Sierra Wireless C597 USB Modem User Manual Compass 597 User Guide for FCC submission

Sierra Wireless Inc. USB Modem Compass 597 User Guide for FCC submission

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2130948

Rev 1.0

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

22130948

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

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

delayed,corrupted(i.e.,haveerrors)orbetotallylost.

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

wirelessdevicessuchastheSierraWireless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that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. The Sierra Wireless

modem 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.

Preface

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 3

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

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 D442,170 D459,303

andotherpatentspending.

Thisproductincludes

technologylicensedfrom:

LicensedbyQUALCOMMIncorporatedunderoneormoreofthe

followingUnitedStatespatentsand/ortheircounterpartsinother

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

ManufacturedorsoldbySierraWirelessInc.oritsLicensees

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

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

42130948

Trademarks AirCardand“HeartoftheWirelessMachine”areregistered

trademarksofSierraWireless.WatcherisatrademarkofSierra

Wireless,registeredintheEuropeanCommunity.

SierraWireless,theSierraWirelesslogo,TRU‐Install,

TRU‐Locate,andtheredwavedesignaretrademarksofSierra

Wireless.

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

MacOSisatrademarkofAppleInc.,registeredintheU.S.and

othercountries.

PCCardandExpressCardaretrademarksofPCMCIA.

microSDisatrademarkofSDCardAssociation.

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

Incorporated.gpsOneisatrademarkofQUALCOMM

Incorporated.

InstallShield®isaregisteredtrademarkofMacrovisionCorpo‐

rationintheUnitedStatesofAmericaand/orothercountries.

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

Contact

Information

Additional

information and

updates

Forup‐to‐dateproductdescriptions,documentation,appli‐

cationnotes,firmwareupgrades,troubleshootingtips,and

pressreleases,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

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 5

Table of Contents

Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Feature summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Wireless USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

TRU-Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

TRU-Locate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CDMA 3G services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Additional Compass USB modem features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

System components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Your host computing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The Compass 597 USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The Compass USB modem drivers and enabling software . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CDMA service provider account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The CDMA wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

The Compass 597 software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Account activation and configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Compass USB modem installation procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

USB modem insertion and removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Inserting the Compass USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Removing the Compass USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

62130948

Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Account configuration procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Activation Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Manual activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Automated activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Watcher Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Starting and closing Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Components of the Watcher window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Window controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Always On Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Interpreting icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Connection Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Call Status Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Indicator area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Minimized icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using an external antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Important safety/compliance information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Contents

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 7

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

82130948

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 9

1: Introducing the Compass 597

USB modem

Note: This document applies to you, only if your wireless device is the

Compass 597 USB modem from Sierra Wireless. This document does

not apply, if you are using an AirCard®595 PC Card, AirCard 595U

USB modem, AirCard 597E ExpressCard, or a wireless device that is

built into your computer.

•Welcome

•Feature summary

•Package contents

•System components

Welcome

TheSierraWirelessCompass597USBmodemisadual‐band

wirelessUSBmodemforcellularandPCSnetworks,andthe

GPSfrequencyband.Itenhancesthefunctionalityofyour

mobilecomputingdevicebyadding2‐waymessagingand

high‐speedmobiledatainextendedareas,comparedto

wirelesslocalareanetworks.

ThisUSBmodemallowsyoutodothefollowing(subjectto

featureavailability),withoutusingawirelinephoneor

network:

•ConnecttotheInternet,VPNandcorporatenetworks

•Sendandreceivelargee‐mailmessages

•SendandreceiveSMSmessages

•Uselocation‐basedservices

•Conductvideo‐conferencing

•Accessstreaming,real‐timemedia

•Playgamesonline

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.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

10 2130948

Feature summary

Note: For step-by-step instruc-

tions to access features of the

Compass USB modem, consult

the online help available with

Watcher® (page 33).

TheCompassUSBmodemisdesignedtoprovideawiderange

ofcapabilitiesusingCDMAnetworktechnology.Implemen‐

tationofthesefeaturesdependsontheparticularservice

providerandaccountfeaturesyouhavechosen.

Somefeaturesdescribedinthismanualmaynotbesupported

byyourserviceproviderormaynotbeavailablewithyour

networkaccount.Fordetailsoftheservicesandaccounts

available,contactyourserviceprovider.

Wireless USB modem

Onceinstalledandconfigured,theCompassUSBmodemcan

connecttotheCDMAnetworkautomatically.Youjustinsert

theCompassUSBmodem,allowWatchertoautolaunchand

authenticateyouraccountonthenetwork,thenlaunchyour

Internetbrowser(whichyoucanalsoconfigureinWatcherto

launchautomatically)—you’reonline!

Alternatively,youcanmakeahigh‐speeddataconnection

withoutrunningWatcher—simplybylaunchingwhatever

applicationyouwanttouse(suchasyourwebbrowseror

e‐mailapplication).Prerequisites:youmusthavepreviously

selected,inWatcher,“Enable NIC for Data Connection”(subjectto

featureavailability).

TheCompassUSBmodemalsoallowsyoutodialupamodem

(suchasacorporateserver).

TRU-Install

TRU‐Install™isaSierraWirelessfeaturethatinstallsthe

necessarysoftwareanddriversthefirsttimeyouinsertthe

CompassUSBmodemintoyourWindowsorMaccomputer.

AninstallationCDisnotrequired.

TRU-Locate

WithTRU‐Locate™,youcanuselocation‐basedservicesto

query,forexample,thenetworkforinformationonpointsof

interestthatarenearyourcurrentlocation,ordisplaydriving

instructions.

Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 11

CDMA 3G services

TheCompassUSBmodemoperatesoveratypeofwireless

networkcalledCDMA (CodeDivisionMultipleAccess).

CDMA 3Gtechnologyprovidesavarietyofconnectivity

features,dependingonyourserviceproviderandaccount:

•1x‐EVDORev.AsupportsInternetconnectionswithdata

ratesupto3.1 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and

1.8 Mbps(uplinktothenetwork).Averagedataratesare

450‐800 Kbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and

300‐400 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).Actualspeed

dependsonthenetworkconditions.

•1x‐EVDORev.0supportsInternetconnectionswithdata

ratesupto2.4 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and

153 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).Averagedataratesare

400‐700 Kbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and

40‐80 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).Actualspeeddepends

onthenetworkconditions.

•1XsupportsInternetconnectionswithdataratesupto

153 Kbps.Actualspeeddependsonthenetworkcondi‐

tions.

Oncetheconnectionisestablished,youcanopenyourbrowser

andconnecttoanywebsitethatisaccessiblethroughthe

Internet,oraccessotherInternetservices(suchase‐mail).

Theconnectionis“active”whendatatransmissionis

occurring.Ifdatatransmissionstopsforaperiodoftime

(determinedbythenetwork),theconnectionbecomes

dormant.

•Circuitswitched(dial‐up)data,usingtheearlierCDMA

IS‐95specification,supportsdataconnectionstoanydial‐

inserviceatratesupto14.4 Kbps.

•QNC (QuickNetConnect)providesasimplifiedwayto

dialintoanInternetconnection(usingcircuitswitched

data)where3G(1xEV‐DOor1X)high‐speedpacket

serviceisnotavailable.

•SMS (ShortMessageService)allowsyoutosendand

receiveshorttextmessagesusingtheCompassUSB

modem.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

12 2130948

Additional Compass USB modem

features

BeyondthefeaturesoftheCDMAnetwork,theCompassUSB

modemprovidesadditionalsoftwarefeatures:

•PINsecuritycodetoprotectyourCompassUSBmodem

andaccountfromunauthorizeduse.

•AnActivationWizard(page 23)toassistwithconfiguring

yourCDMAaccount.

•SoundoptionstocustomizeringtonesforSMSmessages.

•ACallLogtotrackoutgoingcallsanddeterminethe

amountofdatatransferred.

TheCompassUSBmodemhasamicroSD™slotthatcanbe

used,withamicroSDcard(soldseparately),forfiletransferor

storage.

Package contents

YourCompassUSBmodempackagecontainsthefollowing

components:

•Compass597USBmodem

•USBextensioncable

•Notebookclip(toattachtheCompassUSBmodemtoyour

screen,ifdesired)

•QuickStartGuide

ToinstalltheCompassUSBmodemdriversandsoftware,you

donotneedaninstallationCD.YourCompassUSBmodem

usestheSierraWirelessTRU‐Installfeature.Thedriversand

softwareareinstalledwhenyouinserttheCompassUSB

modemintoyourcomputer.

System components

YourCompass597USBmodemisjustonepartofasystem

designedtoprovideyouwithawiderangeofcommunication

features.Everycomponentofthesystemisneededtoenable

thesecapabilities.

Introducing the Compass 597 USB modem

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 13

Your host computing device

YournotebookordesktopcomputerhoststheCompassUSB

modemhardwareandrunsthecommunicationsoftware:your

webbrowserore‐mailapplication,andWatcher—theenabling

softwarefortheCompassUSBmodem.

Youmayalsohaveothersoftwareonyourcomputerthatcan

beusedwirelesslywiththeCompassUSBmodem,suchas:file

transferapplications(FTP),chatorinstantmessaging,aVPN

(VirtualPrivateNetwork)client,clientsoftwareforacorporate

serverapplication.

The Compass 597 USB modem

TheCompassUSBmodemprovidesyourcomputerwitha

connectiontotheCDMAwirelessnetwork.

TheCompassUSBmodemfitsintoaUSBslotavailableon

mostnotebookanddesktopPCs.

EveryCDMAnetworkoperatesononeofthreeradio

frequencybands.Asadual‐bandproduct,theCompassUSB

modemoperatesontwoofthesebands(seepage 36),

providingawidecoveragearea.

The Compass USB modem drivers and

enabling software

TheCompassUSBmodemdriversandenablingsoftware

(Watcher)monitorandmanageyourwirelessconnections.

YourCompassUSBmodemusestheSierraWireless

TRU‐Installfeature—thedriversandsoftwareareinstalled

whenyouinserttheCompassUSBmodemintoyour

computer.

ThedevicedriversoftwareenablestheCompassUSBmodem

toworkwithyourcomputer’soperatingsystem.

UsingtheWatchersoftware,youcanmanagethe

CompassUSBmodemandmonitoryourconnections.For

step‐by‐stepinstructionstoaccessfeaturesofWatcher,usethe

application’sonlinehelp.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

14 2130948

CDMA service provider account

CompaniesthatoperateCDMAnetworksandprovideaccess

tothesenetworksarecalledserviceproviders.Tousethe

CompassUSBmodem,youmusthaveanaccountwitha

CDMAserviceprovider.

Note: You can use the Lock

Modem feature to prevent others

from using your account, should

your Compass USB modem be

stolen. For information on this

feature, see the online help.

Eachserviceproviderhasitsownpricingoptions.Theremay

beflatrateaccounts,whichprovideyouamaximumnumber

ofminutesofnetworkusageforafixedmonthlyfee.There

maybeaccountsforwhichyouarechargedfornetworkusage

bytheminuteorbytheamountofdatatransmitted.

Youraccountmayincludeavarietyofotherservicessuchas

SMSmessagingorlocation‐basedservices.

EachCompassUSBmodemhasbeenprovisionedatthe

factoryforusewithaparticularserviceprovider.Thissetsthe

CompassUSBmodemtouseparticularradiochannelsand

enablesservicesspecificforthatprovider.

Theprocessofsettingupyouraccountiscalledactivation.

Activationinvolvesactionbytheserviceproviderandconfigu‐

rationoftheCompassUSBmodem.

Theproceduretoconfigure(activate)yourCompassUSB

modemiscoveredin“Activation”onpage 23.

The CDMA wireless network

Note: More information about

CDMA networks is available on

the CDMA Development Group

web site,

www.cdg.org

Thisistheworldwideinfrastructureprovidingtheradio

coveragethatallowsyoutostayconnected.Madeupofradio

towersandavarietyofnetworkswitches,routers,andservers,

thenetworkisaninterconnectionofmanyserviceproviders.

Note: Most service providers

have coverage maps on their

web sites.

ThereareCDMAnetworksthatoperateinthefrequencybands

supportedbytheCompassUSBmodemthroughoutNorth

AmericaandpartsofLatinAmerica,Asia,andNewZealand.

However,eachserviceprovideroperatesanetworkthatcovers

alimitedgeographicalareawithintheoverallCDMAcoverage

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).

Mostserviceprovidershave“roaming”agreementswithother

serviceproviders,sothattheycanofferserviceoutsideofthe

coverageareaoftheirownnetworks.Forexample,assuming

youliveinVancouver(Canada),andtravelfrequentlyto

Seattle(UnitedStates),youcanobtainanaccountwitha

Vancouverserviceproviderthathasaroamingagreementwith

aserviceproviderinSeattle.Youwouldthenhavelocalservice

inVancouver,androamingserviceinSeattle.

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 15

2: Getting Started

•The Compass 597

software

•Account activation and

configuration

BeforeyoucanbeginusingtheCompassUSBmodem,you

must:

1. InserttheCompassUSBmodem,toinstalltheenabling

softwareanddrivers.

2. ActivateanaccountandconfiguretheCompassUSB

modemtouseyouraccount(unlesstheCompassUSB

modemhasbeenpre‐activated).

Thissectionprovidesanoverviewofthisprocess.

The Compass 597 software

TheCompassUSBmodemcomeswiththefollowingsoftware:

•Watcherapplicationthatyouusetomanagethe

CompassUSBmodemandmonitoryourconnections

•Thedriversoftwarethatprovidestheinterfacebetween

theCompassUSBmodemandyourWindowsoperating

system

DetailedinstructionsforinstallingtheCompassUSBmodem

anditssoftwareareprovidedin“Installation”onpage 17.

Account activation and

configuration

TousetheCompassUSBmodem,youmusthaveanaccount

withaCDMAserviceprovider.Theprocessofsettingupan

accountiscalledactivation.

IfyoupurchasedtheCompassUSBmodemdirectlyfroma

serviceprovider,youmayalreadyhaveanaccount;your

CompassUSBmodemmaybepre‐activated.

Otherwise,runWatcherandtheActivationWizard,which

guidesyouthroughtheactivationandconfigurationprocess.

(Dependingonyourconfiguration,WatcherandtheActivation

Wizardmaystartautomatically.)

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

16 2130948

ConfiguringtheCompassUSBmodeminvolvessettingthe

phonenumberassignedbyyourserviceproviderandmay

involveenteringothernetworkparametersandsettingssuch

asausernameandpasswordtoaccessservices.

Yourserviceproviderneedstoknow:

•Thebillinginformationtousetocollectpaymentforyour

networkusage.

•TheESN (ElectronicSerialNumber)orMEID(Mobile

EquipmentIdentifier)assignedtoyourCompassUSB

modemduringthemanufacturingprocess.(TheESNor

MEIDisprintedonalabelontheCompassUSBmodem

andcanbedisplayedinWatcher.)Thisnumberisusedto

helpauthenticateyouraccountwhenyouconnectfor

service.

Yourequirefromyourserviceprovider:

•Anactivationcodethatgivesyouaccesstoconfigurethe

account.

•AphonenumberforyourCompassUSBmodem.

•Additionalinformationspecifictoyourserviceprovider

suchas:

·AuserID(username)andpasswordtoauthenticateyour

networkconnection.

·ASID(SystemIDentifier)thatidentifiesyourhome

networkareaandisusedtogetherwithyourphone

numbertodetermineifyouare“home”or“roaming”.

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 17

3: Installation

•System requirements

•Installation

•Inserting the

Compass USB

modem

•Removing the

Compass USB

modem

Thischapterguidesyouthroughthestepsnecessarytoinstall

theCompassUSBmodemonanotebookordesktopcomputer.

Thebasicstepsare:

1. InserttheCompassUSBmodemintotheUSB

slot (page 20)toinstalltheCompassUSBmodemdrivers

andtheWatchersoftware.

2. IftheCompassUSBmodemhasnotbeenpre‐activated,

usetheActivationWizardtoconfiguretheCompassUSB

modem(asdescribedin“Activation”onpage 23).

Beforeyoubegintheinstallationprocess,ensureyourPCis

runningasupportedoperatingsystemandmeetsthe

hardwarerequirementsdescribedinthenextsection.

System requirements

TheCompassUSBmodemissupportedonnotebookand

desktopPCsrunning:

•WindowsVista

•Windows XP(HomeandProfessionalversions)with

ServicePack 2

•Windows2000withServicePack4androll‐up1

•MacOSX(supportedthroughtheWatcherLite

software—installedwhenyouinserttheCompassUSB

modemintoyourMac).Fordetailedinstallationinstruc‐

tions,downloadtheQuickStartGuidefromtheSupport

sectionofwww.sierrawireless.com)

Installation

18 2130948

ToinstalltheCompassUSBmodemonaWindowscomputer,

yourequirethesesystemresources:

Compass USB modem

installation procedures

Note: Users of Windows Vista and Windows 2000 must be logged in

with administrative privileges to install the Compass USB modem

software. Users of Windows XP may require administrative privi-

leges, depending on the Windows XP installation.

ToinstallWatcherandtheCompassUSBmodemdrivers:

Note: Do not forcefully insert the

Compass USB modem. This

may damage the connector pins.

1. InserttheCompassUSBmodemintoyourUSBslot(as

describedin“InsertingtheCompassUSBmodem”on

page 20).

2. Ifyou’rerunningWindowsVista,intheAutoPlaywindow

clickSierra Wireless Watcher Installation.

TheSoftwareInstallationWizardshouldstartautomati‐

cally.

3. Intheinstallationwindow,clickNext.

4. IftheOpen With...windowappears,canceltheinstallation

(yourcomputerismissingsomefilesrequiredforthe

installation).SearchforInstmsiw.exe(ifyou’rerunning

Windows2000)amongthedownloadsat

www.microsoft.com.Installthefileonyourcomputer,

removetheCompassUSBmodemfromyourcomputer,

thenreruntheCompassUSBmodeminstallation.

5. IftheIkernel Application Errorwindowappears:

a)Canceltheinstallation.

b)Downloadthefile:

http://support.installshield.com/kb/files/Q108312/

ikernelupdate.exe.

Table 3-1: System resource requirements

USB slots One USB slot

I/O resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space

Memory 32 MB

Disk space 32 MB

Installation

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 19

c)Installthefileonyourcomputer,removetheCom‐

passUSBmodemfromyourcomputer,thenrerunthe

CompassUSBmodeminstallation.

6. UsetheNextandBackbuttonstonavigatethroughthe

wizardnotingthefollowing:

·Toproceedwiththeinstallation,youmustclickI accept

the terms in the license agreement toindicateyouraccep‐

tanceofthetermsofthelicenseagreement.

·UsethedefaultsettingsfortheDestination Folderunless

youhavespecialrequirementsandanadvancedunder‐

standingofPCconfiguration.(TheDestinationFolder

dictateswherethesoftwareisinstalled.)

WindowsdetectstheCompassUSBmodemandinstalls

thedriversforit.Thismaytakeafewminutes.Oncecom‐

pleted,thesystemtraymaydisplaythemessage“Your

devicesarereadytouse“or“Yournewhardwareis

installedandreadytouse”:

7. Whenyouarenotifiedthattheinstallationiscomplete,

clickFinish.

8. IfWatcherhasnotstartedautomatically,startit:double‐

clicktheWatchericononyourdesktop.

ProceedtoconfiguretheCompassUSBmodemtouseyour

account(ifitwasnotpre‐activated).See“Activation”on

page 23.

Installation

20 2130948

USB modem insertion and

removal

Inserting the Compass USB modem

ToinserttheCompassUSBmodemintoacomputer:

1. GentlyinsertthemodemintotheUSBslot.Alternatively,

youcanattachtheUSBextensioncable(includedinyour

package)orthedockingstation(soldseparately)toyour

computer’sUSBslot,andinserttheCompassUSBmodem

intotheUSBextensioncableordockingstation.

Note: If your computer’s USB slot is vertical, use the USB extension

cable or docking station.

Do not insert the modem into a USB hub or a USB slot on a keyboard.

Warning: If the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or the

thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the

modem’s end or side (as shown by the red circle in the drawing

below), you may damage the modem or your computer. In such

cases, do not insert the modem directly into your computer’s USB

slot; use the USB extension cable or docking station instead.

WhenyouinserttheCompassUSBmodem,thefollowing

shouldoccur:

•Themodem’spowerLEDbecomeslit.

•Ifsoundeffectsareenabled,thePCbeeps.

•ThePC Cardiconappearsinthesystemtray,ifitisnot

alreadydisplayedforanotherdevice(andunlessthe

featurehasbeendisabled).

•Watcherlaunches(unlesstheautolaunchfeaturehasbeen

disabled).

Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000

Installation

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 21

TheCompassUSBmodemispoweredassoonasyouinsertit.

Removing the Compass USB modem

ToremovetheCompassUSBmodem:

1. CloseWatcherifitisopen.

2. ClickthePC Cardiconinthesystemtraytodisplaythe

optiontostopthedevice.

3. Clicktheentryfor“NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller”

or“Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller“.

4. Ifadialogboxappearsnotifyingyouthatitissafeto

removethedevice,clickOK.

5. Pullthemodemoutoftheslotbygrippingbothsidesof

themodemandpullingthemodemstraightout.

Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000

Installation

22 2130948

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 23

4: Activation

•Account configuration

procedures

•Manual activation

• Automated activation Account configuration

procedures

ThefinalsteptomakingtheCompassUSBmodemoperational

isconfiguringittouseyourCDMAserviceprovideraccount.

TheprocessofactivationconfiguresyourCompassUSB

modemwiththerequiredaccountparameters(phonenumber,

username,password,andsoon).

Ifyoupurchasedapre‐activatedCompassUSBmodem,this

stepisnotnecessary.Oncetheapplicationsoftwareand

driversareinstalled,theCompassUSBmodemisreadyfor

use.

Otherwise,youmustusetheActivationWizardtoactivateand

configureyouraccount.

Activation Wizard

TheActivationWizardwalksyouthroughtheprocessof

configuringanaccount.Theprocessandoptionsvarybasedon

theserviceprovider.

Thissectionisaguideonly.ConsulttheQuickStartGuide,and

followthedirectionsonscreenandinstructionsgivenbyyour

serviceproviderrepresentative.

IfyourCompassUSBmodemdoesnothaveanactivated

account,andWatcherhasstartedautomatically,thenthe

ActivationWizardshouldstartautomatically.Ifthisdoesnot

happen:

1. EnsureWatcherisrunning.Ifitisnot,double‐clickthe

Watchericononyourdesktop.

2. StarttheActivationWizard:selectTools > Activation Wizard.

TobeginactivationoftheCompassUSBmodem,selectthe

method(describedinthefollowingsections)andclickNext.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

24 2130948

Manual activation

Activationinvolvesphoningyourserviceprovider,

exchanginginformation,andenteringyouraccountinfor‐

mationintotheappropriatefieldsinthewizard.(Tousethis

method,yourequireaphone.)

Tousemanualactivation,usetheNextandBackbuttonsto

navigatethroughthewizard,notingthefollowing:

•Prepareyourbillinginformation,beforeyouphonethe

serviceproviderorproceedtothenextwindow.

•Contactyourserviceprovider.Informyourservice

providerthatyouareactivatingyourSierraWireless

Compass597USBmodem.Therepresentativewillrequest

yourESN (ElectronicSerialNumber)orMEID.Thisis

displayedintheActivationWizard(andisprintedonthe

CompassUSBmodemboxandonthelabelonthebackof

theCompassUSBmodem).

•Aspromptedbythewizard,entertheinformation

providedbytheservicerepresentative.

•SelectFinishinthefinalwindowofthewizard.

OncompletionoftheActivationWizard,theCompassUSB

modemisreadyforuse.Thefollowingchaptersexplainhow

touseWatchertomanageandmonitoryourconnections.

Automated activation

Touseautomatedactivation:

1. SelecttheAutomated ActivationradiobuttonandclickNext.

2. Thewizardadvisesthatitwillmakeanetworkconnection,

dialingthedisplayednumber.Leavethenumber

unchangedunlesstoldbyatechnicalservicerepresen‐

tativetoenteradifferentvalue.ClickNext.

3. Followanyinstructionsorpromptsprovidedtoactivate

theUSBmodem.

WatcherdisplaystheactivationprogressintheCallStatus

Area.Whentheprocessiscompleteyoushouldseethe

message“Ready to Connect”.

Note: If you do not get the “Ready to Connect” message, retry the

process. If the process continues to fail, use manual activation

(page 24) or contact your service provider.

AtthispointyourCompassUSBmodemisreadytouse.

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 25

5: Care and Maintenance of Your

Compass USB modem

Aswithanyelectronicdevice,theCompassUSBmodemmust

behandledwithcaretoensurereliableoperation.Followthese

guidelinesinusingandstoringtheCompassUSBmodem:

•TheCompassUSBmodemshouldfiteasilyintoyourUSB

slot.ForcingtheCompassUSBmodemintoaslotmay

damageconnectorpins.

•Wheninsertingorremovingthemodem,alwaysgripitby

thesidesratherthantheend.

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

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

CompassUSBmodeminasafeplace.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

26 2130948

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 27

6: Watcher Basics

• Starting and closing

Watcher

• Components of the

Watcher Window

• Interpreting icons

• Online Help

• Warranty

• Troubleshooting

• Using an external

antenna

Watcheristheapplicationthatallowsyoutomanageand

monitortheconnectionbetweentheCompassUSBmodem

andtheCDMAnetwork.YouuseWatcherto:

•Determineyoursignalstrength,roamingstatus,3Ghigh‐

speeddataavailability,andothernetworkconnection

parameters

•Initiatedatacalls

•Uselocation‐basedservices

•Viewcallstatistics

•ReceiveandsendSMSmessages

•Customizefeaturesandoptions

DependingonWatchersettings,youmaybeabletoconnectto

theCDMAnetworkwithoutstartingWatcher—simplyby

launchingwhateverapplicationyouwanttouse(suchasyour

webbrowserore‐mailapplication).However,Watcherandits

iconinthesystemtraywon’tbeavailableforyoutomonitor

thestatusoftheconnection.Location‐basedservicesalsowon’t

beavailable.

Starting and closing Watcher

DependingonyoursettingsintheOptionswindow,Watcher

launchesautomaticallyanytimeyouinserttheCompassUSB

modem.YoucanalsolaunchWatcherby:

•Double‐clickingtheWatchericon onyourdesktop

•Selecting:

InWindowsVistaorWindowsXP:Start > All Programs >

Sierra Wireless > Watcher > Watcher

InWindows2000:Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless >

Watcher > Watcher

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

28 2130948

ThestandardWindowscontrolbuttonsintheupperright

cornerofthewindowareusedtominimizeorcloseWatcher.

Whenminimized,Watcherdoesnotappearasataskbar

button.Instead,aniconisshowninthesystemtray,usuallyat

therightendofthetaskbar.(See“Minimizedicons”on

page 32.)

Components of the Watcher

window

Thewindowhasthreeareasthatdisplaymessagesandicons:

theConnectionStatusArea(page 30),CallStatusArea

(page 31),andIndicatorArea(page 32).Theseareasareshown

inFigure 6‐1thatfollows.

Amenubarislocatedontheupperleftsideofthewindow.

Windowscontrolbuttonsareinthetoprightcorner.

Figure 6-1: Watcher window

Foradetaileddescriptionofeachoptioninthemenus,seethe

onlinehelp.

Window controls

•TheMinimizebuttonclosestheWatcherwindowbutleaves

theapplicationrunning.WhenWatcherisminimized,you

canusetheWatchericoninthesystemtraytodetermine

theCompassUSBmodemstatus.(Seepage 32.)Thisicon

replacesataskbarbuttonforWatcher.

Onceminimized,youcanredisplaytheWatcherwindow

byselectingtheWatchericoninthesystemtray.Youcan

alsorestorethewindowbydouble‐clickingthedesktop

shortcutorlaunchingWatcherfromtheStartmenu.

Toggle Full/Compact button

Close buttonMinimize button

Menu bar

Connection Status Area

Call Status Area

Indicator area button

Disconnect

Connect/

Watcher Basics

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 29

•TheToggle Full/Compactbuttonisusedtoswitch

betweenthefullWatcherwindowandthecompactview:

Thecompactviewallowsyoutoseeconnectionstatusand

indicatorswhileusinglessspaceonthedesktop.Ifyou

right‐clickthecompactview,amenuisdisplayed.From

thismenuyoucanopensomeoftheotherWatcherwin‐

dowsorestablish/endadataconnection.

Toreturntofullview,selecttheviewtogglebuttoninthe

topright.

•TheClosebuttonisusedtoexitWatcher.

Docking

YoucansettheWatcherwindowto“jump”totheedgeofyour

screenwhenyoumovethewindowclosetoanedge.Thislets

youeasilypositionWatcherinacornerofthescreen.

•SelectView > Docking

Always On Top

YoucansetWatchertoalwaysdisplayinfrontofother

windows.Thisallowsyoutomonitorconnectionstatuswhile

usinganothermaximizedapplication,suchasyourweb

browser.

•SelectView > Always On Top

Interpreting icons

Watchermakesextensiveuseoficonstoindicatestatusand

events.Thevariousiconsaredescribedinthefollowing

sectionsonthedisplayareasofWatcher.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

30 2130948

Connection Status Area

TheConnectionStatusAreausestheiconsshowninthe

followingtable.

Table 6-1: Connection Status Area icons

Icon Meaning

Compass USB modem not detected.

You may be able to resolve this by doing one of the

following:

- Unlocking the modem (Tools > Unlock Modem)

- Powering the modem on (Tools > Turn Radio On)

- Ejecting the modem and re-inserting it

If this icon is still displayed, restart your computer.

The Signal Strength indicator uses bars to show the

intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars

increases as signal strength increases to a maximum

of five bars.

When the 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

Compass USB modem from obtaining service

1xEV-DO Rev. A icon.

1xEV-DO Rev. 0 icon.

1X icon.

When only the letters are displayed, you are within the

coverage area, but have not yet acquired the service.

Watcher Basics

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 31

Call Status Area

TheCallStatusAreadisplaysmessagesrelatedtothestatusor

progressofaconnection.

Whereadurationtimerisshown,timingbeginswhenthecall

isinitiated—notfromthetimethecallisfullyconnected.This

isameasureofthetimetheCompassUSBmodemhasbeen

usingtheradiochannel(awirelessnetworkresource).

“Click this display to exit PowerSave mode”indicatesthatthe

CompassUSBmodemcouldnotfindasystemwithina

15 minuteinterval.Toconservepower,theCompassUSB

modemreduceschannelscanningtoonceeverythreeminutes.

ToforcetheCompassUSBmodemoutofPowerSavemode,

clickintheCallStatusArea.TheCompassUSBmodem

performsachannelscanand,ifnonetworkisdetected,returns

toPowerSavemode.

When the indicator has a gray background, the network

connection is dormant. (You are connected, but there is

currently no traffic.)

When the indicator has a darker background, you have

a data connection on the wireless service.

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.

Table 6-1: Connection Status Area icons (continued)

Icon Meaning

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

32 2130948

Indicator area

TheIndicatorareadisplaysaniconthatnotifiesyouwhenyou

receiveSMSmessages,andaniconthatreflectstheGPSstatus.

Minimized icons

WatcherdisplaysaniconintheWindowssystemtray(which

isusuallylocatedinthelowerrightcornerofyourscreen).The

systemtrayiconindicatesyourconnectionstatusornotifies

youwhenyouhaveSMSmessages.

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.

If you position the mouse pointer over the GPS icon, the

ToolTip shows the GPS status (on or off) or, if a tracking

session is active, how many satellites are being tracked.

Double-click the icon to open the GPS Monitor window.

Table 6-3: System tray icons

Icon Meaning

Watcher cannot detect the modem. Ensure that the

modem is powered on, not locked, and properly

connected to your computer.

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 have a new SMS message.

Watcher Basics

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 33

Onlyoneiconcanbedisplayedatatime.Thepriorityoficons,

fromhighesttolowest,is:

•Nomodemdetected

•SMSmessage(s)

•Activeorinactiveconnection.

Forexample,ifyouhaveunreadSMSmessages,andthen

establishadataconnection,theiconstilldisplaysasanunread

SMSmessage.

Online Help

Watcherincludesextensiveonlinehelptoprovideoperating

hintsandstep‐by‐stepinstructionsforgettingthemostfrom

yourCompassUSBmodem.

Youcanaccessonlinehelpinseveralways:

•Press<F1>inanywindow.

•UseWindowsExplorertonavigatetoProgram Files >

Sierra Wireless Inc > 3G Watcher > Help > Watcher_ENU.chm.

Double‐clicktoopenthehelpfile.

Thehelpfilehasatableofcontents,anindex,andsearch

capabilities.

Warranty

Toaccessthewarranty(PDFfile):

•WindowsVistaorWindowsXP:selectStart > All Programs >

Sierra Wireless > Watcher > Warranty

•Windows2000:selectStart > Programs > Sierra Wireless >

Watcher > Warranty

Troubleshooting

Theonlinehelpincludesdescriptionsofmostcommonerror

messages.LookinthetableofcontentsunderTroubleshooting.

Forhelpwithotherproblems:

•ConsulttheSierraWirelesswebsiteat

www.sierrawireless.com,whereyouwillfindanextensive

knowledgebasethatcanbesearchedtoaddressmost

problems.

•Contactyourserviceprovider.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

34 2130948

Using an external antenna

Youcanimprovethesignalstrength,byattachinganexternal

antenna(soldseparately).

Toattachtheexternalantenna:

1. RemovetheUSBmodemfromyourcomputer.

2. Flipopenthetab(onthesideofthemodem).

3. Holdingtheantennacablebytheconnector(end)part,

carefullypushtheconnectorpartofthecableintothe

correspondingconnectorontheCompassUSBmodem.

4. CarefullyinserttheUSBmodemintoyourcomputer’sUSB

slot.

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 35

7: Technical Specifications

•LED operation

•Radio frequency and

electrical

specifications

•Environmental

specifications ThischapterdescribesthefunctionoftheLEDs,andprovides

technicalproductdatafortheCompassUSBmodem.

LED operation

TheCompassUSBmodemhastwoLEDlights.TheLEDs

operateasfollows:

Table 7-1: LED operation

LED State Indicates

Off The modem has no power. You have

powered off the modem (Tools > Turn Radio

Off), or the modem is not completely inserted

into the USB slot, or the computer is in

suspend mode (which powers down the

modem).

Blue, not

blinking The modem has power and is working

properly.

Blue,

blinking The modem’s firmware is being updated. Do

not remove the modem.

Amber,

blinking The modem is searching for service.

If this LED state persists, see the online Help

(“Not In Service“).

Amber, not

blinking An error has occurred. Remove the modem

(page 21) and reinsert it.

Off No service is available.

See the online Help (“Not in Service”).

Amber,

blinking 1X coverage is detected. Ready to connect

to the network (click Connect).

Amber, not

blinking The modem is connected to the 1X network,

and can send or receive data.

Blue,

blinking 1x-EVDO coverage (Rev. 0 or Rev. A) is

detected. Ready to connect to the network

(click Connect).

Blue, not

blinking The modem is connected to the 1x-EVDO

network, and can send or receive data.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

36 2130948

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 Development Group

FCC (ID: N7NC597)

Industry Canada (ID: 2417C-C597)

Voltage +5.0 Vdc from USB slot

Current Maximum: 550 mA (from USB port)

Typical data call current (talk mode):

330 mA (1X)

410 mA (1xEV-DO)

Standby: 60 mA (1xEV-DO/IS2000 hybrid

mode)

Transmitter

power 200 mW (+23 dBm)

Transmit PCS: 1850 to 1909.95 MHz

Cellular: 824.04 to 848.97 MHz

Receive PCS: 1930 to 1989.95 MHz

Cellular: 869.04 to 893.97 MHz

GPS: 1575.42 MHz

Channel

spacing 1.25 MHz

Frequency

stability ±150 Hz

Technical Specifications

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 37

Environmental specifications

Table 7-3: Environmental specifications

Operating

temperature -20 to +55°C

Storage

temperature -40 to +85°C

Humidity 95%, non-condensing

Vibration Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G

RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes.

Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a

total test time of 3 hours (non-operating)

Drop 1 m on concrete on each of 6 faces, 2 times

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

38 2130948

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 39

8: Regulatory Information

•Important safety/

compliance

information

Important safety/compliance

information

ThedesignoftheCompass597USBmodemcomplieswith

U.S.FederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)and

IndustryCanada(IC)guidelinesrespectingsafetylevelsof

radiofrequency(RF)exposureforportabledevices,whichin

turnareconsistentwiththefollowingsafetystandardsprevi‐

ouslysetbyCanadian,U.S.andinternationalstandards

bodies:

•ANSI/IEEEC95.1‐1999,IEEEStandardforSafetyLevelswith

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

neticFields,3kHz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)

FCC ID:N7NC597

CAUTION:TheCompass597USBmodemhasbeentestedfor

compliancewithFCC/ICRFexposurelimitsinthelaptop

computer(s)configurationswithahorizontalUSBslotandcan

beusedinlaptopcomputerswithsubstantiallysimilar

physicaldimensions,construction,andelectricalandRF

characteristics.ThisUSBmodemmustnotbeco‐locatedor

operatedinconjunctionwithanyotherantennaortransmitter.

Useofthisdeviceinanyotherconfigurationmayexceedthe

FCCRFExposurecompliancelimit.Note:IfthisUSBmodem

isintendedforuseinanyotherportabledevice,youare

responsibleforseparateapprovaltosatisfytheSARrequire‐

mentsofPart2.1093ofFCCrules.

NOTE:Ifyourcomputer’sUSBslotisvertical,usetheUSB

extensioncableordockingstation.Donotinsertthemodem

intoaUSBhuboraUSBslotonakeyboard.

WARNING:Iftheorientationofyourcomputer’sUSBslotorthe

thicknessofyourcomputeraresuchthatpressureisappliedto

themodem’sendorside,youmaydamagethemodemoryour

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

40 2130948

computer.Insuchcases,donotinsertthemodemdirectlyinto

yourcomputer’sUSBslot;usetheUSBextensioncableor

dockingstationinstead.

WARNING (EMI) - United States FCC Information‐Thisequipment

hasbeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimitsfora

Class Bcomputingdeviceperipheral,pursuanttoPart15,22,

and24oftheFCCrules.Theselimitsaredesignedtoprovide

reasonableprotectionagainstharmfulinterferenceina

residentialinstallation.

Thisequipmentgenerates,uses,andcanradiateradio

frequencyenergyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordance

withtheinstructions,maycauseharmfulinterferencetoradio

communications.However,thereisnoguaranteethatinter‐

ferencewillnotoccurinaparticularinstallation.

Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmfulinterferencetoradioor

televisionreception,whichcanbedeterminedbyturningthe

equipmentoffandon,theuserisencouragedtotrytocorrect

theinterferencebyoneormoreofthefollowingmeasures:

•Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.

•Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentand

receiver.

•Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferent

fromthattowhichthereceiverisconnected.

•Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnician

forhelp.

ThisdevicecomplieswithPart15oftheFCCRules.Operation

issubjecttotheconditionthatthisdevicedoesnotcause

harmfulinterference.

CAUTION:Anychangesormodificationsnotexpressly

approvedbySierraWirelesscouldvoidtheuser’sauthorityto

operatetheequipment.

WARNING (EMI) - Canada‐Thisdigitalapparatusdoesnot

exceedtheClassBlimitsforradionoiseemissionsfromdigital

apparatusassetoutintheinterferencecausingequipment

standardentitledʺDigitalApparatusʺ,ICES‐003ofthe

DepartmentofCommunications.

Cetappareilnumériquerespecteleslimitesdebruitsradioélec‐

triquesapplicablesauxappareilsnumériquesdeClasseB

prescritesdanslanormesurlematérielbrouilleur:ʺAppareils

Numériquesʺ,NMB‐003édictéeparleministredesCommuni‐

cations.

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

Regulatory Information

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 41

Regulations(DFARs)Section252.227‐7013forDepartmentof

Defensecontracts,andassetforthinFederalAcquisitions

Regulations(FARs)Section52.227‐19forcivilianagency

contractsoranysuccessorregulations.Iffurthergovernment

regulationsapply,itisyourresponsibilitytoensure

compliancewithsuchregulations.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

42 2130948

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 43

Appendix A: Glossary

1X OneTimesRadioTransmissionTechnology(theʺonetimesʺ

referstothefrequencyspectrum).SupportsInternet

connectionswithdataratesupto153 Kbps.Actualspeed

dependsonthenetworkconditions.Compareto1x‐EVDO.

1x-EVDO Ahigh‐speedstandardforcellularpacketdatacommunica‐

tions.

Rev.AsupportsInternetconnectionswithdataratesupto

3.1 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and1.8 Mbps(uplink

tothenetwork).

Rev.0supportsInternetconnectionswithdataratesupto

2.4 Mbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and153 Kbps(uplink

tothenetwork).

Averagedataratesare:forRev.A:450–800 Kbps(downlink

fromthenetwork)and300–400 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork);

forRev.0:400‐700 Kbps(downlinkfromthenetwork)and

40‐80 Kbps(uplinktothenetwork).

Actualspeeddependsonthenetworkconditions.Compareto

1X.

bps bitspersecond—Theactualdataspeedoverthetransmission

medium.

CDMA CodeDivisionMultipleAccess—Awidebandspreadspectrum

techniqueusedindigitalcellular,personalcommunications

services,andotherwirelessnetworks.Widechannels

(1.25 MHz)areobtainedthroughspreadspectrumtransmis‐

sions,thusallowingmanyactiveuserstosharethesame

channel.Eachuserisassignedauniquedigitalcode,which

differentiatestheindividualconversationsonthesame

channel.

CDMA 1X Alsoknownas1X,thisisahigh‐speedstandardforCDMA

cellularcommunications.

dormant ThepacketdataconnectionhasthelogicalPPPsessionleft

openwhiletheunderlyingphysicallink(theradiochannel)is

released.Whentrafficistoresume,aradiochannelis

re‐acquiredandtheoriginalPPPsessionresumes.

ESN ElectronicSerialNumber—Theuniquefirst‐generationserial

numberassignedtotheCompassUSBmodemforcellular

networkuse.ComparetoMEID.

ExpressCard™ Add‐inmemoryandcommunicationscardsforportable

computers.ExpressCardisatrademarkofthePCMCIA.

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

44 2130948

FCC FederalCommunicationsCommission—TheU.S.federal

agencythatisresponsibleforinterstateandforeigncommuni‐

cations.TheFCCregulatescommercialandprivateradio

spectrummanagement,setsratesforcommunicationsservices,

determinesstandardsforequipment,andcontrolsbroadcast

licensing.Consultwww.fcc.gov.

GPS GlobalPositioningSystem—Asystemthatusesaseriesof24

geosynchronoussatellitestoprovidenavigationaldata.

firmware SoftwarestoredinROMorEEPROM;essentialprogramsthat

remainevenwhenthesystemisturnedoff.Firmwareiseasier

tochangethanhardwarebutmorepermanentthansoftware

storedondisk.

host •Acomputerthatusesamodemorasimilardeviceto

answeracallingcomputer.

•Asourceordestinationinthecommunicationnetwork.

•Acomputerthatcontainsdataorfilestobeaccessedby

clientcomputers.Alsoknownasaserver.

IS InterimStandard—Afterreceivingindustryconsensus,theTIA

forwardsthestandardtoANSIforapproval.

IS-95 ThestandardforCDMA.

Kbps Kilobitspersecond—Actually1000,not1024,asusedin

computermemorysizemeasurementsofkilobytes.

LAN LocalAreaNetwork

LED LightEmittingDiode—Asemiconductordiodethatemits

visibleorinfraredlight.

MEID MobileEquipmentIdentifier—Theuniquesecond‐generation

serialnumberassignedtotheCompassUSBmodemfor

cellularnetworkuse.ComparetoESN.

MHz Mega‐Hertz—Onemillioncyclespersecond.

Mbps Megabitspersecond

packet Ashortfixed‐lengthblockofdata,includingaheader,thatis

transmittedasaunitinacommunicationsnetwork.

PC Card™ Add‐inmemoryandcommunicationscardsforportable

computers.PC CardisatrademarkofthePCMCIA.

PCMCIA PersonalComputerMemoryCardInternational

Association—Theorganizationthatstandardizes

ExpressCardsandPC Cards.

PCS PersonalCommunicationsServices—Acellular

communicationinfrastructurethatusesadifferentfrequency

rangethanAMPS.

Glossary

Document 2130948. Rev 1.0 Jan.08 45

roaming Acellularsubscriberisinanareawhereserviceisobtained

fromacellularserviceproviderthatisnotthesubscriber’s

provider.

SMS Shortmessageservices—Afeaturethatallowsusersofa

wirelessdeviceonawirelessnetworktoreceiveortransmit

shortelectronicalphanumericmessages(upto160characters,

dependingontheserviceprovider).

system tray Usuallylocatedinthelowerrightcornerofyourscreen

TIA TelecommunicationsIndustryAssociation—Astandards‐

settingtradeorganization,whosemembersprovide

communicationsandinformationtechnologyproducts,

systems,distributionservicesandprofessionalservicesinthe

UnitedStatesandaroundtheworld.Consultwww.tiaonline.org.

VPN VirtualPrivateNetwork

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

46 2130948

Rev 1.0 Jan.08 47

Index

Numerics

description,11

1xEV‐DO

description,11

account

activation,15

configuration,23

activation

overview,15

automated,24

manual,24

ActivationWizard,23

alwaysontop,29

antenna,external,34

automatedactivation,24

bands,frequency,13

callstatusarea,31

careandmaintenance,25

CDMA1X

description,11

CDMA1xEV‐DO

description,11

CDMAnetwork

3Gservices,11

frequencybands,13

serviceproviders,14

circuitswitcheddata

description,11

closebutton,29

compactview,29

connectionstatus

indicator,32

connectionstatusarea,30

coverage,14

CSD

description,11

data

circuitswitched‐description,11

dial‐up‐description,11

high‐speed,11

QNC,11

dial‐updata

description,11

diskspacerequired,18

docking,29

drivers

description,13

drivinginstructions,10

ElectronicSerialNumber(ESN),16

EMIwarning,40

ESN(ElectronicSerialNumber),16

EVDO

description,11

externalantenna,34

FCC

compliance,40

ID,39

frequencybands,CDMAnetwork,13

fullview

description,28

togglebutton,29

GPS(location‐basedservices),10

hardware

inserting,20

removing,21

help,33

high‐speedpacketdata,11

I/Ospace(input/outputspace),18

Compass 597 USB modem - User Guide

48 2130948

icons

connectionstatus,30

indicatorarea,32

minimized,32

systemtray,32

seealsoindicators

ID,FCC,39

indicatorarea,32

indicators

connectionstatus,32

SMSmessages,32,32

insertingthemodem,20

installation

hardware,20

software,17

interference,40

Internet,11

IRQ(interruptrequest),18

LBS(location‐basedservices),10

location‐basedservices,10

MacOSX,17

MEID(MobileEquipmentIdentifier),16

memoryrequired,18

minimizebutton,28

minimizedicons,32

MobileEquipmentIdentifier(MEID),16

notices,regulatory,39

onlineHelp,33

operatinghints,33

operatingsystemssupported,17

packetdata,high‐speed,11

pointsofinterest,10

PowerSave,31

pre‐activation,15

QNC,11

QuickNetConnect(QNC),11

regulatoryinformation,39

removingthemodem,21

requirements,system,17

roaming

definition,14

indicator,31

serviceindicator,32

signalstrength

indicator‐CDMAnetwork,30

SMSmessageindicator,32,32

software

overview,13

installation,17

statusarea

callstatusarea,31

connectionstatusarea,30

indicatorarea,32

Windowssystemtray,32

support,33

suspendmode,35

systemrequirements,17

systemtrayicons,32

taskbaricons,32

tips,operating,33

troubleshooting,33

TRU‐Install,10

TRU‐Locate,10

virtualprivatenetwork,9

Vista,17

VPN,9

warning

EMI,40

warranty,33

Windows

systemtrayicons,32

versionssupported,17

wirelessmodem,10

Sierra Wireless C597 USB Modem User Manual Compass 597 User Guide for FCC submission

Sierra Wireless Inc. USB Modem Compass 597 User Guide for FCC submission

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