AKCP SP+ External Modem User Manual

June 10, 2024
AKCP

AKCP Logo Est. USA 1981
SP+ External Modem
User Manual

Introduction

In this manual we will talk about the general features of the External Modem. We will not go into details of modem configuration or notification setup, as these are the same for other modems available for the sensor Probe+ family. Please refer to the manual of the SP+ Internal Modem for more information.

AKCP SP+ External Modem - Figure 1

What is the External Modem? **

**

This modem is available only for SPXN and SP2+ RevG units, which have a dedicated port for connecting an external modem. It is ideal for customers who require cellular communications as either primary or backup connection.
It supports SMS, e-mail alerts and voice calls as well as access to the web UI or communications via VPN to AKC Pro Server.
An optional GPS antenna (as seen on the picture above) can be added for mobile asset tracking and monitoring or automatic geo locating static sites on maps in AKC Pro Server.
voice calls are via third party e-mail to voice call gateway
What’s the difference between the External Modem and the Internal Modem?
The Internal Modem can be selected as an option for any SP2+ or SPX+ units, and supports all modem functionality without restrictions.
The External Modem is available only for SPXN and SP2+ units, which have a dedicated port for connecting an external modem. It only supports voice calls via third party e-mail to voice call gateway.
How to identify SP2+ RevG model?
Only Revision G and newer SP2+ models support the External Modem.
You can identify the revision on the underside of the SP2+ case.

AKCP SP+ External Modem - Figure 2

LED information for External Modem
LED behavior of SP2+ revG Port #1 and External Modem:

  • If Port #1 is configured as a sensor port : Port #1 LED : OFF, EXT MODEM LED : OFF
  • If Port #1 is configured as a modem port : Port #1 LED : blinking fast (When modem is not detected yet), EXT MODEM LED: steady ON
  • If Port #1 is configured as a modem port : Port #1 LED : steady ON (When modem is detected), EXT MODEM LED: blinking
  • If no SIM card is inserted or not detected: Port #1 LED : steady ON (When modem is detected), EXT MODEM LED: steady ON

LED behavior of SPXN+ with the dedicated modem port and External Modem:

  • If the modem is not yet detected : EXT Modem LED : OFF
  • If the modem is not yet detected : EXT Modem LED : Blinking
  • Note: there is no LED for the EXT modem port on the SPXN+

Setting up the modem – physical connection

First you would need to insert the SIM card to the modem.
Note: Please make sure that the SIM does not require a PIN code.
To insert the SIM, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Take off the plastic cover.
    It is held on by a single screw at the bottom of the cover.AKCP SP+ External
Modem - physical connection

  2. Operate the SIM holder as follows:
    Note: if you do not close and lock the SIM holder, the modem will not be able to use the SIM card.AKCP SP+ External Modem - SIM
holder

  3. Place the SIM card in the holder:AKCP SP+ External Modem - SIM retainer

  4. Close the SIM retainer to lock it in place:
    Note: if you do not close and lock the SIM holder, the modem will not be able to use the SIM card.AKCP SP+ External Modem - SIM holder
1

Re-assemble the modem case and connect the GSM antenna to the modem, as shown on the picture below.
Connect the modem’s power cable to the micro USB port.
AKCP SP+ External Modem - microUSB portThen finally connect the modem to the sensor port #1 of SP2+ RevG via RJ45 cable.
AKCP SP+ External Modem - RJ45 cableIf your base unit is SPXN, locate the dedicated Modem Port and connect the modem here:
AKCP SP+ External Modem - Modem Port Important note: the maximum allowed length of the cable is 12 inches (305 mm).

For SPXN units, you just need to plug the modem to the Ext. Modem port and reboot the SPXN; there is no need to set up any options on the Web UI.
If your base unit is SP2+ RevG, you will have to configure a few options before you can use the modem, as described in the next section.

Setting up the modem – software settings for SP2+ RevG
SP2+ units don’t have a dedicated port for the modem.
Port #1 can be configured as a port for using the External Modem.
Connect to your base unit’s Web UI and open the Sensors page.

AKCP SP+ External Modem - software settingsClick on Port #1
On the left side menu, click the option Port to Modem
This will set the port in a mode that can work with the External Modem.
AKCP SP+ External Modem - Figure 5

The system will display a popup warning: “You must reboot your device to apply these changes”.
Reboot your unit by going to Settings -> Maintenance -> System Reboot
After the device has rebooted, go back to Sensors page and check Port #1: its status should now only show “This port is used as Modem port” and you will not see any sensor setting options.
After the modem has been configured, the LED statuses will change as follows:
Check Port #1 LED on the base unit: it will be steady ON
Check the External Modem LED: it will be blinking

AKCP SP+ External Modem - AboutFinally, check the About page of the unit. The modem should be shown as detected and the unique IMEI number visible.

Change Modem port back to Sensor port

Doing these steps will revert the configured modem port back to a standard sensor port on the unit. Basically it’s the same as configuring the port for using the modem.

  1. Unplug the External Modem from Port #1 and remove its power connector
  2. Go to Sensors page of the base unit
  3. On the side menu option, click Modem to Port button
  4. The unit will display a popup warning, and you must reboot to apply the changes
  5. Reboot your unit
  6. Check the LED status on Port #1: it should be OFF

Technical specifications

Frequencies| • LTE-TDD B34/B38/B39/13401B41
• LTE-FDD B1/132/133/B5/137/138//B12/B13/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28/B66
• UMTS/HSPA+ B1/B21134/B5/B6/B8/B19
• GSM/GPRS/EDGE 1850/900/1800/1900 MHz
---|---
Category| CAT1
Data Transmission| -ISPA+: up to 5.76 Mbps(UL). 42 Mbps(DL)
LTE Category 1: up to 5 Mbps (UL). 10 Mbps (DL)
Transmitting Power| ‘NCIDMA: Class 3 (0.25W) LIE: Class 3 (025W)
|
Features| SMS
Telephone Call with Text to Speech via 3rd party e-mail to phone gateway Internet (PPP): email, VPN. cloud
Optional GPS *
+ GNSS: GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo
+ GPS active antenna provided
|
SIM card| Standard SIM card size
Support SAT class 3, GSM 1114 Release 98
Antenna| 3m External Antenna
Components| Manufactured using highly integrated. low power surface mount technology to ensure long term reliability_
Operating Environment| Temperature : Min. -20° C — Max.70° C
Humidity: Min. 20% — Max. 80% (Non-Condensing)
Certification| • CE
• RCM
• FCC
• IC
• CCC JS Version :
• TELEC
• PTCRB
• JATE
• RoHS
• REACH

Technical drawing

AKCP SP+ External Modem - Technical drawing

Please contact support@akcp.com if you have any further technical questions or problems.
Thanks for Choosing AKCP!

AKCP Logo Est. USA 1981
www.AKCP.com

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