MultiModem MTCBA-C User manual

MultiModemTM CDMA
ExternalWirelessModem
(Data/Fax/Voice)
MTCBA-C
User Guide

2
User Guide for MultiModem CDMA
External Data/Fax/Voice Wireless Modem
MTCBA-C
P/N 82001130, Revision A
Copyright © 2003 by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part,
without prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representation or warranties with respect to
the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech
Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes
from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems,
Inc., to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Revision Date Description
A 7/15/03 Initial Release, Rev A.

3
Contents
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 5
Package Contents 6
Interfaces 6
Parts to be Supplied by End User 7
Antennas 8
Accessory Kit 9
AT Command Info 10
Phone Number for the Wireless Modem 10
Network Access 11
Features 12
APPLICATION OVERVIEW 13
Application Types 13
Benefits/Features in Applications 15
Functions – CDMA Modes 17
SPECIFICATIONS 18
General Specifications 18
Electrical Characteristics 19
Input/output electrical characteristics for external
connections 20
LED Indicators 21
RS232 15-Pin Connector Pinout 22
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR WIRELESS MULTIMODEM 23
Mechanical Mounting 23
Electrical Installation & Configuration 26
Mobile PhoneTools 29

4
Verifying signal strength 30
Verifying network registration 31
Testing the Configuration 32
Testing the Configuration (continued) 33
Testing the Configuration (continued) 34
TROUBLESHOOTING 35
Situation A: The modem does not answer through the
serial link 35
Situation B: The modem always returns «Error» when
trying to issue a communication 37
Situation C: The modem always returns «No carrier»
when trying to issue a communication 42
SAFETY 44
General Safety 44
Vehicle Safety 46
Maintenance of Your Modem 46
Your Responsibility 47
WARRANTY & REPAIRS POLICIES 48
Warranty 48
Repairs 49
Repair Procedures for U.S. and Canadian Customers 49
Repair Procedures for International Customers
(Outside U.S.A. and Canada) 51
Repair Procedures for International Distributors 52
WIRELESS MODEM REFERENCE INFO 53

Product Description
5
Product Description
The Multi-Tech MultiModem CDMA is an
external data/fax/voice wireless modem. It also
supports mobile originated short message service
(SMS) and mobile-terminated SMS. Designed for
global use, it offers standards-based multi-band
CDMA2000 1x performance. This ready-to-deploy,
standalone modem allows developers to add
wireless communication to products with a
minimum of development time and expense. The
MultiModem CDMA is based on industry-
standard open interfaces, is fully type approved,
and can be desktop or panel mounted.

Product Description
6
Package Contents
•one modem
•two holding bridles (mounting brackets)
•one RS-232 15-to-9-pin cable
•one power supply cable with fuse
•one User Manual (this document)
Interfaces
The Wireless MultiModem has several interfaces:
•LED function indicating operating status
•External antenna (via SMA connector)
•Serial and control link (via 15 pins SUB D)
•Power supply (via 2.5mm miniature power
jack)

Product Description
7
Parts to be Supplied by End User
•mounting screws
(screw shaft diameter = .17” max.)
•antenna
The antenna used must be both of the
correct frequency and of the style
appropriate to the application.

Product Description
8
Antennas
GSM 850 EGSM 900
Frequency RX 869 to 894 MHz 925 to 960 MHz
Frequency TX 824 to 849 MHz 880 to 915 MHz
RF Power
Stand 2W at 12.5% duty cycle 2W at 12.5% duty cycle
Impedance 50 ohms
VSWR <2
Typical
Radiated Gain 0 dBi on azimuth plane
GSM 1800 GSM 1900
Frequency RX 1805 to 1880 MHz 1930 to 1990
MHz
Frequency TX 1710 to 1875 MHz 1850 to 910 MHz
RF Power
Stand 1W at 12.5% duty cycle 1W at 12.5% duty cycle
Impedance 50 ohms
VSWR <2
Typical
Radiated Gain 0 dBi on azimuth plane

Product Description
9
Accessory Kit
A Wireless MultiModem Accessory Kit is
available. Generally speaking, it is useful to
have one or two kits to configure a group or
fleet of Wireless MultiModem units
(generally, you will not need one kit for every
modem). The kit includes an antenna, a
power supply and a product CD. The product
CD contains an AT Command manuals, other
documentation, and modem software.

Product Description
10
AT Command Info
This manual describes a minimal set of AT
commands that are adequate for configuring
many common application situations. A
complete set of AT command definitions can
be found in the CDMA AT Commands
Reference Guide. This manual is available on
the MultiTech web site or on the Accessory
Kit CD.
Phone Number for the Wireless Modem
Every wireless modem will have its own
unique phone number.