Sierra Wireless AirPath 300 User manual

Sierra Wireless
AirPath™300 for
Visor™Handheld
User Guide
2130060 Rev 1.1
May 2001

AirPath™300 for Visor™Handheld
User Guide
2130060 Rev 1.1

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide Preface
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page i
Important Notice
Because of 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, Inc., 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
WARNING
The FCC has developed guidelines to reduce any possible
hazard due to exposure of the human body to electromagnetic
radiation (i.e. to radio waves). In accordance with these
guidelines, the antenna should be positioned at a distance
greater than 9 cm (3.6") from users and bystanders
(3 cm (1.2") from hands, wrists, feet, and ankles) when the
modem is transmitting.
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 which may be
susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra
Wireless modem MUST BE TURNED 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 TURNED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem
can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.
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 offense.

Preface AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page ii 2130060 Rev 1.1
Patents
Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the following US
patents: 5515013, 5617106, 5629960, 5682602, 5748449, 5845216,
5847553, 5878234, 5890057, 5929815, 6169884, 6191741, 6199168,
D367062 , D372248, D372701, D416857, and other patents pending.
Copyright
©2001 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of
the publisher.
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does
not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless, Inc. Sierra
Wireless, Inc. shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages
resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.
Trademarks
AirPath™ is a trademark of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Handspring™, Visor™, Springboard™, the Handspring and Springboard
logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Handspring, Inc.
HotSyncis a registered trademark of Palm Computing.
All other brand or product names, logos, trademarks, etc. mentioned in this
manual are owned by their respective companies.
Regulatory Information
The equipment certifications appropriate to your device are marked on the
device and the accompanying product specific information. Where
appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:
CAUTION
Unauthorized modifications or changes not expressly
approved by Sierra Wireless, Inc. could void compliance with
regulatory rules, and thereby your authority to use this
equipment.

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide Preface
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page iii
WARNING (EMI) - United States FCC Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in an appropriate
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communication. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help
WARNING – FCC RF Exposure Guidelines
The FCC has developed guidelines to reduce any possible
hazard due to exposure of the human body to electromagnetic
radiation (i.e. to radio waves). In accordance with these
guidelines, the antenna should be positioned at a distance
greater than 9 cm (3.6") from users and bystanders
(3 cm (1.2") from hands, wrists, feet, and ankles) when the
modem is transmitting.
FCC approval number: N7NACRD2.

Preface AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page iv 2130060 Rev 1.1
WARNING (EMI) – Canada
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for
radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the
interference causing equipment standard entitled 'Digital
Apparatus', ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits
radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de
Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur:
'Appareils Numériques', NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des
Communications.
CSA approval number: 205977.
RSA Licensee
If you have purchased this product under a United States
Government contract, it shall be subject to restrictions as
set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal
Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227-7013
for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in
Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227-
19 for civilian agency contracts or any successor regulations. If further
government regulations apply, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance
with such regulations.

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide Contents
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page v
Contents
1. About this Guide .....................................................................1
1.1. AirPath 300 Checklist ......................................................1
1.2. References........................................................................1
1.3. Currency ..........................................................................2
1.4. Definitions .......................................................................2
1.5. Conventions Used in this Reference ................................4
2. System Overview ....................................................................5
2.1. Required Hardware and Software ....................................5
3. Getting Started ........................................................................7
3.1. Charging the Battery........................................................7
3.1.1. Charging Through the Handheld ............................7
3.2. Attaching the Antenna .....................................................8
3.2.1. Recommended Antenna Position............................8
3.3. Inserting the AirPath 300 .................................................9
3.3.1. Turning the Unit On and Off ..................................9
3.4. Configuring the AirPath 300..........................................10
3.5. Connecting to the Wireless IP Network.........................11
4. Using the Modem..................................................................13
4.1. Reading the LED Indicators...........................................13
4.2. Displaying the AirPath Watcher Screen ........................14
4.3. Checking the Battery Status...........................................15

Contents AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page vi 2130060 Rev 1.1
4.4. Checking the Signal Strength.........................................15
4.5. Checking the Status of the Connection ..........................16
4.6. Removing the AirPath Module ......................................18
4.7. Synchronizing your Handheld Device ...........................19
4.8. Running the AirPath Configuration Program.................19
4.9. Upgrading the AirPath 300 Firmware and Software......20
5. Care & Maintenance .............................................................21
6. Troubleshooting ....................................................................23
7. Specifications ........................................................................25
7.1. Dimensions ....................................................................25
7.2. Cellular Specifications ...................................................25
7.3. Power Consumption.......................................................26
7.4. Power Supply .................................................................26
7.5. Environmental Specifications ........................................27
7.6. Antenna ..........................................................................27
7.7. Supported Protocols .......................................................27
7.8. Developer Information...................................................27
8. Warranty................................................................................29
8.1. From a Reseller or Service Provider ..............................29
8.2. From Sierra Wireless, Inc. .............................................29
8.2.1. Warranty Registration...........................................29
8.2.2. Obtaining Service..................................................30

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide Contents
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page vii
9. Technical Support .................................................................31
10.Index.....................................................................................33
List of Tables
Table 1-1: Package Checklist...........................................1
Table 1-2: Definitions ......................................................2
Table 4-1: LED Status....................................................13
Table 4-2: Signal Strength .............................................15
Table 4-3: Interpreting the “Status” Message ................16
Table 6-1: Troubleshooting............................................23
Table 7-1: Dimensions ...................................................25
Table 7-2: Cellular Specifications..................................25
Table 7-3: Power Consumption......................................26
Table 7-4: Lithium Ion Battery ......................................26
Table 7-5: Environmental Specifications .......................27

2130060 Rev 1.1 Page 1
1. About this Guide
This guide describes how to configure and use the Sierra
Wireless AirPath™300 wireless modem for Handspring™
Visor™handhelds.
1.1. AirPath 300 Checklist
Each AirPath 300 package should include the following parts:
Table 1-1: Package Checklist
Sierra Wireless
Part No.
Description
1200218 AirPath 300 CDPD wireless modem
6000103 Antenna
1200229 External DC adapter
1200227 AirPath 300 CD (may not be included)
2130060 Sierra Wireless AirPath 300 for Visor
User Guide (this document)
1.2. References
For up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips,
and press releases, see our web site: www.sierrawireless.com.
For background information on the nature of wireless
communications consult your cellular service provider and/or
their Internet site. All major service providers provide web-
based information on CDPD.
The Sierra Wireless web site at www.sierrawireless.com
includes a document library in the Support and Downloads
section. This library includes useful documents such as:
• CDPD Primer, 2130006
• Glossary of Terms and Acronyms, 2110032
• Problem Report Sheet, 2110125