Compass Series HSPA USB Modem

Installation Guide

2130961 Rev 1.2.1

Preface

Important Notice

Duetothenatureofwirelesscommunications,transmission andreceptionofdatacanneverbeguaranteed.Datamaybe delayed,corrupted(i.e.,haveerrors)orbetotallylost. Althoughsignificantdelaysorlossesofdataarerarewhen wirelessdevicessuchastheSierraWirelessmodemareusedin anormalmannerwithawellconstructednetwork,theSierra Wirelessmodemshouldnotbeusedinsituationswherefailure totransmitorreceivedatacouldresultindamageofanykind totheuseroranyotherparty,includingbutnotlimitedto personalinjury,death,orlossofproperty.SierraWireless acceptsnoresponsibilityfordamagesofanykindresulting fromdelaysorerrorsindatatransmittedorreceivedusingthe SierraWirelessmodem,orforfailureoftheSierraWireless modemtotransmitorreceivesuchdata. DonotoperatetheSierraWirelessmodeminareaswhere blastingisinprogress,whereexplosiveatmospheresmaybe present,nearmedicalequipment,nearlifesupportequipment, oranyequipmentwhichmaybesusceptibletoanyformof radiointerference.Insuchareas,theSierraWirelessmodem MUSTBEPOWEREDOFF.TheSierraWirelessmodemcan transmitsignalsthatcouldinterferewiththisequipment. DonotoperatetheSierraWirelessmodeminanyaircraft, whethertheaircraftisonthegroundorinflight.Inaircraft,the SierraWirelessmodemMUSTBEPOWEREDOFF.When operating,theSierraWirelessmodemcantransmitsignalsthat couldinterferewithvariousonboardsystems.
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.

Safety and Hazards

Thedriveroroperatorofanyvehicleshouldnotoperatethe SierraWirelessmodemwhileincontrolofavehicle.Doingso willdetractfromthedriveroroperatorscontrolandoperation ofthatvehicle.Insomestatesandprovinces,operatingsuch communicationsdeviceswhileincontrolofavehicleisan offence.

Limitation of Liability

Theinformationinthismanualissubjecttochangewithout noticeanddoesnotrepresentacommitmentonthepartof SierraWireless.SIERRAWIRELESSANDITSAFFILIATES SPECIFICALLYDISCLAIMLIABILITYFORANYANDALL DIRECT,INDIRECT,SPECIAL,GENERAL,INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,PUNITIVEOREXEMPLARYDAMAGES INCLUDING,BUTNOTLIMITEDTO,LOSSOFPROFITSOR

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

REVENUEORANTICIPATEDPROFITSORREVENUE ARISINGOUTOFTHEUSEORINABILITYTOUSEANY SIERRAWIRELESSPRODUCT,EVENIFSIERRAWIRELESS AND/ORITSAFFILIATESHASBEENADVISEDOFTHE POSSIBILITYOFSUCHDAMAGESORTHEYARE FORESEEABLEORFORCLAIMSBYANYTHIRDPARTY. Notwithstandingtheforegoing,innoeventshallSierra Wirelessand/oritsaffiliatesaggregateliabilityarisingunderor inconnectionwiththeSierraWirelessproduct,regardlessof thenumberofevents,occurrences,orclaimsgivingriseto liability,beinexcessofthepricepaidbythepurchaserforthe SierraWirelessproduct.

Patents

Thisproductmaycontaintechnologydevelopedbyorfor SierraWirelessInc.Thisproductincludestechnologylicensed fromQUALCOMM3G.Thisproductismanufacturedor soldbySierraWirelessInc.oritsaffiliatesunderoneormore patentslicensedfromInterDigitalGroup. 2011SierraWireless.Allrightsreserved. HeartoftheWirelessMachineisaregisteredtrademarkof SierraWireless.WatcherisatrademarkofSierraWireless, registeredintheEuropeanCommunity. SierraWireless,theSierraWirelesslogo,theredwavedesign, theredtippedantenna,andTRUInstallaretrademarksof SierraWireless. WindowsisaregisteredtrademarkofMicrosoftCorporation. QUALCOMMisaregisteredtrademarkofQUALCOMM Incorporated.Usedunderlicense. MacintoshisatrademarkofAppleInc.,registeredintheU.S. andothercountries. Othertrademarksarethepropertyoftherespectiveowners.

Copyright Trademarks

Contact Information

Sales Desk:

Phone: 1-604-232-1488 Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time E-mail: sales@sierrawireless.com

Post: Sierra Wireless 13811 Wireless Way Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4

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Preface

Fax: 1-604-231-1109 Web: www.sierrawireless.com

Consultourwebsiteforuptodateproductdescriptions, documentation,applicationnotes,firmwareupgrades,trouble shootingtips,andpressreleases:

www.sierrawireless.com

Revision History
Revision number 1.0 1.1 1.1B 1.1C 1.2 1.2.1 Release date April 2008 May 2008 Sept. 2008 Sept. 2008 Oct. 2008 February 2011 New document Revised instructions for inserting the SIM card. Updated FCC information Updated FCC information Updated FCC information Updated patent information. Changes

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert the SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert the Compass USB modem into the USB slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 13 14 14

Connect to the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Attach the Compass USB modem to the lanyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 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 notebook computer clip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Connection management software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Launching 3G Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The 3G Watcher window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indicators in 3G Watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Status icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turning the radio on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequency band and network selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 25 26 27 27 28 28

Reinstalling the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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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 Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Regulatory information for North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Regulatory information for EU countries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

2130961

1: Introducing the Compass USB Modem

Services supported Your account and coverage area Compass USB modem software Frequency band support
TheCompassUSBthirdgeneration(3G)wirelessmodem enablesyoutoconnecttotheInternet,sendandreceiveemail, connecttoacorporatenetworkorvirtualprivatenetwork (VPN),orviewstreamingvideo,withouttheneedforacable. ThemodemfitsintoTypeAUSBports. TheCompassUSBmodemisTRUInstallenabled.Allthe requiredsoftwareisonthemodem.Whenyousetupyour modem,thesoftwareisinstalledonyourcomputer.Youdonot needaninstallationCD. Themodemhasabuiltinantenna.Aslotontheendofthe modemaccommodatesamicroSDexternalmemorycard. Dependingonyourserviceprovider,amicroSDcardmaybe includedinyourpackage,oryoumayneedtopurchaseit separately.

Services supported
YourCompassUSBmodemsupportsspeedsofupto7.2Mbps. However,actualspeeddependsontheservicesofferedby yourserviceprovider.Contactyourserviceproviderandvisit www.sierrawireless.comfordetails. Maximumtheoreticaldataspeedsare: HighSpeedDownloadPacketAccess(HSDPA)upto 7.2 Megabitspersecond(Mbps) HighSpeedUploadPacketAccess(HSUPA)upto 2.0 Mbps ConcurrentHSDPA/HSUPA(HSPA)upto3.6Mbps downloadandupto1.5Mbpsupload UniversalMobileTelecommunicationsSystem(UMTS) 384 kilobitspersecond(kbps) EnhancedDataratesforGSMEvolution(EDGE) 236 kbps GeneralPacketRadioService(GPRS)56 kbps

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

GPRSandEDGEaresecondgeneration(2G)dataservices. UMTSandHSDPA/HSUPAare3Gdataservices. Whenestablishingaconnection,yourCompassUSBmodem usesthefastestavailableservice.If,forexample,youareusing aCompassUSBmodeminanareathathasEDGEservicebut notUMTSorHSDPA/HSUPAservice,theCompassUSB modemconnectsusingEDGEservice. Oncetheconnectionisestablished,youhaveaccesstoall Internetservices.

Your account and coverage area

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.

YoumusthaveanaccountwithaGSMserviceprovidertouse theCompassUSBmodem.Tousethemodems3Gcapability, youraccountmustbewithaserviceproviderthatoffers HSDPA/HSUPAorUMTSservice.(TheCompassUSBmodem isbackwardscompatiblewith2Gservice.) Whenyouobtainyouraccount,youaregivenaSubscriber IdentityModule(SIM)cardcontainingaccountinformation. BeforeyouusetheCompassUSBmodem,youmustinsertthe SIMcardintoit. Yourabilitytoobtainservicedependsonthesefactors:

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).

NetworkcoverageYoumustbewithinthenetwork coveragearea. ServiceproviderIfyouarewithinthecoverageareaofa networkthatisnotoperatedbyyourownserviceprovider, youcanobtainserviceonlyifthereisaroamingagreement betweenyourserviceproviderandthenetworkoperator. AccountprovisionsYouraccountmayrestrictyour usagetocertainnetworksorlimittheamountoftimeyou canusethenetwork. FrequencybandYoucannotconnecttonetworks operatinginbandsnotsupportedbyyourCompassUSB modem,regardlessofroamingagreementsoraccount provisions.

Mostserviceprovidershavecoveragemapsontheirwebsites.

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Introducing the Compass USB Modem

Compass USB modem software

TheCompassUSBmodemcomeswithconnection managementsoftware.Dependingonyourcarrier,itmay comewithcarrierspecificsoftwareorthefollowingsoftware madebySierraWireless: 3GWatcherforWindows.Usethissoftwaretomanage theCompassUSBmodemandmonitoryourconnections. Driversoftwarethatformstheinterfacebetweenthe CompassUSBmodemandyourWindowsoperating system

ForinformationonWatcherfeaturesandusingWatcher,see Connectionmanagementsoftwareonpage 25.

Frequency band support

FrequencybandssupportedbytheCompassUSBmodem:
Technology 2G Bands 850 MHz (cellular band) 900 MHz (EGSM band) 1800 MHz (DCS band) 1900 MHz (PCS band) 3G WCDMA 800 (band VI) WCDMA 850 (band V) WCDMA 1900 (band II) WCDMA 2100 (band I) Location North America Europe Europe and Asia North America Japan North America and Australia North America Europe, Asia, and Australia

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

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2: Getting Started
Followtheinstructionsinthischaptertosetupandstartusing yourCompassUSBmodem. TouseyourCompassUSBmodem,youllneed:
Note: Keep a written record in a secure place of the account information that your service provider gives you.

Anaccountwithaserviceprovider ASIMcard(suppliedbytheserviceprovider) Aprofile,whichmaybe: Alreadystoredonyourmodemwhenyoupurchaseit Setupautomatically Selectedfromadropdownlist Createdmanually

Overview of installation steps

1. 2. 3. Checkthesystemrequirements. InserttheSIMcard. InserttheCompassUSBmodemintoyourcomputersUSB port.(Thenecessarysoftwareisinstalledandeitherthe profileissetupautomaticallyorWatcherpromptsyouto createaprofile.)

System requirements
TheCompassUSBmodemissupportedon:
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.

WindowsVista WindowsXP(HomeandProfessionalversions) Windows2000 MacintoshOSX10.4.11orlater

ToinstalltheCompassUSBmodem,yourequirethefollowing:
USB port I/O resources Memory 1 USB Type A slot (USB 1.1 or 2.0) 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O space 32 MB

Note: If you are running Windows 2000, Windows Installer Redistributable 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

Insert the SIM card

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.

1. 2. 3.

IfyourSIMcardisattachedtoalargercard,detachthe SIMcardandremoveanyfragmentsstucktoit. RemovethecapfromtheendoftheCompassUSB modem. IfthereisanonfunctionalSIMcardintheupperslot: a. Pressitinandthenreleaseit. b. GentlyremovethenonfunctionalSIMcard.

4.

InserttheSIMcardintothetopslot: a. PushtheSIMcardinslightlybeyondtheedgeofthe plastichousingfarenoughtoensurethattheSIM cardstaysinplaceandthespringdoesnotpushthe SIMcardout. Whenitisproperlyinserted,theouteredgeoftheSIM cardisinlinewiththeedgeofthehousing.

Insert the Compass USB modem into the USB slot

Note: Users of Windows Vista or Windows 2000 must be logged in with administrative privileges. Users of Windows XP may require administrative privileges.

1.

GentlyinsertthemodemintotheUSBslot.

Note: If your computers USB slot is vertical, use the supplied USB extension cable and notebook computer clip. See Using the extension cable and notebook computer clip on page 23.

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Getting Started

If the orientation of your computers USB slot or the thickness of your computer are such that pressure is applied to the end or side of the modem, you may damage the modem or your computer. In such cases, do not insert the modem directly into your computers USB slot; use the supplied USB extension cable and notebook computer clip instead.

Note: Do not forcefully insert the Compass USB modem as you may damage connector pins.

Note: Do not insert the Compass USB modem or the USB extension cable into a USB hub or, if your keyboard is separate from your notebook computer, a USB slot on your keyboard.

TheCompassUSBmodemcomeswithTRUInstalla SierraWirelessfeaturethatinstallsthenecessarysoftware thefirsttimeyouinserttheCompassUSBmodeminto yourcomputer.(YoudonotneedaninstallationCD.) 2. Theinstallationprocessstartsautomaticallywhenyou insertthemodem. Ifitdoesnot,selectStart > Runandtyped:\setup.exe (where disyourTRUInstallCDROMdriveletter1). 3. Followtheonscreeninstructions.

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 29.

Connect to the network

Touseyouraccount(andconnecttoyourserviceproviders network),youneedtohaveatleastoneprofilesetuponyour modem.Dependingonhowyourmodemisconfigured,the profilemayalreadybesetuporyoumayneedtocreateone.
Scenario Watcher automatically detects or creates a default profile. Watcher prompts you to create a data profile. Click Connecta. Required action

1.

Click Yes, then....

1.

The drive appears as a CD-ROM drive, even though there is no physical CD required for installation.

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

Scenario

Required action

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... 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...

a. Click OK to accept that profile (or choose

another from the drop-down list).

b. ClickConnecta.
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 network. While it is scanning for a network, the Connect button is unavailable.

Oncethesoftwareissuccessfullyinstalledandtheprofileisset up,theCompassUSBmodemisreadytouse. AnytimeyouusetheCompassUSBmodemwiththesame computer,TRUInstallverifiesthatthecorrectsoftwareis alreadyinstalled.Thisprocesstakesafewseconds. Ifyouneedtoreinstallthesoftware,seepage 29. ForinformationonusingWatcher,seeConnection managementsoftwareonpage 25orconsulttheOnlineHelp thatcomeswithWatcher(fromthemainwindow,selectHelp > Help Topics).

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Getting Started

Attach the Compass USB modem to the lanyard

Tokeepeverythingtogether,threadthelanyardthroughthe capandthemodem,asshownintheillustrations.

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

Youcanalsoattachthelanyardtothecap.

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3: Using your Compass USB Modem

Removing a SIM card Using the microSD card Connection management software
YourHSPACompassUSBmodemhasUSBconnectorandslots foraSIMcardandamicroSDexternalstoragecard.LEDson thefrontofthemodemprovidestatusinformation.

Power LED Data LED

microSD card slot and SIM card slot USB connector Cap

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

LEDs
TheCompassUSBmodemhastwoLEDsthatshowthecurrent statusofthemodem.
LED Power State Off Indicates 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. The power is on, the modem is working normally. The firmware is being updated. Do not remove the modem from the computer. The modem is searching for service (initializing). Modem erroreither the modem is having a problem initializing (searching for service) or is offline because of a failure. Contact your service provider. The modem is unable to detect 2G or 3G service. The modem has detected a 2G network (EDGE, GPRS, GSM) and is ready to connect. The modem is connected to a 2G network and is able to send and receive data. The modem has detected a 3G network (UMTS, HSPA) and is ready to connect. The modem is connected to a 3G network and can send and receive data.

Solid Blue Blinking Blue Blinking Amber Solid Amber

Data

Off Blinking Amber Solid Amber Blinking Blue Solid Blue

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Using your Compass USB Modem

Removing a SIM card

Chapter 2providesinstructionsforinsertingtheSIM.To removetheSIMcardfromtheCompassUSBmodem: 1. 2. Removethecap. PushtheSIMcardinandthenreleaseit.

3.

RemovetheSIMcard.

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

Using the microSD card

TheCompassUSBmodemisbuilttoaccommodateamicroSD externalstoragecard. TouseamicroSDcard: 1. IfthereisanonfunctionalmicroSDcardinthelowerslot: a. Pressitinandthenreleaseit. b. GentlyremovethenonfunctionalmicroSDcard. 2. InsertthemicroSDcardintothelowerslotattheendofthe modem,asshownintheillustration.

SIM card slot microSD card slot

3.

InserttheCompassUSBmodemintothecomputersUSB slot. IfthecomputerdoesnothaveWatcherinstalled,youmay begiventheoptiontoinstallit.Ifyoudonotwanttoinstall Watcher,canceltheinstallation.YoucanusethemicroSD withouthavingWatcherinstalled.

ThemicroSDcardappearsasaUSBmemorydrive.Youcan copy,paste,anddragfilestoandfromitthesamewayasyou canwithanyotherexternaldrive.

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Using your Compass USB Modem

Removing the microSD card

Tip: To help conserve battery life, remove the microSD card when you are not using it.

ToremovethemicroSDcard: 1. 2. Removethecap. PushthemicroSDcardinandthenreleaseit.

3.

GentlypullthemicroSDcardout.

Using the extension cable and notebook computer clip

YourCompassUSBmodemcomeswithanextensioncableand clip.Theclipfitsonthetopofyournotebookcomputerand holdsyourCompassUSBmodem.
Note: To meet FCC (regulatory) requirements, use only the supplied extension cable and notebook computer clip; other cables and notebook computer clips should not be used.

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

Note: Do not insert the Compass USB modem or the USB extension cable into a USB hub or, if your keyboard is separate from your notebook computer, a USB slot on your keyboard.

Tousetheextensioncableandclip: 1. 2. 3. 4. Placetheclipontopofthenotebookcomputer. Connecttheextensioncabletothemodem. Placethemodemintheclipholder. ConnecttheotherendoftheextensioncabletotheUSB slotonyourcomputer.

Compass USB modem Clip

Extension cable

Note: Your clip may look slightly different from the one shown in the illustration.

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Using your Compass USB Modem

Connection management software

YourCompassUSBmodemcomeswithSierraWireless3G Watcherorotherconnectionmanagementsoftware,depending onyourcarrier.
Note: 3G Watcher is also compatible with earlier Sierra Wireless modems such as the AirCard 88xU USB modem, AirCard 88xE ExpressCard modem, and the AirCard 88x PC card modem.

3GWatcherenablesyouto: Initiatedataconnections Determinesignalstrength,roamingstatus,GPRS,EDGE, UMTS,orHSDPA/HSUPAavailability,andothernetwork connectionparameters MonitorthestatusoftheCompassUSBmodemandGSM service SendandreceiveSMSmessages EnableordisableSIMsecuritythatpreventsothersfrom usingyourSIMcardifitislostorstolen Setoptionsrelatedtonotificationsandthe3GWatcher window Createormodifyanaccountprofile

Youdonotneedtorun3GWatcherwhenyouusethe CompassUSBmodem,but3GWatcherdoesprovideuseful statusinformation.

Launching 3G Watcher
Unlessthisfeaturehasbeendisabled,3GWatcherlaunches automaticallyanytimeyouinserttheCompassUSBmodem. Youcanalsolaunch3GWatcherby: Doubleclickingthedesktopshortcut
3G Watcher

,or

SelectingStart > Programs > Sierra Wireless > 3G Watcher >

Dependingonhowyourprofileisconfigured,yourbrowser, VPN,orotherprogrammaylaunchautomaticallyanytimeyou launch3GWatcher.

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

The 3G Watcher window

Note: To view the online Help in 3G Watcher, select Help > Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing <F1>.
Compact view

GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA/HSUPA coverage

Roaming

Signal strength
Service Provider

Connect/Disconnect button

Profile drop-down list

Devicestatus. If an icon of the Compass USB

modem with an X is displayed, 3G Watcher is unable to detect the modem. This indicates that the modem is not fully inserted into the computer or the device is powered down. You may be able to resolve this problem by restarting 3G Watcher, stopping, removing, and reinserting the Compass USB modem, or restarting your computer.

Signalstrengthandservicestatus. The number of bars beside the antenna increases as signal strength increases, to a maximum of five bars. The ToolTip that displays when you position the mouse pointer over this indicator shows the numeric value of the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) in dBm.
An antenna with a line through it indicates no service is available (Not in Service). You are outside of the coverage area or have insufficient signal strength to maintain a GSM data connection.

Coverage. The icon indicates the fastest service that is:

- Available in your current coverage area. - Supported by your Compass USB modem. HSPA iconconcurrent HSDPA and HSUPA HSUPA iconHigh-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) HSDPA iconHigh-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)

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Using your Compass USB Modem

3G iconUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) EDGE iconEnhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) GPRS iconGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) When only the letters are displayed, (for example ), you are within the coverage area, but have not yet acquired the service. When the indicator has an outline ( ), you have acquired service and are able to establish a data connection. When the indicator is filled ( wireless service. ), you have a data connection on the

Roaming. You are connected to a network

other than your local service provider's. There may be a surcharge for roaming service. (Support for roaming depends on your service provider.)

NewSMSmessage.Click the icon to open the SMS Express window and read your messages. When your SIM becomes full, this icon flashes and turns red.

Indicators in 3G Watcher
Datatransmission.Whenthemodemisconnectedtothe network,themain3GWatcherwindowshowstheamountof datareceivedandsent.

Status icons
Theseiconsappearinthesystemtray(usuallyinthelower rightcornerofyourscreen). WatchercannotdetecttheCompassUSBmodem. EnsurethattheCompassUSBmodemisinserted properlyandpoweredon. Youdonothaveanactivehighspeedconnection. Youhaveanactivehighspeedconnection. Youhavenew(unread)SMSmessages.

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Turning the radio on and off

Thisoptionallowsyoutoconserveyourcomputersbatteryby turningofftheCompassUSBmodemsradiotransmitter/ receiverwhenyouarenotusingit. Toturnofftheradio: 1. SelectTools > Turn Radio Off. Whentheradioisturnedoff,themenuoptionswitchestoTurn Radio OnandthemessageRadio is off isdisplayedinthe3G Watcherwindow. Toturnontheradio: 1. SelectTools > Turn Radio On.

Frequency band and network selection

3GWatcherhastwooptionsthataffectyourabilitytoobtain GPRS,EDGE,UMTS,orHSDPA/HSUPAservice: Thefrequencybandyouwanttouse Thenetworkyouwanttouse,ifyouarewithinthe coverageareaofmorethanonenetwork

Frequency band selection EveryGSMnetworkoperatesononesetoffrequencybands. TheCompassUSBmodemisdesignedtochangefrequency bandsautomaticallytoobtainnetworkservice.Youcanalso changefrequencybandsmanuallyfromtheNetworktabofthe User Optionswindow(Tools > Options > Network).
Note: Unless your service provider specifies otherwise, it is recommended that you use the Automatic setting.

Network selection ThisoptionissetintheNetworkpaneoftheUserOptions window(Tools > Options > Network > Network Selection Mode). Dependingonyourlocation,youmaybewithinthecoverage areaofseveralnetworks.Yourabilitytoobtainserviceoneach networkdependsonyouraccount. Youroptionsfornetworkselectionare:
Automatic TheCompassUSBmodemautomatically

selectsanetworkbasedonyouraccountandnetwork availability.
Manual TheCompassUSBmodemscanstheareaand displaysalistofdetectedGSMnetworks.

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Using your Compass USB Modem

Ifyouselectanetworkonwhichyoucannotobtainservice, themessage,Failedtoregisterwithnetworkappears. Chooseadifferentnetwork. MoreinformationisavailableintheWatcherOnlineHelp. FromthemainWatcherwindow,selectHelp > Help Topics.

Reinstalling the software

Ifyouneedtoreinstallorrepairthe3GWatchersoftware: 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. OpentheControl Panel. DoubleclickTRU-Install. Followtheonscreeninstructions. SelectTools > Software Installation Mode. Followtheonscreeninstructions.

Or,inWatcher:

Ifyouhavecanceledthesoftwareinstallationprocessor removedthemodemfromthecomputerbeforethesoftware installationprocesswascomplete,youmayreceiveerror messageswhenyoutrytoreinstallthesoftware.Ifthat happens: 1. 2. GotoStart > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs and removeTRU-Install. Insertthemodemintothecomputer.

Note: Do not remove the modem until the software installation process is complete.

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4: Care and Maintenance of Your Compass USB Modem

Aswithanyelectronicdevice,theCompassUSBmodemmust behandledwithcaretoensurereliableoperation.Followthese guidelineswhenyouuseandstoreyourCompassUSB modem: DonotapplyadhesivelabelstotheSIMcard.Thismay causeittojaminsidetheslot,orpreventitfrombeing insertedproperly. Whennotinstalledinyourcomputer,storetheCompass USBmodemandSIMcardinasafeplace. TheCompassUSBmodemshouldfiteasilyintoyour computersUSBport.ForcingtheCompassUSBmodem intotheportmaydamagetheconnectorpins. ProtecttheCompassUSBmodemfromliquids,dust,and excessiveheat.(SeetheEnvironmentalspecificationson page 34formaximumtolerances.)

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5: Technical Specifications
Radio frequency and electrical specifications
Table 5-1: Radio frequency and electrical specifications
Compliance Transmit GSM Release 6 GSM 1900 (PCS): 1850 to 1910 MHz GSM 1800 (DCS):1710 to 1785 MHz EGSM 900: 880 to 915 MHz GSM 850: 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA 2100 (Band I): 1920 to 1980 MHz WCDMA 1900 (Band II): 1850 to 1910 MHz WCDMA 850 (Band V): 824 to 849 MHz WCDMA 800 (Band VI): 830 to 840 MHz GSM 1900 (PCS): 1930 to 1990 MHz GSM 1800 (DCS): 1805 to 1880 MHz EGSM 900: 925 to 960 MHz GSM 850: 869 to 894 MHz WCDMA 2100 (Band I): 2110 to 2170 MHz WCDMA 1900 (Band II): 1930 to 1990 MHz WCDMA 850 (Band V): 869 to 894 MHz WCDMA 800 (Band VI): 875 to 885 MHz 200 kHz (GSM) 5 MHz (WCDMA) 200 kHz 0.1 ppm

Receive

Channel spacing Channel raster Frequency stability

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Environmental specifications
Operating temperature Storage temperature Humidity Vibration 0C to +50C (+32F to +122F) -20C to +85C (-4F to +185F) 85%, non-condensing Random vibration, 10 to 1000 Hz, nominal 6G RMS in each of 3 mutually perpendicular axes. Test duration of 60 minutes for each axis, for a total test time of 3 hours (non-operating). 1 m on concrete on each of 6 faces, 2 times

Drop

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6: Regulatory and Safety Information

Notice
Becauseofthenatureofwirelesscommunications,trans missionandreceptionofdatacanneverbeguaranteed.Data maybedelayed,corrupted(thatis,haveerrors),orbetotally lost.Althoughsignificantdelaysorlossesofdataarerare whenwirelessdevicessuchastheSierraWirelessmodemare usedinanormalmannerwithawellconstructednetwork,the SierraWirelessmodemshouldnotbeusedinsituationswhere failuretotransmitorreceivedatacouldresultindamageof anykindtotheuseroranyotherparty,includingbutnot limitedtopersonalinjury,death,orlossofproperty.Sierra Wirelessanditsaffiliatesacceptnoresponsibilityfordamages ofanykindresultingfromdelaysorerrorsindatatransmitted orreceivedusingtheSierraWirelessmodem,orforfailureof theSierraWirelessmodemtotransmitorreceivesuchdata.

Safety and hazards

TheCompassUSBmodemMUSTBEPOWEREDOFFinall areasthatmaybesusceptibletoradiointerference,in particular: Prohibitedareas Obeyallsignsandnoticesandfollowallrulesandregula tions.PowerofftheCompass885/888USBmodemwhen instructedtodosoorwhenyoususpectthatitmaycause interferenceordanger. Inareaswhereblastingisinprogress Whereexplosiveatmospheresmaybepresent Areaswithapotentiallyexplosiveatmospherearenot alwaysclearlymarked.Suchareasincludegasstations, fueldepots,chemicaltransferorstoragefacilities,areas whereblastingisinprogress,areaswheretheaircontains chemicalsorparticlessuchasgrain,dust,ormetalpow ders,andanyotherareawhereyouwouldnormallybe advisedtoturnoffyourcellularphoneorvehicleengine. Nearmedicalorlifesupportequipment Medicalequipmentmaybesusceptibletoanyformof radiointerference.InsuchareastheCompass885/888USB modemcantransmitsignalsthatcouldinterferewiththis equipment.

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

Onboardaircraft InadditiontoFederalAviationAuthority(FAA)require ments,manyairlineregulationsstatethatyoumustsus pendwirelessoperationsbeforeboardinganaircraft.The Compass885/888USBmodemiscapableoftransmitting signalsthatcouldinterferewithvariousonboardsystems andcontrols. Failuretoobservethisinstructionmayleadtosuspension ordenialofcellulartelephoneservicestotheoffender, legalaction,orboth. Someairlinesmaypermittheuseofcellularphoneswhile theaircraftisonthegroundandthedoorisopen.The Compass885/888USBmodemmaybeusednormallyat thistime.

Whileoperatingavehicle Thedriveroroperatorofanyvehicleshouldnotusea wirelessdatadevicewhileincontrolofavehicle.Doingso detractsfromthedriveroroperatorsabilitytocontroland operatethevehicle.Insomecountries,usingsuchcommu nicationsdeviceswhileincontrolofavehicleisanoffence.

Regulatory information for North America

CAUTION:Unauthorizedmodificationsorchangesnot expresslyapprovedbySierraWireless,Inc.couldvoid compliancewithregulatoryrules,andtherebyyourauthority tousethisequipment. ThedesignoftheCompass885/888USBmodemcomplieswith U.S.FederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)and IndustryCanada(IC)guidelinesrespectingsafetylevelsof radiofrequency(RF)exposureforportabledevices,whichin turnareconsistentwiththefollowingsafetystandardsprevi ouslysetbyCanadian,U.S.andinternationalstandards bodies: ANSI/IEEEC95.11999,IEEEStandardforSafetyLevelswith RespecttoHumanExposuretoRadioFrequencyElectromag neticFields,3kHzto300GHz NationalCouncilonRadiationProtectionandMeasure ments(NCRP)Report86,1986,BiologicalEffectsand ExposureCriteriaforRadioFrequencyElectromagneticFields HealthCanada,SafetyCode6,1999,LimitsofHuman ExposuretoRadiofrequencyElectromagneticFieldsinthe FrequencyRangefrom3kHzto300GHz

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Regulatory and Safety Information

InternationalCommissiononNonIonisingRadiation Protection(ICNIRP)1998,Guidelinesforlimitingexposureto timevaryingelectric,magnetic,andelectromagneticfields(up to300GHz)

Caution: The Compass 885/888 USB modem must be 1.0 cm or more from users during operation, to satisfy FCC / IC RF exposure requirements. The Compass 885/888 USB modem has been tested for compliance with FCC / IC RF exposure limits in the notebook computer(s) configurations with horizontal and vertical USB slots and can be used in notebook computers with substantially similar physical dimensions, construction, and electrical and RF characteristics. This USB modem must not be used with any other antenna or transmitter that has not been approved to operate in conjunction with this modem. Note: This USB modem must not be used in any unapproved configurations. For details, contact Sierra Wireless.

Note: The Compass 885/888 USB modem is approved for normalsize notebook computers only (typically with 12 inches or larger display screens). For notebook computers with a display screen smaller than 12 inches or if the orientation of the USB slot does not allow for at least 1.0 cm between the modem and the user or bystanders, use the provided extension cable and clip to ensure a safe distance between the modem antenna and users or bystanders. To meet FCC requirements, use only the supplied USB extension cable and laptop clip; other cables and laptop clips should not be used.

ThesedevicescomplywithPart15oftheFCCRules. Operationissubjecttotheconditionthatthesedevicesdonot causeharmfulinterference. Whereappropriate,theuseoftheequipmentissubjecttothe followingconditions:

Warning: (EMI) United States FCC Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an appropriate installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter-

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ference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmfulinterferencetoradioor televisionreception,whichcanbedeterminedbyturningthe equipmentoffandon,theuserisencouragedtotrytocorrect theinterferencebyoneormoreofthefollowingmeasures: Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentand receiver Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferent fromthattowhichthereceiverisconnected Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnician forhelp

IfyouhavepurchasedthisproductunderaUnitedStates Governmentcontract,itshallbesubjecttorestrictionsasset forthinsubparagraph(c)(1)(ii)ofDefenseFederalAcquisitions Regulations(DFARs)Section252.2277013forDepartmentof Defensecontracts,andassetforthinFederalAcquisitions Regulations(FARs)Section52.22719forcivilianagency contractsoranysuccessorregulations.Iffurthergovernment regulationsapply,itisyourresponsibilitytoensure compliancewithsuchregulations.

Regulatory information for EU countries

SierraWirelessherebydeclaresthattheCompass885/888USB wirelessmodemconformstoalltheessentialrequirementsof Directive1999/5/EC:

TheDeclarationofConformitymadeunderDirective1999/5/ ECisavailableforviewingatthefollowinglocationintheEU community: SierraWireless(UK),Limited LakesideHouse 1FurzegroundWay,StockleyParkEast Uxbridge,Middlesex UB111BD England

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Index
Numerics
3GWatcher introduction,25 launching,25 frequencystability,33

G
GPRS connectionstatus,27 indicator,27

A
account,10 antenna icon,26

H
HSDPA connectionstatus,26 indicator,26 HSDPA/HSUPAconnectionstatus,26 HSDPA/HSUPAindicator,26 HSPAconnection,26 HSUPAconnectionstatus,26 HSUPAindicator,26 humidity,34

C
channelraster,33 channelspacing,33 clip,23 CompassUSBmodem,inserting,14 connecttothenetwork,15 coverage,27 coveragearea,10

I
I/Ospace(input/outputspace),13 icon antenna,26 devicestatus,26 roaming,27 signalstrength,26 SMSmessage,27 indicator devicestatus,26 EDGEcoverage,27 GPRScoverage,27 HSDPA/HSUPAcoverage,26 HSDPAcoverage,26 HSUPAcoverage,26 roaming,27 signalstrength,26 SMSmessage,27 status,27 UMTScoverage,27 installing,errormessages,29 IRQ(interruptrequest),13

D
datatransmission,27 devicenotavailable,26 devicenotresponding,26 driver,11

E
EDGE connectionstatus,27 indicator,27 electricalspecifications,33 envelopeicon mainwindow,27 systemtray,27 environmentalspecifications,34 errormessages,29 extensioncable,23 externalmemorystorage,9,22 externalSD,9,22 externalstoragecard,22

L
lanyard,17 launching3GWatcher,25 LEDs,20

F
flashdrive,22 frequencies receive,33 transmit,33

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Compass Series HSPA USB Modem Installation Guide

M
MacintoshOSXsupport,13 memorycard,9 memoryrequired,13 microexternalmemorycard,22 microSD,9,22 modem,inserting,14

N
network overview,10 selection,28 notebookcomputerclip,23

O
onlinehelp,26 operatingsystemssupported,13

P
poweroptions,powerup/down,28 profile,13,15

status concurrentHSDPA/HSUPAservice,26 connection,27 datatransmission,27 device,26 EDGEconnection,27 EDGEservice,27 GPRSconnection,27 GPRSservice,27 HSDPA/HSUPA,26 HSDPAconnection,26 HSDPAservice,26 HSUPAconnection,26 HSUPAservice,26 roaming,27 signalstrength,26 SMSmessages,27,27 systemtrayicons,27 UMTSconnection,27 UMTSservice,27 storage temperature,34 whennotusingcard,31 systemrequirements,13 systemtrayicons,27

T
technicalspecifications,3334 temperature,34 transmitfrequencies,33 triangleicon,27 TRUInstall,9,15,15

R
radiofrequencyspecifications,33 receivefrequencies,33 regulatoryinformation,35 requirements,software,13 RFspecifications,33 roaming,10 roamingindicator,27 RSSI,26

U
UMTSconnectionstatus,27 UMTSindicator,27 USBportrequirements,13

S
safetynotice,35 service,26 HSDPA,26 UMTS,27 signalstrengthindicator,26 SIMcard inserting,14 removing,21 SMSmessages indicator,27 status,27 softwareinstallation,15 softwarerequirements,13 specifications,3334 electrical,33 environmental,34 radiofrequency,33

V
vibration,34

W
Watcher iconsandindicators,27 mainwindow,26 Watcher,description,11 Windows2000support,13 WindowsVistasupport,13 WindowsXPsupport,13

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