Sierra Wireless FXT009 Review

This article is a review of the Sierra Wireless FXT009 modem. You can read about the modem's technical details and specifications, how it can be used for sending/receiving messages and it's compatibility with Ozeki services. The following review is useful for people who are planning on buying a Sierra Wireless FXT009 modem or people who want to know more about the product. Sierra Wireless is a Canadian company with a long reputable history, who own Wavecom and the FXT009 is the successor of the popular Wavecom line of GSM modems.

sierra wireless fxt009
Figure 1 - Sierra Wireless FXT009

What is the Sierra Wireless FXT009?

The Sierra Wireless FXT009 is a rugged cellular gateway device designed for industrial and remote applications, providing cellular connectivity for data transmission, monitoring, and control in various industries.

sierra wireless fxt009 sendin sms
Figure 2 - How Sierra Wireless FXT009 sends SMS

Inserting a SIM card into the Sierra Wireless FXT009

Inserting a SIM card into the Sierra Wireless FXT009 is really straight forward, without any disassembly needed, you just have to locate the SIM slot and insert it (according to Figure 3) with the contacts facing the orange protective plastic.

sierra wireless fxt009 sim
Figure 3 - How to insert SIM card into Sierra Wireless FXT009

Technical details of the Sierra Wireless FXT009

Sierra Wireless FXT009 technical specifications

Connection RS232, USB 2.0
Frequency bands 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Signal Strength High
SMS Speed ~11 SMS1/min
Network protocols GSM, GPRS, EDGE
Network speeds Data rates up to 153 kbps forward and reverse
Operating Voltage 8-30V DC

SMS1 - 160 character long text message

ATC-1000 Manuals and Datasheets

Setup experiences with the Sierra Wireless FXT009

RS232 Port

It is easy to set up the modem to work with the RS232 serial port. Just attach the external antenna, the RS232 cable, and the SIM card before plugging in the modem to the power source. Don't forget to use the lock switch to secure the SIM card; without it, the card cannot be read. Ozeki SMS Server immediately recognizes the modem, and everything functions correctly.

USB Port

Manual installation of a USB driver is necessary before using the USB port if your computer does not install it automatically, and the modem's included driver requires Java Runtime Environment, but other than that, there are no other particular requirements. The benefit of using an external power source is that the USB connection can operate on USB hubs that only provide a little amount of power, which might be problematic for other USB GSM modems.

Personal Experience with the Sierra Wireless FXT009

A minor issue with the USB port was the only significant issue we discovered during the testing period. The product worked flawlessly when connected to both a serial port and a USB port. Unfortunately, the modem only offers a full reboot option when the serial port is in use. After a reboot, the USB connection is lost and is not started automatically. This indicates that if you must use the USB port, this modem is not recommended for usage without supervision.

Pros and Cons of the Sierra Wireless FXT009

Pros:

  1. Reliable cellular connectivity.
  2. Rugged design for harsh environments.
  3. Versatile industrial applications.
  4. Integrated GPS for location tracking.
  5. Extended temperature range support.

Cons:

  • Limited processing power.
  • Bit of disassembly required for SIM swap

Sending SMS with Sierra Wireless FXT009

To start SMS text messaging using the Sierra Wireless FXT009 modem and Ozeki SMS Server, ensure you have the modem, a PC, Ozeki SMS Server software, a functional SIM card for cellular connectivity, and the provided antenna for signal strength. After setting up the modem and software, configure SMS parameters, compose the message, specify the recipient, and use Ozeki SMS Server's capabilities, including SMS APIs, to facilitate seamless and efficient communication. Check out the Ozeki SMS Server manual for further information.

Receiving SMS with Sierra Wireless FXT009

To receive SMS with the Sierra Wireless FXT009, ensure it's connected and configured in Ozeki SMS Server. Incoming text messages can be monitored through the Ozeki SMS Server GUI. Once the modem is recognized, Ozeki SMS Server provides real-time visibility into received SMS content and sender information.

Summary

The Sierra Wireless FXT009 is a very reliable, good quality modem with a highly reputable manufacturer known for good products. The modem has great signals compared to other modems, has a good network speed and lots offers extra features.

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