The Frequently Asked Questions section lists some of the questions that Siretta have been asked with responses from our engineers. As more questions are answered we will keep this section updated so that the latest information is available to everyone. Add to your background knowledge of industrial IoT with answers to common questions from the industry.
- General Questions
- Antennas
- CloudSURVEY
- SENTRY Analysers
- SNYPER Analysers
- SNYPER 5G & IoT
- Industrial Modems
- Industrial Routers
Does Siretta have a guide for Device Safety and Product Care?
Yes, you can download our booklet here.
Is your company ISO registered?
Siretta is audited annually and is compliant with ISO9001:2015 Quality Management Systems.
Are your products RoHS compliant?
At Siretta we ensure all our products comply with the latest RoHS regulations.
What is the standard lead time across all product groups?
Do you offer customised products?
Yes we offer a custom solution on the following products:
- Modems
- Routers
- Snypers
- Antennas
- Cables
Subject to minimum order quantities.
Please contact our sales team to discuss your requirements.
Where can I purchase your products?
Siretta has appointed a range of Technical and Catalogue distributers covering all continents.
To find a distributor best suited to your needs please Click here.
What kind of surface should I use as a ground plane for my antenna?
The material for the ground plane should be electrically conductive. A metal surface such as iron or aluminum is the usual choice.
It should have a smooth, flat surface so that the radio waves are not scattered randomly from it.
Please note that with time, many metals corrode and can end up with a pitted surface. In such circumstances it is usual to paint the ground plane to protect it.
Does my Siretta antenna require a ground plane?
Some Siretta antennas, because of their construction, require a ground plane beneath them to achieve their data sheet specifications. A ground plane means that the antenna needs to be placed on a surface that will reflect the radio signals. The data sheet often specifies the size needed, which should be read as a minimum size. If a ground plane is needed but not specified, then it should extend at least ¼ of the antenna’s wavelength from the antenna in all directions on the plane on which the antenna is mounted.
How do I set up my Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4, ISM, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave antenna?
The key aspects of these technologies are that the user is likely to control and operate both ends of the radio link and the distances are typically 1 to 10s of meters. Because the distances involved are small, the radio network is likely to be in a home or a building. The radiation pattern of both antennas needs to be considered if the link distance of the radio standard being used is long.
The full three-dimensional model of the antenna’s radiation field may need to be considered as the radio links created may be both above and below the antenna, as well as on the same level.
Polarization also needs to be considered. Where the radio link is a short distance, there are unlikely to be many reflected radio signals and so the polarity of the signal leaving the transmitter is likely to be the same as that arriving on the receiving antenna.
While almost all antennas are vertical polarization, that is vertical polarization with respect to the XYZ orientation diagram provided in the data sheet.
An antenna mounted at a different angle will have a correspondingly angled polarization that ideally needs to be matched at the antenna at the other end of the link.
How do I set up my Cellular, LoRA, PMR or SigFox antenna?
Because of the large distances between your antenna and the antenna on the cell tower, there are likely to be many reflected signal paths between the transmitter and receiver.
This means that placement and orientation of the antenna can be somewhat of a trial-and-error process.
We recommend Siretta’s SNYPER Signal Analyser range for cellular installations. The SNYPER is a device that measures the received signal strength of every cell in range of the tester which can be used to pick the best operator as well as the bands of operation used on the site.
At the point of installation, the antenna may be connected to the SNYPER in LiveSCAN mode, which allows the received signal strength to be measured in real time.
The antenna can then be moved around to find the best position for optimal reception. This is especially useful for setting up high gain directional antennas, where micro-adjustments in positioning can make all the difference.
How do I set up my a GNSS antenna?
GNSS Satellites always transmit right hand circular polarized radio signals.
Therefore, GNSS antennas should always be mounted with the X and Y planes horizontal and the Z planes vertical. Because GNSS uses right hand circular polarization, the antenna can be freely rotated on the XY plane if it supports right hand circular polarization (check out our datasheets for the XYZ orientation of the antenna you are using)
Can I downgrade my plan?
Downgrading from Premium + to Premium is not possible, so please ensure that the plan fits your surveying needs.
I am currently on Premium can I upgrade to Premium +?
The answer is yes you can, however you will need to click on the “Request Upgrade” and we will contact you as the account needs to be reassessed for a revised billable fee.
How many tokens does a survey use?
Depending on the coverage area you plan to analyse, certain factors will need to be considered:
Static Surveys: If a SENTRY or SNYPER is in one static location, Then the cells detected in theory should be the same +/- 10%. For a small town and depending on density, 30 cells maybe found across all technologies, so 30 tokens will be consumed.
Dynamic Surveys: If a SENTRY or SNYPER is constantly on the move, Then the cells detected will be alot more. As a usage example we made a trial run from our office based in Reading UK travelling to Manchester covering 218 Miles we detected 1602 cells. In turn CloudSURVEY will deduct 1602 tokens from your account to access the cell mapping information.
How many devices can I have on one account?
You can have as many devices (SENTRY and SNYPER) to use your pooled tokens on one account.
Where can I pay for my subscription?
The Payment portal is via your CloudSURVEY portal under “View Account”.
I surveyed the same area but as different sessions, will tokens still be used?
Yes, although demographics will look the same, this is considered as a unique survey, so tokens will be deducted.
Can I cancel my paid subscription plan?
If you wish to cancel your CloudSURVEY subscription before the 14 day cool down period ends please contact [email protected] Refunds incur a charge depending on the amount of tokens used, charged at the basic rate. For example, cancelling a Premium Plus Plan within 14 days but after using 1,000 tokens attracts a £18.00 fee (exc VAT). Or if you used 300 tokens you will be billed for the nearest tariff token point i.e. 500 tokens at £10 (exc VAT).
What is CloudSURVEY?
CloudSURVEY is a unique secure portal to illustrate your Cellular surveys using a SENTRY or SNYPER device.
The CloudSURVEY portal enables you to export and save all cellular survey results from compatible SNYPER and SENTRY products to your cloud account. This software offers a range of features, including the ability to view approximate base-station positions on a map and identify the most suitable network for your needs.
I have already used all my allocated allowance on my Premium plan, what can I do?
Allocated subscription tokens will be automatically refilled every month (from the day you signed up). If you have used all of the allocation before the month, then you can purchase extra tokens to “top up” to supplement your usage.
I have just signed up for a Premium plan, what happens to my existing tokens from the basic plan?
The tokens you have already purchased on the basic plan will be automatically added to the allocated subscription allowance until used.
Will my existing CloudSURVEY account be affected?
Short answer is no.
Rather than automatically deducting tokens for map usage, on your main survey list it will give you prior warning to how many tokens it will cost to view.
Why have you introduced Subscription packages?
We are always looking to improve our products and the services we provide to Siretta CloudSURVEY account holders.
As a result, we are introducing plans to avoid the uncertainty of token consumption of surveys.
How many tokens does a survey use?
Depending on the coverage area you plan to analyse, certain factors will need to be considered:
Static Surveys: If a SENTRY or SNYPER is in one static location, Then the cells detected in theory should be the same +/- 10%. For a small town and depending on density, 30 cells maybe found across all technologies, so 30 tokens will be consumed.
Dynamic Surveys: If a SENTRY or SNYPER is constantly on the move, Then the cells detected will be alot more. As a usage example we made a trial run from our office based in Reading UK travelling to Manchester covering 218 Miles we detected 1602 cells. In turn CloudSURVEY will deduct 1602 tokens from your account to access the cell mapping information.
I want to run my SENTRY in “Performance” mode, is there a recommended SIM card?
We advise if you are constantly analysing network performance e.g. Speed, Ping etc, it is suggested to utilise a SIM with a generous data allowance.
How long will the SENTRY last on a 12V battery?
A small 12 V car battery with a rating of 60 Ahr should power the SENTRY for at least 40 days if fully charged.
What can I do with the supplied 5M fused pigtail?
Using a 12 V lead acid vehicle or alarm panel battery is useful where the SENTRY is being used in remote locations where there is no availability of mains power. A small 12 V car battery with a rating of 60 Ahr should power the SENTRY for at least 40 days if fully charged.
Why is there a 1NCE SIM card included with your starter kits?
Our engineering department has been using 1NCE SIM’s during the R&D of the SENTRY so we are 100% certain the SENTRY device works correctly. This test SIM will help in support calls if you are using another brand of SIM and having some connectivity issues.
Can I buy spare accessories for my SNYPER?
You can contact our distribution partner Gateway Electronics for all your SNYPER accessories.
Are you able to download results to a computer?
Yes, the product comes with a USB cable to facilitate this. Details of how to download are contained in the product manuals available on our website.
How does a SNYPER work?
A SNYPER works by detecting the signal parameters being transmitted by local base-stations, and then compiling the results in to a user friendly format, which it then displays on the device in order of highest to lowest signal strength.
Why do you have regional models?
This is because the cellular modules within the SNYPER are tailored to match the frequency of operation within specific regions of the world i.e. Europe, North America, Asia Pacific etc.
What are the accessories within the carrycase?
This is model dependent and can be determined by viewing the Quick Start Guides.
- SNYPER-LTE+ & SNYPER-LTE+ Spectrum models: https://www.siretta.com/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=21921
- SNYPER-LTE Graphyte models: https://www.siretta.com/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=9813
- SNYPER-LTEM (GL) model: https://www.siretta.com/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=40019
Which SNYPERs come with a carrycase?
The following SNYPERs come with a carrycase which also contains accessories.
- SNYPER-LTE+ (EU) V2 Product Code 61774
- SNYPER-LTE+ Spectrum (EU) V2 Product Code 61775
- SNYPER-LTE Graphyte (EU) V2 Product Code 61764
- SNYPER-LTE+ (USA) V2 Product Code 61216
- SNYPER-LTE Graphyte (USA) V2 Product Code 61196
- SNYPER-LTEM (GL) Product Code 61161
Do the SNYPER signal strength analysers require a SIM card in order to work?
The first thing to do is to check your SNYPER model. Essentially all of the more recent models (those introduced since 2018) do not require a SIM, these being:
• SNYPER-LTE+ (EU) Product Code 60808
• SNYPER-LTE Spectrum (EU) Product Code 60809
• SNYPER-LTE Graphyte (EU) Product Code 60596
• SNYPER-LTE+ (USA) Product Code 60926
• SNYPER-LTE Graphyte (USA) Product Code 60740
• SNYPER-LTE+ (EU) V2 Product Code 61774
• SNYPER-LTE+ Spectrum (EU) V2 Product Code 61775
• SNYPER-LTE Graphyte (EU) V2 Product Code 61764
• SNYPER-LTE+ (USA) V2 Product Code 61216
• SNYPER-LTE Graphyte (USA) V2 Product Code 61196
• SNYPER-LTEM (GL) Product Code 61161
Some of our older SNYPER products, which are now end of life, do require a SIM card, these being:
• SNYPER-3G Spectrum Product Code 60186 (For LiveSCAN function only)
• SNYPER-3G Spectrum-NA Product Code 60203 (For LiveSCAN function only)
• SNYPER-LTE Product Code 60264 (For Survey functions)
• SNYPER-LTE Spectrum (EU) Product Code 60413 (For Survey & LiveSCAN functions)
For more about our SNYPERs please visit https://www.siretta.com/products/cellular-network-analysers/
What is the difference between the SNYPER Models?
We are happy to help explain the different SNYPER models, and you can also find our comparison chart here.
Our SNYPER family consists of:
- SNYPER-LTEM (GL):
- 2G, LTE, CAT M1, NB1
- 1 survey
- HTML, CVS Survey reports
- Cell Identity/NBIoT Cell identity
- CloudSURVEY mapping view
- SNYPER-LTE+ (EU)/(USA)
- 2G, 3G, LTE
- 1 Survey
- HTML/CVS Survey reports
- CloudSURVEY mapping view
- SNYPER-LTE+ Spectrum (EU)
- 2G, 3G, LTE
- 50 Surveys
- Continuous LiveSCAN with Graphical display
- CloudSURVEY mapping view
- SNYPER Graphyte (EU)/(USA)
- 2G, 3G, LTE (USA version doesn’t include 2G)
- 84 Surveys
- Continuous LiveSCAN with graphical display
- Continuous LiveSCAN with logging
- CloudSURVEY mapping view
The SNYPER family do not require a SIM card to operate and scan all the available networks
What’s the difference between 5G SA and NSA?
The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has an informative short video explaining how the 5G NR architecture is split into SA and NSA here.
Will new features be available?
Both the SNYPER 5G and IoT Graphyte can be updated using the SirettaSPARK tool and new forthcoming features can be updated to your device.
Click here for support.
Do I need a 5G SIM Card?
Yes!
The SNYPER-5G has two modes of survey operation: “All Networks” which does not require an external SIM card to be inserted into the SNYPER to perform surveys and ‘SIM operator only’ which does. When doing a 5G survey with the ‘All networks’ setting, only 5G SA cells will be reported. To find both 5G SA and NSA cells, a ‘SIM operator only’ survey is required, which will then report the 5G SA and 5G NSA cells for that cellular provider.
5G NSA cells can be identified for individual network operators using the SIM card and the SNYPER will reveal the 5G NSA network compatibility in the survey results.
In general, there are more 5G NSA cells deployed than 5G SA cells because this gives the network operator greater flexibility when deploying their 5G network infrastructure.
Do I need to optimise the battery on my SNYPER Graphyte 5G and IoT?
Yes!
The Graphyte incorporates a smart sensor which measures both the current going into and out of the internal battery and its terminal voltage. This circuit allows the Graphyte to accurately estimate and display the remaining battery capacity, accounting for variables such as temperature and discharge rate. However, to achieve this accuracy the sensor must first learn the true capacity of the battery inside the Graphyte. To do this, the Graphyte should be fully charged and then fully discharged several times to achieve best accuracy.
Why does my SNYPER 5G have 2 antennas?
As the SNYPER 5G also has the capability of surveying CAT-M and NB-IoT, an additional attenna is supplied to optimally detect these bands.
Can I use my mobile to control Siretta modem?
It is possible to control the Siretta modems using a mobile phone.
Please refer to the How to set up a Siretta modem using SMS AT commands Application Note.
Does Siretta provide a SIM card for their modems?
Siretta do not provide a SIM cards with their modem family.
It is generally more cost effective to purchase SIM cards from your chosen network provider.
Siretta offer comprehensive support if customers are having difficulty with connectivity with all networks.
Does Siretta offer a global modem solution?
Our Global solution products contain GL in the product name.
Currently these are:
ZETA-N2-GPRS (GL) is an Industrial GPRS modem
ZETA-G-GPRS (GL): Is an industrial GPRS modem with GPS
ZETA-NEP-LTEM (GL) is an Low Power modem that supports the Global LTE Cat M1 and NB1 networks.
ZETA-NLP-LTEM (GL) is an Ultra Low Power NBIoT modem that supports the Global LTE Cat M1 and NB1 networks.
What are the basic specifications for the Siretta Modems?
The Siretta Modems basic specifications are as follows:
Dimensions: 93mm x 67mm x 28mm
Weight: 90 grams
Operating temperature range: -40 to +85°C
Relative humidity: <95% (non-condensing)
How many Pins does a Siretta modem use on its RS232 interface?
All Siretta modems use the full 9 wire interface pins on the RS232 port.
| Pin | Name | Description | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DCD | Output to indicate modem is ready | Out |
| 2 | RXD | Output transmit line | Out |
| 3 | TXD | Input receive line | In |
| 4 | DTR | Input to control DTE ready condition | In |
| 5 | GND | RS232 Ground | In |
| 6 | DSR | Output to indicate modem is ready | Out |
| 7 | RTS | Input to control hardware flow control | In |
| 8 | CTS | Output to control hardware flow control | Out |
| 9 | RI | Output indicating incoming call | Out |
What is the SIM card size to use with Siretta modem’s?
All Siretta modem’s use the standard SIM size 2FF form factor which is 25mmx15mm.
What interfaces are supported on a Siretta Modem?
All Siretta modem’s have a full 9-wire RS232 interface through a DB9 connector and USB full speed through a USB mini B connector.
In addition some models support an external GPIO header which includes the following:
- 3 x General Purpose Inputs
- 2 x General Purpose Outputs
- 1 x Serial port (TXD, RXD, GND)
- 1 x 0-42V ADC
- 1 x VIN Power Input / Output
Please refer to the products specification for full details.
For a breakdown of the modems and their interfaces please refer to Siretta Industrial Modems
What is the operating voltage for Siretta modem?
The operating voltage for all Siretta modems is 5 – 42V.
We recommended 12V DC as standard.
Idle Power consumption for some of our modems are as follows:
ZETA-N2-GPRS (GL): Idle: 25mA @ 12v
ZETA-G-GPRS (GL): Idle: 45mA @ 12v (with GNSS)
ZETA-N-LTE (EU): Idle: 45mA @ 12v
ZETA-NLP-LTE1 (EU): Low Power Idle: 1.2mA @ 12v
ZETA-NLP-LTEM (GL): Low Power Idle: 715uA @ 12v
ZETA-NSP-LTE1 (EU): 10.1mA @ 12v
ZETA-NEP-LTEM (GL): Low Power Idle: 4.3mA @ 12v
Is it possible to send SMS messages using a Siretta modem?
All Siretta modems support SMS messages.
The SMS service must be enabled on the SIM.
Please refer to How to Send and Receive SMS Messages Using a Siretta Industrial modem Application Note
What accessories come with a Siretta modem?
Siretta modems do not come with any accessories.
If you require a modem with all the accessories, we offer an Starter Kit for all Siretta modems
Our Modem Starter kits contain the following accessories:
- 1 x Multiregional Power Supply
- 1 x Cellular Antenna
- 1 x GNSS Antenna (For the GNSS options)
- 1 x RJ12 Power Cable
- 1 x USB Mini B to USB A Cable
- 1 x RS232 Serial to USB cable
I am having trouble setting up my Router, what do I do?
The Download section of our Routers offers:
- Data Sheet
- Quick Start Guide
- Software manual
- Hardware Manual
In addition our Router Application Notes page offers a range of subjects.
Any further support is available from our Technical Support Team [email protected]
I need to update my router Firmware, can you help?
We have an Application Note on how to update the firmware on our Routers: https://pages.siretta.com/tftp-application-note-feb-2021-copy/
For further assistance, please contact our Technical Support Department [email protected]
Can I mount a Router to a DIN Rail?
DIN rail clamps are included in the Onyx and Quartz range of Routers with Accessories.
The QUARTZ-GOLD, COMPACT and LITE use a custom DIN rail clamp and are made to order
To purchase the DIN rail clamps individually, please contact [email protected]
MOQ will apply.
Do any of your Routers have Bluetooth?
At present we do not have any Routers with Bluetooth.
Why do some of your Routers have 2 SIM slots?
Dual SIM Routers offer the user to use SIM cards from two different networks, to reduce the risk of disconnection to the cellular network.
With a Dual SIM Router, the user has a primary and a secondary SIM. If the primary SIM disconnects from the network, the secondary SIM will try to connect to its network to ensure continued connection.
What is a “Captive Portal” ?
A “Captive Portal” is a web-page that a user must view and interact with before being given access to a Wi-Fi network.
“Captive Portal” is mainly used for authentication purposes and is usually used with free Wi-Fi “hot spots” such as those in business centres, airports, hotel lounges and coffee shops etc.
Our Application Note on Captive Portals discusses Captive Portal and how to implement on our Routers. click here
Do your Industrial Routers work globally?
The QUARTZ-ONYX 5G. can be used globally.
Our QUARTZ range routers are for use in the Europe only.