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venus-os:gx-gsm [2019-01-06 20:51] – [1. Introduction] mvadervenus-os:gx-gsm [2022-04-26 14:20] – [Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM Antenna] marmour
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 ===== 1. Introduction ===== ===== 1. Introduction =====
  
-The GX GSM is an accessory for [[venus-os:start|Venus-device]]s. It is a cellular modem; providing a mobile internet for the system and connection to Victron Remote Management (VRM).+==== 1.1 Product description ====
  
-It requires a SIM card of the [[https://socialcompare.com/en/comparison/sim-card-format-and-size-comparison|Mini-SIM format]]; and connects to the [[venus-os:start|Venus-device]] with a (supplied) 1m USB cable.+The GX GSM is an accessory for [[venus-os:start|GX-devices]]. It is a cellular 2G and 3G modem; providing a mobile internet for the system and connection to [[https://vrm.victronenergy.com|Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal]]. 
 + 
 +It requires a SIM card of the [[https://socialcompare.com/en/comparison/sim-card-format-and-size-comparison|Mini-SIM format]]; and connects to the [[venus-os:start|GX-device]] with an included 1m USB cable.
  
 See also the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/gx-gsm|GX GSM Product Page]]. See also the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/gx-gsm|GX GSM Product Page]].
  
-=== Antennas and accessories ===+Video explaining how to connect using LAN, WiFi, and the GX GSM: 
 + 
 +{{youtube>645QrB7bmvY}} 
 + 
 +==== 1.2 Warning: maybe use the GX LTE 4G instead ==== 
 + 
 +The product described in this manual, is being succeeded with the newer [[https://www.victronenergy.nl/accessories/gx-lte-4g|GX LTE 4G]] modem. 
 + 
 +The GX GSM works only with 2G and 3G networks, which are -slowly- being shut down in various countries. Hence, depending on the location of installation, the GX LTE 4G can be a more future proof solution. 
 + 
 +==== 1.4 Antennas and accessories ====
  
 GSM: A small indoor GSM antenna is included. As an option we also sell an outdoor GSM antenna: GSM: A small indoor GSM antenna is included. As an option we also sell an outdoor GSM antenna:
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   * GSM900200100 - Active GPS Antenna for GX GSM   * GSM900200100 - Active GPS Antenna for GX GSM
  
-See bottom of this manual for photos and specs of both optional antennas.+[[venus-os:gx-gsm#accessory_antennas|See bottom of this manual for photos and specs of both antennas.]]
  
-==== Compatibility ====+==== 1.5 GX Compatibility ====
  
-  * Color Control GX +The GX GSM can be used with any of the [[venus-os:start|GX Devices]].
-  * Venus GX +
-  * Octo GX+
  
-The GX GSM requires Venus OS v2.22 or newer to be installed on the [[venus-os:start|Venus-device]].+The GX GSM requires Venus OS v2.22 or newer to be installed on the GX Device.
  
-==== When to use a mobile router instead ====+==== 1.6 When to use a mobile router instead ====
  
-The GX GSM only provides an internet connection for the [[venus-os:start|Venus-device]]: there is no option to share the internet to laptops, phones, or other devices.+The GX GSM provides an internet connection for the [[venus-os:start|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. [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#internet_connectivity|More information here.]] For installations where more devices need internet, such as a yacht or RV, consider installing a mobile router instead. [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#internet_connectivity|More information here.]]
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 Mount the device and connect the antenna. Consider using the outdoor antenna when installing the GX GSM in a closed metal enclosure. Mount the device and connect the antenna. Consider using the outdoor antenna when installing the GX GSM in a closed metal enclosure.
  
-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 try sits slightly recessed inside the unit. Be sure to push it all the way in.+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.
  
-Connect the GX GSM to the Venus device with the supplied USB cable. Use a USB hub if all USB sockets are already in use.+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.
  
 Connect DC power supply (8 to 70 VDC). A 1.4M wire is included, with M10 lugs and an inline fuse. Connect DC power supply (8 to 70 VDC). A 1.4M wire is included, with M10 lugs and an inline fuse.
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 {{:venus-os:gsm-settings-full.png?direct&480|}} {{:venus-os:gsm-settings-full.png?direct&480|}}
  
-When using a SIM card with its SIM-pin security disabled, the system will work without further configuration. Verify operation by .. ? (Check VRM Last log data?)+When using a SIM card with its SIM-pin security disabled, the system will work without further configuration. 
  
-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 Venus 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 there after configure it on the GX-device.
  
 Settings -> GSM modem -> PIN code Settings -> GSM modem -> PIN code
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 {{:venus-os:gsm-apn-config.png?direct&480|}} {{:venus-os:gsm-apn-config.png?direct&480|}}
  
-===== 4. Status ===== +**Automatic recovery when disconnected** 
-GSM modem status can be checked at a glance by looking at the status bar.+ 
 +When installing the GX GSM, or GX 4G LTE in an area that you expect continuous internet coverage, you should enable the "Reboot device when no contact" option in the VRM menu of the GX device. This will automatically reboot the GX device, as well as power cycle the GX GSM, when the transmission of data to VRM has failed for the configured time. 
 + 
 +{{:venus-os:gx_gsm.jpg?400|}} 
 + 
 +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.
  
-^ Icon ^ Details ^ 
-| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-signalstrength.png?nolink&27}}     | GSM modem is connected to network, but not to the internet (no data connection). Either on purpose, because an ethernet or WiFi connection is available. | 
-| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-gsm-internet.png?nolink&48|}}      | GSM modem is properly configured, the 3G/E/etc icon reflects that the GSM modem internet connection is in use. | 
-| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-gsm-plus-wifi.png?nolinkx&54|}}    | WiFi is available and its internet connection is in use. WiFi has priority over GSM. | 
-| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-pin-required.png?nolink&27|}}      | SIM PIN code is required. | 
-| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-roaming.png?nolink&27|}}           | Roaming, only informative. To use internet connection while roaming it needs to be enabled in \\ Settings -> GSM modem -> Allow roaming.| 
  
-===== 6. GPS =====+===== 4. GPS =====
  
 When the optional antenna is added; the position will be visible like this: When the optional antenna is added; the position will be visible like this:
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-===== 5. Trouble shooting =====+===== 5. Status =====
  
-^   ^ Step   ^  Details                                   ^+==== Status Bar ==== 
 +GSM modem status can be checked at a glance by looking at the status bar. 
 + 
 +^ Icon ^ Details ^ 
 +| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-signalstrength.png?nolink&27}}     | GSM modem is connected to network, but not to the internet (no data connection).\\ Either on purpose, because an ethernet or WiFi connection is available.  | 
 +| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-gsm-internet.png?nolink&48|}}      | GSM modem is properly configured, the 3G/E/etc icon reflects that the GSM modem internet connection is in use.  | 
 +| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-gsm-plus-wifi.png?nolinkx&54|}}    | WiFi is available and its internet connection is in use. WiFi has priority over GSM.  | 
 +| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-pin-required.png?nolink&27|}}      | SIM PIN code is required.  | 
 +| {{:venus-os:gsm-status-roaming.png?nolink&27|}}           | Roaming, only informative. To use internet connection while roaming it needs to be enabled in \\ Settings -> GSM modem -> Allow roaming. | 
 + 
 +==== SIM Status ==== 
 +^ Status ^ Description ^ 
 +| Ready | SIM card is installed properly and registered to the network | 
 +| SIM not inserted | SIM card is missing or not inserted properly. SIM tray might hang out a little. | 
 +| PIN required | SIM card requires 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 |  
 + 
 +[[http://example.com|External Link]] 
 +===== 6. Trouble shooting ===== 
 + 
 +There are many reasons for modem internet connection to not work. Carefully go through each step of this trouble shooting guide. Make sure to start at the first step. When asking for help, make sure to mention each step taken and the result. 
 + 
 +^ Step   ^^ Details                                   ^
 | 1 | Power  | Check that the blue LED is either lit continuous or blinking  | | 1 | Power  | Check that the blue LED is either lit continuous or blinking  |
-| 2 | USB    | The modem must be connected to USB, and visible in the Settings -> GSM modem menu | +| 2 | USB connection   | The modem must be connected to USB, and visible in the Settings -> GSM modem menu | 
-| 3 | Simcard | If enabled, PIN code must be configured in Settings -> GSM modem -> PIN | +| 3 | Simcard 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 [[venus-os:gx-gsm#sim_status|SIM Status list]] for details. | 
-| 4 | Signal strength | 1 bar for VRM logging, 2/3 bars for remote console | +| 4 | Signal strength | 1 bar minimum for VRM logging, 2 or 3 bars are necessary for a working remote console | 
-| 5 | Network | Check that a network name is visible. If it is not, contact your simcard provider and/or insert the simcard in a phone to double check its operation.|+| 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 simcard provider and/or insert the simcard 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 [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start#trouble_shooting_data_logging|the VRM Connection troubleshooting chapter of the GX Manual]]. |  
 + 
 +An [[venus-os:gx-gsm#accessory_antennas|outdoor antenna]] typically increases received signal by 15 dB to 25 dB. 
 + 
 +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 prioritises Ethernet or Wifi when these are available. 
 + 
 +This screenshot shows how all details look when everything is OK: 
 + 
 +{{:venus-os:gsm-settings-full.png?direct&480|}} 
 + 
 +=== 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.  
 + 
 +===== 7. Supported Frequencies (2G/3G) ===== 
 + 
 +==== 7.1 Available models & their supported frequency bands ==== 
 + 
 +GSM100100100 - GX GSM 900/2100: 
 +  * 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band) 
 +  * 3G (UMTS/HSPA+): 900/2100 MHz (Dual-Band) 
 +  * The used GSM module is a Simcom SIM5360E. 
 + 
 +GSM100200100 - GX GSM 850/1900:  
 +  * 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band) - same between both models. 
 +  * 3G (UMTS/HSPA+): 850/1900 MHz (Dual-Band) 
 +  * The used GSM module is the Simcom SIM5360A. 
 +  * Expected in first stock in 2020 Q3. And only short lived; since its successor, the GX LTE 4G, having 2G/3G and also 4G support is also coming soon. 
 + 
 +==== 7.2 Notes regarding regional coverage ==== 
 + 
 +USA, Mexico, Canada and most of South America: 1900 MHz is the most common frequency for 3G, which is unsupported for the current version of GX GSM. But a second model is coming in 2020, see above. 
 + 
 +Australia: The 900MHz 3G frequency in remote areas is typically provided by Optus. Telstra's rural 3G network operates at 850MHz which is not supported with the current version of GX GSM. Both Telstra and Optus operate 2100Mhz networks in urban areas, and are supported.
  
-You also need to remember that an outdoor antenna typically increases received signal by 15 dB to 25 dB.  (verify)+In case of uncertainty please double-check: [[https://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html|GSM World Coverage Map]]
  
-===== 6. Technical Data =====+===== 8. Technical Data =====
  
 ^ Outer dimensions (LxWxH) | 106x42.5x22 mm ([[https://www.victronenergy.de/upload/documents/GX-GSM-Dimensions.pdf|Drawing]]) | ^ Outer dimensions (LxWxH) | 106x42.5x22 mm ([[https://www.victronenergy.de/upload/documents/GX-GSM-Dimensions.pdf|Drawing]]) |
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 ^ SIM card | Regular Mini SIM | ^ SIM card | Regular Mini SIM |
  
-===== 7. Accessory / Antennas =====+===== 9. Accessory / Antennas =====
 ==== Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM Antenna ==== ==== Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM Antenna ====
 {{:venus-os:gsm900100100.png?nolink&250 |}} {{:venus-os:gsm900100100.png?nolink&250 |}}
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 ^ Mounting option | Screw Mount | ^ Mounting option | Screw Mount |
 ^ Cable Type | Rg-316 | ^ Cable Type | Rg-316 |
-^ Cable Length | 0.25 m |+^ Cable Length | 3.0 m |
 ^ Connector | SMA Male Straight | ^ Connector | SMA Male Straight |
 ^ Frequencies | 800/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz | ^ Frequencies | 800/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz |
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 ^ Frequency | 1575.42 MHz  | ^ Frequency | 1575.42 MHz  |
 ^ Impedance | 50 Ω | ^ Impedance | 50 Ω |
 +
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