NimbeLink S2C Link User manual

S2C Link
User Manual
NimbeLink Corp
Updated: August 2016
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Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Product Description 3
Get Connected 4
SIM Cards 4
Mounting 5
Adhesive Tape 5
Re-usable Strap 6
Powering the Modem 7
Barrel Jack Power 7
USB Power 7
Serial Connections 7
USB Port 7
Connecting to Microsoft Windows 7-8 devices 7
Connecting to Linux devices 7
RS232 DB9 Port 8
Serial Settings 8
Connecting to devices 8
Antennas 9
LEDs 9
Power LED 9
Status LED 9
AT Commands 10
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1. Introduction
Overview
This document is the User Manual for the S2C Link, a serial to cellular modem.
1.1 Product Description
The S2C Link utilizes NimbeLink’s patented Skywire® cellular modems to
provide convenient RS232 and USB to cellular communications for industrial
applications. Orderable part numbers are available to support multiple cellular
technologies, carriers, and geographies including 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and LTE
CAT1 cellular networks.
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2. Get Connected
The S2C Link typically does not have an active cellular data plan when it arrives.
On the Verizon Network the S2C Link is classified as a Machine to Machine
device and needs to be activated on an M2M account.
If you do not have a Verizon account, you can get the device connected
immediately by NimbeLink. NimbeLink resells Verizon data plans in order to
speed the product evaluation and development process. For more details on
available plans or to activate the modem, go here:
http://nimbelink.com/skywire-cellular-data-plans/
2.1 SIM Cards
All LTE modems require a SIM card in order to activate a data plan. The S2C
Link requires a “Micro-SIM” size 3FF.
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3. Mounting
The S2C Link is a rugged product that can be attached to equipment in
numerous ways. The retail packaging includes two methods to adhere the S2C
Link in the end application.
3.1 Adhesive Tape
The retail packaged product includes two pieces of weather-resistant, double
sided polyurethane foam adhesive which can be applied to the enclosure to
adhere the product to a surface. The adhesive attaches well to rigid surfaces.
1) Wipe dust from the surface of the S2C Link and apply double sided
tape as shown. Be sure to copy the MEID/IMEI/SIM ID from the bottom
label if it will not be visible after installation.
2) Wipe dust from surface of the equipment and press the S2C Link firmly
for 30 seconds.
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3.2 Re-usable Strap
The retail package includes one re-usable strap that can attach to many surfaces
and provide an installation option that allows you to later remove the product if
necessary.
1) Screw strap to desired surface using screw or bolt appropriate for the
surface type.
2) Wrap strap around S2C Link and tighten strap to secure the product.
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4. Powering the Modem
4.1 Barrel Jack Power
While using the DB9 port for serial communications, the modem can be powered
by either the USB port OR the barrel jack input.
4.2 USB Power
The USB port can power the modem assuming the upstream USB Host port can
handle the current requirements for the specific modem type. If the USB Host
power is insufficient, then supplemental power must be provided via the barrel
jack input.
5. Serial Connections
5.1 USB Port
The USB port is a type Mini-AB and acts as a client interface.
5.1.1 Connecting to Microsoft Windows 7-8 devices
A Windows USB device driver is required in order to recognize the modem within
the Windows environment. The Windows driver files are available on the
NimbeLink website here. Included in the package are additional instructions for
installation.
After the driver has been installed, the modem can be plugged into the PC via a
USB cable and the operating system will recognize the device and instantiate
multiple COM ports that are available for use to communicate with the modem.
5.1.2 Connecting to Linux devices
Some Linux distributions recognize the unique modem USB IDs and will
instantiate serial communication ports. If the modem is not recognized, then the
USB device IDs must be added to the system.
After the COM ports are established, there are multiple ways the modem can be
used:
1) Send AT commands directly to the modem, see specific AT command
manual for more details.
2) Establish a PPP link, see modem specific PPP link application note for
more details.
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3) Establish a QMI, NCM, or CDC_ETHER modem-specific communications
link, see modem specific application notes for more details.
5.2 RS232 DB9 Port
The DB9 connector interface provides an RS232 communications port.
5.2.1 Serial Settings
Default Baud Rate: 115.2Kbps
Default Format: 8 bits, no parity bit, 1 stop bit
Most modems support auto-baud rate setting, however, you can set the target
baud rate using the AT+IPR command. For more details see the AT command
manual specific to the modem.
5.2.2 Connecting to devices
Connecting the RS232 port to a compatible device will allow the device to
communicate directly with the modem’s AT command interpreter.
The device must drive DTR and RTS signals to proper state or the modem will
not respond.
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6. Antennas
The S2C Link can accommodate two external antennas. The Primary antenna
port must always have an antenna connected. The retail kit includes our
recommended antenna which is the following part number:
Taoglas TG.30.8113
Note: The 2G 1xRTT modem does not use the diversity connection.
When the modem is placed inside another metal cabinet or deep inside a
building, it is advantageous to use a remote-mount antenna. The modems use a
standard SMA port and can accommodate many aftermarket externally mounted
antennas.
7. LEDs
7.1 Power LED
When power is applied to the modem, the Power LED will light green.
7.2 Status LED
The Status LED is a flexible use LED. Each modem can use the LED in different
ways. The 1XRTT and EVDO products can manually control the LED using the
AT#GPIO1 command or configured as a true status LED using the AT#SLED
command. See AT command manual for additional information on how to drive
the LED.
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8. AT Commands
Each modem uses a unique set of AT commands. Please refer to the
appropriate AT command manual for each underlying Skywire modem to learn
more.
NL-S-2GT-V AT command Manual Link
NL-S-3GT AT command Manual Link
NL-S-C1G-V AT command Manual Link
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