Airlink101 Raven G3210 User manual

R
Ra av ve en n a an nd d P Pi in nP Po oi in nt t
G
GP PR RS S
User Guide for
Models G3210, G3211, G3310, G3311
Version 1.50
AirLink Communications, Inc.
April 28, 2005

Information in this document is subject to change without notice
©Copyright AirLink Communications, Inc, 1993-2005. All rights reserved.
Please send comments to:
email: [email protected]
Fax: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Post: AirLink Communications, Inc.
Attention: Technical Publications Dept.
3159 Corporate Place
Hayward, CA 94545

Important Notice
Because of 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 AirLink Communications modem are used in a normal manner
with a well-constructed network, the AirLink 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. AirLink Communications, Inc., accepts no responsibility for damages of any
kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the
AirLink Communications modem, or for failure of the AirLink Communications
modem to transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Hazards
Do not operate the AirLink Communications modem in areas where blasting is in
progress, where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment,
near life support equipment, or any equipment which may be susceptible to any form
of radio interference. In such areas, the AirLink Communications modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. The AirLink Communications modem can transmit signals that
could interfere with this equipment. Do not operate the AirLink Communications
modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In aircraft,
the AirLink Communications modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When operating,
the AirLink Communications modem can transmit signals that could interfere with
various onboard systems. The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the
AirLink Communications modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract
from the driver or operator's control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and
provinces, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an
offence.
Limitation of Liability
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of AirLink Communications, Inc. AIRLINK
COMMUNICATIONS, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS 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 AIRLINK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PRODUCT, EVEN IF AIRLINK
COMMUNICATIONS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY
THIRD PARTY.

Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 1
1.1 Raven Product Overview ............................................................................... 2
1.2 PinPoint Product Overview........................................................................... 3
2. Network Connection ...................................................................... 4
2.1 Internet (TCP/IP) Connections via GPRS .................................................... 4
2.2 Data Connections........................................................................................... 4
3. Modem Configuration .................................................................... 6
3.1 Modem Activation.......................................................................................... 6
3.2 Modem Tools .................................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 AirLink Setup Wizard 8
3.2.2 Wireless Ace 9
3.2.3 AceView 10
4. Dynamic IP Addresses ................................................................. 12
4.1 IPManager and Dynamic DNS Updates..................................................... 13
4.2 Using Names in the Modem, Domain Name Resolving............................. 13
5. Keepalive Feature......................................................................... 15
6. Serial Communication Modes .................................................... 16
6.1 AT Mode ....................................................................................................... 17
6.2 PPP Mode ..................................................................................................... 17
6.3 PassThru Mode ............................................................................................ 18
6.4 UDP PAD Mode ........................................................................................... 18
6.4.1 UDP Auto Answer 19
6.4.2 Reliable UDP 19
6.4.3 Multicast UDP [Raven Only Feature] 20
6.5 TCP PAD Mode ............................................................................................ 20
6.6 TCP Auto Answer ........................................................................................ 21
6.7 Hybrid Modes............................................................................................... 21
6.8 SLIP Mode.................................................................................................... 22
6.9 Modbus/BSAP Configuration [Raven Only Feature] ................................. 22
6.9.1 Configuring the Polling Host Application Raven 22
6.9.2 Configuring the Remote Ravens 23
7. PinPoint Notes............................................................................... 25

7.1 Low-power Mode .......................................................................................... 25
7.1.1 Effect on Modem State 25
7.2 Real-Time Clock Sync .................................................................................. 25
7.3 Different Local and Remote Report types .................................................. 25
7.4 Inputs ........................................................................................................... 25
7.5 RAP Poll Command ..................................................................................... 27
7.6 TAIP Emulation........................................................................................... 27
7.7 NMEA Reports ............................................................................................. 31
8. Using AT Commands .................................................................... 36
8.1 General AT Commands ............................................................................... 37
8.2 Raven Specific AT Commands .................................................................... 52
8.3 PinPoint Specific AT Commands ................................................................ 54
8.4 GPRS Specific AT Commands..................................................................... 59
9. Raven Installation......................................................................... 62
9.1 Mounting the Raven .................................................................................... 62
9.2 Connecting the antenna .............................................................................. 64
9.3 Connecting the serial cable ......................................................................... 64
9.4 Grounding the Raven Case ......................................................................... 64
9.5 Connecting the power cable......................................................................... 64
10. PinPoint Vehicle Installation..................................................... 68
10.1 Overview....................................................................................................... 68
10.2 Mounting the PinPoint ................................................................................ 69
10.3 Installing the Antennas............................................................................... 70
11. Raven/PinPoint DB9 Pinout ....................................................... 71
12. Raven GPRS Technical Specifications..................................... 72
12.1 Physical Characteristics .............................................................................. 72
12.2 Power Specifications .................................................................................... 72
12.3 Environmental ............................................................................................. 72
12.4 RF Features ................................................................................................. 73
12.5 Status LED Display..................................................................................... 74
12.6 Application Interface Features ................................................................... 74
13. PinPoint GPRS Technical Specifications................................ 75
13.1 Physical Characteristics .............................................................................. 75

13.2 Power Specifications .................................................................................... 75
13.3 Environmental ............................................................................................. 75
13.4 RF Features ................................................................................................. 75
13.5 Status LED Display..................................................................................... 76
13.6 Application Interface Features ................................................................... 76
Appendix A. Windows Dial-Up Networking Setup .............................. 77
Add Windows Modem Driver .................................................................................. 77
Setup Modem 77
Add Modem Driver 77
Windows Dial-Up Networking (PPP) Configuration ............................................. 80
Making a GPRS Data Connection .......................................................................... 89
Appendix B. HyperTerminal Connection.............................................. 91
Appendix C. Telnet Connection............................................................... 95
Appendix D. More Information ............................................................... 97

Raven and PinPoint GPRS
User Guide
WARNING
The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-
located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
1. Introduction
The GSM/GPRS wireless network combines the world’s leading wireless standard—
the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)—with fast, packet-switched
access to data networks such as the Internet. Providing this fast access is the
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS).
The AirLink GPRS modems are designed to operate in GSM/GPRS networks. Two
data services are available in the GSM/GPRS networks: GPRS, a packet switched
connection, and SMS, a short message service..
GPRS
GPRS is an IP-based service that offers fast, packet-switched access to data networks
such as the Internet. It is a mobile service that improves the peak-time capacity of a
GSM network. GPRS gives packet-switched access over GSM to external data
networks with high peak transfer capacity. The main objective of GPRS is to offer
access to standard data networks such as TCP/IP. GPRS is a non-voice service
designed specifically for transmitting data. It breaks data messages into separate
packets for transmission from the mobile device and sends them to destinations in an
external network.
Most any Internet-based application or service will run on GPRS. GPRS offers peak
throughputs of 40 Kbps (53.6 Kbps raw) Because GPRS capacity is shared among
active users in the same coverage area, actual throughputs may vary.
GPRS
Network
Internet
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
1.1 Raven Product Overview
The AirLink Raven GPRS is a rugged, full duplex GPRS modem that provides
wireless transport capabilities for fixed and mobile applications. GPRS is an efficient
and secure wireless technology that works well for fixed or mobile applications.
The Raven's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial applications
that require real-time communications. The Raven provides wireless data
communications for a variety of applications, such as telemetry, public safety,
SCADA, traffic control, traffic metering, transit arrival systems and more.
Front of Raven Back of Raven
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
1.2 PinPoint Product Overview
The AirLink PinPoint GPRS is a rugged, full duplex GSM/GPRS modem that
provides wireless transport capabilities for fixed and mobile applications. GPRS is an
efficient and secure wireless technology that works well for fixed or mobile
applications.
The PinPoint's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial applications
that require real-time communications. The PinPoint provides wireless data
communications for a variety of applications, such as fleet management, public
safety, ambulance, traffic control, home delivery, transit arrival systems and more.
Front of PinPoint Back of PinPoint
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
2. Network Connection
The AirLink GPRS modems are capable of providing network connections for GPRS
and SMS data.
2.1 Internet (TCP/IP) Connections via GPRS
When using a Raven or PinPoint GPRS modem, remote access to is done via a PPP
(TCP/IP) connection to the GPRS network. The GPRS carrier actually provides
Internet connectivity, and, therefore, it becomes the ISP for that session.
Applications such as web browsing, email, FTP, etc., should work as they would
normally.
NOTE: Connections to Internet are provided by carrier.
Corporate network connections are unique and not provided as part of service.
Internet
GSM GPRS
Network
Corporate
LAN
Data
Acquisition
App
2.2 Data Connections
When the Raven is powered on, it automatically searches for GPRS service and
establishes a PPP link between the Raven and the network. The Raven obtains its
public or private IP and is ready to communicate.
GSM GPRS
Network
IP
PPP
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
If the host establishes a PPP link to the Raven, a second PPP link is created between
the Raven and the host. IP packets can then be sent to and received from the GPRS
network.
If the host device is to send and receive data via the Raven or PinPoint, then the
modem can be configured to use either one of the UDP or TCP packet
assembly/disassembly modes.
GSM GPRS
Network
IP IP
PPP
PPP
UDP or
TCP GSM GPRS
Network
Data IP
PPP
GSM
GPRS
Network
Internet
Corporate
LAN
ATS
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
3. Modem Configuration
A modem needs specific parameters entered into it before it can operate on its
wireless network. Before connecting a modem to a wireless network, these
parameters will be necessary from your wireless provider:
•Carrier Mobile Device Number (MDN) – this is the published phone number
•Access Point Name (APN) -- the APN consists of two parts; the Network ID,
which identifies the external service requested by a user of the GPRS service
and the Operator ID which specifies routing information.
The modem is connected to the serial (COM) port of a PC via a DB-9 cable (wired
straight-thru). This is how the modem is initially communicated to in order to
program it.
3.1 Modem Activation
Sometimes a modem is already set up to register online with a phone number, etc.
pre-configured into it (by AirLink Communications, Inc.). When a modem is
registered on the network and working, the lights will look like the following:
Note that the RSSI light may be flashing or solid, showing the strength of the signal.
Also the Tx (transmit) and Rx (receive) lights will flash as data is transferred to and
from the modem on the network.
If your modem lights look like the above when the modem is powered on, you do NOT
need to configure the phone number, etc. into the phone and may skip the following
sections.
If however the Reg light is not lit, your modem may need to be configured with a
phone number and other parameters. Or if you have service ordered and a phone
number for your modem, you may add these parameters yourself for some carrier
accounts by doing the following:
Note that the activation process is unique for each type of service provided
by each carrier. The specific activation process required for your service
and carrier is provided in a separate document (titled Activation
Instructions) available on www.AirLink.com.
Chan
Link
Reg
TxRx
RSSI Err
Reset
Raven
Pwr
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
3.2 Modem Tools
Modem parameters can be entered either using the AirLink Setup Wizard or AT
commands.
The Setup Wizard is the easiest and recommended method of automating the
process, ensuring you have all the data you need from your provider. You are walked
through the settings, and some of them are automatically provided for you. A test is
done at the end of the Wizard to ensure the modem is online and working.
AT commands can be entered using Wireless Ace or a terminal emulation program
(see Appendix B for connecting to a modem using HyperTerminal). Wireless Ace can
be used to configure modem parameters on a new modem via a serial port, or to
remotely configure a modem which already has service.
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
The latest versions of these tools can be downloaded from www.AirLink.com.
3.2.1 AirLink Setup Wizard
The AirLink Setup Wizard automates several procedures for initially setting up a
modem. They are:
•Obtain the latest modem firmware and update the modem with it.
•Provide necessary parameters (APN, username, etc.).
•Setup any Private Networking parameters (may not be an option for a
particular carrier).
•Test the configured account to ensure the modem works online.
•Setup a Windows Dial-Up Networking (DUN) connection, used to provide
internet/wireless accessibility for a PC via the modem.
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
Run the tool, and follow each screen, providing the data you have obtained from your
provider. The tool can be run multiple times, so you may reconfigure a modem, or do
one step such as adding a DUN connection.
Detailed instructions for the AirLink Setup Wizard are available as Activation
Instructions for a particular provider. That document is usually provided with your
modem for your particular carrier. It can also be downloaded from
www.AirLink.com.
3.2.2 Wireless Ace
Wireless Ace can be used to initially configure a modem, monitor the status of a
modem, or configure other parameters in a modem which is already online. Ace can
also be used to duplicate parameter settings in multiple modems.
There are two versions of Wireless Ace available for 3G modems:
•Wireless Ace Web works in a web browser with ActiveX support.
Recommended Internet Explorer v6.0 or higher.
•Wireless Ace 3G needs a Microsoft Windows version with .NET v1.1 or higher.
Both versions provide the same functionality from checking status, to configuring
parameters.
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
Example of Wireless Ace 3G viewing the status of a modem.
Ace can use the COM port on a PC to communicate with a modem that has not been
activated yet. For advanced users, the parameters for a modem can be added for
initial configuration.
Ace can also access a modem remotely, going over an existing internet connection, or
via another modem (using a DUN connection) to access other modems. The remotely
located modems can be configured with this tool, or the status of the modems can
simply be monitored.
Detailed instructions on using Wireless Ace are provided in the Wireless Ace User
Guide which is available online at www.AirLink.com.
3.2.3 AceView
AceView is a simple Windows utility for view the status of a modem that is either
registered and online, or that is off-line.
AceView can view the status of a modem via the COM port of a PC, or via the
wireless network. Vital data such as the phone number, firmware version, etc. can be
obtained, and for PinPoint modems, AceView will pull up a map window showing the
current physical location for it.
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To download this utility or obtain the AceView User Guide, go to
www.AirLink.com.
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Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.50
4. Dynamic IP Addresses
Many modern wireless data technologies use dynamic IP addresses rather than static
IP addresses. This poses a problem for AirLink customers since they cannot contact
their modems unless their addresses are known. AirLink offers a family of solutions
designed for the different situations existing with our customers. One of the
solutions, an IPManager System that implements a wireless Dynamic Domain Name
Server, DDNS.
IPManager is a system which tracks the current IP address which a modem has been
assigned. The DDNS system consists of three main components. One component is a
task in the modem firmware which issues an update notification to the IPManager
server when the modem is assigned a new IP address. The second component is the
IPManager server which receives IP change notifications from all modems and
updates a DNS server, the third component. It may, optionally, log the latest known
IP address in a database, which may be accessed to see a history of the IP updates.
Customers may then use the wireless Dynamic DNS server to obtain the current IP
of an AirLink modem. The following diagram shows the IPManager system elements.
Internet
3G
Network
Firewall
DNS
IPManager
DB DNS
DNS Servers may be
inside or outside the
firewall
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