Multitech Multimodem MTCBA-G-F2 User manual

MultiModemäGSM/GPRS
External Wireless Modem
(Data/Fax/Voice)
MTCBA-G-F1
MTCBA-G-F2
UserGuide

2
User Guide for MultiModem GSM/GPRS
External Data/Fax/Voice Wireless Modem
Models MTCBA-G-F1 & MTCBA-G-F2
P/N 82001220, 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 5/01/03 Initial Release, Rev A.
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.

3
Contents
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 5
Package Contents 6
Interfaces 6
Parts to be Supplied by Wireless Service Provider 7
Parts to be Supplied by End User 7
Radio Characteristics 8
Accessory Kit 9
AT Command Info 10
Phone Number for the Wireless Modem 10
Network Access 10
Features 12
APPLICATION OVERVIEW 13
Application Types 13
Benefits/Features in Applications 15
Functions – GSM Modes 18
SPECIFICATIONS 19
General Specifications 19
Electrical Characteristics 20
Input/output electrical characteristics for external
connections 21
Input/output electrical characteristics (cont’d) 22
LED Indicators 23
RS232 15-Pin Connector Pinout 24
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR WIRELESS MULTIMODEM 25
Mechanical Mounting 25

4
Electrical Installation & Configuration 28
Mobile Phonetools 34
Verifying signal strength 35
Verifying network registration 36
Testing the Configuration 37
Testing the Configuration (continued) 38
Testing the Configuration (continued) 39
TROUBLESHOOTING 40
Situation A: The modem does not answer through the
serial link 40
Situation B: The modem always returns «Error» when
trying to issue a communication 42
Situation C: The modem always returns «No carrier»
when trying to issue a communication 47
SAFETY 51
General Safety 51
Vehicle Safety 53
Maintenance of GSM Modem 53
Your Responsibility 54
WARRANTY & REPAIRS POLICIES 55
Warranty 55
Repairs 56
Repair Procedures for U.S. and Canadian Customers 56
Repair Procedures for International Customers
(Outside U.S.A. and Canada) 58
Repair Procedures for International Distributors 59
WIRELESS MODEM REFERENCE INFO 60

Product Description
5
Product Description
The Multi-Tech MultiModem GSM/GPRS 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
GSM/GPRS Class 10 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 GSM/GPRS 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)
·SIM card holder

Product Description
7
Parts to be Supplied by Wireless Service
Provider
·Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
configuration chip
The SIM contains information specific to
your wireless account and its features.
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
Radio Characteristics
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 AT Command manuals (one
for GSM/GPRS and one for CDMA). These
manuals are available on the MultiTech web
site or on the Accessory Kit CD.
Phone Number for theWireless Modem
·Every wireless modem will have its own
unique phone number.
·The wireless modem’s phone number may
simply be told to the subscriber or be on the
SIM or both. Wireless provider
implementations may vary.
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.

Product Description
11
·For GSM-without-GPRS, 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 GSM-with-GPRS, 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.

Product Description
12
Features
·GPRS Class 10 operation ·V.42bis data
compression
·Dual-band 850/1900 or
900/1800 GSM/GPRS
·Numerous LEDs
provide operational
status
·GSM Class 1 and Class 2
Group 3 FAX
·ME + SIM phone book
management
·Desktop or panel
mounting
·Fixed dialing number
·Short Message Services
including text and PDU,
point-to-point, cell
broadcast
·SIM Toolkit Class 2
·14.4K GSM circuit
switched data
·SIM, network and
service provider locks
·SMA antenna connector
and SIM socket
·Real time clock
·Serial interface supports
DTE speeds to 115.2K
·Alarm management
·AT command
compatible
·UCS2 character set
management

Application Overview
13
Application Overview
ApplicationTypes
With circuit switched data rates up to 14.4K bps,
the MultiModem GSM/GPRS 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.

Application Overview
14
RS232
Wireless MultiModem used in
remote ATM application.

Application Overview
15
Benefits/Features in Applications
Short Development Time. The MultiModem
GSM/ GPRS 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 GSM/GPRS
provides telephony and Dual Tone Multi
Frequency (DTMF) functionality. It also allows for
emergency calls as well as echo cancellation and
noise reduction (option), and full rate, enhanced
Full Rate and Half Rate (FR/EFR/HR).
Short Message Services. The MultiModem
GSM/GPRS offers SMS features such as text and
PDU, point-to-point (MT/MO) and cell
broadcast.

Application Overview
16
Compatible Supplementary Services. The
MultiModem GSM/GPRS is compatible with
supplementary services such as call forwarding,
call barring, multiparty, call waiting and call hold,
calling line identification, advice of charge, USSD,
closed user group and explicit call transfer.
Management Features. The MultiModem
GSM/GPRS provides advanced management
features including phone book management, fixed
dialing number, real time clock and alarm
management.
Industry-standard Modem Commands. The
MultiModem GSM/GPRS provides industry-
standard AT-style commands for ease of
integration into your existing software
application.

Application Overview
17
Industrial Chassis. The MultiModem
GSM/GPRS 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
GSM/ GPRS has been tested and certified with
wireless telecom network providers worldwide. In
addition, it has successfully completed
worldwide compliance testing for global RF
approval.

Application Overview
18
Functions – GSM Modes
MODE DESCRIPTION
Standard Dual Band Extended GSM 900 MHz Class 4
(2W) and GSM 1800/1900 MHz Class 1 (1W)
Interface Serial interface RS232. V.24/V.28 Autobauding
function. AT command set based on V.25ter and
GSM 07.05 & 07.07
SMS Mobile Originated (MO) and Mobile Terminated
(MT) SMS Mode Text & PDU point to point. Cell
broadcast in accordance with GSM 07.05.
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
Fax GSM teleservice 62 in Transparent Mode.
Class 2. Group 3 compatible.
GPRS Class 10. Coding schemes: CS1 to CS4.

Specifications
19
Specifications
General Specifications
Power Requirements 5 V to 32VDC; 400mA Average @5V,
2A Peak @ 5V
Mechanical
Dimensions & Weight
4.3" w x 2.4" h x 0.94" d; 4.1 oz.
(11 cm x 6.1 cm x 2.4 cm; 115 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
SIM receptacle: (standard)
Operating
Temperatures
-30 to +60°C
Certifications CE Mark
EMC: FCC Part 2, 15, 22, 24, EN
55022 & EN 55024
Safety: UL 60950, EN 60950

Specifications
20
Electrical Characteristics
Switching the GSM
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.