antrax Datentechnik Gmbh - antrax.de

antrax Datentechnik GmbH 

info@antrax.de - www.antrax.de 

SwitchBox-wireless, Model GSM 

230V Switch-Box with integrated GSM Module 

Manual 

23.09.2011 

- 1 - 

Hasenbrink 4, 32052 Herford, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 5221 929660 Fax +49 (0) 5221 9296628



Contents 

• General 

• Using the SwitchBox-GSM 

• Safety Instructions 

• Scope of Delivery 

• Hardware 

• Software 

• SystemRequirements 

• Technical Features 

• General 

• Load Circuit 

• Technical Features GSM 

• CE-Marking 

• Installation 

• Hardware 

• Handling 

• ON-LED 

• Button 

• GSM 

• Installation 

• Required Parameters 

• GSM Flashing Codes 

• Controlling the SwitchBox per Voice Call 

• Controlling the Switchbox per SMS 

• Quick Introduction 

• Contolling the SwitchBox per Telephone or Mobile Phone 

• Troubleshooting 

• Terminology 

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General 

The SwitchBox-GSM allows the remote switching of a 230V electrical appliance via a 

GSM module using a voice call or SMS. 

Before first use of the SwitchBox-GSM, please read this instruction manual 

or the help file (found on our homepage). It contains information for the 

correct use and contains important tips for the installation of the 

SwitchBox-GSM . The manufacturer does not accept any liability due to 

improper use of the unit. In this case all guarantee claims are invalid. 

Use of the SwitchBox-GSM 

The SwitchBox-GSM is designed for the switching of 

• Resistance loads i.e. electric light bulbs or heating fans 

or 

• Inductive loads i.e. electric motors or transformers to a maximum consumption 

of 2000W (230V / 8.7A) 

in dry, closed residential rooms and offices. Rules and Regulations governing the 

connection and use of electronic devices and their security regulations must be 

followed. 

Safety Instructions 

� Do not open the SwitchBox-GSM. It contains no parts to be serviced by you. 

� Only use the SwitchBox-GSM indoors and do not subject the unit to moisture or 

humidity. 

� Only connect the SwitchBox-GSM to properly installed 230V AC outlets. 

� Only clean the exterior of the SwitchBox-GSM with a dry cloth after unplugging it 

from the electrical outlet and removal of the interface cable. 

� Do not overload the SwitchBox-GSM above its load specification level. An 

overload can lead to the SwitchBox-GSM being destroyed. 

� Do not use the SwitchBox-GSM in areas used by children. 

� Do not connect the SwitchBox-GSM to a computer that is already switched on. 

This can lead to computer components becoming damaged or destroyed. 

� Do not use the SwitchBox-GSM if one or several parts (case, cable, plug) are 

damaged or damage may be caused by its location (e.g., falling down). 

� The SwitchBox-GSM may only be repaired by authorized service personnel. 

� Only connect electrical appliances that have no limit to their switched-on time (i.e. 

all connected electrical appliances must be able to take continuous current without 

sustaining damage in the case of a default to the permanently "ON" position.). 

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Caution: 

� The load circuit is switched by a single-pole electronic relay, therefore even when 

the SwitchBox-GSM outlet is switched to off there can still be a mains voltage on 

one of the outlet sockets! 

� Depending on its current switch position, the SwitchBox-GSM can switch a 

connected appliance "ON" after an electrical failure in the network has been 

restored. 

Scope of Delivery 

Hardware 

Everything there? The delivery of a SwitchBox-GSM unit contains: 

• The SwitchBox-GSM (incl. GSM antenna) 

• The description and operating instructions 

Software 

• Software is not required for the control of the SwitchBox-GSM 

System Requirements 

General 

• SIM card (pre-paid or contractual) 

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Technical Features 

General 

• Protective Class: IP20, only in dry rooms 

• Plug system: SCHUKO 

• The current switch condition of the unit is indicated by the green "ON" LED 

• The current state of the GSM unit is indicated by a red/green "GSM" LED 

• Load and Control circuits use galvanic separation via an AC/DC converter and 

relais 

• Working temperature range: 0°C to +40°C 

• Storage temperature range: -10°C to +70°C 

Load Circuit 

• Power supply: 230 / 240 V~ 50 / 60 Hz 

• Single Pole Load Relay 

• Maximum Switch Current: 

• Resistance loads i.e. electric light bulbs or heating fans up to 2000 W (230 V / 

8.7A) 

• Inductive loads i.e. electric motors and transformers up to 2000W (230 V / 

8.7A) 

GSM 

• Integrated GSM-Module: Telit GE865-QUAD 

• Aerial Connector: SMA 

• Usable with Pre-paid and Contractual SIM-Cards of all providers 

CE-Marking 

In accordance with the Low Current and EMV Guidelines. 

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Installation 

Handling 

Hardware 

• Insert the 230V plug of the device you want the SwitchBox-GSM to control into 

the socket of the SwitchBox-GSM. 

• Insert the SwitchBox-GSM into a 230V outlet socket. 

• CAUTION: After inserting the SwitchBox-GSM into an outlet socket, it 

immediately switches ON or OFF depending on the previous condition of the 

unit’s outlet socket. 

• The SwitchBox-GSM can be manually switched between ON and OFF by 

depressing the button on the underside of the unit (adjacent to the connecting 

lead) for at least 3 seconds. 

ON LED 

Permanently OFF Outlet socket OFF 

Permanent ON Outlet socket ON 

Two short flashes per 1Hz cycle Outlet socket is in the reset mode 

Button 

Keeping the button depressed for more than 3 seconds deactivates all watchdog 

functions and the outlet socket can be toggled between the on and off positions. The 

outlet socket is either "ON" or "OFF". The LED indicates the current state of the 

outlet. 

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GSM 

Getting Started 

Parameters on the SIM card 

The SIM card intended for the SwitchBox-GSM can be prepared in any Mobile Phone 

or PC SIM Card reader. 

The prepared SIM card should be inserted into the small 

slot on the underside of the SwitchBox-GSM. The SIM 

card must be inserted using a small tool (screwdriver or 

similar) and be carefully pushed right up to the 

mechanical rear stop where it will lock in this position. To 

later extract the SIM card it must be pressed in again to 

the rear stop and then released. It will be ejected by the 

push-pull card reader mechanism. 

CAUTION: Before inserting/removing the SIM card ensure the SwitchBox-GSM is not 

connected to the power supply (i.e. pull the SwitchBox-GSM out of the wall outlet), 

otherwise the complete contents of the SIM card, not only the contents of the phone 

book could be destroyed. In this instance the SIM card user will need to exchange the 

card with the provider, which will incur further costs. 

Standard PIN code: 

As a general rule the use of a SIM card requires user to identify himself / herself with 

the PIN code. The "SwitchBox-GSM" tries (if no PIN changes have been made) to log 

itself on using the standard PIN code – please therefore use the standard PIN given 

below when first initialising SIM card. 

The PIN is the access code for a SIM card. The SwitchBox-GSM expects the standard 

PIN code '1357' to be used initially. This PIN code can be pre-set on the SIM card with 

the help of a mobile phone or PC SIM card readers. 

(Error code 2, see also Troubleshooting) 

CAUTION: Changing the PIN is possible in principle through the Phone Book entry 

"PIN". In order that the SwitchBox-GSM however can access the information contained 

in the Phone Book, it must have access to the SIM Phone Book at least once before the 

PIN is changed. This can only take place using an already valid PIN. 

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GSM 

Required parameters in the SIM-Card Telephone Book are: 

Parameter Description 

Own Phone 

Number 

The "Own Phone Number" is normally a special entry in the SIM Card 

telephone book. The SwitchBox-GSM can with this information identify 

itself when sending an SMS. 

This entry must be present otherwise Error Code 4 will be displayed (see 

also Troubleshooting) 

CAUTION: As well as the SIM Phone Book many mobile phones also offer a deviceinternal 

phone book or directory – these however, are not suited for passing parameters 

over to the SwitchBox. All SIM card parameters must only be stored in the SIM-Card 

Phone Book, i.e. on the SIM card itself! 

Parameter Description 

PWD Enter a new password 

PIN Enter a new PIN 

The remote user can (via DTMF or SMS) identify himself to the 

SwitchBox-GSM using this 4-figure password. 

Using this parameter a new Pin can be entered onto the SIM Card and 

into the configuration memory of the SwitchBox-GSM. The following 

points should be considered: 

To change the PIN using this command, it is of course necessary to use 

the old PIN to gain access to the SIM card! 

Sequence of events: 

• if this parameter (PIN =) exists, the new PIN is entered 

on the SIM-Card 

• if this was successful, the new PIN is also stored in the 

configuration memory of the SwitchBox-GSM, so that 

the new PIN is used during the next GSM-Network 

registration / login process 

• if this was also successful, the entry "PIN" is deleted 

from the phone book 

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Flashing Codes of the " SwitchBox-GSM" 

LED: 

The SwitchBox-GSM uses different flashing codes of the "GSM" LED to indicate the 

current condition of the "GSM" module. If the "GSM" LED emits one of the flashing 

codes for an extended period of time, there may be an error as described below. 

Basically the flashing codes are generated at each Power ON and during each GSM 

network login. Normally however, the individual error states are so short that the single 

Flashing Codes are not perceivable. (e.g. the Flashing Code 2 during PIN setting lasts 

only approx. 0.3 second). 

GSM- 

LED 

Description If permanently displayed 

1 x red Test of the GSM module Serious Basic Error. The GSM module is 

probably defective 

2 x red Initial Settings SIM card is not inserted or is defective, the PIN 

code is wrong or entry of the PUK is necessary 

(see also Troubleshooting) 

3 x red Waiting to login to the GSM 

network 

4 x red Enter GSM-Module 

parameters 

(CAUTION: Please check the PIN code on the 

SIM card. If it is wrong, further login attempts 

can lead to the SIM card being blocked. (only 3 

attempts are possible!) 

No GSM network available (see also 

Troubleshooting) 

The entry "Own Phone Number" on the SIM 

card is missing or the GSM module is damaged 

5 x red Reading the SIM Phone Book Entries in the SIM Card Phone Book (necessary 

for operation of the SwitchBox-GSM) are 

missing 

6 x red No credit on the SIM Card (pre-paid SIM Card) 

Static 

green 

Flashing 

red 

Voice-Call → SwitchBox 

SwitchBox-GSM is registered (logged in) and ready to use. 

The SwitchBox-GSM is receiving a Voice Call (visible during the whole 

connection time) 

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Control of the SwitchBox-GSM by voice call 

The SwitchBox-GSM can be controlled by authorized callers with the help of a voice 

call. A caller is authorized, if 

Operation 

- He can identify himself with a correct access code 

(i.e. after the SwitchBox-GSM answers incoming call, the caller must enter 

the correct 4-figure access code (figures only!) via the phone keyboard. 

The SwitchBox-GSM can be controlled from any telephone / mobile phone that is able 

to transmit DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) tones. The SwitchBox-GSM answers the 

call after the 3rd ring. A friendly female voice then asks the caller to enter the 

password. If this does not occur within two minutes, or an incorrect password is 

entered the connection is terminated. If the correct password is entered, the 

SwitchBox-GSM responds with an announcement that it is ready to receive 

commands. 

Every command input from the telephone keypad (in future referred to as "DTMF") 

always starts with the character "*" (start of a command input) and ends with the 

character "#" (end of a command input), comparable with "Return" or on a 

computer. The only exception to this is the password login which is made without the 

characters "*" and "#". 

DTMF Commands: 

Keystrokes Description 

1357 Access Code Input (in this example "1357") 

*0# Socket Outlet permanently OFF 

*1# Outlet permanently ON 

*2# PC-Reset Command, 

i.e. switch outlet OFF, waits 10 seconds, switch ON again 

*9# Ask for the SIM card credit (only for pre-paid SIM cards) otherwise an 

Error Code will be transmitted 

*20# Sends the status of the SwitchBox as an SMS to the subscribers 

telephone number 

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Responses from the SwitchBox when using Voice-Call 

The SwitchBox-GSM contains an integrated audio response unit. After the acceptance 

of an incoming call the SwitchBox-GSM transmits a greeting message and requests 

the input of the password. If the correct password is recognised, the SwitchBox-GSM 

responds with "Password OK". If the password is incorrect it requests renewed input of 

the password. 

Please do not press the telephone keys until the SwitchBox-GSM has finished its initial 

announcement - only then the keystrokes will be registered. Whilst entering the 

password the SwitchBox-GSM audibly responds with the recognised keystrokes. 

Normal Response (correct password entered in the command mode): 

• In standby mode (i.e. no key input), the current switch mode is announced 

every 6 seconds. 

• After the recognition of an activation command (depressing the "*" key) 

the announcement is muted until the "end" command (depressing the "#" 

key) is recognised. With a valid command an appropriate message is 

transmitted and the desired action is executed. An invalid command is 

acknowledged with the response "unknown command". 

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Access code vs. PIN 

The pre-set access code for the SwitchBox-GSM via Voice-Call is "1357". This means 

that as long as this access code is not changed (using the telephone book entry "PWD" 

on the SIM card) the pre-set access code will remain valid. 

A new access code is stored in the phone book on the SIM card; this means that the 

access code is resident on the SIM card - not in the SwitchBox! 

The Access Code should not be confused with the PIN. The Access Code and the PIN are 

completely independent of each other and can accept different values if the operator 

wishes. Apart from the Default Value these two Codes have nothing in common: 

PIN Login for use of the SIM card: 

This login is required, so that the SwitchBox-GSM can identify the SIM 

card as a valid user (corresponds to the input of the PIN after turning on a 

mobile by the user) 

May be changed using the telephone book entry "PIN" menu on the SIM 

card. 

A new PIN is stored on the SIM card and in the configuration memory of 

the SwitchBox-GSM, this means that after power ON the SwitchBox- 

GSM always tries to activate the SIM card located in the device with the 

PIN stored in the configuration memory. 

Default Value: 1357 

Access Code Access code for the control of the SwitchBox-GSM: 

The purpose of the access code is required in order to prevent unauthorised 

callers from changing the configuration of the SwitchBox-GSM. 

May be changed using the phone book (MENU) entry "PWD" on the SIM 

card. 

A new access code is stored on the SIM card and in the configuration 

memory of the SwitchBox-GSM 

Default Value: 1357 

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Pre-paid – SIM Cards 

When using pre-paid SIM cards the SwitchBox-GSM regularly determines the credit 

remaining on the SIM card. With a remaining credit of less than EUR 1,00 an alarm tone 

is switched on for the first 5 seconds after the start of the voice call and the input of the 

valid access code by the operator. 

In this case the SIM card should be recharged. It is recommended that the SIM Card be 

recharged remotely through the Service Provider, so that the SIM card itself does not 

have to be removed or physically taken out of the unit. 

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SMS → SwitchBox 

Control of the SwitchBox-GSM by SMS 

CAUTION: When controlling the SwitchBox-GSM via SMS please note that it can take 

up to 24 hours until an SMS reaches the SwitchBox-GSM. The delivery times vary 

greatly from provider to provider. Inter-Network SMS often require much longer 

delivery times than network-internal SMS’. (e.g., from T-Mobile to Vodafone). 

Control of the SwitchBox-GSM by SMS is therefore only recommended for switching 

processes in which the time of operation is not of over-riding importance. 

The SwitchBox-GSM can only be operated with "a valid SMS". An SMS is valid when: 

• The SMS contains the correct access code 

(4-figure access code, without blanks, e.g., "1357") 

Operation 

There are two types of SMS available: 

• Command SMS 

(Each command to the SwitchBox-GSM ends with "!".) 

• Acknowledge SMS 

(An acknowledge-SMS can be sent by the SwitchBox-GSM as 

confirmation after the execution of a command. The acknowledge SMS is 

requested by the character "*" within the SMS text, e.g., " On! * ") 

General rules for writing / mailing an SMS: 

- Blanks are ignored. 

- Case sensitivity is ignored. 

- With mutually excluding commands within an SMS only the latest command is 

executed. 

- When SMS are received "en-block", only the last command will be executed. 

- After command execution all SMS stored in the device are deleted. 

- See also Troubleshooting. 

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Command-SMS → 

SwitchBox: 

SMS Text Description 

On! Socket outlet permanent ON 

Off! Socket outlet permanent OFF 

Reset! Execute a PC reset, 

i.e. switch outlet OFF, waits 10 seconds, switch ON again 

Status? Sends the SwitchBox-GSM status as an SMS back to the subscriber 

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SwitchBox-GSM → SMS 

SwitchBox-Status 

- SMS � User 

Text in the SMS Description 

SwitchBox-GSM Logo 

OUTPUT: Current state of the outlet socket 

CREDIT: Ask for the credit on the SIM card (only for pre-paid SIM 

cards). If it is impossible to determine the credit (e.g. no 

pre-paid SIM card), the SwitchBox-GSM sends a "NA" for 

this item. 

This information may not be supported by all 

(international) Providers. 

GSM-PWR: Signal strength of the GSM network 

Example of a SwitchBox-Status - SMS: 

SwitchBox-GSM 

Output: ON 

Credit: NA 

GSM-PWR: -83dBm 

This SMS is sent by the SwitchBox-GSM, if it was requested by SMS with "status?" or 

the character "*" within the command SMS text or by DTMF with *20#. 

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Quick introduction 

We recommend the following actions for a quick introduction to service: 

Controlling the SwitchBox-GSM via a Network or Mobile Phone: 

• The SIM card intended for use in the SwitchBox-GSM can be prepared in every 

mobile phone or PC SIM card reader: 

o The PIN on the SIM card has to be "1357" 

o An "Own Number" entry must be made 

• Carefully insert the SIM card (use a small tool i.e. 

screwdriver or similar if necessary) up to the physical 

rear stop. 

• Insert in the SwitchBox-GSM into wall electrical socket outlet 

o The SwitchBox-GSM searches for a GSM Network 

and tries to login (see also Flashing Codes). 

o If successful the green LED on the SwitchBox-GSM 

illuminates 

• The SwitchBox-GSM can now be called by Network or Mobile Phone. 

o The SwitchBox-GSM answers after 3 rings and 

signals the current switch position with an audible 

tone. 

• Now the SwitchBox-GSM can be controlled as described in "Control of the 

SwitchBox by Voice-Call" 

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Troubleshooting 

Current PIN 

(Error Code or 

Flashing Code 2) 

Bad receipt 

position 

(Error Code or 

Flashing Code 3) 

After turning the power on the SwitchBox-GSM tries to activate 

the SIM card using the PIN stored in the configuration memory. 

After three consecutive attempts with the wrong PIN, due for 

instance to the fact that the PIN on the SIM Card has not been 

correctly entered, the SIM card is as a rule then blocked. The error 

code 2 shows that the PIN is possibly wrong - in this case it is 

absolutely paramount to check the PIN before a new start is 

attempted. 

The SIM card can only be unblocked using the so-called PUK code 

after three entries of a wrong PIN (i.e. three times Power-ON). The 

unlocking of the SIM card can only be carried out on a mobile 

phone and not in the SwitchBox-GSM. 

In contrast to the mobile phone that can be moved to an area of 

good reception the SwitchBox-GSM is fixed to the current 

location. 

The user therefore should ensure that the SwitchBox-GSM is 

located in an area of good mobile telephone network reception. If 

necessary an external GSM antenna should be used, especially 

when the SwitchBox-GSM in used in "screened" server rooms, in 

19" Racks or cellars. 

The SwitchBox-GSM is 

equipped with an FME 

(threaded) aerial connector. 

When using an external 

antenna please ensure that it 

is GSM dual band capable. 

Suitable GSM antennae can be 

found at: 

http://www.antrax.de/ 

Multiple users The SwitchBox-GSM does no differences with the order of the 

authorized users. 

Please avoid SMS access by several users over a very short period 

of time. 

SMS not received The SwitchBox-GSM sends a SMS similar to a 'normal' Mobile 

Phone. 

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If an SMS does not arrive immediately with the addressee, it is 

normally due to long transmission times by the Service Provider. In 

particular it should be remembered that it is within normal 

specification if an SMS transmission between different Service 

Providers (D1, Vodaphone, E plus, O2) arrives with the addressee 

within 24 hours of despatch – this highlights two very important 

points: 

1.) Important switching processes and status messages should 

use the "Voice Call" option and not the slow and indeterminate 

"SMS" method. 

2.) The SwitchBox-GSM and user's Mobile Phone should use the 

same Service Provider 

- 19 - 




Terminology 

SwitchBox Button Designation of the only Button on the SwitchBox 

ON LED Designation of the LED marked "ON" on the SwitchBox 

GSM LED Designation of the LED marked "LED" on the SwitchBox 

SwitchBox Socket Designation of the 230 Volt Socket found on the SwitchBox. 

This is where a computer or external device is connected to 

the SwitchBox. 

Voice Call Telephone connection. Charges are time based 

- 20 -

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