Commander and i-Mix G3 Support

Watch the video to learn how to create a cellular IP connection.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Wireless 3G UMTS/HSDPA modules purchased in the US for use on AT&T networks in the USA will not work on similar networks in other countries.

“Insert SIM” or “Unavailable” is displayed on the codec screen next to “3GIP” or “4GIP” (UMTS/HSDPA Modules):

If “Insert SIM” or “Unavailable” is displayed in a Tieline 3G HSDPA or 4G LTE module and you have inserted the SIM into the module, first power down the codec then:

1. Check to make sure the SIM card is inserted into the module the right way up with the gold section on the SIM pointing downwards, and
2. It is also possible that the SIM card is inserted but not making proper contact due to a variation in SIM card thickness from some Telcos. You can place a folded piece of paper under the SIM on the non-contact side to ensure the SIM card contacts are in contact with the module.
3. Reapply power to the codec and wait 30 seconds to see if this has solved the problem.
4. If it hasn’t solved the problem, power the codec down and remove the SIM card from the module.
5. Then insert the SIM card into a cell-phone and power up the phone to see if you need to enter a pin number to access the SIM.
6. If this is the case, you will need to use the cell-phone to deactivate the pin for the SIM before using it in a Tieline 3G module because the Tieline G3 codec has no way to enter the SIM pin number.
7. Deactivate the SIM card pin and reinsert it into the module and codec to see if this solves the connection problem.

“Prs Entr” is displayed next to “3GIP” or “4GIP”  but I don’t seem to be able to connect to the cellular network.

1. Check the access point setting in the codec.
2. Press SOFTKEY 3 “Wiz” > Press “OK” > Wireless Network [3G/UMTS IP] press “OK” > Navigate using the Menu Selector to the correct wireless network and press “OK”.
3. Complete the menu settings and press the “Enter/Dial” button on the keypad to try and connect to the network.
4. If it still doesn’t connect to the 3G network an incorrect access point may be programmed. Check with your Telco provider or look for the details in your cell-phone to confirm you are trying to program the right network access point into the codec. If the access point is a recently added network access point you will need to add a custom access point into the codec.

My signal strength is above 5 but I still can’t connect over cellular networks.

It is possible that your drop-outs could be caused by heavy cell-phone usage in the area you are calling from. This is often the case if you are broadcasting from a concert venue or major sports event where the network cell towers are swamped by many users simultaneously.

If you have already checked that you have the correct access point programmed into the codec you may not be in an area with 3G coverage. Have you performed wireless broadcasts from the area previously? If not, you can check 3G coverage in the following way:

1. Power down the codec and remove the SIM card.
2. Place the SIM card into a cell-phone and power up the phone.
3. The phone may have an indication on the front screen that shows either 2G (GSM) or 3G/4G services as available. If you are not sure, another way is to try to surf the internet. You will be able to do this if you have cellular access available in the area.

My cellular wireless connection seems to be dropping out from time-to-time.

1. Check that the signal strength displayed in the top-right corner of the codec LCD screen is 5 or higher. You may experience problems if the signal strength is lower than 5.
2. It is possible to purchase a high-gain antenna and attach it to a Tieline cellular wireless module to improve signal strength in marginal reception areas.

1. Regardless if you have a new G3 codec or an older G1 legacy codec, simply navigate to [Menu] > [Unit Details].

2. Scroll through the LCD display to view the current firmware/software versions installed on your codec. 

3. Please compare the software version displayed on your codec’s LCD display to the table on the top of this page

IMPORTANT: We recommend you use either a LAN or serial connection when using ToolBox software with operating systems other than XP.

1. Warning: Please remove all 4G, 3G and USB Modules from the codec prior to upgrading. Reinsert modules when power has been disconnected from the codec following the Factory Reset procedure below.

2. Disconnect all connections before attempting a firmware upgrade.

3. If you have custom profile settings on your codec that you want to retain, please save these configuration files to your PC using Toolbox software prior to upgrading your codec; they will not survive a firmware upgrade! (see technote “Loading and Saving G3 Codec Configuration Files”)

4. See technote “Connect to Toolbox Software and Upgrade G3 Firmware” on how to connect your codec to Toolbox Software and upgrade codec firmware.

5. Once the firmware upgrade is complete, it may be necessary to check the Country setting (Menu > Configuration > System Settings > Country) to ensure correct POTS operation. Please note inputs levels and other customised settings will revert to their default values during a factory reset and may need to be reconfigured.

At the conclusion of the firmware upgrade you must perform the Factory Reset procedure as follows to ensure stable codec operation.

For all ToolBox versions (excluding the Commander and Patriot G1 models) simply navigate to Help > about… to display the software version.

The ToolBox software must match the Firmware version in your codec to work properly.

Both the Firmware version and the ToolBox version have what’s called an RPTP number that must match.

For example, at the time of writing this the current version of G3 Firmware is 1.6.144 RPTP 106 and the current ToolBox version is 4.14.70 RPTP 106

Both have an RPTP of 106 so they Match.

Can I attach a high gain antenna to improve wireless 3G and 4G LTE cellular reception in marginal areas?

If your cellular reception is marginal you can attach a high gain antenna to the codec wireless 3G/4GLTE module to improve reception. Below is a link to a trucker style antenna that some users in fringe areas have used to improve wireless connections.

This antenna will perform best for you:  http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=412&products_id=2290

Small profile, easy to use (clamp it to a mic stand or tripod), it has high gain and should solve most marginal reception issues.  It’s packaged with a mount for $69.95 and is only 18″ tall.

You’ll also need this http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=951 adapter.

Since the connector for this antenna is only 14 inches long, you’ll also need extra cable:

• 10′ low-loss extender cable
• 15′ low-loss extender cable
• 25′ low-loss extender cable

See 3G store: www.3Gstore.com  or call US  866-347-8673.

Cellular Modem Antenna Options

In Australia, the RFI 12dBi 3G+4G+4GX LPDA Antenna – 700-3000MHz has been used successfully in regional areas to increase gain in marginal reception areas. More information is available at https://www.telcoantennas.com.au/site/rfi-12dbi-3g-4g-lte-yagi-antenna

Download the user manual under “Resources” for details about how to connect and control codecs using the TLG3 GUI software. In addition, you need to open port 5550 UDP/TCP and only one person/instance of the GUI can access the codec at a time. Access is not password protected and the port number cannot be changed.

1. The message “Waiting” typically appears when the answering codec is set to mono and is in use, while the dialing codec is using the Dual Mono profile. The dialing codec should use the mono profile or all dialing codecs should use the Dual Mono profile to allow two connections.
2. “Waiting” is also displayed if a G3 codec is receiving 2 calls with different encoding settings. E.g. one is using Music and the other is using Music PLUS. Change the encoding settings so both incoming calls are configured to use the same algorithm.

Compatible USB modems include:

1. Power down the codec and open up a module slot.
2. Carefully slide the USB module into the module slot until it fits firmly into place.
3. Attach your compatible 4G LTE USB modem to the USB slot on the USB module.
4. Power up the Tieline codec.
5. Once the codec is powered up, use the black rotary Menu Selector to place the square brackets around [3GIP1], then press the “Wiz” button.
6. Select “OK” to proceed, then use the Menu Selector to place the square brackets around “3G /UMTS IP” and select “OK” again.
7. Next, select the access point for your network provider. Select “Verizon LTE” to use the 4G LTE modem network.
8. When this has been configured press “OK”, then select by “Exit.”
9. On the main connection screen use the Menu Selector to place the square brackets around [3GIP1], then press the Enter/Dial button on the keypad to connect to the 4G LTE wireless network.
10. Once connected, use the Menu Selector to place the square brackets around  [IP1], use the keypad to enter your studio’s IP address, then press the Enter/Dial button to connect.