Adcon A753 User manual

A75xaddWAVE
GSM/GPRSSeries4
A753/A755/A757
UserGuide
SMARTWIRELESSSOLUTIONS

Proprietary Notice
The Adcon logo, Adcon Telemetry, Smart Wireless Solutions, the A7xx series, addIT, addWAVE,
the A840 and A850 series and Telemetry Gateway, AgroExpert, addVANTAGE®, addVANTAGE
Lite and addVANTAGE Pro are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adcon Telemetry GmbH.
Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained in this publication may be
reproduced in any material form except with the prior written permission of Adcon
Telemetr y G m b H .
This publication is intended only to assist the reader in the use of the product. Adcon
Telemetry GmbH shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of any
information in this publication, or any error or omission in such information, or any incorrect
use of the product.
Document Release 2.0, November 2009
Copyright ©2001-2009 by Adcon Telemetry GmbH.
All rights reserved.

3
Contents
Chapter 1.Introduction____________________________________ 5
AbouttheA753addWAVEGSM/GPRSSeries4__________________ 5
Conventions _____________________________________________ 6
Chapter 2.UsingtheaddWAVE______________________________ 7
Openingthepackages _____________________________________ 7
InstallingtheRTU _________________________________________ 8
SpecialNotesonGSM/GPRSFunctionality __________________ 8
OperatingtheA753 _________________________________ 9
InsertingtheSIMCard _______________________________ 9
ActivatingtheSIMCard _____________________________ 11
ConfiguringtheGPRSParameters _____________________ 13
ConfiguringtheTCPParameters_______________________ 13
ConfiguringtheA753ConnectionSettings ______________ 14
FieldInstallation ______________________________________ 15
MoreabouttheLEDTool _______________________________ 16
ConfiguringanA753intheTelemetryGateway ________________ 16

Contents 4
MaintainingandservicingtheRTU __________________________ 16
TheRTUbattery ______________________________________ 17
Replacingthebattery __________________________________ 17
Chapter 3.PerformingAdvancedFunctions __________________ 20
UnderstandingConnectors ________________________________ 20
TheSOLARCELLConnector _____________________________ 21
CommunicatingwiththeRTU ______________________________ 22
BootingtheA753 ________________________________________ 22
BootloaderMode _____________________________________ 22
FirmwareMode ______________________________________ 23
UpgradingtheFirmware __________________________________ 23
SerialCommunicationProtocol _____________________________ 26
GeneralFormatofaCommand __________________________ 26
GeneralFormatofanAnswer ___________________________ 27
UsingTerminal Commands ________________________________ 27
ReturnedErrorsList ______________________________________ 44
CommandLineInterpreter______________________________ 44
DeviceDescriptorandStorageHandler ____________________ 45
Real‐timeClock_______________________________________ 45
RadioInterface(includingGSM/GPRSmodem)______________ 45
Notifications _________________________________________ 45
Specifications__________________________________________ 46
Index _________________________________________________ 48

5
Chapter 1.Introduction
This manual explains the hardware aspects of Adcon’s A753 addWAVE
GSM/GPRS Series 4 remote telemetry units, including installation
issues and certain parameter configurations. The manual is divided as
follows:
•Introduction, which gives some general information and
document conventions.
•Using the addWAVE, which details the installation and use of the
remote telemetry unit.
•Performing Advanced Functions, which discusses connectors and
controllers and provides other information for advanced users.
•Specifications, which describes operating parameters for the
devices.
AbouttheA753addWAVEGSM/GPRSSeries4
The A753 addWAVE GSM/GPRS Series 4 remote telemetry unit (RTU)
is a low-power, GSM/GPRS-based telemetry device with four digital
I/O ports, twelve analog inputs, and four counter inputs.
The A753 incorporates a GSM module and uses the standard GSM
network for retrieving telemetry data (900/1800 MHz in Europe, 850/
1900 MHz in the US).
The A753 is a ruggedized RTU, complying with the IP65 ingress
protection class (NEMA 4). Depending on topography, it ensures a
reliable wireless connection to your cellular service provider. Your
provider’s cellular network must cover the site where you want to

CHAPTER1
Conventions
6
install the RTU. The maximum theoretical distance to a base station of
your provider is approximately 35km, due to timing constraints of the
GSM system. The A753 operates in conjunction with the A840 and
A850 Telemetry Gateway only.
Due to its construction as well as to the software controlling it, the
power consumption is extremely low. The unit operates off an internal
6.2 Volt rechargeable battery, which is charged either by a solar panel
or an external power adapter. A special configuration can be
implemented where no internal battery is used, rather the power is
obtained exclusively over an external connector.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
1. This device must not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that might cause undesired operation.
3. Any changes to the device other than those mentioned in this
manual void the FCC type of approval.
Conventions
Certain conventions apply in this document.
Italics Indicate that the text is variable and must be
substituted for something specific, as indicated in
the explanation. Italics can also be used to
emphasize words as words or letters as letters.
Bold Indicates special emphasis of the text. Also
indicates menu names and items in a window.
fixed font Indicates characters you must type or system
messages.
FileSave Indicates menu selection. For example, select the
File menu, then the Save option.
Note Indicates information of interest. Notes appear
after the information they apply to.
 CAUTION Indicates that you may get unexpected results if
you don’t follow the instructions. Cautions appear
before the information they apply to.
 WARNING Indicates danger to yourself or damage to the
device if you don’t follow the instructions.
Warnings appear before the information they
apply to.

7
Chapter 2.UsingtheaddWAVE
The A753 addWAVE remote telemetry unit (RTU) is part of the A7xx
series. For testing purposes, you should have an A840 or A850
Telemetry Gateway with access to the internet installed before you
install the A753 RTU. For information about installing the A840 or
A850, refer to device’s user’s guide.
 CAUTION The A840/A850 Gateway must have a working internet connection and
a fixed IP address that is accessible from the internet. Your network
router must also be set up correctly. You might need assistance from
your IT personnel to set up the required port forwarding on the
network router to your A840/A850.
Be sure to verify that you have the required setup before you proceed.
Openingthepackages
The addWAVE RTU package contains the following items:
• A753 GSM/GPRS Series 4 RTU
• GSM/GPRS antenna (short antenna in the package)
• ISM antenna including a mounting bracket and a 3 m (9 ft.) cable
• three ring clamps (one for tightening the mounting bracket of the
ISM antenna)
• several documents, including an installation guide and IMEI -
notice

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
8
If ordered, the following items come in separate packaging:
• solar panel with ring clamp
• set of aluminum poles
•LEDtool
Make sure you have received all the equipment and read through the
instructions that follow. When you are sure you understand them, you
are ready to install your RTU.
Figure 1 shows the front view of an addWAVE RTU.
Figure 1. addWAVE RTU
InstallingtheRTU
As with all wireless communication devices, the higher the transmitter
is installed, the better the communication will be.
SpecialNotesonGSM/GPRSFunctionality
The A753 GSM/GPRS RTU is based on a GSM module, which employs a
GSM cellular network to transmit the telemetry data. Before you install
such a device, you must make sure a sufficient signal for proper
operation of the RTU on the site where you plan to use it exists. You
can do this by using a standard cellular phone operated by the same
cellular provider. You can also verify communicatation with the RTU by
calling it as you would a normal cellular phone.

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
9
OperatingtheA753
The two ways to operate your A753 GSM/GPRS RTU are as follows:
1. GSM mode: You must ensure that your provider offers CSD
connections.
Most cellular/GSM providers use a different telephone number for
data communication than for voice communication. Don’t forget
to ask for this data number when you order your SIM card,
if you plan to use the RTU in GSM mode.
When your modem calls the RTU from a land line, it must use the
data number. If the modem uses the voice number, the RTU will
answer but will immediately send a busy tone, because the voice
line cannot make a data connection. Voice calls cannot
connect to a data terminal, so be sure to set up your
modem to use the data number when calling the RTU from
a land line.
2. GPRS mode: You must ensure that your SIM card is well suited
for GPRS operation.
InsertingtheSIMCard
You also need to insert that cellular provider's SIM card into the
A753GSM/GPRS RTU’s SIM card holder by following these steps:
1. Open the lid of the A753 by unscrewing the four bolt screws in
the corners of the unit and removing the lid as shown in Figure 2.
Make sure to use a 3mm Allen key to prevent damage to the
screw heads.
Figure 2. Lift the A753 lid
Note: You don’t have to remove the battery plug from the base board during
this operation, but make sure nothing is attached to the POWER
connector.

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
10
2. Locate the SIM card holder and open it by sliding it as indicated
by the red arrow (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Open the SIM card holder
3. Raise the holder top and slide the SIM card into it (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. Insert the SIM card into the holder
4. Snap the holder top back on and slide it back as shown again by
the red arrow depicted in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Close the SIM card holder
5. Close the lid, taking care that the rubber gasket seal is inside its
track and free of dust or dirt.
 WARNING Be sure to mount the rubber gasket properly, so that the unit’s IP65
environmental protection is not affected.

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
11
6. Put the four screws back in place, applying moderate force,
tightening crosswise. Be sure not to overtighten the screws or
leave them too loose.
This completes the SIM-card installation. For additional information,
please contact Adcon Telemetry or your local reseller of Adcon
Telemetry products.
ActivatingtheSIMCard
You need to activate the card by using a personal identification
number (PIN). This number is in the package you received from your
cellular service provider.
Before you can activate your card, the A753 must be properly
powered. As the units are delivered from the factory with the batteries
uncharged (they have a longer shelf life in this state), you must
charge the batteries first. The best way to do this is to attach the solar
panel to the power connector and expose the RTU to sunlight for at
least one hour. If the sky is overcast the battery will still charge, but at
a lower rate; in this case allow at least four hours for charging.
You need a serial adapter for configuring the RTU (e.g. for entering the
PIN code, etc.). You can order this serial adapter from ADCON
Telemetry or your distributor. Please proceed to set up the serial
connection to the RTU as follows:
1. Connect the serial cable to the COM port of your PC and to the
A753. Configure your terminal as follows:
• 19200 baud
•1stopbit
• 8 data bits
•noparity
• no handshaking protocol (neither hardware nor software)
For more details, see “Communicating with the RTU” on page 22.
2. Make sure that you can communicate with the RTU by pressing
the enter key. The device will answer with its own ID number and
a hash sign (#).
3. Enter the command GSMPIN nnnn (where nnnn is the PIN code).
If the PIN conforms to the standard PIN format requirements, the
RTU will answer ID GSMPIN #, where the hash mark represents
the PIN (a zero indicates an invalid PIN, so check with your
provider if you get a zero).
Note: The user can enter the PIN code a maximum of three times (possibly
more, depending on the setting on the SIM). After the maximum is
reached, the SIM is locked and must be unlocked using a mobile
phone. To unlock the SIM, you will also need the PUK code, which is
included in the SIM package you got from your provider.
This completes the PIN entry procedure. After a few minutes of
initialization you can check the status of the A753 at any time by

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
12
entering the GSMSTAT command. This command returns a list of GSM
parameters:
# gsmstat
42395 gsmstat
Power supply on: yes
DTR on: yes
DCD on: yes
RI on: no
RTS on: yes
CTS on: no
Modem on: yes
Modem present: yes
Modem initialized:yes
SIM card present: yes
PIN required: yes
PIN accepted: yes
PIN count: 3
PUK required: no
GSM network: registered
Operator: T-Mobile Austria
Signal quality: 31 99
Phone call: no
GPRS network: registered
IP address: 10.11.12.13
TCP connection: 216.163.137.68
0
#
The above system output shows that:
• The GSM/GPRS modem is present and activated (Power supply
on).
• A valid SIM card is inserted (SIM card present).
• The SIM card was activated with the valid PIN code (PIN
accepted).
• A GSM network was detected with the operator name T-Mobile
Austria (Operator).
• The signal quality 31 (maximum) and the bit error rate could not
yet be determined.
• The RTU is registered in the GPRS network (GPRS network)
• The IP address of the RTU is 10.11.12.13 (IP address)
• A connection is active to a gateway with IP address
216.163.137.68 (TCP connection)

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
13
To establish the data connection between the A850 and the A753,
certain steps must be executed. These steps are split into two
sections:
1. Configuring the GPRS parameters
2. Configuring the TCP parameters
 CAUTION Parameter values are case sensitive. Be sure to correctly spell the
values of the GPRS parameters and use the appropriate case.
Misspelled names/entries will cause the RTU to not connect to the
GPRS network and/or A850.
ConfiguringtheGPRSParameters
Enter the GPRS parameters for your cellular network provider to
configure GPRS operation of the A753. The GPRS configuration
commands are:
GPRSAPNSERV "[servername]"
where [servername] is the name of the network
provider's GPRS access point name (required)
GPRSAPNUN "[username]"
where [username] is the name of the GPRS user's name
for your network provider (sometimes optional,
depends on your provider)
GPRSAPNPW "[password]"
where [password] is the password for the GPRS user
(sometimes optional, depends on your provider)
The following examples show the GRPS parameters for an Austrian
mobile phone services provider:
GPRSAPNSERV "A1.net"
GPRSAPNUN "[email protected]"
GPRSAPNPW "ppp"
ConfiguringtheTCPParameters
The A753 will connect to the A850 only if the following TCP connection
parameters are set properly:
GPRSCONNADDR "[a850-ipaddress]" "[portnumber]"
where [a850-ipaddress] is the IP address of the A850
the A753 has to connect to and
[portnumber] is the port number where the
communication with the gateway will occur; the IP
address parameter must be in decimal dotted notation,
e.g. 198.182.196.56 (required)

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
14
GPRSDNS "[ipaddress]"
where [ipaddress] is the DNS server address of your
GPRS network operator (optional)
Note: When using an Internet firewall in front of the LAN where the A850
Telemetry Gateway resides, be careful to properly configure the
firewall and the GPRSCONNADDR parameters [a850-ipaddress] and
[portnumber]. This is particularly important if you use NAT (network
address translation) on your firewall.
You should also understand that a "home-grade" router may be not
sufficient for this application. Adcon strongly recommends that you
use professional router equipment.
ConfiguringtheA753ConnectionSettings
Use the following commands to define the intervals the A753 will wake
up and connect to the A850 Telemetry Gateway:
GPRSCONNALIGN [align]
Alignment of calls in seconds (default: 0, i.e. 00:00 =
midnight). This parameter is used to spread the
connections in time to avoid overloading your router or
gateway, which is necessary for large-scale networks.
GPRSCONNINT [interval]
Interval in seconds between two connection attempts
(default: 3600).
GPRSSECRET [secret]
This 32-bit integer (0 -4294967295) has to be set for
the A753 and the gateway. The integer is a shared
"secret" or password used as a lock-out mechanism to
avoid connections to foreign gateways.
GPRSTMOUT [interval]
Idle timeout in seconds (default: 3600); connections
that are idle this long will be terminated by the A753.
This helps to detect silently deceased TCP connections.
After entering all parameters correctly, you can check your settings at
any time by entering the INFO 2 command. With the GPRS
parameters set, the response will be similar to the following:
# INFO 2
42395 INFO
Features: none
GSM timeout: 40
GPRS timeout: 3600
Access point: business.adcon.at "" ""
Connect interval: 120 0
Connect to: 172.47.13.153 83 0

CHAPTER2
InstallingtheRTU
15
Shared secret: 08154711
0
#
FieldInstallation
Installing a preset A753 in the field is a fairly simple process. By
performing a connectivity check using an LED tool (not included in the
delivery of a A753, but available from Adcon), you will be able to
prove connectivity to the A850 gateway.
The LED tool is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. LED tool
Note: The LED tool is a blind plug to be connected to the SOLAR connector.
Follow these steps to install an A753 in the field:
1. Review the installation area and choose the best site.
Note: For the A753 GSM/GPRS, make sure that you have a sufficient RF
signal from your cellular service provider. The simplest way to achieve
this is to check a cellular phone operated by the same cellular service
provider on the site where you want to install the RTU.
2. Assemble the pole set.
3. Put an Adcon plastic cap into the top of the pole and secure it
with a pipe clamp to protect the top of the pole from damage.
4. Using a hammer, drive the 80 cm aluminum rod into the ground.
5. Using the pipe clamp supplied, fasten the solar panel onto the
pole. Make sure that the panel is facing south (north if you are
located in the southern hemisphere) and out of the way of the
A753 RTU.
Note: The solar panel can be mounted under or behind the A75x RTU, but
make sure that the RTU does not shadow the panel.
6. Fasten the A75x RTU to the top of the pole with a pipe clamp.
Adcon recommends that you perform a connectivity test, if you
can, to check the positioning of the device.
 WARNING If you turn the fastening screws too tightly, you could damage the
connectors.
7. Attach the sensors to the I/O connectors and the solar panel to
the POWER connector by turning the plugs’ fastening screws
clockwise until secure.
8. If you have SDI-12 sensors, attach the respective sensors.

CHAPTER2
ConfiguringanA753intheTelemetryGateway
16
This completes the installation of your A753. If the SOLAR CELL
connector or the DC INPUT connector is left unused, use the cap
provided to protect it against moisture and dust. Be sure to keep the
following information in a place you can remember:
• Serial number of the A753 (printed on the type plate)
• Location of the A753
Note: This information will be necessary during the configuration of the
device at the A850 Gateway.
MoreabouttheLEDTool
The LED tool allows you to rapidly check the status of an A753. After
you insert the LED tool into the SOLAR CELL connector, the unit tries
to reconnect to the A850 gateway configured previously on the A753.
Table 1 on page 17 describes the LED blinking codes for the A753.
If the A753 is not connected to the A850, the unit flashes rapidly to let
you know the unit is alive. These flashes occur every half second.
If the internal battery level drops below 5.6 volts, the unit will enter
the misery state. In this state the unit reduces its activities to a
minimum. The GSM/GPRS module is turned off, the GPRS connection
to the A850 gateway is terminated, and communication over the serial
communication cable is impossible. Only the internal real-time clock is
maintained and the power management functions are performed.
Furthermore, when the internal battery level drops below 5.2 volts,
the system switches completely off, effectively decoupling itself from
the battery in order to protect it.
Note: If the LED tool was connected to the A753 when the unit shut down,
the LED tool will restart the A753, which will initiate a shutdown again.
If this happens to you, disconnect the LED tool and replace/recharge
the battery. (This does not apply if a solar panel is connected to the
SOLAR connector.)
ConfiguringanA753intheTelemetryGateway
To configure the A753 with an A850 Telemetry Gateway, refer to the
A850 Telemetry Gateway User's Guide.
MaintainingandservicingtheRTU
An A753 Series 4 addWAVE needs virtually no maintenance. It is
waterproof and designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions
(-30 to +70 °C, or -22 to 158 °F), high RH values, water, and other
non-corrosive liquids. It conforms to the European protection class
IP65. This applies also to the connectors, as long as they are mated.
Don’t let unmated connectors on either the addWAVE RTU or the
sensors be exposed to the environment for extended periods of time
as this will seriously degrade their functionality.

CHAPTER2
MaintainingandservicingtheRTU
17
TheRTUbattery
• The internal battery supplies 6.2 volts and consists of a NiMH
pack. The internal electronics manage the battery’s charging/
discharging process, ensuring it a long life time. This approach,
coupled with a remarkably low average power consumption,
allows an addWAVE RTU to operate at least two weeks on a fully
charged battery, as long as the analog and the counter values are
stored in the internal memory every 15 minutes.
Table 1 shows the addWAVE device’s expected operation time on a
fully charged battery under various conditions.
However, if for some reason (wear-out or accident) the battery loses
its capacity (noted in the software with repeated “Battery low”
messages), it must be replaced. Make sure though, that the problem
is really due to the battery and not to a defective or dirty solar panel.
Adcon highly recommends that you frequently check and clean your
solar panels. Rain and dust can cover the solar panel’s surface with a
thin layer of dirt, effectively reducing its power output. Surrounding
vegetation can also lower panel efficiency.
Replacingthebattery
If you have verified that the battery needs to be replaced, follow these
steps to do so:
1. Open the lid as described in Step 1 on page 9.
Table 1. addWAVE Device Operation Time
Mode Polling
Rate
Sampling
Rate
Average
Consumption
(mA)
Estimated
Operation
(days)
GPRS Power Save Mode 1-4/day 900/15 0.65 199
GPRS with good link quality 4/hour 900/15 81 6
GPRS with bad link quality 4/hour 900/15 20 6

CHAPTER2
MaintainingandservicingtheRTU
18
2. The battery pack is connected to the electronics board by means
of a PCB connector. Remove the battery pack’s plug from the PCB
connector, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Unplugging the PCB Connector
3. Unscrew the four screws of the plastic cover that holds the
battery pack in place, then remove the cover. Figure 8 shows this
step, revealing the A753 battery pack inside the RTU.
Figure 8. A753 Battery Pack
4. Remove the battery pack and replace it with a new one
(obtainable from Adcon).
5. Replace the plastic cover and fasten the two nuts.
6. Insert the battery plug into the PCB connector.
 WARNING Be sure to mount the rubber gasket of the lid properly, so that the
unit’s IP65 environmental protection is not affected. You must also be
sure to not squeeze the battery cable.

CHAPTER2
MaintainingandservicingtheRTU
19
7. Mount the lid back, taking care that the rubber gasket sealing the
box is correctly in place and free of dirt and soil.
8. Screw the four cover screws back in, applying a moderate force.

20
Chapter 3.PerformingAdvanced
Functions
With the appropriate knowledge, you can configure A753 remote
wireless modems in the field by using a hyperterminal window. To
configure the devices, you will need a special serial cable adapter (not
supplied, but available from your Adcon distributor).
 CAUTION Do not try to configure your devices if you are not sure what to do—
the unit might not communicate with the remote measuring station or
function with the addVANTAGE software.
 WARNING Tampering with parameters for the devices may void your warranty or
damage the device. In general, the commands described in this
chapter are intended for technical support staff and users with a great
deal of highly technical hardware and software experience.
In the system architecture, the base station and A753 are both
considered to be nodes. The base station is called the master node, or
master, while the A753 is called the slave node, or slave. The A753
includes a base station and a virtual RTU (maintaining only, no sensor
data). Thus, to configure the A753, you will need to insert two nodes
into your A850 Telemetry Gateway configuration.
UnderstandingConnectors
The devices have cable attachments called connectors. The connector
type determines how the device communicates with the sensors or the
computer.