SmartConfig2.1

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  12. 4.5.4 First-Time Network Connection

4.5.4 First-Time Network Connection

This section describes how to establish the first cellular network connection for a SmartSampler2 equipped with a Telemetry module.

Requirements

Before starting, ensure the following components are available and connected:

  • SmartSampler2
  • Power supply (12 V)
  • Telemetry kit (cellular module + antenna)
  • Active SIM card
  • Computer with SmartConfig installed

Important:
If the system was upgraded to enable cellular functionality, the Telemetry hardware must be installed and a custom firmware with Telemetry support must be loaded before proceeding.

Connection Methods (Overview)

There are multiple ways to establish the first network connection:

  1. Automatic connection
    Insert SIM card, enable Telemetry in the Settings tab, and allow the system to connect automatically.
  2. SIM pre-activation
    Insert the SIM card into a mobile phone first to activate it, then move it to the Telemetry module.
  3. Manual connection via Debug mode (recommended)
    Manually guide the connection process to ensure correct network selection and reliable operation.

For first-time setup or troubleshooting, manual connection via Debug mode is recommended, as it provides clear feedback and control.

Manual Network Connection (Recommended)

This procedure uses the Telemetry → Debug tab in SmartConfig.

Preparation

  • Ensure the Telemetry module is powered and the antenna is connected
  • Connect SmartSampler2 to the computer via USB
  • Power on the SmartSampler2
  • Make sure the power switch is ON

Enable Debug Access (Required)

Before the Debug tab is available, the following settings must be enabled:

  1. Navigate to Advanced → Settings
  2. Enable Advanced options (located roughly in the middle-right area)
  3. Click Save

Then configure Telemetry:

  1. Navigate to Telemetry → Settings
  2. Enable Enable Telemetry
  3. If known, enter the APN and Token for the Tago platform
  4. Click Save

Once these steps are completed, navigate to Telemetry → Debug to continue with the manual connection procedure.

Step-by-Step Procedure

  1. Power up the system
    After power-up, wait approximately 5 seconds to allow the Telemetry module to initialize.
  2. Check Response
    Click Check response.
    • A response of OK confirms the module is running and responding.
  3. Check Connection
    Click Check connection.
    The response indicates the current network state:
    • 0:0 – Not registered, not searching
    • 0:1 – Registered to home network
    • 0:2 – Searching for network
    • 0:3 – Registration denied
    • 0:5 – Registered (roaming)
  4. If status is 0:1 or 0:5
    The module is successfully connected.
    No further action is required.
  5. If status is 0:2 (searching)
    • Click Search Available
    • This process can take several minutes (5+ minutes)
    • Do not power down the SmartSampler2 during this time
  6. Select a Network Operator
    After the search completes, a list of available operators is printed.
    Each operator is shown with a 5-digit ID.
    • For roaming SIM cards, multiple operators may work
    • Choose one ID from the list and enter it in the ID field
  7. Set Operator Manually
    Click Set to Manual to force the module to use the selected operator.
  8. Check Connection Again
    Click Check connection:
    • If status is 0:1 or 0:5, the connection is successful
    • If status is 0:0 or 0:3, select a different operator ID and repeat the process
  9. Return to Automatic Mode (Recommended)
    Once a stable connection is established, click Set to Automatic.
    This allows the module to automatically select the best network in the future.

APN Configuration (If Required)

If your SIM card requires a specific APN:

  • Enter the APN in the APN field
  • Click Apply
  • Then repeat the connection check

APN settings are usually provided by the SIM card supplier.

Note on Operator ID:


The 5-digit operator ID consists of the MCC (Mobile Country Code) and MNC (Mobile Network Code).
This allows you to identify the country and network provider.

If needed, you can verify the correct MCC/MNC combination here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_country_code

This can be helpful when selecting the correct operator, especially when roaming or deploying the system in a new country.

Notes and Recommendations

  • Manual network selection may need to be repeated if:
    • The system is deployed in a different country
    • Network coverage changes significantly
  • Debug mode should only be used during:
    • Initial setup
    • Network troubleshooting
  • After successful setup, Debug mode can be disabled for normal operation.

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