Sierra Wireless DART 200 CDPD Modem User manual

DART 200 CDPD Modem
For CDPD Versions 1.0 and 1.1
User’s Guide
Firmware Version 3.0.10
Revision 1.0
Part Number: 1197-00
January 1998

DART 200 CDPD Modem User's Guide
Sierra Wireless, Inc. ii
?
NOTE:
This guide provides the information necessary to program the Data Access Radio Transceiver
(DART) 200 for operation on Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) 1.0 or 1.1 networks. The factory
default is for 1.1 mode. If you need to operate in CDPD 1.0 mode, refer to Selecting CDPD 1.0 or 1.1
mode of operation, p. 2-8, for detailed instructions.
The guide provides information for use with the current released version of the DART 200 software
(3.0.10). See the ATI command in Appendix F, DART AT Commands, to determine the firmware
version your DART 200 is currently using. If you need a prior or newer version of the software please
contact Sierra Wireless for the desired download package.

DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide
PN1197-00 Revision 1.0 iii
Important Notice
The Data Access Radio Transceiver (DART) can only be exported from the US, or re-exported to another country with the
issuance of an export license from the US Government. Contact Sierra Wireless for more information.
Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data can be
delayed, corrupted, or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as DART
are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network. DART 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 DART, or for failure of DART to transmit or receive such data.
Contact Information
Sierra Wireless, Inc.
260 - 13151 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, Canada V2V 2J2
Tel. [phone] or 313.528.5880
Fax. [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.sierrawireless.com
Part Number: 1197-00, Revision 1.0
© 1997 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in Canada.
First Printing: January, 1998.
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.
AT is a trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
All other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
The information in this guide 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
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 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 which 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. The reason for this is that when operating in the CDPD or cellular circuit switched
mode, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals which could interfere with various onboard equipment 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 offence.

DART 200 CDPD Modem User's Guide
Sierra Wireless, Inc. iv

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Contents
Figures xi
Tables xii
About This Guide xiii
Who should read this guide xiii
Skills required to use this guide xiii
What is in this guide xiii
Changes and additions to this guide xiv
Related reading xv
Compliances xvi
FCC xvi
Canadian xvi
Safety information xvii
Conventions used in this guide xvii
1Introduction 1-1
Description 1-1
New for this version 1-2
DART 200 accessories and services 1-2
RF accessories 1-2
Power accessories 1-2
Hardware options 1-2
Software options 1-2
Services 1-2
Migration considerations 1-2
Contacting your cellular carrier 1-3
CDPD network overview 1-3
AT command set summary 1-4

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2Installation and Setup 2-1
Field installation 2-1
Physical installation considerations 2-1
Antenna considerations 2-2
Troubleshooting 2-4
Getting started 2-5
Modem setup 2-5
Basic modem personalization 2-6
Selecting CDPD 1.0 or 1.1 mode of operation 2-8
Initial testing 2-8
Setup verification 2-8
Register representation 2-9
Channel acquisition 2-10
Problem determination 2-12
Registration 2-15
Troubleshooting registration failure 2-17
Basic communications 2-21
3CDPD Security Features 3-1
Airlink security 3-1
Authentication services 3-1
Modem security management 3-2
4Broadcast and Multicast Operation 4-1
Overview 4-1
Broadcast 4-2
Multicast 4-2
Multicast setup 4-3
5DART Supported Protocols 5-1
UDP 5-1
Basic UDP characteristics 5-2
Basic UDP communication 5-2
Basic UDP setup options 5-4
UDP server characteristics 5-5
UDP server setup options 5-6
Sample UDP server setups 11
Remote UDP setup 5-11
Host UDP setup 5-12
TCP 5-14

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DART TCP capabilities 5-14
Friends Only mode operation 5-14
TCP communication 5-15
Setup options 5-17
Sample TCP setups 5-19
Remote TCP setup 5-19
Host TCP setup 5-21
SLIP 5-22
Modem setup for SLIP 5-22
SLIP IP Address overview 5-24
SLIP operation 5-26
SLIP initial testing 5-27
Telnet 5-28
Setup options 5-28
Telnet escape commands 5-30
New for this version 5-31
Binary mode considerations 5-31
Telnet operation 5-31
6Device Attachment 6-1
RS-232 connection 6-1
Null modem function 6-1
7Vehicle Installation Considerations 7-1
Electrical transients 7-1
Application considerations 7-1
Proximity to other antennas 7-2
8Application Programming 8-1
AT Command Set Support 8-1
Device drivers 8-2
Application program structure 8-2
DART setup 8-2
Network connection 8-2
Data transfer 8-3
Modes of operation 8-3
Error recovery 8-4
Automatic registration 8-6
Registration timer 8-7
Manual registration 8-7
Auto-Registration at power-on 8-7
Auto-Registration when not registered 8-8

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Auto-Registration/De-Registration at connection/disconnection 8-8
Deregistration 8-8
Data forwarding 8-8
Manual transmit control 8-9
Automatic transmit control 8-9
Maximum packet size transmit control 8-10
Escape transmit control 8-11
Usage considerations (for TCP and UDP) 8-11
Auto answer setup 8-11
Flow control considerations 8-12
Flow control and the new end-user 8-13
Flow control in application (online) mode 8-13
Hardware flow control operation 8-14
PAD operating mode 8-14
Data and control interface 8-15
CDPD status sensing 8-15
Escaping through the control interface 8-16
Binary data transfer 8-16
Flow control considerations 8-17
Data forwarding considerations 8-17
Parity considerations 8-17
PAD keep-alive considerations 8-18
Timer expiry in transmit mode 8-19
Timer expiry in receive mode 8-19
Timer expiry for keep-alives 8-19
Escape sequence considerations 8-20
Command response options 8-20
Echo option selection 8-21
Channel acquisition restrictions 8-22
Baud considerations 8-22
Maximum block size considerations 8-23
Modem dial directory 8-24
Messages and response codes 8-25
Messages 8-25

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ALimited Warranty and Service A-1
Limited warranty A-1
Service A-1
BProduct Specifications B-1
Power requirements B-1
Mobile B-1
Stationary B-1
Peak B-1
Power cable B-1
Size B-1
Weight B-1
Operating environment B-1
RF power output B-1
Frequency range B-1
Data rates B-1
Antenna B-1
Antenna cable B-1
Data connection B-1
Data cable B-2
Protocols B-2
CCharts and Diagrams C-1
DSLIP Setup Examples D-1
Trumpet D-1
Installation and startup D-1
Windows 95 D-3
ES-Registers E-1
Register display formats E-1
Registers 0 through 99 formats E-2
Register 100 through 126 formats E-2
Register definitions E-3
FDART AT Command Set F-1
AT command set usage F-1
Basic AT commands F-1
Service Provider commands F-24
Clearing BLOCKED status F-25

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GLoading DART 200 Firmware G-1
Firmware download procedure G-1
HProblem Sheet H-1
Glossary Glossary-1
Acronyms Glossary -1
Terms Glossary-8
Index Index-1
Notes Notes-1

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Figures
Figure 1-1. DART 200 front view 1-1
Figure 2-1. Installing DART 200 with mounting bracket 2-2
Figure 2-2. S-Register bit positions 2-9
Figure 2-3. Viewing the network S-Register (S57) 2-13
Figure 2-4. Monitoring the CDPD channel 2-13
Figure 2-5. Viewing registration status with ATS57? 2-15
Figure 4-1. Checking NEI status with AT\S? 4-3
Figure 5-1 Terminal connection to a CDPD network using SLIP 5-25
Figure 6-1. Standard RS-232 connection 6-1
Figure 6-2. Stand-alone RS-232 6-2
Figure 6-3. Null modem location 6-2
Figure 8-1. Viewing the IP Address directory 8-24
Figure C-1. Mounting bracket template C-1
Figure C-2. Modem connector pinout C-1
Figure E-1. S-Register bit positions E-3

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Tables
Table 1-1. Basic AT command set 1-5
Table 1-2. Service Provider AT command set 1-6
Table 2-1. S-Registers above 100 2-14
Table 2-2. Registration failure troubleshooting 2-17
Table 3-1. Key types 3-2
Table 5-1. Remote UDP setup 5-11
Table 5-2. Host UDP setup 5-13
Table 5-3. Remote TCP setup 5-20
Table 5-4. Host TCP setup 5-21
Table 6-1. Typical null modem pinout 6-2
Table 8-1. Telemetry options for PAD Mode 8-15
Table C-1. Pin functions C-2
Table C-2. RS-232 signal interface C-2
Table E-1. S-Register digits E-2
Table E-2. Register summary E-3
Table F-1. Commands beginning with letters F-2
Table F-2. Commands beginning with ampersand (&) F-9
Table F-3. Commands beginning with backslash (\) F-13
Table F-4. Commands beginning with asterisk (*) F-18
Table F-5. Enable/Disable Service Provider mode F-24
Table F-6. Service Provider commands beginning with caret (^) F-25
Table F-7 Service Provider commands beginning with dash (-) F-29

PN1197-00 Revision 1.0
About This Guide
Who should read this guide
This User’s Guide is designed to assist application software developers
with setup, installation, testing, and design of applications for the Data
Access Radio Transceiver (DART) 200.
Skills required to use this guide
The reader requires a basic working knowledge of Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and the use of the Attention (AT)
command set to use this guide.
What is in this guide
This guide provides information and assistance for both physical
installation and programming of the DART.
This guide is composed of eight chapters, eight appendixes, a glossary
and an index.
Chapter 1, Introduction, describes new features for version 3.0.10, how
to migrate from previous versions, and Cellular Digital Packet Data
(CDPD) network information. Also, the AT command set is summarized
in this chapter.
Chapter 2, Installation and Setup, provides the basic information needed
to install, setup, and test the modem on the CDPD network.
Chapter 3, CDPD Security Features, discusses security features such as
airlink security, authentication services, and modem security
management.
Chapter 4, Broadcast and Multicast Operation, discusses the CDPD
broadcast and multicast functions.
Chapter 5, DART Supported Protocols, discusses and gives set up
instructions for the communication protocols supported by the DART,
including User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP), Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP), and telnet. The
TCP and UDP sections include sample setups for each of the protocols.

DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide About This Guide
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Chapter 6, Device Attachment, describes the RS-232 interface to the
DART, what a null modem is, and how to determine if one is required.
Chapter 7, Vehicle Installation, discusses the items to consider when
installing the DART 200 in a vehicle.
Chapter 8, Application Programming, describes the AT command set to
use with the DART in detail, presents command usage considerations,
and provides additional information for planning and designing CDPD
applications for the TCP and UDP environments.
Appendix A, Limited Warranty and Service, gives important warranty
information and instructions for getting service.
Appendix B, Product Specifications, summarizes the physical, electrical,
and environmental specifications for the DART 200.
Appendix C, Charts and Diagrams, provides the DART mounting
bracket template and the modem connector pinout figure.
Appendix D, SLIP Setup Examples, gives a setup example for the
Trumpet Winsock and directions for getting Windows 95 support.
Appendix E, S-Registers, lists the Status (S)-Registers supported by the
DART 200 and describes their function and usage.
Appendix F, DART AT Command Set, lists all the DART AT commands
and provides detailed descriptions of their function and usage.
Appendix G, Loading DART Firmware, describes how to update DART
200 firmware.
Appendix H, Problem Sheet, provides a Sierra Wireless form for
submitting problems to be resolved.
Glossary
Index
Changes and additions to this guide
For those readers familiar with the DART 200 User's Guide, the
following items have been added or enhanced:
•Migration considerations, p. 1-2
•Anntena grounding caution, p. 2-3
•Registration progress status in Registration, p. 2-15 and p. 8-6
•Improved description of Modem security management, p. 3-1
•Sample UDP setups, p. 5-11
•Ability to get client's IP Address and port in bullet point UDP server
communication, p.5-8and in TCP communication, p. 5-15
•Friends Only mode operation, p. 5-14

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•Sample TCP setups, p. 5-19
•Automatic SLIP restart bullet point, p. 5-24
•Telnet operation, p. 5-31
•Maximum packet size transmit control, p. 8-9
•Escape transmit control, p. 8-10
•Hardware flow control operation, p. 8-13
•PAD operating mode, p. 8-14
•RS-232 signal levels and states, in Table C-2, RS-232 signal
interface, p. C-2
•Channel acquisition restrictions, p. 8-21
•Modem dial directory, p. 8-24
•Message and response codes, p. 8-25
•Windows 95, p. D-3
•Clearing BLOCKED status, F-25
•Index, p. I-1
Related reading
Additional information regarding the CDPD network and communication
information can be found in the following references:
•Cellular Digital Packet Data System Specification, CDPD Forum,
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, (tel.) 800.335.CDPD
•TCP/IP, Running a Successful Network, K. Washburn and J.T.
Evans, NY, Addison-Wesley, 1993
•Internetworking with TCP/IP, D.E. Comer, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1991
•The Whole Internet, E. Krol, Sabastopol, CA, 1992,
(tel.) 800.998.9938
•Computer Networks, A.S. Tannenbaum, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1989

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Compliances
FCC
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
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential
installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, can cause harmful interference to radio communications.
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, determined by turning the equipment off
and on, 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 to an outlet on a circuit different from the
circuit the receiver is connected to
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
can void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Canadian
“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 numerique respecte les limites de bruits radioelectriques
applicables aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans la
norme sur le materiel brouilleur: ‘Appareils Numeriques’, NHB-003
edictee par le ministre des Communications.”
??
NOTE:
This unit was tested
with shielded cables on
the peripheral devices.
Shielded cables must be
used with the unit to
insure compliance.
??
NOTE:
The manufacturer is
not responsible for any
radio or TV
interference caused by
unauthorized
modifications to this
equipment. Such
modification could void
the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

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Safety information
A caution in the margin, as shown at the left or in the body of the text,
denotes a procedure or practice if not performed correctly could result in
loss of data, or damage to equipment.
A warning in the margin, as shown at the left or included within the body
of the text denotes a hazard. A caution calls attention to a procedure or
practice if not performed correctly could result in personal injury.
Conventions used in this guide
The following conventions are used in this guide to help readers locate
and interpret information easily.
Italics Italicized text is used for book titles, and for
cross-referencing chapter titles, and subsections
within chapters. In cross-references the most
specific item, usually, the last item, is italicized, for
example:
•Chapter 1, Introduction
•Chapter 1, Introduction, Description
Courier Courier text is used to show on-screen text, for
example:
at\s?
* NEI 0 = IP ADDRESS 198.225.189.032
GMID 00000
OK
SMALL CAPS Small capitals are used for key names, key
combinations, and key sequences, for example:
Press ENTER.
ALL CAPS All capitals are used to show the connection states
of the DART, for example, CONNECT.
Bold Bold text is used to emphasize the AT commands,
for example, AT\N.
CAUTION:
A caution calls
attention to a procedure
or practice if not
performed correctly
could result in loss of
data or damage to
equipment.
!!
WARNING:
Denotes a hazard. A
warning calls attention
to a procedure or
practice if not
performed correctly
could result in personal
injury.

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PN1197-00 Revision 1.0
1Introduction
Description
The Data Access Radio Transceiver (DART) 200, as shown in Figure
1-1, is a wireless, multipurpose, programmable modem that provides
reliable, cost effective mobile and fixed communications over the
Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network. It is a 3-watt, half-duplex
device operating on a regulated 12 volts @ 2.5 amps, and contains flash
memory to allow software upgrades to be made in the field. The DART
200 differs from its predecessor, the DART 100, in that it has the flash
memory to enable field download of software upgrades.
Figure 1-1. DART 200 front view
Power
connection
12VDC*
Data input
RS-232 DB-9
Connector
Power
Switch Power On
indicator
and RSSI
*Molex Micro-Fit 3.0 4305-0200 - Mates with Molex 43025-0200 on
cable.
The modem is lightweight (only 12 ounces), with a small form factor
(6.3” x 3.4” x 1.0”). Its rugged construction makes it well suited for
industrial and commercial applications of all kinds.
The DART 200 firmware supports either CDPD V1.0 or CDPD V1.1.
The present version of the modem comes pre-selected for CDPD V1.1.
This selection can be altered by modifying an Status (S)-Register. Refer
to Selecting CDPD 1.0 or 1.1 mode of operation, p. 2-8, for details.
Chapter

DART 200 CDPD Modem User’s Guide 1 Introduction
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From a networking perspective, the modem has complete built-in
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP),
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), and telnet protocols. Network
communications can be achieved without the attached end-user device
having to provide an integrated TCP or UDP capability. Select the
desired built-in protocol included in the DART 200 by using the
appropriate AT dial command and begin your data transfer. The end-user
can put the DART 200 in SLIP mode, providing an external software
stack, if desired.
A power cord with connector is supplied with each DART 200, and one
copy of this User’s Guide is included with each order. A power supply
and cellular antennas are available as options at additional cost.
New for this version
If you have prior experience with the DART 200, major differences and
enhancements between the old modem software (3.0.9 dated 7/2/96 and
earlier) and the current version are:
•Provides the “friends only” feature for TCP in addition to UDP
•The automatic SLIP restart feature is now available
DART 200 accessories and services
RF accessories •3 dB cellular magnetic mount antenna
Power accessories •110 VAC to 12 VDC @2.5 amps power
supply
Hardware options •Mounting bracket
Software options •V.42 bis data compression
Services •Developers package
•DART technical training
Migration considerations
If you are migrating applications from prior versions of the DART 200
software to the current version, there are no changes in this version that
alter existing application operation to be aware of. However, to use TCP
Friends Only mode or Auto SLIP restart, some alteration can be required.