Xylem iCE3 User Manual

3

iCE

GPRS Variant

User Guide

For Software Version: V1.30+

Amendments

Issue 1 Version 1.11 First issue. Provisional only 22nd March 2004
Issue 2 Version 1.14 Documented all new commands and also device cable

29th October 2004

connections.

Issue 3 Version 1.15 Added sections on scheduled connection mode, field

15th June 2007

deployment and upgrade procedure.

Issue 4 Version 1.20 Updated CSI cable connection. Minor text corrections.

16th November 2007
AT^IRTS behaviour clarified. New logo applied.
Added description of AT^INFO command.

Issue 5 Version 1.30 Added AT^ICLK clock sync command. Removed

6th June 2008
colour labels from cable diagrams as not applicable.

Disclaimer
Under no circumstances will iQuest (NZ) Ltd be liable or responsible for any consequential damage or loss

that may arise from the use of this product.
All examples and diagrams shown in this manual and any supplied configuration examples are intended as a

guide to understanding this product, not to guarantee operation. iQuest (NZ) Ltd accepts no responsibility
for use of this product based on this information or these examples.

Owing to the wide variety of possible applications of this product, you must satisfy yourself as to its suitability
to your specific application.

© 2008, iQuest (NZ) Ltd
All rights reserved.

This publication, or any part of it, and any software accompanying it may not be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated or communicated to any third party, or reduced to electronic medium without prior
written permission from iQuest (NZ) Ltd.

iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

GPRS iCE3, V1.30 User Guide

Contents

1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................1

1.1 About this Manual ..........................................................................................................................1

1.2 Support...........................................................................................................................................1

2 Overview..............................................................................................................................................2

2.1 General Characteristics .................................................................................................................2

2.2 Typical Applications.......................................................................................................................2

2.3 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................2

2.4 Key Features..................................................................................................................................3

2.4.1 Terminal Configuration............................................................................................................3

2.4.2 Wireless Internet Connectivity (GPRS)...................................................................................3

2.4.3 Static and Dynamic IP addressing..........................................................................................3

2.4.4 Gateway Communication........................................................................................................3

3 Installation...........................................................................................................................................4

3.1 Removing / fitting the SIM card......................................................................................................4

3.2 External Power Supply...................................................................................................................4

3.3 Antenna Connection.......................................................................................................................4

3.4 Setting the Real Time Clock ..........................................................................................................4

3.5 Recommended Deployment Procedure.........................................................................................5

3.6 Typical Configuration Examples ....................................................................................................5

3.6.1 DS-4483 Datalogger via iQuest APN to HydroTel™............................................................... 5

3.6.2 CSI Datalogger via Telstra Australia to iQuest Global Data Network.....................................6

3.6.3 DS-4483 via Cingular USA to iQuest Global Data Network....................................................6

4 Operation.............................................................................................................................................7

4.1 LED Indicator .................................................................................................................................7

4.2 Host Device Type settings and operation...................................................................................... 7

4.2.1 Normal (AT^IHDT=0)...............................................................................................................7

4.2.2 Campbell Scientific (AT^IHDT=1) ........................................................................................... 7

4.2.3 Unidata (AT^IHDT=2).............................................................................................................. 7

5 Scheduled Connection Mode............................................................................................................ 8

6 Terminal Configuration...................................................................................................................... 9

6.1 Terminal Set-up..............................................................................................................................9

6.1.1 Port Selection..........................................................................................................................9

6.1.2 Data Framing Configuration..................................................................................................10

6.1.3 Terminal Emulation ...............................................................................................................10

6.1.4 Terminal ASCII Setup............................................................................................................11

6.2 Switching between Data and Command Modes..........................................................................11

6.3 Special AT Commands................................................................................................................11

6.3.1 AT^IACE Auto-Connect Enable.........................................................................................12

6.3.2 AT^IACS Auto-Connect Settings.......................................................................................12

6.3.3 AT^IAPN Access Point Name............................................................................................ 12

6.3.4 AT^ICLK Read / Set CLocK............................................................................................... 13

6.3.5 AT^IDAS Display All Settings ............................................................................................13

6.3.6 AT^IDFC Data Forwarding Character................................................................................13

AT^IDTO Data Forwarding Time Out.......................................................................................14

6.3.7 AT^IGOL Go On-Line.........................................................................................................14

6.3.8 AT^IHDT Host Device Type............................................................................................... 14

AT^IHPS Host (RS232) Port Settings......................................................................................15

6.3.9 AT^IIPA IP Acceptance......................................................................................................15

6.3.10 AT^ILIP Local IP ..............................................................................................................15

6.3.11 AT^INFO Network INFOrmation......................................................................................16

6.3.12 AT^IPTI Ping Test Interval...............................................................................................16

6.3.13 AT^IPWD PassWorD.......................................................................................................16

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6.3.14 AT^IRFD Reset to Factory Defaults.................................................................................17

6.3.15 AT^IRIP Remote IP..........................................................................................................17

6.3.16 AT^IRTS Reply To Sender .............................................................................................. 17

AT^ISDA System DO® Address...............................................................................................18

6.3.17 AT^ISNO Serial NO. ........................................................................................................18

6.3.18 AT^IUID User ID ..............................................................................................................18

AT^IVER Displays Software VERsion......................................................................................18

7 Host (RS232) Port - Cable Connections......................................................................................... 19

7.1 Standard (Non-handshake) Device. (No cable label).................................................................19

7.2 Campbell Scientific Inc Datalogger. (Cable label – “CSIU”).......................................................19

7.3 Unidata Logger – Standard. (Cable label – “UNI1”)....................................................................20

7.4 Unidata Logger – In NIWA enclosure. (Cable label – “UNI2”).................................................... 20

7.5 NIWA Datalogger (with Unidata engine). (Cable label – “UNI3”)................................................21

8 Settings for iQuest APN or Data Network...................................................................................... 22

8.1 iQuest APN ..................................................................................................................................22

8.2 iQuest Global Data Network ........................................................................................................22

9 GPRS Service Provider Settings.....................................................................................................22

10 Firmware Upgrade Procedure.......................................................................................................23

11 User Notes.......................................................................................................................................25

iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

GPRS iCE3, V1.30 User Guide

1 Introduction

1.1 About this Manual

This manual is intended as a detailed guide for iCE3 installation, configuration and operation. It may be read
in conjunction with the standard manuals for the Wavecom® M1206/M1306 GSM/GPRS modems for further
information, especially for the standard AT commands that are not described in this document.

This manual is also available online in Adobe Acrobat® pdf format at www.iquest.co.nz

1.2 Support

Additional technical support for the iCE3 is available by contacting:
iQuest (NZ) Ltd

Waikato Innovation Park
Ruakura Road
Hamilton 3243
NEW ZEALAND

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

For latest information and software updates, visit the iQuest (NZ) Ltd web site at www.iquest.co.nz

iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] 1

GPRS iCE3, V1.30 User Guide

2 Overview

2.1 General Characteristics

The iCE3 (iQuest Circuit Extender) has been designed as a cost effective, low power, self-contained circuit
extender to enable communication with equipment over a wireless (GPRS) network connection. Typical
devices that the iCE3 can be used to interface with include dataloggers, PLCs etc.

The unit is based on the Wavecom® M1206/M1306 “Fastrack” GSM/GPRS modem. iQuest have taken the
standard issue modem, modified it internally and developed a comprehensive software application that
resides within the device. This application provides the GPRS network link management, data transfer and
configuration view/edit functionality.

The iCE3 unit comes standard with a d.c power lead and a host device (RS232) cable pre-wired for one of
three different host device types (see Section 7). The SMA antenna connector allows the use of a small
stubby antenna (optional accessory) or alternatively, a coaxial cable to a higher gain external antenna for
use in areas where signal strength is lower.

2.2 Typical Applications

The iCE3 can be used in a number of applications, including:

- GPRS circuit extension to third party devices

- GPRS telemetry

- GPRS / RS232 serial gateway to multi-drop networks
The iCE3 provides a very effective means for migration of legacy dialup telemetry networks to more cost-

effective wireless IP communications over GPRS. By simply replacing existing dialup modems with an iCE3,
you can have virtually any logger type telemetered over GPRS. If you are using a HydroTel telemetry
system, the iCE3 can be configured to call-in and be downloaded using a dynamic IP address which further
simplifies the deployment. See Section 2.4.3 for more details.

2.3 Technical Specifications

Dimensions: 98mm x 55mm x 25mm (WxHxD) (M1206 Case)
88mm x 55mm x 25mm (WxHxD) (M1306 Case)

Mass: 120g (M1206 case), 105g (M1306 case)
Power Supply: External 5-32Vdc supply. In-line fuse protection.
Power Consumption: Less than 5mA @ 12V in idle mode.

Actual current is dependent on the GPRS modem state.
Maximum peak current 1.7A

Comms Interfaces: 1x RS232 high density DB15, variable speed and framing, DCE configuration.

1x Integral dual-band (900/1800MHz) GSM/GPRS modem.

Mounting: Two slide-in mounting plates secured by M3 or similar size metal/wood screws.
Environmental: Temperature: -20°C - +55°C.

Humidity: Maximum 95% non-condensing.

2

iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

GPRS iCE3, V1.30 User Guide

2.4 Key Features

2.4.1 Terminal Configuration

All configuration and set-up parameters are modified via a standard ASCII terminal connected to the RS232
serial interface. This means that the user can configure the device without needing to have specialised
configuration software installed on their computer specifically for this purpose.

2.4.2 Wireless Internet Connectivity (GPRS)

Wireless Internet connectivity is provided via the on-board dual-band GPRS modem. Through this interface,
data packets can be transferred to and from the host (RS232) port. To facilitate GPRS connectivity, a
suitably activated SIM card must be installed in the device. It is also necessary to program the unit with
appropriate settings via a terminal connected to the host (RS232) serial interface.

The iCE3 communicates over a GPRS network using UDP protocol via a single data port. The device
supports ASCII and binary communication to a wide range of iQuest and third party equipment.

2.4.3 Static and Dynamic IP addressing

The iCE3 supports both static (fixed) and dynamic IP address modes. Whether the mode is static or dynamic
is set by the service provider and the SIM card supplied by them.

Static IP addressing allows the iCE3 to work with any mix of software or device, as each end of the GPRS
link knows the IP address of the other end. However, this mode usually requires a dedicated APN or else an
additional ongoing cost for a static IP on a wider area network.

Dynamic IP addressing requires that HydroTel™ is installed at the remote (base) location. In this mode, the
iCE3 initiates the connection, typically via the Internet and sends a special call-in packet to the base.
HydroTel™ then captures the IP address and port that have been allocated to the iCE3 for that session and
uses them for all ongoing communication with the host device attached to the iCE

3.

Using this mode is

described in detail in Section 5.
The advantage of dynamic IP addressing is the ability to have low cost IP connectivity to any device

supported by HydroTel™. This can be achieved by a simple Internet connection via a local service provider.
The intelligence of the iCE3 manages the GPRS session establishment and maintenance, meaning that the
host device does not need any special intelligence of its own. However, the host device might be
programmed to force a GPRS connection by issuing a simple command (AT^IGOL), perhaps in responses to
an alarm condition. This feature assumes the device supports the issuing of serial strings on demand.

2.4.4 Gateway Communication

Provision has been made for support for System DO gateway functionality between the GPRS network and
the RS232 serial interface. This enables the unit to be used as a bridge between the wide area GSM
network and a localised network of iQuest devices. By connecting a data radio to the iCE3's serial port, it is
possible to communicate with several devices in a multi-drop radio network from the GPRS network.

The gateway transparently redirects System DO packets received via GPRS from address 0 back out the
serial port if they are not destined for the iCE3. Conversely, packets received on the serial port from any
address and directed to address zero (0) will be transparently redirected onto the GPRS network.

iQuest (NZ) Ltd - PO Box 15169, Hamilton, New Zealand Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] 3

GPRS iCE3, V1.30 User Guide

3 Installation

3.1 Removing / fitting the SIM card

Important! Ensure the iCE3 is depowered before attempting to remove or fit the SIM card.

Using a narrow pointed object, depress the small yellow button to the right of the SIM card carrier. The
carrier will then be ejected. Fit the SIM card into the carrier and gently refit it to the device, pushing it home.

3.2 External Power Supply

The iCE3 does not have an internal battery and so requires an external power supply. It will accept any
external regulated dc power source ranging from 5 to 32Vdc. Although the average current consumption is
very low, it is important that the power supply is capable of delivering the high current peaks that GSM/GPRS
modems are capable of drawing. To this end, iQuest recommend that a gel-cell type battery be used to
power the unit, with appropriate trickle charging from a suitable source. In normal operation, the host device
is likely to have a suitable power supply available.

3.3 Antenna Connection

The iCE3 has a standard SMA antenna connector. For installations with a good GSM signal level, a small
right-angle ground plane independent stubby antenna will provide good results. Such antennae are
available from iQuest or other suppliers. This attaches directly to the SMA connector on the front of the unit.
In areas of marginal coverage, iQuest recommend using an external higher gain antenna.

3.4 Setting the Real Time Clock

If the iCE3 will be used in scheduled connection mode (by using the AT^IACE=2 command), the internal
clock will need to be set correctly after installation on site and all other configuration has been completed.

This step is required because the internal clock is reset to a random time when the iCE3 has been
depowered for any reason. Note that the scheduled connections will still work, they will just not be
synchronised to the correct time of day. Please refer to Section 5 for more details on using the Scheduled
Connection Mode.

Use the clock command in this format: AT^ICLK=”yy/mm/dd,hh:mm:ss”

E.g. AT^ICLK=”07/06/15,08:55:00”
NOTE: The clock can also be read at any time by using the standard AT command AT+CCLK?
The reason for providing a special AT^ICLK command to set the clock is that it automatically synchronises

the scheduler in the iCE3 software rather than just setting the hardware clock as using the AT+CCLK
command does.

4

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GPRS iCE3, V1.30 User Guide

3.5 Recommended Deployment Procedure

 Obtain and install the SIM card from your preferred service provider.
 Connect an antenna and power supply to the iCE3
 Using a standard cable (see Section 7.1 for details); connect a computer with a suitable terminal

program such as HyperTerminal®.

 Configure the iCE3 completely before taking it into the field for installation. Use the typical

configuration examples below as a guide.

 If used in conjunction with HydroTel™, configure the station and site in HydroTel for the installation,

including the chosen communication address. This must match the address in the iCE3 if it is to be
used in scheduled (call-in) mode. (AT^IACE=2)

 Test it on-line. If necessary use the AT^IGOL command to force a connection if the auto-connection

mode is not set to continuous (AT^IACE=1)

 Take the iCE3 to site and install it. Take a suitable computer (laptop) and standard cable to allow

testing and further configuration on-site if needed. If required, check the signal strength by either
issuing the command AT+CSQ which is a standard Hayes command to read the received signal
strength indication. (RSSI). For repeated automatic measurements, use the command AT^INFO=1.
See Section 6.3.11 for more details on this command.

 If the iCE3 will be used in scheduled connection mode (by using the AT^IACE=2 command), the final

step is to set the internal clock. Use the standard cable and terminal program on the computer to set
this. See Section 3.4 above for information on using the clock command, AT^ICLK.

 Finally, make sure the correct cable is securely connected to the host device.
 If possible check that the system works end to end.

3.6 Typical Configuration Examples

The examples show the configuration listing that would be obtained by using the AT^IDAS? command.

3.6.1 DS-4483 Datalogger via iQuest APN to HydroTel™

This example shows the use of a permanent link using static IP addressing to enable an iQuest DS-4483
datalogger in New Zealand to be accessed by a local HydroTel™ base station on the iQuest APN.

^IACE: 1
^IACS: 0,0,0,0,0
^IAPN: "iquest.co.nz"
^IDFC: 0
^IDTO: 20
^IHDT: 0 (Normal)
^IHPS: 9600,"8N1"
^IIPA: 1,"0.0.0.0","255.255.255.255"
^IIPA: 2,"0.0.0.0","255.255.255.255"
^IIPA: 3,"0.0.0.0","255.255.255.255"
^IIPA: 4,"0.0.0.0","255.255.255.255"
^IIPA: 5,"192.168.1.10","255.255.255.255"
^ILIP: "10.236.0.12"
^IPTI: 120
^IPWD: ""
^IRIP: "10.236.0.1",7777
^IRTS: 1
^ISDA: 1
^ISNO: AE0-0212
^IUID: ""
^IVER: 1.30

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