Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC

This article is about the Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC, it's compatibility with Ozeki SMS Gateway Software. The device is an all-in-one SMS Gateway Server, PLC and Modem for all your solutions. With high-speed connection, quiet and efficient passive cooling and all its features, it's a very good choice for your professional solutions.

What is a 4G modem?

A 4G modem is a hardware device that can provide you connection with a service provider. It requires a SIM card to work. It is mostly used to send out automated or bulk messages. The Ozeki Gateway PLC features one with native support. It is easy to install and configure with our Ozeki Software Platform which comes pre-installed on our systems.

What is a hardware SMS Gateway?

A hardware SMS Gateway is a cellular modem and a computer built together. This solution allows you to have a Gateway Server and the modem in the same device with extra compatibility for reliable, future-proof solutions. The Gateway Server compiles the message for the modem to send out based on the message text and phone number you provide. The modem forwards it to the Service provider who will send it to the recipient's device based on the given phone number. (Figure 1)

diagram of ozeki gateway plc that sends sms to phones via 4g
Figure 1 - Send SMS from PC with Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC

Compatibility with Ozeki SMS Gateway

The Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC is a great solution for all-in-one industrial solutions where a Hardware SMS Gateway is necessary. The device offers PLC functioning with a relatively small form factor, great speed and efficient cooling. When building this Hardware SMS Gateway, we paid extra attention to perfect compatibility with Ozeki SMS Gateway, as well as high speed and lots of useful functions. We also provide up to date guides and information about all our products.

What is a PLC?

A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a digital device used in industrial automation to control machinery and processes through programmed logic and inputs/outputs.

How to send SMS with an Ozeki Gateway PLC (Clear steps)

To send SMS with an Ozeki Gateway PLC:

  1. Insert the SIM card into the Ozeki Gateway PLC
  2. Plug the antennas into the computer
  3. Connect the computer to a power supply
  4. Launch the Ozeki SMS Gateway
  5. Run the sms modem autodetection
  6. Specify the recipient's phone number
  7. Write the content of the SMS message
  8. Click on the Send button to send the SMS
  9. Check the test SMS message you sent

Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC Hardware setup (video tutorial)

The following guide will help you learn how to set up an Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC to send SMS (text messages). The setup starts from the very beginning of setting up your hardware and by the end, you should have a powered on Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC. We will connect the power supply, Ethernet and display with other peripherals, connect the antennas and insert the SIM card for a perfect network connectivity.

Video 1 - Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC setup (Video tutorial)

Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC Software setup (video tutorial)

The following guide will help you learn how to set up an Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC to send SMS (text messages). This setup uses the built in modem of the Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC Setup with Ozeki SMS Gateway Software. The video starts from the assembled device being turned on and by the end, you should have sent your first test message. The video is about 2 minutes and to finish the setup, it should take about 10-15 minutes if you follow our step-by-step, easy to understand guide.

Video 2 - Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC software setup (Video tutorial)

More information about the product

Get the parts that you need to setup the computer correctly

You need a micro-SIM card, four antennas, power supply with mains cable, and the computer itself (All included with Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC). (All shown in Figure 2) Make sure that you have all the hardware that you need to use the modem because every little detail is important.

ozeki sms gateway plc power supply and mains adapter antennas
Figure 2 - Required parts

Connect the power supply

To power up the Ozeki Gateway PLC, you'll require a 12V DC external power supply. Connect your power supply using its mains adapter. Combine these two components to enable you to connect your power supply to the mains network. (Refer to Figure 3).

power supply and adapter being connected
Figure 3 - Assemble Power Supply

Attach antennas

For antenna connection, locate four ports arranged in a row – three adjacent to each other, and the fourth on the opposite side of the computer. Securely fasten all four antennas by screwing them in tightly to ensure a stable connection and prevent them from becoming loose. The provided antennas are designed to offer excellent and high-speed connectivity, but you can also utilize your own antennas if preferred. (Displayed in Figure 4).

5 antenna ports gps two wifi and two cellular ports
Figure 4 - Connect your antennas

Insert your SIM card

For inserting your SIM card, make sure it's the proper size. The Ozeki Gateway PLC works with micro-SIMs. If your SIM card isn't pre-cut, you can have it resized at your service provider or a local GSM shop. If your SIM is smaller than a micro-SIM, you might need to get an adapter if you've misplaced the original one. Insert the SIM card next to the antennas, with the contacts facing towards the white print on the case. (Look at Figure 5 to see the correct placement).

sim card being inserted with notch facing toward the slot and contacts facing drawing
Figure 5 - Insert your SIM card

Important settings for SIM card

These settings are very important, and if you do not finish these, your SIM card won't work with Ozeki Gateway PLC. You must disable your PIN code and redirect phone calls to another phone number. You can do these steps on a normal mobile phone (Figure 6)

important steps
Figure 6 - Set your sim card

Connect the computer to the power supply

Link your computer to the power supply. Find the DC plug on the power supply and insert it into the computer's 12V DC port. (Refer to Figure 7).

power supply being connected to computer
Figure 7 - Connect power supply to computer

Connect your Display

To establish a connection between your computer and a display, you can utilize either an HDMI or a VGA cable. If your device doesn't feature these ports, you can easily purchase an appropriate adapter to match your devices. Connect your chosen cable accordingly. (Refer to Figure 8).

vga cable being connected to computer
Figure 8 - Connect your display via HDMI or VGA

Connect your computer to your Ethernet network

For your computer to operate normally, you need to establish an internet connection. This can be achieved using the 2 Ethernet ports on the back of the computer or by connecting to Wi-Fi. (Refer to Figure 9).

ethernet cable being connected to computer
Figure 9 - Connect to the Internet

Connect Peripherals

To set up your Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC, you'll need to connect peripherals like your keyboard and mouse. The device offers multiple USB ports, which should be sufficient for most scenarios. If you require additional ports, you can easily expand them by using a USB hub. (Refer to Figure 10).

usb cables being connected to usb slots
Figure 10 - Add your peripherals

Connect your computer to electricity

Make sure to plug your computer into a power source. Locate the mains connector close to where you intend to use your Ozeki Gateway PLC, and then connect it accordingly. (Refer to Figure 11).

power supply being connected to mains
Figure 11 - Plug in your power supply

Turn your computer on

Once you have plugged in your computer, it should turn on by itself, but if it does not, you may need to press the power button (Location seen on Figure 12) between the USB ports. If the indicator next to it is red, it's turned on and you should be able to see your computer boot on your display. (See Figure 12)

power button being pressed
Figure 12 - Turn your computer on

Wait for your computer to boot

Wait for your Ozeki Gateway PLC to boot (Visible on Figure 13)

wait for ozeki gateway plc to boot
Figure 13 - Windows 11 Boot

Open Ozeki Software Platform

To access the Ozeki Software Platform, start by clicking on the search element in the Windows Taskbar. Then, type in Ozeki 10 and click on the application that appears in the search results named Ozeki 10. The software should launch within a few seconds. (Visible in Figure 14).

if you have not yet downloaded Ozeki 10, you can download it here: Ozeki Installer Download Page

opening ozeki software platform
Figure 14 - Open Ozeki Software Platform

Open SMS Gateway App in Ozeki Software Platform

Access the Ozeki SMS Gateway within the Ozeki Software Platform. You'll typically find a set of default apps on the left-hand side. Open the SMS Gateway app, identifiable by a phone icon with "SMS" written inside it. This action will launch the SMS Gateway Application. (Visible in Figure 15).

ozeki software platform showing sms gateway
Figure 15 - Open Ozeki SMS Gateway

Add a new connection

To add a new connection in Ozeki SMS Gateway, locate the add new connection link in the left Connections panel and give it a click. This will open up the connection list page, where you can configure an SMS modem. (As demonstrated in Figure 16).

ozeki sms gateway showing connections add new connection in red square
Figure 16 - Add new connection

Install a new SMS Modem

Within the connection list, search for SMS modem and locate an Install link next to it. This entry can be found at the top of the list within the Wireless Connections (SMS, MMS) category. Click on this link to initiate the process of setting up your SMS Gateway and start sending messages. (Shown in Figure 17).

adding connections sms modem install in red square
Figure 17 - Install new SMS modem

Set a name for your modem

In the settings section, under the General tab, you have the option to assign a custom name to your modem. However, avoid using special characters like question marks or asterisks. Setting a custom name is strongly advised to prevent any confusion, especially when managing multiple connections. (Refer to Figure 18).

connection name settings
Figure 18 - Enter a custom name

Select the Port

Under the Serial port settings, open the Port dropdown menu and find Ozeki Modem Port. Choose this option to begin configuring the built-in modem of the Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC for sending messages via 4G. (Refer to Figure 19).

serial port menu where ozeki modem port is selected
Figure 19 - Select Ozeki Modem

Autodetect properties

Adjacent to the dropdown menu, locate the blue button labelled Autodetect. Click on this button to automatically retrieve all the necessary data from your SIM card, including your phone number, and configure the settings accordingly. This process might take a few seconds to complete. (Refer to Figure 20).

autodetect button in red square after serial port
Figure 20 - Click autodetect

Check the information

Examine your details closely. A window labelled Autodetect will appear, displaying the information retrieved from your SIM card. Verify that all the details match your SIM card's information, and you can also find modem details here. Once you've confirmed everything, click on the Ok button located at the bottom. This will conclude the Autodetect procedure and prepare your modem for sending SMS messages from your computer. (Refer to Figure 21).

ok button in red square after autodetect has been pressed
Figure 21 - Details of the detected modem

Finish setting up your modem

To complete the setup for your modem, locate the blue Ok button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to make additional adjustments to your modem settings, you have the option to do so now under the SMS tab or the Advanced tab. Alternatively, you can return to this tab later after pressing Ok and access the Configure tab for further modifications. (Visible in Figure 22).

sms modem installer menu where ok button is in red square
Figure 22 - Press OK in SMS modem installer

Navigate to the Test panel

Head to the navigation bar located in the right panel and select Test to access the Test tab page. From there, you can enter the Test SMS sending page. This is where you can send test messages to recipients with customized content. (Visible in Figure 23).

test option in red square
Figure 23 - Select Test option

Enable SMS Modem Connection

To activate the SMS modem connection, locate the Connection group on the left. Within this group, find the Connection switch, which is the second option listed. Click on this switch to turn it on, making it green. This action will initiate the process of your modem connecting to your service provider. (Figure 24).

switch under connection tab connection field
Figure 24 - Enable SMS modem Connection

Fill the recipient's address and test message

Enter the recipient's address and compose your test message. Locate the To field within the Recipient group. In this field, input the recipient's phone number. Then, use the SMS text field to type the content of your message. Feel free to write any desired content here. (Refer to Figure 25).

sms gateway details add recipient and sms body
Figure 25 - Enter the SMS details

Send the SMS

If you've finished composing your SMS, proceed to send it. Look for the blue Send button located at the bottom of the screen. Click on this button to send the message. You can expect to receive the SMS on the specified phone number shortly thereafter. (Refer to Figure 26).

send button in red square
Figure 26 - Press Send

Check the test message

Inspect the test message on your mobile device. Locate an application designed for managing SMS messages and launch it. If you observe your test message displayed with the accurate content, you can rest assured that your SMS modem is functioning properly. Congratulations! (Refer to Figure 27).

message received on phone
Figure 27 - Message Received

Summary

As you can see in the guide, the Ozeki SMS Gateway PLC works really well with Ozeki SMS Gateway. Using them together lets you send messages from your computer, helping your company to grow bigger. You can use this to send out automated or bulk messages. After you went through the steps, got the needed hardware and software, you will be able to send SMS using your computer.

More information