SCADADroid® FAQ

We have gathered your most frequently asked questions on the SCADADroid® and its use. Here, the FAQ is divided into questions on SIM Cards, Cellular Modem Frequencies, Antenna, Ethernet Connection, SCADADroid® Functionality, and Power Supply.

  1. Does the LTE device need a SIM card?
    As any GSM products, SCADADroid® will require a SIM card
  2. Where do I get a SIM card?
    You can obtain a standard size SIM card from your network carrier, or from a Reonix Automation representative
  3. What information do I need to get a SIM card?
    Verizon will require the IMEI number of the transceiver which is located both on the label of the SCADADroid and the exterior packaging. You will also need to advise the agent that our modem is listed in their system as “Janus Communications Model 910CF V 6.00”
  4. What is the size of the SIM card needed to use with SCADADroid®?
    Mini 2FF size (15 x 25mm)
  5. Can I use my AT&T LTE SIM to obtain AT&T (or other) LTE service on a Verizon Wireless LTE device?
    No, SCADADroid® units with Verizon Wireless LTE modems are intended to be used with Verizon Wireless LTE SIMs only, and they cannot be moved from one device to another. They are registered to the specific IMEI.
  6. Where is the SIM slot located on the SCADADroid®?
    Inside of the SCADADroid®. Open the top plate by removing 4 screws of the SCADADroid® and you will see the slide-lock mechanism for the SIM card to be inserted. The SIM slides into a pivoting frame and locks onto the contact pads of the board. See the Quick Start Guide on the Manuals and Downloads page for a visual guide.
  7. What kind of data plan do I need?
    If you are planning on using text/SMS, we recommend that you get a good cellular plan with unlimited SMS Texting. In addition, if you wish to connect to a VPN server, email, or remotely connect through the SCADADroid® to the internet, you will also need a cellular data plan. MQTT service may economize the amount of data sent over cellular, depending on your solution.

  1. Which LTE frequencies does SCADADroid®support for Verizon?
    LTE Bands: B2(1900), B4(AWS1700), B13(700)
  2. Will LTE devices support fallback to 3G (HSPA+) networks?
    Yes, AT&T: 3G Bands: B5(850), B2(1900)
  3. Which North American cellular networks does the SCADADroid® work with?
    Standard PentaBand (Legacy): Most networks such as AT&T in North America except Verizon
    LTE 4G modem: Most LTE networks in North America except Verizon.
    LTE Verizon modem: Only on the Verizon network.
    LTE with VoLTE: Most LTE networks in North America except Verizon. Depends on availability of VoLTE network.

  1. What is the antenna connector type in the SCADADroid®?
    SMA jack female
  2. If using a remote antenna do you suggest the use of a lightning protector or surge arrestor?
    Yes
  3. Can I mount this in an enclosure using only the 2" antenna you show in the photos?
    If you are using an enclosure with conducting walls, it will stop electromagnetic waves from either entering or leaving the enclosed space, known as a Faraday cage. Also, if the signal strength is weak the data transfer and the voice quality won’t be the best. So in these cases, an exterior antenna is recommended.

  1. What type of cable do I need to connect the SCADADroid®to a computer, PLC, RTU, Network, etc?
    Any RJ45 Ethernet cable, cross-over or straight through.
  2. Are there any special considerations when selecting an Ethernet switch for use with the SCADADroid®?
    No
  3. Can I plug my PC into the SCADADroid®and access the internet using the cell modem?
    Yes, SCADADroid® can be used as a gateway for Internet access.
  4. Does my PC obtain an IP address when I connect directly with the SCADADroid®?
    No, SCADADroid® is not a DHCP server, so you have to manually configure an IP address on the same range of the SCADADroid® to connect with it. The default network configuration for SCADADroid® is 192.168.1.15 and the subnet 255.255.255.0

  1. When an alarm is activated will the SCADADroid®continue to call me if I don’t answer the phone?
    Yes. The SCADADroid® has 4 levels of escalation for the alarms callout. When the notification is sent out, the contact group in the 1st group will receive alerts first. If the alarm is not acknowledged then the contact group in the 2nd group field will get notifications, continuing down the line. If any groups are left, the SCADADroid® will either stop or restart notifications depending on the repeat method that has been selected on the Alarms tab, accessible through the web- browser configuration.
  2. What will I hear when I receive an alarm call from SCADADroid®?
    The SCADADroid® converts the text in the alarm message box in voice (text-to-speech). This is unique for each alarm and the user can enter their own alarm message on the Alarm tab in the configuration browser.
  3. Where can I find what the LED flash patterns mean?
    www.reonix.com/SCADADroid-help/index.php?UsingtheSCADADroid.html#LEDIndicator.
  4. Can I poll a slave device using Modbus TCP?
    Yes, SCADADroid® uses Function Code 1 and 2 to read Coils and Discrete Input status of a slave (server) device.
  5. Can I poll the signal strength and voltage input into my SCADA system
    No.
  6. Can I receive text alerts without a cell modem?
    It is possible to configure an email-to-text through youIr carrier, however there will be no ability to acknowledge the alarm as through text as this would only allow one-way communication. Read more
  7. Why won't my iPhone acknowledge voice notifications?
    Some version of iPhone don't transmit DTMF tones properly (the sound made by the phone when a key is pressed). The workaround for this is to send a text message alongside a voice alert to the iPhone so that it can be acknowledged via text. You can also search the Internet for your version of iOS to see if there is a setting to change the DTMF tones.

  1. What is the low voltage disconnect level?
    12V
  2. My solar panel can exceed 24Vdc. Will this harm my SCADADroid®?
    Yes, it could as solar panels commonly see 31Vdc in peak sunlight hours. We suggest using a solar charger with “load” terminals to provide stable power to the unit.
  3. What is the USB port used for?
    The old model used it as a Power Supply with a switching-type supply with a minimum 1 amp current-capability. Newer models use a wire-in Power Supply connector in the center of the face-plate, and the USB port is now held in reserve for future options
  4. I’m having trouble getting my wires in/out of the terminal block. How does this work?
    Push in the orange tap to move the wire in and out. Release the orange tap to hold in place.
  5. Is there a fuse in the SCADADroid® or do I need to fuse the power input? What size do you suggest? Should it be a slow or quick blow?
    The SCADADroid® has a resettable type fuse. No external fuse is strictly required, but a 2 amp fast-acting fuse is recommended as added protection.
  6. How many slave Modbus points can I poll and generate alarms with?
    The SCADADroid® can poll 9999 coils or input status bits and alarms on them. The SCADADroid® can also poll multiple Modbus devices. The limit will be how fast the polling can happen. We recommend between 40 to 60 devices.
  7. How do I determine the impact on my power budget when determining solar/battery sizing?
    The SCADADroid® will draw a peak of 400mA @ 24VDC and 700mA @ 12VDC and an idle draw of 150mA.
  8. Are there any considerations when using the SCADADroid®as a passthrough cell/data modem?
    In general, the answer is no. Just remember that it is a cellular modem, so the data throughput will be affected by the signal strength, the type of network it is connected to, and how busy the cellular system is.

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