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TCS help on line: Features common to all TCS products
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TCS Products basics
All TCS units are devices who have different hardware to interface the outside world
and are controllable via SMS messages or GSM data calls.
Some boards have 8 inputs and 8 outputs (TCS 3.5) some have less I/O (TCS mini)
some have a Image Sensor (TCS-CAM and others have Weather sensors (TCS-AWS) or
even a GPS receiver (TCS-GPS).
Anyway all have a SIM, all need a SMS service center number to be able to send SMS messages,
all can connect in a way or another to a PC's COM port for easier setup.
All TCS products share a similar TCS OS operating system that allows easy control
with SMS commands.
Since different products have different features, not all commands are available on all products, and some commands
have a different 'flavour' on different products.
Anyway once you are used to a TCS, it becomes quite easy to use all the others because
we try hard (and not always succeed) to keep all of them bound to the same family feeling.
SIM and PIN issues
All TCS products, similarly to other GSM devices use a SIM to register to the network.
SIM cards have their rules and it is important that you know them before going on.
PIN and PUK: SIM cards are usually sold so they will ask a PIN code before starting up.
You can enter a wrong PIN a maximum of 3 times and then the card will Request a PUK.
PUK stands for Pin Unblocking Key. It is used to unblock the SIM Card that has been blocked
due to failed attempts at keying-in the PIN.
You are allowed 10 attempts to unlock the SIM Card after which the SIM Card will be locked
permanently and the card will be useless (contact your operator if this happens).
With latest TCS products you can program your PIN code into the TCS so it will communicate
it to the SIM card upon request when the system switches on. This is convenient to avoid
frauds, in case the unit is installed in a location where the SIM could be stolen.
Depending on what solution you prefer (PIN or NO PIN) you can do the following:
1- Put your SIM card in a Phone and program it so it won't ask for the PIN anytime it switches
on and then put it into the TCS. This is the simplest way and always works. The only problem
is that somebody could steal the SIM and use it.
2- Connect a PC to the TCS (without a SIM inside) and program the PIN code that your SIM will
request, using the #PIN command.
Important: When doing this, DON'T insert the SIM into the TCS or insert a SIM that does not ask
for the PIN.
WARNING: If you put a SIM that asks for the PIN, without having programmed it into the TCS, and
you switch the system on and off 3 times, your SIM will lock up and you will have to put it into
a Phone and insert the PUK.
Note: SIM cards can have 3 Numbers: VOICE, DATA and FAX. This means that if you have a SIM card
whose voice number is 2345678, it should have a DATA number that is different.
People who sell SIM cards usually do not know the difference and so they will say that even a
SIM with only a number can send data. This can be true, the problem is that it cannot be called
with a data call.
You do not need a FAX number , but most of the time it is included.
Consult your operator(s) for more details and actually try to find which is the one with best
performance and cost.
Sometimes a SIM with a DATA number may cost more. This means that the operator charges you more
to be able to receive a data call.
TCS OS operating system and SMS Command structure
Any command sent by SMS must be preceded by # and MUST be in CAPITAL letters.
First command must be #PWD that means Password.
There is an Administrator Password and a USER Password, with different level of control and access.
Both passwords are set at 123456 by default. They can be changed as you like.
In order to be able to send SMS the TCS must know a valid SCA (Service Centre Address) Number.
This is the SMS service Centre number, that your provider will give you.
The TCS will send the SMSes to this number and the network will route them to the recipient(s).
TCS units leave factory already initialized, but in case you want to be sure just send the
following SMS to initialise it :
#PWD123456#INI#SCA+399795000500#SCT
Note: issuing a #INI command will initialize all parameters so don't do it if you have already
programmed them.
The number +399795000500 that we indicate for SCA is NOT a real number,put your operator service number (SMS centre number) in place of it.
You MUST program a correct service center number with the #SCA command or your unit will not be able to send SMS.
The command #SCT sets the internal clock to the same time of your GSM operator.
After a few seconds you should receive a message that confirms every part of your command and
signals any error. If you do not want to receive these messages you should always add #NOA
(No Acknowledge) at the end of the command string.
Once the system has been set up properly, all functions can be performed via SMS.
Please always refer to the complete TCS command list on line
NOTE: When you send a command , you will receive the answer even if your GSM number is not in
the internal GSM list. This happens because the TCS receives the sender number and answers to it.
NOTE WELL: in some countries, unfortunately, operators do not allow cross operator SMS.
Be sure that if this happens in your country you have SIM cards from the same operator in your
phone and in the TCS.
NOTE VERY WELL: a typical problem is exceeding the maximum allowable SMS per day.
The default is 40 SMS a day. This limit is a safeguard and the value can be changed.
We have added this feature becasue it happened in the beginning that due to wrong setup some customers
sent 200 or more SMS in a few hours, making thir operator happy...
What usually happens (to us as well) is to forget this limit, pass it, and then start thinking thaat the TCS
doesn't work anymore etc. etc. Remember: in case of problems in sending SMS, check the limit
and the number of SMS sent every day using the #SMC command.
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