Troubleshooting Signal Issues

Overview

Sometimes a DCT or EDR will show no cell signal, or will periodically go in and out of service. This page shows some steps to help resolve this issue.

If the signal is weak/marginal

Checking Main Connections

Verify that the antenna connections are reasonably tight, and the cell/wan/4g connection is on the CELL port.

Turning Antenna

The standard fin antenna is somewhat directional, so sometimes a quick fix to signal issues is simply turning the fin antenna 90 degrees and cycling power. The DCT or EDR will show if the signal strength has improved after several minutes.

Using a Directional Antenna

In poor signal areas, EMIT can supply a directional antenna kit. This antenna wires into the Cell port only of the device and can be pointed toward a cell tower. The item number is 20381-0100.

If the Signal is Disconnected

Checking Antenna

It is possible that the antenna is not working. If another antenna is available, try a replacement to see if that solves the issue.

Checking the Modem

Sometimes a physical connection on the modem can be causing a signal issue.

DCT: Turn off the DCT and remove the back cover by taking out the four corner screws. The DCT can stay in the panel.

EDR: Turn off the EDR and loosen the three screws on one of the end caps. The cover then can be removed.

In either case, find the modem under the cover. It is shown in the image below (DCT example).

Once the modem is located, check these items:

• Verify that the modem is pushed down into the board all the way. The modem goes into a socket and sometimes can come out. It should be fully seated on both sides.
• Verify that the SIM card is inserted the proper distance. In the above image, the edge of SIM card can be seen under the label on the right side of the modem. The SIM should have the same amount of white area exposed. If it sticks out more than the image above, push it back in.
• Verify that the antenna jumper is down all the way. In the image below there are two green arrows showing the two ends of the antenna jumper (EDR example). These will usually be covered with rtv/glue. This jumper 'snaps' straight down into a socket on each end. Push directly down on each end to see if it was not seated all the way, or if the connection is totally loose put it back in place.

After the checks, reassemble the device and power it back up to check for signal.

Check the service level

DCT : Select the bottom left button of the DCT. The Cell box will show the service level, which should be 2 or higher

EDR : On the "Debug" tab of the wifi terminal, check "Device Config". The service level should be 2 or higher.

If the service level is not 2 or higher, contact EMIT because the unit is either not activated or the device needs to be assigned to the unit.

Using Satellite

In some areas there will be no cell signal with any antenna. In this case EMIT will supply a satellite modem. See Satellite_Modem_Installation on how to install.