Multitech MultiModem MTCBA-C User manual

MultiModemTM CDMA
External Wireless Modem
(Data/Fax/Voice)
MTCBA-C
User Guide

2
User Guide for MultiModem CDMA
External Data/Fax/Voice Wireless Modem
MTCBA-C
P/N S000303B, Revision B
All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written
permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Copyright © 2003 by 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
A7/15/03 Initial Release, Rev A.
B9/17/03 Revise package contents list & powering drawing.
Multi-Tech, MultiMobile and the Multi-Tech logo are trademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Windows is a registered
trademarks of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this
publication belong to their respective owners.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
[phone]; [phone]; Fax [phone]
Technical Support [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

3
Contents
CHAPTER 1: DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................4
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ..............................................................................................................................................4
Package Contents ...................................................................................................................................................4
Interfaces................................................................................................................................................................4
Parts to be Supplied by End User...........................................................................................................................4
Antenna/RF Specifications .....................................................................................................................................4
AT Command Info ..................................................................................................................................................5
Phone Number for the Wireless Modem.................................................................................................................5
Network Access.......................................................................................................................................................5
Features..................................................................................................................................................................5
APPLICATION OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................6
Application Types ...................................................................................................................................................6
Benefits/Features in Applications...........................................................................................................................7
Functions – CDMA Modes .....................................................................................................................................7
SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................................8
General Specifications............................................................................................................................................8
Electrical Characteristics.......................................................................................................................................8
Input/output electrical characteristics for external connections............................................................................9
LED Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................9
RS232 15-Pin Connector Pinout ..........................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................11
MECHANICAL MOUNTING .........................................................................................................................................11
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION & CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................................13
MOBILE PHONETOOLS ..............................................................................................................................................16
VERIFYING SIGNAL STRENGTH..................................................................................................................................16
VERIFYING NETWORK REGISTRATION .......................................................................................................................16
TESTING THE CONFIGURATION ..................................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 3: TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................18
SITUATION A: THE MODEM DOES NOT ANSWER THROUGH THE SERIAL LINK .............................................................18
SITUATION B: THE MODEM ALWAYS RETURNS «ERROR» WHEN TRYING TO ISSUE A COMMUNICATION ....................19
SITUATION C: THE MODEM ALWAYS RETURNS «NO CARRIER» WHEN TRYING TO ISSUE A COMMUNICATION.............21
CHAPTER 4: SAFETY.............................................................................................................................................22
GENERAL SAFETY .....................................................................................................................................................22
VEHICLE SAFETY ......................................................................................................................................................22
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR MODEM.............................................................................................................................23
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY..............................................................................................................................................23
CHAPTER 5: WARRANTY & REPAIRS POLICIES .........................................................................................24
WARRANTY ..............................................................................................................................................................24
REPAIRS ....................................................................................................................................................................24
Repair Procedures for U.S. and Canadian Customers.........................................................................................24
Repair Procedures for International Customers (Outside U.S.A. and Canada) ..................................................25
Repair Procedures for International Distributors................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 6 - REFERENCE INFORMATION ....................................................................................................26
WIRELESS MODEM REFERENCE INFO........................................................................................................................26

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
4
Chapter 1: Description and Specifications
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.
Package Contents
·one modem
·one antenna
·two holding bridles (mounting brackets)
·four adhesive-backed rubber feet for table-top mounting
·one universal power supply with power cord
·one power supply cable with fuse
(Optional in lieu of universal power supply.
Specify when ordering.)
·one RS-232 15-to-9-pin cable
·one product CD
·one Quick Start Guide
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)
Parts to be Supplied by End User
·mounting screws
(screw shaft diameter = .17” max.)
·antenna
The Wireless MultiModem is shipped with an antenna suited for it. However, if the antenna supplied
does not meet your application requirements (for size, shape, mounting style, etc.), you must supply an
antenna yourself. In general, the antenna used must be both of the correct frequency and of a style
appropriate to the application. See the Antenna/RF Specifications section below.
Antenna/RF Specifications
CDMA 850 CDMA 1900
Frequency 824 to 894 MHz 1850 to 1990 MHz
Impedance 50 ohms
VSWR <1.5
Typical Radiated
Gain 0 dBi on azimuth plane

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
5
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 MultiModem
product CD.
Phone Number for the Wireless Modem
Every wireless modem will have its own unique phone number.
Network Access
The network access arrangements to be specified in Windows Dial-Up Networking (of the computer that
the wireless modem is serving) will vary according to the type of wireless service used.
·For point to point data, a circuit-switched data connection is used. The user can set up DUN to make
a conventional V.32 modem connection to any terminating modem at the other end. The phone
number specified in DUN can be one supplied by the wireless service provider or another phone
number related to a different dialup modem service (e.g., a dialup modem service phone number
from any commercial or private dialup network).
·For CDMA 1x data, a single DUN number is generally used by all of a wireless provider’s subscribers
throughout its area of coverage (regional, nationwide, continental, etc.). Rather than being a literal
phone directory number, as in conventional DUN, this is a code that gives the modem Internet
access.
Features
·CDMA2000 1xRTT operation ·CDMA IS-95-A, IS-95B
·Dual-band 800/1900 CDMA ·AT command compatible
·Class 2.0 Group 3 FAX ·Phone book management and Personal
Information Management (PIM)
·Desktop or panel mounting ·Fixed dialing number
·Short Message Service features
including SMS mobile originated,
SMS mobile terminated, cell
broadcast, Over the Air Activation
(OTA), OTASP, OTAPA
·Supplementary services including call
forwarding, call barring, multiparty, call
waiting and call hold, calling line
identification, closed user group, call
transfer
·Voice features include DTMF,
telephony, OCELP 13K, echo
cancellation
·Numerous LEDs provide
·operational status
·SMA antenna connector ·Real time clock
·Serial interface supports DTE
speeds to 230K
·Alarm management

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
6
Application Overview
Application Types
With packet data speeds up to 153K bps, the MultiModem CDMA is targeted at applications that periodically
need to send or receive data over a wireless network. It is an ideal solution for:
Appliances Remote Diagnostics
ATM Terminals Remote Metering
Automotive Security Systems
Data Collection Vending/Gaming Machines
Gas Pumps Other devices requiring wireless
connectivity.
Industrial and Medical Remote
Monitoring Systems
Note: The Wireless MultiModem
must be mounted with at least 8
inches (20 cm) of clearance from the
human body.
RS232
Wireless MultiModem used in
remote ATM application.

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
7
Benefits/Features in Applications
Short Development Time. The MultiModem CDMA can make your existing and next generation device,
machine, or system, communication-ready without requiring any hardware changes to its design. It actually
provides faster time-to-market because it relieves the burden and expense of obtaining network and RF
approvals. This complete, ready-to-deploy wireless modem allows you to enhance your product while you
focus on developing its core features.
Voice Features. The MultiModem CDMA provides telephony and Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF)
functionality as well as QCELP (13K) and echo cancellation.
Short Message Services. The MultiModem CDMA offers SMS features such cell broadcast, Over the Air
Activation (OTA), OTASP, and OTAPA. The MultiModem CDMA is SMS Mobile Originated and SMS Mobile
Terminated.
Compatible Supplementary Services. The MultiModem CDMA is compatible with supplementary services
such as call forwarding, call barring, multiparty, call waiting and call hold, calling line identification, closed
user group and call transfer.
Management Features. The MultiModem CDMA provides advanced management features including phone
book management, fixed dialing number, real time clock and alarm management.
Industry-standard Modem Commands. The MultiModem CDMA provides industry-standard AT-style
commands for ease of integration into your existing software application.
Industrial Chassis. The MultiModem CDMA is packaged in a rugged, water resistant, industrial chassis. The
chassis has an RS-232 DE-15 Voice/Data interface connector and a permanent screw-type power connector.
It also has an SMA antenna connector. The chassis can be side-mounted on a panel or top-mounted on a
desktop or other surface. A set of LEDs indicate the modem’s operational status.
Network and RF Approved. The MultiModem CDMA has been tested and certified with wireless telecom
network providers worldwide. In addition, it has successfully completed worldwide compliance testing for
global RF approval.
Functions – CDMA Modes
MODE DESCRIPTION
Standard Dual Band 800/1900 CDMA
Interface Serial interface RS232. V.24/V.28 Autobauding
function. AT command set based on TIA/EIA/IS707.3,
V.25ter and GSM 07.05 & 07.07
SMS Mobile Originated (MO) and Mobile Terminated (MT),
Over the Air Activation (OTA), OTASP, and OTAPA.
Data Asynchronous 2400, 4800, 9600 and 14400 bps.
Data Transparent and Non Transparent modes.
In Non Transparent Mode only: 300, 1200, 1200/75
baud rates are available.
Mode 3.1 KHz (PSTN) and V110 (ISDN).
Fax [phone]/9600 bps
Class 2. Group 3 compatible.

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
8
Specifications
General Specifications
Power Requirements 5 V to 32VDC; 400mA Average @5V,
700mA Maximum @ 5V
Mechanical Dimensions &
Weight
4.3" w x 2.4" h x 0.94" d; 4.2 oz.
(11 cm x 6.1 cm x 2.4 cm; 120 g)
Connectors & Fasteners Antenna Connection type: SMA jack
Serial Connector: 15-pin RS232 SUB D
female (DE15S)
Pins: RS232 link, audio link, BOOT, RESET
Power Connector: 2.5mm miniature power
jack
Operating Temperatures -30 to +70°C
Certifications CE Mark
EMC: FCC Part 2, 15, 22, 24, EN
55022 & EN 55024
Safety: UL 60950, EN 60950
Electrical Characteristics
Switching the modem
on/off
The device is permanently powered
(when connected to the power supply).
Voltage Range Voltage range: 5 to 32V DC
GND : 0V
Overvoltage and
Undervoltage
Correct operation of the Wireless
MultiModem in communication mode
is not guaranteed if input voltage falls
below 5V.
INSTALLATION/ START- UP

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
9
Input/output electrical characteristics for external connections
800 MHZ 1900 MHZ
Parameters Min Typ. Max Min Typ Max Unit
Power Supply @ 25 degrees C:
- Input Supply Voltage 5 13.2 32 513.2 32 V
@5V 600 800 mA
@13.2V 250 350 mA
Input supply current
(in comm. Mode at
full Tx power)
@32V 150 200 mA
@5V 350 450 mA
@13.2V 200 200 mA
Input supply current
(in comm. Mode at
averageTx power)
@32V 100 100 mA
LED Indicators
TD. Transmit Data. Lit when modem is transmitting
data.
RD. Receive Data. Lit when modem is receiving data.
CD. Carrier Detect. Lit when data connection has been
established.
LS. Line Status. Continuous “on” state indicates that
the wireless modem is not
registered on the network.
Flashing state indicates registration
on network.
Off state. Modem is off (not ready)
or in download mode.
TR. Terminal Ready. Commonly called “Data Terminal
Ready.” This is a readiness signal
from the PC.
PWR. Power. Indicates presence of DC power
when lit.

Chapter 1 - Description and Specifications
10
RS232 15-Pin Connector Pinout
10
11
6
15
15
PIN EIA CCIT Designation
1DCD 109 Data Carrier Direct
6RX 104 Receive Data (out)
2TX 103 Transmit Data
8DTR 108.2 Data Terminal Ready
9GND Signal Ground
7DSR 107 Data Set Ready
12 RTS 105 Request to Send
11 CTS 106 Clear to Send
RS 232
13 RI 125 Ring Indicator
4MICROPHONE (+)
5MICROPHONE (-)
10 SPEAKER (+)
Audio
15 SPEAKER (-)
Boot 3BOOT For factory use only.
Reset 14 RESET To reset, connect to GND
momentarily. Open for
normal operation.

Chapter 2 - Installation
11
Chapter 2: Installation
Mechanical Mounting
To mount the Wireless MultiModem, do the following:
1. Obtain mounting screws (two are needed) that are appropriate for the surface on which you will mount the
MultiModem. The mounting screw on the connector end of the unit must have a screw-head no thicker
than 2 mm. The allowable thickness is limited because the screw must fit beneath the RS232 cable. The
allowable thickness of the other screw-head is not limited in this way.
= 2 mm
Screw Head
Clearance
Side View
For example, one might use two 6-32 self-tapping screws 5/8” in length to mount the unit in a truck to the
wall of the cab behind the passenger’s seat.
2. Typically, the unit is mounted against a flat surface into which holes can be drilled. The mounting holes
(center-to-center) must be separated by 125mm or 4 -15/16 inches.
Screw Separation
= 125 mm
or 4
1516
inches
Drill the mounting holes at the desired mounting location (if applicable).

Chapter 2 - Installation
12
3. Slide the mounting bridles into the corresponding slots on the back side of the MultiModem chassis.
4. Attach the MultiModem with two screws to the mounting surface at the desired location on the
equipment.

Chapter 2 - Installation
13
Electrical Installation & Configuration
The wireless MultiModem requires the power supply connection to begin operation. To install the
modem, do the following:
1. Connect a suitable antenna to the SMA connector (see “Antenna/RF Specifications” on page 4).
Antenna Connector
(SMA type)
2. Connect both ends of the serial and control cable (15-pin Sub D connector on the modem end).
Serial & Control
Connector
To Serial Port
of PC

Chapter 2 - Installation
14
3. Plug the power supply cable into the wireless Multimodem.
Optional
Direct DC
Power Cable

Chapter 2 - Installation
15
4a. For standard transformer power supply. Connect the AC cord receptacle into the transformer block.
Connect the AC cord plug into the mains power outlet.
4b. For optional direct-DC powering. Connect the direct-DC power supply cable into the DC power source
on the vehicle or machine in which you are mounting the MultiModem. Be sure the GND connection is
correct. Connect red wire to + (positive) and black wire to – (negative).
Note: For automotive application: according to the type of application, you can use permanent “+” or key-
switched “+”.
Connect the power supply to its source (for example, in a mobile situation, to the vehicle’s DC
fuse/terminal block).
5. Activate the power supply.

Chapter 2 - Installation
16
Mobile PhoneTools
For initial configuration of your wireless device, Multi-Tech offers a Windowsâbased mobile PhoneTools
application.
To load mobile PhoneTools, click on the mobile PhoneTools icon on your system CD and follow the on-screen
prompts.
Direct Modem Installation
To install the Wireless MultiModem directly into the computer's Windows OS so it is independent of the mobile
Phonetools program, use the "Add Modem" command or equivalent for your OS. During this installation, you
will need to browse to the MultiModem's INF file (using the “Have Disk” option in the installation process). This
INF file is in the root directory of the Product CD.
Verifying Signal Strength
The Wireless MultiModem establishes a call if the signal is sufficiently strong. To verify the signal
strength, do the following:
1. Using the Hyperterminal program at the computer to which the Wireless MultiModem is connected, type
the AT command AT+CSQ. A value for the received signal strength will be returned.
2. Verify the result with the following chart:
Signal Strength Verification
Value of signal strength
(AT+CSQ response) (RSSI)
Signal strength
11 - 31 sufficient*
0 - 10 insufficient*
greater than 99 insufficient*
*Based on general observations.
Verifying Network Registration
In this procedure, you will verify that the Wireless MultiModem has been registered on the wireless network.
To do so, you will use the common communications program Hyperterminal.
1. Using the Hyperterminal program at the computer to which the Wireless MultiModem is connected, type
the AT command AT+CREG?. A value for the modem’s network registration status will be returned.
2. Verify the result with the following chart:
Network Registration Verification
Value Network Registration Status
0, 1 Yes
0, 5 Yes
(registered roaming)
Note: If the modem is not registered, perform the procedure for Verifying Signal Strength to determine
the strength of the received signal.

Chapter 2 - Installation
17
Testing the Configuration
Description AT
Commands
Response Returned Comments
AT+CPIN
=1234
OK PIN Code accepted
+CME ERROR : 16 Incorrect PIN Code
Enter PIN Code
+CME ERROR : 3 PIN already entered (with +CMEE : 1
mode)
AT + CREG ? CREG = <mode>, 1 modem synchronized on the network
CREG = <mode>, 2 synchronization lost, re-synchronization
attempt
Module synchro
checking CREG = <mode>, 0 Modem not synchronized on network.
No synchronization attempt
RING
ATA Answer the call.
Receiving an
incoming call
OK
ATD1234; Don’t forget the “;” at the end for “voice”
calls.
OK Communication established
CME ERROR :11 PIN Code not entered (with +CMEE : 1
mode)
Initiate a call
CME ERROR :3 AOC credit (Advice of Charge tells the
user how much a call will cost) has been
exceeded or a communication is already
established.
Initiate an
emergency call
ATD112; OK Don’t forget the “;” at the end for “voice”
calls.
Communication
loss
NO CARRIER
ATHHang up
OK
AT&WStore the
parameters in
non-volatile
memory
OK The communications program has
saved the configuration settings in non-
volatile memory.

Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting
18
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
Situation A: The modem does not answer through the serial link
If the Wireless MultiModem does not answer through the serial link upon an attempted
transmission of data or voice signals, see the table below for possible causes and solutions.
Solutions for ‘no connection through serial link’ situation
If the modem
returns …
Then ask … Action
Is the modem powered correctly? Provide a power supply in the range of 5 to
32Vdc.
Is the serial cable properly connected to
the modem and PC sockets?
Connect cable per step 2 of the ”Electrical
Installation and Configuration” procedure.
Verify cable pinout per”RS232 15-Pin
Connector Pinout” table, esp Rx & Tx
connections.
Verify reception & transmission.
Is the communication program
properly configured?
In communications program, verify that
modem parameters have been set to
the values shown here:
Data Bits = 8
Parity = none
Stop Bits = 1
Baud = 115200 bps
(nothing)
Is another program interfering with
the communication program?
Close any such application program.

Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting
19
Situation B: The modem always returns «Error» when trying to
issue a communication
If the Wireless MultiModem returns a message of error upon an attempted transmission of data or
voice signals, see the table below for possible causes and solutions.
Solutions for “error” message situations
If the modem
returns …
Then ask … Action
error Is the modem registered
on the network?
Follow “Verifying network registration”
procedure to be sure modem is
registered on network.
Is the modem receiving
an incoming call or is it
already in
communication?
End any communication using the ATH
command.
Does AT+CREG? return
0,1 (registered) or 0,5
(registered roaming)?
If not, check for adequate signal strength on
network. Use AT+CSQ.
Is the selected bearer
type supported by the
called party?
Is the selected bearer
type supported by the
network?
In comm. program, type AT+CMEE=1 to
view the extended error codes (see
“Interpretation …” table below). Retry.
Be sure called party and network
support selected bearer type.
Be sure that semi-colon (“;”) is typed
immediately after the phone number in
the AT command. E.g., ATD######;
Is the received signal
strong enough?
See “Signal Strength Verification”.
Is the antenna properly
connected?
See “Antenna/RF Specifications”.

Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting
20
Interpretation of Extended Error Codes
related to “error” message
Error
Code
Diagnostic Hint
0Phone failure Call technical support
3Operation not allowed No action.
4Operation not supported No action.
16 Incorrect password Check the code you entered.
26 Dialing string too long Check the phone number (max. 20
digits).
30 No network service No action.
32 Network not allowed –
emergency calls only
No action.
40 Network personalization
PIN required (Network
lock)
Enter the Network lock.
Note: Call your network provider if
you do not know this code.
103 Illegal MS (#3) No action.
106 Illegal MS (#6) No action.
111 PLMN not allowed (#11) No action.
112 Location area not allowed
(#13)
No action.
113 Roaming not allowed in
this location area (#13)
No action.
132 Service option not
supported (#32).
Check the service option.
133 Requested service option
not subscribed (#33)
Call your network provider to
subscribe to the requested service
option.
134 Service option temporarily
out of order (#34)
No action.
149 PDP authentication failure Call your network provider to
subscribe to the requested service
option.
150 Invalid mobile class Change to valid class.
For all other codes, and/or details, see AT Commands manual.