Q: What is the Sierra Wireless AirCard? 7X0?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 wireless network card fits into a standard Type II PCMCIA card slot (available on most notebook PCs) and functions as a wireless network card, a modem, and a mobile phone. This card allows you to connect to the Internet, send and receive e-mail, connect to a corporate network, and make phone calls, without the need for a network cable or phone line.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0?
A: Using a Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 allows the user to wirelessly connect a 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. Using a Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 to wirelessly access key corporate applications while on the road allows users to increase their productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness while away from the office.
Q: What applications are well suited for using a Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0?
A: Email, Internet, intranet/extranet, and corporate LAN access, as well as enterprise applications such as VPNs, Field Service, and Sales Force Automation/Customer Relationship Management applications.
Q: What are the benefits of using a Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 versus my phone and a cable?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0, and Sierra Wireless AirCard product line in general, offer an easier, more convenient method of getting connected rather than using a tethered solution with a standard mobile phone. Unlike GSM mobile phones, the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 can also alert you to incoming voice calls while in a data session, increasing the users productivity when mobile. Users also like that the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 fits inside laptops or PDA (in the PCMCIA type II slot), making it easy to use when working outside of the office.
Q: What data rates can the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 achieve?
A: The AirCard 750 has a theoretical maximum data rate of 83 kbps, but actual user throughput will likely be 30-56 kbps. The AirCard 750 is a class 12 GPRS device, which gives the card the greatest throughout potential of any GPRS device today.
Q: With which cellular network does the AirCard 750 operate?
A: The AirCard 750 operates as a tri band network interface card (NIC) on the 900/1800/1900 MHz bands, and on GSM/GPRS networks that are available in over 150 countries worldwide.
Q: What software is required to use the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard® 7X0 comes with a Sierra Wireless software application called Watcher? that manages the AirCard and monitors your connections. An application called Network Adapter Manager allows Windows95/98/ME users in to switch between the AirCard and other network adapter cards (for notebook PCs only). The driver software forms the interface between the network card and the Windows operating system. The Watcher? software (and on notebook PCs, the Network Adapter Manager) must be installed before you insert the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 for the first time.
Q: What does Watcher do?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 is supported by application software called Watcher?, which allows the user to easily configure, control, and monitor the wireless modem. You can use Watcher? to:
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Determine your signal strength, roaming status, GPRS availability, and other network connection parameters
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Initiate voice and data calls
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View call statistics and SMS messages
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Enable and disable features (such as KeyGuard, which prevents accidental dialing)
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Set options related to SMS messages, sounds played, voice calls, and the SIM lock code security feature
Q: What is included in my purchase of a Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0?
A: Your Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 package contains the AirCard 7X0 wireless network card, an Antenna, Quick Reference Card, and the Installation CD containing the AirCard software and the user guide.
Q: What is the first thing I do upon receiving my Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0?
A: Install 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.
Q: Which carriers will activate my Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0?
A: Companies that operate GSM/GPRS networks and provide access to these networks are called service providers. You must have an account with a GSM/GPRS service provider to use the AirCard 7X0.
Q: How do I connect to the network?
A: Your service provider will supply you with a user name, password and an APN. Once you have set up a User Profile, to connect to the GSM/GPRS network, simply press the Connect button in Watcher.
Q: How do I know that I am in coverage on the wireless network?
A: Watcher includes a number of network indicators that will help the user determine whether or not they are within network coverage. The Signal Strength indicator graphically illustrates the intensity of the radio signal where the device is being used. Watcher also has a GPRS indicator to show whether GPRS coverage is available in that area, and a Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your own.
Q: If I lose coverage or remove the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 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 GPRS coverage again?
A: No. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 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: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 becomes very hot to touch when I remove it from my laptop. Should I be concerned and will heat damage my Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0?
A: Due to the combined heat generated between the radio technology inside the AirCard 7X0 and the computer, the AirCard will heat up. The maximum heat of the card is controlled and will not damage your AirCard.
Q: Can I send and receive Faxes with an AirCard 7X0?
A: Yes, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 supports the sending and receiving of faxes.
Q: How do I configure the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 to send and receive faxes with WinFax or other fax programs?
A: No special configuration is required to send a fax the user, simply needs to specify that the fax will be sent or received using the AirCard7X0 modem. If you are using WinFax Pro you must change the flow control from Hardware (the default) to software. Note not all service providers support Fax services.
Q: How much will the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 affect battery life on laptop?
A: The Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 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: Which Operating Systems does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 operate with?
A: The AirCard 7X0 wireless network card is supported on:
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Windows 95 OSR2 and higher
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Windows 98 / 98 SE
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Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1
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Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a
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Windows Me
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Windows XP (Home and Professional versions)
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PocketPC 2000/2002 and Windows CE 3.0
Q: Which PDAs/handheld computers can the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 operate with?
A: Please visit
AirCard® 750 Supported PDA List to get the most recent list of supported handheld devices.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 work with the Linux operating system?
A: Although Linux OS's are not a fully supported operating system, Sierra Wireless has a technical resolution for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 to make data connections through the Linux OS. The technical resolution is located in our
knowledge base.
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 work with Mac OS X operating system?
A: Although Mac OS's are not a fully supported operating system, Sierra Wireless has developed an enabler for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 750 to be recognized by the Mac OS. This does not provide Watcher capability but does allow for Mac OS devices to create data connections. The technical resolution is located in our
knowledge base (execute search with "MAC" in the search field).
Q: Does the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 work with the Palm operating system?
A: No, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 7X0 currently does not operate with the Palm OS.
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 AirCard 7X0 has a removable rugged antenna with a flexible hinge. The only antenna that is intended for use with this product is the designated AirCard 7X0 antenna that is included when the product is purchased.
Q: I lost/broke my antenna, how do I get a new one?
A: Replacement antennae are available and can be purchased from the reseller who sold you the AirCard 7X0 or from the Sierra Wireless Store on our Web site.
Q: AirCard 7X0 antenna fails to stay up. Can I have it replaced or are there other antenna solutions?
A: The AirCard 7X0 antenna has been tested under severe conditions and the design has undergone highly accelerated life testing and environmental testing. However, occasionally, components fail. Replacements are available from our Resellers as well as directly from Sierra Wireless.
Q: My antenna broke. Will my AirCard 7X0 still work?
A: No. Without a functional antenna, your AirCard 7X0 will not function.
SMS (Short Messaging Service)
Q: What is Short Message Service (SMS)?
A: SMS is a messaging service that allows the AirCard 7X0 user to send and receive alphanumeric text.
Q: Does the AirCard 7X0 support 2-way and broadcast SMS?
A: Yes, the AirCard 7X0 supports 2-way SMS, but does not support 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: Can I use the speaker and microphone on my laptop or PDA to make a voice call with the AirCard 7X0?
A: Unfortunately there is no physical audio connections between the PC card and the host device (PDA or laptop), and as such this will not be a feature offered in the foreseeable future.
Q: Which headsets work with the AirCard 7X0?
A: A variety of headsets with a Universal 2.5mm Audio Plug will work with the AirCard 7X0. The JABRA EarBud? (available at the
Sierra Wireless Store) has been certified for use with the AirCard 7X0. Please note that not all commercially available headsets have been tested with the AirCard 7X0. Sierra Wireless cannot guarantee that all Universal 2.5mm Audio Plugs. Click
here for a list of tested headsets.
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 transmit signal booster for the AirCard 7X0. There are no plans to design one at this time.
Q: Will AirCard 7X0 work while I have my Network Interface Card (NIC) installed?
A: The Network Adaptor Manager in Windows9X or Windows media sense in Windows 2000 & XP allow the AirCard 7X0 and Network Interface Card to co-exist.