ComX GPRS

[sesa237527]

I am looking at the technical documentation on the GPRS unit for a ComX, is it 2G or 3G?

[sesa22585 · Accepted solution]

The GPRS accessory in the catalog is 2G.  With the latest firmware (V3.0) - you can also use a 3G dongle.  Here are the part numbers for three 3G references we have tested and recommend with the Com'X. 

These are the models supported on the Com'X (in order of recommendation):

• MultiTech MTC-H5-B03-KIT (http://www.multitech.com/datasheets/86002164.pdf)
• Huawei MS2131i-8
• MultiTech MTD-H5 (http://www.multitech.com/models/92507090LF)

[Coppo]

Is it correct that when selecting the GPRS "USB" connect method.... you lose the seperate ethernet connectivity on the dual RJ45's on ComX 510?  

[sesa237527]

Hi Brett.  I can't help with this question, I recommend you reach out to the wider subject space for comments.

[Coppo]

Sorry, I was actually adrressing my question to bobbie meredith, but clicked on the wrong link.

[Coppo]

referring to "tested", does that mean  the 3 products listed are directly supported simply by plugging them into a USB port on the ComX unit and powering up the ComX?

same as how the EBXA-GPRS is currently detected.... ie:   no firmware update required?

based upon the physical format of these new alternatives and limitations, ie none look to fit under the existing comx cover, and the Huawei unit does not look available in AU, we will continue recommending ethernet connection instead as per

https://community.se.com/message/98765#98765

[Coppo]

Bobbie,
The previous serial modem EBXA-GPRS was data publish "dial-out only" from ComX unit.

These 3 new units you advise are tested and recommended are all "serial modems" I expect.
So they will still have the same data publish "dial-out only" functionality I would assume. 

My understanding is that unless the ComX is connected to ethernet via a VPN supporting USB modem/router/switch,
I will not be able to dial into it from external TELCO connection.

[Anonymous user]

Hi Brett,

Can you clarify what you mean by "dial out only" functionality? What is it you would like to do with the ComX over 3G?

Best,

Colton Peltier

[Coppo]

Dial-out.... the device (comX) can send data out to another machine/service.

I have read and also been told by our local trainers that ComX via the serial modem only supports 1 way comms...

so it can data publish "dial-out only", but cannot be dialed into from the existing schneider 2G modem EBXA-GPRS.

For you to remote access into the ComX you would need to have it connected via ethernet and typically a modem/router/switch allowing VPN connection, so the ComX thinks you are on the local network.

Ethernet connection is the recommended connection we have documented here in AU, using suitable local products already approved for use on our local TELCO.

For you to remote access any of the data info on a ComX that is using a EBXA-GPRS, you can't directly.  The info would have to be sourced from a cloud service that the ComX is publishing data into, such as "Facilities Insights" or similar.   

[Anonymous user]

Hi Brett,

Thank you for the clarification. Depending on your cellular provider and ComX model, it may be possible for you to "dial-in" to the ComX. However, it may be very slow depending on the connection. What ComX model are you using?

Best,

Colton

[Coppo]

ComX 510.

FYI.

The manufacturer has responded to local team and advised the MTC-H5-B03 is designed for data-publish out from ComX unit only.

MultiTech Manufacturer states that "if we require 2 way communications" we should look at one of their more expensive products that is a ethernet router/modem (MTR-H5/H6) , as the MTC-H5-B03  product is only a simple serial modem and does not natively support VPN/DDNS support etc for remote connection into ComX.

They mention about being able to support auto IP connection, but that it would require someone to write a program into the MTC-H5-B03 using python so it can auto configure or set itself up as a server.

In my personal opinion, this all sounds like a potential point of failure in a 3rd party product ' that Schneider would end up having to warranty".

Much better to go with the "ethernet connect" options that I documented previously that natively support VPN direct from  their own manufacturers and would not need to be exhaustively tested to ensure the functionality of the ComX is intact.