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

About this Guide AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page 2 2130060 Rev 1.1
1.3. Currency
This document may be revised from time to time as new
firmware and software are made available. Please check our
web site frequently for revisions. The revision of this User
Guide is:
Rev 1.1 May 2, 2001
This document is current with the following AirPath 300
software and firmware revisions:
Revision 1.0. To determine your software and firmware
revisions:
1. From your handheld’s HOME screen, tap Watcher.
2. Tap the Menu button (in the lower left corner of the
screen).
A drop-down menu will appear.
3. Tap Commands > About.
The About screen displays the firmware and software
versions.
4. Tap OK to close the About screen.
If your modem software or firmware is an earlier version, you
should upgrade the software or firmware (see the section
“Upgrading the AirPath 300 Firmware and Software” on
page 20.
1.4. Definitions
Table 1-2: Definitions
CDPD Cellular Digital Packet Data – Wireless radio
frequency (RF) packet switched data
communication services.
DNS Domain Name Server – Internet server that
supplies the mapping of domain names to IP
addresses.
EID Equipment Identifier – A unique 48-bit identifier
given to each CDPD subscriber unit.

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide About this Guide
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page 3
HotSync The synchronizing process of sending
information between the handheld and a host PC
for the purpose of installation or upgrading.
IP Internet Protocol – The basic Internet transport
mechanism.
NEI Network Entity Identifier – The official name
for the IP address of a CDPD device. A 32-bit
device identifier containing the Internet Network
Identifier and the Internet Host Identifier.
POP3 Post Office Protocol, version 3 – A protocol, by
which a client machine can retrieve mail from a
mail server.
RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator – a measure
of the intensity of the radio signal.
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol – A server-to-
server protocol for delivering electronic
mail.The standard protocol used on the Internet;
also used on other TCP/IP networks.
SPNI Service Provider Network Identifier – A unique
numeric code used to identify the CDPD service
provider.
For more definitions, see the Glossary of Terms and
Acronyms (document #2110032) available from the Sierra
Wireless website.

About this Guide AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page 4 2130060 Rev 1.1
1.5. Conventions Used in this Reference
WARNING
Notes in this form denote a physical hazard. The warning
calls attention to a procedure or practice, which, if not
performed correctly, could result in personal injury.
CAUTION
Notes in this form highlight a procedure or practice which, if
not performed correctly, could result in loss of data or
damage to equipment. This is also used to highlight issues
related to regulatory limitations.
NOTE
This form of note draws attention to procedures or practices
which, if not performed correctly, could result in failure of a
process or improper configuration. These are typically pre-
requisites to other operations.

2130060 Rev 1.1 Page 5
2. System Overview
The Sierra Wireless AirPath 300 is a CDPD radio modem, in
the form of a Springboard™module, that you insert in the
Springboard expansion slot of a Visor, Visor Deluxe, Prism,
Platinum, or Edge handheld device.
The AirPath 300 keeps you connected to the wireless network.
You can receive and send email, browse the Internet, and use
other applications wirelessly.
The AirPath 300 consists of a CDPD radio modem, a
rechargeable battery, and embedded firmware. The battery is
not user-replaceable.
2.1. Required Hardware and Software
To use your AirPath 300, you will need:
• A HandspringVisor, Visor Deluxe, Prism, Platinum,
or Edge handheld computer
• An account with a CDPD network service provider in
your area

System Overview AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page 6 2130060 Rev 1.1

2130060 Rev 1.1 Page 7
3. Getting Started
Before you use the Sierra Wireless AirPath 300, you must:
1. Charge the battery for at least four hours
2. Attach the antenna
3. Insert the AirPath 300 into the handheld device
4. Configure the AirPath 300 with your CDPD account
The following sections describe these tasks in detail.
3.1. Charging the Battery
NOTE
Before you use the AirPath 300 for the first time, you must
charge the battery for at least 4 hours.
Use only the provided DC power adapter to charge the
AirPath 300.
To charge the battery of the AirPath 300, connect the plug of
the DC power adapter (provided with the AirPath 300) into the
connector on the top left corner of the AirPath 300 (near the
AirPath 300 logo).
You can continue to use the AirPath 300 during battery
charging with the DC adapter.
When the battery is being charged, the Power LED flashes
red. When the battery is fully charged, the LED is solid red.
3.1.1. Charging Through the Handheld
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to operate the AirPath modem when trickle
charging both devices via the Visor cradle or optional
Travel Charger. This can reduce the AirPath module’s
battery life.
An optional Travel Charger can be used to charge the battery
in Visor Prism and Edge handhelds. When this cable is used,
some power is also provided to the AirPath 300 module. This

Getting Started AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page 8 2130060 Rev 1.1
is sufficient to provide a trickle charge to the AirPath module
battery but is not enough to simultaneously power the
radio/modem for normal use. To use the AirPath module
while trickle charging the handheld, the AirPath 300 DC
adapter must also be used.
Handheld devices without their own rechargeable battery may
also be able to use the Travel Charger to deliver power to the
AirPath module. Not taking power to charge a handheld
battery, these models can provide sufficient power to support
normal use of the AirPath 300 while trickle charging. If you
are unsure of the capability of your particular handheld you
should always use the AirPath DC adapter to charge the
module.
3.2. Attaching the Antenna
Attach the antenna to the connector in the top right corner of
the AirPath 300 (above the LEDs). The antenna simply
presses into place.
The antenna should bend easily at the hinge. Do not
forcefully bend the antenna.
3.2.1. Recommended Antenna Position
Due to the radio frequency interference inherent in all
electronic computing devices, the strength of the signal can be
affected by the orientation of the antenna. For best results, the
antenna should be
aligned with the elbow
hinge rotated toward
the back of the
handheld (away from
the screen) and the
antenna pointing
upward, as shown.

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide Getting Started
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page 9
3.3. Inserting the AirPath 300
You do not have to turn the handheld device off before you
insert the AirPath 300.
Insert the AirPath 300 into the Springboard expansion slot of
your handheld device until the connectors are secure. Do not
use excessive force, since this may damage the connector pins.
If the handheld device was off, it will automatically turn on.
The Service Connection Progress screen opens to indicate the
handheld is connecting with the AirPath 300 module.
The applications for browsing the Web and checking your
email are then automatically loaded from the AirPath 300 onto
the handheld device1.
3.3.1. Turning the Unit On and Off
The AirPath 300 does not have an on/off switch.
The AirPath 300 automatically turns on when:
• You insert it into the handheld device (if the
handheld is off, it will turn on automatically)
• You start Watcher or another application that requires
Internet or email access
• You insert the DC adapter, or in some cases, the
handheld’s Travel Charger. See section 3.1.1.
The AirPath 300 automatically turns off when:
• You tap the Shutdown button in the Watcher
application to deregister from the network and turn
off the AirPath module
CAUTION
Removing the AirPath module without first using the
Shutdown option in Watcher is strongly discouraged. This
can cause disruption because the AirPath adapter will not
have deregistered from the network.
1The applications are removed from the handheld device when you remove
the AirPath 300.

Getting Started AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide
Page 10 2130060 Rev 1.1
• You exit your web browser or e-mail application
(power off is delayed by a duration you configure in
the Network Preferences of the handheld)
• You turn off the handheld device (the AirPath 300
turns off after approximately 10 seconds)
• You remove the AirPath module from the handheld
device (the AirPath 300 turns off after approximately
10 seconds)
NOTE
The handheld will reset when the AirPath 300 module is
removed.
To preserve battery life, remove the AirPath adapter from the
handheld if you will not need network access for an extended
period.
3.4. Configuring the AirPath 300
The first time you insert the AirPath 300 into your handheld,
the AirPath Configuration program will automatically launch.
This program controls the modem’s connection to the
Wireless IP (CDPD) network.
1. Contact the Wireless IP network provider you wish to
use, and state that you wish to activate an account for
your CDPD modem.
The Wireless IP service provider will ask you for the
EID of the modem. The EID is displayed in the top
portion of the AirPath Configuration screen, and also
on the label of the AirPath 300 module, in the format
00-A0-xx-xx-xx-xx.
The service provider will give you values for an NEI
(IP address), DNS, SPNI, and side preference. Write
this information down. (After you have finished
configuring your AirPath 300, you should keep this
information in a safe yet accessible place).
2. In the AirPath Configuration screen, enter the NEI,
DNS, SPNI, and side preference.
The SPNI entry can have zero, one, or more SPNI
values, separated by commas. The AirPath 300 will
accept service only from a provider on the list. If the

AirPath 300 for Visor User Guide Getting Started
2130060 Rev 1.1 Page 11
list is empty, then service will be accepted from any
provider.
3. Tap Save.
4. In the Update AirPath Configuration confirmation
screen, tap Save.
3.5. Connecting to the Wireless IP Network
After you have configured your AirPath 300, you can connect
to the Wireless IP network anytime, simply by inserting your
AirPath 300 into the handheld’s Springboard expansion slot.
When you start a network application (or Watcher) the module
will automatically register on the network.
When the OnAir LED is on steady, you are registered on the
network and can then use the handheld’s web applications for
browsing the Web or checking your email.