Orbital modems

Modified on Wed, 25 Jan, 2023 at 11:14 AM

It's important to verify the controller is connected to a compatible modem. It's also important to verify that the modem is compatible with the controller firmware type and version. For example, it won't work to use an Orbital 2G modem if the controller runs with a firmware type and version that is developed for 4G modem connection.  


Orbital 2G modems


Blue 2G modem

Orbital 2G modem

The red LED indicates the power control and the status of the micro controller. 

Operating status of the controllerLED mode        Description
Sleep mode                                        Off  Power supply connected, but not switched on
IgnitionflashingThe engine is switched on. The communication via the serial interface will be active after a few seconds.
Active mode                                        off  The red LED is off. Usually, the yellow LED is flashing (Table 8: Coding of the yellow LED).
Standby mode                                    onThe duration of the Standby Mode is roundabout 30 seconds. If an ignition signal occurs (an active signal edge at pin 3 of the Western jack (5.4 26BTurn on) or an active edge on DTR (5.6.1.1 5BDTR - Data terminal ready)) the engine is activate immediately


The yellow LED

Permanently off

Modem is in one of the following modes: 

  • POWER DOWN mode 
  • NON-CYCLIC SLEEP mode 
  • CYCLIC SLEEP mode with no temporary wake-up event in progress 1) 
600 ms on / 600ms off                                  Limited network service: No SIM card inserted or no PIN entered, or network search in progress, or ongoing user authentication, or network login in progress.
75 ms on / 3 s off                                              IDLE mode: The mobile is registered to the GSM network (monitoring control channels and user interactions). No call is in progress.
75 ms on / 75 ms off / 75 ms on / 3 s off      One or more GPRS PDP contexts activated.
500 ms on / 50 ms off                                      

Packet switched data transfer is in progress Permanently on Depending on type of call: 

  • Voice call: Connected to remote party
  • Data call: Connected to remote party or exchange of parameters while setting up or disconnecting a call


Black modem

A green LED indicates whether the BGS2T is ready to operate.


The red LED indicates the power control and the status of the microcontroller.

Permanently offBGS2T is in POWER DOWN mode
600 ms on / 600 ms off:  Limited Network Service: No SIM card inserted or no PIN entered, or network search in progress, or ongoing user authentication, or network login in progress.
75 ms on / 3 off:                                                IDLE mode: The mobile is logged to the network (monitoring control channels and user interactions). No call in progress.
75 ms on / 75 ms off / 75 ms on / 3 s off      One or more GPRS contexts activated
500 ms on / 25 ms off                                      Packet switched data transfer in progress.
Permanently on                                                  Connected to remote party or exchange of parameters while setting up or disconnecting a call.



Orbital 3G and 4G modems


Yellow modem

Green LED (Power ON/OFF): Indicate whether the terminal is ready to operate and reports certain watchdog operations.


Orange LED (Network Status):

10 ms on / 1990 ms offdata transfer
10 ms on / 3990 ms offregistered to a network. No call, no data transfer
500ms on / 500 ms off:limited network service (e.g. because no SIM/ USIM, no PIN or during network search)


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