5. INSTALLATION
5.1. Environment
Due to the make-up of the GSM Commander and its electronics, we STRONGLY advise that it not be installed in
close proximity to a variable speed drive or any other electrically noisy equipment. DO NOT install the GSM
Commander into a metal enclosure unless an antenna is mounted on the outside of the enclosure.
5.2. Power Supply
The GSM Commander has a 2.1mm DC jack connector where a power supply must be connected. The power
supply should have the following specifications:
Output Voltage: 11v-30v
Output Current: 0.5A
Polarity:
A suitable power supply is supplied with the retail product.
In industrial applications, it is advised that the GSM Commander be installed into its own metal housing
and be powered from a separate power supply with a DC Filter. (As opposed to sharing one with other
equipment).
Please Note: While the GSM Commander has fairly rugged internal power supply circuitry, no special provision
for lightning protection is made. If the GSM Commander is used in an area that is prone to thunderstorms, it is
advisable to use a commercially available lightning suppressor (The same applies to inputs or outputs that are
connected to wires longer than 2 or 3 meters). The guarantee does not cover damage resulting from lightning
strikes! The GSM Commander can operate reliably from voltages in the range of 11 to 30V DC.
5.3. USB Port
The GSM Commander provides a USB port that connects to a PC using the supplied USB cable. This allows the
PC to configure the unit.
5.4. SIM Card
The GSM Commander accepts a standard GSM SIM card from any network. The SIM card may be prepaid or on
contract. If the SIM Card is purchased as part of a prepaid plan, ensure that the card is loaded with sufficient
airtime.
WARNING: DO NOT Insert or remove the SIM card while the GSM Commander is powered!!
Note that airtime will decrease with every SMS that is sent from the unit. The unit can automatically detect if
the airtime is running low. It is the user's responsibility to make sure that the airtime is topped up. See your
network's documentation on how to purchase and load airtime.
The SIM card is fitted into the back of the unit, as indicated by the legend on the enclosure. The SIM card will
click into place and is removed simply by pressing against it. The card will pop out with a “click” sound, ready
to be completely removed.
Before you install your SIM Card:
Install the SIM card into a normal cellular phone
Verify that there is no SIM PIN enabled (The phone must not ask for a PIN when switched on with this SIM
card inside) If the phone does request a PIN, you need to enter the correct pin so that the phone can
start, and then disable the SIM Card PIN. See your cellphone documentation on how this can be done.
Verify that you are able to send an SMS message.
The SIM card will now work with the GSM Commander.
Please Note: If you are using a prepaid SIM card, be aware that if the SIM card has not produced a billable
event on the network for a long period of time (typically 3 months), the card will be deactivated by the
network, and the SIM card then becomes useless. It is strongly recommended that you configure the GSM
Commander to send you an SMS every now and then (once or twice a week) so that your SIM card remains
active on the network.
The GSM Commander can ONLY check the airtime of a PREPAID SIM card.
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