Introduction to the communication system

The cellular communication system enables wireless communication with LI-COR eddy covariance systems and soil gas flux systems over cellular networks. The system includes a Sierra Wireless AirLink RV50X cellular modem that supports 4G LTE with fallback to HSPA+ protocols. The RV50X requires a service agreement with a cellular provider.

Two models of RV50X are available to support global cellular networks. These are made available from LI-COR as package 7900-715 and 7900-716 (see Table 1‑1). Both packages include all of the hardware required to use the cellular communication system with LI-COR eddy covariance and soil gas flux systems.

Table 1‑1. LI-COR cellular communication packages and regions supported.

Part Number	Region
7900-715	North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa (NA, SA, EMEA)
7900-716	Asia Pacific (APAC)

Arranging a data plan

Prior to using the RV50X you need to arrange a data plan with a wireless service provider that offers cellular coverage at your site. The cellular service should be 3G/4G and be compatible with the frequencies and bands supported by the modem. Obtain public fixed IP address. If you have access to a corporate or institutional cellular account, you may need to arrange a payment plan within your institution. See Selecting a data plan.

Typically, the service provider will issue a SIM card (mini SIM, 2FF) that must be installed in the modem see Support: AirLink RV50X Cellular Communication). They will also provide a telephone number, IP Address, and Access Point Name (APN) that are associated with the SIM card.

What's what

If you have just taken delivery of the communication system, check the packaging list to verify that you received everything ordered. The system will include an RV50X, power cable, data cable, antenna, antenna cable, and mounting hardware.

Table 1‑2. Communication system components.

Description	Qty.	Part Number
Sierra Wireless AirLink RV50X Cellular Modem	1
RV50X; NA, SA, EMEA (included with 7900-715)	-	616-18846
RV50X; APAC (included with 7900-716)	-	616-18847
Power Cable	1	-
90° Right-angle Coaxial Antenna Cable Adapter	1	312-13913
4.6 m Coaxial Antenna Cable	1	380-13839
Laird Technologies High-Gain Cellular Antenna w/ Hardware	1	609-13832
1.5 m Antenna Mounting Post	1	9879-064
Ethernet Cables	-	-
30 cm Standard Ethernet Cable	1	616-16844
2.1 m Standard Ethernet Cable	1	616-06116
5 m Ethernet Cable (8-pin Turck to RJ-45)	Optional	392-13977
25 m Ethernet Cable (8-pin Turck to RJ-45)	Optional	392-16699
50 m Ethernet Cable (8-pin Turck to RJ-45)	Optional	392-13767

Overview of the RV50X

An RV50X Quick Start Guide is included in the device. Full documentation is available from Sierra Wireless: (https://source.sierrawireless.com/devices/rv-series/rv50x/).

Cable connections

The cable connectors that are used in this application are labeled below.

Power connector

In the power cable, the red and white wires must be twisted together and connect to a positive (+) 9 to 36 VDC power supply. The black wire goes to the negative (-). The green wire is not used.

Product labels

You may need certain details about your RV50X, such as the IMEI Number when configuring the data plan. This information is given on the label on the bottom of the RV50X and the packaging box. For devices that support unique passwords, the default password is printed on the device label. For other devices, the default password is 12345.

Indicator LEDs

The RV50X indicator panel has four LED lights to indicate the status.

All LEDs

• Green LED chase: Radio module reconfiguration/firmware update or Network Operator Switching is in progress.
• Amber LED chase: ALEOS software update is in progress.
• Solid Amber: ALEOS software update complete (all LEDs are amber except the Power LED)
• Red LED chase: The RV50X is in Recovery mode.

Network LED

Indicates the status of the network connection.

• Solid Green: Connected to an LTE network. Off when in LED power saving mode.
• Solid Amber: Connected to a 3G network. Off when in LED power saving mode.
• Flashing Green: Connecting to a network.
• Flashing Red: No network available.
• Flashing Red/Amber: Network Operator Switching is enabled. Consult the RV50X documentation for details.

Signal LED

Indicates the cellular signal strength.

• Solid Green: Good signal; equal to about 4 or 5 bars.
• Solid Amber: Fair signal; equal to about 2 or 3 bars.
• Flashing Amber: Poor signal; equal to about 1 bar. Relocate the antenna in an attempt to improve the signal strength.
• Flashing Red: Insufficient signal. Relocate the antenna in an attempt to improve the signal strength.

Activity LED

Indicates data transfer over the cellular network.

• Flashing Green: Data is being transmitted or received over the WAN interface. This behavior only appears if the RV50X is configured to display it.
• Flashing Red: Data is being transmitted or received over the RS-232 Serial connection. This behavior only appears if the RV50X is configured to display it.
• Flashing Amber: Data is being transmitted or received over both the WAN interface and the serial connection.

Power LED

Indicates the input power.

• Off: No power or input voltage is ≥36 VDC or ≤7 VDC.
• Solid Green: Power is present.
• Green with Amber Flash: Power is present and the RV50X has a GPS fix.
• Solid Red: Standby mode.
• Flashing Green: When you press the reset button, flashing green indicates when to release the reset button to reboot the RV50X.
• Flashing Red: When you press the reset button, flashing red indicates when to release the reset button to reset the RV50X to the factory default settings.
• Flashing Amber: When you press the reset button for more than 20 seconds, flashing amber indicates when to release the reset button to enter Recovery mode. Consult the RV50X documentation for details.

Optional accessories

The following accessories are available to support the communication system.

Pre-configured biomet system enclosure

Part Number: 7900-126

The pre-configured enclosure is a large weather resistant box with mounting hardware. It is set up for the LI-COR Biomet Data Acquisition System and other accessories. It includes all of the terminal connections and DIN rails required for a complete eddy covariance system.

Eddy covariance system enclosure

Part Number: 7900-050

A basic enclosure with a minimal set of internal components. Includes a pre-drilled internal back plate, three DIN rails for mounting components, and three strain relief fittings. It is best to pair this with the Power Distribution Kit (7900-235).

35 mm DIN rail

Part Number: 6579-023

Optional DIN rail to mount additional hardware in the eddy covariance system enclosure.