GSM Commander GC0321, GC0641, GC1281 User Manual

User Manual for

GC0321, GC0641, GC1281

Applicable to software package Version 7.47 and up

Last Edited 03 October 2017

Before Attempting to connect or operate this product, please read these instructions in its entirety

This manual is intended to provide detailed technical specifications and explanations, to the basic user as well as the more technically-minded person. This manual is a live document, and will be updated often with new information. Please insure that you have the latest version, by checking our website at: https://www.gsmcommander.com.

Changelog:

DS 03 October 2017 - Fixed specification table error DS 09 June 2017 - Update error codes and content DS 09 May 2017 - Update content (antenna info) DS 20 April 2017 - Update content / IMEI number DS 04 April 2017 - Fix errors and update content SD 30 September 2016: - Fixed errors and updated content DS 25 August 2016: - Updated contents table, fix errors and update content HM 15 June 2016: - Updated contents table with missing references,fixed spelling errors. HM 14 June 2016: - Amended operating parameters and description of settings. HM 01 June 2016: - Added new Airdrive SMS config command, variable population strings. SJD 25 July 2014: - Corrected General Status Message format. SJD 05 July 2014: - Updated General Status Message format.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features.......................................................................................................4

Specifications................................................................................................5

System requirements.......................................................................................5

Dimensions...................................................................................................6

Installation....................................................................................................7

Environment...............................................................................................7

Power Supply...............................................................................................7

USB Port....................................................................................................7

SIM Card....................................................................................................7

Antenna.....................................................................................................8

Software Installation.....................................................................................8

Mounting..................................................................................................11

Optically - Isolated Digital Inputs.....................................................................11

Outputs....................................................................................................13

Temperature Sensor.....................................................................................14

Analog Input..............................................................................................15

Battery Input.............................................................................................16

Internal Battery..........................................................................................16

Expansion Unit...........................................................................................17

Dimensions of Expansion Unit..........................................................................18

Status LEDs...............................................................................................19

Testing the GSM Commander...........................................................................21

Commissioning Mode....................................................................................22

Configuration VIA PC......................................................................................23

Basics......................................................................................................23

Software Tabs............................................................................................24

Numbers Tab List A and B...............................................................................24

Messages Tab.............................................................................................24

Behaviour Statements Tab..............................................................................24

Settings Tab...............................................................................................25

Status Tab.................................................................................................25

IO Names Tab.............................................................................................26

Analog Scaling Tab.......................................................................................26

Lock Setup................................................................................................26

Configuration via SMS.....................................................................................27

Set Administrator number..............................................................................27

Clear Administrator number...........................................................................27

Check Administrator number...........................................................................28

Check Airtime............................................................................................28

Add a Number to the list...............................................................................28

Remove a Number from the list.......................................................................28

Enable/Disable statements.............................................................................28

Override GPRS Settings.................................................................................29

Reset GPRS................................................................................................29

IMEI Number..............................................................................................30

Switch SIM card..........................................................................................30

Reset GSM Commander.................................................................................30

IF-THEN Behaviour statements.........................................................................31

Supported IF Conditions................................................................................31

Supported THEN Actions................................................................................37

Multiple Actions to a Single IF Condition..............................................................39

Message Parameters.......................................................................................40

Variables.....................................................................................................41

Timed operations..........................................................................................41

Prepaid Airtime voucher loading.......................................................................42

Serial port...................................................................................................42

RS232 Configuration.....................................................................................43

Serial Functionality......................................................................................43

Firmware Updates.........................................................................................47

Low power / Battery Operation.........................................................................48

4-20mA Analog Application Note.......................................................................49

Special Settings............................................................................................50

NITZ Timekeeping........................................................................................50

Set Variable via SMS.....................................................................................50

Jamming Detection......................................................................................50

Application Examples.....................................................................................51

Example 1: Periodic message..........................................................................51

Example 2: Monitor alarm..............................................................................51

Example 3: Control an appliance......................................................................52

Example 4: Gate / garage door opener..............................................................52

Example 6: Set an Output as a flag...................................................................52

Example 5: Contact to Contact relay.................................................................53

Troubleshooting............................................................................................54

GSM Commander setup software reports............................................................54

GSM Commander setup software reports “Hardware not detected”............................54

GSM Commander does not send any SMS messages / Error codes................................55

GSM Commander does not display the Airtime value..............................................56

GSM Commander does not respond to Voice Calls..................................................56

Guarantee...................................................................................................57

Disclaimer / Important Notice...........................................................................57

Important Notice...........................................................................................57

Manufacturer Contact details...........................................................................58

1. FEATURES

* Only able to view the current status and history (on Historian package) via Airdrive ( http://www.airdrive.co.za). ** 3G capable GSM Commanders are capable of operating on 3G networks, where 2G is not available. Most countries can operate on 2G without any issue.

Model

On-board Inputs

On-board Outputs

Max Number of Statements

Max number of Messages

Max Length of Messages

GPRS Enabled

3G Capable**

Temp probes Supported

Analog Inputs

Battery / Power Monitor

Extended Analogs

DTMF Decoder

SIM Card Slots

GC0321 2 2 12/12 32 256 64 127 YES* NO 2 1 YES NO NO Single

2 2 12/12 32 256 64 127 YES* YES 2 1 YES NO NO Single

GC0641 2 2 22/22 64 512 128 127 YES NO 2 1 YES YES YES Single

2 2 22/22 64 512 128 127 YES YES 2 1 YES YES NO Single

GC1281 2 2 32/32 128 512 128 127 YES NO 2 1 YES YES YES Dual

2 2 32/32 128 512 128 127 YES YES 2 1 YES YES NO Dual

Matrix Feature Descriptions

Model The code used to define between the various units functionality and capabilities

On-board Inputs The number of inputs provided on the base unit itself

On-board Outputs The number of outputs provided on the base unit itself

The maximum total number of messages that can be programmed into the unit

GPRS Enabled

The number of temperature probes the base unit can accept

Analog Inputs

Expandable

Inputs / Outputs

Max number of Phone

Numbers

GC0321 3G

GC0641 3G

GC1281 3G

Expandable Inputs/Outputs

The maximum total number of Inputs/Outputs that can be expanded to by fitting expansion units

Max Number of Statements

A measure of the amount of complexity that can be programmed into the unit. Each statement is of the form IF <ABC happens> THEN <do something>, such as IF Input 1 goes Active, THEN send “Generator Tripped” to “0831231234”

Max Number of Phone Numbers

The maximum total number of phone numbers that can be programmed into the unit

Max Number of Messages

Max Number of Statements

The maximum total number of behavior statements that can be programmed into the unit

If yes, the unit is able to be registered onto the AirDrive Platform which can allow it to log it's status, log it's events,have remote config and remote output control via GPRS.

Temp Probes Supported

The number of analog Inputs available. By default this is a 0-10V analog port. Inconjunction with a 470 Ohm resistor it can be used for a 4-20mA port as well. See more information in the Analog port section.

2. SPECIFICATIONS

Weight 200 grams

Dimensions

146.2 x 85,2 x 27 mm

Power Supply

12-24V DC via DC Jack

Power Consumption ~ 2.5W

Current Consumption

~ 60mA at idle (no inputs or outputs active)

Operating Temperature -30°C to +60°C

Storage Temperature -30°C to +80°C

Digital Inputs

Opto-isolated. Inputs draw 2 - 45mA, depending on voltage. Can accept any DC signals of any type, including:

➢ Dry Contacts

➢ Open Collector (NPN)

➢ Closed Collector (PNP)

➢ DC Voltage (3 - 20V)

Digital Outputs

2 x SPDT Relay Contact rating: 8 Amp DC (10 - 48V) or 4 Amp AC (110 – 250V). Expandable to maximum of 32*

Analog Inputs 1 x Analog input 8 bit resolution 0-10.8V / 4-20mA

IO Connector type Pluggable terminals

GSM-850/900MHz Output Power Class 4 +33dBm (2W)

GSM-850/900MHz Sensitivity -107dBm

GSM-1800/PCS-1900 Output Power

Class 1 +30dBm (1W)

GSM-1800/PCS-1900 Sensitivity -106dBm

* Model Dependent (See Feature Matrix in Section 2 )

3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The setup software requires a PC with the following specifications:

Operating system Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8 /10

Computer Architecture Pentium 2 or higher IBM compatible PC

Disk space 20MB

Ports 1 x free USB port

4. DIMENSIONS

5. INSTALLATION

5.1. Environment

Due to the make-up of the GSM Commander and it's 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: 14V nominal

• Output Current: 0.5A

• Polarity:

A suitable power supply is supplied with the retail product.

Please Note: It is advised to use a 14V Switching Power Supply if more than one Expansion Unit is

connected to the GSM Commander.

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 12 to 24V 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 than 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 user's responsibility to make sure than 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.

5.5. Antenna

The GSM Commander is supplied with a basic antenna operating in the correct frequency band for your area / country. Connect the antenna to the GSM Commander securely. Verify, using a cellphone, that there is sufficient signal at the proposed installation site. On a phone with a 4 or 5-bar signal strength indicator, you should have at least 1-2 bars of signal.

If the signal is too weak, the GSM Commander may have trouble sending or receiving SMS messages. Low signal can also affect the unit and might result in more data charges (using the GPRS gateway). In these cases, try and find a better location, or order one of our special antennas.

If you are outside South Africa, you may require a different antenna.

The frequency bands are:

➢ 2G : 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900MHz

➢ 3G : 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100MHz

Your network will be able to tell you which frequency band(s) are in use. Contact your local electronics supplier about antennas that operate in your area.

Feel free to contact Polygon Technologies with your request for a special antenna.

5.6. Software Installation

The latest software is supplied on a CD (where applicable) with the product and is also available to download from our website for free at https://www.gsmcommander.com.

We do recommend downloading the latest version from our website.

The setup program (on the CD) will start automatically, or if the autorun feature is not enabled on your PC, you may run the “setup.exe” executable file on the CD to start the setup process. The software has been tested to work on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Win7, Win8 and Win10.

The setup process for Windows 7 has been documented here, but the process is similar in the other versions of Windows.

Screen 1:

Click

Screen 2:

It is recommended that you leave the

install path at the default location.

Click

Screen 3:

Click

Screen 4:

Installation is in progress.

Screen 5:

Installation has been completed

successfully. Click

Screen 6:

Click

5.7. Mounting

The GSM Commander is housed in a very durable ABS casing which has 4 protruding tabs, which allows it to be mounted firmly to any surface by means of a screw. There is also a DIN-rail mounting kit available separately.

Please note: The GSM Commander is not water- or weatherproof. The GSM Commander must be

mounted indoors, or inside an appropriate IP65-rated weatherproof enclosure. The guarantee does not cover damage resulting from water ingress! DO NOT mount the GSM Commander inside a steel cabinet, unless you also mount a separate antenna on the outside of the cabinet.

5.8. Optically - Isolated Digital Inputs

The GSM Commander itself provides 2 signal inputs. The number of inputs can be expanded by the addition of Expansion modules, up to a maximum of 32 inputs*. Each of these inputs have 4 terminals associated with them:

Internal positive supply

Positive input

Negative input

Internal negative supply

To connect a switch or contact to an input, simply connect the switch between the - and -IN terminals, and a wire between the + and + IN terminals. The reverse is just as suitable, i.e. that you connect a wire between - and -IN and place the switch between + and +IN.

* Model Dependent (See Feature Matrix in Section 2)

You may need an input to activate when power is supplied from some other unit. A good example will be a burglar alarm that applies power to the wires going to the siren. In such a case, it will be a simple matter of connecting the positive wire to the +IN input, and the negative wire to the –IN input.

Please keep in mind that these inputs are designed for 3V to 20V operation. If you require to connect a voltage above 20V to these terminals, you should connect a resistor in series with the input, as shown below.

Input Voltage range Required Series resistor:

20V – 40V DC 1K ohm

The + and – terminals are connected to the input power supply of the GSM Commander. If the power supply is 14V, the voltage at the + and – terminals will be slightly less at about 13.8V (due to an internal series diode for reverse polarity protection).

Here is a schematic of the input circuit used on the GSM Commander:

Drawing power for external hardware from the power terminals on the input:

One should not attempt to draw more than 50-100mA in total from the power terminals at the inputs on the GSM Commander. For each expansion unit, the same applies.

5.9. Outputs

The GSM Commander itself provides 2 x 8A (DC) Relay outputs. The number of outputs can be expanded by the addition of Expansion modules, up to a maximum of 32 outputs*. Each of these inputs each have 3 terminals associated with them:.

Each of these inputs each have 3 terminals associated with them:

COM – Common Terminal N/C – Normally Closed Terminal N/O – Normally Open Terminal

When the output is off, the COM and N/C terminals will be internally connected to each other. When the output is on, the COM and N/O terminals will be internally connected to each other.

Note that there are small LED indicators above the output terminals, that will show if the output is ON or OFF (if the LED is on, then the output is also on).

* Model Dependent (See Feature Matrix in Section 2)

In the picture below, the output is connected so that the lamp will light up when the output is on.

This output can be used to control devices and appliances, and is rated for 8A DC. It may be used to control most types of electrical loads, excluding AC motors above 500W.

Here are some examples of things you CAN directly switch on and off using the outputs on the GSM Commander:

• Gate motors and any other motor less than 500W

• Mains Lights (energy savers, incandescents, halogens) (maximum 750W)

Here are some examples of things that you can NOT directly switch on and off using the outputs on the GSM Commander:

• Ovens, Heaters, kettles

• Pumps and motors above 500W

Please note: Keep in mind that if required, the above loads can easily be switched on and off using

an externally connected relay or contactor.

5.10. Temperature Sensor

One can connect 2 temperature sensors to the GSM Commander (at the expansion port via a temperature interface module) to measure temperature and allow the GSM commander to perform certain tasks if the temperature falls above or below a certain point. The sensor provides an accuracy of 2°C.

The temperature sensor (with 2m, 4m or 8m lead) and temperature interface is available from Polygon Technologies.

5.11. Analog Input

The GSM Commander provides a single 0-10.8V analog input, which can be used to measure incoming voltages from sensor devices or power sources (example: battery banks). Using an appropriate resistor, one can also connect 4-20mA sources to the GSM Commander. (See application note under

section 18)

What makes this input so special, is that the GSM Commander can interpret the analog value on your behalf. It is perhaps the best to explain this at the hand of a good example.

Suppose you have a water tank, with a level sensor that is connected to the analog input of the GSM Commander. The sensor is such, that when the tank is empty, the voltage is 1.2V, and when the tank is full, the voltage is 7.8V. The configuration software allows you to request the current reading in a scaled format. You would thus tell the software that 7.8V should correspond to 5000 litres, and 1.2V should correspond to 0 litres, and leave the rest of the calculations to the GSM Commander.

You can now receive a message from the GSM Commander, detailing the actual contents of the tank in litres, instead of just a raw value. (Which you would otherwise have had to convert back to “real” numbers yourself).

Please note: This feature assumes a linear relationship between the input voltage and the desired

output units. Thus, this will not work very well for a cylindrical tank that is mounted on its side, as the voltage from the level sensor is not linearly proportional to the actual contents of the tank.

The user is also able to define the message to precede, and the message to follow the analog value.

The output of the circuit above feeds to an Analog-to-Digital converter with a reference voltage of

0.98V, and a resolution of 8 bits. The full-scale input voltage to the GSM Commander is therefore

10.8V. The range of the analog input can easily be increased by the addition of a resistor in series with the analog input.

Below are some examples of resistor values, and the resultant input ranges.

RESISTOR MAX VOLTAGE RESISTOR MAX VOLTAGE

1K Ohm 0 – 11.8V 18K Ohm 0 – 28.4V

3.3K Ohm 0 - 14.0V 22K Ohm 0 – 32.3V

6.8K Ohm 0 – 17.4V 39K Ohm 0 – 49.0V 10K Ohm 0 – 20.6V 56K Ohm 0 – 65.6V 15K Ohm 0 – 25.5V 68K Ohm 0 – 77.4V

The configuration software assumes no series input resistor, when defining behaviour statements for the analog input.

The software shows both a voltage and a “counts” value when selecting trip points for the analog input. The “counts” value is a variable from zero to 255 (8 bits). If you have connected a 3.3K Ohm resistor in series, and you want to select a trip point at, say 12V, you will ignore the voltage shown by the configuration software, and simply select the correct counts value of 214. ((12 / 14) x 250*)

Please note: The analog input counts never go above 250 (This is a known hardware limitation

problem) and the input is NOT isolated, and must be used with care.

5.12. Battery Input

The GSM Commander provides connections for an external rechargeable 12V battery. Under normal circumstances, the GSM Commander will trickle-charge the battery at a current of about 60mA. In the case of a power failure, the GSM Commander then starts drawing power from the battery to continue operating.

In the case of a power failure, the GSM Commander can continue operating from the external battery. The unit can be configured to perform certain tasks (like sending a warning SMS) if the battery voltage falls below a certain point, and can also perform tasks in the case of a power failure. (Like sending an SMS and switching on emergency lighting)

In cases where the GSM Commander is used in conjunction with a large system with its own battery (such as UPS systems), the battery terminals of the GSM Commander can be safely connected to the large (12V) battery, and the GSM Commander can then monitor the battery voltage for you (only while power is NOT supplied to the power input connector).

Also, in cases where the user may want to connect other hardware directly to the battery, be aware that this will probably drain the battery, since the charging current from the GSM Commander is so low. Other hardware should rather be connected to the power terminals provided at the inputs

(See sec 5.8 for more information on this).

Internal to the GSM Commander, the Battery terminal is wired with a 47ohm resistor between the + Batt terminal and the positive power supplied to the GSM Commander. There is a diode in parallel with this resistor (cathode facing to the battery) to allow the GSM Commander to draw power from the battery under power-fail conditions.

A resettable fuse has now also been added to give the Battery terminal added protection against voltage spikes and short circuits.

Suitable batteries are available from Polygon Technologies.

5.13. Internal Battery

GSM Commanders with a "+" at the end of their part numbers (GCXXXX+), are equipped with an internal 3.7V li-ion battery. This battery can keep the unit going even when the mains power is turned off.

Please Note: Because of the low battery voltage, the GSM Commander will not be fully functional

when running from the internal battery. Specifically, ALL INPUTS and OUTPUTS will be disabled.

The GSM Commander will still be able send/receive SMSes and voice calls. This is very handy for applications where the only requirement of a battery is for power failure notifications. Mounting an external lead-acid battery can be troublesome. This option will effectively solve the problem.

Another area where this feature is important, is in security applications. Sometimes criminals would break open the enclosure and cut all the wires in an effort to prevent an SMS or call from being made. The internal battery will be impossible to turn off, and thus they cannot prevent the transmission.

5.13.1. Resetting the GSM Commander (GCXXXX+)

The GSM Commander will leave the factory in a constant reset state.

The moment an external power supply is connected to the GSM Commander, the internal battery will switch on.

Now that it is almost impossible to turn the GSM Commander off, it may be a problem to reset it. To reset the GSM Commander, the "Turn-Off " dongle that is supplied with the unit must be inserted into the GSM Commander's RS232 port. This will place the GSM Commander in in a constant reset state. Removing it will return the GSM Commander to normal functionality.

5.13.2. Pitfalls

It is NOT recommended to remove or insert the SIM card while the GSM Commander is powered up, thus we advise that the GSM Commander should first be in the reset state (See sec 5.4) before removing or inserting the SIM card.

5.14. Expansion Unit

The GSM Commander supports comprehensive expansion by means of the GSM Commander Expansion unit, which provides an additional 5 inputs and 5 outputs similar to the ones found on the GSM Commander itself. A total of 6 Expansion units may be daisy chained to provide a maximum of 30 outputs and 30 inputs* in addition to those on the GSM Commander itself.

14V DC Jack and Battery Input on Expansion Unit

Each Expansion unit has both a 14V DC jack and battery input, so that it could also be powered by a separate power supply and battery. Applying power to the Expansion unit either through the DC jack or battery terminal is optional. The Expansion unit can draw power via the ribbon cable, but under certain conditions it is better to supply a separate 14V source and battery to the expansion unit.

These conditions are:

➢ When the ribbon cable run becomes very long (>5m)

➢ If you are going to connect more than one expansion unit

➢ If you expect to draw power from the input on the Expansion unit

➢ If you expect most of the inputs and outputs on the expansion to likely be active at once

The Expansion unit will automatically detect if power is applied at either of the it's 14V inputs (DC jack and battery) and thus stop drawing power via the ribbon cable. So to ensure that the Expansion unit functions properly in mains power failure conditions, it is advised that you connect a 12V battery to it's battery terminals together with it's main 14V power supply.

Interface Ribbon cable

Supplied with each Expansion unit is a short (40cm) ribbon cable for interface purposes, but this ribbon can also be very long. We have tested up to 10m, but we generally recommend a maximum cable run of 7-8m. Please contact us if you need a longer ribbon cable.

The ribbon cable connectors are mounted such that pin 1 on the one end connects to pin 10 on the other, Pin 2 connects to pin 9 etc.

It is important to connect the Expansion port on the GSM Commander to the IN connection on the expansion unit. An additional Expansion unit must be connected with its IN connection to the OUT connection of the “upstream” Expansion unit.

* Model Dependent (See Feature Matrix in Section 2)

5.15. Dimensions of Expansion Unit

+ 40 hidden pages

GSM Commander GC0321, GC0641, GC1281 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual