LTE Modem
The SPORTident LTE Modem enables live data for sports events. It is robust and extremely easy to use. Typical use cases are live results on the internet or in the arena and safety monitoring.
The SPORTident ActiveCard (SIAC) and the BSF8-SRR Station send timing records to the modem over 2.4GHz short-range radio (SRR). The modem forwards this data over the cellular network (via LTE-M or NB-IoT) to SPORTident Center. In the event of connection interruptions to modem buffers the data so that no data is lost. Common events results programs integrate directly with Center. New integrations can be implemented via the provided API. SPORTident Center allows the management and monitoring of modems.
The companion Config app (available for Android and iOS) provides configuration, monitoring and firmware updates for the modem locally, over Bluetooth Low Energy.
The modem comes with a SIM card and data usage for five years included. Additional data usage can be bought separately. The modem works out of the box in over 40 countries.
Getting started
Switch on
Switch on the modem with the included instruction card “ON/OFF switch” by holding the card next to the “0/1” marking on the housing. If necessary, charge the modem with the included mini USB cable beforehand. The LEDs will light up. The “Connection” LED blinking red fast indicates that the modem is trying to connect to the network. “Connection” blinking slowly (every five seconds) indicates that the modem is connected to the network and SPORTident Center.
To switch the modem back off hold the “ON/OFF switch” next to the “0/1” marking for about five seconds, until the “Data” LED flashes red five times and all LEDs go off.
Activate the modem
If — and only if — this is the first time the modem is ever being used, it needs to be activated in SPORTident Center. If you are renting the modem from another party then activation is not necessary.
To activate the modem, first ensure you have a SPORTident Center account. If you don’t have one, create an account. After creating an account, sign in and navigate to the “Modems” page. Select “Actions” -> “Activate modem” and enter the modem’s serial number. The modem must be switched on and connected to the network for activation to complete.
Placement
The LTE Modem should be placed as close as possible to the short-range radio (SRR) data source — either the SIAC (a moving source) or the BSF8-SRR station (a stationary source). The maximum range between a SRR data source and the LTE Modem device is approx. 8 metres.
For running sports or when the athletes are passing the station from multiple directions (e.g. in orienteering, left image below), the LTE modem should be mounted on the same stand as the control station. For fast sports where athletes pass the station from only one direction (e.g. MTB Enduro, right image below), the LTE modem should be paced approx. 6 metres behind the control station in the direction of passing.
A distance of at least 30 metres should be kept between two LTE Modems to avoid collision of radio data.
Typically, the LTE Modem is mounted vertically via a mounting holder plate BS11-BS.
Usage
Refer to the User Guide’s chapter on live data for a thorough overview of SPORTident Center and the SPORTident live data system.
Configuration with the Config App
Install the Config App
If you own an Android phone or tablet, install the SPORTident Config App from the Google Play Store. If you own an iPhone or iPad install the SPORTident Config App from the Apple App Store.
Connect the modem to your phone
The modem indicates Bluetooth pairing mode by the “Battery” LED being permanently yellow. Right after switching on the modem, it is in Bluetooth pairing mode for 30 seconds. To put the modem into Bluetooth pairing mode at a later time, briefly hold the “ON/OFF switch” next to the “0/1” marking again.
On your phone, start the SPORTident Config App. Put the modem into Bluetooth pairing mode. If necessary, tap the refresh button on the phone. The modem will show up under “Nearby Devices”. Tap the modem on the screen to connect to it.
Config App features
The Config App shows infos about the connected LTE Modem such as signal strength, battery level and the cellular network provider. The app allows monitoring live punches and exporting data from the modem’s backup memory.
Importantly, the modem’s zone can be changed on the “Settings” page. The zones “Asia Pacific”, “Australia”, “Canada”, “Europe”, and “USA” are supported. The zone determines which LTE network frequency bands are activate as the used frequency vary from region to region around the world. If your region is not listed, please contact us so that we can recommend the best configuration to you.
The Config App supports updating the modem’s firmware. We recommend to always update to the latest firmware to receive improvements and fixes.
LEDs
The modem has three multi-colour LEDs to indicate the device’s status.
Data LED
The Data LED flashes blue when the modem receives data via short-range radio (SRR) from a SIAC or BSF8-SRR station.
Connection LED
The Connection LED indicates the connection status and signal strength.
- Green Flash (every 5 seconds): Connected to the network and SPORTident Center with signal strength > 30%
- Yellow Flash (every 5 seconds): Connected to the network and SPORTident Center with signal strength < 30%
- Quick Red Flash: Searching for a connection, not yet connected to the network and SPORTident Center
Battery LED
The Battery LED indicates the battery status, Bluetooth pairing mode, and charging status.
- Green Flash: Battery capacity > 40%
- Yellow Flash: Battery capacity < 40% (approx. 8 hours remaining)
- Quick Red Flash: Battery capacity < 20%
- Yellow Steady: Bluetooth pairing mode
When charging via USB, the Battery LED flashes red. Once the battery is fully charged, the LED will shine green.
Supported countries
The LTE Modem works in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S..
For support in other countries, please contact us.
For each supported country, not all available local network providers are necessarily supported. If in a specific location a cellular phone can connect to the cellular network, this does not necessarily mean that the LTE Modem can connect (and vice versa). Always test the modem connectivity for each location before using it in an event.
Specification
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Internal power supply | Rechargeable lithium battery |
| Battery capacity | 2000 mAh |
| Operating time | 35 hours |
| Connectors | Mini USB (for charging only) SIM card slot for Mini SIM (internal) |
| Radio | LTE-M and NB-IoT Bluetooth Low Energy Proprietary SPORTident short-range radio: two frequencies (“red” and “blue”), 2.4 GHz band (2.400…2.483GHz), license free |
| LTE bands | Asia Pacific: 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28 Australia: 1,3, 5, 8, 28 Canada: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 66 Europe: 1, 3, 8, 20, 28 USA: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 66 |
| User interface | 3 multi-colour LEDs, magnetic on/off switch |
| SPORTident system compatibility | SIAC, BSF8-SRR |
| Operating range | -20°C to +50°C |
| International protection class | IP 64 (DIN EN 60529) Protection against penetration of dust Protection against splashed water from all directions |
| Dimensions | Station: 115 mm x 62 mm x 32 mm |
| Weight | Station: 150 g |
| Software support | SPORTident Config App (Android and iOS) |
| Firmware Update | Via the SPORTident Config App |