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LTE Modem Installation for RSA

Equipment

  • Spot AI RSA Hardware (HW-RSA-11AD or HW-RSA-12AD)

  • LTE Modem such as Cradlepoint S450

  • Laptop with LAN port or USB to LAN adapter

  • LAN cable

  • Small flathead screwdriver

  • Wire stripper

  • Wire cutter

  • Wire

  • Wire ferrule kit

  • Small adjustable wrench

  • VHB tape

Example: Cradlepoint Local Setup

This section describes the initial setup process for the Cradlepoint S450. If you are using a different LTE modem, follow the manufacturer's installation and configuration instructions.

Recommendation: Activate the Cradlepoint with NetCloud Manager to enable remote monitoring, management, and configuration after the modem is installed and connected to the internet.

Initial Hardware Setup

  1. Insert the SIM card into SIM Slot 1.

  2. Connect the LTE antennas to the modem.

  3. Connect a laptop to the Cradlepoint using an Ethernet (LAN) cable.

  4. Connect the power adapter and power on the modem.

  5. Allow several minutes for the modem to boot and establish an internet connection.

Access the Local Management Interface

  1. On the connected laptop, open a web browser.

  2. Navigate to http://192.168.0.1/.

  3. Log in using the default credentials:

    • Username: admin

    • Password: Printed on the label on the underside of the Cradlepoint device (case-sensitive).

After logging in you click Start NetCloud OS

Change the username and password to ppg and spot2330, respectively.

Log in again using the new credentials, then click Start NetCloud OS. Navigate to Connection Manager > Devices in the side bar. Click the gear icon next to the green gear, which should be marked as “Click to configure WAN Verify” on the active modem, which should be “LTE/3G Multi-mode Modems” with the active SIM card below it.

Ensure the following settings are applied below, then hit Save:

  • Monitor IPv4 While Connected: Active DNS

    • Idle Check Interval: 30s

    • Retry Interval: 8s

    • Retry Count: 5s

Navigate to System > System Control > Device Options and confirm Enable Watchdog Reboot is checked and click Save

Example LTE Modem Installation

Warning: Ensure the RSA is powered off before making any hardware modifications.

  1. Disconnect the LTE antennas from the IVR located inside the compute box.

  2. Discharge each antenna cable by briefly shorting the center pin to the outer shield of the coaxial connector.

  3. Use the external antennas supplied with the compute box to achieve the best cellular signal. Do not install LTE antennas inside the metal enclosure, as this will significantly reduce signal strength.

Cradlepoint S450 Power Wiring

If using a Cradlepoint S450:

  1. Cut the supplied AC power cable near the AC plug to maximize the remaining cable length.

  2. Strip the wire ends and crimp ferrules onto each conductor to provide a secure terminal connection.

  3. Connect the wires to the RSA power terminal block as follows:

    • White-striped wire (Positive): Connect to any available + terminal.

    • Solid wire (Negative): Connect to any available terminal.

Refer to the wiring diagram below for the correct terminal locations.

Power Requirements

  • HW-RSA-11AD: Provides 24–29 VDC at the power terminal block.

  • HW-RSA-12AD: Provides 12 VDC at the power terminal block.

If using an LTE modem other than the Cradlepoint S450, verify that its input voltage specification is compatible with the available supply voltage, including appropriate operating margin. If the modem requires a different input voltage, install a suitable DC-to-DC voltage converter before connecting power.

HW-RSA-11-AD (3 Box System) 24 to 29 VDC Terminal Block

HW-RSA-12-AD (2 Box System) 12 VDC Terminal Block

Install and Mount the LTE Modem

  1. Connect the LTE antenna coaxial cables to the modem.

  2. Connect the modem's DC power cable.

  3. Connect the Ethernet (LAN) cable from the IVR to the LTE modem.

  4. Power on the modem and verify that it has successfully established an internet connection before mounting it inside the compute box.

Once connectivity has been confirmed, secure the modem to the inside of the compute box door using VHB (Very High Bond) tape or another suitable mounting method, as shown in the illustration below.

If using an LTE modem other than the Cradlepoint S450, it is still recommended to mount the modem on the compute box door to provide easy access and maintain proper cable routing.

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