RETIRED ›
This product is no longer available and has been replaced by: RV50.
RAVENXTG Cellular Digital Modem for AT&T
Services Available
Repair No
Calibration No
Free Support No

Overview

Note that AT&T is actively working on discontinuing 2G service, making the RavenXTG unusable in some areas.

The RAVENXTG does not have a direct replacement. However, the LS300G offers similar functionality with a higher power consumption. 

The RavenXTG is a 2G cellular gateway for AT&T and GPRS networks. The RavenXTG has an RS-232 serial interface for configuration and deployment with Campbell Scientific data loggers and peripherals.

Internet Connectivity

The RavenXTG provides Internet connectivity to any of our data loggers located within range of a compatible cellular network. With Internet connectivity, a data logger can transmit data to, and be remotely administered by, Campbell Scientific software. The RavenXTG can also enable many data loggers to communicate using other Internet protocols, such as email and web (HTTP).

Device Intelligence

The RavenXTG is powered by Sierra Wireless’s ALEOS® embedded operating system. This allows the RavenXTG to provide highly reliable connectivity and remote device management independent of the device it is connected to. The embedded applications include IP serial server and client, local PPP host, dynamic DNS client, performance monitoring, IPsec VPN, and GRE tunneling.

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Benefits and Features

  • Internet connectivity using 2G cellular networking
  • Low power consumption without sacrificing device intelligence
  • Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers
  • Rugged design with wide operating temperature and Class I Div 2 compliance

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Detailed Description

Before purchasing the RavenXTG, verify that your site has GPRS coverage. A coverage map is available at www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer.

Refer to the Compatibility section for information on establishing cellular service.

Specifications

Technology 2G GPRS (MS-12), quad band
Quad Bands 850/1900 MHz; 900/1800 MHz
Transmit Power
  • 1.0 W for 1900 MHz
  • 0.8 W for 850 MHz
GPRS Throughput Up to 70 kbps
RS-232 Data Rates 1200 bps to 115.2 kbps
Serial Interface RS-232, DB9-F
Serial Protocols AT Commands, PPP, SLIP, UDP, TCP
RF Antenna Connector 50 ohm SMA
Input Current Range 40 to 250 mA
Input Voltage Range 6 to 28 Vdc
Status LEDs Power, Network, Signal, Activity
Operating Humidity Range 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
Operating Temperature Range -30° to +65°C
Dimensions 10 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm (4 x 3 x 1 in.)
Weight < 0.5 kg (< 1 lb)

Transmit Frequency

850/1900 MHz 824 to 849 MHz and 1850 to 1910 MHz
900/1800 MHz 890 to 915 MHz and 1710 to 1785 MHz

Receiver Frequency

850/1900 MHz 869 to 894 MHz and 1930 to 1990 MHz
900/1800 MHz 935 to 960 MHz and 1805 to 1880 MHz

Typical Current Drain @ 12 Vdc

Dormant 50 mA (idle for 10 to 20 seconds)
Transmit/Receive 120 mA

Compatibility

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Data Loggers

Product Compatible Note
21X (retired) An SC105 or SC932A is required to connect the RavenXTG to the CS I/O port of the data logger.
CR10 (retired) An SC105 or SC932A is required to connect the RavenXTG to the CS I/O port of the data logger.
CR1000 (retired)
CR10X (retired) An SC105 or SC932A is required to connect the RavenXTG to the CS I/O port of the data logger.
CR200X (retired)
CR206X (retired)
CR211X (retired)
CR216X (retired)
CR23X (retired)
CR295X (retired)
CR3000 (retired)
CR500 (retired) An SC105 or SC932A is required to connect the RavenXTG to the CS I/O port of the data logger.
CR5000 (retired)
CR510 (retired) An SC105 or SC932A is required to connect the RavenXTG to the CS I/O port of the data logger.
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)
CR9000 (retired) Although the CR9000 and CR9000X are compatible, the RavenXTG does not support their fastest communication rates, and therefore may not be practical for many CR9000(X) applications.
CR9000X (retired) Although the CR9000 and CR9000X are compatible, the RavenXTG does not support their fastest communication rates, and therefore may not be practical for many CR9000(X) applications.

Mounting Equipment

Product Compatible Note
ENC10/12
ENC10/12R
ENC12/14
ENC14/16
ENC16/18

Additional Compatibility Information

Establishing Cellular Service

Either a static IP account or a dynamic IP account needs to be established. A static IP account eliminates the need for a third party Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) such as IP manager. The DDNS translates the dynamic IP address to a domain name so that the RavenXTG can be contacted as if it had a static IP address.

To setup an account, call AT&T at 1-800-331-0500 and ask for an unrestricted data account for an GPRS modem. After the account has been setup, mobile termination needs to be configured onto the account to make the modem accessible through the Internet. Typically this is done by adding I2gold APN to the account. A data account with an I2gold APN will have a Static IP address.

Please note that at one time, feature code G821 was used instead of the I2gold APN. Feature code G821 has been discontinued, and all RavenXTGs need either an I2gold APN or custom APN.

AT&T can also setup a custom APN. A custom APN may offer more efficient routing and better security for large cellular phone networks. It will take four to six weeks for AT&T to develop a custom APN and cost about $250.00.

AT&T will provide a SIMM card for each modem. In some cases the SIMM card can be picked up at a local AT&T store. The SIMM card must be installed inside of the modem (see manual).

Configuring the Modem

The RavenXTG is configured using Campbell Scientific’s Device Configuration Utility. Device Configuration Utility simplifies configuration of the modem parameters.

Alternatively, a RavenXTG that has been successfully connected to the Internet can be configured using a web browser. Using your web browser, navigate to http://your.devices.address:9191.

Data Logger Considerations

The modem connects to the data logger's RS-232 port via a 9-pin male-to-male null modem cable; Campbell Scientific offers the 18663 null modem cable (see Ordering). Alternatively, the modem can be connected the the data logger's CS I/O port, but an SC105 or SC932A interface is required.

Power Considerations

A power cable included with the modem connects to the data logger’s 12 V or switched 12 V terminal. Connection to the switched 12 V terminal allows the data logger to switch power to the modem during scheduled transmission intervals, thereby conserving power. Alternatively, the modem can be powered directly from a battery or one of our charging regulators. For help with analyzing your system’s power requirements, refer to our "Power Supply Overview" or "Power Supplies" application note.

Enclosure Considerations

A desiccated, non-condensing environment is required. The 14394 Mounting Kit includes hardware for securing the RavenXTG to an enclosure backplate (see Ordering Info).

Downloads

Device Configuration Utility v.2.30 (46.9 MB) 10-02-2024

A software utility used to download operating systems and set up Campbell Scientific hardware. Also will update PakBus Graph and the Network Planner if they have been installed previously by another Campbell Scientific software package.

Supported Operating Systems:

Windows 11 or 10 (Both 32 and 64 bit)

View Update History

Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to RAVENXTG: 17

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  1. Yes. The RavenXTG uses the GPRS/GSM technology, which is commonly used throughout the world.  However, be sure to check with the service providers to verify what network technology they use.

  2. AT&T’s standard Access Point Names (APN) do not allow mobile-to-mobile connections within their network.  However, a mobile device on a non-AT&T network would be able to connect to an AT&T mobile device; for instance, connect with LoggerLink on a Verizon device to a data logger with a RavenXTG.  For more details, contact Campbell Scientific.

  3. Yes. These modems have an input voltage range of 6 to 28 Vdc.

  4. Yes. Both modems connect to a data logger using an RS-232 9-pin connector for their communication.

  5. No. A dipole antenna, such as the 21831, transmits a short distance, emitting a signal 360° around the antenna plain. To transmit to a distant point, a Yagi antenna, such as the 10530, is a more appropriate option.

  6. No. A half-wave antenna may not work in the transmission area. Several antenna options, however, are available for purchase:

    • 21831 – a half-wave dipole whip antenna
    • 18285 – a dual-band, omnidirectional antenna
    • 20679 – a dual-band, omnidirectional antenna
    • 10530 – a high-gain, directional (Yagi) antenna
  7. A standard null modem cable can be used to connect a RavenXT-series modem to the data logger RS-232 port. Alternatively, an SC12 cable and an SC105 interface can be used to connect the RavenXT-series modem to the data logger CS I/O port.

  8. There are three main reasons that a data logger might lose communication over a cellular modem:

    • Loss of power
    • Physical damage
    • Network service issues

    Contact Campbell Scientific for assistance with troubleshooting.

  9. To connect the modem to the data logger’s CS I/O port, either the SC932A or the SC105 must be used.  This communication also depends on the configuration of the ports on the modem and data logger (PPP versus serial server); the two must match.

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