TERACOM TCG140-4E LTE Universal IO Module User Guide

TCG140-4 LTE universal IO module
Revision 1.0 / February 2021
QUICK START GUIDE

General

TCG140-4 is a 4G LTE Cat.1 universal I/O module. It supports also 3G and 2G wireless communication and provides data connectivity on LTE-FDD, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA, WCDMA, EDGE, and GPRS networks.
It has 2 digital inputs, 4 analog inputs, digital interfaces for external sensors, and 4 relays. Two of the analog inputs can be switched either in a current loop (0-20mA) or voltage modes. The relays can be activated either remotely (via SMS or HTTP API command) or locally – from the status of the monitored parameter.
TCG140-4 supports all digital sensors of Teracom.
All monitored parameters and status of relays can be periodically saved in the embedded data logger. It is possible to arrange records on any alarm condition.
The module supports HTTP API for M2M communication.

Technical parameters

Bands TCG140-4e variant
   4G LTE| B1,B3,B7,B8,B20,B28
   3G/2G| B1,B8/900,1800
Bands TCG140-4a variant| B2,B4,B5,B12,B13,B25,B26
   3G/2G| B2,B4,B5/Not supported
SIM card size| Micro
Minimum high-level input voltage for digital inputs, VDC| 2.5
Maximum low-level input voltage for digital inputs, VDC| 0.8
Maximum input voltage for digital inputs, VDC| 5.5
Supply voltage for 1-Wire and RS-485, VDC| 5.0 ± 0.3
Maximum output current for 1-Wire and RS-485, A| 0.2
Analog inputs range, VDC/mA| 0 to +10/0 to 20
Maximum switchable current for relay contacts, А| 3
Maximum switchable voltage for relay contacts, VAC/VDC| 30/24

LED indicators

LED indicators show the status of the module:

• REL1 – REL4 (green) – the LED is ON when the corresponding relay is activated (the NO contact is connected to COM);
• SIG (red) – indicates the status of the device together with STA;
• STA (yellow) – indicates the status of the device together with SIG.

The following states are displayed:

• Module initialization – after power-on and firmware update SIG and STA turn ON for a second, after this turn OFF for another second;

• Searching for GSM network – after a successful initialization, SIG is OFF, STA flashes on 200mS (flash period 200ms);

• Connected to GSM network – after a successful connection to a mobile network, STA shows the type of connection, while SIG shows the signal strength:
  – STA flashes ones for 200mS in a period of 2S – there is a GSM connection only
  – STA flashes twice for 200mS in a period of 2S – there is GSM and 4G/3G/2G connection
  At the same time SIG has 5 states:
  – SIG flashes 1 time in a period of 2S – signal strength is between 0 and 20%;
  – SIG flashes 2 times in a period of 2S – signal strength is between 21 and 40%;
  – SIG flashes 3 times in a period of 2S – signal strength is between 41 and 60%;
  – SIG flashes 4 times in a period of 2S – signal strength is between 61 and 80%;
  – SIG is solid ON – signal strength is between 81 and 100%.

• Error message – in case of error after initialization, SIG will stay solid OFF, STA will flash showing the type of error.
  – STA flashes ones for 1S – master phone number is not set;
  – STA flashes permanently for 1S in a period of 2S – permanent hardware error.
  A more detailed description of the I/O module states is shown in the user manual.

Installation

This device must be installed by qualified personnel. The installation consists of mounting the device, connecting inputs and outputs, providing power, configuring via a web browser, and connecting to the mobile network. This device must not be installed directly outdoors.
Attention! Disconnect the power supply before wiring.
Make sure that wires are properly attached to the terminals and that the terminals are tightened. Not proper wiring and configuration can cause permanent damage to TCG140-4 or the equipment to which it is connected or both.
It is recommended to test and configure TCG140-4 without any controlled device.
Attention! Before installing the SIM card in the card slot, please ensure that the PIN code is disabled.

Connectors

The device has the following connectors:

Connector 1 Power – 2.1×5.5mm connector, central positive
Connector 2 1-Wire interface
Connector 3 RS-485 interface
Connector 4 mini USB
Connector 5 Pin1 – Digital In 1
Pin2 – Ground
Pin3 – Digital In 2
Pin4 – Analog In 1
Pin5 – Ground
Pin6 – Analog In 2
Pin7 – Analog In 3
Pin8 – Ground
Pin9 – Analog In 4
Connector 6 Pin1 – NC Relay 1
Pin2 – COM Relay 1
Pin3 – NO Relay 1
Pin4 – NC Relay 2
Pin5 – COM Relay 2
Pin6 – NO Relay 2
Pin7 – NC Relay 3
Pin8 – COM Relay 3
Pin9 – NO Relay 3
Pin10 – NC Relay 4
Pin11 – COM Relay 4
Pin12 – NO Relay 4
Connector 7 GSM Antenna
Connector 8 SIM card holder

Connector 2

Connector 3

Initial setup via USB

The initial setup of TCG140-4 is done with a computer running Windows 7 or a newer Microsoft Windows operating system. After power-up, the module should be connected to the computer with a USB cable. Once the USB cable is connected, the operating system automatically starts to install the drivers for the communication with the device. The following message appears:

The following drivers will be installed:

• Microchip composite device;
• USB serial port driver.

If for some reason the USB serial port driver cannot be installed automatically, it must be installed manually. The driver can be downloaded from the TCG140-4 product page at
www.teracomsystems.com. After successful driver installation, the device will be recognized as Mass storage, the following window appears on the screen:

The only file stored on the mass storage is a tool called “config”. This tool enables communication between TCG140-4 and PC. After starting the config tool, the following program will appear:

Pressing the “Start” button will open the web browser and display the web interface of TCG140-4. The “Monitoring” page displays the current state of the sensors, digital inputs, analog inputs, and relays. The setup of the module is made in the “Setup” menu. A detailed description of the setup process can be found in the user manual.

Setup via SMS

TCG140-4 supports up to 5 SMS users (Master + 4 users). The Master is able to configure some of the system parameters by SMS messages as well as to receive alarm and status messages. The rest of the 4 SMS users are able only to receive alarm and status messages. Messages from unauthorized numbers are ignored by the module. The complete list of the supported SMS messages can be found in the User manual.

Firmware update

TCG140 module supports firmware update over USB or the Internet.
Firmware update over USB
To update the device over the USB, follow the steps below:

• Connect the device to PC with a USB cable;
• Start config program from attached removable disk and open the device web interface;
• Go to Setup->System->Firmware update;

• Press the “Choose file” button and select the update file (.cod extension);
• Press the “UPLOAD” button.

The firmware will be uploaded and verified, the procedure takes about a minute. If the file is correct, the following message will appear: “Upload Successful. Please wait while updating…”. The “Update” procedure takes about 2 minutes. Once the update is complete, the browser will be redirected to the monitoring page.
Attention! Don’t turn off the power supply during the update. Turning off the power supply will damage the device.

Firmware update over the Internet
To update the device over the Internet follow the steps below:

• Upload the update file (.cod extension) on public HTTP server;
• Send firmware update command (the syntax of the SMS message is described in the “Device setup via SMS” section in the user manual). Please note that only the Master can send this message.

The update file will be transferred and verified. The procedure takes about 3 minutes. If the file is correct, the Master will receive a confirmation SMS message. The “Update” procedure takes about 2 minutes. Once the update is complete, TCG140-4 will restart.
Attention! Don’t turn off the power supply during the update. Turning off the power supply will damage the device.

Factory default settings

TCG140-4 can be restored to its original factory default settings, following the steps below:

• Turn off the power supply;
• Press and hold the RESET button then turn on the power supply;
• STA and SIG LEDs will turn on;
• Release the RESET button.

The module will restore its default settings.

Environment information

This equipment is intended for use in a Pollution Degree 2 environment, at altitudes up to 2000 meters. When the module is a part of a system, the other elements of the system shall comply with the EMC requirements and shall be intended for use in the same ambient conditions.

Safety

This device must not be used for medical, lifesaving purposes, or for any purpose where its failure could cause serious injury or the loss of life.
To reduce the risk of fire, only flexible stranded wire, with cross-section 0.5mm² or larger for wiring of digital and analog inputs and relay output of the device should be used.
To avoid electric shock and fire hazards, do not expose this product to liquids, rain, or moisture.
Objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this device.
There is a risk of overheating (damage) of the module, if recommended free spaces to adjacent devices are not ensured. The joint part with the external component shall have space for attachment/removal of the cable after installation.
Teracom does not guarantee the successful operation of the product if the product was used under conditions deviating from the product specifications.
To ensure that the device works correctly follow the steps below:

• ensure that the device is installed correctly, refer to this document;
• log in to the devices via browser program;
• make proper setup;
• set up the digital inputs to work in “dry contact” mode;
• short the “Din1” and “GND”;
• install sensor TSH2XX or TST1XX on the 1-Wire bus;
• go to “Monitoring page” of WEB interface – proper parameters value should be displayed;
• go to the “Setup-> SMS/Mail” menu and set the Master number. After saving the number,

Press the “send test SMS” button. The master should receive a confirmation SMS message.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In no event will Teracom Ltd. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use or application of this equipment.

Maintenance

Upon completion of any service or repairs to the device or once per year, a safety check must be performed to determine that this product is in proper operating condition. Clean the device only with a dry cloth. Do not use a liquid cleaner or an aerosol cleaner. Do not use a magnetic/static cleaning device (dust remover) or any kind of abrasive material to clean the device.

Package content

The product package includes:

• TCG140-4;
• Multi-band antenna – 698 to 960 and 1710 to 2690MHz;
• Four spacers/bumpers;
• RS-485 terminator;
• Quick start guide.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

With the provided Declaration of Conformity we: Manufacturer’s name: Teracom Ltd.
Manufacturer’s address: 11 Vasil Levski blvd., 7019 Ruse, Bulgaria
declare that the product:
Product name: Cellular I/O module
Model: TCG140-4
meets requirements of the European directives 2014/30/EU and 2014/35/EU.
The above product is in conformity with the following standards:
EN 55032: 2015 + EN 55032: 2015/AC:2016-07 + EN 55032: 2015/A11:2020
EN 55024: 2010 + EN 55024: 2010/A1:2015
EN 61000-3-2: 2014
EN 61000-3-3: 2013 + EN 61000-3-3: 2013/A1:2019
EN 301 511 V 9.0.2
EN 62368-1:2014 + EN 62368-1:2014/AC1-3:2015 + EN 62368-1:2014/A11:2017 +
EN 62368-1:2014/AC:2017-03:2017

Place: Ruse, Bulgaria Signature: Name: Ognyan Dimitrov
Date: 06.01.2021 Posion: Manager

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