Multitech MultiModem MTCBA-G-U-F4 User manual

MultiModem®GPRS
USB Wireless Modem
MTCBA-G-U-F4
User Guide

Copyright and Technical Support
2 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem GPRS USB Wireless Modem User Guide
MultiModem® GPRS
USB Wireless Modem
User Guide
Model MTCBA-G-U-F4
S000444D, Revision D
Copyright
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech
Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2008-2011 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. Check Multi-Tech’s website for current versions of our product documentation.
Revision History
Revision Date Description
A 10/04/07 Initial Release
B 03/20/08 Added Vista Operating System support. Added section on changing the GPRS Band.
C 11/17/08 Updated Vista Driver installation, added Windows Server 2008 installation, removed fax
requirement, and minor editorial changes
D 06/21/2011 Removed references to product CD.
Trademarks and Logos
MultiModem, Multi-Tech and the Multi-Tech logo are registered trademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft in the U.S. and other countries. Other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this
publication belong to their respective owners.
World Headquarters
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
[phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com
Technical Support
Country By Email By Phone
Europe, Middle East, Africa [e-mail] +(44) 118 959 7774
U.S., Canada, all others [e-mail] [phone] or +[phone]
Warranty
Warranty information can be found at: http://www.multitech.com

Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications................................................................. 5
Product Description................................................................................................................................ 5
Features.................................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety........................................................................................................................................................ 6
General Safety ..............................................................................................................................................6
RF Interference Issues.................................................................................................................................6
Vehicle Safety ...............................................................................................................................................6
Maintaining the Modem ...............................................................................................................................7
Package Contents................................................................................................................................... 7
SIM Chip ........................................................................................................................................................7
General Specifications........................................................................................................................... 8
Functions – GSM/GPRS Modes............................................................................................................. 8
Electrical Specifications......................................................................................................................... 8
RF Specifications.................................................................................................................................... 9
Antenna Specifications.......................................................................................................................... 9
GSM/EGSM Antenna Requirements/Specifications................................................................................9
Antennas Available from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. .................................................................................9
PTCRB Requirements Note........................................................................................................................9
FCC Requirements Note .............................................................................................................................9
Interfaces.................................................................................................................................................. 9
LED Interface ..............................................................................................................................................10
AT Command Reference Guides..........................................................................................................10
Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation...................................................................................... 11
Activating Your Wireless Account.......................................................................................................11
Phone Numbers for the Wireless Modem...............................................................................................11
Inserting the SIM Card into the Holder................................................................................................11
Connecting the Antenna and USB Cable............................................................................................11
Connecting Phone Handset (Optional) ...............................................................................................12
Attaching the Modem to a Flat Surface (Optional)............................................................................12
Installing Modem Drivers......................................................................................................................13
Obtaining Windows Drivers.......................................................................................................................13
Obtaining Linux Drivers .............................................................................................................................13
Installing the Drivers for Windows Vista..................................................................................................13
Installing the Modem Driver ......................................................................................................................18
Installing the Drivers in Windows Server 2008, XP, 2003.................................................................20
Installing the USB driver ............................................................................................................................20
Chapter 3 – Using Your Wireless Modem.................................................................................. 27
Changing the GPRS Band.....................................................................................................................27
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Contents
4 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem GPRS USB Wireless Modem User Guide
Band Options Overview.............................................................................................................................27
Changing the GPRS Band ........................................................................................................................27
Determining the Phone Number for the Wireless Modem................................................................27
Examples of Useful AT Commands.....................................................................................................28
Verifying Signal Strength...........................................................................................................................28
Checking Network Registration and Roaming Status ...........................................................................28
Checking the Modem’s Identity ................................................................................................................28
Establishing a Voice Call...........................................................................................................................29
Establishing a Circuit-Switched Data (CSD) Connection .....................................................................30
Answering a Circuit-Switched Data (CSD) Connection ........................................................................30
Using Short Message Services (SMS).................................................................................................31
Sending a Short Message to a Specified Number.................................................................................31
Writing a Message to Memory..................................................................................................................31
Sending a Message from Storage............................................................................................................31
Viewing a List of Stored Messages..........................................................................................................31
Reading a Stored Message.......................................................................................................................31
Deleting a Stored Message.......................................................................................................................31
SMS Examples............................................................................................................................................32
Setting up Internet Access ...................................................................................................................34
Connecting to the GPRS Network for Internet Access .........................................................................34
Before you Begin ........................................................................................................................................34
Setting the Access Point Name (APN) ....................................................................................................35
Creating Your Dial-Up Connection in Windows Vista, XP, 2003, and 2000 ......................................36
Disconnecting..............................................................................................................................................36
Chapter 4 – Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions............................................ 37
Troubleshooting Examples...................................................................................................................37
Situation A: The modem does not answer ............................................................................................37
Situation B: The modem always returns «No carrier» when trying to originate a call......................38
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................................................39
Appendix A - Environmental Information .................................................................................. 41
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).........................................................................41
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union..................................................41
REACH Statement..................................................................................................................................41
Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)................................................................42
China ROHS............................................................................................................................................43

Chapter 1 – Product Description and
Specifications
Product Description
The Multi-Tech MultiModem GPRS is an external data/fax/voice wireless modem with a USB interface. It
supports mobile originated short message service (SMS) and mobile-terminated SMS. Designed for
global use, it offers standards-based quad-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 GPRS is based on industry-standard open interfaces,
is fully type approved, and can be desktop or panel mounted.
Features
●GPRS Class 10 operation
●Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
●GSM Class 1 and Class 2
●Desktop or panel mounting
●Short Message Services including text and PDU, point-to-point, cell broadcast
●14.4K GSM circuit switched data
●SMA antenna connector and SIM socket
●Serial interface supports DTE speeds to 115.2K
●AT command compatible
●MNP2 V.42bis data compression
●Numerous LEDs provide operational status
●ME + SIM phone book management
●Fixed dialing number
●SIM Toolkit Class 2
●SIM, network and service provider locks
●Real time clock
●Alarm management
●UCS2 character set management
●Packet data up to 85K bps
●Embedded TCP/IP stack
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Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
Safety
General Safety
The modem is designed for and intended to be used in fixed and mobile applications. “Fixed” means
that the device is physically secured at one location and is not able to be easily moved to another
location. “Mobile” means that the device is designed to be used in other than fixed locations.
Caution: Maintain a separation distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) is normally maintained
between the transmitter’s antenna and the body of the user or nearby persons. The Modem is
not designed for or intended to be used in portable applications within 20 cm. (8 inches) of the
body of the user.
RF Interference Issues
Follow all special regulations regarding the use of radio equipment due to the possibility of radio
frequency (RF) interference. Adhere to the following safety advice:
●Switch off your wireless MultiModem when in an aircraft. The use of cellular telephones in an
aircraft may endanger the operation of the aircraft, disrupt the cellular network and is illegal. Failure
to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the
offender, or legal action or both.
●Switch off your wireless MultiModem when around gasoline or diesel-fuel pumps and before filling
your vehicle with fuel.
●Switch off your wireless MultiModem in hospitals and any other place where medical equipment
may be in use.
●Respect restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, chemical plants or where blasting
operations are in progress.
●There may be a hazard associated with the operation of your wireless MultiModem close to
inadequately protected personal medical devices such as hearing aids and pacemakers. Consult the
manufacturers of the medical device to determine if it is adequately protected.
●Operation of your wireless MultiModem close to other electronic equipment may also cause
interference if the equipment is inadequately protected. Observe any warning signs and
manufacturers’ recommendations.
Vehicle Safety
●Do not use your MultiModem while driving.
●Respect national regulations on the use of cellular telephones in vehicles. Road safety always comes
first.
●If incorrectly installed in a vehicle, the operation of the MultiModem could interfere with the correct
functioning of vehicle electronics. To avoid such problems, be sure that qualified personnel install
the modem. Verification of the protection of vehicle electronics should be part of the installation.
●The use of an alert device to operate a vehicle’s lights or horn on public roads is not permitted.
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Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
Maintaining the Modem
Treat your wireless MultiModem with care. The suggestions below will help you enjoy this product for
many years.
●Do not expose the wireless MultiModem to any extreme environment where the temperature is
above 50ºC or humidity is above 90% noncondensing.
●Do not attempt to disassemble the wireless MultiModem. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
●Do not expose the wireless MultiModem to water, rain, or spilled beverages. It is not waterproof.
●Do not place the wireless MultiModem alongside computer discs, credit or travel cards, or other
magnetic media. The phone may affect the information contained on discs or cards.
●The use of accessories not authorized by Multi-Tech or not compliant with Multi-Tech's accessory
specifications may invalidate the warranty of the wireless MultiModem.
●In the unlikely event of a fault in the wireless MultiModem, contact Multi-Tech Tech Support.
●Keep the modem in a safe place and out of the reach of children.
●Try to remember your Unlock and PIN codes. Use the security features to block unauthorized use
and theft.
Package Contents
Unbundled Package
Modem with No Accessories
Bundled Package
Modem with Accessories
1 modem
1 mounting bracket
1 Quick Start Guide
Note: You must supply a USB cable,
bracket screws, and an antenna.
1 modem
1 mounting bracket
1 USB cable
1 antenna
4 rubber feet
1 Quick Start Guide
Note: You must supply bracket
screws.
SIM Chip
Your wireless service provider will supply the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) configuration chip. The
SIM contains information specific to your wireless account and its features.
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Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
General Specifications
General Specifications
Mechanical Dimensions & Weight 4.3" L x 2.4" W x 0.94" H; 4.2 oz.
(11 cm x 6.1 cm x 2.4 cm; 119 g)
Connectors & Fasteners Antenna Connection type: SMA
j
ack
Interface Connector: USB Type B
Phone Handset: Modular handset jack
SIM receptacle: Standard 3V SIM receptacle
Operating Temperatures -40° to +85°C
Storage Temperatures -40° to +85°C
Humidity Relative humidity 20% to 90% noncondensing
Certifications and Safety CE Mark, R&TTE
EMC: FCC Part 2, 15, 22, 24, EN 55022 & EN 55024
Safety: cUL, UL 60950, EN 60950
Network: PTCRB
Functions – GSM/GPRS Modes
Mode Description
Standard Quad Band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Interface USB interface. USB Type B.
SMS Mobile Originated (MO) and Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS Mode Text & PDU point to point.
Cell broadcast in accordance with GSM 07.05.
Data Data circuit asynchronous, transparent, non-transparent up to 14,400 bits
GPRS Class 10. Coding schemes: CS1 to CS4.
Electrical Specifications
Electrical Characteristics
Switching on/off The device is permanently powered when connected to the USB port.
Voltage Voltage Range: 5 to 32V DC
GND: 0V
Current Requirements
Parameters GSM/GPRS 850/900 GSM/GPRS 1800/1900 Unit
Typ. Typ.
Input average supply current in comm. mode at Pmax 360 300 mA
Input average supply current in idle mode 30 30 mA
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Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
RF Specifications
GSM 850 EGSM 900 GSM 1800 GSM 1900
Frequency RX 869 to 894 MHz 925 to 960 MHz 1805 to 1800 MHz 1930 to 1990 MHz
Frequency TX 824 to 849 MHz 880 to 915 MHz 1710 to 1785 MHz 1850 to 1910 MHz
RF Power Stand 2W at 12.5% duty
cycle
2W at 12.5% duty
cycle
1W at 12.5% duty
cycle
1W at 12.5% duty
cycle
Antenna Specifications
GSM/EGSM Antenna Requirements/Specifications
Frequency Range: 824 – 960 MHz / 1710 – 1990 MHz
Impedance: 50 Ohms
VSWR: <2.0:1
Typical Radiated Gain: 3 dBi on azimuth plane
Radiation: Omni
Polarization: Vertical
Wave: HalfWaveDipole
Antennas Available from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Description Part Number
Hinged Right Angle 900/1800 MHz Cellular Modem Antenna ANF1-1HRA
Hinged Right Angle 800/1900 MHz Cellular Modem Antenna ANF2-1HRA
Hinged Right Angle 850/900/1800/1900 MHz Cellular Modem Antenna ANQB-1HRA
PTCRB Requirements Note
There cannot be any alteration to the authorized antenna system. The antenna system must be the
same type with similar in-band and out-of-ban radiation patterns and maintain the same specifications.
FCC Requirements Note
The antenna gain, including cable loss, must not exceed 3.0 dBi at 1900 MHz / 1.6 dBi at 850 MHz for
mobile operating configurations and 7.0 dBi at 1900 MHz / 2.3 dBi at 850 MHz for fixed mounted
operations, as defined in 2.1091 and 1.1307 of the rules for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
Interfaces
The wireless MultiModem has several interfaces:
●LED function indicating operating status
●External antenna (via SMA connector)
●Serial and control link (via USB connector)
●Microphone and speaker (via handset jack)
●SIM card holder
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Chapter 1 – Product Description and Specifications
10 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem GPRS USB Wireless Modem User Guide
LED Interface
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.
AT Command Reference Guides
AT commands for the GPRS USB wireless modem are published in a separate GPRS AT Commands
Reference Guide. You can find this guide on the Multi-Tech website.

Chapter 2 – Activation and
Installation
Activating Your Wireless Account
Some Multi-Tech cellular modems have been pre-configured to operate on a specific cellular network,
such as Sprint and Verizon Wireless.
However, before you can begin to use the modem, you must set up a cellular data account with your
cellular network provider. Refer to Multi-Tech’s Cellular Activation website
http://www.multitech.com/activation.go for information on activating your cellular modem.
Phone Numbers for the Wireless Modem
Every wireless modem has a unique phone number. Your wireless provider may give you the phone
number or the number might be on the SIM card. Wireless provider implementations may vary.
Inserting the SIM Card into the Holder
The wireless MultiModem requires a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) to operate on a GSM
network. To install the card:
1. Use a small screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the SIM cover.
2. Insert the SIM card into the holder.
3. Verify that the SIM card fits into the holder properly and then replace the cover.
Connecting the Antenna and USB Cable
1. Connect a suitable antenna to the SMA connector (See antenna specifications in Chapter 1).
2. Connect the Series B end of the USB cable to the modem and the other end to the PC.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
Connecting Phone Handset (Optional)
If you intend to use a phone handset, connect it to the MultiModem now.
Attaching the Modem to a Flat Surface (Optional)
To mount the wireless MultiModem:
1. Obtain mounting screws (two are needed) that are appropriate for the surface on which you will
mount the MultiModem. 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 125 mm or 4 -15/16 inches.
3. Drill the mounting holes at the desired mounting location (if applicable).
4. Slide the mounting brackets into the corresponding slots on the back of the MultiModem chassis.
5. Attach the MultiModem with two screws to the mounting surface at the desired location on the
equipment.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
Installing Modem Drivers
This section describes how to install modem drivers.
The wireless MultiModem is compatible with Windows Operating Systems Vista/XP/2003/2000 and
Linux.
Obtaining Windows Drivers
You must install the wireless MultiModem USB driver in your computer’s program directory. You can
download the Windows USB drivers from the website:
www.multitech.com/setup/product.go
A complete set of drivers for each operating system is organized into Vista and XP with either 32-bit or
64-bit processor. For 64-bit operating systems, go to Start I All Programs I Accessories I System Tools I
Computer and click on the System Properties button. Under System you will see System Type: 64-bit
Operating System.
Obtaining Linux Drivers
You must download the Linux Operating System drivers from:
www.multitech.com/setup/product.go
Refer to the Readme file for the correct driver file and installation guide for your distribution/version of
Linux.
Installing the Drivers for Windows Vista
This section describes how to install both the USB driver and the modem driver.
Before You Begin
1. Ensure you have downloaded the proper driver from the Multi-Tech website and stored the driver
on your computer.
2. Power up your computer.
3. If you have not already done so, connect the modem’s USB cable to a USB port on the computer.
4. Windows detects that the new modem is present.
Installing the Driver for your TUSB3410 Serial Port
To install the USB driver:
1. Complete the steps in the section Before You Begin.
2. The Found New Hardware window opens, indicating that Windows needs to install driver software
for your TUSB3410 Serial Port.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
3. Click Locate and install driver software (recommended). A Windows installation wizard guides you
through the process of installing the driver.
4. On the next Wizard screen, click I don’t have the disc. Show me other options.
5. Select Browse my computer for driver software (advanced).
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
6. At the Browse for driver software on your computer wizard screen, click Browse.
7. Browse to the Drivers folder on your computer where you stored the driver you downloaded. Then
select one of the following:
●If installing on a 32-bit operating system, select the location of the Vista32 driver.
●If installing on a Vista 64-bit operating system, select the location of the Vista64 driver.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
8. Click Next.
9. Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software dialog box opens.
10. Select Install this driver software anyway.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
11. The Installing driver software… wizard screen appears.
12. A window appears telling you that the software has been successfully installed.
13. Click Close.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
Installing the Modem Driver
To install the modem driver:
1. The Found New Hardware – MultiTech GSM Modem window appears.
2. Click I don’t have the disc. Show me other options. Click Next.
3. Click Browse my computer for driver software (advanced).
4. The dialog box “Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software” appears.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
5. Select Install this driver software anyway. The Installing driver software progress window appears.
6. The software for this device has been successfully installed window appears. Windows has finished
installing the driver software for this device: Multi-Tech Systems USB GSM_GPRS wireless Modem
7. Click Close. The installation of drivers is now complete.
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Chapter 2 – Activation and Installation
Installing the Drivers in Windows Server 2008, XP, 2003
This section describes how to install drivers for the operating systems Windows Server 2008, XP and
2003.
You need to install both a USB driver and a modem driver.
Installing the USB driver
To install the USB driver:
1. Connect the USB cable between the MultiModem and the PC.
2. In some situations the operating system displays a Found New Hardware Wizard window and asks:
Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for software?
Select No, not this time. Then click Next.
3. The Found New Hardware Wizard window now displays the GSM Device.
4. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), and then click Next.
20 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem GPRS USB Wireless Modem User Guide