Appendix H - GSM, SIM, PIN and the Observer Camera

The GSM cellular network (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most prevalent cellular network in the world. In order to access this network with the Observer camera a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is required. This small plastic card is the same as used in cellular phones. It contains the account information and stored phone numbers and text messages. A properly provisioned SIM card must be inserted into the back of the camera before any images can be transmitted.

The account contained on a SIM card may be provisioned for different network capabilities. For instance, voice service is required to use a regular cell phone. The Observer camera requires a SIM card provisioned for the ‘data pathway’ of the GSM network. This pathway, called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), allows the camera to transmit images to the Internet. A ‘voice provisioned’ SIM is not required as the Observer has no voice communications capabilities. An account with voice capabilities will not interfere with the Observer operations, it will simply remain unused. Since each capability is an added expense the best option for the Observer camera is a ‘data only’ SIM account. Additionally, text messaging (sometimes called SMS) may be required if the text message notification capability or adjusting the Observer’s operation via text messaging is desirable. Most service provides will simply charge a nominal fee (10 cents) for each text message sent if that capability is not explicitly included in the service plan.

Expenses based on usage of the data portion of a cellular network will depend on the amount of data sent by the camera. Most cellular providers will offer plans based on the usage of 10, 20 or more millions of bytes (megabytes) per month. A typical outdoor, full resolution Observer image with medium compression will require about 50-65 kilobytes (thousand bytes). Thus about 15-20 images can be transmitted per megabyte of usage. A limited plan may be the most inexpensive if the camera is to transmit only about a hundred images each month. Plans allowing an unlimited amount of data transmission each month may be the best value if the camera is to be used more frequently.

SIM cards may require the use of a 4 to 8 digit personal account number (PIN). If a PIN is required, this number will be included with the documentation received from the service provider. This number must be entered into the correct field in the “System Settings” page during the Observer configuration process. If no PIN is required this field may be left blank. Its important to make sure that the correct number is entered here (if required). An incorrect number will render the camera unable to transmit pictures. More importantly, if the camera tries three times in a row to transmit an image using an incorrect PIN, the SIM card will become ‘locked’. This is an anti-theft algorithm built into the SIM card. If the card becomes locked due to an incorrect PIN, an unlock code or PUK code must be obtained from the original service provider. The SIM card then must be inserted into a GSM cell phone and the unlock procedure completed. The Observer camera has no capability to unlock a SIM card . If the unlock procedure is attempted 10 times in a row with the incorrect PUK code the SIM card will become permanently locked. A new SIM card must then be obtained.

To avoid this situation, enter the correct PIN in the Observer’s “System Settings” page. Go to the “Test and Troubleshoot” page and run the Modem Configuration/Cellular Service test. If the SIM requires a PIN and the incorrect PIN has been entered the test will fail and display a message advising to check the PIN number. Go back to the “System Settings” page and enter the correct PIN. Do not continue to repeat the test with the incorrect PIN number. The SIM card will become locked after the third try.

43