DFNEXT Modem Installation

Note: these instructions are for DFN camera systems equipped with blue PCB modem adaptor board (see images below). For DFN observatories with green PCB modem adaptor board please refer to DFN Modem Installation - Green card.

The DFNEXT observatories usually ship without modems as many of them are deployed with WiFi or Ethernet connectivity and different areas of the world require different modems.

If you wish to network your DFNEXT observatory via mobile broadband instead of WiFi or Ethernet you need to source a modem and request a modem installation care package from DFN Camera Help. You will also need a 2FF ("standard") sized SIM with an active data plan.

The recommended modems are the Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC Series MC7455 (for the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and the MC7430 (for Asia Pacific including Australia). It is also a good idea to verify that the selected modem will support the frequencies/bands used by your operator in the area.

Installation Steps

Once you have the modem, installation care package (containing the modem adaptor board, USB cable, modem bracket and screws) and a SIM card, you can install the modem by following the steps bellow.

Connect the modem USB cable to the modem.

Insert the modem into the adaptor board.

Press modem down and fasten with the two small screws.

Insert the 2FF sized SIM into the spring loaded SIM card slot in the modem adaptor board.

Take the modem bracket and two large screws.

Fasten the modem bracket using the two large screws and the threaded holes below the PCB.

Ensure the bracket is installed as far to the right as possible to allow the connector to clear the PCB standoff above the modem bracket.

Use a hot air gun to bend the external USB connector cable out of the way of the modem.

Lift one side of the PCB to clear the modem's USB connector which should face upwards.

Firmly slide the modem into the bracket ensuring it reaches the bottom. (The slots in the bracket may require some filing.)

Attach the short GSM antenna pigtail to the main antenna port on the modem using your fingers or some needle-nose pliers.

Ensure the U.FL connector is seated correctly.

Tuck the excess USB cable under the PCB and connect the USB header connector to the PC.

Ensure that the USB header connector is well seated and that the adjacent connectors have not been knocked out.

Network configuration

Make sure the networking is configured correctly for a specific modem type and operator. Please contact your service provider for details like AP name (here "telstra.m2m"), Password, Username and Phone (number) to dial.

The Mobile network configuration in the observatory PC operating system has moved to a separate wiki page.