SysCONNECT SL-500 Modem Upgrade Installation Instructions

The Systech SysCONNECT Modem may be used to upgrade an existing Systech SysLINK Modular IoT Gateway with a new cellular modem.  This document describes how to perform the physical upgrade of an existing gateway. 

Summary (with links)

1. Update Software

2. Open Gateway Enclosure

3. Remove Old Modem

4. Remove Motherboard (some models)

5. Remove One Riser (some models)

6. Remove SMA Connectors

7. Add New SMA Connectors

8. Reinstall Motherboard (some models)

9. Install New Modem

10. Reconnect Antenna Wires

11. Insert Your SIM

12. Close the Enclosure

13. Apply New Sticker

Instructions for SysLINK SL-500

Your upgrade kit contains the following items.

1. Screws (2)

2. Washers (2)

3. Internal antenna wires (2)

4. Cellular modem card

Tools you will need.

1. Small pliers

2. Medium flat-blade screwdriver

3. #1 Phillips screwdriver

4. Small flat-blade screwdriver

5. 8mm wrench

To help prevent damage, you should wear a static wrist band throughout the upgrade process.

Support of the SysCONNECT Modem requires SysLINK Core software version 01A.22, or later. For CZ4B and CV1B modules, need version 01A.42 or later.

Also, PPP package version 2.4.7, or later is required.

• Save the above two files on a local PC.

• If the gateway or local PC is not already part of a local LAN, connect the local PC to the LAN port of the gateway with an Ethernet cable.

• Open a web browser (Ex: Chrome). If the local PC is connected directly to the gateway, you may receive a connection error message. That is OK.

• In the address line of the web browser, enter the IP address of your unit (Ex: https:\\192.168.1.90:7444), followed by Enter.

• You should see the Welcome screen for the gateway.

• When prompted, enter the username and password of the gateway. Contact your VAR or Systech if you need help with your username or password.

  • Select Flash Management in the menu

  • In the Flash Update section, click Browse, locate the file you saved above and click OK

  • Click the Update Flash button

  • The unit will take time to load different packages and return with “Request Succeeded”.

  • Once finished loading all packages, reboot using the Reset/Reboot menu and Reboot.

Additionally, update the SysLINK configuration following the steps below.  If updating multiple SysLINK gateways, you may consider saving the configuration of one updated gateway, and loading the updated config file to all other gateways.  Alternatively, you may also consider using the SOUP management software to update gateways over-the-air.

1. Login to the SysLINK Web UI.

2. Click the PPP settings.

3. Click on Edit

4. Paste this text:

5. Click Save Changes

6. Click on Reset/Reboot link in the left-most pane to go to Reset/Reboot page.

7. Click Reboot.

There are six slots around the edge of the gateway.  Using the small flat-blade screw driver, gently pry up in each slot to release the cover.

There are two versions of the SL-500 motherboard.  Each version has slightly different installation instructions.  See the pictures below to identify which version of the SL-500 you are upgrading.

Unplug the two antenna cables from the old modem module.

Remove the two screws & washers from the old modem module (see red arrows in picture below) with the Phillips screwdriver.

Remove the old modem from the mini-PCIe connector.  It should slide out horizontally.  The old modem may be discarded.

Important Note: This step ONLY required for SL-500 version WITH a daughterboard.

Use the medium flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry out the motherboard on the side furthest from the SMA antenna connectors.  This edge of the motherboard can be lifted out, then the entire motherboard can slide out from under the SMA antenna connectors.

Do not attempt to pull the motherboard away from the enclosure yet.  One of the antenna wires from the SMA connector will not fit through one of the four risers.  The next step will solve that.

Important Note: This step ONLY required for SL-500 version WITH a daughterboard.

To allow room to remove the old antenna SMA, one of the four risers between the motherboard and the daughterboard must be removed.

Turn the motherboard upsidedown and remove the single screw (as shown in picture below).  Use the small pliers as necessary to prevent the riser from turning while removing the screw.

Turn the motherboard back rightside up and remove the screw on the top side of the motherboard (as shown in picture below).  Use the pliers as necessary to prevent the riser from turning while removing the screw.  Remove the single riser.  The motherboard may now be fully removed from the plastic enclosure.

The existing SMA connectors must be upgraded along with your new cellular modem.  Using the wrench, remove the two SMA connectors.

If your gateway supports Wi-Fi in addition to cellular, be sure to remove only the cellular SMA connectors.  These are the connectors that were originally connected to the old modem.

Note: The images and video below show the motherboard removed.  For the SL-500 version with no daughterboard, the motherboard does NOT need to be removed.

Use the wrench to install the new SMA connectors to the plastic enclosure in the same location as the old SMA connectors.  Note that the SMA connectors have one side that is slightly flat.  Be sure to align the flat side of the SMA connector to the flat side of the opening in the plastic enclosure.

Slide the washer on the connector on the outside of the enclosure.  Then install the flat nut, and tighten.  Do not over-tighten.

Note: The wire color of the new SMA connectors may be grey or black.

Important Note: This step ONLY required for SL-500 version WITH a daughterboard.

Insert the leading edge of the motherboard under the SMA connectors, below the small plastic clips.  Then press down on the opposite edge of the motherboard until the motherboard snaps into place.

IMPORTANT: If installing the alternate form-factor SysCONNECT modem card, you should install the SIM prior to this step. Please skip to the SIM insertion step (Step 11). Then return back to this step.

Insert the new modem card into the mini-PCIe connector.  Be sure to slide card fully into the connector.  The back end of the modem card will angle up naturally until you install the mounting screws.

Slide the washers onto the screws prior to mounting.

Install the two screws (with washers).  Do not overtighten.

Connect the antenna wires to the small U.FL connectors on the new modem card.  It is important to connect the wires to the appropriate location.  If using the primary form-factor SysCONNECT card, the wire labeled "Main" must be connected to the U.FL connector further from the edge of the new modem card (identified with a small letter M).  The wire labeled "Aux" must be attached to the U.FL connector closest to the edge of the new modem card (identified with a small letter D).

If using the alternate form-factor SysCONNECT card, the wire labeled “Main” must be connected to the U.FL connector in the center of the new modem card. The wire labeled “Aux” must be attached to the U.FL connector closest to the left edge of the new modem card (closest to the SIM).

It is best to ensure the wire connector is flat (parallel to the board), so the connector can be pressed straight down until it snaps into place.  It is correctly installed when the connector can be slightly rotated without becoming loose.

Locate the appropriate cellular SIM.  The SysCONNECT uses the 4FF (nano-SIM) form factor.

With the metal contacts toward the bottom, carefully insert the SIM into the SIM socket on the new modem.  The small notch in the corner of the SIM must be located on the back edge (trailing edge) of the SIM card as you insert it.  See the picture.  Slide the SIM entirely into the socket, with no part of the SIM hanging out.  There is no internal spring, or click. 

In the future, to remove the SIM from the SIM socket, a SIM removal wire can be used to push the SIM back out of the socket.  Alternatively, a thin paper clip may also be used.

Although there may be additional SIM sockets on the motherboard, only use the SIM socket on the new modem card. If the SysCONNECT modem card includes two SIM sockets, please use the center socket.

Rotate the top of the enclose to ensure the tabs and opening align.  Then carefully press the top and bottom enclosure pieces together, pressing at each corner, and along the edges.  This may require significant pressure to ensure a tight seal.

Apply the enclosed sticker that identifies your new modem's MEID information.