Your SMSEagle is designed so that you can set it up quickly and start using it right away. Follow the steps below to get started.

STEP 1: Install the antenna(s)

Antenna installation guidelines

  • Install the antenna(s) in a location with access to a cellular network radio signal.

  • The antenna(s) must be installed such that it provides a separation distance of at least 30cm (12 inches) from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

  • The antenna must not be installed inside metal cases.

Plug in antenna connector(s) to the device.

STEP 2: Insert SIM Card

Please install SIM Card when the device is SWITCHED OFF. SIM Card slot is located at the bottom of the device. Use a ball-pen or small screwdriver to eject SIM Card tray. Insert card into tray and push it gently into slot.

Ejecting the SIM card tray on the SMSEagle device with a screwdriver

Inserting a SIM card

STEP 3: Power the device

The device is powered with AC/DC power supply adaptor delivered in the box. The device needs a power source of 12V DC. In order to power the device simply plug in a connector from AC/DC adaptor into the device. Alternatively, the device can be powered via PoE+ (hardware Rev.4 only).

STEP 4: Configure IP settings

SMSEagle device connected via Ethernet to a router and to a PC

Network connection diagram

SMSEagle default network configuration: DHCP client is on (IP address will be obtained automatically from your DHCP server)

A) Connect SMSEagle to your LAN and obtain IP address automatically

  • connect the device to your LAN using Ethernet cable

  • SMSEagle will obtain IP address automatically from your DHCP

  • read assigned IP address on your DHCP server

B) Or set IP address for SMSEagle manually

  • connect a display using HDMI connector, connect a keyboard to USB port (note: cables are not provided)

  • login to the terminal window using root credentials (these were provided with your device)

  • edit configuration file with command:

    nano /mnt/nand-user/smseagle/syscfg
    

    change the following lines:

    HOST_IP=   (set IP address for your device)
    GW_IP=     (default gateway IP address)
    NET_MASK=  (set subnet mask)
    START_DHCP=Y (set to START_DHCP=N to disable DHCP client)
    
  • save and exit the file

  • shutdown the device

  • now connect SMSEagle to your LAN using Ethernet cable

C) Log in to SMSEagle

SMSEagle web login page in a browser

SMSEagle login page

Open an internet browser on your PC and go to the IP address assigned to your gateway.

SMSEagle default user:

Username: admin Password: password

Login to application with above username and password.

Important: Due to security reasons, after the first login, you will be prompted to change the default password.

Password complexity requirements: The password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one lowercase letter, uppercase letter, number and special character.

STEP 5: Configuration Wizard

New SMSEagle devices are equipped with a built-in Configuration Wizard that guides the user through the initial setup process step by step. The wizard is launched automatically on first login and covers the most important configuration areas: SIM card setup, time zone, and user password change. The wizard can be skipped and accessed again later from the Settings menu.

SMSEagle Configuration Wizard - language, dial code, time zone and NTP settings

Configuration Wizard

STEP 6: Installing custom SSL certificate and HTTPS-only (OPTIONAL)

Installing your own SSL certificate

SMSEagle device comes with a self-signed SSL certificate. Follow the instructions in the chapter SSL Certificate and HTTPS Redirection if you want to install your own SSL certificate or a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.

Using HTTPS only

By default, SMSEagle web-GUI can be accessed via HTTP or HTTPS. For improved security we recommend using HTTPS. If you would like to redirect HTTP > HTTPS, follow instructions in the chapter SSL Certificate and HTTPS Redirection.

STEP 7: Reboot the device

Device restart panel with the Reboot button in SMSEagle Settings > Maintenance

Reboot button

Go to Settings > Maintenance Tab. Press Reboot button.