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Version: 5.33

Configuring GSM

1. Goal

  • Connect your Charge Controller to your Backend through GSM

2. Requirements

Make sure that

  • The Charge Controller of your Charging Station has a GSM module and a corresponding antenna (see Capabilities Table below)
  • A SIM card from the Backend vendor or Network operator of choice is present and activated
  • A SIM card is inserted in the SIM card slot of your Charge Controller
info

The SIM card must be able to access APN networks and be able to connect to the Internet.

2.1. Does my Controller support GSM?

Check the capabilities table to find out if your Controller variant provides this feature:

Capabilities table
ModelArt. No.USB HostEthernetInternal ModbusExternal ModbusCellular ModemWLANPLC (ISO 15118)
CC613-ELM4PR-MB940600202x4G
CC613-ELPR-MB940600212x
CC613-ELM4PRB940600262x4G
CC613-ELPRB940600272x
CC613-HEM-X2B940600282x
info

If you can't see configuration options in the Config UI mentioned here, the guide doesn't apply to your Charge Controller. Use the table above for reference.

3. Enabling GSM

  1. Apply the following configuration:

Location in
Config UI
Parameter                  ValueInfo
NETWORK > GSMShow Modem ConfigurationShow
NETWORK > GSMAccess Point Name (APN)Refer to your Mobile Network ProviderAccess Point Name of the mobile network to be used when establishing connections to the backend system via the built-in modem.
NETWORK > GSMSIM Card PIN NumberRefer to your Mobile Network ProviderTo unlock your SIM card, you must enter the corresponding PIN here. Your network provider will also provide you with the PIN together with the SIM card. If this isn't the case, you should contact your network provider.

If the SIM has no active PIN: Leave this field empty. The PIN cannot be managed through the Config UI.
NETWORK > GSMNetwork selection mode Auto (recommended in most cases)Here you can select whether the GSM modem should automatically (Auto) search for Mobile Network Operators (Network operators) or connect manually. We recommend to generally set the mode to Auto. However, in regions with low network coverage, the GSM module may often jump between networks in Auto mode. In this case, the Manual makes more sense.
NETWORK > GSMModem Access Technology Auto (recommended in most cases)Choose the cellular generation to use for communication to the Backend. In Auto mode the modem automatically selects the best available standard. We generally recommend auto. This usually ensures a stable connection. However, if you're experiencing stability issues, experiment with different cellular technologies.
  1. At the bottom of the Config UI, click , then click to apply the changes

In the Config UI, under DIAGNOSTICS > Connection State (Modem), you can see if the Charge Controller is connected to the Internet.

If you can't see Connection State (Modem)

If you can't see Connection State (Modem), you might have BACKEND > Connection > Connection Type set to something other than GSM.
Make sure to set the Connection Type to GSM in order to test the modem connection.

4. Set the Network Operator manually

  1. In the Config UI under Network > GSM, set Network selection mode to Manual
  2. Under Access Point Name (APN) enter the APN of the Mobile Network Operator
name formats

You must observe the correct format when entering the name. You can also configure this in the Network operator name format field. Alphanumeric short, for example, corresponds to a name with up to 8 characters.

  1. Fill in the remaining fields as described in the previous section Enabling GSM
Scanning for networks

If you don't know the correct name with the corresponding format,

  1. Scan for available networks by enabling Scan network operators at boot
  2. At the bottom of the Config UI, click , then click to apply the changes
info

After each restart, the Scan network operators at boot parameter is automatically set to Off.

  1. Wait around 1-2 minutes while the Charge Controller scans for networks in the background
  2. After waiting, refresh the Legacy Config UI (like you would any other website)
  3. In the Legacy Config UI, under State, all available Mobile Network Operators are displayed under Available networks.

All available Mobile Network Operators are displayed in the three different input formats.

FormatExample
Alphanumeric longTelekom.de
Alphanumeric shortTDG
Numeric26201
  1. Transfer the name of the desired provider into the Requested Network operator field, respecting the required format.
Your network isn't listed?

Get in touch with your Mobile Network Operator if the network isn't showing up even after the recommened waiting period.

With the selection Manual/Auto the Charge Controller first tries to connect manually to the specified Mobile Network Operator. If this fails, the Charge Controller switches to Auto mode.

  1. At the bottom of the Config UI, click , then click to apply the changes

5. Avoid roaming charges

tip

Check if you do need to pay for roaming with your network provider

To avoid possible roaming charges, for example at national borders, or in case of unstable network connections, under Network > GSM, set the Mobile Network Operator manually.