Sierra Wireless

SB300/320

1. Where is Pin 1 on the Host connector of SB3XX?

Pin 1 is marked on the silkscreen on the PCB. It is the left most pin when facing the 30 pin Host connector.

2. How do I find out what firmware version is on my modem?

Issue AT command ATI5, you will get a result code similar to "R1_5_1 c:/projects/sb3xx/sb3xx/cdpd2 2001/07/23 09:50:25". Firmware version is R1.5.1.

3. Can I query hardware version of the modem?

Yes, by issuing AT command ATI6, you will get a result code similar to "010111 0066" where the first six digits is the date of manufacture (YYMMDD), the last four digit is the hardware version of the modem.

4. How do I change the baud rate?

Using at+ipr = command. Ensure DTE is set to the same baud rate.

5. Is PPP service implemented in SB3XX series?

Yes, all of SB3XX series with FW version 1.20 or higher are capable of PPP, Note SLIP is the default setting.

6. Why doesn't the modem switch to TCP/UDP modes, and returns "Pad Error"?

The NEI is probably not programmed or set to zeros. Note: Close any open sessions before changing NEIs.

7. Is V.42bis at all relevant to CDPD ?

The V.42bis data compression can be enabled and utilized in CSC & Wireline mode. (In our modems this is enabled via a variety of S101 register settings after enabling data compression using the S46 register. (ATS46=0 - without compression, ATS46=2 - with compression). However, in CDPD mode the modem generally communicates via IP protocol transmitting TCP or UDP packets. This has its own compression schemes.

8. Why do I see garbage characters on HyperTerminal?

Ensure baud rate set on both the modem and HyperTerminal setting is same. Ensure hardware flow control is enabled.

9. Does SB3XX support power saving modes?

Yes, SB300 in CDPD supports "sleep" modes that allows the modem to draw as little as 12mA in fully engaged sleep mode. Please refer to User's Manual for more information on engaging various stages of sleep mode. There is no power saving mode in CSC/Wireline mode.

10. Can we use any power booster with SB300?

No, the SB300 is designed to only work with SWI AirBooster product. Note: Check hardware version with the AT command ATI7. If result code contains a "B: then a booster is supported.

11. What is the temperature at which the modem will internally shut-down ?

Modem has an internal thermistor, which detects a defined threshold after which it will shut off the PA. Max temp on SB320 = 80C as measured from the thermistor. Max temp on SB300 = 75C as measured from the thermistor. Accuracy is approx. +/- 2C.

12. What is the part number & manufacturer for the mating connector for the 13-pin voice/wirleine interface connector?

13-pin Receptacle connector (mating end): SWI Part #:1710134, ITT Canon Part #: 112116-0001(CA-112116-1).

13. What is a typical file size(s) that one would be using in real world on a CDPD application?

Typical file size is hard to define, because there are so many different applications. However, in general I would say that applications that work most efficiently over CDPD are those that are message oriented (i.e. smaller data files). I would therefore say that files in the range of 1 to 5 Kbytes is probably a good estimate of real data transfers. The major exception to this is AVL type applications and some telemetry applications where the message size is typically under 100 bytes. File sizes in the 100kByte and larger range are the exception, except when people are using CDPD to browse the Internet.

14. What are Modem Pools?

Modem pools are essentially a block of modems tied to the same phone line exchange. When a call is received, the first available modem in the pool will pick up the call and process it. This allows for multiple remote devices to call the service using a single dial in number.

15. Do you have tools to control the modem for FCC tests such as change channels, power levels, etc.?

Yes, this is available on our developers kit; Please contact your supplier.

16. What's the benefit of ETC?

ETC is Enhanced Throughput Cellular. If both ends support ETC, you will establish a more reliable link. Likewise you can also use V.34 to obtain similar ETC reliability.

17. How come I am not able to read the ESN of the modem using the AT commands?

ESN can be read using the "at+wvesn" command when in CSC mode. EID (first number on the barcode) can be read using the "at+wpeid" command, when in CDPD mode. The ESN is usually in the format:"206-00057628" The EID (second number on the barcode) is usually in the format:"00-A0-D5-XX-XX-XX".

18. Relationship between ESN & EID?

"ESN ---> Electronic Serial Number, EID ---> Equipment Identifier CDPD requires the EID and CSC requires the ESN for modem ID. By converting the last 8 digits of the ESN (Eg:206-00057628) to a HEX value you will get the last 3 bytes of the EID (00-E1-1C). Note the first 3 bytes of the EID are the manufacturers code. Therefore ESN 206-00057628 would convert to EID 00-A0-D5-00-E1-C1."

19. What type of antenna do we need?

Generally, any antenna 50 Ohm in Cellular band should work: Typically: Frequency band: 824-896 MHz
Impedance: 50 ohms nominal
Gain: 0 dBi
Pattern: Ominidirectional
Return Loss: 10 dBmin (Equivalent ~ VSWR = 2.0)
Polarization: Vertical
Note: Antenna Gain can be your choice depending on your application.

20. Why am I unable to make voice call using the MIB although my WS46 register is set correctly?

Ensure the 13 pin cable supplied with the developer's kit is connected between the MIB and the modem.

21. In CDPD mode, how many TCP/IP sessions can SB3XX support simultaneously?

There are actually two different functional modes for CDPD. They are distinguished by where the TCP/IP stack resides. If you are using a TCP/IP stack in the host device, then the modem acts as a pass-through for all IP data, and you can support as many sessions as the host device can handle. If you are using the internal TCP/IP stack, then you can only support 1 TCP session. The reason for this is that there is only 1 serial interface from the modem to the host, and therefore there can only be 1 logical session for passing the raw data over that link. If this weren't the case, then the modem would have no way of determining which session raw data received from the local host was meant for.

22. Does SB320 support Booster?

23. What modes do SBXX use by default?

SB300 is CDPD and SB320 is the last used mode.

24. What format are the barcodes on the SB3XX modems?

The barcode is the Code 39 representation of the 11 digit ESN number.