Victron energy GX GSM User manual

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GX GSM manual
1. Introduction
1.1 Product description
The GX GSM is an accessory for GX-devices. It is a cellular 2G and 3G modem; providing a mobile
internet for the system and connection to Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal.
It requires a SIM card of the Mini-SIM format; and connects to the GX-device with an included 1m USB
cable.
See also the GX GSM Product Page.
Video explaining how to connect using LAN, WiFi, and the GX GSM:
Video

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1.2 Warning: maybe use the GX LTE 4G instead
The product described in this manual, is being succeeded with the newer GX LTE 4G modem.
The GX GSM works only with 2G and 3G networks, which are -slowly- being shut down in various
countries. Hence, depending on the location of installation, the GX LTE 4G can be a more future proof
solution.
1.4 Antennas and accessories
GSM: A small indoor GSM antenna is included. As an option we also sell an outdoor GSM antenna:
GSM900100100 - Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM Antenna for GX GSM
GPS: The unit has a built-in GPS receiver. An antenna is not included; to use the GPS received;
purchase the GPS Antenna.
GSM900200100 - Active GPS Antenna for GX GSM
See bottom of this manual for photos and specs of both antennas.
1.5 GX Compatibility
The GX GSM can be used with any of the GX Devices.
The GX GSM requires Venus OS v2.22 or newer to be installed on the GX Device.
1.6 When to use a mobile router instead
The GX GSM provides an internet connection for the GX-device only. There is no option to share the
internet to laptops, phones, or other devices.
For installations where more devices need internet, such as a yacht or RV, consider installing a mobile
router instead. More information here.
2. Installation
Mount the device and connect the antenna. Consider using the outdoor antenna when installing the
GX GSM in a closed metal enclosure.
Insert the SIM card. You will need to eject the SIM card tray with a pen or other pointy object. Be
aware that the SIM card tray sits slightly recessed inside the unit. Be sure to push it all the way in.
Connect the GX GSM to the GX-device with the supplied USB cable. Use a USB hub if all USB sockets
are already in use.

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Connect DC power supply (8 to 70 VDC). A 1.4M wire is included, with M10 lugs and an inline fuse.
After power-up, the blue LED will be solid blue. Next, once it has registered on a network, it will start
blinking slowly. Finally, when it has established the internet connection, it will be blinking fast.
3. Configuration
When using a SIM card with its SIM-pin security disabled, the system will work without further
configuration.
Setting a SIM pin helps reducing the risk of the SIM card being stolen and used. Use a mobile phone to
set the SIM pin, and there after configure it on the GX-device.
Settings → GSM modem → PIN code
Some mobile networks require manual configuration of an APN specially when roaming. Contact your
operator.

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APN name can be configured in Settings → GSM Modem → APN.
Automatic recovery when disconnected
When installing the GX GSM, or GX 4G LTE in an area that you expect continuous internet coverage,
you should enable the “Reboot device when no contact” option in the VRM menu of the GX device.
This will automatically reboot the GX device, as well as power cycle the GX GSM, when the
transmission of data to VRM has failed for the configured time.
Note that if you are leaving internet service coverage areas (such as an RV on the move, or a boat
leaving dock to go to sea) then it is recommend to disable this setting, so that your GX is not
rebooting itself for no reason. Or set it, for example, to a two hour time-out. And accept a reboot
every two hours when underway.
4. GPS
When the optional antenna is added; the position will be visible like this:

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Also the position is sent to the VRM Portal.
5. Status
Status Bar
GSM modem status can be checked at a glance by looking at the status bar.
Icon Details
GSM modem is connected to network, but not to the internet (no data connection).
Either on purpose, because an ethernet or WiFi connection is available.
GSM modem is properly configured, the 3G/E/etc icon reflects that the GSM modem internet
connection is in use.
WiFi is available and its internet connection is in use. WiFi has priority over GSM.
SIM PIN code is required.
Roaming, only informative. To use internet connection while roaming it needs to be enabled
in
Settings → GSM modem → Allow roaming.
SIM Status
Status Description
Ready SIM card is installed properly and registered to the network
SIM not inserted SIM card is missing or not inserted properly. SIM tray might hang out a little.
PIN required SIM card requires 4 digit PIN for unlock.

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Status Description
PUK required SIM is locked due to wrong PIN inputs. 8 digit PUK is required to release the lock
state.
SIM failure SIM does not respond - might be broken
SIM busy SIM is in busy state
SIM wrong Type of SIM is not supported
External Link
6. Trouble shooting
There are many reasons for modem internet connection to not work. Carefully go through each step
of this trouble shooting guide. Make sure to start at the first step. When asking for help, make sure to
mention each step taken and the result.
Step Details
1 Power Check that the blue LED is either lit continuous or blinking
2 USB connection The modem must be connected to USB, and visible in the Settings → GSM
modem menu
3 Simcard status
Check the SIM Status in the menu, it must show “Ready”. It will show “SIM not
inserted”, or “PIN required”, or “PUK required” and more related errors when
there is a problem. Please refer to the SIM Status list for details.
4 Signal strength 1 bar minimum for VRM logging, 2 or 3 bars are necessary for a working remote
console
5 Carrier registration
Check that a name of a Cellular provider is visible in the “Carrier” field. If it is
not, check signal strength and otherwise contact your simcard provider and/or
insert the simcard in a phone to double check its operation and subscription
status.
6Internet
connection
Verify that the Internet shows “Online”. Reasons for the system to not go
“Online” whilst properly registered on the Network are:
1) APN not configured, contact the network operator for details.
2) The network is a different one than the home network (ie. roaming), and the
setting to permit Roaming is disabled.
3) Signal strength is strong enough to register on the network, but not to open
the data connection to the internet.
7Connection to VRM
Portal
Verify that the VRM Portal menu shows a recent last connection time. See
Settings → VRM Portal. For more details, see the VRM Connection
troubleshooting chapter of the GX Manual.
An outdoor antenna typically increases received signal by 15 dB to 25 dB.
Note that Ethernet and WiFi connections have priority over the cellular connection. Even when the
available Ethernet or WiFi connection does not have a good connection to the internet. There is no
automatic detection in place which in such case switches over to the GX GSM. In more technical
language: when the cellular data connection is active, it is configured with a high routing metric. This
way, the Linux kernel prioritises Ethernet or Wifi when these are available.
This screenshot shows how all details look when everything is OK:

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What to do if the GX GSM is not staying connected?
Enable the “Reboot device when no contact” configuration setting in the VRM menu of the GX device.
That will reboot the GX (and with it the GX GSM) automatically if the internet connection is not
available.
7. Supported Frequencies (2G/3G)
7.1 Available models & their supported frequency bands
GSM100100100 - GX GSM 900/2100:
2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band)
3G (UMTS/HSPA+): 900/2100 MHz (Dual-Band)
The used GSM module is a Simcom SIM5360E.
GSM100200100 - GX GSM 850/1900:
2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band) - same between both models.
3G (UMTS/HSPA+): 850/1900 MHz (Dual-Band)
The used GSM module is the Simcom SIM5360A.
Expected in first stock in 2020 Q3. And only short lived; since its successor, the GX LTE 4G,
having 2G/3G and also 4G support is also coming soon.
7.2 Notes regarding regional coverage
USA, Mexico, Canada and most of South America: 1900 MHz is the most common frequency for 3G,
which is unsupported for the current version of GX GSM. But a second model is coming in 2020, see

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above.
Australia: The 900MHz 3G frequency in remote areas is typically provided by Optus. Telstra's rural 3G
network operates at 850MHz which is not supported with the current version of GX GSM. Both Telstra
and Optus operate 2100Mhz networks in urban areas, and are supported.
In case of uncertainty please double-check: GSM World Coverage Map
8. Technical Data
Outer dimensions (LxWxH) 106×42.5×22 mm (Drawing)
Voltage range 8..70 VDC
Power draw
2.5 W while 2G/3G data transfer
<1.0 W in idle mode
+0.4 W if GPS is enabled
Recommended fuse size
500 mA @ 12 V
250 mA @ 24 V
100 mA @ 48 V
Wire gauge (power cable) 0.5..1.5mm² / AWG 28..16
Antenna connector Type SMA Female
SIM card Regular Mini SIM
9. Accessory / Antennas
Outdoor 2G and 3G GSM Antenna
Part number GSM900100100
Mounting option Screw Mount
Cable Type Rg-316
Cable Length 0.25 m
Connector SMA Male Straight
Frequencies 800/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz
Signal Gain 3 dbi

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Active GPS Antenna
Part number GSM900200100
Mounting option Magnet
Cable Type Rg-174
Cable Length 3.0 m
Connector SMA Male Straight
Frequency 1575.42 MHz
Impedance 50 Ω
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