GSM Modem
FAQ
For
GSM Alarm+ FAQ's Click Here
It all sound very technical?
At first glance
it appear complicated but it really is very simple. The GSM device
will send a SMS message when instructed by your machine or process.
The message can be routed to an email as well as to different
mobile phones. All you have to do is connect power to the unit
and wire it to your machine.
Back to top
What is SMS?
SMS (Short
Message Service) is how text messages are sent to mobile phones.
These messages are up to 160 characters long and can contain alarm
messages, production messages, fault messages or anything you
need to know from your process. SMS can also work through a network
service centre and be forwarded as an email or fax.
Back to top
Will
it work with my PLC?
Yes. Unlike standard GSM RS232 Modems our GSM product
are very simple to connect to a PLC. All you need is to wire the
PLC output to an input on the GSM Alarm or GSM Control. Therefore
any PLC's that have relay or transistor outputs will do. If you
wish to connect to your PLC or PC via RS232 then look at our GSM
Terminal range.
If you want the control functions of a small PLC with GSM capability
for sending SMS messages then our AL2-GSM
product (mini PLC with GSM) will be ideal.
Back to top
How can I use it without a PLC?
This is the
major advantage of our GSM+ Products – you don’t need
a PLC at all! As it only uses a volt-free trigger it is ideal
for use with the new intelligent relays that are currently on
the market. (Siemens Logo, Moeller Easy, IDEC SmartRelay, Schneider
Zellio, Omron Zen, Mitsubishi Alpha, Crouzet Millennium, AB Pico…
I think you get the idea!). You could also use it with a simple
switch to send just one message. This could be used as a silent
alarm. We are building up a library of example programs to help
get you started. Please contact SeNd to see if we can help.
Back to top
What type of SIM card do I need?
Our GSM devices use a 3V mini SIM. The receiving mobile
can be on any network and in anyone of the 170 countries that
use GSM.
If you are primarily sending SMS messages and
you are only sending a handful a day/week then a pay-as-you-go
SIM would be best. These are available from SeNd Technology.
Back to top
How much will it cost to run?
Not much at all. SMS messages cost from a few pence each.
They can be forwarded, using a SMS gateway, to a fax number or
a single email address. You must send a message or receive a call
regularly to ensure they are not de-registered from the network
(check with the network operator for details). As you will not
have to visit remote sites as often it will actually save you
a great deal more than the cost.
Back to top
What supply voltage do I need?
Our GSM Control & GSM Alarm products can operate
from 12vdc supply. This makes it ideal for remote applications
where a main supply is unavailable. We also offer a battery backed
version which can send an alert message when the 12vdc supply
fails.
Back to top
What do I need to configure the GSM Product?
Depending on the product you can use a software
package (GSM suite) or program by text message. You can also change
the configuration remotely - handy if you need to add another
user or change a recipients mobile number.
Back to top
How do I connect to the remote output relay and is this
safe to use?
You can wire your external device (pump, lights gate-opener) into
the relay output found in most of our products. You just have
to watch that the "load" current & voltage is not
higher than the rated values (shown in the user manual).
IMPORTANT: Do not use
this feature to operate any machinery that may endanger life.
It is ideally used to shut a process down or switch off a machine
remotely after an alarm state.
Back to top
What antenna should I use?
We supply
various types depending on the location you are mounting the unit.
Please look at the accessories page
for more details.
Back to top
What is the service centre number for
my SIM?
Most of our
products auto detect this from the SIM card but you will need
this when configuring the Mitsubishi Alpha
AL2-GSM.
Other Network Service Centre Numbers:
O2 +447802000332 (contract)
+447802092035 (pay as you go)
Alt: +447802000334
T-Mobile (was One2One)
+447958879879
Orange +447973100973
Alt: +447973100974
Vodafone +447785016005
Virgin +447958879890
Back to top
What type of signal do I need to trigger
the alarm input?
To trigger the alarm input you need to a volt-free/clean
contact signal. This could be from a relay contact, float switch,
magnetic switch, PLC output etc.
Back to top
How do I know that I can get a signal in the installation
area?
GSM was designed as a global system and is now
used in over 170 countries. To check if the proposed
location is suitable the best way is to either check with a mobile
phone working on an approved network or SeNd will check whether
there are local transmitters in that area. Please provide the
postcode.
What countries use GSM?
This following link
provides detailed information about network operators worldwide
that offer services from the GSM family of Wireless Communications.
Specific details included within this section are network, roaming,
services and coverage information for over 400 operators in 182
countries/areas of the world.
Back to top
Will it work in the USA?
The USA uses
a mixture of different mobile networks including GSM (Check on
GSM World link above).
We can configure our GSM+ products to work in the USA on the GSM
network - just ask.
Back to top
Last revised: Jan 2009
The information provided is for guide only and
SeNd Technology
cannot be held responsible for misuse of any product or information
given.
