Installation

Install the smithtek-nodered-sms using the NodeRED palette manager.

Usage

The Smithtek-nodered-sms Node-RED module allows seamless integration of the ZTE MF833V USB dongle into the Smithtek PassPort. Simply plug the modem into any of the four USB ports, and it will provide a primary or secondary internet connection while also enabling SMS communication. Your mobile plan must include SMS services, if not the SMS wont work.

1. ✔ Send SMS for status updates, event alarms, or fault notifications.
2. ✔ Receive SMS commands to trigger logic-based actions.
3. ✔ Start programs or execute tasks remotely via SMS.
4. ✔ Control digital outputs, such as turning a pump on/off.
5. ✔Modify setpoints, adjusting tank level controls or pressure protection settings.
6. ✔ Retrieve data from your dongle, including mobile carrier information, signal strength (in bars), and data usage.

Smithtek provides pre-configured dongles, ensuring a plug-and-play experience. Additionally, most retail sellers in Australia offer the ZTE MF833V modem with no extra configuration required, making integration effortless.

Features

• Send SMS to any phone number
• View received SMS
• Retrieve modem status (updates every 10 seconds)
• Adjustable polling interval for retrieving SMS (5s to 60s)
• Supports the ZTE MF833V USB modem
• Deletes all SMS to manage storage

Node Properties

• Phone Number: The recipient phone number (Required)
• Password: Modem login password (Default: Admin)
• Modem IP: IP address of the modem (Default: 192.168.0.1)
• SMS Polling Interval: The interval (in seconds) to check for new SMS (Range: 5-60, Default: 10s)

Sending an SMS

• Inject a string as a plain text message into the node’s input.
• The node formats and sends the message to the configured phone number. Messages can be sent to multiple recipients by adding multiple ZTE nodes, each configured with a different phone number.

Receiving SMS:

• The node automatically polls the modem for received messages. The polling interval can be adjusted in the settings between 5 and 60 seconds, with a default of 10 seconds.

Deleting SMS:

The zte-sms-reset node, its purpose is to clear the stored SMS from the ZTE modem, it only has the capacity to store 100 message, after this all new messages are rejected and most likely waiting in the mobile service providers queue. To delete the messages simply drag and drop the zte-sms-reset node into your flow. Any signal on the input pin will trigger the deletion. The output pin will show how many messages have been deleted.

Node Outputs:

• Output 1: Last received SMS sender and timestamp Output 1 displays the sender's number and timestamp. This can be useful for logging purposes or security implementations.
• Output 2: Last received SMS message content This outputs the message text only. it can be used to trigger programs or functions.
• Output 3: Modem status (updates every 10 seconds)

Output 3 status

1. Network Type – e.g., 4G, LTE, 3G.
2. Network Provider – Displays the mobile carrier (e.g., Telstra, Optus).
3. PPP Status – Indicates the internet connection state (e.g., ipv4_ipv6_connected).
4. Realtime TX Bytes – Shows the amount of data uploaded in bytes.
5. Realtime RX Bytes – Shows the amount of data downloaded in bytes.
6. WAN Auto Mode – Indicates the preferred WAN mode (e.g., AUTO_LTE_GATEWAY).
7. Signal Bars – Displays signal strength as bars (0–5).
8. Modem Temperature – Reports Modem temperature in °C (if applicable).
9. LAN IP Address – Displays the modem’s local IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.1). 10.Roam Setting Option – Shows if roaming is enabled (on or off).

Supported Modem:

This node is designed for the ZTE MF833V USB modem. View the ZTE MF833V Datasheet: https://ztemobiles.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MF833V_Help.pdf The nodes will work with many other ZTE models. If you would like to include other models, please forward part, make & model number to [email protected].

Notes:

• The modem logs out every 10 minutes. The node detects this and automatically logs back in when needed.
• The modem must be plugged in and active before use.
• You must have a valid mobile plan that includes SMS services.

Supported Modem: This node is designed for the ZTE MF833V USB modem. View the ZTE MF833V Datasheet: https://ztemobiles.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MF833V_Help.pdf

Notes:

• The modem logs out every 10 minutes. The ZTE FB node detects this and automatically logs back in when needed.
• The modem must be plugged in and active before use.

Australian Retailers

1. TELSTRA.COM.AU
2. Officeworks: Listed as the Telstra Prepaid 4GX USB Modem.
3. Betta Home Living: Available under the model TE046 Telstra Pre-Paid 4GX USB Modem - MF833V.
4. Amazon Australia: Sold as the ZTE MF833U1 Unlocked 150mbps 4G LTE USB Modem.

License

Copyright (c) 2023 www.smithtek.com.au
Licensed under the terms of the GPLv3

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to:

• Nick O'Leary and Dave Conway-Jones for their invaluable contributions to the Node-Red community.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.smithtek.com.au

Node-RED Flow Example

[
    {
        "id": "b5f898ab042536f6",
        "type": "zte-sms",
        "z": "7ac204f11aaee91f",
        "phone": "+61 Phone number here",
        "password": "Admin",
        "modemIp": "192.168.0.1",
        "smsInterval": "5",
        "x": 640,
        "y": 300,
        "wires": [
            ["73f3a94cb9572aa2"],
            ["a16c4b7c571d6e24", "9506c15511d7cfc6"],
            ["3eaffdc0f86e8615"]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "f2bcdf07e1070b22",
        "type": "inject",
        "z": "7ac204f11aaee91f",
        "name": "",
        "props": [{"p": "payload"}],
        "repeat": "",
        "crontab": "",
        "once": false,
        "onceDelay": 0.1,
        "topic": "",
        "payload": "Warning Tank Level High",
        "payloadType": "str",
        "x": 410,
        "y": 260,
        "wires": [["b5f898ab042536f6"]]
    },
    {
        "id": "3eaffdc0f86e8615",
        "type": "debug",
        "z": "7ac204f11aaee91f",
        "name": "status",
        "active": true,
        "tosidebar": true,
        "complete": "payload",
        "x": 850,
        "y": 320,
        "wires": []
    },
    {
        "id": "a16c4b7c571d6e24",
        "type": "debug",
        "z": "7ac204f11aaee91f",
        "name": "Last Message text",
        "active": true,
        "tosidebar": true,
        "complete": "payload",
        "x": 890,
        "y": 280,
        "wires": []
    }
]