OmniSky Minstrel V Reference guide

1
MINSTREL V ™
Welcome to Minstrel V Help Guide

2
Table of Contents
MINSTREL V ™....................................................................1
WELCOME TO MINSTREL V HELP GUIDE........................1
GETTING STARTED.............................................................4
Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................4
Overview.........................................................................................................................6
Charging the Minstrel......................................................................................................7
Features and Requirements............................................................................................8
Minstrel V Features .................................................................................................................................8
Minstrel V requires the following systems and components during setup and configuration:..................8
FRONT PANEL LIGHTS (LED's) and Controls................................................................9
Network Coverage Guide..............................................................................................11
ABOUT THE INTERNET AND WIRELESS IP NETWORK12
Wireless IP Network......................................................................................................12
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION.............................................14
Required Components ..................................................................................................14
Installation Assumptions................................................................................................15
Installing the Minstrel Modem Manager Software..........................................................16
Electronic Identification Number....................................................................................17
Contacting a Wireless IP Network Carrier .....................................................................18
PRECONFIGURED MODEM..............................................19
Preconfigured................................................................................................................19
CONFIGURATION AND SETUP WIZARD.........................20
Setup Wizard.................................................................................................................20
Network Provider...........................................................................................................21
Configure Palm Device..................................................................................................22
Contact a Provider.........................................................................................................23
Settings and Confirm Settings.......................................................................................24
Success ........................................................................................................................25

3
MAINTENANCE SCREENS AND MENUS.........................26
Quick Status Screen......................................................................................................26
Drop Down Menus.........................................................................................................27
Minstrel Menu................................................................................................................28
Disconnect Shutdown Reconnect Network Prefs (Network Preferences) Setup Wizard ...........28
See Also: Setup Wizard..............................................................................................................28
Advanced Menu ............................................................................................................29
Help Menu.....................................................................................................................30
Configuration Screen.....................................................................................................31
Detailed Status Screen..................................................................................................32
Terminal Screen............................................................................................................33
Ping Screen...................................................................................................................34
Modem Information Screen...........................................................................................35
About Screen ................................................................................................................36
This screen shows the version and date information of the Minstrel Modem Manager. ............36
After you have viewed this information, pressing the <OK> button will return you to the Quick Status
screen. ........................................................................................................................................36
ACCESSORIES AND SPECIFICATIONS ..........................37
Accessories...................................................................................................................38
Specifications of the Minstrel V......................................................................................39
Dimensions: ( including the Palm V unit attached )....................................................................39
Modem Features:........................................................................................................................39
Built-In Features:.........................................................................................................................39
UPC Codes:................................................................................................................................39
Cautions and Warnings.................................................................................................40
INDEX..................................................................................41

4
Getting Started
Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start Guide is an overview of the setup and configuration process. It assumes that you are using the
Minstrel Modem Manager software. For more detailed information, please read the appropriate section of this on-line
Help Guide .
The Minstrel V is only compatible with the Palm V series of connected organizers.
1. Unpack and inspect the contents of the box. It should include the following items:
!Minstrel V modem
!Minstrel V CD-ROM
!AC Adapter
!Quick Start Guide
2. The Minstrel V battery is shipped partially charged. It should have enough of a charge to operate your Minstrel V
for a number of hours. If necessary connect the AC Adapter to the Minstrel V and charge the Minstrel V for 3 hours.
See Also:
Charging the Minstrel V
3. Install the Minstrel V CD-ROM into your PC. Transfer the Modem Manager Software to your PC and then perform
a HotSync to your Palm V .
See Also:
Installing the Minstrel Modem Manager
4. Insert the Palm V into the Minstrel V cradle.
5. Start the Minstrel Modem Manager application, which may prompt you to run the Setup Wizard. If your Minstrel V
is preconfigured you will not be prompted to run the Setup Wizard and the Minstrel Modem Manager will attempt to
establish a network session. You can proceed to Step 10.
If an error screen appears when you first run the software, you require the latest version of the Palm OS (operating
system) on your Palm V. You may also upgrade your Palm V OS by downloading the most current version of the
operating system from Palm at http://www.palm.com/custsupp/downloads/ .
See Also:
Minstrel Modem Manager Setup Wizard
Contacting a Wireless IP Network Carrier
6. If you are prompted to run the Setup Wizard, your Minstrel V is not preconfigured and you must select OK to run
the Setup Wizard.
7.The Setup Wizard will guide you through the configuration of your Minstrel V. It will also prompt you to enter your
subscription information and verifies operation of the network.
8. To successfully complete the Setup Wizard you must contact a Wireless Internet Provider to get a Wireless IP
(a.k.a. CDPD) account set up. The Setup Wizard provides a list of Wireless Internet Providers and their phone
numbers to set up an account.
You may also choose to use a Wireless Internet Provider that is not on the list. You will need to enter the information
supplied by your provider into the Setup Wizard in order to configure your Minstrel V. You may cancel the
configuration at any time and run the Setup Wizard later if you wish. For a non-preconfigured Minstrel V, you must

5
successfully complete the Setup Wizard before you are able to use your Minstrel V.
9. You have now successfully configured your Minstrel V and are now ready to run your Internet applications.
10. For normal operation run the Minstrel Modem Manager. You do not have to run the Setup Wizard again unless
you change your Wireless Internet Provider.

6
Overview
The Minstrel V is a Two-Way Wireless IP modem for 3Com's Palm V series. With the Minstrel V you can connect to
other computers and computer networks via the Wireless IP network (also known as the CDPD - Cellular Digital
Packet Data - network).
Because the Minstrel V is as portable as the Palm V, you can now connect to your networks and the Internet
wherever you are. You can use your Minstrel V to:
!Send and receive e-mail
Query corporate databases
!Access the Internet and your intranets
!Retrieve news and stock quotes
!Exchange information with clients and customers
This allows you the freedom to wirelessly contact clients and customers, access the Internet, and submit inventory
updates while away from the office.
This help guide will assist you to quickly and correctly configure your Minstrel V for use. It will also act as a resource
and reference document for you to better understand how your Minstrel V operates.
Specifically, you should be able to do the following with the assistance of this help guide.
!Complete the steps required to set up your Minstrel V for operation on the Wireless IP network.
Configure the Minstrel V according to your specified preferences.
!Ascertain the current operational status of the Minstrel V for purposes of problem solving and administration.
If the information in the release notes shipped with your Minstrel V product differs from the information in this manual,
please follow the included release notes.

7
Charging the Minstrel
BATTERY CHARGING AND PERFORMANCE
The Minstrel V comes with an integrated Lithium-Ion (LiOn) battery and built in fast charger.
Because the Minstrel V is shipped with a partially charged battery, it is recommended that you fully charge the
Minstrel V for use. It is not necessary to fully discharge the battery prior to recharging. There are no associated
memory effects with Lithium-Ion batteries as there are for Nickle Cadmium (NiCad) batteries.
You can operate your Minstrel V while it is charging from the included AC Adapter. The fast charger in your Minstrel V
is temperature sensitive and should only be charged when the ambient temperature is between 10° Celsius and 40°
Celsius
You can expect the following battery performances from the Minstrel V:
Charging Time: 3-3.5 hours
Full Battery Charge Life: 22 hours maximum (dependent upon use)

8
Features and Requirements
Minstrel V Features
!19.2 Kbps raw data rate.
Uses CDPD technology to send data over Wireless IP Networks
!128-bit RSA key encryption for secure transmission
!Sleep Mode to conserve battery life
!AC adapter
!Retractable antenna
!LED's to provide feedback on current modem status
!Configurable application launch button
Minstrel V requires the following systems and components during setup and configuration:
!Palm V series connected organizer
Desktop software and HotSync cradle installed on your Desktop PC
!Modem Manager software (included with your Minstrel V)
!Wireless IP Network Subscription available from your local cellular carrier in most North American cities.
!Application Software such as an E-mail Client, Web Browser, etc.

9
FRONT PANEL LIGHTS (LED's) and Controls
There are three lights that report modem status, as follows, from left to right on the Minstrel V:
NAME GREEN RED
Service LED Flash Slow: Scanning for a channel on the network
Flash Fast: Registering on an acquired channel
Solid: Registered on a channel
Flash Every 5 Seconds: Modem is in sleep mode and
is still connected to the network.
Data LED Flash: When sending or receiving data Solid: Message waiting
Power LED Solid: Battery is fully charged
Flash: Battery is charging Flash: Low Battery
Minstrel Quick Release Button
The Minstrel V has a small white button on the left side of the unit. This button activates a mechanical catch that locks
the Minstrel V and Palm together. In order to insert or remove the Palm from the Minstrel V cradle you must press
and hold down the Quick Release Button before removing or inserting the Palm into the Minstrel V.
To insert the Palm into the Minstrel V do the following:
!Hold the Minstrel V firmly in one hand
Press and hold down the Quick Release Button
!With your other hand place the bottom of the Palm into the base of the Minstrel V and push it flush.
!Release the Quick Release Button.
The Palm is now firmly attached to the Minstrel V.
To remove the Palm from the Minstrel V do the following.
!Hold the Minstrel V firmly in one hand
Press and hold down the Quick Release Button

10
!With your other hand gently pull the Palm upward and away from the Minstrel V
!Release the Quick Release Button.
The Palm is now detached from the Minstrel V.
See also:
Retractable Antenna
Adapter Jack
Feature Button
Power Control