Control Freq | Help Centre: G1-3G GSM Auto-dialler

ALPHA1-4G | Getting Started Guide

What does it do?

The ALPHA1-4G can be used for remote control using the onboard relay output (1) & condition monitoring using the oboard alarm input (1).


1. Getting Started

1. Insert a working (tested) SIM (with the two square corners inserted first)
2. Connect power input (12 - 24V AC or DC min. 1A)
3. Make sure antenna is on finger tight
4. Switch the device on to connect


2. Confirm Connectivity

The ALPHA1-4G LED's start up when the power is on.

 GREEN  = Signal
Stable = Offline or booting up
Flashing = Signal strength (1-5 bars)

 AMBER  = Status
Stable = Connection issue
Blinking = Online (1 flash/4 secs)

The normal operational LED sequence is:
  1. Green flashing 1-5 times
  2. Amber blinking 1 time / 4 secs
If you have no LED, check your power input.


3. Check Signal & Comms

Send ;PSQ; by SMS to the SIM card phone number to check signal strength before proceeding.

Example reply will be:
User Location, Signal Strength Indication(1-5): 2 ( -99dBm (7)), Network ID:23415, Network Type: 3G


4. Control the onboard relay output

There are multiple ways to control the relay output.
  1. Control by sending an SMS
  2. Control by incoming call from an authorised number
  3. Control via smartphone app
  4. Control via Web-browser app

1. Control by sending an SMS

Sending the following SMS commands will control the relay:

Output 1 ON:   ;+ORC1=1;
Output 1 OFF:   ;+ORC1=0;

2. Control by calling from an authorised number

Sending the following SMS commands will set up the phone number to be able to control the relay with a free call to the SIM card phone number in the device. You can also add the authorised users under the 'Caller ID' section in the apps.

a) Check user slots 1-10 :(do this first with user slot range)   ;PCLP=1,10;
b) Add an authorised number: (after adding it, call the device SIM from that number)  ;+CLP1=+4477...............;

3. Control via smartphone app

While the app can control the relay it's not typically the most time-efficient method compared to 'caller-ID' or 'SMS' which are the intended methods for this control function. 

a) When you open the smartphone app, select 'direct control'.  
b) Click ON or OFF depending on your chosen relay output swicthing configuration.

4. Control via Web-browser app

When you open the web browser app you will be in the 'device list' screen. Click the device you want to control. The system management tab is on the far right (if you have a paid profile which offers additional management and control functionality. If not, click the € symbol in the LHS menu of the web app to learn more.

a) Under system management tab
b) Click ON or OFF depending on your chosen relay output swicthing configuration.



5. Send SMS notification when input is activated

The alarm input can be triggered by connecting the terminal IN1 to GND (default) or +12V (if configured). By default, the terminal IN1 is looking for a connection to GND to activate. Using a volt-free relay contact is the easiest way to activate it. Use a short piece of wire to test if you don't have a relay connected.

1. Set up an Administrator to receive the SMS notification

Sending the following SMS command will add an administrator (and link them to input 1 activity)

Add administrator 1:   ;+LN1=1;TN1=+4477...............;

Note: These settings can also be done in the app under the 'Administrators' tab.



6. Setup to use the web & smartphone apps

1. Sign up an online profile using any web-browser




2. Add (+) a new device in the 'Device List' page




Find IMEI by sending the device an SMS saying ;PHW;


3. Wait for the device database to build... 

Connect up the output relay or alarm inputs if you haven’t already


4. Click the added device in the 'Device List' 




5. The 'Device Settings' page is where you configure device settings





7. Add a minimum setting to test the web-app connection

1. Any change made in the web platform is auto-saved in the 'changelog'




2. Click 'Send to Device' to send all changes in one connection

IMPORTANT: 1 device credit or 'access' is consumed each time 'send to device' is clicked!
 Note: The Web & app platforms are paid services if used outside the scope of the free account... 
 [The free account includes: 50 free credits per year & up to 5 devices] 
 If available credits are used, more can purchased by clicking the '€' symbol in the web app ONLY  
 If 5 devices are added,  a 'management package' will need to be purchased to add more than 5 
 * ControlFreq offer annual managed services for a fixed fee to manage devices for the end customer
More information here 



Download the smartphone app for config. updates on the move!

The smartphone app login is the same as the web-browser. All configuration settings are synced between web & smartphone in real-time.





More advanced configurations
  1.  Review the configuration settings in the web & app platforms 
  2. Raise a support ticket below for advice on a specific use case




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