1X data session is in
progress.
9 9 Blue, blinking The card is sending or receiving
data—a 1x-EVDO (Rev. 0 or Rev.
A) data session is in progress.
9N/a Solid red An error has occurred, or no signal
was found. Eject the card (page 18)
and reinsert it.
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31 2130755
Radio frequency and electrical
specifications
Table 7-2: Radio frequency and electrical
specifications
Approvals Compliant with:
IS-2000 Release 1.0 (CDMA 1X)
IS-707-A Data, IS-856 (CDMA 1x-EVDO), IS-866,
IS-878, IS-890,
CDMA Developers Group
FCC (ID: N7NAC597E)
Industry Canada (ID: 2417C-AC597E)
Voltage +3.3 Vdc from ExpressCard slot
Current Maximum: 1 A
Typical data call current (talk mode):
370 mA (1X)
420 mA (1xEV-DO)
Standby: 50 mA (1xEV-DO/IS2000 hybrid
mode)
Transmitter
power 200 mW (+23 dBm)
Transmit PCS: 1805 to 1870 MHz
Cellular: 824 to 849 MHz
Receive PCS: 1715 to 1780 MHz
Cellular: 868 to 894 MHz
GPS: 1575.42 MHz
Channel
spacing 1.25 MHz
Frequency
stability ±150 Hz
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Technical Specifications
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 32
Environmental specifications
Table 7-3: Environmental specifications
Operating
temperature -30 to +60°C (ambient, outside PCMCIA
enclosure)
Storage
temperature -20 to +85°C
Humidity 95%, non-condensing
Vibration 147 m/s2 (15 G) sinusoidal vibration, 10 to
2000 Hz, 20 minute sweep, 12 cycles per axis,
3 axes for 36 cycles. 12 hours total test time
(non-operating)
Drop 30” (76.2 cm) on to vinyl covered concrete
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33 2130755
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 34
8
8: Regulatory Information
•Important safety/
compliance
information
•Information pertaining
to OEM customers Important safety/compliance
information
ThedesignoftheAirCard 597EExpressCardcomplieswith
U.S.FederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)and
IndustryCanada(IC)guidelinesrespectingsafetylevelsof
radiofrequency(RF)exposureforportabledevices,whichin
turnareconsistentwiththefollowingsafetystandardsprevi‐
ouslysetbyCanadian,U.S.andinternationalstandards
bodies:
•ANSI/IEEEC95.1‐1999,IEEEStandardforSafetyLevelswith
RespecttoHumanExposuretoRadioFrequencyElectromag‐
neticFields,3kHzto300GHz
•NationalCouncilonRadiationProtectionandMeasure‐
ments(NCRP)Report86,‐1986,BiologicalEffectsand
ExposureCriteriaforRadioFrequencyElectromagneticFields
•HealthCanada,SafetyCode6,1999,LimitsofHuman
ExposuretoRadiofrequencyElectromagneticFieldsinthe
FrequencyRangefrom3kHzto300GHz
•InternationalCommissiononNon‐IonisingRadiation
Protection(ICNIRP)1998,Guidelinesforlimitingexposureto
time‐varyingelectric,magnetic,andelectromagneticfields(up
to300GHz)
FCC ID:N7NAC597E
CAUTION:TheAirCard 597EExpressCardhasbeentestedfor
compliancewithFCC/ICRFexposurelimitsinthelaptop
computer(s)configurationswiththesideloadingExpressCard
slotandcanbeusedinlaptopcomputerswithsubstantially
similarphysicaldimensions,construction,andelectricaland
RFcharacteristics.ThisExpressCardmustnotbeco‐locatedor
operatedinconjunctionwithanyotherantennaortransmitter.
Useofthisdeviceinanyotherconfigurationmayexceedthe
FCCRFExposurecompliancelimit.Note:IfthisExpressCard
isintendedforuseinanyotherportabledevice,youare
responsibleforseparateapprovaltosatisfytheSARrequire‐
mentsofPart2.1093ofFCCrules.
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35 2130755
Whereappropriate,theuseoftheequipmentissubjecttothe
followingconditions:
WARNING (EMI) - United States FCC Information‐Thisequipment
hasbeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimitsfora
Class Bcomputingdeviceperipheral,pursuanttoPart15,22,
and24oftheFCCrules.Theselimitsaredesignedtoprovide
reasonableprotectionagainstharmfulinterferenceina
residentialinstallation.
Thisequipmentgenerates,uses,andcanradiateradio
frequencyenergyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordance
withtheinstructions,maycauseharmfulinterferencetoradio
communications.However,thereisnoguaranteethatinter‐
ferencewillnotoccurinaparticularinstallation.
Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmfulinterferencetoradioor
televisionreception,whichcanbedeterminedbyturningthe
equipmentoffandon,theuserisencouragedtotrytocorrect
theinterferencebyoneormoreofthefollowingmeasures:
•Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
•Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentand
receiver.
•Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferent
fromthattowhichthereceiverisconnected.
•Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnician
forhelp.
ThisdevicecomplieswithPart15oftheFCCRules.Operation
issubjecttothefollowingtwoconditions:
1. Thisdevicemaynotcauseharmfulinterference,and
2. Thisdevicemustacceptanyinterferencereceived,
includinginterferencethatmaycauseundesirable
operation.
FCCguidelinesstipulatethattheantennashouldbemorethan
1.7 cmfromtheuser.
ThehighestreportedSARvaluesoftheAirCard 597E
ExpressCardbySierraWirelessare:
1. Sepa ra tion distance of atleast1.8 cm needs tobe
maintainedtouser’slapwiththeAirCard 597E
ExpressCardinsertedintothebottomExpressCardslotof
the lap top co m p ute r (1.0 mW/g).
CAUTION:Anychangesormodificationsnotexpressly
approvedbySierraWirelesscouldvoidtheuser’sauthorityto
operatetheequipment.
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Regulatory Information
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 36
WARNING (EMI) - Canada‐Thisdigitalapparatusdoesnot
exceedtheClassBlimitsforradionoiseemissionsfromdigital
apparatusassetoutintheinterferencecausingequipment
standardentitledʺDigitalApparatusʺ,ICES‐003ofthe
DepartmentofCommunications.
Cetappareilnumériquerespecteleslimitesdebruitsradioélec‐
triquesapplicablesauxappareilsnumériquesdeClasseB
prescritesdanslanormesurlematérielbrouilleur:ʺAppareils
Numériquesʺ,NMB‐003édictéeparleministredesCommuni‐
cations.
IfyouhavepurchasedthisproductunderaUnitedStates
Governmentcontract,itshallbesubjecttorestrictionsasset
forthinsubparagraph(c)(1)(ii)ofDefenseFederalAcquisitions
Regulations(DFARs)Section252.227‐7013forDepartmentof
Defensecontracts,andassetforthinFederalAcquisitions
Regulations(FARs)Section52.227‐19forcivilianagency
contractsoranysuccessorregulations.Iffurthergovernment
regulationsapply,itisyourresponsibilitytoensure
compliancewithsuchregulations.
Information pertaining to OEM customers
TheAirCard 597EExpressCardhasbeengrantedmodular
approvalformobileapplications.Integratorsmayusethe
AirCard 597EExpressCardintheirfinalproductswithout
additionalFCC/ICcertificationiftheymeetthefollowing
conditions.Otherwise,additionalFCC/ICapprovalsmustbe
obtained.
1. Atleast20cmseparationdistancebetweentheantenna
andtheuser’sbodymustbemaintainedatalltimes.
2. TocomplywithFCC/ICregulationslimitingboth
maximumRFoutputpowerandhumanexposuretoRF
radiation,themaximumantennagainmustnotexceed
5.55 dB iinthe Cellular bandand 4.95 dBiin thePCS band.
3. TheAirCard 597EExpressCardanditsantennamustnot
becolocatedwithanyothertransmitterorantennawithin
ahostdevice.
4. Alabelmustbeaffixedtotheoutsideoftheendproduct
intowhichtheAirCard 597EExpressCardisembedded,
withastatementsimilartothefollowing:
ThisdevicecontainsTXFCCID:N7NAC597E.
ThisequipmentcontainsequipmentcertifiedunderIC:
2417C-AC597E.
5. Ausermanualwiththeendproductmustclearlyindicate
theoperatingrequirementsandconditionsthatmustbe
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
37 2130755
observedtoensurecompliancewithcurrentFCC/ICRF
exposureguidelines.
TheendproductwithanembeddedAirCard 597E
ExpressCardmustpasstheunintentionalemissiontestingand
properlyauthorizedperFCCPart15requirements.
Note: If this ExpressCard is intended for use in a portable device, you
are responsible for separate approval to satisfy the SAR requirements
of FCC Part 2.1093 and IC RSS-102.
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Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 38
A
Appendix A: Glossary
1X OneTimesRadioTransmissionTechnology(theʺonetimesʺ
referstothefrequencyspectrum).SupportsInternet
connectionswithdataratesupto153 Kbps.Actualspeed
dependsonthenetworkconditions.Compareto1x‐EVDO.
1x-EVDO Ahigh‐speedstandardforcellularpacketdatacommunica‐
tions.
Rev.AsupportsInternetconnectionswithdataratesupto
3.1 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and1.8 Mbps(uplink
tothenetwork).
Rev.0supportsInternetconnectionswithdataratesupto
2.4 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and153 Kbps(uplink
tothenetwork).
Averagedataratesare:forRev.A:450–800 Kbps(downlink
fromthenetwork)and300–400 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork);
forRev.0:400‐700 Kbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and
40‐80 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).
Actualspeeddependsonthenetworkconditions.Compareto
1X.
bps bitspersecond—Theactualdataspeedoverthetransmission
medium.
CDMA CodeDivisionMultipleAccess—Awidebandspread
spectrumtechniqueusedindigitalcellular,personalcommu‐
nicationsservices,andotherwirelessnetworks.Wide
channels(1.25 MHz)areobtainedthroughspreadspectrum
transmissions,thusallowingmanyactiveuserstosharethe
samechannel.Eachuserisassignedauniquedigitalcode,
whichdifferentiatestheindividualconversationsonthesame
channel.
CDMA 1X Alsoknownas1X,thisisahigh‐speedstandardforCDMA
cellularcommunications.
dormant ThepacketdataconnectionhasthelogicalPPPsessionleft
openwhiletheunderlyingphysicallink(theradiochannel)is
released.Whentrafficistoresume,aradiochannelis
re‐acquiredandtheoriginalPPPsessionresumes.
ESN ElectronicSerialNumber—Theuniquefirst‐generationserial
numberassignedtotheAirCardExpressCardforcellular
networkuse.ComparetoMEID.
ExpressCard™ Add‐inmemoryandcommunicationscardsforportable
computers.ExpressCardisatrademarkofthePCMCIA.
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
39 2130755
FCC FederalCommunicationsCommission—TheU.S.federal
agencythatisresponsibleforinterstateandforeigncommuni‐
cations.TheFCCregulatescommercialandprivateradio
spectrummanagement,setsratesforcommunicationsservices,
determinesstandardsforequipment,andcontrolsbroadcast
licensing.Consultwww.fcc.gov.
GPS GlobalPositioningSystem—Asystemthatusesaseriesof24
geosynchronoussatellitestoprovidenavigationaldata.
firmware SoftwarestoredinROMorEEPROM;essentialprogramsthat
remainevenwhenthesystemisturnedoff.Firmwareiseasier
tochangethanhardwarebutmorepermanentthansoftware
storedondisk.
host •Acomputerthatusesamodemorasimilardeviceto
answeracallingcomputer.
•Asourceordestinationinthecommunicationnetwork.
•Acomputerthatcontainsdataorfilestobeaccessedby
clientcomputers.Alsoknownasaserver.
IS InterimStandard—Afterreceivingindustryconsensus,the
TIAforwardsthestandardtoANSIforapproval.
IS-95 ThestandardforCDMA.
Kbps Kilobitspersecond—Actually1000,not1024,asusedin
computermemorysizemeasurementsofkilobytes.
LAN LocalAreaNetwork
LED LightEmittingDiode—Asemiconductordiodethatemits
visibleorinfraredlight.
MEID MobileEquipmentIdentifier—Theuniquesecond‐gener‐
ationserialnumberassignedtotheAirCardExpressCardfor
cellularnetworkuse.ComparetoESN.
MHz Mega‐Hertz—Onemillioncyclespersecond.
Mbps Megabitspersecond
packet Ashortfixed‐lengthblockofdata,includingaheader,thatis
transmittedasaunitinacommunicationsnetwork.
PCMCIA PersonalComputerMemoryCardInternationalAssoci‐
ation—TheorganizationthatstandardizesExpressCardsand
PC Cards.
PCS PersonalCommunicationsServices—Acellular
communicationinfrastructurethatusesadifferentfrequency
rangethanAMPS.
roaming Acellularsubscriberisinanareawhereserviceisobtained
fromacellularserviceproviderthatisnotthesubscriber’s
provider.
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Glossary
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 40
SMS Shortmessageservices—Afeaturethatallowsusersofa
wirelessdeviceonawirelessnetworktoreceiveortransmit
shortelectronicalphanumericmessages(upto160characters,
dependingontheserviceprovider).
system tray Usuallylocatedinthelowerrightcornerofyourscreen
TIA TelecommunicationsIndustryAssociation—Astandards‐
settingtradeorganization,whosemembersprovide
communicationsandinformationtechnologyproducts,
systems,distributionservicesandprofessionalservicesinthe
UnitedStatesandaroundtheworld.Consultwww.tiaonline.org.
VPN VirtualPrivateNetwork
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Rev 1.0 Dec.06 41
Index
Numerics
1X
description,9
indicator,26
1xEV‐DO
description,8
indicator,26
3G
description,8
indicator(1xEV‐DOand1X),26
A
account
activation,13
configuration,19
activation
overview,13
automated,20
manual,20
ActivationWizard,19
alwaysontop,25
antenna,external,29
automatedactivation,20
B
bands,frequency,10
C
callstatusarea,27
careandmaintenance,22
CDMA1X
description,9
indicator,26
CDMA1xEV‐DO
description,8
indicator,26
CDMAnetwork
3Gservices,8
frequencybands,10
serviceproviders,11
circuitswitcheddata
description,9
callindicator,27
closebutton,25
compactview,25
connectionstatus
indicator,28
connectionstatusarea,26
coverage,12
CSD
description,9
indicator,27
D
data
circuitswitched‐callindicator,27
circuitswitched‐description,9
dial‐up‐callindicator,27
dial‐up‐description,9
high‐speed,8
QNC,9
dial‐updata
description,9
callindicator,27
diskspacerequired,16
docking,25
dormant,27
drivers
description,11
E
EMIwarning,35
ESN,14
EVDO
description,8
indicator,26
externalantenna,29
F
FCC
ID,34
FCCcompliance,35
frequencybands,CDMAnetwork,10
fullview
description,24
togglebutton,25
H
hardware
inserting,17
removing,18
help,29
high‐speedpacketdata,8
I
I/Ospace(input/outputspace),16
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Index
Document 2130755. Rev 1.0 Dec.06 42
icons
connectionstatus,26
indicatorarea,28
minimized,28
systemtray,28
seealsoindicators
ID,FCC,34
inuseindicator,26
indicatorarea,28
indicators
1X,26
1xEV‐DO,26
circuit‐switcheddatacall,27
connectionstatus,28
SMSmessages,28,28
insertingtheAirCard,17
installation
hardware,17
software,15–18
troubleshootingwizard,29
interference,35
Internet,9
IRQ(interruptrequest),16
M
MEID,14
memoryrequired,16
minimizebutton,24
minimizedicons,28
MobileEquipmentIdentifier,14
N
notinserviceindicator,28
notices,regulatory,34
O
OEMcustomers,36
onlineHelp,29
operatinghints,29
operatingsystemssupported,15
OSsupported,15
P
packetdata,high‐speed,8
PowerSave,27
pre‐activation,13
Q
QNC,9
QuickNetConnect(QNC),9
R
regulatoryinformation,34
removingtheAirCard,18
requirements,system,15
roaming
definition,12
indicator,26
S
serviceindicator,28
signalstrength
indicator‐CDMAnetwork,26
SMSmessageindicator,28,28
software
overview,11
installation,15–18
statusarea
callstatusarea,27
connectionstatusarea,26
indicatorarea,28
Windowssystemtray,28
support,29
suspendmode,30
systemrequirements,15
systemtrayicons,28
T
taskbaricons,28
tips,operating,29
troubleshooting,29
V
virtualprivatenetwork,7
VPN,7
W
warning
EMI,35
Windowssystemtrayicons,28
Windows,versionssupported,15
wirelessExpressCard,8
wizard‐installationtroubleshooting,29
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AirCard® 597E ExpressCard - User Guide
43 2130755
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