Sierra Wireless MP 555 User manual

MP 555 GPS Rugged Wireless Modem
Vehicle Installation Guide
2130297
Rev 2.1

Preface
Rev 2.1 3
Important Notice
(
. When
i
Jan.05
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, 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.
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.
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 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
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 Wreless
modems may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate a
computer or any other device connected to the Sierra Wireless
modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
from the driver or operator's control and operation of that
vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating such commu-
nications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
Limitation of The information in this manual is subject to change without
notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Liability Sierra Wireless, Inc. SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. 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, INC.
PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. 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, Inc. and/or its affiliates aggregate liability arising
under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless, Inc. 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, Inc. product.
Patents Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the
following US patents:
5,515,013 5,617,106 5,629,960 5,682,602 5,748,449
5,845,216 5,847,553 5,878,234 5,890,057 5,929,815
6,169,884 6,191,741 6,199,168 6,327,154 6,339,405
6,359,591 6,400,336 6,643,501 6,516,204 6,561,851
6,653,979 6,697,030 6,712,627, 6.785,830 D367,062
D372,248 D372,701 D416,857 D442,170 D452,495
D452,496 D453,733 D459,303 D496,642 D496,655
and other patents pending.
Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under
one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Licensed by QUALCOMM Incorporated under one or more of
the following United States Patents and/or their counterparts
in other nations:
21302974

Preface
Rev 2.1 5
Copyright
®
®
Contact
feedback to
www.sierrawireless.com
Jan.05
4,901,307 5,490,165 5,056,109 5,504,773
5,101,501 5,506,865 5,109,390 5,511,073
5,228,054 5,535,239 5,267,261 5,544,196
5,267,262 5,568,483 5,337,338 5,600,754
5,414,796 5,657,420 5,416,797 5,659,569
5,710,784 5,778,338
© 2005 Sierra Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks “Heart of the Wireless Machine” is a registered trademarks of
Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design,
and Watcher are trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
CDMA2000 1X is a registered trademark of the Telecommu-
nications Industry Association (TIA-USA).
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
Information
Your comments and suggestions on improving this documen-
tation are welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your
[email protected]. Thank you.
Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions,
documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, trouble-
shooting tips, and press releases:
Sales Desk: Phone: [phone]
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time
e-mail: [email protected]
Post: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
13811 Wireless Way,
Richmond, BC
Canada V6V 3A4
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.sierrawireless.com

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
2130297 6

Rev 2.1 7
Supported Platforms
Selecting a Mounting Location
Mounting Procedure
Installing Antennas
Jan.05
Table of Contents
Introducing the MP 555 GPS modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Modem Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing the MP 555 GPS Modem in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
GPS and I/O Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Modem Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connector Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Indicator Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Reset Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Required Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mounting the Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Grounding the Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CDMA RF Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
GPS Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Antenna Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
8
The Power Connector
Power Harness Grounding
Making Proper Power Connections
Powering On the Modem
GPS Performance
2130297
Power Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power connector (Molex) pinouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ignition Sense On/Off Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ignition sense options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Correct wire splicing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using crimp terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Data Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Cable Connection to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Serial connector (DB9) pinouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Connecting the serial or USB cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
I/O Port Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Panic button connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Analog sensor connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Completing the Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Indicator Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
RF and Electrical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Weight and Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
I/O Port Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Industry Canada Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
FCC Approval (U.S.A.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Rev 2.1 Jan.05 9
1
•
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1: Introducing the
MP 555 GPS modem
Package Contents
Warranty
The Sierra Wireless MP 555 GPS modem provides a wireless
network connection for portable computers installed in
vehicles. The modem has a rugged design that allows it to
withstand the vibration, shock, humidity, and extremes of
temperature experienced in the normal operation of police,
emergency, utility, and field service vehicles.
The network connection provided by the MP 555 GPS can be
used to access shared data, browse the Internet, and send and
receive e-mail and text messages. The modem also allows for
sensors, gauges, and alarms (such as panic buttons) to be
deployed in vehicles and remotely monitored from a central
location or dispatch. A built-in GPS module provides location
and heading data that can also be remotely monitored.

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
10
i
connection):
•
•
• Microsoft® ®
•
.
2130297
System Requirements
Supported Platforms
Note: Do not connect the
MP 555 GPS to a USB port on a
PC before installing the software.
Software installation instructions
are provided in the Software
Installation, Conf guration, and
Integration Guide (document
number 2130346) on the instal-
lation CD.
The MP 555 GPS wireless modem connects to a personal
computer with either a serial cable or USB cable. Your
computer must therefore have either an available serial port or
USB port and an appropriate cable.
The Watcher software supports notebook computers with
these operating systems (using either a serial or USB PC
Windows 2000 Professional (with Service Pack 4 or later)
Windows XP Professional
These operating systems are also supported but require a serial
connection between the modem and PC:
Windows 98 SE
Windows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 6a)
For detailed system requirements, see the MP 555 GPS Software
Installation, Configuration, and Integration Guide

Introducing the MP 555 GPS modem
Rev 2.1 11
•
•
•
•
•
them.
Documentation
The
•
•
•
off switch.
•
•
•
output) devices.
The
•
•
•
•
• /
•
•
Jan.05
Package Contents
Each MP 555 GPS box contains:
The MP 555 GPS modem
A mounting template
Mounting screws and washers
An installation and documentation CD
A power harness
If any of these materials are missing, please contact your
account manager at your reseller or at Sierra Wireless to obtain
The MP 555 GPS documentation consists of two guides and an
online help system.
MP 555 GPS Modem Vehicle Installation Guide (this
document) provides instructions on installing the hardware,
describing how to:
Mount the modem in a vehicle.
Connect to the vehicle’s battery.
Connect to the vehicle’s ignition switch or a separate on/
Ground the device.
Connect the radio and GPS antennas.
Connect a notebook computer, and other I/O (input/
MP 555 GPS Software Installation, Configuration, and
Integration Guide describes how to:
Install the software.
Configure the software to use a CDMA account.
Understand the LEDs on the modem and the indicators in
the Watcher software.
Set up the modem’s operating mode and configure the
feature that allows for CSD connections.
Configure the modem to report GPS and or I/O (input/
output) data (from sensors, gauges, or panic buttons).
Use the modem to connect to a VPN (Virtual Private
Network).
Collect and use GPS and I/O data from a fleet of vehicles in
which MP 555 GPS modems are installed.

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
The
and the
)
the
Modem Accessories
2130297
Software Installation, Configuration, and Integration Guide
Vehicle Installation Guide are provided as PDF (Portable
Document Format files on the installation CD.
Online help is provided with Watcher. The help describes all
the icons and indicators in Watcher, provides detailed instruc-
tions on using Watcher to make data connections, and explains
how to send and receive SMS messages. When using Watcher,
you can access help through the menu system or by pressing
<F1> key.
For information about accessories for the MP 555 GPS wireless
modem—including cables and antennas—contact your
account manager at your reseller or at Sierra Wireless.
Warranty
Sierra Wireless, Inc. warrants the MP 555 GPS modem against
all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three
(3) years from the date of purchase.
The sole responsibility of Sierra Wireless, Inc. under this
warranty is limited to either repair or, at the option of Sierra
Wireless, Inc., replacement of the radio modem. There are no
expressed or implied warranties, including those of fitness for
a particular purpose or merchantability, which extend beyond
the face hereof.
Sierra Wireless, Inc. is not liable for any incidental or conse-
quential damages arising from the use, misuse, or installation
of the MP 555 GPS modem.
This warranty does not apply if the serial number label has
been removed, or if the wireless modem has been subjected to
physical abuse, improper installation, or modification.
12

Rev 2.1 Jan.05 13
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•
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iri
Installation Overview
l i
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i1. )
2. ( )
3.
4.
2: Installing the MP 555 GPS
Modem in a Vehicle
Installation Overview
The Modem Housing
Required Equipment
Mounting the Modem
Grounding the Modem
Antennas
Power Wiring
Data Wiring
Completing the
Installation
Note: The MP 555 GPS is
designed for negative-ground
vehicles only. It will not function
in a positive-ground vehicle.
Figure 2-1: Basic diagram for the installation of the MP 555 GPS in a vehicle
equipped with a notebook PC and a combination antenna, using the car
battery for power and ignition-sense w ng for power on/off.
Note: All electrica nstallations
are potent ally dangerous, and
should be performed by
personnel with thorough training
in safe electrical w ring proce-
dures for vehicles.
The installation process for the MP 555 GPS varies depending
on how you plan to use it, where it best fits in your vehicle,
and which of its features you plan to use. In all cases, however,
you must:
Mount the modem (“Mounting the Modem” on page 16
Mount the CDMA RF Radio Frequency antenna and
connect the antenna cable (“Antennas” on page 19)
Install the power harness (“Power Wiring” on page 20)
Install the serial or USB cable for the PC. (This should not
be connected to the PC until the software is installed. See
“Cable Connection to the Computer” on page 24)

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
GPS and I/O Options
/
The Modem Housing
2130297
The MP 555 GPS wireless modem provides support for GPS
(Global Positioning System) and for attaching input/output
devices.
GPS. If you plan to use the MP 555 GPS’s built-in GPS module,
you must connect a GPS antenna and an antenna cable, or use
a combination antenna that can connect to both the GPS and
CDMA RF connectors on the MP 555 GPS housing.
Other I O devices. Other devices, such as panic buttons,
sensors, or gauges may also be installed with the MP 555 GPS
and connected with an I/O cable to the I/O port. (See “I/O Port
Connections” on page 25.)
The MP 555 GPS has a rectangular metal housing:
Figure 2-2: Top view of the MP 555 GPS.
There is a connector panel on one end of the housing, an
indicator panel on the opposite end, a reset button on top, and
mounting holes along the bottom edges on either side.
As shown in the following photographs, the modem has seven
connectors on its connector panel, six of which are currently
supported. The indicator panel has four indicator LEDs.
14

Installing the MP 555 GPS Modem in a Vehicle
Rev 2.1 15
RS232 serial
USB
(Mol
CDMA
(femal
GPS
Transmit (Tx)
Receive (Rx)
Power
Jan.05
Connector Panel
The MP 555 GPS modem’s connector panel has these ports:
Figure 2-3: The connector panel of the MP 555 GPS modem.
Indicator Panel
The MP 555 GPS’s indicator panel includes four indicator
lights:
Figure 2-4: The indicator panel of the MP 555 GPS modem.
Reset Button
The reset button for the MP 555 GPS
is on the top of the housing. Hold it
down for at least 2 seconds with a
pen or screwdriver to perform a
hard reset of the modem, which
includes a self-test sequence.
Figure 2-5: The modem reset button.
(female DB9)
GPS antenna
(female SMA) I/O connector
(female DB15)
Power harness
ex connector)
RF antenna
e TNC) Ground screw

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
16
• A
i i • A The antenna must
(
• A (
• A
•
• An ).
Mounting the Modem
•
2130297
Required Equipment
To install the MP 555 GPS, you require the modem, the
provided power harness (or existing MP200 Series power
harness) and mounting template, and the screws and washers
that come with the device. You also require:
USB or 9-pin serial cable This must be long enough to
run from the mounting location of the MP 555 GPS to the
computer. The maximum length for the serial or USB cable
is 5.5 m (18 feet). The USB cable must have a Type A male
connector at the PC end and a Type B male connector at
the modem end.
Note: If GPS is being imple-
mented, you requre ether two
antennas or a combination
CDMA and GPS antenna.
CDMA IS-95 RF antenna and cable
have the appropriate regulatory approval, 50 ohm
impedance, and a male TNC connector. This may be a
hard-mount or magnetic-mount antenna—see “Antennas”
on page 19)
GPS antenna and cable optional)—This is necessary if
you plan to use the built-in GPS module. (See “Antennas”
on page 19.)
power supply. This is usually the vehicle’s battery.
Appropriate electrical grounding. If a ground wire is
necessary, use a 16-gauge wire and connect it to the
ground screw on the modem’s connector panel.
I/O cable (optional This is required if a panic button,
sensor, gauge, or other I/O device is being installed. (See
“I/O Port Connections” on page 25.)
Note: TheMP 555 GPSmodem,
your computer, and any other
devices should be powered off
while you are connecting cables.
The MP 555 GPS can be mounted in the trunk of the vehicle,
under the dashboard, or under a front or rear seat.
Selecting a Mounting Location
When selecting a mounting location, consider the following
factors:
The modem should not be exposed to weather and
environmental conditions beyond the ranges listed in the
technical specifications on page 29. Avoid excessive heat
from the engine compartment, heaters, or the exhaust
system, and extreme cold from direct contact with air
conditioners or other cooling systems. Never immerse the
modem in water or any other liquid.

Installing the MP 555 GPS Modem in a Vehicle
• If you are replacing an MP200 modem, the MP 555 GPS is
smaller, but can be mounted in the same location using
the existing mounting holes. The MP200 has six mounting
holes, and any four adjacent ones will line up with those
on the MP 555 GPS.
• Every device connected to the MP 555 GPS, as well as the
modem itself, should be grounded as appropriate for the
installation. (See “Grounding the Modem” on page 18 and
“Power Harness Grounding” on page 22.)
• Wiring and connections should be as simple as possible.
Cables for power, antennas, the computer, and any I/O
devices must be routed to their destinations without using
excess wiring.
• All connectors and the reset button should be easy to reach
and the indicator lights should be visible.
Mounting Procedure
To mount the MP 555 GPS:
1. Use the provided mounting template to mark the location
of the mounting holes.
2. Drill the required 5/32" pilot holes (unless you are reusing
holes from an MP200 modem mounting—see page 16).
3. Use the supplied mounting screws and washers to secure
the MP 555 GPS through the holes along the edge of the
case bottom.
Figure 2-6: The bottom of the MP 555 GPS housing. Arrows indicate the
mounting holes.
Rev 2.1 Jan.05 17

MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
18
ide a
i
whil
not
)
l i i lectrical
icles.
2130297
Grounding the Modem
Note: Failing to prov
dedicated ground for each
piece of electrical equipment
can damage the equipment.
It is standard practice in automotive installations to provide a
good quality ground for each piece of electrical equipment. In
most cases, the modem should be grounded by connecting the
black ground wire of the power harness either to the vehicle
chassis or to the negative terminal of the battery.
Note: If you are replacing an
MP200 modem, you can use the
MP200 power harness rather
than install ng the MP 555 GPS
power harness. The only
difference between the
harnesses is that the MP200
harness has a fused ground wire
e the MP 555 GPS harness
has an unfused ground wire.
If other devices connected to the modem (such as a notebook
computer) are not properly grounded, there is some risk that
the other device will ground itself through the cable
connecting it to the modem. This creates a hazardous situation
and could cause equipment damage. If you cannot properly
ground these devices, a potential solution is to install a fuse in
the ground return wire.
The power harness for the MP 555 GPS modem has 5 A fuses
on the red power wire and the white ignition sense wire, but
on the black ground return wire. (See “Power Wiring” on
page 20.)
Figure 2-7: The ground screw connector (bottom) on the connector panel.
To facilitate other ground schemes, a ground screw is
provided on the connector panel of the MP 555 GPS. Use of
this ground screw is not required as long as the power harness
is properly grounded. (Use a 16-gauge wire if you choose to
use the ground screw.
Note: All electrica nstallations are potentially dangerous, and should
be performed by personnel with thorough training n safe e
wiring procedures for veh
Ground screw

Installing the MP 555 GPS Modem in a Vehicle
Note: Tighten cables connected Antennas
to the MP 555 GPS by hand. Do
not use tools. SMA TNC Figure 2-8: The MP 555 GPS’s SMA connector
for the GPS antenna, and the TNC connector
for the CDMA RF antenna.
The MP 555 GPS requires a CDMA
RF antenna to connect to the CDMA
wireless network. If the built-in GPS
module is used, it requires a
dedicated GPS antenna, or a combi-
nation antenna with cables for both
antenna connectors on the modem.
CDMA RF Antennas
The MP 555 GPS requires an approved CDMA RF (Radio
Frequency) antenna. The antenna must have 50 ohms
impedance and a cable with a male TNC connector, as well as
the following characteristics:
• The total maximum gain, including the cable loss, must
not exceed 5.2 dBi (if the antenna operates on the PCS
band) or 6 dBi (if the antenna operates only on the Cellular
band).
• The antenna must transmit and receive on the necessary
frequency bands in your coverage area. The MP 555 GPS
supports these RF bands:
· 1900 MHz (PCS)
· 800 MHz (Cellular)
A dual-band antenna that supports both frequencies can be
used. If your MP 555 GPS will only be connected to net-
works that use one of the bands, an appropriate single-
band antenna is sufficient. Contact your service provider
for information about radio bands used in your area.
For more information about antennas for your installation,
contact your account manager at your reseller or at Sierra
Wireless.
GPS Antennas
If you are installing a GPS antenna, it connects to the
MP 555 GPS modem using a male SMA connector. Contact
your account manager at your reseller or at Sierra Wireless for
more information about compatible GPS antennas.
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MP 555 GPS Vehicle Installation Guide
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antennas:
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Installing Antennas
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2.
3.
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l i l i lectrical
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Antenna Locations
When selecting locations for the GSM CDMA RF and GPS
Refer to the documentation provided with each antenna to
determine whether it requires a ground plane.
Ensure that the CDMA RF antenna is mounted at least
20 cm (8 inches) from vehicle occupants and bystanders.
Ensure that all radio antennas (CDMA RF, GPS, CB radio,
car radio) are separated as much as possible from each
other. Antennas should never be mounted less than 30 cm
(1 foot) apart.
To install the CDMA RF and GPS antennas:
Mount each antenna according to the instructions
provided with it.
Thread the antenna cables through the car to reach the
modem. Secure the cables as necessary.
Connect the cables to the MP 555 GPS by attaching the
cable into the modem’s TNC (for the CDMA RF antenna)
or SMA connector (for the GPS antenna). Hand-tighten the
connectors; do not use tools.
Power Wiring
Note: To avoid RF nterference
problems and possible damage
to the MP 555 GPS, do not
power on the modem before
connecting the CDMA IS-95 RF
antenna.
In a typical installation, the MP 555 GPS is connected to the
vehicle’s battery with the supplied power harness (or if an
MP200 modem was previously installed, with the MP200
power harness). The MP 555 GPS supports a voltage range
between 9 VDC and 36 VDC, and is designed for both 12 VDC
and a 24 VDC vehicle electrical systems.
Note: All electrica nstallations are potentially dangerous, and should
be performed by personne with thorough training n safe e
wiring procedures for veh
The Power Connector
The power harness (Sierra Wireless part number 2000154)
connects to the MP 555 GPS with a Molex connector (part
number 39-01-2040 or 39-01-2045). The part number for the
pins is 39-00-0039.