Cellular Modem Installation (Preconfigured Sierra Wireless Router)

The purpose of this article is the installation of IP cellular modem and related equipment. If necessary, refer to documentation provided with each device or their website for specifics. A single cell modem can connect to multiple devices at the site using an unmanaged switch. Adjust procedure accordingly if used. Contact Comet Electronics for help with configuration and testing of the APU-102.

Requirements:

Parts Required

• Sierra Wireless Cellular Router (pre-configured and provisioned)
• Modem Mounting Bracket
• Cellular Antenna
• Antenna Mast and Mounting Brackets
• “N” style PolyPhaser Bulkhead Lightning Arrestor
• SMA Male to “N” Male cable
• “N” Male to “N” Male cable
• CAT5 or better network cable

Tools/supplies Required

• Misc. hand tools
• Power drill with Uni-Bit.
• Optional-2” to 3” hole saw bit.
• Laptop computer with communication program such as ProComm, HyperTerminal, etc.
• Null modem cable or modem cable with null adapter (25-pin DB male on APU-102 end)
• Rubber splicing tape (e.g. 3M 23, 130C)
• Zip ties as needed.

Optional

• APU-102 System Operations Manual, 003-0015-00
• Communications program users guide
• Cellular modem user guide
• Unmanaged network switch
• Additional CAT5 or better cables

Mount the cellular equipment

Outside equipment

1. Remove one of the access panels near the roof of the equipment hut. If the hut does not have access panels, use the hole saw, from inside near the roof, to cut the interior wall and insulation to expose the hut skin.
2. Drill 5/8” diameter hole to mount the PolyPhaser.
3. Install the PolyPhaser arrestor to the access panel or hut wall, body of the arrestor to be mounted inside the hut with seal against panel/wall.
4. Reinstall the access panel.

Access Panel w/ PolyPhaser Installed	PolyPhaser Installed - No Access Panel

1. Attach mast brackets to wall of hut. Make sure screws/bolts penetrating the hut wall will not pierce or affect any internal equipment, wiring, electrical, etc. Mount one bracket about 12” from roof of hut and 2^nd bracket at about 48” from roof of hut.
2. Attach the “Sputnik” reflectors, if provided, to the antenna base (align upward if bent).
3. Attach the antenna to the antenna base.
4. Attach the antenna base to the mast.
5. Attach the “N” to “N” cable to the antenna base.
6. Wrap cable to antenna connector with the rubber splicing tape to seal from moisture (stretch the tape as you wrap).
7. Raise the antenna mast into place and mount to the side of the hut with the supplied hardware.
8. Connect the “N” to “N” cable to the outside connector of the PolyPhaser.
9. Wrap cable to PolyPhaser with the rubber splicing tape to seal from moisture (stretch the tape as you wrap).
10. Secure the cable to the mast, looping excess cable if necessary. Leave a "drip loop" below the PolyPhaser so water will run away from the connection.

Cell Antenna Mast

Inside Equipment

1. Locate appropriate mounting location for the cellular modem and bracket. It should be placed where CAT5 cable(s) and antenna cables easily reach.
2. Mount the bracket and secure the modem in the bracket.
3. Connect the SMA to “N” cable to the modem’s primary antenna port (SMA Female).
4. Connect the SMA to “N” cable to the PolyPhaser.
5. Connect the CAT5 cable from the network port of the modem to the APU-102 NIC jack (or any port on the network switch).
6. If network switch is used, connect with CAT5 cable to each APU-102 or other equipment as required.
7. Connect power cable for the modem (and switch) to a constant DC power source.
   1. If site has LVD-2000, connect positive (red) and ignition (white) to Pin 1 and negative (black) to Pin 5 of any LOAD port on the LVD-2000 (prefer unused).
   2. If site has fuse block distribution, connect positive/ignition (red/white) and negative (black) wires as necessary.

[figure]Modem power to LVD-2000

1. Connect power to the modem (and switch).
2. Secure all cables as needed.
3. Allow 3-5 minutes for the modem to power up and register with the cellular network.

Equipment setup and testing

Configuring the equipment

If not already done, upgrade the APU-102. Upgrade materials are preconfigured for specific sites. Refer to the documentation provided with the APU-102 upgrade kit.

Testing the equipment

1. Log into the APU-102 supervisory menu.
2. Type “IPCONFIG” command and verify the modem is connected and your IP is displayed (e.g. 192.168.1.101).
3. Using the “PING” command, ping an upstream host address. PING 192.168.1.1 (the modem) and PING 8.8.8.8 (Google).
4. NTP may need to be enabled and FTP files uploaded and configured. Contact Comet Electronics for assistance.

Comet Electronics Service technicians are available M-F, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time if you require assistance.

(888) 700-4214 or (816) 245-5400.