WM-E8S® Smart Metering Modem

Document Specifications

Chapter 1. Technical Data

1.1 Power Voltage / Current Ratings

• Power Voltage / Ratings: ~85..300VAC (47-63Hz) / 100..385VDC
• Current: Stand-by: 20mA @ 85VAC, 16mA @ 300VAC / Average: 25mA @ 85VAC, 19mA @ 300VAC
• Consumption: Average: 1W @ 85VAC / 3.85W @ 300VAC

1.2 Cellular Module(s)

The modem is available with several cellular module options:

• SIMCom A7672SA
  • LTE: B1(2100) / B2(1900) / B3(1800) / B4(1700) / B5(850) / B7(2600) / B8(900) / B28(700) / B66(1700)
  • GSM/GPRS/EDGE: B2(1900) / B3(1800) / B5(850) / B8(900)
• SIMCom A7676E
  • LTE: B1(2100) / B3(1800) / B8(900) / B20(800) / B28(700) / B31(450) / B72(450)
  • GSM/GPRS/EDGE: B3(1800) / B8(900)
• SIMCom SIM7070E
  • LTE Cat.M: B1(2100) / B2(1900) / B3(1800) / B4(1700) / B5(850) / B8(900) / B12(700) / B13(700) / B14(700) / B18(850) / B19(850) / B20(800) / B25(1900) / B26(850) / B27(850) / B28(700) / B31(450) / B66(1700) / B72(450) / B85(700)
  • LTE Cat.NB: B1(2100) / B2(1900) / B3(1800) / B4(1700) / B5(850) / B8(900) / B12(700) / B13(700) / B18(850) / B19(850) / B20(800) / B25(1900) / B26(850) / B28(700) / B31(450) / B66(1700) / B85(700)
  • GSM/GPRS/EDGE: B2(1900) / B3(1800) / B5(850) / B8(900)

1.3 Product Variations

The modem can be ordered in several variations:

• Without alternative RS485 (terminal block) interface, without MBus (terminal block) interface.
• With alternative RS485 (2-wire, terminal block).
• With MBus (terminal block) interface, supporting up to 4 Mbus meters/devices.

1.4 Power on the Modem

The WM-E8S modem can be powered from a ~85..300VAC / 100..385VDC power source connected to the N (neutral) and L (line/phase) AC connection pins (CN1 connector).

The RJ45 connector's RS485 port wiring can be ordered as 2- or 4-wired.

Connection Diagram Description: The diagram shows AC/DC power input terminals (N, L) and various ports: RS232, RS485, CL (Current Loop), DIGITAL INPUT, and ANT (Antenna). The RJ45 connector is labeled for RS232/RS485 with pins 1-8.

1.5 Alternative RS485 Connection – Order Option

The RJ45 connector's RS485 port wiring can be ordered as 2- or 4-wired. The alternative RS485 connector has 2-wires. The two RS485 interfaces (primary RS485 port and left terminal block RS485) are parallelised.

1.6 MBus Connection - Order Option

The RJ45 connector's RS485 port wiring can be ordered as 2- or 4-wired. The modem's Mbus master connection supports up to 4 slave devices, which connect to the MBus +/- pins. The modem provides 24-36V DC power for these devices.

Connection Diagram Description: Similar to the previous diagram, but the RS485 port is replaced by an MBUS port. It shows AC/DC power, MBUS, CL, DIGITAL INPUT, and ANT ports, with the RJ45 connector for RS232/RS485.

1.7 Current Loop Connection

The modem's current loop connection is made via the CL +/- connection pins.

1.8 Digital Input (DI) Connection

The modem can receive 2 digital inputs on the A, B, and COM connection pins. To test digital inputs, a short circuit must be made between COM and A, or COM and B.

1.9 RS232/RS485 Connection (RJ45 Connector)

The modem's RS232/RS485 connector is wired to the RJ45 connector.

• The RS232 uses pins 1, 2, 3, and pin 4 for DCD Control.
• The RS485 (for 2-wire connection) uses pins 5, 6.
• The RS485 (for 4-wire connection) uses pins 5, 6, 7, 8.

The modem uses TCP port 9000 for transparent communication and port 9001 for configuration. MBus uses TCP port 9002 (speed rate between 300 and 115,200 baud).

The RS232 port can also be used for modem configuration.

1.10 Modem Configuration

The modem comes with pre-installed firmware. Operational parameters can be configured using the WM-E Term® software via the RJ45 connector. The manual for WM-E Term® software settings (including SIM APN configuration and cellular/mobile communication technology) is described in Chapter 3.4.

Further settings are available in the software's user manual: https://m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/WM-E-TERM_User_Manual_V1_93.pdf

Chapter 2. WM-E8S Modem Construction

Image Description: The first image shows the WM-E8S modem assembled with its housing and an IP52 protected transparent cover. The second image displays the WM-E8S modem in its internal terminal enclosure, with the SIM-LED board visible on top. Labels 'I' and 'II' point to specific parts of the enclosure.

2.1 Configuration Cable / Connection

The RJ45 connector is used for meter connection (RS232 or RS485) or serial connection (RS232 mode) for PC configuration. The pinout of the device's RJ45 port is shown below.

RS485 2- or 4-wire Connection

Configure the modem for RS485 meter connection in 2-wire or 4-wire mode:

• PIN #5: RX/TX N (-) – for 2-wire and 4-wire connection
• PIN #6: RX/TX P (+) – for 2-wire and 4-wire connection
• PIN #7: TX N (-) – for 4-wire connection only
• PIN #8: TX P (+) – for 4-wire connection only

Diagram Description: An RJ45 connector pinout diagram shows pins 5, 6, 7, 8 labeled for RS485 connections.

Serial RS232 Connection

• PIN #1: GND
• PIN #2: RxD (receiving data)
• PIN #3: TxD (transmitting data)
• PIN #4: DCD

Make a serial connection from the modem to a PC or meter by wiring the RJ45 connector's Pin #1, Pin 2, and Pin #3, optionally pin nr. #4.

2.2 Preparing to Start the Device

1. Step 1: Ensure the plastic terminal cover (marked by 'I') is placed on the device enclosure ('II') while the device is powered off.
2. Step 2: Insert an active SIM card (2FF type) into the modem's SIM holder. Follow the orientation hints on the product sticker for correct insertion.
3. Step 3: Connect the serial cable to the RJ45 connector (RS232) according to the pinout described above.
4. Step 4: Attach an external LTE antenna (800-2600MHz) to the SMA antenna connector.
5. Step 5: Connect the ~85-300VAC or 100-385VDC power voltage to the AC/DC connector. The device will start operating immediately.

⚠ Caution! Please consider the following: ~85-300VAC or 100-385VDC electric shock hazard inside the enclosure! DO NOT open the enclosure and DO NOT touch the PCB or its electronic parts!

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the WM-E8S modem with terminal connections labeled: AC/DC (N, L), RS485 (+, -), CL (+, -), DI (A, B, COM), and ANT. The RJ45 connector is also shown. Notes clarify the AC/DC power input, DI ground, and that the secondary RS485 port can be an MBus port.

SAFETY CAUTION!

The IP52 immunity protection is effective only under normal usage and operation conditions with unharmed hardware within the provided enclosure/chassis.

The device must be used and operated according to the user manual. Installation should only be performed by responsible, instructed, and skilled personnel with experience in wiring and installing modem devices.

Users are prohibited from touching or modifying the wiring or installation. Opening the device enclosure during operation or under power connection, or removing/modifying the device PCB, is also prohibited. The device and its parts must not be replaced with other items or devices. Any modification or repairation requires manufacturer permission; otherwise, it voids the product warranty.

2.3 Status LED Signals

The WM-E8S modem features six status LEDs:

• LED 1: Mobile network status (flashes faster upon successful registration).
• LED 2: PIN status (lit when PIN status is okay).
• LED 3: E-meter communication (active only with DLMS).
• LED 4: E-meter relay status (inactive, works only with M-Bus).
• LED 5: M-Bus status.
• LED 6: Firmware status.

2.4 Configuration the Device

1. Step 1: Download the WM-E TERM configuration software from: https://m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/WM-ETerm_v1_3_71.zip
2. Step 2: Unpack the .zip file and execute WM-ETerm.exe. (Microsoft® .Net Framework v4 is required).

Screenshot Description: The WM-ETerm software interface is shown, featuring a "Device selection" area with various WM modem models (WM-E1S, WM-E1SL, Industrial RS485 modem, WM-E2S, WM-E2SL, WM-E3S, WM-E3Q ETH, WM-E8S, WM-13) and "Select" buttons. A prompt asks to "Please select a connection!".

3. Step 3: Log in with credentials: Username: Admin, Password: 12345678.
4. Step 4: Select the WM-E8S model and click "Select".
5. Step 5: Navigate to the "Connection type" tab and choose "Serial interface".
6. Step 6: In the "New connection" field, enter a profile name and click "Create".
7. Step 7: Configure connection profile parameters in the next window.
8. Step 8: Enter the correct COM port, set Baud rate to 9600 bps or greater, and Data format to 8,N,1.
9. Step 9: Click "Save" to store the connection profile.

Screenshot Description: The WM-ETerm connection settings window is displayed. It shows options for "New connection" with fields for name, and "Existing connections" with Edit/Delete options. Under "Serial connection settings", fields for COM port, Baud rate, and Data format are visible.

10. Step 10: Select the saved connection profile to connect to the modem for readout or configuration.
11. Step 11: Click the [Parameters Read Icon] to retrieve data from the modem. Parameter values will be displayed after selecting a parameter group. Progress is shown on a bar. Click "OK" when done.
12. Step 12: Select a required parameter group and click "Edit values" to modify parameters.

Main Settings:

1. Choose the [Parameter Read Icon] to read current modem settings.
2. Select the "APN" parameter group, click "Edit settings", and enter the APN server name, username, and password if necessary. Click "OK".
3. Select the "M2M" parameter group, click "Edit settings", and input the PORT number for Transparent (IEC) meter readout. This PORT number is used for remote parameterization and firmware download. Click "OK".
4. If the SIM uses a PIN code, select the "Mobile network" parameter group, enter the SIM PIN, and adjust Frequency band settings (e.g., 4G only, LTE to 2G) or select a mobile network provider (auto/manual). Click "OK".
5. For RS232 serial port and transparent settings, open the "Trans. / NTA" parameter group. Configure settings like "Multi utility mode" (transparent mode), "Meter port baud rate" (300 to 19,200 baud, or default 9600 baud), and "Fixed 8N1 data format". Confirm with "OK".
6. Configuring RS485 Parameters:
   • Open the "RS485 meter interface" parameter group. Set the RS485 mode to match your cable version (2-wire or 4-wire).
   • If using the alternative RS485 terminal block connector, the setting must be 2-wire.
   • The RJ45 port's RS485 interface and the terminal block RS485 interface are parallelised.
   • If using RS232 mode only, disable the RS485 port.
   Click "OK".
7. Step 7 (Optional): For Mbus interface devices, select the "Secondary transparent" parameter group and set "Secondary transparent mode" to 8E1 for the transparent Mbus port.
8. Step 8: Click the [Parameter Write Icon] to send changed settings to the modem. The status is shown at the bottom. The modem will restart and operate with new settings upon completion.

Further Optional Settings:

• For modem handling refinement, use the "Watchdog" parameter group.
• Save the current configuration via the "File/Save" menu item for later distribution to other devices.
• For firmware refresh, go to the "Devices" menu, select "Single Firmware refresh", and choose the appropriate firmware file (.dwl).

Attention! Contact WM Systems sales for the latest firmware availability.

2.5 Connecting to a Meter

After successful configuration, disconnect the RS232 cable from your PC. Use an RS232 or RS485 cable (2-wire or 4-wire) from the RJ45 port to connect to the meter, which also has the primary RS485 port. The secondary RS485 port (terminal block) can also be used.

Further settings guidance is available in the WM-E Term User Manual: https://www.m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/WM-E-TERM_User_Manual_V1_93.pdf

2.6 Signal Strength

Check cellular network signal strength in the WM-E Term® software's "Device Information" menu or by using the [Signal Strength Icon]. Check the RSSI value; it should be yellow (average signal strength) or green (better signal). Adjust the antenna position if better dBm values are not received (readout again for refresh).

2.7 Power Outage Management

The firmware supports the LastGASP feature. In case of power outage, the modem's supercapacitor allows it to operate for a short period (minutes). Upon detecting loss of mains/input power, the modem generates a "POWER LOST" event and sends an SMS to the configured phone number. Upon power recovery, it generates a "POWER RETURN" message via SMS.

LastGASP message settings can be enabled via the WM-E Term® application in the AMM (IEC) parameter group.

Screenshot Description: The WM-ETerm "Device Information" window displays various details about the modem, including RSSI, Access technology, Serial No., Firmware version, IMEI, ICC, Engine ID, Cellular operator, Network status, IP address, and more.

Chapter 3. Support

For technical questions regarding usage, contact WM Systems:

• Email: support@m2mserver.com
• Phone: +36 20 333-1111

3.1 Support

The product has an identification void containing important product-related information for the support line.

Warning! Damaging or removing the void sticker means the loss of product guarantee.

Online product support is available at: https://www.m2mserver.com/en/support/

3.2 Product Support

Documents and information related to the product are available at: https://www.m2mserver.com/en/product/wm-e8s/

Chapter 4. Legal Notice

©2022. WM Systems LLC.

The text and illustrations in this document are copyrighted. Copying, usage, replication, or publication of the original document or its parts require the agreement and permission of WM Systems LLC.

The figures in this document are illustrations and may differ from the actual appearance.

WM Systems LLC is not responsible for text inaccuracies in this document.

Information presented is subject to change without notice. The printed information is for informational purposes only. For further details, contact WM Systems.

Warning: Any fault or error during software upload/refresh can lead to device breakdown. In such situations, contact WM Systems specialists.