Table of Contents
Overview
Specifications
Cel-Fi COMPASS Hardware
Connecting
Installation Features (for Cel-Fi QUATRA)
Optimization Features
FAQ
Overview
The Cel-Fi COMPASS and Cel-Fi WAVE PRO work together to improve cellular coverage installations. Customers who want to set up their Cel-Fi QUATRA to run in an offline mode can use this tool to activate, configure basic settings, and update the systems software. For customers with the Cel-Fi Antenna Mount, the Antenna Pointing feature will find the best direction to aim donor antennas. Cellular coverage reports and speed tests can be run on-site to help optimize Cel-Fi systems.
Specifications
- Band Support:
- LTE FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28
- LTE TDD: B38/B39/B40/B41
- UMTS: B1/B2/B4/B5/B6/B8/B19
- Rugged rubberized exoskeleton
- RP-SMA connectors (reverse-polarity)
- Internal rechargeable battery
- Micro USB charger
- Internal global LTE modem
- SIM slot (user-accessible)
- FCC certified
- CE certified
- Connects to smartphone via Bluetooth
Cel-Fi COMPASS Hardware
Power
Use the Power On/Off button located on the front of the Cel-Fi COMPASS to power on the device. The "Power" LED will turn green if the device is on. During startup, the "Status" LED will flash green. Once the Cel-Fi COMPASS is ready to use, this LED will turn solid green.
If the power adaptor is not attached and the battery is dead, no lights will display. Use the power charger that came with your device to recharge the battery. It can take up to 30 minutes to fully charge.
LED's
There are 3 LEDs on the Compass. These lights indicate if the device is:
- Power
- Solid green: device has power
- Status
- Solid green: device is ready
- Blinking green: device is busy processing
- Solid red: there is a problem with the device - usually the connection to the LTE modem has been lost
- Blinking red: the battery is low
- Charging
- Blinking green: device is currently charging
- Solid green: device is charged (and the power adaptor is connected)
SIM Card
The SIM card is used to acquire specific Network Carrier signal data. To add a SIM card to the Cel-Fi COMPASS, gently push the SIM card into the slot (it will fit only one way because of the notch). The SIM card will snap into position when pushed far enough.
To remove, push the SIM card all the way in until it ejects. We recommend powering off the Cel-Fi COMPASS before inserting or removing the SIM card.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To obtain the maximum performance during the “Full Signal Report” test and the “Speed Test,” an active SIM card is required. Compass will show up RF metrics from all the carriers with RF signals present in the geographic area regardless of the SIM’s operator.
Ports
- The Compass has 2x SMA connectors, which can be used to connect to Antennas using coax cables.
- An Ethernet (RJ45) LAN port is used to connect to the Cel-Fi QUATRA 1000/2000
- A USB port is used to connect to the Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000
Connecting
- Make sure the Cel-Fi COMPASS is powered on, and the “Status” light is solid green.
- Launch the Cel-Fi WAVE PRO app while standing near the Cel-Fi COMPASS. Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone to connect to the Cel-Fi COMPASS. Bluetooth Version 4.2 or higher is required and Location Services are required for older Android versions. The app will scan for available devices. If 1 device is found, the app will automatically connect to it and proceed. If multiple devices are found, then a list is displayed, and you can select which device to connect to. If no devices are found after 1 minute, then a timeout error is displayed. Tap the “Retry” button to scan again. If this continues to fail, then power cycle the Cel-Fi COMPASS.
- The first time you connect to a Cel-Fi COMPASS, you will have the option to give it a name. You can skip this as the default name will be the device serial number. You can always change the name by going to the Options (hamburger) menu and select Settings and Device Name.
Installation Features (for Cel-Fi QUATRA)
Overview
When it’s not possible to open a LAN connection between a Cel-Fi QUATRA Network Unit (the NU) and the Cel-Fi WAVE Portal, these features will help installers setup Cel-Fi systems quickly and efficiently. While complete provisioning and optimization using the WAVE Portal is preferred, we understand that it's not always possible.
Note: Many features in the WAVE Portal are not available when using this tool. These include Commissioning, Operator Configuration, feature settings such as “disable software updates” and access to key performance data used in remote management.
Hardware Setup
Connect the Cel-Fi COMPASS to the Cel-Fi QUATRA NU with an ethernet cable. Either of the LAN or LAN OUT ports can be used on the NU. Remember to also power on the Cel-Fi QUATRA NU. Connect the Cel-Fi QUATRA Coverage Units (CUs) to the NU with the LAN ports.
Activate System
Activation will get the Cel-Fi QUATRA to start relaying. Note: this is not the same as Commissioning the System from the WAVE Portal. We still recommend doing this as you will have access to all the remote management features.
Once the system has been activated, you can also Deactivate it to stop relaying. The other Cel-Fi QUATRA related features require you to Activate the System first and will be prompted to do so if you select one of these options first.
Software Update
There are 2 modes to this feature, depending on what the Cel-Fi COMPASS is connected to:
1. Setup Mode (Required to do at least once):
Connect the Cel-Fi COMPASS to the LAN using an ethernet cable. The app will detect the connection and ask what the Cel-Fi COMPASS is connected to. Select "Internet," then select the "Download Software" option from the main menu. The app will "Check for Updates" in the cloud. If there are software updates available, they will be indicated with a "!" icon. Press the "Download Now" button, and the device will connect and download the latest software from the WAVE Portal. This may take up to 5 minutes to download. Once completed, you will see the updated table with the product and model numbers. These software updates are stored on the Cel-Fi COMPASS, which means you can disconnect from the network and connect to any Cel-Fi QUATRA to update its software.
2. Install Mode:
Connect the Cel-Fi COMPASS to a Cel-Fi QUATRA Network Unit (see the hardware setup in Figure 3). The app will detect the connection and ask what the Cel-Fi COMPASS is connected to. Select "Cel-Fi QUATRA" or "Cel-Fi QUATRA (Fixed IP) - if a fixed IP has been setup already. It may take a few seconds to find and connect the 2 devices. From the main menu, select "Software Update." The app will find the attached NUs and CUs and display a table with the Cel-Fi units and the current software versions. Press the "Install Now" button to start the software upgrade. This will take an estimated 15 minutes to complete. Wait until a confirmation dialog is displayed.
Antenna Settings
This option will display the current Antenna Settings for the system. You can choose between "Internal," "External," and sometimes "Small Cell," depending on the Cel-Fi QUATRA model. Press "Update" to save the settings.
Band Settings
Connect the Cel-Fi COMPASS to a Cel-Fi QUATRA (see the hardware setup description). This option will display the current list of Bands for the Cel-Fi QUATRA. You can select or de-select any of the bands you want the system to relay. Press "Update" to save the settings.
IP Settings
Connect the Cel-Fi COMPASS to a Cel-Fi QUATRA (see the hardware setup description). You can choose between "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Use the following IP address" options. If you want to manage the IP Address numbers, then you will need to enter the "IP Address," "Subnet Mask," "Default Gateway," and "DNS Server."
Note: If you forget the IP Address numbers, you will not be able to connect to the Cel-Fi QUATRA in the future.
Optimization Features
Antenna Position Test
The Antenna Pointing feature allows you to easily optimize the direction your external antenna should be pointed to. The algorithm takes into account the system gain and radio environment (including signal strength, signal quality, and pilot pollution).
This feature is designed to work with the Cel-Fi Mount, which is an indoor/outdoor mount with a proprietary 8-position dial base. This dial enables the antenna to be rotated in 45-degree increments.
Make sure the Cel-Fi COMPASS is connected to the external antenna using the SMA to N adapter included in the box. Set the antenna to a position on the Mount, then press the corresponding number on the app. The app will gather data for about 5 minutes. Move the antenna to the next position and press the corresponding button again.
Once the app has two or more data points, it will display a table below. The results are based on each operator, the signal reported. The app will recommend the strongest band, but you may also choose which band to use. The results rank the positions and include a score out of 100.
You can test (and re-test) as many positions as you think are needed. If you tap on the "More" button and select "Testing History," you can view a table with the date and time of the test. The results are saved until you clear them. Remember to "Clear Results" if you move to a new site.
Signal Report
The Signal Report scans all network carriers' signal data. Simply press the "Start Test" button. The Cel-Fi COMPASS will gather data for several minutes. The results will be displayed below.
Note: This scan will be quicker and more accurate when you have a SIM card installed.
You can export the Signal Report by selecting the "More" icon and "Email Report." Type in your email address, and results will be sent as a text attachment.
Speed Test
This feature tests the speed of the current Network Carrier of the SIM card inserted into the Cel-Fi COMPASS. Simply press the "Start Test" button. The Cel-Fi COMPASS will gather data for several minutes and display the results below.
Serving Cell Report
The Serving Cell Report is a live reading of the current Network Carrier of the SIM card inserted into the Cel-Fi COMPASS. The data will constantly refresh while on the page.
FAQ
Do I need a SIM card to operate the COMPASS?
Yes, for accurate reporting, an ACTIVE SIM card is needed per carrier, which means you must insert a separate SIM Card for each network operator.
What is the size of the SIM card I should use with COMPASS?
The unit accepts standard SIM cards only. You'll need an adapter for micro and nano-SIM cards.