OmniSky Minstrel V Reference guide

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MINSTREL V ™
Welcome to Minstrel V Help Guide

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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

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!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

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Network Coverage Guide

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About the Internet and Wireless IP
Network
Wireless IP Network
The Wireless IP Network is part of the global Internet. You can use your Minstrel V modem to access just about any
computer system, database, or information that is connected to the Internet, using the appropriate application
software such as an e-mail client, Web Browser, or News Reader. The diagram below shows the relationship
between the Wireless IP Network and the Internet.
The Internet is an international network of computer networks. All of these networks are connected by a
communication system that encompasses complex systems of wire and fiber-optic cable.
In browsing the WWW a person logs onto the Internet from their computer and actively searches and requests web
pages from a website to view on their computer.
You can now view graphic images and photographs, animations, sound recordings, and audio/visual presentations or
movies. You can, of course, receive or download onto your computer harddrive data such as computer files or even
entire computer programs.
The web sites that you request each have a specific and unique address. Each document on a web site is identified
by an address composed of the name of the computer, which stores the document, and that document's location in
the computer.

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E-mail is a paperless form of mail. Unlike the conventional postal system, e-mail is completely electronic, and is
stored on computers. Each e-mail message is created by you and is sent between computers. Because it is
electronic instead of paper-based, a computer must be used to create, send, receive, and display each e-mail
message.
You run an e-mail or web-browsing program locally on your computer. These programs display e-mail or web pages.
They also allow communication directly to the servers that make up the Internet and allow you to download web
pages or e-mail.
A server is a computer that provides specific services to other computers. Some of the servers that make up the
Internet are:
!HTTP Server (Hypertext Transfer Protocol ) - provides web pages
POP3 Server -(Post Office Protocol Version 3) -downloads e-mail messages from an electronic mailbox to
the user's computer.
!SMTP Server (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol ) - sends e-mail messages to the destination mailbox.
!DNS Server (Domain Name Service ) - maps, or converts, user entered alphabetical Internet computer
names to computer usable numeric addresses.
In order to provide a service at all times, servers are always running and connected to a data communications
network that links them to the Internet.
This connectivity allows computers to request services from other computers. Examples of these services are the
electronic publishing of documents on the World Wide Web or the sending and receiving of e-mail.
See Also:
Contacting a Wireless IP Network Carrier
Network Coverage Guide
Minstrel V Configuration

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Software Installation
Required Components
The Minstrel V requires the following systems and components during both setup and configuration:
!Palm V series connected organizer.
Palm V Desktop software and HotSync cradle installed on your Desktop PC.
!Wireless IP Network Subscription
!Application Software such as an E-mail Client, Web Browser, etc.

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Installation Assumptions
The following assumptions are made for the successful installation of the software for configuring your Minstrel V
!You already have a Palm V and have installed the Palm V desktop software on your computer.
You already have a Palm V HotSync desktop cradle attached to your computer.
!You have Wireless IP network coverage in your location and region. Check with your Network Carrier or
reseller for information on network coverage in your area.

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Installing the Minstrel Modem Manager Software
Prior to installing the Minstrel Modem Manager software, it is recommended that any previous modem manager
software versions be deleted from the list of applications on the Palm V. Previous versions of this software can be
deleted by the following either one of these two procedures:
In Palm OS v3.0, select the <Menu> softkey button, the <Delete> selection under <App>, select the Minstrel Modem
Manager software from the list, and delete with the <Delete > Button.
Once all previous versions have been deleted, you can install the new Minstrel Modem Manager software using the
standard Palm V Installation Tool.
Check the release notes included in the package and follow any new instructions.
!Insert the included Minstrel Modem Manager software CD into your CD drive.
On your computer, start up the Palm V Install Tool.
!Select the username of the destination Palm V.
Select the Add button.
!At the Filename: field, type the filename of the Minstrel Modem Manager software, d:\Minstrel.prc (where d:
is the drive letter of your CD drive).
!Click the Open button.
!Click the Done button.
!Now you must perform a HotSync to install the Minstrel Modem Manager software from your desktop PC to
your Palm V. Make sure that the HotSync manager is running, insert your Palm V into the desktop cradle,
and press the HotSync button to start data transfer. If you have problems performing a HotSync, please
refer to the Palm V Handbook shipped with your Palm V.
!When the HotSync is completed, remove the Palm V from the desktop cradle.

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Electronic Identification Number
The equipment identifier number is available on the Minstrel V itself or through the Minstrel Modem Manager. You will
find the EID printed on a label that is affixed to the back of the Minstrel V. You will find the EID in the Minstrel Modem
Manager in various screens.
An example of an EID for a Minstrel III modem could be: 00.60.D6.02.12.37
See Also:
Detailed Status Screen
Contact a Provider
Modem Information Screen

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Contacting a Wireless IP Network Carrier
To obtain Wireless IP Network service, receive payment information, determine a specific billing plan or monthly
service rate, and get an IP address please contact the Wireless IP network carrier in your area.
Please see the Network Coverage Guide (containing coverage regions and contact information).
!The network carrier will inform you of all pricing and terms, and obtain any other information they require
from you.
The network carrier will ask for your Minstrel V's EID number.
!The network carrier will provide you with an IP address, two DNS addresses, and any other specific
instructions to establish service. Also make sure you obtain their direct customer support number for
possible use later if you have problems. Make sure you write down this information and save it for later.

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Preconfigured Modem
Preconfigured
If you have purchased a preconfigured Minstrel V you will already have an assigned IP Address.
You do not need to run the Setup Wizard to configure your Minstrel V for use. With a preconfigured modem all that
you need to do is to run the Modem Manager software from your Palm . This will automatically start your network
session and connect you to the Internet.
With a preconfigured Minstrel V there is no need for any user configuration.
See also:
Setup Wizard

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Configuration and Setup Wizard
Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard will guide you through the main steps in configuring your Minstrel V and Palm.
If your the modem is preconfigured , it is not recommended to run the setup wizard unless you really need to make
specialized changes to the preconfiguration. See Preconfigured.
The first time that you run the modem manager with Minstrel V that has not being preconfigured, you will receive a
prompt to run the setup wizard. If you do not wish to run the setup wizard press Cancel. You will then need to enter
the DNS addresses, carrier information, and IP addresses manually in the Config Screen.
At any time, you can choose to cancel the Setup Wizard and exit back to the application picker without completing the
Setup Wizard. The next time that the Minstrel Modem Manager software is selected, you will be presented with the
Setup Wizard screen. It is recommended that once you begin the process by selecting <Next> at the first screen, you
should continue through to completion.