victron energy GX GSM Cellular Modem User Manual

energy GX GSM Cellular Modem
User Manual

GX GSM manual
rev 01 – 02/2023
This manual is also available in HTML5.

Introduction

1.1. General description
The product described in this guide is replaced by the newer GX LTE 4G modem.
The GX GSM only works with 2G and 3G networks, which are slowly being phased out in different countries.
Therefore, depending on the installation location, the GX LTE 4G can be a more future-proof solution.
The GX GSM is a modem and GPS accessory for our GX range of monitoring products. The GX GSM is a cellular modem; providing a mobile internet for the system and connection to the VRM Portal. It works on 2G and 3G networks.
There are multiple models, refer to the table below to see which model best matches the available cellular network bands in your region.

Part number| Name| **Region*| Used module| Supported 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)
frequencies| Supported 3G (UMTS/HSPA+)**

frequencies

---|---|---|---|---|---
GSM100100100| GX GSM 900/2100| Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East, Africa| SIM Com SIM5360E| 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band)| 900/2100 MHz (Dual-Band)
GSM100200100| GX GSM 850/1900| United States, Canada, Mexico and most countries of S. America| SIM Com SIM5360A| 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band)| 850/1900 MHz (Dual-Band)

• In case of uncertainty please double-check: GSM World Coverage Map

Features

2.1. Built-in GPS receiver
The GX GSM includes a built-in GPS receiver. When the optional active GPS antenna is installed, the system can be tracked as well as geo-fenced on the VRM Portal.
The required accessory part number is GSM900200100 – Active GPS Antenna for GX GSM.
2.2. GX compatibility
The GX GSM can be used with any of the GX devices and requires Venus OS v2.22 or newer to be installed on the GX device.
2.3. SIM card
It requires a SIM card of the Mini-SIM format and connects to the GX device with an included 1m USB cable.
2.4. When to use a mobile router instead

The GX GSM provides an internet connection for the GX device only. There is no option to share the internet to laptops, phones, or other devices.

For installations where more devices need internet, such as a yacht or RV, consider installing a mobile router instead.
2.5. Antennas and accessories
A small indoor GSM antenna is included. Optionally, we also sell an outdoor outdoor 2G and 3G GSM antenna, which increases the range:

• Part number GSM900100100 – Outdoor 4G GSM Antenna

2.6. What’s in the box?

• GX GSM (with integrated USB cable)
• GSM mini rod antenna (for indoor use)
• DC power cable (with inline fuse and terminal block)

Installation and configuration

3.1. Installation step-by-step
Follow the steps below to install the GX GSM:

1. Mount the device in a place that is not covered by metal objects. Consider using the optional outdoor antenna when installing the GX GSM in a closed metal enclosure, car, or van to increase the range.
2.  Mount the supplied antenna to the SMA connector marked GSM or connect an optional external outdoor antenna if required.
3. An optional active GPS antenna is screwed onto the SMA connector labeled GPS.
4. Insert the SIM card. You will need to eject the SIM card tray with a pen or other pointy object. Be aware that the SIM card tray sits slightly recessed inside the unit. Be sure to push it all the way in.
5. Connect the GX GSM to the GX device with the supplied USB cable. Use a USB hub if all USB sockets are already in use.
6. Connect the DC power supply (8 to 70 VDC). A 1.4 m cable with M10 cable lugs and a built-in Slow Blow fuse 3.15A 250V, 5x20mm is included. Pay attention to the correct polarity as labeled on the front sticker.
7. After power-up, the blue LED will be solid blue. Once it has registered on a network, the LED will start blinking slowly. Finally, when the internet connection is established, the LED will blink quickly.

3.2. Configuration
The GX GSM is configured entirely via the connected GX device.
Setting a SIM-PIN helps reducing the risk of the SIM card being stolen and used. Use a mobile phone to set the SIM-PIN, and thereafter configure it on the GX device as follows:

1. When using a SIM card with its SIM-PIN security disabled, the system will work without further configuration.
2. Setting a SIM-PIN helps reducing the risk of the SIM card being stolen and used. Use a mobile phone to set the SIM-PIN, and there after configure it on the GX device as follows: Go to Settings → GSM modem → PIN.
3. Enter the same PIN that was previously set in the mobile phone or provided by the network operator.
4. Go to Settings → GSM Modem → APN and set the APN name if necessary. Some mobile networks require manual configuration of an APN especially when roaming. Contact your network operator for details.
5. If you are installing the GX GSM in an area where you can expect internet coverage to be occasionally disrupted, you should enable the “Reboot device when no contact” option in the GX device’s VRM menu. This will automatically  restart the GX device and power cycle the GX if it has failed to transmit data to VRM for the configured time. Note that if you are leaving internet service coverage areas (such as an RV on the move, or a boat leaving dock to go to sea), then it is recommend to disable this setting, so that your GX is not rebooting itself for no reason. Or set it,  for example, to a two hour time-out and accept a reboot every two hours when underway.

Watch this video to learn how to connect via LAN, WIFI and the GX GSM: Connecting a Victron GX Device online and setting up a GX GSM

Operation

4.1. SIM status
The SIM status is displayed on the GSM overview page on the GX device. The following table shows all possible states and their meaning:

hang out a little.
PIN required| SIM card requires a 4 digit PIN for unlock.
PUK required| SIM is locked due to wrong PIN inputs. 8 digit PUK is required to release the lock state.
SIM failure| SIM does not respond – might be broken.
SIM busy| SIM is in busy state.
SIM wrong| Type of SIM is not supported.

4.2. Status Bar
GSM modem status can be checked at a glance by looking at the status bar.

Icon

|

Details

---|---
| GSM modem is connected to network, but not to the internet (no data connection). Possibly on purpose, because an Ethernet or WIFI connection is available.
| GSM modem is properly configured, the 3G/EDGE etc. icon reflects that the cellular modem internet connection is in use and what type of connection is applied.
| WIFI is available and its internet connection is in use. WIFI has priority over GSM connection.
| SIM-PIN code is required.
| Roaming, only informative. To use internet connection while roaming, it needs to be enabled in Settings → GSM modem → Allow roaming.

4.3. GPS
When the optional active GPS antenna is added, the position is sent to the VRM portal and also displayed in the GX device as follows:

Troubleshooting

5.1. Troubleshooting guide
There are many reasons for a modem internet connection to not work. Carefully go through each step of this troubleshooting guide. Make sure to start at the first step. When asking for help, make sure to mention each step taken and the result.

Settings → GSM modem menu.
3| SIM card status| Check the SIM Status in the menu, it must show “Ready”. It will show “SIM not inserted”, or “PIN required”, or “PUK required” and more related errors when there is a problem. Please refer to the SIM status list for details.
4| Signal strength| 1 bar minimum for VRM logging, 2 or 3 bars are necessary for a working remote console. An outdoor antenna typically increases received signal by 15 dB to 25 db.
5| Carrier registration| Check that a name of a Cellular provider is visible in the “Carrier” field. If it is not, check signal strength and otherwise contact your SIM card provider and/or insert the SIM card in a phone to double check its operation and subscription status.
6| Internet connection| Verify that the Internet shows “Online”. Reasons for the system to not go “Online” whilst properly registered on the Network are:
1)  APN not configured, contact the network operator for details.
2)  The network is a different one than the home network (ie. roaming), and the setting to permit Roaming is disabled.
3)  Signal strength is strong enough to register on the network, but not to open the data connection to the internet.
7| Connection to VRM portal| Verify that the VRM Portal menu shows a recent last connection time. See Settings → VRM Portal. For more details, see the VRM Connection troubleshooting chapter of the GX Manual.

Note that Ethernet and WIFI connections have priority over the cellular connection. Even when the available Ethernet or WIFI connection does not have a good connection to the internet, there is no automatic detection in place which in  such case switches over to the GX GSM. In more technical language: when the cellular data connection is active, it is configured with a high routing metric. This way, the Linux kernel prioritizes Ethernet or WIFI when these are available.
5.2. What to do if the GX GSM is not staying connected?
Enable the “Reboot device when no contact” configuration setting in the VRM menu of the GX device. That will reboot the GX (and with it the GX GSM) automatically if the internet connection is not available. See also the configuration  chapter [4] for more details.

Technical data

6.1. Technical data

GX GSM| GSM100100100 | GSM100200100
---|---
Supply voltage range| 8 – 70VDC
Power draw| 2.5W while 2G/3G data transfer <1.0W in idle mode +0.4W if GPS is enabled
Operating temperature range| -40 +50°C (-40 – 120°F)
Power cable (included)| 1.4m cable with inline fuse holder, terminal block and 10mm ring terminals
Inline fuse (included)| T3.15A250V
COMMUNICATION
USB communication port| Fixed 1.0m cable with USB-A connector (connects to the GX device)
LTE antenna connector| Type SMA Female (optional Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM antenna GSM900100100)
GPS antenna connector| Type SMA Female (optional GPS antenna GSM900200100)
GNSS| GPS/Badious/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS
SIM card| Regular Mini SIM (supports both 1.8V and 3V)
** Data transmission (max. Download/ Upload)| 3G (HSPA+): 42 MPs / 5.76 MPs 2G (EDGE): 236.8 Kbps / 236.8 Kbps 2G (GPRS): 85.6 Kbps / 85.6 Kbps
Status indicator| Blue LED
INSTALLATION & DIMENSIONS
Dimensions (l x w x h)| 106 × 42.5 × 22mm
Weight| 0.08kg (0.177lbs)
Wire gauge (power cable)| 0.5..1.5mm2 / AWG 28..16 or use supplied power cable
Recommended fuse size| 500mA @ 12V / 250mA @ 24V / 100mA @ 48V or use supplied inline fuse
STANDARDS**
Safety| EN 60335-1 / EN 60335-2-29 / EN 62368-1
Emission / Immunity| ECE R10-5
QM| EN 9001:2015

Appendix

7.1. Accessory / Antennas
7.1.1. Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM Antenna

This antenna can be used with the GX GSM for 2G and 3G bands.

7.1.2. Active GPS Antenna

7.2. Notes regarding regional coverage
A good reference to check frequencies is 4G world Coverage Map. Note that the page also contains 2G and 3G information, which is on its GSM World Coverage link on the top.
USA, Mexico, Canada and most of South America: 1900 MHz is the most common frequency for 3G, which is unsupported for this version of GX GSM. Use the GX LTE 4G instead.
Australia: The 900 MHz 3G frequency in remote areas is typically provided by Optus. Telstra’s rural 3G network operates at 850 MHz, which is not supported with the current version of GX GSM. Both Telstra and Optus operate 2100 MHz networks in urban areas, and are supported.

7.3. Dimensions

Warranty

8.1. Five year limited warranty
This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in this product and lasts for five years from the date of original purchase of this product.
The customer must return the product together with the receipt of purchase to the point of purchase.
This limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from alteration, modification, improper or unreasonable use or misuse, neglect, exposure to excess moisture, fire, improper packing, lightning, power  surges, or other acts of nature.
This limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from repairs attempted by anyone unauthorized by Victron Energy to make such repairs.
Victron Energy is not liable for any consequential damages arising from the use of this product.
The maximum liability of Victron Energy under this limited warranty shall not exceed the actual purchase price of the product.

References

• SIM card format and size comparison | Comparison tables - SocialCompare
• GX LTE 4G - Victron Energy
• Victron GX product range [Victron Energy]
• 12. VRM Portal
• GX GSM manual
• 4G map LTE World Coverage Map - LTE WiMAX HSPA 3G GSM Country List
• GSM World Coverage Map- GSM Country List by frequency bands

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