PANASONIC WIRELESS MODEM
CF-27******M-ADS
CF-27******M-RAM
CF-27******M-CDP
for Panasonic CF-27 Series Personal Computers
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Usage Precautions .....................................
Description ................................................
1
2
Network Information ................................. 6
Troubleshooting ......................................... 9
Specifications ............................................ 10
For U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement
FCC Class B Part 15
This modem complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
There is no guarantee, however, that interference will not occur on a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the
receiver.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
1
User Precautions
As with any portable computer device, precautions should be taken to avoid any
damage. The following usage and handling procedures are recommended:
Usage
Avoid extreme heat and cold
Do not store or use the wireless modem in locations exposed to heat, direct sunlight
or extreme cold. Avoid moving the wireless modem between locations with large
temperature differences.
Operating:
Storage:
5o C to 35o C (41o F to 95o F)
-20o C to 60o C (-4o F to 140o F)
Avoid humidity, liquids and dust.
Do not store or use the wireless modem in locations exposed to high humidity,
liquids (including rain) or dust.
Prevent shock
Avoid subjecting the wireless modem to severe vibrations or impact.
Do not place the wireless modem inside a car trunk.
Avoid radio frequency interference
Do not place the wireless modem near a television or radio receiver.
Handling
Avoid magnetic fields
Keep the computer and wireless modem pack away from magnets.
Avoid bending or pulling on the wireless antenna (in LCD assembly)
Damage to the wireless antenna may affect wireless communication or cause the
wireless modem to malfunction.
Avoid touching the wireless modem external antenna connector
Do not touch the wireless modem external antenna connector, foreign substances
(dirt, oil, creams etc.) may cause the wireless modem pack to malfunction.
Do not disassemble the modem pack
Do not attempt to disassemble your wireless modem pack, doing so may void the
manufacturer’s warranty.
Change or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2
Description
Front Panel Description
Power On Switch
The modem powers up independently from the laptop and will
remain on when the laptop is powered off.
Power On Indication - Green:
A green LED will be used to signal when the modem has been
powered on.
Message Waiting - Amber:
The Message Waiting LED will flash when the modem has a
received message packet waiting to be unloaded.
In Coverage - Green:
The In Coverage LED will flash whenever the modem has logged
on to a base station.
Wireless Modem Panel
3
Description (cont.)
H.O.T. Antenna
The laptop is equipped with a H.O.T. Antenna
(High-gain, Omni-directional, Telescopic).
The antenna is retractable*, into the LCD
assembly, and may swivel 3600 for ease of use
and increasing signal reception strength.
Position the antenna to radiate away from the
body to increase effective coverage.
External Antenna Connector
The laptop is equipped with an external antenna
connector. An external antenna (i.e. mounted on
a vehicle) may be connected to provide higher
signal strength in fringe or low signal areas to
maximize effective coverage.
* CAUTION
Do not apply excessive force to the H.O.T. antenna or external antenna
connector. Doing so could weaken the signal reception strength or damage
the antenna or laptop.
4
Description (cont.)
Features
Ring Resume*
The modem can “wake up” the laptop when a message is being received
(the modem is powered on and the laptop is in “Suspend” mode). The
following change to the BIOS setting is necessary to begin utilizing
the Ring Resume feature. Re-boot the laptop, when the Panasonic
screen appears, press “F2” to enter the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility.
Main
Advanced
Security
Power
Exit
Serial port A:
[Auto]
Serial port B:
Device:
[Auto]
[IrDA]
Serial port C:
Ring Resume:
Parallel port:
Mode:
Sound Controller:
CardBus Controller A:
[Auto]
[Disable]
[Auto]
[B
[ADisable
[EEnable
Select “Advanced” then “Ring Resume”, press [Enter] to display the
Ring Resume options and select “Enable”, “Disable” is the default
setting. Then press [Esc] then [Enter] to “Save values & Exit”. The
laptop will restart. Use the legend at the bottom of the menu for key
stroke instructions.
The “Suspend” mode would need to be enabled in either the
“Power” settings in the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility or Windows 95
Power Management, for detailed instructions see the CF-27 or
Windows 95 Operating Instructions Manual.
* NOTE
The “Ring Resume” option will only appear when the “-ADS or -RAM”
wireless modem for is installed. It will not appear when the “-CDP” modem
is installed.
5
Description (cont.)
Features (cont.)
Plug-n-Play and Non Plug-n-Play settings
If necessary the wireless modem I/O address can be changed
between Plug-n-Play and Non Plug-n-Play settings in the
PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility. Reboot the laptop and press “F2” when
the Panasonic screen appears.
Main
Advanced
Security
Power
Exit
Serial port A:
[Auto]
Serial port B:
Device:
[Auto]
[IrDA]
Serial port C:
Base I/O:
Ring Resume:
Parallel port:
Mode:
[Enable]
[2F8/IRQ3]
[Disable]
[Aut
3F8/IRQ4
[Bi-d
2F8/IRQ3
[Aut
2E8/IRQ10
[Ena
Sound Controller:
CardBus Controller A:
Select “Advanced” then “Serial port C:”, press [Enter] to display the
Serial port C options and select “Enable”. The “Base I/O” setting
now appears in the menu options, highlight the address setting and
select an I/O address, “2F8/IRQ3” is the default setting. Then press
[Esc] then [Enter]to “Save values & Exit”. The laptop will restart.
Use the legend at the bottom of the menu for key stroke instructions.
NOTE
The Base I/O settings will establish the following settings in the operating
system (i.e. Windows 95) 3F8/IRQ4 = COM1
2F8/IRQ3 = COM2
2E8/IRQ10 = COM3
6
Network Information
DataTAC Network Technology for the ARDIS Network
The DataTAC infrastructure has become an international data communications
standard, offering fast data transmission rates with accurate, highly reliable message
delivery. DataTAC networks are deployed around the world from North America
to Europe to Asia-Pacific.
Using an advanced Radio Data Link Access Procedure (RD-LAP) radio channel
protocol, DataTAC systems provide transmission rates up to 19.2 Kb per second
and 9.6 Kb per second depending on the country. Those rates mean fewer delays
and faster response times for the mobile user. For network operators, they mean
greater capacity to accommodate more customers, while minimizing the required
investment in network infrastructure.
DataTAC’s error detection and correction schemes provide increased message
accuracy, fewer message retries and enhanced network throughput. With DataTAC
technology, the state of the entire network is constantly monitored and safety
mechanisms including system alarms, remote diagnostics and redundant backup
links ensure network reliability and availability.
The key components of the network infrastructure include the Network Management
Center (NMC), Area Communications Controller (ACC) and base site equipment.
The NMC is an advanced client-server based management tool which provides all
network administration, operation and maintenance functions. It acts as the central
point of control in the DataTAC system.
The ACC consists of the Radio Network Gateway (RNG), Radio Network Controller
(RNC), and Communications Hub. The ACC is primarily responsible for all message
switching and routing functions, as well as providing the key communication link
between host computers and remote base stations. Connectivity between the host
computer and the infrastructure is established using industry standard X.25 or TCP/
IP host link protocols. The ACC maintains all customer-specific information for
each device on the system and allows users within a given geographical area to
connect to host application services. It manages user device system usage/traffic
information for accounting/billing purposes and detailed analysis of usage patterns.
DataTAC Data System Station (DSS) base site equipment is located at various
remote sites in the operational area of coverage and provides the RF link between
the DataTAC infrastructure and end user devices. They convert the host data
messages into the RD-LAP radio channel protocol for transmission to the user
devices and reverse the process on the return connection. They also allow device
roaming between base site coverage areas in a seamless manner completely
transparent to the end user.
7
Network Information (cont.)
Mobitex Network Technology for the RAM Network
The Mobitex wireless network technology, developed by Eritel in 1984 for Swedish
Telecom, has become an international data communication standard. Now managed
by the Mobitex Operators Association (MOA), which controls the specifications
for this open standard, Mobitex is a secure, reliable, wireless packet switching
network specifically designed for wide-area wireless data communications.
Mobitex networks are deployed on every continent in the world (except Antarctica).
Mobitex is presently available* in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Finland,
France, Germany, Korea, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Singapore,
Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Mobitex provides highly reliable, two-way digital data transmission. The network
provides error detection and correction to ensure the integrity of the data being sent
and received, and includes transmission acknowledgment.
The Mobitex network has a hierarchical (or pyramid) network structure. Messages
are routed from sender to receiver along the most direct path possible. Each Mobitex
radio modem is assigned a unique Mobitex Access Number (MAN), and the network
remains constantly aware of the mobile’s location while it is within network coverage.
Each radio cell is served by an intelligent base station. Because intelligence is
distributed throughout the network, data is only forwarded to the lowest network
node common to the sender and the receiver. The base station is thus able to
handle all local traffic in the cell.
The network constantly monitors the location of the mobile users. As a mobile
moves from one area of coverage to another, base stations track its signals, sending
updated mobile location and status information to the network. If the network goes
down at any point in transmission, the message is held until network service is
restored. If the mobile receiver moves outside the coverage area, the base station
holds on to data until coverage is reestablished, thus preventing loss of data and
increasing reliability of transmission.
Mobitex uses a packet switching technique to provide the greatest flexibility in
data transmission. Mobitex packets include information about the origin, destination,
size, type, and sequence of data to be sent, enabling packets to be transmitted
individually, in any order, as traffic permits. Individual packets may travel along
different routes, in any order, without interfering with other packets sent over the
same frequency by different users. At the receiving end, all packets are accounted
for, and reassembled into the original message. Setup time is eliminated and network
connection is instantaneous. As a result, packet-switching makes far more efficient
use of channel capacity, typically allowing 10 to 50 times more users over a radio
channel than a circuit switched network.
* as of April, 1997
8
Network Information (cont.)
Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) Network Technology
The Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network is a two-way wireless data
communication system. This system uses cellular telephone channels to transfer
data seamlessly from a mobile end system to a fixed end system. CDPD operates
within the already existing cellular telephone infrastructure utilizing the idle time
that exists on cellular voice channels to send small packets of data, called datagrams,
to a designated receiver. Researchers estimate that over 30% of a cellular channel’s
airtime is idle, even during heavy traffic.
The CDPD system sends signals down the various cellular channels to locate an
open channel. This process is called “sniffing”. Once the CDPD system has located
an open channel, the modem begins to send datagrams over that channel to the
designated end user. In order that this process does not interfere with the cellular
phone transmissions, the CDPD system has regulated channel “hops” to ensure
that CDPD usage will not block a cellular voice channel for an extended period of
time. Also, if a voice channel is activated, the CDPD system detects this voice
message and automatically “hops” to the next available idle channel. This process
is quite complex. However, the user need not be aware of this process. The CDPD
system manages the routing of the individual data packets to the proper destination.
On a basic level, the CDPD network operates like any other computer network
with the exception that the CDPD mobile end system is free to roam wirelessly and
conduct network operation from other locations using the network of cellular carriers.
The CDPD network is made up of a series of cellular networks which are operated
by various cellular carriers. These cellular carriers provide the user with network
management as well as application services. To increase user security, carriers use
forward error correction, authentication, and encryption. The cellular carrier is
responsible for all accounting services for the CDPD service. The user selects the
CDPD carrier service with which to operate by registering with an individual carrier.
Generally, an area will have two cellular carriers that provide CDPD service. The
user may sign up with either of the two carriers.
CDPD technology provides many benefits to the user including the following:
CDPD is cost-effective. By compressing data before sending it over thecellular
channels, CDPD cuts down the amount of data to be transmitted, and thus, reduces
the cost of cellular usage. Another cost-reducing advantage of CDPD is that the
user is only charged for the data transmitted, not for the airtime used. And by using
the existing cellular infrastructure currently in place for the voice network, CDPD
has few start-up expenditures which further reduces cost to the user. CDPD is fast.
At 19,200 bps, it is one of the fastest wide-area data networks. CDPD is mobile. It
allows free travel between cell cites. The CDPD system automatically tracks the
user’s position and allows the user to maintain communication between cell cites.
CDPD is reliable. It utilizes error correction applications for dependable data
delivery.
9
Troubleshooting
Read this section if your computer is not operating properly. Note that some
problems may be caused by the software in your system. If you are ultimately
unable to correct a problem, contact your technical support center.
The wireless modem does not power on:
Is the wireless modem powered on?
Is the laptop battery fully charged or is the ac adapter connected?
The computer does not recognize the wireless modem:
Has the wireless modem been powered on?
Have you changed the operating environment settings?
Run the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility to verify the [Serial port C] menu
options appear in the “Advanced” menu (goto Description
section for instructions).
You cannot send or receive anything (no wireless network contact):
If you are indoors, try moving closer to a window.
Make sure the antenna is in the upright position (extended from the
LCD).
Check your battery level, if low (red BAT indicator) connect the AC
adapter.
I have powered the modem and laptop on, but there is no network contact:
You may not have sufficient coverage in your immediate physical area.
Try moving near a window or outside the building.
Make sure the antenna is in the upright position (extended from the
LCD).
Has your subscription been turned on?
Have you changed the operating environment settings?
The modem indicates a low signal, but when I try to send something, the
signal level drops to zero:
There may be some interference that is allowing the wireless modem
pack to hear the network, but is preventing the network from
hearing the wireless modem pack. Try changing your location,
or moving closer to a window.
10
Specifications
For ARDIS Network / CF-27xxxxxxM-ADS
Item
Description
Communication
interface
Network
DataTAC 4000 and 5000 networks,
including ARDIS
Serial link protocol NCL (Native Control Language) or
RAP (Radio Access Protocol)
RF link protocol
RD-LAP 19,200 bps and MDC 4800 bps
Radio performance
Antenna
TX Frequency
RX Frequency
Transmit power
806 to 825 MHz
851 to 870 MHz
1.5W (to antenna) typical
H.O.T. Antenna
Retractable
Physical specifications W x D x H
Weight
2.61” x 3.44” x 0.38”
Approx. 2.3 oz.
50 to 350 C (410 to 950 F)
30 to 80 % RH
Environment
Operating temp.
Humidity range
Power Design
Voltage
Current
6.0V ~ 9.5V (7.0V ~ 9.0V recommended)
1.3A max. (24ma Average at 7.2V)
Transmit mode
Output voltage
Input voltage
900mA (typical 1.5W to antenna)
High 4.5V min ~ Low 0.4V max (at .01mA)
High 3.5V min ~ Low 1.5V max (at .01mA)
Regulatory compliance
FCC Part 15, 90
DOC Rss 122
11
Specifications (cont.)
For Mobitex Network / CF-27xxxxxxM-RAM
Item
Description
RAM Mobile Data, and other 900 MHz
Mobitex networks
Communication
interface
Network
MASC (Mobitex Asynchronous Serial
Communications) or RAP (Radio Access
Protocol)
Serial link protocol
RF link protocol
Mobitex 8000 bps
896 to 902 MHz
935 to 941 MHz
2.0W (to antenna) typical
Radio performance
Antenna
TX Frequency
RX Frequency
Transmit power
Retractable
H.O.T. Antenna
2.61” x 3.44” x 0.38”
Approx. 2.1 oz.
50 to 350 C (410 to 950 F)
30 to 80 % RH
Physical specifications W x D x H
Weight
Environment
Operating temp.
Humidity range
6.0V ~ 9.5V (7.0V ~ 9.0V recommended)
1.5A max. (25ma Average at 7.2V)
Power source
Voltage
Current
300~900mA(typical .60~2.0W to antenna)
High 4.5V min ~ Low 0.4V max (at .01mA)
High 3.5V min ~ Low 1.5V max (at .01mA)
Transmit mode
Output voltage
Input voltage
FCC Part 15, 90
DOC Rss 122
Regulatory compliance
12
Specifications (cont.)
For CDPD Network / CF-27xxxxxxM-CDP
Item
Description
CDPD 1.0 / CDPD 1.1 approved,
Communication
interface
Airlink protocol
PCMCIA Release 2.1, 16550 emulation
SLIP (Serial Line Interface Protocol)
PCCA STD 101,
Host protocol
AT commands
ANNEX L (CDPD AT Command Set)
19.2 Kbps (0.5 GMSK Modulation)
824.01 ~ 849.97 MHz
869.01 ~ 894.97 MHz
600 mW typical
Radio performance
Rate
TX Frequency
RX Frequency
Transmit power
Mode
Full duplex
Retractable
Antenna
H.O.T. Antenna
85.6 mm x 54 mm x 10.5 mm
Approx. 4.0 oz.
50 to 350 C (410 to 950 F)
30 ~ 80 % RH
Physical specifications
Environment
W x D x H
Weight
Operating temp.
Humidity range
5.0V +/- 0.25 V
800 mA max., 650 mA typical
200 mA typical
Power Design
DC voltage
Full duplex
Listen mode
Sleep mode
80 mA max., 70 mA typical
FCC Class Part 15 and 22
Regulatory compliance
13
Warranty
Panasonic Personal Computer Company (PPCC)
Limited Warranty
Panasonic Personal Computer Company (referred to as “Panasonic”) will repair
this product with new or rebuilt parts, free of charge in the U.S.A. for three (3)
years from the date of original purchase in the event of a defect in materials or
workmanship.
This warranty is extended soley to the original purchaser. A purchase receipt or
other proof of date of original purchase will be required before warranty performance
is rendered.
This warranty only covers failures due to defects in materials or workmanship which
occur during normal use. It does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or
failures which are caused by products not supplied by Panasonic or failures which
result from alteration, accident, misuse, introduction of liquid or other foreign matter
into the unit, abuse, neglect, installation, maladjustment of consumer controls,
improper maintenance, modification or service by anyone other than a Factory
Service Center or authorized Panasonic Service Dealer, or damage that is attributable
to acts of God.
Limits and Exclusions:
There are no other express warranties except as listed above.
PANASONIC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF DATA OR OTHER
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
USE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS
WARRANTY. ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY
PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
14
Notes
The serial number of the laptop and modem may be found on the labels located at the bottom
of the laptop. Write these numbers below and keep this book along with your proof of
purchase receipt to serve as a permanent record of your purchase for future reference.
MODEL NO. CF-27
LAPTOP SERIAL NO.
MODEM SERIAL NO.
LLI # (ARDIS only)
MAN # (RAM only)
IP ADDRESS (CDPD only)
SPNI # (CDPD only)
SIDE (A OR B - CDPD only)
CARRIER (CDPD only)
NAME OF DEALER
DATE OF PURCHASE
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