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Network Setup - Grillo Pulse

The Grillo Pulse supports multiple connectivity options: LTE cellular (primary), WiFi, and Starlink (coming soon). This guide covers how to configure each option.

Connectivity options​

PriorityMethodBest forRequirements
PrimaryLTE CellularRemote locationsNano SIM card, active data plan
SecondaryStarlinkExtreme remoteComing soon
TertiaryWiFiSites with existing wireless2.4 GHz network, SSID & password
AdditionalUSB SerialDebug/local dataUSB cable
tip

When WiFi is available and configured, the Pulse will prefer WiFi to conserve cellular data costs.

Option 1: Cellular setup (Primary)​

The Grillo Pulse uses LTE Cat-4 with automatic fallback to 3G/2G networks for global coverage.

Requirements​

  • Nano SIM card installed (see SIM card setup)
  • Active data plan with your carrier
  • LTE antenna connected
  • Adequate cellular coverage at location

Cellular setup steps​

  1. Install SIM card

  2. Connect LTE antenna

    • Attach antenna to the SMA port
    • Position antenna for optimal reception (vertical, elevated)

  3. Power on the sensor

    • Connect power (6-10V DC or USB)
    • Wait for cellular connection (may take 2-5 minutes)

  4. Verify connection

    • LED should indicate cellular connection
    • Check dashboard for sensor online status

APN configuration​

Most carriers work with automatic APN detection. If manual configuration is needed, contact your carrier for:

SettingDescription
APNAccess Point Name from carrier
UsernameIf required by carrier (often blank)
PasswordIf required by carrier (often blank)

Network technology support​

TechnologySupportedNotes
LTE Cat-4YesPrimary, 150 Mbps DL / 50 Mbps UL
WCDMA (3G)YesAutomatic fallback
GSM (2G)YesAutomatic fallback

Supported frequency bands​

The Grillo Pulse modem provides global coverage with the following bands:

TechnologyBands
LTE-FDDB1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B66
LTE-TDDB34, B38, B39, B40, B41
WCDMAB1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B8, B19
GSM850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

GNSS support​

The modem includes integrated GNSS for location services:

  • GPS, Beidou, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
note

Time synchronization uses NTP via Grillo Cloud timeserver, not GNSS. The GNSS module is available for location services only.

Option 2: WiFi setup​

Requirements​

  • 2.4 GHz WiFi network (5 GHz is not supported)
  • Network name (SSID) and password
  • Smartphone or computer for configuration

WiFi setup steps​

  1. Power on the sensor

    • Connect power (6-10V DC or USB) to the sensor
    • Wait for the LED to indicate setup mode

  2. Connect to sensor's hotspot

    • On your phone/computer, look for a WiFi network named GrilloPulse-XXXX
    • (XXXX = last 4 characters of the device's MAC address)
    • Connect to this network (no password required)

  3. Open configuration portal

    • A captive portal should open automatically
    • If not, open a browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1

  4. Select your WiFi network

    • Choose your 2.4 GHz network from the list
    • Enter your WiFi password
    • Click "Connect"

  5. Verify connection

    • The sensor will restart and connect to your network
    • LED should indicate successful connection

Option 3: Both WiFi and cellular​

For maximum reliability, configure both connection methods:

  1. Complete WiFi setup first
  2. Install and configure SIM card
  3. Verify both connections work independently
  4. The sensor will automatically:
    • Use WiFi when available
    • Switch to cellular if WiFi fails
    • Return to WiFi when it becomes available

Network requirements​

Data transmission​

The Grillo Pulse transmits seismic data using:

SettingValue
ProtocolUDP over CoAP
Data formatJSON (binary option available)
Time syncNTP (via Grillo Cloud timeserver)
CompatibilityDataLink/SeedLink compatible

Firewall and ports​

The Grillo Pulse needs outbound access to Grillo Cloud servers:

ProtocolPortPurpose
UDP5683, 5684Sensor data (CoAP)
UDP123Time synchronization (NTP)
TCP443Firmware updates (HTTPS)
note

No inbound ports need to be opened. All connections are initiated by the sensor.

Bandwidth requirements​

  • Minimum: 100 Kbps upload
  • Recommended: 500 Kbps upload
  • Cellular data usage: Low bandwidth (binary format option reduces data usage further)

Cellular data considerations​

Estimated monthly data usage:

Data FormatBandwidthMonthly Usage
JSON (default)~3.2 KB/s~8 GB/month
Binary/MiniSEED~0.6 KB/s~1.5 GB/month
  • Binary format significantly reduces data usage
  • Consider M2M/IoT data plans for best value
  • Monitor usage through your carrier's portal

LED status indicators (debugging/testing only)​

note

LEDs are on the PCB and not visible through the standard IP67 enclosure. Use the Grillo Cloud dashboard to verify connectivity for deployed sensors.

The Grillo Pulse has two RGB status LEDs:

Network LED:

ColorMeaning
Blue pulsingConnecting or provisioning mode
GreenConnected to network
RedConnection failed

Sensor LED:

ColorMeaning
GreenSensors operational
YellowSensor degraded
RedSensor failed

Signal strength​

Checking WiFi signal​

  • Use smartphone WiFi analyzer at sensor location
  • Minimum recommended: -70 dBm
  • Ideal: -60 dBm or better

Checking cellular signal​

  • Use smartphone at sensor location as baseline
  • Check carrier coverage maps
  • LED or dashboard may show signal strength

Improving cellular reception​

  1. Reposition antenna - Higher is usually better
  2. Use external antenna - Consider higher-gain antenna
  3. Check orientation - Vertical is typically best
  4. Clear obstructions - Metal and dense materials block signal

Switching between modes​

Force WiFi only​

Useful for:

  • Conserving cellular data
  • Testing WiFi reliability

Force cellular only​

Useful for:

  • Testing cellular connectivity
  • When WiFi is unreliable

Default behavior:

  1. Sensor tries WiFi first
  2. Falls back to cellular if WiFi unavailable
  3. Returns to WiFi when available

Troubleshooting connectivity​

WiFi issues​

IssueSolution
Network not foundVerify 2.4 GHz; check range
Wrong passwordRe-enter carefully
Intermittent connectionCheck signal strength; move closer

Cellular issues​

IssueSolution
No connectionVerify SIM; check coverage; check antenna
Slow connectionCheck signal strength; reposition antenna
High latencyNormal for cellular; typically acceptable

Full troubleshooting guide →

Next steps​

Once network is configured:

  1. Provision the sensor to Grillo Cloud