Victron energy GX LTE 4G-E User manual

2022-10-18 09:19 1/10
Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/
GX LTE 4G - Manual
1. Introduction
1.1 Product description
The GX LTE is an accessory for GX-devices. It is a cellular modem, supporting 2G, 3G and 4G
technologies. It provides a mobile internet for the system and connection to Victron Remote
Management (VRM) portal. See also the GX LTE Product Page on our website.
There are three models:
Part number Name Region
GSM100100400 GX LTE 4G-E For EMEA/Korea/Thailand
GSM100200400 GX LTE 4G-A For North America
GSM100300400 GX LTE 4G-SA For Australia/New Zealand/South America
More information about supported frequencies and bands are in chapter 7.1
It requires a SIM card of the Mini-SIM format; and connects to the GX-device with an included 1 meter
USB cable.
The GX LTE includes a built-in GPS receiver. When the optional GPS antenna is installed, the system
can be tracked as well as Geo-fenced on the VRM Portal.
Watch this video to learn how to connect using LAN, WiFi, and the GX GSM, which is the same with
the GX LTE:

Last update: 2022-07-13 08:19 venus-os:gx-lte https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:gx-lte?rev=1657693164
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2022-10-18 09:19
Video
1.2 Antennas and accessories
A small indoor LTE antenna is included. As an option we also sell an outdoor LTE antenna:
GSM900100400 - Outdoor 4G GSM Antenna
GPS: The GX LTE includes a built-in GPS receiver. With the optional GPS antenna installed, the system
can be tracked as well as Geo-fenced on the VRM Portal. The required accessory is the
GSM900200100 - Active GPS Antenna for GX LTE.
Photos and specifications in the antenna chapter.
1.3 Compatibility
The GX LTE can be used with any of the GX Devices.
The GX LTE requires Venus OS v2.60 or newer to be installed on the GX Device.
1.4 When to use a mobile router instead
The GX LTE 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 LTE in a closed metal enclosure or car or van.
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.

2022-10-18 09:19 3/10
Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/
Connect the GX LTE 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 XXX A
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

Last update: 2022-07-13 08:19 venus-os:gx-lte https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:gx-lte?rev=1657693164
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2022-10-18 09:19
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.
Automatic recovery when disconnected
When installing the 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 4G LTE, when the transmission of
data to VRM has failed for the configured time.

2022-10-18 09:19 5/10
Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/
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:
Also the position is sent to the VRM Portal.

Last update: 2022-07-13 08:19 venus-os:gx-lte https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:gx-lte?rev=1657693164
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2022-10-18 09:19
5. Status
Status Bar
Cellular modem status can be checked at a glance by looking at the status bar.
Icon Details
Cellular modem is connected to network, but not to the internet (no data connection).
Either on purpose, because an ethernet or WiFi connection is available.
Cellular modem is properly configured, the 4G/3G/E/etc icon reflects that the cellular modem
internet connection
is in use and what type of connection is applied.
WiFi is available and its internet connection is in use. WiFi has priority over cellular
connection.
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
6. Trouble shooting
There are many reasons for a 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

2022-10-18 09:19 7/10
Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/
Step Details
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 LTE. 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:
What to do if the GX LTE 4G 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 LTE 4G) automatically if the internet connection is not
available.

Last update: 2022-07-13 08:19 venus-os:gx-lte https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:gx-lte?rev=1657693164
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2022-10-18 09:19
7. Supported Frequencies
7.1 Available models & their supported frequency bands
Part number Name Region Used module Supported LTE
Bands
GSM100100400 GX LTE 4G-
EEMEA/Korea/Thailand SIMCom SIM7600E 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41
GSM100200400 GX LTE 4G-
ANorth America SIMCom SIM7600A 2, 4, 12
GSM100300400 GX LTE 4G-
SA
Australia/New Zealand/South
America
SIMCom
SIM7600SA
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20,
28, 40, 66
For more details, please refer to the SIM7600X Comparison Table.
7.2 Notes regarding regional coverage
A good reference to check frequencies is 4G world Coverage Map. Note that the page also contains
2G and 3G information, which is on its GSM World Coverage link on the top.
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/4G 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
This antenna can be used with the GX LTE 4G, for 2G, 3G as well as 4G bands.

2022-10-18 09:19 9/10
Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/
Part number GSM900100100
Mounting option Screw Mount
Cable Type Rg-316
Cable Length 3.0 m
Connector SMA Male Straight
Frequencies 800/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz
Signal Gain 3 dbi
Outdoor 4G GSM Antenna
This antenna is optimised for 4G frequency bands, and as such will have slightly better reception on
the 4G network.
Mean while, if the 2G / 3G variant doesn't provide enough signal quality in an installation, the solution
is to contact a local supplier of GSM antennas. All necessary information, including a link to the used
cellular modem (Simcom) is available in this manual.
Part number GSM900100400
Mounting option Screw Mount
Cable Type tbd
Cable Length 3.0 m
Connector SMA Male Straight
Frequencies tbd

Last update: 2022-07-13 08:19 venus-os:gx-lte https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:gx-lte?rev=1657693164
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2022-10-18 09:19
Signal Gain tbd
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
From:
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ - Victron Energy
Permanent link:
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:gx-lte?rev=1657693164
Last update: 2022-07-13 08:19