Differences

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--- venus-os:gx-gsm [2020-01-18 11:23] – [7. Supported Frequencies (2G/3G)] mvader
+++ venus-os:gx-gsm [2021-05-27 11:39] – guystewart
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 ===== 1. Introduction =====
-The GX GSM is an accessory for [[venus-os:start|GX-devices]]. 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|GX-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]].
@@ Line 15: / Line 17: @@
 {{youtube>645QrB7bmvY}}
-=== Antennas and accessories ===
+==== 1.2 Antennas and accessories ====
 GSM: A small indoor GSM antenna is included. As an option we also sell an outdoor GSM antenna:
@@ Line 25: / Line 27: @@
   * GSM900200100 - Active GPS Antenna for GX GSM
-[[venus-os:gx-gsm#accessory_antennas|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 ====
+==== 1.3 Compatibility ====
 The GX GSM can be used with any of the [[venus-os:start|GX Devices]].
 The GX GSM requires Venus OS v2.22 or newer to be installed on the GX Device.
-==== When to use a mobile router instead ====
-The GX GSM only provides an internet connection for the [[venus-os:start|GX-device]]: there is no option to share the internet to laptops, phones, or other devices.
+==== 1.4 When to use a mobile router instead ====
+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.]]
@@ Line 67: / Line 70: @@
 {{:venus-os:gsm-apn-config.png?direct&480|}}
+**Automatic recovery when disconnected**
+When installing the GX GSM, or GX 4G LTE in an area that you expect continous internet coverage, you should enable the "Reboot device when no contact" option in the VRM menu of the GX device. This will reboot the GX device and GX GSM when the internet connection is no longer detected, such as if the modem loses cellular connection and does not reconnect.
+Enabling this setting will eliminate the need to manually power cycle the modem if required, as if it stops working for any reason, the GX will reboot and that should in most cases resolve the issue.
+{{:venus-os:gx_gsm.jpg?400|}}
+Note 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 you should DISABLE this setting, so that your GX is not rebooting itself for no reason.
@@ Line 100: / Line 113: @@
 | SIM wrong | Type of SIM is not supported |
-[[http://example.com|External Link]]===== 6. Trouble shooting =====
+[[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.
@@ Line 120: / Line 134: @@
 {{: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) =====
-GX GSM, part number GSM100100100:
+==== 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 module is a Simcom SIM5360E.
+  * The used GSM module is a Simcom SIM5360E.
-A second model is coming, expected in 2020 Q3, having below frequencies, suitable for the common networks in Mexico, USA & Canada as well as various countries in Southern America.
+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)
-  * This new product will be based on the Simcom SIM5360A.
+  * 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.
-==== Regional Coverage Information ====
+==== 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.
@@ Line 140: / Line 161: @@
 In case of uncertainty please double-check: [[https://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html|GSM World Coverage Map]]
 ===== 8. Technical Data =====