Sierra Wireless AirCard User manual

Sierra Wireless AirCard USB
Modem
User Guide
2131232
Rev. 9

Preface
Rev 9 Aug.11 1
Important
Notice Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data
can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be
totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless
devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a
well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in
situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any
kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury,
death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless accepts no responsibility for damages
of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using
the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to
transmit or receive such data.
Safety and
Hazards Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress,
where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life
support equipment, or any equipment that may be susceptible to any form of radio
interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED
OFF. The Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with
this equipment.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is
on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE
POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit
signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the Sierra Wireless
modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or
operator's control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces,
operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
Limitation of
Liability The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND
ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS
PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE
FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless and/or its
affiliates aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless
product, regardless of the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to
liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the Sierra Wireless
product.

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Patents This product may contain technology developed by or for Sierra Wireless, Inc.
This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM®3G.
This product is manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless Inc. or its affiliates under
one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Copyright © 2011 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
Trademarks AirCard®and Watcher®are registered trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Sierra
Wireless™, the Sierra Wireless logo, and the red wave design are trademarks of
Sierra Wireless.
Windows®and Windows Vista®are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Macintosh®and Mac OS®are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
QUALCOMM®is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used
under license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact
Information
Consult our web site for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Sales Desk: Phone: [phone]
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
E-mail: [email protected]
Post: Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.sierrawireless.com

Rev 9 Aug.11 3
Contents
Sierra Wireless AirCard USB Modem User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About the AirCard USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Your account and coverage area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
AirCard USB Modem features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
LED operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Connection management software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Launching Watcher (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Launching Watcher (Mac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Reinstalling the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Connecting to the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Using the microSD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
End- and side-loading models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Back-loading models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Removing the SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using AirCard USB Modem accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the extension cable and clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Attaching the lanyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Care and maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Software installation does not start automatically (Windows) or you do not
see the installer package (Mac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Modem is not detected after AirCard Watcher installation completes (Win-
dows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Windows installer fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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Regulatory and safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Regulatory information for North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Regulatory information for EU countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Regulatory information for Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Sierra Wireless AirCard USB Modem User
Guide
About the AirCard USB Modem
The Sierra Wireless AirCard®USB Modem enables you to connect to
the Internet, send and receive email, connect to a corporate network
or virtual private network (VPN), or view streaming video without the
need for a network cable.
The AirCard USB Modem connects to a Type A USB port on your
computer.
If the AirCard USB Modem is TRU-Install enabled, all the required
software is available on the modem. When you set up your AirCard
USB Modem, the software is installed on your computer. You do not
need an installation CD. (Depending on your service provider, your
modem may include an installation CD.)
The AirCard USB Modem has a built-in antenna and may have a slot
that accommodates a microSDexternal memory card. Depending
on your service provider, a microSD card may be included in your
package, or you may need to purchase it separately.
Depending on the model and your service provider, your modem may
support GPS.
Your account and coverage area
Note: If you purchased the
modem from a GSM
service provider, you may
already have an account
and a SIM card.
Otherwise, your retailer
should be able to give you
the names of companies
that provide these items.
You must have an account with a GSM service provider to use the
AirCard USB Modem. To use the AirCard USB Modem’s 3G or LTE
capability, your account must be with a service provider that offers 3G
or LTE service. (The AirCard USB Modem is backwards compatible
with 2G service.)
When you obtain your account, you are given a Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM) card containing account information. You must insert
the SIM card into the AirCard USB Modem before you use it.
(Depending on your service provider, the SIM card may already be
inserted.)

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When establishing a connection, your AirCard USB Modem uses the fastest
available service. Your ability to obtain service depends on these factors:
Note: The fee for service
is usually higher when you
are roaming (connected to
a network other than the
one belonging to your
service provider).
• Network coverage—You must be within the network coverage area.
• Service provider—If you are within the coverage area of a network that is
not operated by your own service provider, you can obtain service only if
there is a roaming agreement between your service provider and the network
operator.
• Account provisions—Your account may restrict your usage to certain
networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network.
• Frequency band—You cannot connect to networks operating in bands not
supported by your modem, regardless of roaming agreements or account
provisions.
Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
AirCard USB Modem features
The AirCard USB Modem has a USB connector, slots for a SIM card, and (on
some models) a microSD external storage card. LEDs on the front or side of the
AirCard USB Modem provide status information.
The placement of card slots, connectors, and LEDs varies depending on your
modem model.
Data LED
Power LED
Data LED
microSD card and SIM card slots are under the
back cover. See page 14 for details.
microSD slot
SIM card slot is under the back cover. See
page 15 for details.
Power LED

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Power LED
microSD and SIM card slots are under the back
cover. See page 15 for details.
Data LED
Power LED
SIM card slot
Data LED
Power LED
SIM card tray
microSD card slot microSD card slot
Data LED

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LED operation
The AirCard USB Modem has two LEDs that show the current status of the
modem.
Connection management software
Your AirCard USB Modem comes with Sierra Wireless AirCard Watcher®for
Windows®and Mac®, or other connection management software, depending on
your service provider. Use this software to manage the modem and monitor your
connections.
For information on Watcher features and using Watcher, refer to the online Help.
1. From the main Watcher window, select:
·Help > Help Topics or click the button (Windows)
·Help > Sierra Wireless Watcher Help (Mac)
LED State Indicates
Power Off Indicates one of the following states:
•The AirCard USB Modem is not inserted in the computer.
•The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode.
•The AirCard USB Modem radio has been turned off using Watcher or
other connection management software.
Solid Blue The power is on, the AirCard USB Modem is working normally.
Blinking Blue The firmware is being updated.
Do not remove the AirCard USB Modem from the computer.
Blinking Amber The AirCard USB Modem is searching for service (initializing).
Solid Amber Error—either the AirCard USB Modem is having a problem initializing
(searching for service) or is offline because of a failure.
Contact your service provider.
Data Off The modem is unable to detect 2G or 3G service.
Blinking Amber The modem has detected a 2G network (EDGE, GPRS, GSM) and is ready
to connect.
Solid Amber The modem is connected to a 2G network and is able to send and receive
data.
Blinking Blue The modem has detected a 3G network (UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+)
and is ready to connect.
Solid Blue The AirCard USB Modem is connected to a 3G network and can send and
receive data.
Blinking Green The modem has detected an LTE network and is ready to connect.
Solid Green The modem is connected to an LTE network and is able to send and receive
data.

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Note: Watcher is compatible with earlier Sierra Wireless modems.
Watcher enables you to:
•Initiate data connections
•Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA/
HSUPA availability, and other network connection parameters
•Monitor the status of the AirCard USB Modem and GSM service
•Send and receive SMS messages
•Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from using your SIM card
if it is lost or stolen
•Configure startup and exit actions for Watcher and the AirCard USB Modem
•Create or modify a connection profile
For more information about using Watcher, view the Online Help that comes with
Watcher.
You do not need to run Watcher when you use the AirCard USB Modem, but
Watcher does provide useful status information.
Launching Watcher (Windows)
Unless this feature has been disabled, Watcher launches automatically when you
insert the AirCard USB Modem. You can also launch Watcher by:
•Double-clicking the desktop shortcut, or
•Selecting Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > AirCard Watcher.
Depending on how your profile is configured, your browser, VPN, or other
program may launch automatically anytime you launch Watcher.
Launching Watcher (Mac)
Watcher starts automatically at login. To disable this feature, go to Watcher >
Preferences.
You can also start Watcher by navigating to the Applications > Sierra Wireless folder
and double-clicking AirCard Watcher.
Tips
To keep the Watcher icon in the dock:
1. Launch Watcher.
2. Click and hold the Watcher icon in the dock.
3. From the pop-up menu, select Keep in Dock.

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Reinstalling the software
Windows
If you need to reinstall or repair the Watcher software:
1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
2. Uninstall Watcher.
3. Insert the modem into your computer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Or, in Watcher:
1. Select Tools > Software Installation Mode.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: Do not remove the AirCard USB Modem until the software installation process is
complete.
Mac
To uninstall Watcher:
1. Select AirCard Watcher > Uninstall AirCard Watcher.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Connecting to the network
To use your account (and connect to your service provider’s network), you need to
have at least one profile set up on your AirCard USB Modem. Depending on how
your AirCard USB Modem is configured, the profile may already be set up or you
may need to create one.
Note: If you have a pre-paid wireless account, you’ll need to have credit in your account
before you can connect.
Windows
Once the software is successfully installed and the profile is set up, the AirCard
USB Modem is ready to use.
The first time you insert the AirCard USB Modem in the computer, it takes a few
seconds for it to locate the network. While the AirCard USB Modem is scanning
for a network, the Connect button is unavailable.

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When you use the AirCard USB Modem with the same computer, TRU-Install
verifies that the correct software is already installed. This process may take a few
seconds.
To end a high-speed connection, click Disconnect.
If you need to re-install the software, see page 10.
Mac
The first time you run Watcher:
1. When your computer detects the modem, the message "New network inter-
faces have been detected" appears.
2. Click the Network Preferences... button.
3. In the Network window, click Apply. Your modem connects to the network.
a. If there is no profile defined, a message opens asking if you want to
create a new profile.
b. Click Create a new profile.
c. In the Profiles window, click +to create a profile.
To end a high-speed connection, click Disconnect.
Using the microSD card
Some AirCard USB Modem models can accommodate a microSD external
storage card.
The microSD card appears as a USB memory drive when the AirCard USB
Modem is inserted in your computer. You can copy, paste, and drag files to and
from it the same way as you can with any other external drive.
Scenario Required action
Watcher automatically detects or creates a
default profile. Click Connect.
Watcher prompts you to create a data profile. 1. Click Yes, then....
•If Watcher opens the Options window Profile
pane and pre-selects an appropriate profile
(normally the name of your service provider)
from the drop-down list...
a. Click OK to accept that profile (or choose
another from the drop-down list).
b. Click Connect.
•If Watcher opens the Options window Profile
pane, the Profile name field is blank, and
your service provider is not included in the
drop-down list...
You need to create a profile manually. Refer to the
Watcher online help for details.
1. Click Help > Help topics or click the
button.

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End- and side-loading models
To insert and use a microSD card:
1. If there is a non-functional microSD card installed:
a. Press it in and then release it.
b. Gently remove the non-functional microSD card.
2. If the microSD slot is on the end of the AirCard USB Modem, insert the
microSD card into the lower slot, as shown in the illustration. Be careful not to
insert the microSD card in the SIM card slot.
If the microSD card slot is on the side of the AirCard USB Modem, insert the
microSD card as shown in the illustration:
3. Insert the AirCard USB Modem into the computer.
If the computer does not have Watcher installed, you may be given the option
to install it. If you do not want to install Watcher, cancel the installation. You
can use the microSD card without having Watcher installed.
SIM card slot
microSD card slot

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To remove the microSD card:
1. Remove the cap.
-or-
If the microSD card slot is on the side of the AirCard USB Modem, open the
flap.
2. Push the microSD card in and then release it.
3. Gently pull the microSD card out.

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Back-loading models
To insert and use a microSD card:
1. Remove the back cover from the modem.
2. Insert the microSD card in the slot as shown in the illustration.
3. Replace the back cover and insert the AirCard USB Modem into the
computer.
If the computer does not have Watcher installed, you may be given the option
to install it. If you do not want to install Watcher, cancel the installation. You
can use the microSD card without having Watcher installed.
To remove the microSD card:
1. Remove the back cover from the modem.

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2. Gently pull the microSD card out.
Removing the SIM card
For instructions on inserting the SIM card, see the printed guide that came with
your product.
Some AirCard USB Modems have a SIM card slot with a “push to insert/push to
release” design. To remove the SIM card from the modem:
1. Push the SIM card in to release it.
2. Pull the SIM card out of the slot as shown in the illustration.
Some AirCard USB Modems have an internal tray for inserting and removing the
SIM card. To remove the SIM card from the AirCard USB Modem:
1. Slide out the SIM card tray and lift out the SIM card as shown in the illus-
tration.
If you slide the tray completely out of the AirCard USB Modem, carefully reinsert
it. Do not dispose of the tray.

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To remove the SIM card on AirCard USB Modems that have the SIM slot behind
the back panel, remove the back panel and slide the SIM card out of the slot.
Using AirCard USB Modem accessories
Depending on your carrier and your modem model, your AirCard USB Modem
may come with a:
•USB extension cable and clip
•Lanyard
Using the extension cable and clip
The extension cable and clip should be used if you have difficulty inserting the
AirCard USB Modem because of the orientation of your computer’s USB slot or
the thickness of your computer.
The clip fits on the top of your notebook computer and holds your AirCard USB
Modem.
Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied extension cable and
notebook computer clip; other cables and notebook computer clips should not be used.

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Note: Do not insert the AirCard USB Modem or the USB extension cable into a USB hub
or, if your keyboard is separate from your notebook computer, a USB slot on your
keyboard.
To use the extension cable and clip:
1. Place the modem in the clip holder.
2. Place the clip on top of the notebook computer.
3. Connect the extension cable to the AirCard USB Modem.
4. Connect the other end of the extension cable to the USB slot on your
computer.

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Attaching the lanyard
To keep everything together, thread the lanyard through the cap and the AirCard
USB Modem, as shown in the illustrations.
Depending on the cap design, you can also attach the lanyard to the cap.
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