Sierra Wireless Compass Series HSPA User manual

2130961
Rev 1.1
Compass™ Series HSPA
USB Modem
Installation Guide

Preface
Important Notice
Safety and Hazards
Limitation of
Liability
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.
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 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.
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
Rev 1.1 Apr.08 3

Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
Patents
Copyright
Trademarks
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.
Portions of this product may be covered by some or all of the
following US patents:
5,515,013 5,629,960 5,845,216 5,847,553 5,878,234
5,890,057 5,929,815 6,169,884 6,191,741 6,199,168
6,339,405 6,359,591 6,400,336 6,516,204 6,561,851
6,643,501 6,653,979 6,697,030 6,785,830 6,845,249
6,847,830 6,876,697 6,879,585 6,886,049 6,968,171
6,985,757 7,023,878 7,053,843 7,106,569 7,145,267
7,200,512 7,295,171 7, 287,162 D442,170 D459,303
D599,256 D560,911
and other patents pending.
This product includes
technology licensed from:
QUALCOMM
®
3G
Licensed by QUALCOMM Incorporated under one or more of
the following United States patents and/or their counterparts
in other nations:
4,901,307 5,056,109 5,101,501 5,109,390 5,228,054
5,267,261 5,267,262 5,337,338 5,414,796 5,416,797
5,490,165 5,504,773 5,506,865 5,511,073 5,535,239
5,544,196 5,568,483 5,600,754 5,657,420 5,659,569
5,710,784 5,778,338
Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under
one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
© 2008 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
“Heart of the Wireless Machine®” is a registered trademark of
Sierra Wireless. Watcher®is a trademark of Sierra Wireless,
registered in the European Community.
Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design,
the red-tipped antenna, and TRU-Install are trademarks of
Sierra Wireless.
4 2130961

Preface
Rev 1.1 Apr.08 5
Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
QUALCOMM® is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM
Incorporated. Used under license.
Macintosh®is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries.
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
Contact
Information
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions,
documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, trouble-
shooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Revision History
Revision
number Release date Changes
1.0 April 2008 New document
1.1 May 2008 Revised instructions for inserting the SIM card.
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

Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
6 2130961

Contents
Introducing the Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Services supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Your account and coverage area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Compass USB modem software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Frequency band support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Overview of installation steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Insert the SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Insert the Compass USB modem into the USB slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connect to the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Attach the Compass USB modem to the lanyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using your Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Removing a SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using the microSD card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Removing the microSD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the extension cable and laptop clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connection management software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Launching 3G Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The 3G Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Indicators in 3G Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Status icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Turning the radio on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Frequency band and network selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Reinstalling the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Regulatory and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Important notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Important safety/compliance information for North American users. . . . . . 36
Information pertaining to OEM customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
EU regulatory conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
8 2130961

1: Introducing the Compass USB 1
Modem
• Services supported
• Your account and
coverage area
• CompassUSBmodem
software
• Frequency band
support The Compass™USB third generation (3G) wireless 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 cable.
The modem fits into Type A USB ports.
The Compass USB modem is TRU-Install™enabled. All the
required software is on the modem. When you set up your
modem, the software is installed on your computer. You do not
need an installation CD.
The modem has a built-in antenna plus an external jack for a
remote antenna. A slot on the end of the modem accommo-
dates 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.
Services supported
Your Compass USB modem supports speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.
However, actual speed depends on the services offered by
your service provider. Contact your service provider and visit
www.sierrawireless.com for details.
Maximum theoretical data speeds are:
• High Speed Download Packet Access (HSDPA)—up to
7.2 Megabits per second (Mbps)
• High Speed Upload Packet Access (HSUPA)—up to
2.0 Mbps
• Concurrent HSDPA/HSUPA (HSPA)—up to 3.6 Mbps
download and up to 1.5 Mbps upload
• Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)—
384 kilobits per second (kbps)
• Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)—
236 kbps
• General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)—56 kbps
9Rev 1.1 Apr.08

Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
Note: If you purchased the
Compass USB 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.
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).
GPRS and EDGE are second generation (2G) data services.
UMTS and HSDPA/HSUPA are 3G data services.
When establishing a connection, your Compass USB modem
uses the fastest available service. If, for example, you are using
a Compass USB modem in an area that has EDGE service but
not UMTS or HSDPA/HSUPA service, the Compass USB
modem connects using EDGE service.
Once the connection is established, you have access to all
Internet services.
Your account and coverage area
You must have an account with a GSM service provider to use
the Compass USB modem. To use the modem’s 3G capability,
your account must be with a service provider that offers
HSDPA/HSUPA or UMTS service. (The Compass 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.
Before you use the Compass USB modem, you must insert the
SIM card into it.
Your ability to obtain service depends on these factors:
• 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 Compass USB
modem, regardless of roaming agreements or account
provisions.
Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
10 2130961

Introducing the Compass USB Modem
Compass USB modem software
The Compass USB modem comes with connection
management software. Depending on your carrier, it may
come with carrier-specific software or the following software
made by Sierra Wireless:
• 3G Watcher for Windows®. Use this software to manage
the Compass USB modem and monitor your connections.
• Driver software that forms the interface between the
Compass USB modem and your Windows operating
system
For information on Watcher features and using Watcher, see
“Connection management software” on page 24.
Frequency band support
Frequency bands supported by the Compass USB modem:
Technology Bands Location
2G 850 MHz (cellular band) North America
900 MHz (EGSM band)
1800 MHz (DCS band)
1900 MHz (PCS band)
Europe
Europe and Asia
North America
3G WCDMA 800 (band VI)
WCDMA 850 (band V)
WCDMA 1900 (band II)
WCDMA 2100 (band I)
Japan
North America and
Australia
North America
Europe, Asia, and
Australia
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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
12 2130961

2: Getting Started 2
Note: Keep a written record in a
secure place of the account
information that your service
provider gives you.
Note: If you are running
Mac OS X, please refer to the
Watcher Quick Start Guide for
Mac OS X found at
www.sierrawireless.com/mac.
Follow the instructions in this chapter to set up and start using
your Compass USB modem.
To use your Compass USB modem, you’ll need:
• An account with a service provider
• A SIM card (supplied by the service provider)
• A profile, which may be:
· Already stored on your modem when you purchase it
· Set up automatically
· Selected from a drop-down list
· Created manually
Overview of installation steps
1. Check the system requirements.
2. Insert the SIM card.
3. Insert the Compass USB modem into your computer’s USB
port. (The necessary software is installed and either the
profile is set up automatically or Watcher prompts you to
create a profile.)
System requirements
The Compass USB modem is supported on:
• Windows Vista™
• Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)
• Windows 2000
• Macintosh®OS X 10.4.11 or later
To install the Compass USB modem, you require the following:
USB port 1 USB Type A slot (USB 1.1 or 2.0)
I/O resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space
Memory 32 MB
Note: If you are running Windows 2000, Windows Installer Redistrib-
utable 2.0 must be installed. This is available on the Microsoft web
site, www.microsoft.com.
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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
Note: To prevent the SIM card
from becoming jammed in its
slot, ensure the edge of the card
is smooth before inserting it. Do
not attach labels to your SIM
card as this may also cause it to
jam.
Note: Users of Windows 2000
must be logged in with adminis-
trative privileges. Users of
Windows XP may require admin-
istrative privileges.
Insert the SIM card
1. If your SIM card is attached to a larger card, detach the
SIM card and remove any fragments stuck to it.
2. Remove the cap from the end of the Compass USB
modem.
3. If there is a non-functional SIM card in the upper slot:
a. Press it in and then release it.
b. Gently remove the non-functional SIM card.
4. Insert the SIM card into the top slot:
a. Push the SIM card in slightly beyond the edge of the
plastic housing—far enough to ensure that the SIM
card stays in place and the spring does not push the
SIM card out.
When it is properly inserted, the outer edge of the SIM
card is in line with the edge of the housing.
Insert the Compass USB modem into the
USB slot
1. Gently insert the modem into the USB slot.
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Getting Started
Rev 1.1 Apr.08 15
Note: Do not forcefully insert the
Compass USB modem as you
may damage connector pins.
Note: Do not insert the Compass USB modem into a USB hub or a
USB slot on a keyboard.
The Compass USB modem comes with TRU-Install™, a
Sierra Wireless feature that installs the necessary software
the first time you insert the Compass USB modem into
your computer. (You do not need an installation CD.)
2. The installation process starts automatically when you
insert the modem.
If it does not, select Start > Run and type d:\setup.exe (where
dis your TRU-Install CD-ROM drive letter1).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: Do not remove the modem until the software installation is
complete. If you have inadvertently removed the modem too soon,
see “Reinstalling the software” on page 28.
Connect 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
modem. Depending on how your modem is configured, the
profile may already be set up or you may need to create one.
1. The drive appears as a CD-ROM drive, even though there is no physical CD
required for installation.
Scenario Required action
Watcher automatically detects or creates a default
profile. Click Connecta
.
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 Connecta .
• 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.
a. The first time you insert the modem in the computer, it takes a few seconds for the modem to locate the net-
work. While it is scanning for a network, the Connect button is unavailable.

Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
2130961
Once the software is successfully installed and the profile is set
up, the Compass USB modem is ready to use.
Anytime you use the Compass USB modem with the same
computer, TRU-Install verifies that the correct software is
already installed. This process takes a few seconds.
If you need to re-install the software, see page 28.
For information on using Watcher, see “Connection
management software” on page 24 or consult the Online Help
that comes with Watcher (from the main window, select Help >
Help Topics).
Attach the Compass USB
modem to the lanyard
To keep everything together, thread the lanyard through the
cap and the modem, as shown in the illustrations.
➊➋
➌
➍
16

Getting Started
Rev 1.1 Apr.08 17
You can also attach the lanyard to the cap.
➊
➋

Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
18 2130961

3: Using your Compass USB
Modem
• Removing a SIM card
• Using the microSD
3
card
• Connection
management
software
Your HSPA Compass USB modem has connectors for an
external antenna and a USB port. It also has slots for a SIM
card and a microSD external storage card. LEDs on the front of
the modem provide status information.
Cap
microSD card
and SIM card slots
Data LED
USB connector
Power LED
External antenna connector
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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide
20 2130961
LEDs
The Compass USB modem has two LEDs that show the current
status of the modem.
LED State Indicates
Power Off Indicates one of the following states:
• The modem is not inserted in the computer.
• The computer is off or in “suspend and resume” mode.
• The modem radio has been turned off using Watcher (Tools > Turn Radio
Off) or another connection client.
Solid Blue The power is on, the modem is working normally.
Blinking Blue The firmware is being updated.
Do not remove the modem from the computer.
Blinking Amber The modem is searching for service (initializing).
Solid Amber Modem error—either the 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) and is ready to
connect.
Solid Blue The modem is connected to a 3G network and can send and receive data.