- General
- Getting Started
- Specifications
- Using Your AirCard 510
- Operating Systems
- CDMA
- Circuit-Switched CDMA Basics
- Antenna
- Network and connectivity information
- SMS (Short Messaging Service)
- SMS Express
- Quick Net Connect
- Miscellaneous
General
Q: What is an AirCard 510?
A: The AirCard 510 is the world's first true Type II CDMA PC Card modem that offers simplicity, freedom, and mobility for the most demanding corporate users.
Q: What are the benefits of using an AirCard?
A: It connects a user's laptop or PDA directly to the Internet, Intranet, corporate e-mail or a host of other corporate applications - without the need for a wireless phone or landline connection.
Patented Design:
The True Type II PC Card design with a patented, internally stored antenna allows for easy handling, quick access and connection for the mobile worker.
Wireless Connections:
The AirCard uses CDMA, circuit-switched technology and the speed is 14.4 kbps. It also offers v.42bis compression, and enhanced Internet Connection using Bluekite compression software. With such compression software, the speed is enhanced up to 56 kbps.
Q: What are the benefits of using an AirCard versus my phone and a cable?
A: The AirCard 510, and AirCard product line in general, is an easier, more convenient method of connecting. The setup of your connection is very easy - just insert the card, and use the user-friendly Watcher software to connect. Furthermore, you are able to continue to use your phone for voice calls without draining your battery.
Q: What network does the AirCard operate on?
A: The AirCard 510 operates on Sprint PCS nationwide, an all digital CDMA networks.
Q: What is the coverage for Sprint PCS CDMA network?
A: Sprint PCS operates the only single carrier, nationwide CDMA PCS network in the United States. To find out more about their coverage, click here.
Q: What is CDMA?
A: CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. It is the underlying technology that enables millions of wireless phones around the world where wireless carriers have implemented the technology in their wireless networks.
Q: What is the price of the AirCard 510, where and when can I buy one?
A: AirCard 510 will be available nationwide through Sprint PCS business sales representatives and online at www.sprintpcs.com in October 2000. For latest pricing & purchasing call 1-877-429-5092.
Q: What kind of rate plans or service is available for the AirCard 510?
A: For additional information on rate information or price plans for the AirCard 510, customers can call 1-877-429-5092 or visit the Sprint PCS Web site at www.sprintpcs.com.
Q: What is the data rate of an AirCard 510?
A: The standard data rate of the AirCard 510 is 14.4 kilobytes per second, which is a limitation of the current generation of CDMA networks in North America, without compression.
Q: What software is required to use the AirCard 510?
A: The AirCard 510 is supported by application software, Watcher, which allows the user to easily configure, control, and monitor the wireless modem. As a result, it allows the user to establish and terminate connections, and set preferences.
Q: What applications are well suited to using an AirCard 510?
A: Email, Internet, corporate LAN access, and corporate applications such as sales force automation, Field Service, Customer Relationship Management and Enterprise applications.
Q: What computers can an AirCard 510 work in?
A: The AirCard 510 works with devices running Windows? 95, 98, NT, 2000, PPC and CE 3.0 for HPC (ARM SA-1110 processors). Most laptop computers that have a PCMCIA card slot will allow use of an AirCard 510.
Q: What radio frequencies does the AirCard 510 work on?
A: The AirCard 510 works in the 1900 MHz band, on the Sprint PCS network in the United States only.
Q: What is the difference between an AirCard 510 and the previous versions of AirCard?
A: The AirCard 510 is designed to operate on CDMA wireless networks, whereas previous versions operated on CDPD and AMPS or Analog networks.
Getting Started Q: What is included in my purchase of an AirCard 510? A: Your package should include the following: one AirCard 510 modem, one CD-ROM containing the Watcher program, user documentation, one Quick Reference Guide, and one User guide.
Q: What is the first thing I do upon receiving my AirCard 510? A: Load the Watcher software onto your computer. To do so, load the CD-ROM into your drive, and the installation wizard will guide you through this quick and easy installation process.
Specifications Q: What approvals does the product have?
| A: |
Compliant with IS-95A, IS-98C, IS-707A
CDMA Developers Group
FCC Parts 15, and 24 |
Q: What are the CDMA specifications for the AirCard 510?
| A: |
CDMA:
Transmit: 1850 to 1910 MHz
Receive: 1930 to 1990 MHz
Channel Spacing: 1.25MHz
Closed Loop Frequency Stability: 150Hz
Maximum Output Power: 200mW (+23dBm)
Antenna Gain: -1dBi |
Q: What are the environmental specifications for the product?
| A: |
Operating Temperature: -30 to +60oC
Storage Temperature: -30 to +85oC
Vibration (non operating): 15g peak 10 to 2000Hz
Humidity: 95% (non condensing) |
Q: What I/O ports exist, and what are they used for? A: The AC510 is a multi-function PC card with two COM ports. One is a modem and the other is a serial port. The modem provides standard modem functions for data connectivity. The other serial port provides proprietary control and status information.
Q: What is the power consumption?
| A: |
Operating Voltage: 5V
Transmit Current (max power): 680mA
Typical Operating Current: 70mA |
Using Your AirCard 510 Q: How do I connect to the network? A: To connect to the CDMA network, simply start Watcher. To dial up your favorite ISP or corporate network, setup a dial-up connection using Watcher's Connection Manager. Please refer to the Watcher User's Guide for help on using the Connection manager.
Q: How do I know that I am in coverage on the wireless network? A: Watcher identifies what network you're on (i.e. Sprint) and whether you are home or roaming.
Q: If I lose coverage or remove the AirCard 510 in the middle of downloading a web page will the download continue on from where I left off when the card is inserted and within CDMA coverage again? A: No. The AirCard 510 works like a cell phone. If you lose coverage, the call is dropped and you'll need to re-dial to reconnect to the server. The same is true if you eject the card. Some third party applications provide the capability of continuing a file transfer after a call drop.
Q: What is the data rate of the AirCard 510? A: The standard data rate of the AirCard 510 is 14.4 kilobytes per second, which is a limitation of the current generation of CDMA networks in North America, without compression. Future networks and versions of the AirCard 510 will provide substantially higher data speeds.
Operating Systems Q: Can the card be used on a CE device, and if so, is there a difference in software between using on a laptop and CE device? A: The AirCard 510 is supported on Pocket PCs and Windows CE 3.0 for Handheld PCs use the ARM SA-1110 processor.
Q: Does the AirCard 510 work with the Linux operating system? A: No. The AirCard 510 only works currently with the Windows 95, 98, and 2000 operating systems.
Q: Does the AirCard 510 work with the Palm operating system? A: No. The AirCard 510 only works currently with the Windows 95, 98, and 2000 operating systems.
Q: What operating systems will the AirCard 510 operate under? A: Windows 95, 98, 2000, PPC and CE 3.0 for Handheld PC.
CDMA Q: What wireless carriers operate CDMA networks in North America? A: Verizon, Sprint PCS, US West, Bell Mobility, Telus, Clearnet, Manitoba Tel, Aliant and others.
Circuit-Switched CDMA Basics Q: How does the modem differentiate between receiving a voice call and a data call? A: The AC510 does not support voice. The modem defaults to data operation and will answer an incoming call as data. The AC510 requires the user to pre-set the modem for fax operation before doing fax. This setting can be configured in Watcher's Preference window.
Q: How does the server dial the remote device (i.e. is it just a standard phone number, or does it have to dial through some sort of phone exchange or modem pool)? A: The AC510 is like a standard modem with an associated phone number. For a mobile device, the phone number is assigned to the modem. For a standard wire line modem, the phone number is assigned to the phone line attached to the modem.
Q: What is the connect time? A: It takes about 20-30 seconds to complete a circuit call (dialing your ISP, corporate dial-in etc.), similar to a standard wire line dial-in session. A QNC call takes 5-10 seconds to connect.
Q: What is the data rate of the AirCard 510? A: The standard data rate of the AirCard 510 is 14.4 kilobytes per second, which is a limitation of the current generation of CDMA networks in North America, without compression.
Q: What protocol(s) does the server modem need? A: The same modems used for corporate RAS servers and modem pools.
Antenna Q: Is the antenna removable? If so, what other antennae are compatible with this product? What kind of antenna connector does the card use? A: The antenna on the AirCard 510 is an internally stored antenna that does not need to be removed while not in use. However, should the antenna become dysfunctional or break, a tool is provided to assist in screwing off the antenna at the base. Replacements are available.
Q: My Antenna broke. How do I get a new one? A: You can receive a new antenna by ordering one from Sprint PCS, or the reseller who sold you the AirCard 510.
Q: My Antenna broke. Will my AirCard still work? A: No. Without a functional antenna, your AirCard 510 will not function.
Q: Will the internal antenna work if it is not pulled out of the card during use? A: Testing has proven that the card will function while the antenna is still inside the card, however performance may not be as good as when it is fully extended.
Network and connectivity information Q: How does the AirCard 510 monitor this information during a call? A: The AC510 status port serves as the additional serial interface, providing this information while the other port allows for the sending and receiving of data. The modem API provides functions to access this port.
Q: Is there any way for a user application to determine the signal strength, network connection, channel, etc. during a data call (i.e. without breaking out of data mode back to command mode and sending an AT command or whatever)? A: Watcher for AirCard 510 manages and monitors signal strength, network connection and other important information during use of the modem. Watcher is a software application that sits on the desktop of the user's laptop.
SMS (short messaging service) Q: Does the AirCard 510 support 2-way and broadcast SMS? A: The AirCard 510 does not support 2-way or broadcast SMS.
Q: Does the network buffer the message if it is unable to reach the intended recipient, and if so for how long? A: Yes. Buffering duration varies between carriers.
Q: How large can an SMS message be? A: The AirCard 510 can handle SMS messages up to 150 characters, which includes both the message text and the "From" text.
Q: What error checking exists on sending an SMS message (i.e. how likely is it to be corrupted, and can it be corrected)? A: Mobile originated SMS is not yet available.
SMS Express Q: Can I both send and receive SMS messages? A: No. At present, the CDMA networks only allows mobile devices such as the AC510 to receive SMS messages.
Q: How do you send an SMS message to an AC510? A: The method may vary between CDMA networks. There are two known methods. Some CDMA carriers provide a web page that allows SMS messages to be created and sent to a particular phone number (www.telusmobility.com). Alternatively, you can use a standard web browser and use the 10-digit phone number and the carriers domain name. Please consult you local CDMA provider for details.
Q: What is Short Message Service (SMS)? A: SMS is a messaging service that allows the AC510 user to receive alpha-numeric text.
Q: What other applications does SMS have? A: Due to the circuit-switched nature of the current CDMA networks in North America, SMS functionality can be used by application developers to develop applications that leverage SMS guidelines to make an end-user application appear more like a packet-switched experience.
Quick Net Connect Q: Do we provide a MOB interface when the user device has an IP stack? A: No. All modem control and status capabilities are provided through the Status serial port. The modem API exports software functions to applications.
Q: Does the AirCard 510 have an IP stack, and if so what protocols will it support (TCP, UDP, IP, ICMP, ...)? A: The AirCard 510 does not have a tested and supported IP stack currently.
Q: If we provide an IP stack, can we use it to generate a ping? A: No. There is no ping application embedded in the modem.
Q: What is the data rate when using a QNC connection? A: 14.4 kilobytes per second.
Q: What is the time to establish an Internet connection? A: 5-10 seconds using Quick Net Connect.
Miscellaneous Q: AC510 antenna fails to stay up. Can I have it replaced or are there other antenna solutions? A: The AirCard 510 antenna has been tested under severe conditions and the design has undergone highly accelerated life testing and environmental testing. However, occasionally, components fail. This antenna can easily be replaced using the tool that comes with your AirCard. Replacements are available from Sprint PCS or from Sierra Wireless.
Q: AC510 becomes very hot to touch when I remove it from my laptop. Should I be concerned and will heat damage my AC510? A: Due to the combined heat generated between the radio technology inside the AirCard 510 and the computer, the AirCard will heat up. The maximum heat of the card is controlled and will not damage your AirCard.
Q: Can a series of allowed callers (i.e. a "friends list") be programmed in, to prevent unauthorized access?" A: There is no friends list for the AirCard 510 at this time. Caller ID information is provided through the Modem API for incoming calls.
Q: Can the AirCard 510 communicate via UDP? A: If the host PC/Laptop is a Windows machine, it should have TCP/IP installed. Thus, UDP is also be supported. The actual host application must support UDP. If the host machine is not a Windows device, then it must have its own UDP support.
Q: Can the card be used on a CE device, and if so, is there a difference in software between using on a laptop and CE device? A: Initially the product will not support Windows CE or PocketPC platforms. These operating systems will be supported at a later date.
Q: Do I need to run Watcher to operate AC510? A: This is especially important for laptops that have power management enabled. With power management enabled, the OS will deliver power to the card when either or both serial ports are opened. If none of the ports are opened, the AC510 is powered off. Running Watcher will open the status port and thus power up the AC510. This will allow the AC510 to acquire the CDMA network and be in-service before dialing on the modem port.
Q: How do I configure AC510 to send and receive faxes with WinFax or other fax programs? A: To send a fax: no special configuration is required. The user simply needs to specify that the fax will be sent using the AC510 modem. Receive: The modem needs to be pre-set to receive an incoming fax. This is done using Watcher in the Preferences Window. The user has the option of answering the next call as fax or all subsequent calls as fax. Please refer to the Watcher user's guide for details for setting the fax receive preference.
Q: How do I configure/add/modify Dial-Up Networking (DUN) session to work with AC510? A: There are two ways to create DUN sessions. The recommended approach is to use the Connection Manager in Watcher. Please see the Watcher User's manual for details. The second approach is to manually create DUN sessions using the Windows Dial-up Networking Wizard.
Q: How do I program the telephone number settings for CDMA to my AC510? A: If the AirCard has not been activated, and is inserted, the Activation Wizard will guide you through the process. In Watcher there is an Activation Wizard if changes are required.
Q: How much will the AC510 effect battery life on laptop? A: The AirCard 510 is built to minimize battery impact on a laptop. Typical use sees the AirCard use approximately 10% or less of the battery of a laptop.
Q: If and when will packet switched communication be used on the AC 510 and how fast will the data rate be? A: Future CDMA AirCard products will support packet communications as the CMDA networks evolve and support packet communications with the 1xRTT and HDR protocols.
Q: Dial-Up Networking connects but the TCP/IP application fails to operate (i.e. Web, Email, ping, etc..). Why? A: Possible corrupt TCP/IP stack - refer to
Microsoft for resolution.
Q: If I am able to run AT commands on the unit for diagnostic purposes, are these commands specific only to the AirCard 510 or can I use the AT command set for the MP200/AirCard 210? A: The AC510 AT command set is different from Sierra Wireless' CDPD command sets.
Q: Is the antenna removable? If so, what other antennae are compatible with this product? What kind of antenna connector does the card use? A: The antenna on the AirCard 510 is an internally stored antenna that does not need to be removed while not in use. However, should the antenna become dysfunctional or break, a tool is provided to assist in screwing off the antenna at the base. Replacements are available.
Q: Is there a 3 watt booster that will work with this unit? If not, are there any plans to produce one? A: There is no booster designed to work with the AirCard 510 and no plans to design on at this time.
Q: Is there an upgrade option from the AirCard 300 and 350 or the AirCard 210 up to the AirCard 510? A: There is no upgrade option from the AirCard 210, 300 or 350 since these products use the CDPD wireless protocol and AirCard 510 uses the CDMA protocol.
Q: Is there separate software for different operating systems and will this software work with any of our other products? A: The AC510 makes use of standard Windows serial communications drivers in 9x/NT and W2K. Watcher for AC510 works across 9x/NT and W2K. Watcher for AC510 works only with the AC510 modem and will not work with other AirCard products.
Q: Is there user programmable space on the modem and an API for programming it? A: No there is not.
Q: Watcher fails to communicate with AC510 modem but I can still dial out and connect? A: Problem with status com port for AC510. (It's unknown what types of problems Help Desk will receive considering that the AC510 has two communication ports).
Q: What frequencies are supported, and thus what networks? A: The AirCard 510 works in the 1900 MHz band, on the Sprint PCS network in the United States only.
Q: What is the data throughput one can expect with AC510? A: Equivalent to 14.4 Kbps wire line modem. Third party compression solutions may be available from Sprint PCS or other third parties to enhance the data rate.
Q: What is the programming interface for the modem (AT Commands, MOBs, HTML, etc.)? A: The AirCard 510 comes with a set of AT Commands and Modem API.
Q: What is the warranty period for AC510? A: The AirCard 510 comes with a 1-year warranty, effective from the date of purchase.
Q: What power saving features do we provide and how do they work? A: There are built-in low power functionalities inside the modem. These features are not configurable by the user.
Q: Where do I direct the O/S to find the appropriate drivers (which directory) for the card on each O/S and what is the name of the "inf" file that needs to be loaded in each case? A: The AC510 uses the standard Windows serial driver "serial.vxd" located in the Windows\System directory. The INF files used are: mdmac510.inf mfac510.inf.
Q: Which Fax applications are supported with AC510? A: The AC510 is being tested with WinFax 10.0 and HotFax 4.0.
Q: Who provides wireless service and where can I expect coverage? A: The AirCard 510 for the Sprint PCS network will work on the Sprint PCS network in the United States. It will also be functional on Sprint roaming partner networks. A coverage map is available at: www.sprintpcs.com.
Q: Why are 2 comports configured after setting up the AirCard 510? Exactly what is the purpose of the status port and what are the repercussions of closing it down after properly launching the software for the card on the CDMA network? A: The AirCard 510 is designed to take advantage of 2 comports in order to allow for a data channel to be sending and receiving data, and a status channel that can be used to provide status information such as signal strength as well as to receive SMS messages. If you already have a dial-up session running and you decide to close the status port, the dial-up /QNC session will still continue but status information will no longer be available.
Q: Why does Watcher connect but my web browser fails? A: Incorrect DNS entry within DUN or Network settings; Proxy server settings Incorrect (if applicable).
Q: Will AC510 work while I have my Network Interface Card installed? A: The AC510 is a modem and uses dial-up networking. It will co-exist with other installed NIC cards. If both a NIC card and the AC510 are running, the DUN session will supersede the NIC card session. This is basic DUN operation for all modems.
Q: Will firmware upgrades be available for the card in the future? A: Yes - firmware upgrades will be available for the AirCard 510.