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hutchwilco
Operating without antennas (temporarily)

Hi there,

So I've received my v3 module, but somehow falied to order the antennas - my bad. Luckily I read the warning not to start the module up without the 3G antenna, or risk damaging the modem. 

I'm wondering now, the best way to start it up and set it up ( I'm happy to use wifi and forgo GPS/GSM for the time being).

Obviously I can remove the modem. But in my experience the tiny antenna plugs are easy to break, so I'd rather avoid that.

Is there a way to prevent the modem starting up or disabling it? I see there are a number of switches - one on the modem and at least two on the main board.

Thanks 

markwj
markwj's picture
The modem can be disabled in

The modem can be disabled in software. Just don't click the 'enable modem' button in the setup.

hutchwilco
The modem can be disabled in

The modem can be disabled in software. Just don't click the 'enable modem' button in the setup.

Thanks Mark, I suspected this might be the case. For clarity though, the User Guide specifically states:

Warning!

Prior to connecting the OVMS module to the vehicle, or computer via USB, if you have the GSM cellular option we recommend you connect a GSM antenna. GSM systems are designed to always operate with an antenna, and powering on one without could damage the equipment.

Reading this as written would suggest that simply powering it on would power up the modem and could damage it if an antenna was not attached.

I think your advice is probably considering this already, and you know in this case it does not power on the modem until it is enabled during initial config, but it pays to check!

Thanks again

markwj
markwj's picture
The warning in the user guide

The warning in the user guide is really there to satisfy FCC regulations (regarding proper use of antenna with this equipment).

By default, the modem is not enabled and checked on boot to ensure it is powered off. Even if you have enabled it, I think it will be fine for the few minutes it will take you to disable it.

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