Vega Absolute SI-13 User manual

www.vega-absolute.ru
LORAWAN DEVICE
VEGA SI-13
USER MANUAL
DOCUMENT REVISION
FIRMWARE VERSION
14 A.0b3EU

Vega SI-13 / User Manual
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................................3
1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................4
Device description ....................................................................................................................................................................4
Comunication and data collection algorithm .....................................................................................................................4
Functional ...................................................................................................................................................................................6
Marking ........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2 SPECIFICATION ..........................................................................................................................................................................7
Device specification..................................................................................................................................................................7
Default device settings .............................................................................................................................................................8
3 OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................................................9
Device appearance....................................................................................................................................................................9
Contacts description...............................................................................................................................................................10
LED Indications ........................................................................................................................................................................12
Mounting Recomendations...................................................................................................................................................13
Transparent mode operation................................................................................................................................................15
Independent pooling mode ..................................................................................................................................................15
4 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ...........................................................................................................................................16
Vega SI-13 modem transmits the following types of packets........................................................................................16
1. Packet with current readings ..................................................................................................................................16
2. Data packet from an external device, received via RS-232 or RS-485 interface............................................16
3. Packet with time correction request......................................................................................................................16
4. Information packet ...................................................................................................................................................17
5. Settings packet...........................................................................................................................................................17
Vega SI-13 modem receives packets of the following types..........................................................................................18
1. Real-time clock adjustment.....................................................................................................................................18
2. Packet with request of Information packet ..........................................................................................................18
3. Packet with request of settings...............................................................................................................................18
4. Packet with settings ..................................................................................................................................................18
5 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................20
6 CONTENT OF THE PACKAGE ................................................................................................................................................21
7 WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................................................................22

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INTRODUCTION
This manual is designated for Vega SI-13-232 and Vega SI-13-485 modems
(hereinafter – the modem) manufactured by Vega-Absolute OOO and provides information
on powering and activation procedure, control commands and functions of the modem.
This manual is targeted at specialists familiar with installation work fundamentals for
electronic and electrical equipment.
Vega-Absolute OOO reserves the right to make changes to the manual related to the
improvement of equipment and software, as well as to eliminate typos and inaccuracies,
without prior notice.

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1 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Vega SI-13 has two design options, varying by data exchange interface:
oVega SI-13-232 with RS-232 interface;
oVega SI-13 -485 with RS-485 interface.
Vega SI-13 modem is designed for counting of pulses incoming to 2 independent
inputs, further accumulating and transmitting of this information in the LoRaWAN®network.
In addition, Vega SI-13 can be used as a security device - all inputs can be configured as
security inputs.
The modem can be used for any utilities’ meters and industrial equipment with RS-232
and RS-485 interfaces or pulse outputs, including water-, electricity-, and heat meters. Vega
SI-13 can work as a wireless modem in the transparent mode or pool meters by itself.
Equipment with NAMUR pulse output is not supported
The modem is powered by an 8…36 V external power supply.
COMUNICATION AND DATA COLLECTION ALGORITHM
Vega SI-13 operates in modes listed below:
“Storage” – is a mode for storing and transporting. In this mode the device does not
communicate regularly with the network.
“Active” – is a main mode of device operation.
Before start using you need to switch the device out of “Storage” mode.
Vega SI-13 supports two activation methods in the LoRaWAN® network - ABP and
OTAA. Select one of the methods via the “Vega LoRaWAN Configurator” application (see
“User Manual” on the program).
ABP method. After pressing the start button, the device immediately starts working in
the "Active" mode.
OTAA method. After pressing the start button, the device makes three attempts to
connect to the network within the set frequency plan. After the activation in the LoRaWAN®
network is confirmed, the device sends a signal (LED flashing for 5 seconds) and switches to
the "Active" mode. If all attempts fail, the counter will continue to accumulate data and will
attempt to connect to the network every 6 hours.

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Hold the start button pressed (more than 5 seconds) to switch the device from the
"Active" mode back to the "Storage" mode.
When switching to the "Storage" mode, all readings from the pulse inputs
accumulated in the device memory are reset
The device forms the data packet with current state with a configurable period from 5
minutes to 24 hours. The packets stored in the device memory and transmitting during the
next communication session with the LoRaWAN®network.
Examples
If the data collection period is set to 24 hours the packet is formed at 00.00 on the
internal clock of the device
If the data collection period is 12 hours then at 00.00 and at 12.00, and so on.
The adjustable data transfer period can be from 5 minutes to 24 hours. When
beginning of communication session, the device starts sending packets with readings from
the earliest packet. The time of data transmitting cannot be specified, it’s defined in random
way for every device in chosen period of transmission from the moment of connection to the
network.
Example
Transmission period is 30 minutes, and device was started at 16:40 by the internal
device clock. In random way the device calculate data transmitting time and set it at 16:41 in
the half-hour period from 16:40 to 17:10. Thus, packets from this device will transmit at 16:41,
at 17:11, at 17:41, at 18:11 and so on every 30 minutes by the internal device clock.
The internal clock is set automatically when you connect to the device through USB,
also can be adjust via LoRaWAN®network.

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FUNCTIONAL
Vega SI-13 modem is class C device (LoRaWAN®classification) and has the following
features:
Operation as LoRaWAN®<-> RS-232 or LoRaWAN®<-> RS-485 wireless modem
Independent polling of external equipment by custom commands
ADR support (Adaptive Data Rate)
Sending of confirmed packets (configurable)
Inputs can be switched to «security» mode for connection to external leakage
and safety sensors, etc.
Communication in case of security inputs actuation
Temperature measurement
MARKING
Device marked with sticker that contain the next information:
Device model;
DevEUI;
Month and year of manufacture.
Sticker located in three places – on device case, in factory certificate and on
the packing box.
Besides, there is an additional sticker located on the packing box and contains:
Information about firmware version;
QR-code containing DevEUI and keys for device registration in network via
OTAA method.

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2 SPECIFICATION
DEVICE SPECIFICATION
MAIN
Double-contact digital inputs up to 2
Maximum input frequency 200 Hz
Security inputs up to 2
Interface RS-232 or RS-485
USB-port mini-USB, type B
Operating temperatures -40…+85 °С
Built-in temperature sensor yes
LORAWAN®
LoRaWAN®class C
Quantity of LoRa channels 16
Frequency plans supported by default RU868, EU868, KZ865, custom (EU868
based)
Frequency plans available as order option IN865, AS923, AU915, KR920, US915
Activation type
ABP or OTAA
Communication period
5, 15, 30 minutes, 1, 6, 12 or 24 hours
Type of the LoRaWAN antenna
internal
Sensitivity
-138 dBm
Radio coverage in restrained urban conditions
up to 5 km
Radio coverage within line of sight up to 15 km
Transmitter power by default 25 mW (configurable)
Maximum transmitter power 100 mW
POWER
External power supply
8…36 V
CASE
Housing dimensions, no more than
90 х 49 х 46 mm
Ingress protection rating
IP65
Mounting Clamp fastening to the support, DIN-
rail, wall-mounting

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DEFAULT DEVICE SETTINGS
PARAMETER
VALUE
Frequency plan RU868
Activation type OTAA
Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) ON
Confirmed Uplinks OFF
Rx 1 Delay 1 second
Join Accept Delay
5 seconds
Uplink number of transmissions
1
Data rate
DR0
Power
14 dBm
Communication period
24 hours
Time zone
UTC +00:00
Inputs operate in mode
pulse
For changing the device settings, you need to connect to it with “Vega LoRaWAN
Configurator” application. You can download app on the iotvega.com site in SOFT section as
well as User Manual for configurator. Go to the app page.

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3 OPERATION
DEVICE APPEARANCE
Vega SI-13 is represented in small plastic case which has four screws and mounting for
DIN-rail.
2 – DIN-rail with mounting holes ø 3 mm
3 – silicone gasket without through holes, ensuring the protection rating of the device
case IP65.
All of elements for manage and indication as well as connecting contacts are placed on
the board inside the case.
4 – LED indicator
5 – launch button
6 – contacts
7 – USB-port
1 2
3
4
5
6
7

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CONTACTS DESCRIPTION
When connecting a radio modem to external devices, consider the internal circuitry of
its pulse inputs shown below.
The modem has 10 contacts, see table below:
CONTACT
DESCRIPTION
-V Power -
+V
Power +
B
RS-485 B
A
RS-485 A
Tx
RS-232 TX
Rx
RS-232 RX
,Ʇ
Signal ground
In1, In2
Pulse inputs 1 and 2
De-bouncing logics with 5 msec time constant is integrated in the pulse counter. The
pulse counting is carried out for frequencies up to 200 Hz.
The pulse counter has 2 pairs of contacts that is allows to connect circuits with the
following types of NO contacts:
reed switch;
mechanical pushbutton;
open-collector output.

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Equipment with NAMUR pulse output is not supported
Polarity effects only "open collector" circuits.
To reset all readings from the pulse inputs accumulated in the device memory you
need to switch the device to the "Storage" mode by holding the start button pressed
(min. 5 seconds).
Pulse inputs can be configured for work in the "Security" mode via the “Vega LoRaWAN
Configurator” application. In this mode, the device does not count pulses at the "Security"
input, but only monitors its status. Should the "Security" input trigger, the device is activated
and sends an alarm message to the network.
The maximum possible frequency of sending alarm packets is one per 1 second.

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LED INDICATIONS
There is one red LED on the board. The indication is only used when the device is
activating in the LoRaWAN®network and when the operating modes are changing.
LED SIGNAL
MEANING
Short flashings Linking to the network in progress
One long flashing
during 5 sec
The device has been successfully
connected to the network and is in
active mode
Three flashings each by
1 sec
Linking to the network has been failed
or the device switched to the
“Storage” mode
In case of connection attempt fail, the device will continue to accumulate
data and will attempt to connect to the network every 6 hours
LED location on the
board

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MOUNTING RECOMENDATIONS
To provide the stable radio between the gateway and the end device is recommended
avoiding the device installation in the places which are barriers for the radio signal getting
through like a reinforced floors and walls, a basement, an underground facilities and wells, a
metal case etc.
The necessary stage for the network deploying including a big quantity of end devices
is a radio planning work with nature experiments.
Before starting mounting work, you must make sure that the latest
firmware version is installed on the equipment
For mounting you will need:
cross-shaped screwdriver ;
awl;
wire stripper;
laptop.
Step by step mounting be like:
1. Setting the devices and connecting them to the network are usually carried out in
the office (see Network Deployment Manual).
2. Determination of suitable places for mounting at the object with a network tester.
3. De-energizing the connected equipment, metering devices, etc.
4. Making holes in the silicone gasket for wires - strictly according to the number of
wires. It must be remembered that the wire must be of circular cross-section and no
more than 3 mm in diameter.
When removing the sealant, as well as when installing wires of a different
diameter or cross-section, device performance may deteriorate until
failure due to moisture entering the case
5. Connecting all necessary wires to the SI-13 contacts.
6. Device launching – switching to the “Active” mode and registration in the network.

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7. By the laptop you can make sure that the device successfully sends the data.
8. Before assembling the device, it is necessary to reset the pulses accumulated during
testing and connection by switching the device to the "Storage" mode by pressing
the button for 5 seconds.
9. Start the device by pressing launch button.
10. Assembling the device.
11. DIN-rail mounting or another available way to mount the device on the object.
Location of the
launch button on
the board

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TRANSPARENT MODE OPERATION
For enable using modem in conjunction with various software systems dispatching of
meters and industrial equipment, there is an ability to operating in a transparent mode. In this
mode, the modem operates as a simple communication channel between the LoRaWAN®
network server and connected external device. SI-13 can receive data from the LoRaWAN®
network for external devices and transfer them to the RS-232/RS-485 interface without any
processing. If the external device responds to the request, the modem sends the received
data back to the network, also without processing, as one or more packets.
Thus, in transparent mode, the modem does not form a request and does not process
the response from the metering device. The duty to form requests and analyze the responses
lies entirely on the external application that works with SI-13 through the LoRaWAN®network.
To provide device operation in the transparent mode it is necessary to install
“LoRa2TCP” application downloading on the iotvega.com. There is a manual about initial
setting of the transparent mode on the device page.
INDEPENDENT POOLING MODE
Vega SI-13 can operate in the mode of an independent pooling of any connected
through RS interface devices. You need to create and set up the required commands and
suspected responses in the «Vega LoRaWAN Configurator» application. After that, the
modem pools the connected device with the specified period from 1 to 65535 seconds.
When the modem receives one of the suspected responses, it may send a packet into the
LoRaWAN®network.
Since requests and responses are configured manually, the Vega SI-13 modem can poll
any connected devices using any protocol via the RS-232 or RS-485 interface.

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4 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
This part describes the SI-13 data exchange protocol with LoRaWAN®network. SI-13
uses the LoRaWAN port 2 for uplink and downlink messages.
In fields consisting of several bytes, the little-endian byte order is used
VEGA SI-13 MODEM TRANSMITS THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF PACKETS
1. Packet with current readings
Sent regularly on LoRaWAN port 2
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte Packet type, 00 – current packet, alarm packet 01-04
by the logic of RS485/232, FC – by the guard input 1,
FD – by the guard input 2
uint8
4 bytes
Packet time (unixtime)
-
1 byte
Temperature, °С
int8
4 bytes
Input 1 reading (depending on the type – number of
pulses or status: 0 – open, 1 - closed)
uint32
4 bytes Input 2 reading (depending on the type – number of
pulses or status: 0 – open, 1 - closed)
uint32
4 bytes Reserve -
2. Data packet from an external device, received via RS-232 or RS-485 interface
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte Packet type, this packet = 3 uint8
2 bytes
Total data size received via interface
uint16
1 byte
Data size in this packet
uint8
1 byte Sequential number of the setting in the configurator
(counting starts from 0)
uint8
1 byte Total number of the packets uint8
Array Data [1-40 bytes] -
The LoRa data transfer technology limits the maximum packet size, depending on the
speed of packet transmission. If the data received through the external interface cannot be
transmitted in one packet, they are split into several packets, which are transmitted
sequentially.
3. Packet with time correction request
Sent every seven days on LoRaWAN port 4

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Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte
Packet type, this packet == 255
uint8
4 bytes
Time of the modem at a moment of the packet
transmission (unixtime UTC)
uint32
After receiving this type of package, the application can send to modem the packet with
time correction.
4. Information packet
Transmitted when registering in the network or upon request to LoRaWAN port 195
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte Packet type, this packet == 195 uint8
1 byte Transmit reason: «0» - registration on the network, «1» -
by the request
uint8
16 bytes
Manufacturer code, in ASCII
uint8
16 bytes Device model, in ASCII uint8
4 bytes Firmware release date, unixtime (big endian byte order) uint32
2 bytes Board revision (always 0xFFFF) uint8
2 bytes Firmware version (high byte - major, low byte - minor).
Example: 0x0301 - firmware version 3.1
uint8
2 bytes Protocol version (high byte - major, low byte - minor).
Example: 0x0200 - protocol version 2.0
uint8
1 byte
Battery charge, %
uint8
4 bytes
Number of packets sent over the air (big endian byte
order)
uint32
5. Settings packet
Transmitting on LoRaWAN port 3
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte Packet type, this packet == 0 uint8
2 bytes
ID
of parameter
uint16
1 byte
Data length (len)
uint8
len bytes Parameter value -----
2 bytes
ID of parameter
uint16
1 byte Data length (len) uint8
len byte Parameter value -----
… … …
2 bytes ID of parameter uint16
1 byte
Data length (len)
uint8
len bytes Parameter value -----

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VEGA SI-13 MODEM RECEIVES PACKETS OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES
1. Real-time clock adjustment
Send by application on LoRaWAN port 4
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte Packet type, this packet = 255 uint8
8 bytes The value in seconds for which you need to adjust the
time. Can be positive or negative
int64
2. Packet with request of Information packet
Sent on LoRaWAN port 195
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte
Any value between 0x00 - 0xFF
uint8
3. Packet with request of settings
Sent by application on LoRaWAN port 3
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte
Packet type, this packet == 1
uint8
Answering that packet, the device will send the packet with settings.
4. Packet with settings
Sent by application on LoRaWAN port 3, is identical to such packet from device
Size in bytes
Field description
Data type
1 byte
Packet type, this packet == 0
uint8
2 bytes
ID
of parameter
uint16
1 byte Data length (len) uint8
len bytes Parameter value -----
2 bytes ID of parameter uint16
1 byte Data length (len) uint8
len byte
Parameter value
-----
… … …
2 bytes ID of parameter uint16
1 byte
Data length (len)
uint8
len bytes Значение параметра -----
The package with settings sent to the device may not contain all the settings supported
by the device, but only the part that needs to be changed.

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Table of ID of SI-13 parameters and these possible values
ID of
parameter
Description
Data
length
Possible values
4 Confirmed uplinks 1 byte 1 – confirmed
2 – unconfirmed
8 Uplinks number of transmissions 1 byte from 1 to 15
16 Communication period 1 байт 1 – 1 hour
2 – 6 hours
3 – 12 hours
4 – 24 hours
5 – 5 minutes
6 – 15 minutes
7 – 30 minutes
20 Interface speed 1 byte 1 – 4800
2 – 9600
3 – 14400
4 – 19200
5 – 38400
6 – 57600
7 – 115200
8 – 300
9 – 600
10 – 1200
11 – 2400
49 Data collection period 1 байт 1 – 1 hour
2 – 6 hours
3 – 12 hours
4 – 24 hours
5 – 5 minutes
6 – 15 minutes
7 – 30 minutes
55
Time zone, in minutes
2 bytes
from -720 to 840
1.

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5 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
Vega SI-13 modem shall be stored in the original packaging in heated room at
temperatures +5 °С to +40 °С and relative humidity less than 85%.
The modem shall be transported in covered freight compartments of all types at any
distance at temperatures -40 °C to +85 °C.