Sensaphone 4G/LTE Cell Modem — User's Manual

Overview

The Sensaphone 4G/LTE Cell Modem provides a cellular internet connection for Sensaphone Cloud Devices (Sentinel, Sentinel Pro, and Stratus) using AT&T, Verizon, or Rogers Wireless (Canada). It's self-contained in a NEMA 4X wall-mountable enclosure with an 8-hour rechargeable battery backup, weatherproof RJ45 connectors, and an external antenna. The device requires activation through a cellular subscription plan with Sensaphone, which also enables voice alarms, text messaging, and unlimited datalogging.

Features

• 4G/LTE connectivity to major cellular networks
• Ethernet ports for the Sensaphone device and Modbus devices (if required)
• 8-hour rechargeable backup battery
• External antenna with 16' cable
• Battery charge controller to manage charging and low-voltage disconnect
• NEMA 4X enclosure with weatherproof fittings

Layout

1. Power Switch
2. Charge Controller
3. Rechargeable Battery
4. 4G/LTE Modem
5. Power Supply
6. Antenna
7. Sensaphone CAT5 Connector
8. Modbus CAT5 Connector

⚠ Important Safety Instructions

• Do not block ventilation openings; keep away from heat sources like radiators or heat registers.
• Do not use near water, or spill liquid of any kind into it.
• Verify the power source matches the rating listed on the AC power supply.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord, or install it where the cord will be walked on.
• Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords.
• Never push objects into the unit through ventilation holes.
• To reduce risk of electric shock, do not disassemble — return to Sensaphone Customer Service or an approved repair facility for service.
• Return the unit for servicing if: the power cord/plug is frayed or damaged; liquid has been spilled into it or it's been exposed to water; it's been dropped or the cabinet is damaged; or it doesn't function normally.

Battery caution: use only 12V 3AH sealed lead-acid batteries. Do not dispose of in fire (may explode). Do not open or mutilate — released electrolyte is corrosive and may be toxic if swallowed. Avoid shorting the battery with conducting materials (rings, bracelets, keys), which can cause overheating and burns.

Installation & Operation

Operating Environment

Can be mounted indoors or outdoors; optimal battery life is achieved near room temperature (~75°F). Operating temperature range is 5° to 122°F (-15° to 50°C). Do not install near strong electrostatic, electromagnetic, or radioactive fields — mount the antenna as far from electronic/electromechanical devices as possible. Do not expose internal components to humid environments, fumes, or corrosive vapors.

Mounting

Mount to a wall or panel using four #10 screws, out of direct sunlight if possible, in a location allowing optimal antenna placement. The antenna cable is 16 ft long — mount the antenna as high as possible, away from electrical equipment (controllers, motors, pumps) that may cause interference. Do not extend the antenna cable (degrades signal) or install the antenna inside a metal enclosure. It's better to run a long CAT5 cable to the Sensaphone device (up to 328') than to place the modem/antenna in a poor location.

The enclosure has two weatherproof RJ45 connectors: the left one labeled "Sensaphone" connects to the Ethernet port on your Sentinel, Sentinel Pro, or Stratus device; the right one labeled "Modbus" reads registers from ModbusTCP devices on your local network (requires some network configuration — see Modbus TCP Configuration below).

Using the Weatherproof RJ45 Connectors

1. Unscrew the ribbed outer part of the connector, then the inner part that butts against the enclosure.
2. Push the rubber grommet out with your finger.
3. Insert the CAT5 cable through the outer ribbed part, then through the fingers of the inner part, and connect to the RJ45 jack on the enclosure.
4. Wrap the rubber grommet around the cable and push it into the fingers of the inner piece.
5. Screw the inner piece onto the enclosure, then screw on the ribbed outer piece.

Cellular Activation

Before the unit will function, you must subscribe to a cellular plan. Fill out the included subscription form and send it to Sensaphone as directed; they will activate cellular service and notify you once complete.

Turning On the Device

1. Open the door on the weatherproof enclosure and turn on the Power switch. The green LED on the Charge Controller should light up.
2. Allow the modem several minutes to boot up and connect to the cellular network.
3. Turn on your Sensaphone device after the modem has been powered up for 5 minutes. The online LED on your Sensaphone should glow steady once it connects to the Sensaphone.net servers.

Network Configuration for Modbus TCP Devices

Stratus EMS and Sentinel PRO devices can read Modbus registers from third-party equipment using ModbusTCP over Ethernet. The modem's two Ethernet jacks: one for the Sensaphone device to communicate over the cellular network to Sensaphone.net servers, one for ModbusTCP devices. The modem allows internet access to the Sensaphone port but not the Modbus port — connect devices to the correct ports.

The Modbus port is set up on IP address 192.168.1.1. For a new Modbus network, set device IPs to 192.168.1.x to simplify the process; your Sensaphone will read registers on this IP range.

Configuring the Modem for Use on an Existing Network

1. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the Modbus port.
2. Enter http://192.168.1.1 in the address field.
3. Log in with username admin and password admin.
4. Select "Network" from the menu, then click "LAN".
5. Change the IP address to an unused address on your network and click "Save". Document the modem's new IP address and post a copy near the unit for future reference.
6. Add a static route on your existing router/firewall pointing to the modem's new IP address, directing traffic for 192.168.51.0/24 to that address, so ModbusTCP devices can communicate with the Sensaphone device on the other port. Refer to your router's documentation or your IT department for help.

Specifications

Returning Your Unit for Repair

1. Record your observations about the malfunction, then call Technical Service at 877-373-2700 prior to sending the unit for repair.
2. Turn the power switch OFF, unplug the AC power supply, and disconnect the CAT5 cable(s).
3. Carefully pack the unit (use the original container if available, or a sturdy shipping box).
4. Download and fill out the Repair form from Sensaphone.com (Support > Repair) and include it in the box, or include a note with your name, address, phone number, and a description of the problem.
5. Ship prepaid and insured via UPS or US Mail to: Service Department, Sensaphone, 901 Tryens Road, Aston, PA 19014.

Warranty

Sensaphone provides a One-Year Limited Warranty covering defects in materials and craftsmanship from the original purchase date, at the warrantor's option to repair or replace. The warranty terminates if the product is damaged by extraneous causes (fire, water, lightning), modified, improperly installed, misused, serviced by unauthorized personnel, used for an unintended purpose, or resold by the original purchaser. Warrantor liability is limited to repair/replacement of the product; incidental, consequential, special, and punitive damages are excluded. Effective date: 07/01/2019.

Contact & Technical Support

Phonetics, Inc. d.b.a. Sensaphone — 901 Tryens Road, Aston, PA 19014. Phone: 877-373-2700 (Technical Support 8:00am–5:00pm EST) or 610-558-2700. Fax: 610-558-0222. Email: support@sensaphone.com. Web: www.sensaphone.com.