Sierra Wireless PinPoint X User manual

CoverTitle
PinPoint X
Quick Start Guide
for Verizon
20070914
Rev 1.0

Rev 1.0 Mar.10 23
Activating your PinPoint X on the Verizon
Network
•Automatic
Activation
•Setup Wizard
•Hardware
Installation
•Indicator Lights
•Mounting This Quick Start guide provides step-by-step directions for activating
your PinPoint X on Verizon’s network.
Tip: For additional configuration options, refer to the User Guide for your
PinPoint X.
H
Automatic Activation
One of the special features of your PinPoint X for Verizon is the
ability to activate itself automatically. When you first power on
the PinPoint X, it will check to see if it has been activated with
account data. If it finds that it has not yet been activated, the
PinPoint X will attempt to retrieve the account data from the
Verizon network using Over-the-Air Service Provisioning
(OTASP).
Caution: You need to have an account with Verizon before you
attempt automatic activation. If you have not ordered an account
from Verizon for your PinPoint X, it will not succeed at activating.
a. Attach the antenna to your PinPoint X.
b. Plug the PinPoint X into power.
c. While the LED lights cycle from the outside to the
inside, the PinPoint X is attempting to download its
account information. The download process may take
about a minute or two.
Caution: Do not move your PinPoint X while it is being programmed.
d. When the lights illuminate, your PinPoint X has
successfully completed OTASP and is registered on
the Verizon network.

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Setup Wizard
You can find the Setup Wizard installation on the CD which came with your
PinPoint X or on the Sierra Wireless website: http://www.sierrawireless.com/
support/AirLink/default.aspx.Use only the Setup Wizard for Verizon for best
results.
Note: The Setup Wizard
requires the Microsoft
.NET framework v. 1.1 and
Microsoft Windows 98,
Windows 2000, Windows
XP, or later. You can obtain
.NET from Microsoft: http://
www.microsoft.com.
1. Wizard: Starting the Setup Wizard
a. Connect the PinPoint X to your computer using an Ethernet cable or a
serial cable USB cable.
b. Connect the power adapter and antenna to your PinPoint X.
c. Install the Setup Wizard by running VerizonSetupWizard.exe and follow
the prompts.
d. Run the Setup Wizard from the Windows Start menu.
Start>All Programs>AirLink Communications>Setup Wizard>Setup Wizard
Figure 0-1: Setup Wizard
e. Click Next to start the Wizard process.
If you connected your PinPoint X to the port on your computer, select Connected
to an Ethernet/USB Port and use the drop down menu to select the Ethernet
adapter or USB/net connectionon your computer to which the modem is
connected (most computers only have one adapter which will be selected for
you). The default password for the modem is entered for you. Click Next.
e. If you need to update the ALEOS firmware,
change the account information, install the Dial-Up
Networking driver, or want to test the account settings
of your PinPoint X, follow the directions below to use
the Setup Wizard. Otherwise, skip the Wizard steps
and go to the Hardware Installation section.

Rev 1.0 Mar.10 25
Note: If you want to use USB with the Setup Wizard you will need to first install the driver,
refer to Installing the USB driver section in this Chapter.
Figure 0-2: Setup Wizard : Ethernet Connection/USB Connection
Figure 0-3: Ethernet Port
Tip: If the Setup Wizard is unable to detect the PinPoint X, check the green link LED on
the Ethernet port of the modem to see if it is lit to indicate an Ethernet connection with your
computer. If you do not see this light or if your computer shows a “Network Cable
Unplugged” message or icon, try a different Ethernet cable.
OR
If you connected your PinPoint X to the serial port on your computer, select
Connected to a Serial Port, check Auto Detect Port Settings or select the port
from the drop down menu. Click Next.
Figure 0-4: Setup Wizard : Serial Connection

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Note: You cannot activate with serial and would need USB/net to use set up wizard.
After the Setup Wizard connects to your PinPoint X, the details for your specific
model will be displayed. If the incorrect model is displayed, press the Reset
Button on your PinPoint X so the Wizard can attempt to connect again. Click
Next.
After the Wizard detects your PinPoint X, you will be offered a menu of Setup
tasks. Choose the tasks you need from those displayed.
Figure 0-5: Setup Wizard : Task Menu
• Update ALEOS Firmware: Check the Sierra Wireless server for the latest
ALEOS firmware.
• Test Modem Setup: Verify your PinPoint X is properly configured and
connecting on the Verizon network.
• Setup a DUN Connection: Create a Dial-Up Networking entry for local
connection. This part of the setup is only needed if you will be using your
PinPoint X to connect directly from a computer to the Internet or other
network.
Click Next when you have selected your desired options.
Note: Based on your selections, you may not need to do all of the following Wizard steps.
• Activate Modem: Configure your PinPoint X to connect on
the Verizon network.

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Note: Follow this step, only if Update Aleos option has been selected in the task menu
checkbox
On occasion, Sierra Wireless releases updates to the firmware for your modem.
These updates can include new features as well as bug fixes. To make sure your
modem is at optimal performance, it is recommended to Check for Updates and
Update Now if an update is found.
Note: While checking for ALEOS Firmware updates, the Setup Wizard uses the Internet
connection on your computer to connect to the Sierra Wireless server. Your PinPoint X is
not connected to the wireless network for this process. If you are using Ethernet to activate
your Product Name and need to remove the Ethernet cable from your modem to connect
to your usual Internet connection to
Check for Updates , be sure to reconnect the PinPoint
X before you select Update Now .
Figure 0-6: ALEOS Update
Tip: You can download current ALEOS firmware from the Sierra Wireless web site and
install it separately.
Click Next when you are finished updating or if you choose not to update.
The steps and data required to activate your PinPoint X on the Verizon network
varies depending on the model.
The Wizard will check the signal strength of your PinPoint X (RSSI). Click Next to
begin the activation process.
Note: The process may take a few minutes. Progress information will display across the
bottom.

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Figure 0-7: Setup Wizard : Signal Test
Tip: If you have low signal, you may encounter difficulties activating your modem. Try a
different location or a different antenna to increase your signal if it is -90 or lower (yellow to
red bar).
Figure 0-8: Setup Wizard: OTASP screen
Tip: The PinPoint X will get all of its account data from the next work while doing an over
the air activation (OTASP).
Your connection of your PinPoint X to the Internet is tested using the Verizon
cellular network.

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Figure 0-9: Setup Wizard: Connection Test
Green checks in the boxes indicate the tests were successful and your PinPoint X
is functioning properly. At this point your modem is configured and activated to
work on the Verizon network.
Note: These tests, depending on the strength of your signal, may take a few minutes.
Initially, while the tests are being performed, there may be red Xs in the boxes. The Status
line will give an indication of the progress of the connection process.
If Test Modem Settings shows the status of your modem is “Data Connection
Failed - Waiting for Retry”, “No Service”, “No Carrier”, “Network Negotiation
Failed”, “Network Authentication Failed”, “Modem Not Registered”, or the Reg Net
light on the modem is not lit, double-check your device activation information and
return to the Activate Modem step to reconfigure your PinPoint X.
Private Networking Data Link is a special account configuration that provides a
more secure connection for your PinPoint X and often provides a static IP with
authentication on an exclusive server. Consult your Verizon representative for
details about Private Networking Data Link if it’s something you need for your
account.
Before you start the configuration for Private Networking, Data Link, the
connection to the network may be checked.
Caution: Ensure the PinPoint X has been activated before you proceed with the Private
Networking Data Link steps. Configuring Private Networking Data Link before the PinPoint
X has been activated can prevent successful activation.
•The Primary Home Agent (Primary HA) and Secondary Home Agent
(Secondary HA) are the network servers responsible for IP addressing and
routing. Fill in the information, as applicable.

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Figure 0-10: Setup Wizard : Primary and Secondardy HA
• HA Shared Secret Password is used for both Home Agent’s. This may be
filled in for you with a password created for your PinPoint X for the Verizon
network.
•The AAA/Vision Password is required by the Authentication, Authorization
and Accounting server. This may be filled in for you with default for Verizon.
Figure 0-11: Setup Wizard : Passwords
When the Private Networking Data Link configuration is completed, the
connection to the network will be tested again.
Note: Using DUN, the
speed of the connection is
the limited to the
connection between the
modem and the computer.
This may be less than the
total bandwidth available
with EV-DO HSDPA.
Dial-up Networking (DUN) allows a computer or other device to use the serial port
on a PinPoint X to connect to the Internet or private network just like an analog
modem using a standard phone line. The Setup Wizard will install a driver for the
PinPoint X and set up the connection between your computer and the PinPoint X.
You will need to have administrator access on the computer for this section of the
installation.
If you already have other modems installed on your computer, they will be listed
on the Sierra Wireless AirLink Modem Installation screen. If you have other
modems installed on your computer using the same serial port, they may conflict.
As long as you do not intend to use them, you can Remove other modems using
this menu.

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Figure 0-12: Setup Wizard : DUN driver
a. Select Install to begin adding the driver for the PinPoint X to your
computer.
Figure 0-13: Setup Wizard : DUN settings
b. The COM port and speed should match the settings of the PinPoint X and
where it will be connected (default settings will be pre-entered).
c. Select Next to begin the driver installation.
d. You will see a confirmation box from Microsoft Windows to specify if you
wish to install this driver on your computer. Select Continue Anyway to
install the driver.
e. When the driver is installed, you will return to the Modem installation
screen. The PinPoint X should now be listed (in addition to any other
modem installed on your computer).
f. Click Next to continue to install the DUN configuration.
Figure 0-14: Setup Wizard : DUN connections

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If you already have a DUN connection installed for a different modem, it will be
listed on the Dial-up Networking Connection screen.
g. Select Add to create a new connection for the PinPoint X.
Figure 0-15: Setup Wizard : DUN settings
h. From the drop down menu, select Sierra Wireless modem.
i. The defaults for the phone number, user name and password will already
be entered.
j. Select Next to begin the install.
Figure 0-16: Setup Wizard : DUN
At the completion of the DUN installation, you will return to the Dial-up Networking
Connection screen. The AirLink modem should now be listed as a connection.
Your modem is now ready to be used as a DUN device for any applications on
your computer needing a network connection. If you have DUN installed for more
than one modem, you will need to specify in your application which DUN to use.
Unless it is the only DUN, your PinPoint X may not be the one your computer
sees as a default.
Hardware Installation
Note: During installation,
please be sure that the
cables are secure but do
not bear any additional
weight that could loosen
the connector from the
unit.
Your PinPoint X should be mounted in a position that allows easy access for the
cables so they are not bent, constricted, in close proximity to high amperage, or
exposed to extreme temperatures. The LEDs on the front panel should be visible
for ease of operational verification. You should ensure that there is adequate
airflow around the modem but that it is kept free from direct exposure to the
elements, such as sun, rain, dust, etc.

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Caution: The PinPoint X is in a hardened case and designed for use in industrial and
extreme environments. However, unless you are using cables expressly designed for such
environments, they can fail if exposed to the same conditions the PinPoint X can
withstand.
Figure 0-17: PinPoint X Connectors
Cellular
Note: This device is not
intended for use within
close proximity of the
human body. Antenna
installation should provide
for at least a 20 CM
separation from the
operator.
Antennas selected should not exceed a maximum gain of 5 dBi under standard
installation configuration. In more complex installations (such as those requiring
long lengths of cable and/or multiple connections), it’s imperative that the installer
follow maximum dBi gain guidelines in accordance with the radio communications
regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada,
or your country’s regulatory body (if used outside the US).
Your PinPoint X will work with most cellular antennas with a TNC or SMA
(diversity only) connectors. Connect the primary antenna or primary RF cable
directly to the antenna connector on the back of the PinPoint X.
Tip: When using a cable to an antenna placed away from the modem, minimize the length
of your cable. All gain from a more advantageous antenna placement can be lost with a
long cable to the modem.
Note: Use of receive
diversity for EV-DO is
optional. Data trans-
mission and reception may
be adversely affected if it is
not used.
To provide for diversity in the signal reception, connect the
second antenna to the second antenna port (SMA, labeled Rx
Div) on the back of the PinPoint X.
Caution: If you are not using a diversity antenna, you should disable
the receive diversity option. In Ace Manager in the 1x/EV-DO group,
configure *EVDODIVERSITY.

PinPoint X 1x/EV-DO
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GPS
Your PinPoint X will work with most standard active GPS antennas. Connect the
GPS antenna or cable directly to the threaded SMA connector.
Mount the GPS Antenna in the vehicle. The less the cable is wrapped and bound
together, the better it will perform. Place it on the roof, or on the dash, or rear
panel where it has a good view of the sky (greater than a 90 angle view of the
sky).
There are three options for antenna mounts:
•Magnetic roof-mount
•Through glass-mount
•Permanent mount
Figure 0-18: GPS Antenna Placement for a Vehicle
Power
Warning: Risk of electric shock: Only use the supply voltages listed in this user guide.
Warning: When using AC to DC adapter the ambient temperature should not exceed
40
0
C.
Your PinPoint X can be used with either DC or AC, with the appropriate power
adapter. DC cables and AC adapters are available as optional accessories in
addition to the one included with your PinPoint X.
The DC power cable positive lead should be connected to the battery or power
source positive terminal. The power cable negative lead should be connected to
the battery or power source negative terminal.
The PinPoint X has an internal polysilicon circuit breaker that opens at 0.5 to 1.0
amps of current.
If you wish to use the Standby Ignition Sense (SISE) feature of your PinPoint X,
the white wire of the three wire DC power cable should be used to connect to your
ignition. When SISE is enabled in the modem and the ignition sense connector is

Rev 1.0 Mar.10 35
wired to your vehicle, the ignition sense will provide a link to the modem to enable
it to enter a low-power, standby mode when your vehicle is turned off and power
up more quickly when the ignition is started.
Figure 0-19: Ignition Sense power connector
Warning: Explosion Hazard - Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been
switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous.
Connecting to a Computer or other Device
Figure 0-20: Ethernet
The Ethernet port of your PinPoint X can be connected directly to a computer or
other Ethernet device with either a cross-over cable or a straight-through cable.
The Ethernet port on the PinPoint X is auto-sensing and will auto-detect the
speed of the connecting device for 100baseTX or 10baseT. If you are connecting
the modem to a hub or switch you should use a straight through cable or use the
uplink port on the hub or switch with a cross-over cable.
Figure 0-21: Serial
The serial port of your PinPoint X can be connected directly to most computers or
other devices using a standard straight through cable. If you have a DCE device,
you will need a null modem or null modem cable.
Figure 0-22: USB
Ignition Sense (white)
Power (red)Ground (black)
Not Used

PinPoint X 1x/EV-DO
36 20070914
Your PinPoint X’s full-speed (12 Mbit) USB 2.0 port can be connected directly to
most computers or other devices using a standard full-speed USB 2.0 cable. If the
computer or device you are connecting or the cable is not rated for full-speed, the
modem will communicate at a reduced speed to match. The PinPoint X functions
as a device, not a host.
When it is connected to a computer, the USB port should be seen as a COM port
or Ethernet port after the applicable driver is installed.
The PinPoint X has a standard B connector.
Figure 0-23: I/O
Your PinPoint X also has an I/O port with digital inputs, analog inputs, and relay
outputs which can be connected to external devices.
The I/O port can use an optional I/O harness available through Sierra Wireless.
Indicator Lights
When solid, PinPoint X indicates a successful connection. When your PinPoint X
is connected to power and an antenna, there is a specific pattern to the lights to
indicate its operation mode.
Figure 0-24: PinPoint X Indicator lights
•Network- Indicates a successful connection to the cellular network with an
IP address given and a channel acquired.
• Signal - Light shows the strength of the signal and may be nearly solid
(strong signal) or flashing (weaker signal). A slow flash indicates a very weak
signal.
RSSI LED Ranges
RSSI/Signal LED Status Ranges of RSSI (dBm)
On Solid Equal to or stronger than -69

Rev 1.0 Mar.10 37
•Activity- Lights will flash as data is transferred to and from the PinPoint
modem on the remote network.
• Service - Indicates when the connection is EV-DO. Unlit indicates 1x.
•GPS- Indicates a GPS fix. When lit, the PinPoint X has GPS coordinates to
report.
•Power- Indicates the power adapter is connected and there is power getting
to the PinPoint X.
•The Reset button (on the left side of the PinPoint X) has two functions. If it is
quickly depressed and released, the modem will simply power cycle the
internal hardware. If, however, the reset is depressed and held for several
seconds (count 10 slowly, and wait for the power light to go off after the light
pattern stops), the ALEOS configuration settings will return to the factory
defaults.
Light Patterns
The LEDs on the front of the modem will respond in different patterns to indicate
modem states.
• Normal - Each LED, mentioned above, is lit as applicable.
•Startup- The LEDs will cycle from left to right.
• PassThru mode - Network and Signal LEDs will blink in tandem. The
Activity LED will blink when transmitting or receiving data.
•SOS- The Network Channel and Service Err or Service LEDs will blink
alternate to each other.
•LowPower- All LEDs will be off except the power LED which will blink every
3 seconds.
• Configuration Reset - The LEDs will cycle left to right and then right to left 4
times.
• Authentication Failure - The Network, Signal, and Activity LEDs blink every
2 seconds.
• Data Retry - The Network, Signal, and Activity LEDs blink every 3 seconds.
• Invalid MAC Address or Ethernet Initiation Fail - The Service LED will
blink.
Fast Blink -70 to -79
Normal blink -80 to -89
Slow Blink -90 to -99
Extinguished Equal to or weaker than -100
Caution: If you reset the modem configuration using the reset button,
you may need to reactivate your PinPoint X with Verizon.
RSSI LED Ranges
RSSI/Signal LED Status Ranges of RSSI (dBm)

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Mounting
The integrated mounting with keyhole screw mounts on the PinPoint X will allow
you to secure your modem nearly anywhere, quickly and easily, without the need
for a separate bracket.
Figure 0-25: Diagram of the PinPoint X base
.315”(8mm)
.565”(14mm)
.267”(6.78mm)
R.075”(1.9mm)
R.14”(3.5mm)
.132”(3.3mm)
6.12”(155.4mm)
2.5”
(65mm)
Front
2.935”
3.185”
(80.89mm)
6.37”(229mm)
(74.5mm)

Rev 1.0 Mar.10 39
Installing the USB driver
1. Connect the PinPoint X to your computer’s USB port
Note: The USB port needs to be in USB/net, which is the default.
When you connect the PinPoint X for the first time to a USB port on your
computer, Windows should detect a new device and prompt you to install the
driver.
Note: Windows will see each port type as a different USB device and will see every port on
your computer separately. If you change the port type on the PinPoint X or connect to a
different USB port on your computer or hub, Windows will see it as a new device.
Figure 0-26: Found New Hardware Wizard
a. To start the install of the USB virtual Ethernet driver, select No, not this
time and click Next.
b. Select Install from a list of specific location and click Next.
Figure 0-27: Hardware Wizard : Location options
2. Install the driver from a specific location
a. Select and/or enter the location of the driver.
·If the driver is on the CD and the CD is in your drive, you can just select
Search removable media.
·If you will be installing the driver from a file downloaded from the Sierra
Wireless website, select Include this location in the search and type in the
location where you downloaded the file.

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b. Click Next.
Figure 0-28: Hardware Wizard : Install location
After you select the location, the installation should begin. If you get a message
asking if you want to continue the installation, click Continue Anyway.
Figure 0-29: Hardware Wizard : Installing
c. Click Finish to complete the installation. The driver should be enabled
without any need to reboot your computer.
Figure 0-30: Hardware Wizard : Finish
Note: If you are already connected to the modem with an Ethernet cable, when you
complete the installation of the USB Ethernet driver, your computer will not use the USB
connection initially. You may need to reboot your computer before you can use the USB
port as an Ethernet connection to the modem.
3. Optional: Verify and Configure the Virtual Port Settings
Virtual Ethernet
The USB Ethernet connection will show up in your Network Connections as a
Local Area Connection.
c:\program files\airlink\common

Rev 1.0 Mar.10 41
Tip: If you also have an Ethernet card on the computer or have installed the USB Ethernet
to more than one USB port on your computer, the USB Ethernet may show up with a
number.
Figure 0-31: Network Connections
You can also verify the installation by looking in the Device Manager.
a. Click on Start > Control Panel.
b. Double-click on the System icon.
c. Select the Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button.
Figure 0-32: System Properties
d. Click on the + in front of Network Adapters.
The newly installed driver, AirLink USB Ethernet/RNDIS, should be displayed. If
the driver is displayed with a # and number behind the driver name (such as,
AirLink USB Ethernet/RNDIS #2), it means more than one is installed on your