sabercom GSMio User manual

GSMio
Instruction manual

2
Index
Page
Introduction 3
Product description
Disclaimer and warranty
Item identification
Getting started 3
What you will need 4
Included in the package
Quick start 5
Hardware
Software
Connection
Programming
Planning 6
Connection diagram and pin out
Top cover - indication LEDs 7
Examples 7
Power connection
Door switch 8
Gate trigger
Light switch 9
Detailed instructions 11
Passwords and Settings
View phone book 13
Icons 13
Input channel Settings
Output channel settings 18
Where to get 12V 20
What is a relay 20
SMS programming 22
Quick reference – SMS programming 24
Technical Specifications 25
Full list of commands 26
Future products 27
Alarm Tutorial 27
Troubleshooting 30
Support 33

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GSMio
GSMioGSMio
GSMio
Introduction:
Welcome to the GSMio, a Sabercom product. You are now equipped with the means
to control your environment and to be kept informed of relevant events. By linking the
GSMio to any of a number of electrical devices in your life you will soon benefit from
the range of features, this unique product offers.
Product description:
The GSMio is a self-contained GSM communicator, designed to link electronic and
electrical items to a cellphone or computer via the GSM network. In other words it can
be used to send information to a cellphone or receive instructions from a cellphone.
These instructions can be used to control lights, alarms, machines, vehicles, systems
and equipment. The information received is relevant to the above examples condition
or status. (eg. “The alarm is on”)
The unit is a complete product, which includes the power supply circuit, a processor
and non-volatile memory, a cell-phone engine, output relays and status indication
LEDs. The product needs no external components to operate and requires only a DC
supply voltage of between 10 and 20V.
Disclaimer and warranty
Disclaimer: This product is designed to operate as a communication device, which will
perform certain functions if triggered via SMS. It is also able to send an SMS as a
result of certain actions. The product has been manufactured to the best standards
and strictly in line with the design specifications, however the manufacturer, supplier
and all other parties cannot guarantee it will function in one hundred percent of
applications and circumstances. The system is reliant on third party service providers
and Sabercom and its partners have no control over these third parties. For this
reason we recommend that you do not use this device for critical services. Although
we, and many customers have found it to be highly successful, please be aware that
no party can guarantee its effectiveness. Under no circumstances should the GSMio
be used in a medical application, life support or related service.
Warranty: The product is guaranteed against defective workmanship for a period of
twelve months from date of manufacture. As the manufacturer has no control over the
use of the product we cannot guarantee damage caused by poor installation, errors,
acts of god, environmental influences and general misuse or abuse. If the instructions
are followed the GSMio should give you many years of trouble free use.
Getting started
What you will need.
In order to operate, program and use the GSMio the following is needed:
• A 12V DC (typical) power supply
• A computer which operates on the Windows platform and has a USB port
• A screwdriver (3mm flat)

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The following will help:
• Some, but limited electronic knowledge. (Ability to change a mains plug,
jumpstart a car)
• A multi-meter
• Side cutters
If you feel that any of the steps are outside of your ability please consult a qualified technician
or electrician. You can contact Sabercom for advice or most alarm installation technicians will
be able to help.
For more information please consult the following sections of this manual.
 Where to get 12V DC
 What is a relay?
 Glossary
Included in the package:
Check your pack contains the parts you expected. The labels and pictures above will
help you to identify the various items.
GSMio (PCB only) GSMio (Cased option)
CD (Software & Manual) USB Cable
External Antenna (Opt)
Connectors SIM Pack (Optional)
PSU (optional)

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Quick Start (New unit)
Software
1. Insert the CD into the ROM drive of your PC. (See “PC specifications” to
check the compatibility of your PC.)
2. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the software.
Connection (USB)
1. Connect the USB cable between your GSMio unit and one of the USB ports
on your PC.
2. Your PC should automatically install the USB drivers. If it does not, refer to
troubleshooting to manually install the USB drivers.
Hardware
1. Ensure the SIM PIN (Personal Identification Number) on your SIM card is
either disabled or set to 9176.
2. Insert the SIM card in slot 1 on the underside of the GSMio unit.
3. Connect the GSMio to a 12V DC power source. Pin 1 + and 2 - of the
connector block. [Actual voltage range is 10V to 20V DC] (See “where to get
12V from” if you do not have a 12V DC supply handy.)
4. After a few moments the Status LED should flash. If not, disconnect power,
check the steps above and reconnect power.
Programming
1. Start the GSMio software by double clicking the GSMio icon on
your desktop.
2. Once the GSMio software screen opens click on the “Check Comms” icon,
to check the connection is active.
3. Enter the relevant fields into the Programming fields on the GSMio software
screens.
4. Save the programming information to the GSMio by clicking the “Send to
GSMio” icon. A status indicator will show the progress and result of the
upload.
5. Disconnect the GSMio from the PC and 12V supply. Please note, the
GSMio must be turned off and back on for the new settings to take effect.
6. Connect its input and outputs as per your application. Finally reconnect 12V
power.
7. After the GSMio has logged onto the network it will send the Master Number
a message asking for the TIME. Please reply as follows: pass@time 12:45
(Where pass is the password you programmed into the GSMio, @ is the
symbol for programming, time followed by a space and then the time in 24

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hour format. So 9.15pm will be 21:15 Only the :symbol can be used, no
additional spaces etc)
Planning:
It is a good idea to plan exactly what you want to use the GSMio for and how to
connect it to your home or office. Please view the following section and then the
examples to get an idea of the practical application of GSMio.
Connection diagram and pin out.
Pin No
Pin NoPin No
Pin No
Name
NameName
Name Description
DescriptionDescription
Description Connection
ConnectionConnection
Connection Block
BlockBlock
Block
1 Pos Positive DC supply 12V Positive (side o battery) 2 way
2 Neg Negative DC supply 0V negative (side o battery) 2 way
3 In 1 Input 1 Input 1 trigger 7 way
4 In 2 Input 2 Input 2 trigger 7 way
5 In 3 Input 3 Input 3 trigger 7 way
6 In 4 Input 4 Input 4 trigger 7 way
7 In 5 Input 5 Input 5 trigger 7 way
8 In 6 Input 6 Input 6 trigger 7 way
9 Pos Positive DC supply Extra Positive supply ( or inputs) 7 way
10 Com Common or relays Relay common connection 5 way
11 Out 1 Output 1 Output 1 to common (when on) 5 way
12 Out 2 Output 2 Output 2 to common (when on) 5 way
13 Out 3 Output 3 Output 3 to common (when on) 5 way
14 Out 4 Output 4 Output 4 to common (when on) 5 way
Pin numbering
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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Top cover - indication LEDs
LEDs (light emitting diodes)
Power – Glows to indicate power is connected
GSM – Flashes once per second when logged onto a network
Status – Flickers when the unit is sending or receiving
Input 1 to 6 – Glows when the input is on (High)
Examples
Power connection:
In the first example the diagram for connecting the GSMio to a 12V battery to supply
power is shown. (This is suitable as a temporary power source for programming or as
a back up.)
Eg 1
Battery connection
POWER
GSM
STATUS
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
INPUT 3
INPUT 4
INPUT 5
INPUT 6

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Door switch:
In this example the diagram indicates how to connect a door switch. This could be a
situation where you would like to know if a door is opened. The switch could be the
magnetic type (Mag switch) available from any alarm supplier. Opening of the contact
would create an INPUT LOW signal, in this case Input1 which would trigger the GSMio
to send the Input 1 LOW message. To do this one would have to program a suitable
message into the box provided for input 1 LOW. This message could read “Front door
opened” which would be sent to the phone when the door is opened.
Gate trigger:
Many users will probably use the GSMio to trigger their gate motor or garage door.
These triggers are usually normally open which means there is no contact between
the two wires until the button to open the door is pressed. If your gate works with a
remote control, the remote control receiver will be near the gate motor. This receiver
will have connector block on it with the trigger wires connected. The trigger wires will
go to the points called COM and N/O. If you join these two points to the GSMio the
output can then trigger the gate motor.
Most gates require only a pulse of about 1 second to trigger the motor, so you will
have to setup your GSMio using the software to pulse for only 1 second. There are a
number of options in this regard, which are covered further in the manual or the
tutorial, but the connection is indicated.
Eg 2
Door switch

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Once connected and correctly setup the GSMio can be used to open or close your
gate from anywhere. This can be done by sending it an SMS or a missed call;
depending on how you have setup your software.
Light switch:
The GSMio can be used to turn on a light remotely. Please note, this will usually
require using mains voltage. Connections to the mains should be carried our by
qualified personal only. Any errors in connection could be very dangerous, could
damage the item being connected and may damage the GSMio, thus voiding the
warranty. Please observe all safety procedures when working with mains.
These include but are not limited to:
 Never work on a mains supply that is still on or connected
 Always insulate connectors properly
 Fix warning stickers to all mains terminals to warn future users
 Use the correct tools designed for working with mains
 Observe the maximum rating of relays on the GSMio
 Preferably use external relays
 Check your work prior to reconnecting the mains
For the example we are going to assume the use of a bedside light which has a inline
on/off switch. When the lamp is disconnected from the mains the switch can be
opened to reveal the break in the cable. These two exposed wires could be connected
to the GSMio and the light could then be turned on and off via SMS.
NB! It is not possible to mix low voltage and mains switching on the GSMio relays.
This is because all relays share a common. If you wish to mix applications please use
external relays or buy the external relay board.
Eg 3
Gate trigger

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TIP. If you feel confident to proceed with a complete installation, first draw up a plan
on paper until you are more familiar with the GSMio software and hardware.
Flow
The GSMio system is designed to offer a work flow that is logical and easy to follow. It
has been based on the following model.
Eg 4
Light switch
Draw up plan
A plan is
drawn up (on
paper) of what
you want to
control from
your GSMio.
Also decide
what numbers
and messages
you need, for
the users you
plan to give
access.
SIM
Install a SIM
card and if
required
airtime
First test
Switch off
the GSMio
and then
power it up
again. Once
on network,
trigger a
channel to
test it does
what you
expected.
Connection
Connect
GSMio to 12V
and then to
your PC.
Programming
Enter all the
relevant
details into the
GSMio
software.
Save the
details on a
file and load
them to the
GSMio.
Finish
Finally
connect up the
other items to
the GSMio.
Mount the
GSMio firmly
and ensure
the
connections
are secure.
TEST

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Detailed Operating Instructions
GSMio Software
Start the GSMio software by double clicking on the desktop icon or by choosing
START, then GSMio and then GSMio XX.X
Passwords and Settings
The software should open on the GSMio Passwords and settings screen. If it does
not, click the tab on the top left of the screen and the following should be displayed.
The GSMio Settings screen is used to enter details such as the Unit ID, the master
and supervisor numbers and parameters for the 24 hour test and airtime balance
checks.
Unit ID
This field is used to identify your GSMio. If selected this ID will be included in your
SMS message. It is best to describe where the unit is E.g. “at home, 105 Sunny
Road.” Then a complete message where an alarm has been triggered could read like
this: “Alarm triggered at home, 105 Sunny Road.”
Change Master Password
The master password is used to program the GSMio, control outputs and perform all
other SMS functions. Password length must be 4 digits, and can be a mixture of
numbers and letters.
When clicking on this box the Change Master Password dialog box is opened. The
three options which appear are “Old Password”, “New Password” and “Confirm New
Password.” Once the old and new passwords have been inserted then “Done” button
must be clicked to save the new passwords. The factory setting is pass

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Change SIM PIN
PIN length must be 4 digits.
Changing the SIM PIN procedure is exactly the same as the change master password
procedure above. Please note that changing this PIN number will not affect the PIN
number on the SIM card. This only changes the PIN number that the GSMio auto
applies on start-up to activate the SIM card. If you have just received a new SIM card
for your GSMio, the starter pack will include a PIN code. That is the PIN code you
should enter here.
If you would like to change the code of the SIM card, insert the SIM card in a normal
cellphone and use the phone menu to change the pin code. Then set the SIM PIN in
this area of the GSMio software, to match the card.
Network
The GSMio has various functions that are network dependant. In order to setup the
GSMio, so that it can perform all its tasks, it is necessary to select the Network being
used. Click on the icon to select.
24 Hour Test
This message gives the user confirmation daily that the unit is still working and is still
on the network. The report will be sent everyday at approximately the same time. If the
24 hour test is being sent at an unacceptable time of the day, the time can be reset by
sending pass@24hr followed by a space and the new time to the GSMio. The time
must be in the 24 hour format spaced by a :An example would be pass@24hr 18:20
SMS or Call
If call is selected for the first number, the GSMio will call instead of sending an SMS.
This call will come at the time of the 24-hour test as mentioned above. The phone will
ring 2 to 3 times and the call will be automatically terminated. This will save on the
cost of the daily SMS. Please note that this option will be greyed out if “Call” has been
selected as one of the Input options. (High Message or Low Message on the “GSMio
Set-up” screen)
Include Unit ID
Including the unit ID will help you to identify which unit is sending the test. Useful if you
are monitoring a number of units.
Check airtime balance
If a prepaid card is being used then the GSMio will automatically check the prepaid
airtime balance if this box is selected. This means the GSMio will request the balance
from the network and attach the value to the 24hr test SMS. Please note that it is vital
to select the correct Network to enable this feature.

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View phone book
The phone book is a simple phone book entry system that links names to numbers.
Numbers are added in the box and along side the name is added. If a number is typed
in the name linked to that number would appear next to it.
+
Clicking the plus sign creates a new line to enter names and numbers into. Once the
new number and name is entered click the tick to accept.
-
If you select a line is may be deleted by clicking the minus button. A confirmation
screen will appear.
Edit
To edit an entry click on a selected line a second time. After editing click the tick.
Please note, it is a good idea to take care of the phone book and to double check
before clicking the tick.
Features shared between screens
Icons
The Check Comms icon can be clicked once the USB cable is connected to
determine if the PC and the GSMio are connected and able to effectively
communicate. This is important to ensure the programming instructions reach the
GSMio.
Clicking this icon will open a windows box to select the file you wish to load from, to
the programming window. You can save a set of GSMio settings on your PC and
recall those settings at any time. This means a number of GSMio units can be
programmed with the same parameters, or a replaced model can be programmed the
same as a previous one in a matter of seconds. The associated File name will appear
at the top of the screen in the box.

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This icon will load all the programming fields automatically from the connected
GSMio to the programming screen. A warning screen will ask you to confirm before
loading the fields. (This feature may not apply to your particular model)
Clicking the Print icon will print a one-page setup file document that includes the
Input and Output channel names, numbers that can control the channels as well as
the send to numbers. The messages associated with the channels and the default
relay status will also be included to aid with final installation of the GSMio. (This
feature may not apply to your particular model)
The save to file icon opens a dialog box enabling you to save a set of settings for
future retrieval.
This icon is used to send the programmed fields to the GSMio. A confirmation screen
will appear before the unit is reprogrammed. Once accepted all previous settings on
the GSMio will be deleted.

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Select the GSMio Programming tab
The screen is divided into two main parts. The top half contains fields relevant to the
Input Channels. The lower half is for the Output channels.
All the channel programming, HI and LOW messages, output defaults, time delays
and numbers can be set on this screen. The Icons to the left of the screen also
appear in the Passwords and settings screen as they are commonly used.
The screen should look like this.
Input Channel Settings:
Input channel fields.
The input channel programming is divided into the following fields.
o Input channel names
o SMS messages
o Cell phone numbers

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SMS Messages
There are two message fields for each input channel. If channel 1 is selected then the
displayed messages will apply to that channel.
Copy CH1
In many applications the same users that receive
messages for Input 1 also receive the messages for the
other Inputs. If this is the case then clicking the Copy CH
1 icon will result in the numbers that are programmed into
Input CH 1 will be copied and pasted into the input
channels 2 etc. This saves the time it would take to type
these numbers in manually.
(Please note that if you change numbers in the input channel
after clicking copy these new changes will not be copied until
you click copy again.)
Input channel names
There are six input channels.
To select a channel for programming click on
the channel name box and it will become
white. Once white clicking on it again will
allow you to change the channel name. This
cannel name has nothing to do with the
function of the GSMio but inserting the
channel names is useful to assist you with
programming and set-up of the GSMio. E.g. If
Channel 1 is for your alarm, type “Alarm” in
the box.
Do the same for the rest of the channels.
High Message
The “High” message will be sent when
the input goes high. I.e. 12V+ is supplied
to that input. (See connection diagram)
Low Message
The “Low” message will be sent if the
12V+ signal is removed.
E.g. For channel 1 “Alarm” the High
message could read “Alarm on” and the
Low message could read, “Alarm off.”

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Send After
The “Send after” field is the delay (seconds) before the SMS is sent. In other words
once the Alarm is turned on and channel 1 input goes high a time of xxx sec must
elapse without a change of condition, before the GSMio will send the SMS.
This has a number of uses for example when a float switch is used to trigger
conditions. Typically a float switch on a reservoir bounces slightly. This bounce would
cause the switch to turn on and off multiple times and if connected to an input this
would send many messages. In a condition where the input is being used to warn of
an empty reservoir the message may send saying “Reservoir 3 low” but a moment
later the switch could bounce up above the low level again. Then a second later the
switch may again detect a low level and another message would be sent. This could
become annoying and expensive so a suitable delay could be programmed.
For a float switch a time of 60.0s could be programmed. (60 seconds)
Call
The call box can be checked if you would prefer the GSMio to call the number instead
of sending an SMS. If the box is selected for a channel High the GSMio will phone the
number and allow the phone to ring three times. It will then drop the call. This only
applies to one channel and to one number only. You will notice that once the box is
checked all other Call boxes become grey making them impossible to select. (The
reason only one number can be called is firstly calls take a long time compared to
SMS and cannot be queued like SMS. The person receiving the call will only be able
to identify the GSMio by recognising the number and will have no channel
information.)
Include unit ID
By checking the Include unit ID box the unit’s ID will be sent tagged on the back of the
message.
E.g. If the unit ID was programmed as “at the office” then when channel 1 goes high
the sent message would look like this. “Alarm on at the office”
Automatic Output Trigger
The Auto Trigger feature will cause an output to automatically respond to a change of
state of an input. This means that if an input goes HIGH an output channel could also
switch ON or OFF automatically. An example of a use for this could be if GSMio was
used to monitor a water tank. If the tank runs low, a message could be sent to the
owner telling him that the water level is low. Then the Automatic Trigger would turn on
the Output where the pump is connected, thus refilling the tank.
There are 3 options for each Automatic output trigger: ON, OFF or PULSE. The logic
remains up to the programmer but the combinations of switching are numerous.

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(To enter new names use the Phone book feature on the Passwords and Settings
page.)
The check boxes must be selected if you want to include the number to receive the
message. Thanks to the flexibility of the system up to eight numbers can be notified
per input channel.
TIP. It is best policy to use the international dialling format (E.g. +27 for South Africa)
but it is not necessary. The system is also intelligent enough to ignore spaces so you
can enter phone numbers in the usual spaced format if you prefer. (E.g. 083 123
4567)
Output Channel Settings
The Output channels are relay outputs which can be switched on and off via SMS
messages from your cell phone which you send to the GSMio. The fields have to be
programmed in order for the GSMio to know what to do with the messages you send
it.
Standard format
The standard format for the Output Channel messages is as follows: pass!11
pass is the default password can be any four letters or digits
The !tells the system that it is an instruction.
1determines the cannel (Choose 1 to 4)
1instructs that channel to turn on (0 means off and 2 means pulse)
More instructions can be obtained from the “Full list of commands”
Cellphone Numbers
This field is used to input the
numbers to where the SMS
messages should be sent. The left
box is used for the number, the
right displays the name
associated with that number. By
clicking on the scroll down box a
scroll down will appear making the
selection of names possible.

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Copy CH1
In many applications the same users that receive messages, are also allowed to send
instructions to the GSMio. If this is the case then clicking the Copy CH 1 icon will
result in the numbers that are programmed into Input CH 1 will being copied and
pasted into the output channel spaces. This saves the time it would take to type these
numbers in manually.
(Please note that if you change numbers in the input channel after clicking copy these
new changes will not be copied until you click copy again.)
Cellphone numbers
Enter the phone numbers that may send instructions to the GSMio.
All, 1, 2, 3, 4
Check boxes. Select the check boxes applicable to the cannels you want controlled by
the list of Output channel cellnumbers. If you want the number to be authorised to
control channel 1 only, then check channel 1 opposite the number applicable.
However if you want every number on the list to send to channel 2 click the 2 at the
top of the column. This will cause all the “2” to be checked.
Output Channel names
The names are useful for identifying the channels and are also used for the verify
messages.
Default
Select On or Off to select the state of the Output relay on initial power up. (When the
GSMio is first switched on the relays will either be on or off as determined by the
default setting.) E.g. If Output one is used to control the geyser the output default
should be ON. (Note ratings of the relays with respect to voltage and current. The
relays on the unit are not suitable for switching a geyser on and off directly, but could
be used to control a high power relay or contactor)
Notify
The notify box is used to select if you would like the GSMio to notify you once a
request is received. E.g. if Output Channel 3 is named “Lights” and you send it an
instruction to turn the lights on (pass!31) then once received the GSMio will send the
following message: “Output Lights On”

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Pulse length
This field is used to set how long the relay will pulse for. The pulse is a change of state
and is triggered by sending a 2 to the GSMio. If the Output relay is Off then it will be
switched On for the length of time determined by the Pulse length, before returning to
the Off state. The time can be anything from 0.1 seconds to 999.9 seconds. (Accuracy
not precise)
Allow dropped call
Only channel 1 can allow the dropped call feature. Once the box is checked Channel 1
can then be controlled by a dropped (missed) call. If the GSMio receives a call from an
authorised number and the call is dropped before three rings the Output will be
triggered.
Change state
If the Change state box is checked the Channel 1 relay will change state. If it is On
and a dropped call is received it will turn Off.
Pulse
If this box is checked then a dropped call will cause the Channel 1 relay to be pulsed.
This pulse length and state will be determined by the Default and Length parameters
for Channel 1.
Where to get 12V?
Although the GSMio operates from anything between 8V DC and 24V DC, this manual
often suggests 12V. The reason for this that 12V DC is readily available and most
homes will have 12V available in one of the following places.
Car battery
Almost all cars operate on 12V. A cable can be made up from the cigarette lighter
socket to power the GSMio.
Home alarm
All home alarm systems operate on a 12V DC battery as back-up and will thus also
have a 12V charging circuit. The GSMio has been designed to work with alarm
systems so the power from an alarm control panel is ideal.
Separate plug in power supply
Many of the small plug in wall transformers (Chargers) can supply 12V DC. Even if it
is not a 12V supply it will probably work if is 9V or above and can deliver a current of
300mA or more. Provided the supply is DC.
What is a relay
A relay is an electronic switch. In many cases it can replace a normal switch, such as
a light switch in your home. Relays usually consist of a plastic body with a number of
electrical contacts beneath it. These contacts are divided into two sections; 1 the
actuating coil, and 2 the switch contacts.