Telemetry
GSM
Before GSM telemetry can function, a SIM card equipped with a data plan must be installed into the RBRcervello.
The end-user is responsible for provisioning a SIM and data plan for use with the RBRcervello. To determine specific data quota requirements for your deployment scenario, please consult the deployment calculator or contact RBR.
Supported bands
| Legacy GSM-only | UMTS/HSPA FDD Bands (Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8) |
| Dual-mode GSM pre-2021 | LTE FDD (Bands 2,4,5,12,13,14,66,71) WCDMA (Bands 2,4,5) |
| Dual-mode GSM 2021 | LTE FDD (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,18,19,20,26,28) LTE TDD (Bands 38,39,40,41) WCDMA (Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19) GSM (Bands 2,3,5,8) |
Accessing the GSM modem
Tools required for dual-modem manufactured after April 2021:
- SIM removal tool.
Tools required for legacy GSM-only data controllers:
- a 2.5mm hex key and a #2 Philips screwdriver, to open the main RBRcervello enclosure
A GSM modem is integrated into the RBRcervello. Its location varies based on whether you have a legacy, GSM-only RBRcervello data controller variant or a dual-mode GSM/RUDICS data controller.
Legacy, GSM-only:
- Remove the internal assembly from the external tube by pulling straight up on the handle.
- Mounted in the middle section of the internal frame are two black enclosures. The smaller of these is the “head-end modem” (HEM) of the “mooring line modem” (MLM) inductive modem system; the larger contains the RBRcervello processor and the GSM modem.
- To remove both enclosures, first, disconnect the cables from the top and bottom of each.
- Remove the four 2.5mm hex screws holding the HEM in place and remove the HEM.
- Remove the four #2 Philips screws from the lid of the main RBRcervello enclosure and remove the lid.
- The GSM modem is the topmost component in the main enclosure.
Dual-mode GSM/RUDICS:
- Remove the internal assembly from the external tube by flipping the two tabs on the top handle outward, then pulling straight up on the handle.
- Rest the internal assembly on the lip of the external tube. Disconnect the battery connector. Remove the internal assembly fully and rest it on a flat work surface.
- Orient the internal assembly so that the HEM is upward. The GSM modem is directly above the LEDs.
RBRcervello Dual-mode pre-2021
Once you have located the modem, insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot, oriented as indicated by the label on the modem. The GSM modem accepts a mini-SIM (2FF) SIM card.
RBRcervello Dual-mode manufactured in 2021 or later
The GSM modem accepts a micro-SIM (3FF) SIM card.
- Locate the SIM tray's pinhole.
- Insert the SIM removal tool as straight as possible into the pinhole and push. The tray should pop out.
- Pull the tray out of the modem.
- Put the Micro SIM card into the "SIM1" position with the electrical contacts facing down.
- Insert the tray with the SIM card installed and its electrical contacts facing downward. It is prone to falling easily out of the tray, handle it carefully.
- Push the tray until it is flushed with the modem's chassis. Avoid moving the RBRcervello until the tray is fully inserted to prevent the SIM from falling out of place.
Most cellular providers require no further configuration. If telemetry difficulties arise, or if you know your provider requires additional APN configuration, please contact RBR support.
Source: Wikipedia.
The GSM modem, isolated, with the SIM card slot highlighted.
The GSM modem from RBRcervello Dual-Mode pre-2021.
The GSM modem from RBRcervello Dual-Mode 2021.
Iridium RUDICS
For RBRcervellos equipped with Iridium RUDICS telemetry, a fixed SIM card is already installed. This SIM card can be used worldwide with airtime services provided by MetOcean Telematics. If you would like to use another airtime provider, please inform RBR before ordering.
Unlike Iridium SBD, where data recipients are configured on a per-device basis, RUDICS modems are associated with a shared configuration, known as a ”RUDICS group”. If you subscribe to airtime services through MetOcean Telematics and are using RBR-provided data hosting, you can use RBR's RUDICS group: JOUBEH_RBRCERVELLO_STD_PROD for US-based Datahosting (https://data.rbr-global.com) or JOUBEH_RBRCERVELLO_2_STD_PROD for China-based Datahosting (https://data.rbr.cn). Otherwise, you will need to set up a RUDICS group through your provider of choice. A setup fee for the group will apply. To use your data controller with RBR data hosting, the RUDICS group configuration is as follows:
US-based Datahosting:
| RUDICS type | standard (Standard or PPP) |
|---|---|
| Mobile-originated terminating IP | 34.194.96.152 |
| Mobile-originated terminating port | 9131 |
| Mobile-terminated originating IP | 34.194.96.152 (Not currently used by RBR.) |
China-based Datahosting:
| RUDICS type | standard (Standard or PPP) |
|---|---|
| Mobile-originated terminating IP | 54.223.67.137 |
| Mobile-originated terminating port | 9131 |
| Mobile-terminated originating IP | 54.223.67.137 (Not currently used by RBR.) |
Upon setup, your airtime provider will indicate the name of the RUDICS group.
To provision airtime for a specific device (RBRcervello data controller), you must indicate to your airtime provider:
- the RUDICS group name to provision against
- the unique ID (ICCID) of the SIM card installed in the modem
The ICCID of your SIM card can be determined by contacting RBR support. The IMEI of the modem does not need to be known, as that is only necessary for provisioning SBD service, which is not used by the RBRcervello.
Failover
RBRcervellos equipped with dual modem have a failover mechanism that handles which communication method it uses. Usually the preferred method would be GSM, because of its lower cost and faster speeds, and the secondary or fallback method would be Iridium RUDICS.
