https://iot-portal.com Development Blog
Which SIM should I choose for my 4G GSM Intercom?
Posted by Michael Beaver on
Which SIM should I choose for my 4G GSM Intercom? TLDR: Videx, AES, Commtel (Priory Access before 2022)... anything but Vodafone (VOXI, Asda Mobile, Lebara, and Talkmobile are also Vodafone) Priory Access (2022+) anything but O2 PAYG until the end of 2025. Then any network, any SIM! In the 2G/3G days you would chose the SIM that offered the right amount of calls for the lowest price. So long as you have network coverage you'll be fine. That is still valid... but only if the service aligns. 2G and 3G use have a direct digital voice channel to...
Hybrid, secure, VPN connected alarm system setup
Posted by Michael Beaver on
Michael made a video for one of Priory Access distributors as to how to set up the alarm system on the ZR5/IoT Portal Hub. As we don't have much info on this system available yet we though we would share it publicly. https://www.alarm-diallers.com/collections/zigbee-sensors-and-actuators/products/iot-portal-zigbee-hub-for-home-automation-remote-control https://www.alarm-diallers.com/collections/zigbee-sensors-and-actuators/products/4g-industrial-iot-iiot-control-and-monitoring-system-din-rail
Adding Switches and Buttons to the ZR5 and IoT Portal Hub
Posted by Michael Beaver on
In the video, Michael show how to add switches and buttons to control output devices like Zigbee Power Sockets and heating systems
UK Networks MCC MNC and LTE Band Numbers
Posted by Michael Beaver on
UK Network Band Numbers EE: 7 (MCC: 234 MNC:30) Vodafone: 8 (MCC: 234 MNC:15) O2: 20 (MCC: 234 MNC:10) 3: 3 (MCC: 234 MNC:30) Sometimes a network has a persistent long term problem. At the moment (March-2025) 3 UK LTE is very unreliable for IoT. We correct this problem by simply blocking the band that the network uses on UK devices. At some point in the future we will return it to service by adding that band again. There are plenty of networks in the UK so it shouldn't cause a reliability issue (especially when you block 3 as...
Zigbee Mesh Networking
Posted by Michael Beaver on
Michael demonstrates the signal from an IKEA Rodret switch passing through an IKEA Vindstyrka Air Quality meter, through a Zigbee wall socket and finally to the IoT Portal Hub giving a total range of about 130 meters! An excellent demonstration of how mesh networking can boost your ZigBee network.