Victron energy GX GSM User manual

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

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.
When to use a mobile router instead
The GX GSM only provides an internet connection for the GX-device: 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.
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.
APN name can be configured in Settings → GSM Modem → APN.

4. GPS
When the optional antenna is added; the position will be visible like this:
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.
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.
6
Internet
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.
7
Connection 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:

7. Supported Frequencies (2G/3G)
GX GSM, part number GSM100100100:
•2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band)
•3G (UMTS/HSPA+): 900/2100 MHz (Dual-Band)
•The used module is a Simcom SIM5360E.
A second model is coming, expected in 2020 Q3, having below frequencies, suitable for the
common networks in Mexico, USA & Canada as well as various countries in Southern
America.
•2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-Band) - same between both
models.
•3G (UMTS/HSPA+): 850/1900 MHz (Dual-Band)
•This new product will be based on the Simcom SIM5360A.
Regional Coverage Information
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 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
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