Document Specifications
This documentation was made to present the installation and configuration steps of the WM-E2S PME-PMI® electricity metering modem.
| Document Version: | REV 2.60 |
| Hardware Type/Version: | WM-E2S PME-PMI® modem for PME-PMI® electricity meters with DC power supply (Itron® ACE6000, Landis+Gyr® ZMG516, Enedis® NOI CPT-36E meter types) |
| Hardware Version: | V 5.02 (Quectel EG915N-EU, BG95-M3 version), V 5.20 (Quectel EC200A-EU version) |
| Firmware Version: | V 5.1.58 TLS |
| WM-E Term® config. software version: | V 1.3.80 |
| Pages: | 24 |
| Status: | Final |
| Created: | 12-09-2019 |
| Last Modified: | 29-11-2023 |
Chapter 1. Introduction
The WM-E2S 4G® is a modem, suitable for automated remote reading of electricity meters on the 4G LTE-based cellular network. It can reduce costs by eliminating the need for manual meter system readouts.
Wireless communication
The modem is available with different cellular module types:
- LTE Cat.4 / 3G / 2G module
- LTE Cat.1 module with 2G "fallback"
- LTE Cat.M / Cat.NB module with 2G "fallback"
All versions with 2G mode or "fallback" feature maintain communication on the 2G network in case of LTE 4G network outage or inaccessibility. The modem can be configured for specific networks (e.g., LTE 4G only, 3G only) or the best available network (Auto mode). It also supports GSM-CSData connection via CSData calls. The modem supports multi-operator SIM and roaming, offering a SIM-card and mobile operator independent solution. It operates in "Pull" mode, sending data transparently from the meter to the HES (smart metering center/server).
Design and installation
This modem is developed for 3-phase PME-PMI® electricity meters, including Itron® ACE6000, Landis+Gyr® ZMG416, and Enedis® NOI CPT-E36 types. It connects via its RJ45 connector using an RS232 interface and can be installed as an external modem using its 35mm DIN-rail adapter.
Operation properties, features
The modem reads actual and stored meter consumption values, event logs, and load profile data. It allows remote modification of meter parameters. Access is via the cellular network using the embedded Quectel® cellular module, sending data over the internet via an APN.
Power source
The modem is powered by DC power (8-16V DC) from the meter via the RJ45 connection, receiving 10V DC for operation.
Supercapacitor
An internal supercapacitor prevents intermittent power cuts and helps decrease power peaks, allowing the module to operate during minor power outages. After a few minutes of charging, it functions normally for data transmission. In case of a power outage, the supercapacitors discharge, and the modem shuts down. Upon power restoration, the supercapacitors must recharge before the modem can send data.
Configuration
Configuration is possible locally via its RS232 port (RJ45 connector) using a USB Dongle converter. Remote configuration is available via CSData call or LTE connection (TCP/UDP port). Settings include APN, username, and password, provided by the mobile operator. Configuration can be managed using the WM-E Term® software or an available API. The WM-E Term® tool is password-protected and supports user management. It requires a Windows® platform and is available in multiple languages, including French.
Firmware refresh
The WM-E Term® software enables safe firmware changes for single or multiple devices, locally (RJ45) or remotely (cellular).
Security
The product's firmware is encrypted and protected against unauthorized uploads. It cannot be upgraded with third-party firmware. Data communication is transparent and uses TLS protocol (Transport Layer Security).
Status and notification
The modem continuously monitors mobile network and device communication health, providing status information (signal strength, QoS). It can send SMS alarm notifications and optional Last Gasp notifications (power outage alerts).
Certification
The product is CE certified, complying with the Radio Equipment Directive - ReD 2014/53/EU, and is RoHS certified.
Chapter 2. Connections
2.1 External outfit
The WM-E2S modem features a transparent plastic top cover. Key external components include:
- 1 - Plastic transparent top cover
- 2 - DIN-rail adapter (for mounting)
- 3 - Alternative fixation lugs/holes
- 4 - Cover holders (to open the cover)
- 5 - SMA / FME antenna connector (50 Ohms)
- 6 - Status LEDs (WAN, SIGNAL, POWER)
- 7 - Hinge (of top cover)
The front panel displays labels such as WM SYSTEMS, WM-E2S, RS232 | 4G/2G METERING MODEM, FOR PME-PMI, RoHS, and CE marks.
2.2 Internal connections
Inside the modem, the following components are visible:
- 8 - SIM card slot (push left and spin up)
- 9 - Internal antenna wire (with U.FL connector for SMA / FME connection)
- 10 - RJ45 connector (for data and DC power)
- 11 - Jumper crossboard (for meter communication)
- 12 - Supercapacitor parts
- 13 - External connector (not used)
- 14 - Holder of the top cover (part of modem enclosure)
2.3 Installation steps
- Ensure the device is not powered on and remove the RJ45 connector (10).
- The modem includes an anodized aluminum DIN-rail adapter (2) for 35mm DIN rails, with the fixation part on the bottom side of the enclosure.
- To insert the SIM card, loosen the plastic cover lugs (3) and holders (4) on the bottom part (1b). Pull and lift the semi-transparent top cover (1a) from the antenna connector side to reveal the PCB (2).
- The PCB (2) is located on the left side.
- Slide and open the plastic SIM card holder (8) by pushing from left to right and lifting until released.
- Insert a replaceable and active SIM card into the SIM-holder (8), ensuring the chip faces down and the cut edge is oriented towards the antenna side.
- Close the SIM holder (8) by pushing it from right to left until fastened. Reattach the PCB-side of the enclosure (semi-transparent plastic) to the white plastic part from left to right.
- Verify the internal antenna U.FL cable is connected to the U.FL connector (9).
- Close the top cover, ensuring it aligns with the lugs and holders, until it clicks shut.
- Connect the data link between the modem and the PME-PMI electricity meter (Itron®, Landis+Gyr®, or Enedis® type) using the provided 1m grey RJ45 cable to the RJ45 connector (10).
- Close the plastic cover (1) and install the modem by fixing the enclosure onto the 35mm DIN-rail.
- Mount a LTE antenna to the SMA antenna connector (5), using an FME-to-SMA converter if necessary.
- For configuration, connect the RJ45 cable to the modem's RJ45 port (10) and the other end to your computer's USB port via an RJ45-USB adapter (USB dongle). Refer to Chapter 3.1 for details.
- Configure the modem using the WM-E Term® configuration software.
- After configuration, disconnect the RJ45 cable from your computer (and USB Dongle) and connect it to the modem's RJ45 port (10), which links to the electricity meter's RS232 port.
- Remove the PME-PMI® meter's communication module plastic enclosure (bottom side) by releasing the screw on the top plastic cover part, following the meter's installation manual.
- Power on the meter; the connected modem will start due to the RJ45 connection power source. Observe the LED signals for current activity and configure the modem for usage.
2.4 Description of the RJ45 connector
Connect the provided RJ45-RJ45 (grey) cable to the modem's RJ45 communication interface (10). The PME-PMI (Itron® ACE6000, Landis & Gyr® ZMG416) meter's RJ45 connection pinout is provided below. Note that the modem side pinout is the opposite counterpart to the meter's side.
| Pin # (RJ45) | Signal name |
| 1 | Modem Power out (VDCM out) |
| 2 | DCD - Signal detection |
| 3 | DTR - Data terminal / Reset (CPL) |
| 4 | GND - Signal ground |
| 5 | RX - Data reception |
| 6 | TX - Data transmission |
| 7 | Ready to transmit/slot indicator CTS/TX_DATA |
| 8 | RTS - Transmission request |
2.5 Status LED signals
If the WM-E2S PME-PMI® modem has been disconnected from power for an extended period, it requires charging before use. The charging process takes approximately 2-5 minutes if the supercapacitors were discharged.
OPERATION LED SIGNALS - IN CASE OF CHARGING
During the charging of exhausted supercapacitors, only the green upper LED (LED3) flashes quickly. This LED is active during charging. Wait until the device is fully charged.
Important! The LED numbering corresponds to PCB labels: LED3 (green, top), LED1 (blue, middle), LED2 (red, bottom).
Upon initial power-on and during charging, the green LED (LED3) flashes quickly. After a few minutes, it may go blank, then flash quickly again. When the green LED flashes slowly and other LEDs light up according to NORMAL operation, the modem is fully charged and ready for configuration and operation.
OPERATION LED SIGNALS – IN CASE OF NORMAL OPERATION
Factory default LED signals:
| LED identifier | Events |
| LED 3 (E-METER status) |
|
| LED 1 (GSM / GPRS status) |
|
| LED 2 (SIM status / SIM or PIN failure) |
The RSSI (signal strength) is indicated by this LED's flashing. The number of flashes in every 10-15 seconds indicates RSSI value (1, 2, 3, or 4). RSSI flashing patterns vary by network technology:
|
LED signal sequences can be customized using the WM-E Term® configuration tool. The tool allows defining functions for LEDs (LED1-LED3) such as:
- Not used
- GSM / GPRS status
- SIM status (wrong PIN flashing slow or without SIM)
- E-meter status
- E-meter relay status (not usable on this modem)
- M-Bus status (not usable here)
- Firmware status
- Network status and access technology
- Meter status with IEC polling
- AMM (IEC) client state (not usable here)
Further configurable LED status signals include:
- E-meter relay status:
- Default: "Ready" / stand-by – LED flashes once per second.
- "Active" mode – LED turns on at relay switching.
- "Normal" mode – LED turns off at relay release.
- Firmware status:
- LED is active when modem firmware starts.
- LED flashes twice per second when the meter–modem connection is established.
- Network status and access technology:
- Network registration: LED is active.
- Network searching: flashes once per second.
- Connected to network with fine IP connection: flashes twice per second.
- Mobile network access technology change: quick flashing (2G – 2/sec, 3G – 3/sec, 4G – 4/sec).
- No available network: LED is inactive.
- Meter status with IEC polling:
- LED flashes once per second when modem–meter communication starts.
- LED turns on when the meter responds.
- LED turns off permanently if the modem cannot communicate with the meter.
- AMM (IEC) client state:
- LED turns off by default or upon finishing modem–EI client communication.
- LED flashes briefly once per second during modem–EI client connection build-up.
- LED flashes once per second at EI client login request.
- LED is active during EI client–modem communication.
*The listed relay controls e-meter power supply, not tariff changes.
**The EI client is the transparent TCP channel from the modem to the EI server.
In Connected "normal" mode (relay released), the LED is off. In Ready for Connection "ready" (stand-by) mode, the LED flashes once per second. During firmware uploading, LEDs operate normally. After firmware installation, all LEDs are blank, and the modem restarts with the new firmware. At startup, LED3 flashes green quickly for 15 seconds; the modem takes 2-3 minutes to become available.
2.6 Operation of the modem
Data readout and sending to the HES centre, as well as configuration and maintenance, are managed through defined paths. An alternative mode allows automatic remote readout at pre-defined intervals or upon specific events (e.g., meter cover removal, incoming SMS). In this mode, the modem connects to the mobile data network only during data transmission. The device requires a cellular network connection for proper operation.
2.7 LED operation during CSD call
During a CSD call, two operation types are supported:
- When the meter is read out / configured in transparent mode:
- The GSM / GPRS status LED lights continuously.
- The e-Meter status LED operates based on CSD call status:
- Flashes twice per second from connection attempt until closing.
- Lights continuously if the meter interface is not configured to 9600 baudrate.
- Switches off after connection closure.
- When modem configuration / firmware refresh is attempted:
- The GSM / GPRS status LED lights continuously.
- Other LEDs do not change operation due to CSD mode.
Chapter 3. Modem Configuration
3.1 Configuration
The modem requires configuration via WM-E Term® software, setting parameters for meter, modem, and communication before normal operation. This includes APN, username, password, PIN code, and network usage method. Meter communication settings involve defining the communication port, RS232 settings (transparent mode, baudrate, data format, transmitting speed), and LED settings. Settings are saved and uploaded using WM-E Term®.
Main settings:
- Choose the [parameter read icon] to read current modem settings.
- Select the APN Parameter group, click "Edit settings", enter the APN server name, and optionally APN username and password, then click OK.
- Select the M2M Parameter group, click "Edit settings". For the Transparent (IEC) meter readout port, enter the PORT number for meter readout, which will be used for remote parameterization and firmware exchange.
- If using a SIM PIN, select the Mobil network parameter group, enter the SIM PIN. You can change the Frequency band (e.g., 4G only or LTE to 2G for fallback) and select a mobile network provider (auto or manual). Click OK.
- For RS232 serial port and transparent settings, open the Trans. / NTA parameter group. Set "Multi utility mode" to transparent mode and "Meter port baud rate" to 9600. Use Fixed 8N1 data format. Confirm with OK.
- Open the RS485 meter interface parameter group and configure RS485 mode to "Disable". Click OK.
- After finishing, click the [parameter write icon] to send changed settings to the modem. Configuration status is shown at the bottom of the screen. The modem restarts with new settings.
Further options:
- Refine modem handling via the Watchdog parameter group.
- Save current configuration via File/Save menu for distribution to other devices.
- Perform firmware refresh via the Devices menu, Single Firmware refresh item, selecting the .DWL file.
Contact sales for the latest firmware.
3.4 Configuring from CSD connection
If the modem restarts due to incorrect configuration, it can be accessed via a CSD call. Operation can be fine-tuned in WM-E Term® software using the PDP connection delay field in the APN parameter group. Refer to Chapter 3.1 of the WM-E Term User Manual for more information.
3.5 Data control direction (DCD) feature
For PME-PMI versions with Itron® SL7000 meters (via RS232), the DCD feature declares data control direction. Configure this via the RS485 interface settings parameter group. This setting is valid for the RS232 port.
DCD parameter values:
- Fix 0 (provides logical 0 value)
- Fix 1 (provides logical 1 value)
- Standard
- Inverted (opposite direction)
3.6 Automatic network reconnection
Parameters are available to enable automatic and periodical connection rebuild if the mobile network provider drops the modem due to inactivity. If the network provider reports a lost data connection, it will be restored automatically. Two workarounds exist:
- Active mode - Use periodical ping: Set Ping IP-address, Number of ping retries, Ping wait-time, and Wait-time in the Watchdog parameter group. If no ping response, it reconnects after the interval specified in "Seconds, GPRS connection closed and restored after this time". Frequent pinging increases data traffic but improves network retention.
- Passive mode - Set connection retry: Use the Watchdog parameter group's "Seconds, gprs connection closed and restored after this time" parameter. Define how long the modem waits before reconnecting after network drops. Consult your mobile provider for settings. Low values can cause frequent reconnections; do not set below the mobile service provider's recommendation.
3.7 Signal strength
Check cellular network signal strength in the WM-E Term® software's Device Information menu or via the [signal strength icon]. Current status information updates at the end of the process. RSSI should ideally be yellow (average) or green (good). Antenna position can be adjusted for better dBm values, but requires a readout refresh.
3.8 Power outage management
The firmware supports the LastGASP feature, allowing the modem to operate for a short time (minutes) using its supercapacitor during a power outage. In case of power loss, a "POWER LOST" event is generated, and an SMS is sent to a configured number. Upon power recovery, a "POWER RETURN" message is sent via SMS. LastGASP message settings are enabled in the WM-E Term® application's AMM (IEC) parameter group.
3.9 Restart the modem
There is no direct restart option in WM-E Term®. To restart the modem:
- Choose any parameter from the read-out values.
- Change a parameter value.
- Click the Save button.
- Send settings to the modem using the [parameters write icon].
- The modem restarts at the end of the writing process.
- The restart is indicated by LED3 flashing green quickly for 15 seconds. The modem takes 2-3 minutes to become available.
- After startup, LEDs operate as per the description.
3.2 Configuring the modem by WM-E Term®
The Microsoft .NET framework runtime environment is required. An APN/data package enabled, active SIM card is needed for configuration and testing. Configuration is possible without a SIM card, but the modem may restart periodically, and some features (like remote access) will be unavailable until a SIM is inserted. If the modem has been unpowered for a long time, it needs ~2 minutes to charge its supercapacitor before use. Download WM-E Term® software from: https://www.m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/WM_ETerm_v1_3_80.zip. Unzip and run WM-ETerm.exe. Login with the default password; it can be changed anytime. Refer to the WM-E Term® User Manual for more details: https://www.m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/WM-E-TERM_User_Manual_V1_94.pdf.
For newer firmware versions, a Communication password is mandatory for modem configuration. Contact sales for the default password and check it via the "Show" option. The password can be changed anytime via the [menu icon].
For serial cable connection, configure COM port settings in the computer's Device Manager (Start > Control Panel > Device Manager > Ports (COM and LTP)). Settings: Baud: 9600, Databits: 8, Parity: No, Stopbits: 1, Bandwidth control: no. If the COM port is not visible, install the FTDI VPC driver from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.
Proper communication requires configuring SIM settings (PIN, APN, username, password) via WM-E Term®. Adequate signal strength is necessary for successful operation. For reading meter parameters during PC-modem connection after RJ45 configuration, select a different port like TCP/IP or Optical.
Chapter 4. Support
For technical questions regarding usage, contact WM Systems LLC:
- Email: support@m2mserver.com
- Phone: +36 20 333-1111
4.1 Support
The product has an identification void containing important product-related information for the support line. Warning: Damaging or removing the void sticker voids the product guarantee.
Online product support is available at: https://www.m2mserver.com/en/support/
4.2 Product Support
Documents and information related to the product are available at: https://www.m2mserver.com/en/product/wm-e2s-modem-for-pme-pmi-meters/
Chapter 5. Legal notice
©2023. WM Systems LLC.
The text and illustrations are copyrighted. Copying, usage, replication, or publication of the document or its parts require agreement and permission from WM Systems LLC. Figures are illustrations and may differ from the actual appearance. WM Systems LLC. is not responsible for text inaccuracies. Information is subject to change without notice. Printed information is for informative purposes only; contact for further details.
Warning: Any fault or error during software upload/refresh can lead to device breakdown. Contact specialists in such situations.
mailto:support@m2mserver.com
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