Metricom ricochet User manual

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Quick Start
Welcome to Ricochet! You are about to experience true freedom for the
first time. Ricochet sets you free from the office with mobile access to e-
mail, the Internet and company networks from anywhere in our coverage
areas—without being tied to a phone jack. This means you can work
when, where, and how you want to with the information you need, just a
few clicks away.
Imagine responding to e-mail from the back
of a taxi, or downloading a presentation while
sitting in a client’s conference room. Or stay-
ing online while waiting at the doctor’s
office. Or doing business from a coffee shop.
You get the picture.
We think you’ll agree that Ricochet changes
everything.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause unwanted operation.
This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against 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 interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following safety measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio modem technician for help.
Caution:
This device is required to comply with FCC RF exposure requirements for
mobile transmitting devices. A separation distance of 20cm (8 inches) or more
must be maintained between the antenna and all persons during device opera-
tions to satisfy RF exposure compliance. FCC ID: GNW22131
Device covered by the following patents:
4,939,726; 5,903,566; 5,115,433; 5,130,987; 5,400,338; 5,453,977; 5,471,469;
5,479,400; 5,488,608; 5,515,369; 5,570,084; 5,664,194
FCC Compliance

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Exit other programs before starting the Ricochet installer.
Make sure your Ricochet modem is not connected to your computer before
you begin the software installation.
1. Insert the Ricochet installation CD into your computer.
2. Double-click the My Computer icon.
3. Locate the icon for your CD-ROM. Right-click this icon and select
Open.
4. Double-click the R2 Setup icon to begin the installation process.
Fig. 1: The Ricochet Installer Welcome screen
5. Click Next to review the Ricochet software license agreement.
Installing the Ricochet Software

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•Read the license agreement. If you agree to the terms, click the Yes but-
ton.
•Click No to refuse the terms of the agreement. R2Setup will exit, and
no installation will take place.
6. Connect the modem to your PC. Turn the modem on.
•Plug the modem cable’s connector into the modem.
•Plug the free end of the cable into an available USB or serial port in the
computer.
Fig. 2: Ricochet modem and USB cable
Installing the Ricochet Software

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7. Turn on your Ricochet modem.
Fig. 3: Power switch detail
Fig. 4: Modem setup cable type
•Select Ricochet Wireless USB modem to use a USB cable.
•Select Ricochet Wireless Serial modem to use a serial cable.
8. Click Next to install the Ricochet connection software. Installation
should take one to two minutes.
9. To use your Ricochet modem, you must restart your computer.
Installing the Ricochet Software

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Fig. 5: Final Setup screen
On the final setup screen:
•Select Yes to restart your computer now.
•Select No to restart your computer later.
Click Finish to complete the installation.
Installing the Ricochet Software

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To fully charge your Ricochet modem battery:
1. Connect the AC adapter to the modem.
2. Plug the adapter into a 110v household power outlet.
Fig. 6: Your Ricochet modem and power adapter
•The modem battery will charge during use.
•When the modem is switched off, the required charging time is about
two hours. During use, charging time will be longer.
Charging your Modem Battery

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When your modem is turned on, it automatically seeks out the Ricochet net-
work . Once the network is found, the modem signals with tones and a green
light.
To register on the network:
1. Extend the antenna on your modem.
2. Turn on the modem. Place the switch in Power On with tone position.
You can also use Power on without tone mode.
3. Listen for a single beep, and wait for the modem’s red light to turn on,
indicating that the modem is receiving power.
4. Wait a moment for the modem’s green light to blink, indicating that
your modem has registered on the network.
Fig. 7: Power switch detail
Fig. 8: Tone key
Registering on the Ricochet Network

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1. Connect your modem, turn it on, and verify that it is registered on the
Ricochet network. (See page 8)
2. Locate the Connect to Ricochet icon in your Dial-up networking
folder. Double-click the icon.
3. Enter your name and Ricochet password in the Connect To dialog box.
4. Click the Connect button in the Connect To dialog box.
Fig. 9: Connect To dialog box
You will hear a short series of ascending tones, and the blinking green light
on your modem will change to orange as your modem connects to the Inter-
net.
Once the modem is connected, you’ll be able to use your Internet applica-
tions, like web browsers and e-mail, via the Ricochet wireless network.
•To end your Ricochet session, click the Disconnect button in the Con-
nect To dialog box, wait for the descending tones, and turn your modem
off.
Connecting to the Internet

Metricom, Inc.
P/N 109266-000 Rev.A
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