Using the Aircard: Common Questions and Troubleshooting Guide.
Here are the most common questions customers have about using the Aircard?
How do I store numbers?
When storing in a phone number you will want to enter the number as follows: 8002621990 not 800-262-1990. If you are calling a specific extension for someone at the number, enter a comma then the extension 8002621984,123 which will put you right through to the person you are calling in most businesses.
How do I end a call?
When you are done with a call remember to select END to properly end a call or you may experience trouble placing/receiving future calls, and sometimes you have to perform a reset to end that cycle.
Volume Problems: If you are having trouble hearing a phone conversation, please verify the settings in your Phone Dial Pad and on your Phone Configuration Menu.
On the Dial Pad:
Make sure Mic Level is OFF in the phone pad.
Headset Level should also be OFF.
In the Phone Configuration Menu:
Detect Aircard set to ON
Aircard set to ON
Mic Level should be set to 1
Headphone Level should be set to 10.
On Screen 2
Band should be on Auto Band or this setting may default to the card you are using.
Headset Volume set to 1
Gain Out controls the volume of the incoming call. Trouble hearing the person who is talking? Turn this up.
Gain In controls the volume of the outgoing call. If the person you are calling is having trouble hearing you talking? Turn this up.
These both are set to 6 as default settings.
Just a reminder: the device speaker volume also controls the volume of the phone. So if this is to low to hear when speaking to someone in the room, it will be too low for someone to hear you when using the phone.
If you are not able to place a call or if your Aircard is not being recognized:
Verify that your cable is plugged in tightly into the aircard and into the receiving jack on the device. Sometimes the phone cables get caught on the frame of the device preventing the cable from being plugged in all the way.
You will also want to make sure the SIM card is in the Aircard tightly. You can pop out the SIM card and reseat it as a last resort.
Check your Aircard Cable, do you see any bends or broken wires on the cable? Is the small connector still attached tightly on the end of the cable that plugs into the device?
If the cable is broken you can contact our sales department to get a replacement. 1-800-262-1933.
What phone providers does PRC recommend? **PRC does not provide wireless service and customers will have to provide their own mobile phone service account. The AirCard currently works with any service provider that supports the GSM network (e.g., T-Mobile, A T & T). Customers will be responsible for their own phone charges and PRC cannot accept responsibility for problems of mobile phone service provision.
What should I ask for when signing up for a phone package? You will want to sign up for a regular Voice and Text message plan. Or just a Voice plan if available and you are not planning on using the Texting feature.
What does it mean if I see a gray phone icon? This means the card is not detected or turned on in the Phone Configuration Menu. If the Detect Aircard and Aircard settings are both ON you should have a red and white phone icon.
What does it mean when I have a phone icon with a Red NO around it? This means that you are not detecting a signal. If you are getting a signal, you should see green bars in your status area.
What do I do if my Aircard still will not initialize? Try turning off your device and turning it back on. If this doesn’t boot your card back up, try resetting your device.
You may also want to verify that you are running the most current software in your device by checking this in the Maintenance Menu.
How do I know if I have a Voice Message?
You will see the following icon appear in your status bar when you have a voice mail message.
Replacement Parts Available through PRC Sales by calling 1-800-262-1933
VT/VG Aircard cable only Part # 14110 $65.00
VT aircard door only Part # 13945-1 $25.00
PF Aircard cable only Part # 14127 $80.00
PF aircard door only Part # 13106-1 $24.40
NOTE: Prices are subject to change and do not including shipping cost or tax if applicable. Prices are posted to give you an estimated amount for replacement parts only.
Replacement Antenna’s must be purchased through Sierra Wireless. PRC does not carry replacement Antenna’s. Please see the following link for the part number and cost: http://www.sierrawireless.com/estore/Default.aspx?SKU=6000234&CID=6
Important! New Aircard Policy
Our Aircard Performance Policy: Before selecting a wireless carrier and specifying or purchasing an Aircard, we recommend that you contact PRC Service first at 800-262-1990 to discuss compatible networks. Recently we have seen that many wireless networks are dropping their support for this option or are delivering less than reliable performance. To determine your best options, we recommend that you contact PRC Service to discuss the available coverage for your area. In addition, even though these network issues are out of our control, our policy is that if you obtain an Aircard and you are not happy with the performance in any way, you can return the Aircard to PRC and we will promptly refund your purchase.