Member Since: 05 May 2009
Location: Bergen
Posts: 1509
4 months of testing the Bell FBH GSM module.
Through the cooperation I have with Pete at Bell Auto Services, I have tested the GSM module (kit 2) the last 4 months.
Disclaimer: I have a working interest with Bell Auto Services, but have attempted to write this as neutral as possible.
Background:-
I had used the 1533 timer / Garage door opener for 2 years, and this has worked fine, but the kit 2 does have some advantages, the main one is the ability to get feed back, because even if the GSM coverage was good, Telenor (Largest provider in norway (please discuss in other threads if you are not in agreement)) would not connect my SIM if if I stood next to the car with a mobile, I could call it and get the “not connected messageâ€.
Click image to enlarge
So when I was approached by Pete to test the equipment I jumped at the chance.
kit1 has been out for a while, the functions are known, so I will not dwell on them, the only negative thing I have with kit 1 is the remote, its huge, and the cheap batteries its supplied with are bad, my advice is change to Varta or another "brand name" and the operating range improves.
Kit 1 & 2 came in two boxes, There is room in the battery box for both of them, even if you have an extra battery.
Click image to enlarge
Note this is a prototype, so it does not reflect the finished product.
Testing the kit 2 and software has been interesting and Pete has been really supportive at the other end of the phone, being extremely patient, the software development has been a good experience.
It really compliments kit one, and takes some of the guess work out interpreting the flashing LED on kit 1.
Click image to enlarge
As this is a prototype it was delivered in a 2 boxes, I put a quick connector on it to ease the reinstalling of it under testing.
So first impressions, it works, it tells you if it has started the FBH or not, it allows you to send an SMS to it to tell it to clear faults. You can even sent it a SMS and ask the status, to get the coolant temperature.
There are many other commands which may be sent to it, clear faults, status, fuel prime the heater amongst others.
The unit allows up to 3 telephone numbers to access it, so your neighbor cannot text it by mistake.
By sending ST which means status your get a really weird SMS back if you have set the kit up for that.
Off
Temp 81
Mode E
Volts 14.1
Faults 0
LS 1
GSM 9
Vsn: 1.3
Defaults:
TI=30 TE=76
RT=45 ML=4
so what does it all mean ???? it’s not that difficult really
Off ------------- Status of the FBH here it is off
Temp 81 ------------- Coolant temperature here it is showing it is warm 81 Celsius
Mode E ------------- Mode here is economical
Volts 14.1 ------------- Voltage of the battery, 14,1volts
Faults 0 ------------- The number of faults logged in the memory.
LS 1 ------------- LS x is the number of times the fbhic has issued a start command in the last run. So if it starts first time it would be LS 1, if it is trying to start and failing you could see LS 2/3/4. If you see LS 4 it has tried the max nr of times.
GSM 9 ------------- The GSM signal strength, standing under a transmiter I got 28max.
Vsn: 1.3 ------------- The software version.
Defaults:
TI=30 TE=76 ------------- The "program" TI = how long the FBH will run TE = target temperature
RT=45 ML=4 ------------- RT = be ready in xx minutes here is 45 minutes,
ML = message level how much information do you want sent back
Four message levels are possible:
0 no messages
1 fault messages only
2 fault and start messages
3 fault, start and stop messages
4 fault, start, stop and delay start messages
So it sounds good, does it work? do you need these features?
Well, yes, I do, I could be hill walking in a area with bad coverage, or you could be taking the last ski lift of the day, and you want the car to be ready when you are down again. The range the GSM kit provides is only limited by the network operator.
You send the on command, via SMS, but has the car recieved the command? has the FBH started ? You can send the command be ready in 2 hours, as you are 2 hours from the car, and you will get a sms back confirming the settings.
The kit 2 will also inform you that.
if there is a problem....
Comms err
Mode E
Volts
Faults 0
LS 1
GSM 11
Vsn: 1.3
Defaults:
TI=30 TE=76
RT=45 ML=4
Why is there a comms error, well I disconnected a lead on the FBH, so it wouldn’t “talk†to the FBH.
Then I tried to confuse it by sending strange commands, but it didn’t understand me (my wife doesn’t so why should an FBH )
This is showing the back side of the PCB and where the antenna connects. This is the Achilles heel of the system.
The antenna lead is a little on the slender side. It works in its designed roll, but care must be taken when inserting the SIM card, in use it works fine as it is protected by the case.
Click image to enlarge
The front of the board showing the Sim card socket and SIM installed.
Testing the FBH on “Tonkaâ€.
Pre production kit on the battery and prototype to the right.
Click image to enlarge
Under testing, I have sent a lot of SMS, and received a lot of SMS. Norwegian operator Telenor offers a friend and family subscription, so that you can ring and text without charges, I have now made friends with the FBH, and we can text each as much as we like without charges. We just have to remember to top up the card for £1 online once a year to keep it activated.
Pre-production kit.
After all prototypes there is a pre-production model, here is an “spy shot†of a pre – production kit with a quick connector.
So far it works as designed and I have learnt a lot under ways.
Click image to enlarge
Please approach site sponsor Bell Auto Services for prices and availabilities.
GlenIDTOOL PRO / Faultmate programing and BAS remaping services in Norway.
Diagnostic for most Land rover vehicles
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5th Oct 2012 9:35 am
dsd1036
Member Since: 27 Feb 2010
Location: Surrey
Posts: 2692
Nice write up Glen,
I have Pete's kit 1 and will be looking at getting kit 2 but 1st i have to get the bloody FBH working properly
Darrell
5th Oct 2012 6:52 pm
woody32 Site Sponsor
Member Since: 11 Mar 2009
Location: Somerset
Posts: 3551
Good write up Glen
Like you Darrell just need to get my FBH working Wanted D4s non runners pm for competitive price.
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5th Oct 2012 7:53 pm
oh no
Member Since: 22 Apr 2007
Location: berkshire
Posts: 59
Very good write up Glen.
I have pete's kit 1 work well will give pete a ring on Monday re price of kit 2
7th Oct 2012 4:25 pm
kitchenmicky
Member Since: 15 Aug 2011
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 62
Sounds great .
What does it do
7th Oct 2012 5:35 pm
Russell
Member Since: 23 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
Turns the FBH on and warns the engine so you limit wear on cold starts, plus it also means as soon as you get in the car and start it you are benefitting from the heater working straight away.
D4's are slightly diffrent and have a pre heat function available from LR, do not think all D4'2 have this however Pete and others can activate it if required at a cost. Give Pete a call MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
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7th Oct 2012 5:54 pm
kitchenmicky
Member Since: 15 Aug 2011
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 62
Thanks ,I get it now .
7th Oct 2012 6:22 pm
ruggedpeak
Member Since: 10 Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 1625
Aside from my FBH not accepting W-Bus inputs currently, I will be interested in this subject to the following:
1) must be robust/waterproof. I had the kit in your 1st pic and it wasn't protected and died
2) price - keep it real
3) make it plug and play so technical halfwits like me don't need to spend more on getting it fitted
Look forward to the final product Tony
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7th Oct 2012 6:49 pm
fade2grey
Member Since: 06 Sep 2008
Location: Reading
Posts: 304
Any idea on price and when it'll be available - was just goon to order a gsm unit for my 1533 timer but this is even easier! 56 HSE
7th Oct 2012 6:55 pm
bellautos
Member Since: 02 Feb 2006
Location: NorthYorkshire
Posts: 2532
ruggedpeak wrote:
Aside from my FBH not accepting W-Bus inputs currently, I will be interested in this subject to the following:
1) must be robust/waterproof. I had the kit in your 1st pic and it wasn't protected and died
2) price - keep it real
3) make it plug and play so technical halfwits like me don't need to spend more on getting it fitted
Look forward to the final product
Ill try and put a few words to your questions and give an explnation of why.
1 Its robust as its in a alloy extruded case, but NOT waterproof as it would effect your question 2 to much. The lids once fitted can be removed and silicone closed to help with water ingress though i do advise you keep water away from the car in the area you would fit this kit as it would effect that cars modules also which are a simlar construction to my kit.
2 Its as cheap as it can be while maintaining as good a parts and build quality as is cost effective for all.
3 kit1 is already plug and play with only 3 wires, red=12v battery, black =chassis gnd and green to piin2 of the heater. it does not get any easer.
The GSM kit2 is an addon to kit one and i will be accepting people with kit1 to send them back for upgrades. its not pratical at the moment to let kit customers upgrade to kit 2 them selfs as it envolves programming on the MCU on kit1 and soldering.
Pete
9th Oct 2012 7:10 pm
oh no
Member Since: 22 Apr 2007
Location: berkshire
Posts: 59
Sent kit1 to pete on Monday to get kit2 added had it sent back on Thursday
Great service pete thank you
Fitted on Friday all working well
Thanks again for the help pete
21st Oct 2012 5:30 pm
ruggedpeak
Member Since: 10 Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 1625
Thanks Pete, if I can get the w-bus to work I'll get one of these. Tony
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21st Oct 2012 5:59 pm
bellautos
Member Since: 02 Feb 2006
Location: NorthYorkshire
Posts: 2532
What are you trying to get it going with ? the GSM will need my kit1 before it will work., it does not work in stand alone mode.
Pete
21st Oct 2012 6:02 pm
ruggedpeak
Member Since: 10 Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 1625
I had one if the old 1533 timer and gsm setups but it got water in it and died. The timer works but neither it or using the webasto software will trigger the fbh independently any more. Fbh works normally as it has been running in the cold. So until I resolve why it won't operate there's not much point buying the kit. Tony
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21st Oct 2012 6:16 pm
cold_n_wet
Member Since: 05 May 2009
Location: Bergen
Posts: 1509
Have been playing more and more with the GSM side of things, and have found out a bunch of stuff.
1) Iphone doesnt understand ST and always sends AT - annoying.
2) Be ready in actually learns, so its better and better
3) If you get the fault code for a gummed up heater adding BG244 (LR approved injector cleaner) and a long burn helps.
4) Free Iphone app, "SMS remote" (german language) can be configured to have all the necessary commands pre-programmed so no need to keep writing commands.
Pictures to follow
GlenIDTOOL PRO / Faultmate programing and BAS remaping services in Norway.
Diagnostic for most Land rover vehicles
Land Rover parts and accessories.
Stockist of RLD equipment.
www.praesto4x4.no
D4 gone, missed but replaced with a 110 Puma.
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