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Frequently Asked QuestionsDiscover answers to commonly asked questions

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.

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. 

Do 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 a 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

 

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.

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

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.

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)

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?

Antennas: 12 – 16 weeks
Cables: 16 weeks
Adapters and Pigtails: 10 weeks
Routers: 16 weeks
Modems: 40 weeks
SNYPERs: Depending on model, varies from 22 – 40 weeks

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.

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