Q: What is the MP Rugged Wireless Modem?
A: The MP is Sierra Wireless's next generation mobile product that provides in-vehicle data solutions while operating over public cellular/PCS networks. Rugged and feature rich, the MP is built for demanding environments like police, fire, rescue, and utility field service.
Q: What is the difference between the MP 750 GPS and the MP 775 GPS?
A: The MP 750 is tri-band (900/1800/1900MHz) for GSM and GPRS networks while the MP 775 is quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and supports GSM, GPRS and EDGE. Basically, the MP 775 is everything the MP 750 is plus EDGE (faster throughput) and 850MHZ (potentially greater coverage) support.
Q: What are the key benefits of the MP 750 and 775?
A: There are several key benefits:
Rugged Reliability
Boasting US Military and SAE J1455 specs for shock, vibration, drop, splash and humidity, the MP is rock solid! And it is the only GPRS/EDGE modem with an extreme operating temperature range -40 to + 75C.
Feature Rich
A class 12 capable device, the MP has multiple I/O ports (4 digital, 4 analog) offering increased safety, performance and ease of communications, as well as an integrated GPS module for vehicle tracking. Data connection is available through always on USB or traditional serial (RS232, DB9).
Product Warranty
The MP is the only product backed by a 3-year warranty and can withstand the most rigorous field service and public safety environments. An optional 5-year warranty is also available.
Industry Leading Customer Support
Backed by Sierra Wireless' in-house world-class team of technical representatives, our focus is always on our customers. Our knowledgeable product experts are well regarded in the industry and offer support that is second to none to help make a customer's business successful.
Q: Which networks will the MP 750 and 775 operate?
A: Both the MP 750 and 775 require a SIM card for operation available from your network operator. The MP 750 GPS is a tri-band product, and so will work on any GSM/GPRS network operating on the 900/1800/1900 MHz bands. The MP 775 GPS is quad-band and will work on any GSM/GPRS/EDGE network supporting the three bands listed for the MP 750 as well as 850MHz.
Q: What data rates can the MP 775 achieve?
A: Since the MP 775 is a class 12 device, it is capable of 4 time slots up and down. When at 4 time slots, the MP 775 is capable of 216 kbps bursts but the typical throughput will range between 100 and 130bkps when using USB. If using serial, average speed will be between 70 and 80 kbps. If operating on a class 10 network, the slots allocated to downlink (receive) are at 4 and so the throughput is the same as class 12; for uplink (send) on class 10 networks, only 2 time slots are allocated so the speed would be approximately half.
Q: What applications are suited for the MP 750/775?
A:This MP was developed for in-vehicle solutions, typically for public safety and utility field service applications, including dispatch, scheduling, database, AVL (automatic vehicle location) tracking, email, Internet, intranet, VPNs, and corporate LANs.
Q: Does the MP 750/775 support my SIM card that I use on my GSM mobile phone?
A: Yes, but you may need to activate data service on your account if you don't already have it. Please check with your network carrier for details. If you signed up for GPRS before EDGE was available, you will get EDGE service where it is available.
Q: What software is required?
A: The MP is bundled with Sierra Wireless software called Watcher that you install on a host computer. Watcher manages the MP and monitors your connections. However, the MP can also be used without a host.
Q: What does Watcher do?
A: Watcher allows you to easily configure, control, and monitor the MP. You can: Monitor and manage data connections Dial outgoing and answer incoming calls (if supported by your carrier) View signal strength and coverage indicators Set display, network, and sound notification options
Q: Which Operating Systems are supported by Watcher?
A: The MP 750 GPS supports Notebooks for Windows 98, NT, 2000, and XP. The MP 775 GPS supports Notebooks for Windows 98, 2000 and XP. Note however, USB is not supported on Windows 98 so if using this O/S and you need Watcher, you will need to use serial for your data connection.
Q: What is the USB connector on the MP for?
A: Some laptops are no longer coming with serial connectors. The MP comes with two host connectors, an RS232 serial (DB9) and USB. Both host connectors are functional, if you are using the MP 775 or Release 2.0.0.3 (or later) on the MP 750.
Q: Do the MP support both TAIP and NMEA for GPS?
A: Yes. TAIP is the default but you can configure to NMEA if desired.
Q: What happens to GPS reporting when I'm out of celllular/PCS coverage?
A: The MP has a feature called "GPS Store and Forward" allowing you to configure up to 1,000 records to store in memory. When back in coverage, these records will be sent with the appropriate time/date stamp so your GPS application will have the missing information.
Q: Do you offer any accessories for the MP?
A : Yes. Please visit our MP product line on the
Sierra Wireless eStore for more details or contact your MP reseller.