INVT ICA417 Series 4G IoT Data Transmission Terminal

1 Product overview

The INVT ICA417 series 4G IoT data transmission terminal is an industrial-grade 4G IoT data transmission terminal. It operates on public carrier networks and provides stable and reliable remote data acquisition, program upload/download, and debugging functions to meet the demands of harsh industrial environments.

The product integrates multi-network access capabilities, including 4G, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. It provides routing and switching, VPN pass-through, and virtual serial port pass-through functions. Equipped with RS485 and RJ45 dual interfaces, it supports mainstream industrial protocols such as Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, S7, PPI, MC, and FINS. Through the INVT Industrial Internet Platform, it enables cloud-based device data access, remote monitoring, and intelligent operation and maintenance management.

1.1 Product features

1. Standard set-up for easy operation
   • Provides standard RS485 interface for direct connection with serial device to collect data.
   • Provides standard RJ45 network ports: LAN port can be directly connected to network devices for data collection. WAN port can be used for networking.
   • Intelligent data terminal, able to enter the data transmission state once upon power-on.
   • Adopts standard rail installation.
   • Powerful industrial Internet platform for easy device management.
   • Easy system configuration and maintenance interface.
2. Powerful functions
   • Supports remote data monitoring.
   • Supports VPN pass-through (only in China), able to remotely upload, download, monitor PLC programs through network ports and VFD remote oscilloscope.
   • Supports virtual serial port pass-through, able to remotely upload, download, and monitor PLC programs through serial ports.
   • Supports remote upgrade of application programs and policy files.
   • Supports 4G routing function to provide network for other devices.
   • Supports exchange function.
   • Supports multiple network connection methods.
   • Supports APN (operator APN information needs to be provided overseas)
   • Supports the upload of the data with changes, achieving the traffic saving mechanism.
   • Supports 4G base station positioning.
   • (Optional) Supports high-precision GNSS satellite positioning for real-time accurate acquisition of the device's geographic location.

1.2 Product specifications

1.3 Model description

Model name illustration of INVT ICA series data transmission terminal:

ICA***-***-**

1.4 Port description

1.5 Indicator description

2 Installation

2.1 Overview

The ICA417 series 4G IoT data transmission terminal must be installed properly to achieve the designed function. Generally, the installation must be done under the guidance of our certified and qualified engineers.

Note: The device must be installed with power-off. Remove the rail clip before performing wall mounting.

2.2 Unpacking inspection

Before unpacking, check whether the package is in good condition and its product information is the same as on the order. The packing materials should be well maintained during inspection for future transshipment. If any question, please contact the supplier.

Table 2-1 Product deliverables

2.3 Outline dimensions and weight

The outline dimensions of the IP20 model are as follows (unit: mm). The net weight of the product is about 260.6g, and the gross weight is about 427.5g.

Figure 2-1 Outline dimensions for ICA417

[Diagram of the dimensions of the ICA417 device]

3 Quick startup

3.1 IoT module use instructions

3.1.1 Installation instructions

Equipment required: Networked computer, 4G data transmission terminal, IoT SIM card

1. Take out of the SIM card socket, and insert the SIM card into the card holder.
2. Record the device ID and 6-digit key from the label and add them to the IoT monitoring system.
3. Wire the product based on the port description.
4. Connect the 4G antenna.
5. Power on and start the 4G data transmission terminal.
6. When the NET indicator flashes with an interval of 75ms, the network is ready and the data transmission starts.
7. Go to real-time monitoring interface to review relevant information on the IoT monitoring platform.

3.1.2 Monitoring platform operation instructions

You can monitor devices using three methods. For information on how to obtain the account and password, refer to section 3.1.3 Monitoring platform account.

• Host controller software: IWOstudio
• Web portal: IWoscene industrial IoT application platform
• Mobile portal: INVT Cloud app

3.1.2.1 Monitoring devices via the IWOstudio

Step 1 Download IWOstudio from the official website (www.invt.com), install, and then open it.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio login interface]

Step 2 Enter the account and password to log in and enter the network configuration interface.

Note: For account information, refer to section 3.1.3 Monitoring platform account.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio main interface after login]

Step 3 If it is your first time using the software, you need to add a device type. Choose New > New device type at the bottom left corner. If it is not your first time adding a device type, proceed to Step 5.

[Screenshot highlighting the 'New device type' option]

Step 4 Enter the Type name of the device, and click OK.

If the message Successfully created appears, the creation of the device type is complete.

[Screenshot of 'New device type' dialog box]

Step 5 Choose New > New device at the bottom left corner.

[Screenshot highlighting the 'New device' option]

Step 6 Enter Adapter ID, Adapter key, Device name, select Device type, and click OK to complete the process.

Note: Adapter ID is the S/N code of the IoT terminal, and Adapter key is the six-digit number under the QR code next to the S/N code.

[Screenshot of 'New device' dialog box]

Step 7 Add a communication type.

If the device is added for the first time, click the added device, you need to click Communication Type at the top right corner to add the communication type.

[Screenshot showing how to add a communication type]

Create a communication type: Enter any alias in Alias, and select an Address Table. If no address table is available, click + next to Address Table to create a new one.

[Screenshot of 'New Comm type' dialog box]

Create a new address table: Enter any name in Address Table Name, select a brand (such as INVT, Inovance, Siemens, Delta, Xunjie, Mitsubishi, and Omron) from Brand, select a model from Brand and model, choose the desired protocol from Agreement, and click OK.

[Screenshot of 'Create a new address table' dialog box]

In the page that pops up, set the communication parameters, and click Save and Incremental Sync.

[Screenshot of communication parameters setup]

The communication type must be added upon first use. For subsequent use of the same communication type, you can select it directly.

Step 8 Add a connection address.

Click the desired device, and click New.

[Screenshot of the device list with 'New' button highlighted]

Address adding parameters: Fill in Collection addr name freely, select the address table you just created from Address Table, and select an option from Data Type, Address Type, and Address based on actual needs. Other parameters such as Unit, Base value, Scale factor, and Decimal places have default values and can be left unchanged or modified as needed. After completing the setting, click Save.

[Screenshot of 'Please choose the address format' dialog box]

The added address is displayed in the monitoring interface.

Click New to add other collection addresses.

[Screenshot showing adding more collection addresses]

After all the addresses have been added, click More, and then click Sync collection addr to send all the addresses to the module.

[Screenshot showing the 'Sync collection addr' option]

Step 9 Check data monitoring.

After receiving the address configuration, the data transmission terminal collects and uploads the data, which is then displayed on the monitoring interface, as shown in the following figure.

[Screenshot of the monitoring interface displaying data]

To modify a collection address, select the desired address and click Edit. After making the necessary changes, click Save and Incremental Sync to complete the modification.

To add a new collection address, click New, enter the necessary information for the new address, and then click Save and Incremental Sync to complete the addition.

[Screenshot of 'Edit collection address' dialog box]

3.1.2.2 Monitoring devices via the web portal

Step 1 Enter: iot.invt.com in the address bar of Google Browser and press Enter to visit the login page of the industrial IoT application platform. As shown in the following figure, enter the account number and password to complete the login.

Note: For account information, refer to section 3.1.3 Monitoring platform account.

[Screenshot of the INVT industrial IoT monitoring platform login page]

Step 2 After successful login, the homepage appears as shown below. Under Add devices quickly, enter the adapter number, secret key and device name; select the device type according to the monitoring type; select ICA417 as the adapter type; and keep the default communication mode 485, which can be changed to LAN if a network port is used. Then click Submit after confirming the input is correct.

Note: If the device has already been added via the IWOstudio or the app, this step can be skipped.

[Screenshot of the INVT industrial IoT monitoring platform homepage after login]

Step 3 Enter the adapter number in the search box on the homepage. Select the desired adapter to view its monitoring state.

[Screenshot showing searching for a device and viewing its monitoring state]

Access the device to view monitoring parameters. If the device's data collection address has already been added via the IWOstudio or the web portal, you can directly view the collected and uploaded data on the monitoring interface.

[Screenshot of device monitoring parameters]

Step 4 If the device is added for the first time, click Communication type at the top right corner to add the communication type.

[Screenshot showing how to add a communication type via the web portal]

Click +Add on the communication type management interface.

[Screenshot of communication type management interface]

Fill in the communication type name, and select the address table. If there is no address table available, click Click Add to create a new one.

[Screenshot of 'New communication type' dialog box]

Click +Add on the address table management interface.

[Screenshot of address table management interface]

Add address table information based on actual needs, and click Save.

[Screenshot of 'Add address table' dialog box]

Return to the communication type filling interface, select the address table you just added, and set the communication parameters based on actual needs. Then click Save and distribute.

[Screenshot of communication type filling interface with parameters]

The newly added communication type will appear on the communication type management interface.

Step 5 Add the data collection address. The collection address needs to be added for the first time.

[Screenshot showing adding data collection address]

Go back to the device data monitoring interface, select the communication type you just added from the red drop-down list box shown below, and click Refresh. Since no monitoring data is displayed, you need to add the data collection address before monitoring the data.

[Screenshot showing selecting communication type and refreshing]

Click View collection address.

[Screenshot showing 'View collection address' option]

Click +Add on the collection address management interface.

[Screenshot of collection address management interface]

Fill in add related information. Fill in the name freely, and set the data type and address based on actual needs. If you need to set more parameters, click More to configure. After the input, click Save.

[Screenshot of 'Add collection address' dialog box]

Repeat the address adding process until all the addresses have been added. Then click Synchronize collection address.

[Screenshot showing synchronizing collection address]

On the collection address synchronization interface, select the target adapter, and click The agreement is delivered.

[Screenshot showing 'The agreement is delivered' option]

If the distribution is successful, the distribution status becomes succeeded.

[Screenshot showing successful distribution status]

The collection address configuration is completed.

Step 6 Check data monitoring.

Go back to the monitoring interface to view the collection address data that has just been configured.

[Screenshot of monitoring interface with configured data]

3.1.2.3 Monitoring devices via the app

Step 1 Download and install the INVT Cloud app on your mobile device.

Note:In Android, search the app store or Google Play for INVT to download; in iOS, search the App Store for INVT to download.

Step 2 Open the INVT Cloud app, enter the account and password to log in. On the homepage, tap the + icon at the top right corner; enter Adapter code, Secret key and Device name, select Device type; and then tap Submit to complete the device addition.

[Screenshot of INVT Cloud app login and device addition screen]

Step 3 Enter the adapter number in the search box. Select the desired adapter to view its monitoring state.

[Screenshot showing searching for adapter and viewing monitoring state in the app]

3.1.3 Monitoring platform account

You can register a monitoring platform account through the Web or APP, and the same account and password can be used on all three monitoring platforms.

3.1.3.1 Registration via the web portal

Step 1 Enter iot.invt.com in the address bar of Google Browser and press Enter to visit the login page of the industrial IoT application platform.

Step 2 Click Register.

[Screenshot of INVT industrial IoT monitoring platform login page with 'Register' highlighted]

Step 3 Fill in the Company name, User name, Password, then confirm the password again. Enter your Mobile number, click Verification code, fill in the verification code received via SMS, and enter the invitation code. Invitation code: You can obtain it through the higher-level user account. If there is no higher-level one, you can fill in dbf20a (INVT administrator invitation code). Review and check the User Privacy Agreement, click Register, and wait for review. You will receive a notification via SMS once approved.

[Screenshot of INVT industrial IoT monitoring platform registration form]

3.1.3.2 Registration via the app

Step 1 Download and install the INVT Cloud app on your mobile device.

Note: In Android, search the app store or Google Play for INVT to download; in iOS, search the App Store for INVT to download.

Step 2 Open the INVT Cloud app, and click Registered.

Step 3 Fill in the Company name, User name, Password, then confirm the password again. Enter your Mobile number, click Verification code, fill in the verification code received via SMS, and enter the invitation code. Invitation code: You can obtain it through the higher-level user account. If there is no higher-level one, you can fill in dbf20a (INVT administrator invitation code), review and check the User Privacy Agreement, click Register, and wait for review. You will receive a notification via SMS once approved.

[Screenshot of INVT Cloud app registration screen]

3.2 VPN pass-through configuration

Note: VPN pass-through is only used in China.

Step 1 Open and run the host controller software iWoStudio.

Step 2 Click Configure tool in the menu, then click VPN transmission.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio menu with 'VPN transmission' highlighted]

Step 3 Enter the user name and password to log in.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio login interface]

Step 4 Select or search for the module ID of the adapter that requires VPN pass-through.

[Screenshot of VPN transmission interface with module ID selection]

Step 5 After the module ID is selected, the information of the module (including module ID and device VPN online state) will be displayed automatically. If the VPN status is Offline, the current module does not use the VFD pass-through function. If the VPN status is Online, the current module is performing pass-through and cannot be connected.

[Screenshot showing module information and VPN status]

Step 6 Set the local virtual IP. Note that the local IP needs to be in the same network segment with the device IP and module IP of the PLC/VFD but they cannot be the same. Obtain IP timeout time is null by default, and you have no need to set it. Device IP can be set in the module strategy file, which is consistent with IP of the VFD/PLC.

[Screenshot showing local virtual IP settings]

Step 7 After the settings are complete, click Connect VPN. The connection process will take one to two minutes.

[Screenshot showing 'Connect VPN' button and connection progress]

Step 8 When The configuration is complete, and VFD pass-through is performing is displayed, it indicates that VPN channel is established successfully and VFD pass-through can be conducted. To exit the VPN passthrough, click Disconnect VPN.

[Screenshot showing successful VPN connection and 'Disconnect VPN' button]

Step 9 Open the VFD/PLC upper computer, and operate the commissioning device as same as the local.

3.3 Virtual serial port pass-through configuration

Step 1 Run the host controller software IWOstudio.

Step 2 Click Configure tool in the menu, and click Serial port transmission.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio menu with 'Serial port transmission' highlighted]

Step 3 Enter the account and password to log in.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio login interface]

Step 4 After logging in, enter the main interface of the software, and select the ID of the module that needs to be connected to the upgraded PLC. Click Start Transmission, click OK in the pop-up window, and remember the serial port number at this time.

[Screenshot of IWOstudio main interface with 'Start Transmission' highlighted]

[Screenshot of 'Start Transmission' confirmation pop-up]

When the message Transmission status disconnected changes to Transmission status connected, it indicates that the transmission channel has been established and the next operation can be carried out.

[Screenshot showing transmission status change]

Step 5 Open the PLC host controller software (using Auto Station as an example) to enter the main interface, and choose Tool > PLC Communication > Connect. A communication configuration window pops up.

[Screenshot of Auto Station software interface with 'Connect' option]

[Screenshot of communication configuration window]

Step 6 In the Communication Config window, choose Modbus protocol, and click Modbus setting. In the Modbus Protocol window that displays, select the serial port number +1 for serial port of connecting the PC to the PLC (for example, if the serial port of the virtual pass-through tool is set to COM5, then the serial port number for connection is set to COM6); set the serial port communication parameters according to the PLC; and click OK to complete the settings.

[Screenshot of Communication Config window with Modbus settings]

[Screenshot of Modbus Protocol window]

Step 7 Perform program upload, download, running, stop, and other debugging operations as if you were on site.

3.4 FAQs

1. After powering on, the power indicator does not flash or light up.
   Answer: Check whether the power supply voltage polarity is reversed, and whether the input voltage 24V and GND are in consistent with the silkprint on the casing.
2. When 4G network is used, the network status indicator keeps flashing slowly, and the status offline is displayed on the web page.
   Answer:
   1. The SIM card is not installed properly. Power off and re-install it for a good connection.
   2. Move the 4G antenna to a place with good signal.
   3. Ensure that the SIM card is activated and has remaining balance.
3. Data uploading doesn't match the web page display.
   Answer:
   1. Re-power on and upload all data again.
   2. Check whether the policy file and device type are matched, if not, please contact the manufacturer.
4. The 4G network indicator and signal indicator flash normally but the web system displays no data.
   Answer: Check the communication cable between the Modbus terminal device and IoT transmission terminal is well connected.
5. In the web system, only data content can be displayed, and commands cannot be issued.
   Answer: Check that the signal enabling switch of the Modbus terminal device is turned on.
6. When VPN pass-through is enabled, the device IP displayed by the VPN pass-through tool does not match the actual device IP.
   Answer: The device IP displayed by the VPN pass-through tool is MSIP set in the IoT module strategy file. When the device IP displayed by the VPN pass-through tool is inconsistent with the actual device IP, you can modify the MSIP in the strategy file to keep consistent with the actual device IP.
7. Enter the VPN pass-through, and programs cannot be downloaded remotely.
   Answer:
   1. VPN pass-through is only applicable to devices whose programs are downloaded through network ports. For devices whose programs are downloaded through serial ports, you need to use virtual serial port pass-through.
   2. Ensure that the laptop computer has only one networking method. If there are other networks, disable other network cards and disconnect VPN pass-through, then enter VPN pass-through again.
   3. Ensure that the actual IP of remote device is in the same network segment with LAN port gateway of the module.
8. Downloading programs remotely through virtual serial port pass-through failed.
   Answer: Increase the main mode timeout time when setting the host controller communication. It is recommended to be no less than 8000ms.

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