GSM Commander GC0108 User manual

User Manual for GC0108, GC0328, GC0648,
GC1288
Applicable to software package Version 8.00 and up
Revision: V8.00 Last Edited 11 May 2023
Before Attempting to connect or operate this product, please read these instructions in its entirety
This manual is intended to provide detailed technical specifications and explanations, to the basic
user as well as the more technically-minded person. This manual is a live document, and will be
updated often with new information. Please ensure that you have the latest version, by checking our
website at: http://www.gsmcommander.com.
Changelog:
CDH May 2023 – Initial release of V8

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features 3
Specifications 4
System requirements 4
Dimensions 5
Installation 6
Environment 6
Power Supply 6
USB Port 6
SIM Card 6
Antenna 7
Software Installation 7
Mounting 7
Optically - Isolated Digital Inputs 8
Outputs 9
Temperature Sensor 10
Analog Input 11
Battery Input 12
Expansion Unit 13
Dimensions of Expansion Unit 18
Status LEDs 18
Testing the GSM Commander 20
Configuration Via PC 21
Configuration via SMS 24
Set Administrator number 24
Clear Administrator number 24
Check Administrator number 25
Check Airtime 25
Add a Number to the list 25
Remove a Number from the list 25
Enable/Disable statements 25
Override GPRS Settings 26
Reset GPRS 26
Reset GSM Commander 26
IF-THEN Behaviour statements 27
Supported IF Conditions 27
Supported THEN Actions 32
Multiple Actions to a Single IF Condition 35
Message Parameters 35
Variables 36
Timed operations 37
Firmware Updates 37
4-20MA Analog Application Note 38
Application Examples 39
Troubleshooting 42
Guarantee 44
Important Notice / Disclaimer 44
Manufacturer Contact Details 45
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1. FEATURES
* Only able to view the current status of the unit via Airdrive.
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2. SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
200gram
Dimensions
146,2 x 85,2 x 27mm
Power Supply
11-30V DC via DC Jack
Power Consumption
~ 5-10W
Current Consumption
~ 150mA at idle (no inputs or outputs active)
Operating Temperature
-10°C to +60°C
Storage Temperature
-20°C to +80°C
Digital Inputs
Opto-isolated. Inputs draw 2 - 45mA, depending on
voltage. Can accept any DC signals of any type,
including:
Dry Contacts
Open Collector (NPN)
Closed Collector (PNP)
DC Voltage (5-24V)
Digital Outputs
2 x SPDT Relay Contact rating: 8Amp DC (10 - 48V) or
4amp AC (110 – 400V). Expandable to maximum of 32*
Analog Inputs
1 x Analog input 8bit resolution 0-10V/4-20mA *
(Not available on GC0108)
IO Connector type
Rising clamp terminals
2G Frequency bands
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800 MHz
4G Frequency bands
LTE-FDD B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20
*Model Dependent (See Feature Matrix in Section 2 )
3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The setup software requires a PC with the following specifications:
Operating system
WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 /Win10 / Win11
Computer Architecture
Pentium 2 or higher IBM compatible PC
Disk space
2MB
Ports
1 x free USB port
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4. DIMENSIONS
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5. INSTALLATION
5.1. Environment
Due to the make-up of the GSM Commander and its electronics, we STRONGLY advise that it not be installed in
close proximity to a variable speed drive or any other electrically noisy equipment. DO NOT install the GSM
Commander into a metal enclosure unless an antenna is mounted on the outside of the enclosure.
5.2. Power Supply
The GSM Commander has a 2.1mm DC jack connector where a power supply must be connected. The power
supply should have the following specifications:
Output Voltage: 11v-30v
Output Current: 0.5A
Polarity:
A suitable power supply is supplied with the retail product.
In industrial applications, it is advised that the GSM Commander be installed into its own metal housing
and be powered from a separate power supply with a DC Filter. (As opposed to sharing one with other
equipment).
Please Note: While the GSM Commander has fairly rugged internal power supply circuitry, no special provision
for lightning protection is made. If the GSM Commander is used in an area that is prone to thunderstorms, it is
advisable to use a commercially available lightning suppressor (The same applies to inputs or outputs that are
connected to wires longer than 2 or 3 meters). The guarantee does not cover damage resulting from lightning
strikes! The GSM Commander can operate reliably from voltages in the range of 11 to 30V DC.
5.3. USB Port
The GSM Commander provides a USB port that connects to a PC using the supplied USB cable. This allows the
PC to configure the unit.
5.4. SIM Card
The GSM Commander accepts a standard GSM SIM card from any network. The SIM card may be prepaid or on
contract. If the SIM Card is purchased as part of a prepaid plan, ensure that the card is loaded with sufficient
airtime.
WARNING: DO NOT Insert or remove the SIM card while the GSM Commander is powered!!
Note that airtime will decrease with every SMS that is sent from the unit. The unit can automatically detect if
the airtime is running low. It is the user's responsibility to make sure that the airtime is topped up. See your
network's documentation on how to purchase and load airtime.
The SIM card is fitted into the back of the unit, as indicated by the legend on the enclosure. The SIM card will
click into place and is removed simply by pressing against it. The card will pop out with a “click” sound, ready
to be completely removed.
Before you install your SIM Card:
Install the SIM card into a normal cellular phone
Verify that there is no SIM PIN enabled (The phone must not ask for a PIN when switched on with this SIM
card inside) If the phone does request a PIN, you need to enter the correct pin so that the phone can
start, and then disable the SIM Card PIN. See your cellphone documentation on how this can be done.
Verify that you are able to send an SMS message.
The SIM card will now work with the GSM Commander.
Please Note: If you are using a prepaid SIM card, be aware that if the SIM card has not produced a billable
event on the network for a long period of time (typically 3 months), the card will be deactivated by the
network, and the SIM card then becomes useless. It is strongly recommended that you configure the GSM
Commander to send you an SMS every now and then (once or twice a week) so that your SIM card remains
active on the network.
The GSM Commander can ONLY check the airtime of a PREPAID SIM card.
© Polygon Technologies. All rights reserved Page 6

5.5. Antenna
The GSM Commander is supplied with a basic antenna operating in the GSM and LTE frequency
bands. Screw the antenna to its connector on the unit (only finger-tight). Verify using a cellphone,
that there is sufficient signal at the proposed installation site. On a phone with a 4 or 5-bar signal
strength indicator, you should have at least 1-2 bars of signal.
If the signal is too weak, the GSM Commander may have trouble sending or receiving SMS messages.
In these cases, try and find a better location, or order one of our special antennas.
Contact Polygon Technologies with your request for a special antenna.
5.6. Software Installation
The latest software is available to download from our website for free at:
https://gsmcommander.com/downloads/software/
Simply download the correct version of software for your model of GSM Commander & execute the
installer and follow instructions.
5.7. Mounting
The GSM Commander is housed in a very durable ABS casing which has 4 protruding tabs, which
allows it to be mounted firmly to any surface by means of a screw. There is also a DINrail mounting
kit available separately.
Please note: The GSM Commander is not water or weatherproof. The GSM Commander must be
mounted indoors, or inside an appropriate IP65-rated weatherproof enclosure. The guarantee does
not cover damage resulting from water ingress! DO NOT mount the GSM Commander inside a steel
cabinet, unless you also mount a separate antenna on the outside of the cabinet.
Suitable antennas can be ordered from Polygon Technologies.
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5.8. Optically - Isolated Digital Inputs
The GSM Commander itself provides 2 signal inputs. The number of inputs can be expanded by the
addition of Expansion modules, up to a maximum of 32 inputs (depending on type). Each of these
inputs have 4 terminals associated with them:
+– Internal positive supply (14V)
+IN – Positive input
–IN – Negative input
–– Internal negative supply (Zero volts)
To connect a switch or contact to an input, simply connect the switch between the + and +IN
terminals, and a wire between the – and –IN terminals. The reverse is just as suitable, i.e. that you
connect a wire between + and +IN and place the switch between – and –IN.
You may need an input to activate when power is supplied from some other unit. A good example will
be a burglar alarm that applies power to the wires going to the siren. In such a case, it will be a
simple matter of connecting the positive wire to the +IN input, and the negative wire to the –IN input.
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Please keep in mind that these inputs are designed for operation from 5v to 24v. If you require to
connect a voltage above 25V and below 40V to these terminals, you should connect a 1K resistor in
series with the input, as shown below.
The +and –terminals are internally connected to the input power supply of the GSM Commander via
a fuse and a diode. These terminals are provided to make it easy to connect dry contacts to the
GSM Commander.
If the power supply is 14V, the voltage at the +and –terminals will be slightly less at about 13.8V
(due to an internal series diode for reverse polarity protection).
One should not attempt to draw more than 50-100mA in total from the power terminals at the inputs
on the GSM Commander. For each expansion unit, the same applies.
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5.9. Outputs
The GSM Commander itself provides 2 x 8A (DC) Relay outputs. The number of outputs can be
expanded by the addition of Expansion modules, up to a maximum of 32 outputs (depending on
type). Each of these inputs each have 3 terminals associated with them:.
Each of these inputs each have 3 terminals associated with them:
COM – Common Terminal
N/C – Normally Closed Terminal
N/O – Normally Open Terminal
When the output is off, the COM and N/C terminals will be internally connected to each other.
When the output is on, the COM and N/O terminals will be internally connected to each other.
Note that there are small LED indicators next to the output terminals, that will show if the output is
ON or OFF. (If the LED is on, then the output is also on) In the picture below, the output is
connected so that the lamp will light up when the output is on.
This output can be used to control devices and appliances, and is rated for 8A DC. It may be used to
control most types of electrical loads, excluding AC motors above 500W.
Here are some examples of things you CAN directly switch on and off using the outputs on the GSM
Commander:
Gate motors and any other motor less than 500W
Mains Lights (energy savers, incandescents, halogens) (maximum 750W)
Here are some examples of things that you can NOT directly switch on and off using the outputs on
the GSM Commander:
Ovens, Heaters, kettles
Pumps and motors above 500W
Please note: Keep in mind that if required, the above loads can easily be switched on and off using
an externally connected relay or contactor.
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