NetComm NTC-3000 Series User manual

User Guide
NTC-3000 Series –M2M Serial Modem

NTC 3000 Series –M2M Serial Modem
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Copyright
Copyright©2014 NetComm Wireless Limited. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is proprietary to NetComm Wireless Limited. No part of this document may be translated,
transcribed, reproduced, in any form, or by any means without prior written consent of NetComm Wireless Limited.
Please note: This document is subject to change without notice.
Save Our Environment
When this equipment has reached the end of its useful life, it must be taken to a recycling centre and processed separately
from domestic waste.
The cardboard box, the plastic contained in the packaging, and the parts that make up this device can be recycled in
accordance with regionally established regulations. Never dispose of this electronic equipment along with your household
waste. You may be subject to penalties or sanctions under the law. Instead, ask for disposal instructions from your municipal
government.
Please be responsible and protect our environment.
This manual covers the following products:
NetComm NTC-3000-01
NetComm NTC-3000-02
NetComm NTC-3000-03
DOCUMENT VERSION
DATE
1.0 - Initial document release
26/04/2013
1.1 - Updated layout of Hardware Installation and Establishing a Mobile broadband connection sections.
Updated descriptions of interfaces.
24/06/2013
1.2 - Added NetComm Wireless Open AT Custom Application section based on software version 1.0.13
12/09/2013
1.3 –Corrected RJ-45 to DB9 Serial/Power Adapter Cable diagram
27/11/2013
1.4 –Updated IC Radiation statement, Updated AT+PAD description to include instructions on exiting
PAD mode, Various updates to Open AT Custom Application to allow for UDP Server mode, Added
“Stopping the Open AT Custom Application” section.
19/02/2014
1.5 –Corrections to Table 2 –LED Indicators
21/03/2014
Table 1 - Document Revision History

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Table of Contents
Overview............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Safety and Product Care ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Product Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Physical Dimensions and Indicators ................................................................................................................................ 7
LED Indicators ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Physical Dimensions................................................................................................................................................ 7
Interfaces............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Hardware Installation ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Inserting the SIM card ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Mounting the device.............................................................................................................................................. 10
Connecting the Data / Power cables ..................................................................................................................... 12
Establishing a Mobile broadband connection ................................................................................................................ 15
Using the Mini USB port........................................................................................................................................ 15
Using the RJ-45 connector ................................................................................................................................... 17
Communicating with an NTC-3000 Series Modem......................................................................................................... 24
Dumb Terminal...................................................................................................................................................... 24
Open AT Application Framework ........................................................................................................................... 25
NetComm Wireless Open AT Custom Application ......................................................................................................... 26
Command List ...................................................................................................................................................... 26
General Operation................................................................................................................................................. 36
Stopping the Open AT Custom Application ........................................................................................................... 36
Technical Data ................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Mini USB Connector ............................................................................................................................................. 40
RJ-45 Connector .................................................................................................................................................. 41
RJ-45 to DB9 Serial/Power Adapter Cable ............................................................................................................ 41
Electrical Specifications......................................................................................................................................... 42
Environmental Specifications / Tolerances ............................................................................................................. 42
Product Service and Support .......................................................................................................................................... 43
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................... 43
Web Based Product References ........................................................................................................................... 44
FAQs .................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Appendix A: Tables .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Safety and product care .................................................................................................................................................. 46
Legal and Regulatory....................................................................................................................................................... 50

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Overview
Introduction
This document details the process of configuring the NTC-3000 Series device via a terminal emulation program (such as
HyperTerminal) as well as mounting and deployment advice.
Target Users
This document is expected to be utilised by system integrators or experienced hardware installers who are comfortable with
all aspects of IP based networking and possess an understanding of serial based technologies such as dialup modems, AT
commands and legacy data collection devices.
Prerequisites
A computer with a terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal), a serial port, an appropriate power supply and a
device to connect to the NTC-3000 Series modem after configuration has been completed.
Notation
The following symbols are used in this manual:
The following note requires attention
The following note provides a warning
The following note provides relevant information.

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Safety and Product Care
The NTC-3000 series offers a hardened industrial enclosure making it suitable for a variety of remote deployment locations.
With reference to the unpacking, installation, use and maintenance of your electronic device, the following basic guidelines
are recommended:
Installation, configuration and disassembly should be performed by trained personnel only.
Do not use or install this product near water to avoid fire or shock hazard. Avoid exposing the equipment to rain
or damp areas.
Do not use or install this product in extremely hot or cold areas. Ensure that the device is installed in an area
where the temperature is within the supported operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C).
Arrange any cables in a manner such that they are not likely to be stepped on or have items placed on them.
Ensure that the voltage and rated current of the power source match the requirements of the device. Do not
connect the device to an inappropriate power source.
Use only a clean, dry cloth to wipe the device. Never apply chemical cleaners on the device.
WARNING:
Disconnect the power line from the device before servicing.
Transport and Handling
When transporting the NTC-3000 Series, it is recommended to return the product to the original packaging. This ensures the
product will not be damaged.
In the event the product needs to be returned, ensure it is securely packaged with appropriate padding to prevent
damage during courier transport.

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Product Introduction
Product Overview
Small-sized and rugged industrial-grade 3G modem for wireless data communication
Provides reliable RS232 serial data connectivity for various M2M applications
Supports standard AT command set
Supports various networks and service types UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA & GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Embedded Internet and security protocol stacks
Wide input voltage range 5-36V DC suitable for diverse environments and applications
RS232 serial data connection and power input via RJ45 port
USB 2.0 port for communicating (e.g. Dial-up networking from Windows PC and Mac)
Supports Open AT and AirVantage
DIN rail and wall mount option with removable mounting bracket
SIM card reader with locking tray
Wide operating temperature range -40 to 85°C
Package Contents
The NTC-3000 series package consists of:
NTC-3000 Series Modem
Quick Start Guide
The following items are available as optional accessories:
External antenna
DB9 serial/power adapter cable
Mounting bracket
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact NetComm Support immediately by visiting the NetComm
Support website at: http://support.netcommwireless.com/ .
Product Features
The NTC-3000 Series is a reliable solution for cost effective deployment in any data telemetry environment. Designed for
reliable performance and universal installation it provides 3G data connectivity for M2M applications enabling remote
monitoring, control, management and reporting of industrial and commercial equipment.
The small and rugged form factor is ideal for applications such as metering, rail, road signs, security, transport and vending
machines. It can also be used in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) scenarios to monitor, control or collect
data from remote devices such as farm machinery, water monitoring devices and wind farms.
A serial connection on one end and a 3G connection on the other allows the devices to simply take the serial data and send
it over 3G. When connecting through the RJ-45 port to the serial port of your device, the broadband connection can be
established using AT commands in a terminal emulator or through the use of a Windows Dial Up Networking profile. The
modem also comes equipped with a Mini USB port where a connection can be established through either a virtual COM port
or Sierra Wireless’s AirCard Watcher application.
The lockable SIM tray along with the rugged nature of the device means you can be assured that your device is working
reliably, regardless of the physical location.

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Physical Dimensions and
Indicators
LED Indicators
The NTC-3000 Series uses two LEDs to display the current system and connection status.
LED INDICATOR
COLOUR
DEFINITION
Power
Off
The Power is off.
Red
The Power is on and the NTC-3000 is operating normally.
3G
Off
The NTC-3000 is not attached to a mobile network.
Flashing green
The NTC-3000 is attached to a mobile network
Table 2 - LED Indicators
Physical Dimensions
The following page lists the physical dimensions of the NTC-3000 Series as well as the physical dimensions of the mounting
bracket which can be used to attach the NTC-3000 Series to a Type-O DIN Rail or to provide a wall / ceiling mount.
Figure 1 - NTC-3000 Series Dimensions
Figure 2 - NTC-3000 Series Mounting Bracket
NTC-3000 SERIES
Length
74 mm
Width
24 mm
Height
57 mm
Weight
84g
(w/o mounting bracket and antenna)
MOUNTING BRACKET
Length
80 mm
Width
45 mm
Height
5 mm
Weight
10g
(w/o NTC-3000 attached)
Table 3 - Device Dimensions
Table 4 - Mounting Bracket Dimensions

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Interfaces
The following interfaces are available on the NTC-3000 Series:
INTERFACE
FUNCTION
RJ-45 (RS-232 DB-9 adapter / Power)
Provides a serial interface via a standard Windows modem for
AT command communication and dial-up networking. The
serial modem may also be powered from this interface using
the DB-9 adapter / power cable. Refer to the Technical Data
section of this manual for more information.
Mini USB
Provides a serial interface via a virtual COM port for AT
command communication and dial-up networking. Requires
that the SWI driver and 3G watcher application are installed.
The serial modem may be powered from the Mini USB port.
Table 5 - Integrated Devices
Note: The driver required for the mini USB virtual COM port and AirCard Watcher application are available from the
NTC-3000 Series Product Support page at: http://support.netcommwireless.com/product/m2m/ntc-3000

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Hardware Installation
Inserting the SIM card
Please ensure that the NTC-3000 is not connected to the power cable before proceeding.
1. Push the small yellow button besides the SIM card holder.
Figure 3 –Accessing the NTC-3000 SIM Card Slot
2. Insert the SIM card into the holder with the golden SIM conductor pins facing up.
Figure 4 - Inserting a SIM Card into the NTC-3000 SIM Card Holder

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3. Insert the loaded SIM card holder with the SIM conductor pins facing down into the NTC-3000.
Figure 5 –Face Down Insertion of the SIM Card and SIM Card Holder
Mounting the device
The NTC-3000 series modem can be mounted on the wall or a DIN rail by using the mounting bracket. The mounting
bracket is made from polyamide, which is a flexible material.
Mounting the NTC-3000 series modem is as simple as bending the mounting bracket to snap into place on the Type-O (Top
Hat) DIN rail. This holds the NTC-3000 series modem in place securely.
Alternatively, the mounting bracket can be screwed onto a wall to provide a permanent fixture.
DIN rail mounting
The NTC-3000 Series mounting bracket has been designed to fit a TS 35 Type-O DIN rail with a 25mm core.
1. Bend / Flex the mounting bracket at the bend line so that the ridges are able to ‘hold’ onto the DIN rail edges as per the
diagram above. You also have the option of securing the mounting bracket further by screwing it into place on the rail.
Figure 6 - NTC-3000 - Mounting Bracket - DIN Rail

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2. Once the bracket is attached to the DIN rail, slide the NTC-3000 Series modem into the mounting bracket to securely fix
it in place.
Figure 7 - Securing the NTC-3000 Mounting Bracket to the DIN Rail
Wall Mounting
1. Select a position on the wall where you would like to mount the NTC-3000 Series modem. Attach the mounting bracket
to the chosen wall or ceiling by using the 4 screw holes (screws not included).
2. Once the bracket is attached to the DIN rail, slide the NTC-3000 Series modem into the mounting bracket to securely fix
it in place.

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Connecting the Data / Power cables
There are two methods of connecting the NTC-3000 to your computer:
Via RJ-45 connector using a DB9 serial/power adapter cable
Via USB 2.0 port using a Mini USB cable
Connecting via RJ-45 connector
Figure 8 - Connecting the RJ-45 Ethernet / Power Cable to the NTC-3000
1. Connect the optional antenna to the SMA connector of the NTC-3000.
2. Plug the optional RS-232 data/power cable into the RJ-45 socket of the NTC-3000 and then plug the serial port () end
into the COM port of the device that will connect to the NTC-3000.
3. Connect a compatible power adapter to the DC power jack (2.1mm barrel) of the RS-232 data/power cable and then
plug the power adapter into a power outlet.
Please note: It is not possible to use the mini-USB and Serial connection concurrently. Make sure any open
connection on the Serial port is disabled before connecting via the mini-USB cable.

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Connecting via Mini USB port
The mini USB connection enables communication from a Windows computer via a virtual COM port. The NTC-3000 Series
modem can then be configured via a terminal emulator (such as HyperTerminal). To configure the internet connection
settings of the router, the AirCard Watcher application must be installed on your computer. The Sierra Wireless AirCard
Watcher application can also be used to establish the broadband connection and includes the driver necessary to install the
modem on your computer. It can be downloaded from the NetComm Wireless Support website at
http://support.netcommwireless.com/product/m2m/ntc-3000.or for the most up to date version of the software, please visit
the Sierra Wireless website at http://www.sierrawireless.com/support.aspx.
The following procedure demonstrates how to install the AirCard Watcher application on Windows XP:
Note: Do not connect the NTC-3000 Series Router to the computer until the AirCard Watcher application has been
installed.
1. Open “My Computer” and navigate to the folder where you saved the AirCard Watcher application.
2. Double-click on the Watcher_Generic.msi file to open the installation wizard. The AirCard Watcher Installation Welcome
screen is displayed. Click Next > to begin the installation.
Figure 9 - AIrCard Watcher InstallShield Wizard Welcome Screen
3. The End User License Agreement is displayed. If you agree with the terms of the agreement select “I accept the terms
in the license agreement”. If you want to change the location that the application is installed to, click the Change button
and choose the location to install the application. Click Next > to continue.
Figure 10 - AIrCard Watcher InstallShield Wizard End-User License Agreement Screen

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4. The installation wizard will proceed to install the software and when it has finished, the InstallShield Wizard Completed
screen is displayed. Click Finish to close the wizard.
Figure 11 - AIrCard Watcher InstallShield Wizard Completed Screen
Verifying successful installation of the driver
To verify the driver was successfully installed, check in the Device Manager for extra COM ports. To check the Device
Manager, perform the following steps:
1. Click on the Start button and navigate to the Control Panel option.
2. Double click on the System Control Panel item.
3. Click on the Hardware tab and then click the Device Manager button.
4. The Device List displays the following COM ports. Take note of the COM port number of the Sierra Wireless AT
Command Port as this will vary depending on your environment and you may wish to use this port to communicate with
the modem via a terminal emulator. In this example, it is COM11.
Figure 12 - NTC-3000 USB Driver Installation - Device Manager Details
If the Sierra Wireless COM ports are not listed, please reboot your computer and attempt the installation again. If this still
fails, please contact NetComm Wireless Technical Support at http://support.netcommwireless.com/

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Establishing a Mobile
broadband connection
Using the Mini USB port
The NTC-3000 Series Routers can use the Sierra Wireless AirCard Watcher application to establish an internet connection.
To begin using the NTC-3000 Series Router:
1. Connect the NTC-3000 to your computer using a mini USB cable. The AirCard Watcher application should
automatically start up and if your SIM card is PIN locked, it will prompt you for the PIN to unlock it. Enter the PIN and
click SEND.
Figure 13 - SIM locked PIN Prompt
2. When the PIN is verified, the AirCard Watcher application will be displayed:
Figure 14 - AirCard Watcher Main Screen
3. In many cases you will be able to click the Connect button to establish a connection immediately if the software was
able to determine a default APN. If not, click the icon to access the configuration options.
4. Click Profiles from the menu on the left and then click to add a new profile. Enter a Profile Name, Username and
Password (if required) and APN (Access Point Name). When you are done click Apply.

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Figure 15 - AIrCard Watcher Options - Add New Profile Screen
5. With the Profiles menu option selected, use the Default Profile drop down list on the right side of the screen to select the
profile you created and click OK.
Figure 16 - AIrCard Watcher Options - Profiles Options
6. Click Connect to connect to the mobile broadband network. When you are connected, the Connect button changes to
a Disconnect button.
Figure 17 - AirCard Watcher Application –Connected

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Using the RJ-45 connector
The NTC-3000 can be used to dial up to the internet and provide networking using a standard serial modem driver. Example
screenshots are shown below to demonstrate this process using Windows XP, however similar steps can be used in other
operating systems.
1. Click Start and then Control Panel.
2. Double click Phone and Modem Options.
Figure 18 - Control Panel - Phone and Modem Options
3. On the Phone and Modem Options window, click Add
4. Select Don’t detect my modem; I will select it from a list and then click Next.
Figure 19 - Add Hardware Wizard - Don't Detect Modem Option

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5. Wait a few moments until the list is loaded, then select Standard 33600 bps modem from the list, and click Next.
Figure 20 - Add Hardware Wizard - Standard 33600kbps Modem
6. Select the port that the NTC-3000 is connected to and select Next. In the example screenshot below, the NTC-3000 is
connected via the serial cable to port COM1.
Figure 21 - Add Hardware Wizard - COM1
7. Wait a few moments whilst Windows installs the driver and click Finish on the final screen of the wizard.
Figure 22 - Add Hardware Wizard - Modem Installed Successfully

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8. The modem must now be modified to add a special initialisation string to pass the APN information required by your
service to connect to the cellular network. To do this, ensure that the new modem is selected on the Phone and
Modem menu, and click Properties.
Figure 23 - Phone and Modem Options - Modems Tab
9. Click on the Advanced tab, and type the following initialization commands in the Extra initialization commands field:
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","apn"
The ‘apn’ is your Access Point Name e.g. for Telstra you would type at+cgdcont=1,"IP","telstra.internet"
Click OK.
Figure 24 - Standard 33600kbps Modem Properties - Extra initialization commands
10. Click on Start then Control Panel, then double-click on Network Connections.
11. Click on File then New Connection.

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Figure 25 - Network Connections - New Connection
12. The New Connection Wizard is displayed. Click Next > to begin.
Figure 26 - New Connection Wizard Welcome Screen
13. Select Connect to the Internet and click Next >.
Figure 27 - New Connection Wizard - Connect to the internet
14. Select Setup my connection manually and click Next >.