Victron energy GX LTE 4G Series User manual

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GX LTE 4G - Manual
NOTE: DRAFT MANUAL. FIRST STOCK EXPECTED IN 2020 Q4
1. Introduction
1.1 Product description
The GX LTE is an accessory for GX-devices. It is a cellular 2G, 3G and 4G modem; providing 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.

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Watch this video to learn how to connect using LAN, WiFi, and the GX GSM, which is the same with
the GX LTE:
Video
1.2 Antennas and accessories
(DRAFT - THIS SECTION NEEDS UPDATING. EITHER THE SAME EXTERNAL ANTENNA CAN BE USED OR A
NEW ONE IS NECESSARY - WILL BE CLEAR SOON)
LTE: A small indoor LTE antenna is included. As an option we also sell an outdoor LTE antenna:
GSM900100100 - Outdoor 2G, 3G and 4G Antenna for GX LTE
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.

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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.
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

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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:

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Also the position is sent to the VRM Portal.
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.

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Status Description
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
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:

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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 data transfer
<1.0 W in idle mode
+0.4 W if GPS is enabled

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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
NOTE WE ARE CHECKING WHAT ANTENNA TO USE
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

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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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