Quick Start - Spider IoT
This guide allows you to get the Spider IoT up and running in less than 5 minutes.
Prerequisites
Before starting, verify that you have:
- ✅ Active SIM card with data (nano SIM)
- ✅ Carrier APN data
- ✅ Tracking server IP and port
- ✅ Micro-AB USB cable or 8-38VDC power source
- ✅ Serial terminal software or Web Serial
Step 1: Insert SIM Card
Important: Insert the SIM with the device without power.
- Remove the device cover using a plastic tool
- Insert the nano SIM into the slot
- Replace the cover
Step 2: Configure DIP Switch (important)
The configuration depends on the hardware version, printed on the board.
HW ≤3.4 — 2-position DIP
| Switch | Function | Recommended position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enables the CAN bus hardware | OFF if not using CAN |
| 2 | 120 Ω termination | ON only if the device sits at one end of the bus |
HW ≥3.5 — 4-position DIP
| Switch | Function | Recommended position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IN03/CANL terminal to the IN03 / 1-Wire pin | OFF |
| 2 | IN01/XP01 terminal to the IN03 / 1-Wire pin | OFF |
| 3 | IN01/XP01 terminal to the IN01 input | ON |
| 4 | 120 Ω termination | ON only if the device sits at one end of the bus |
On v3.5+ the DIP does not enable or disable CAN — that is done by command. Read DIP Switch HW ≥3.5 before moving the switches: some combinations short terminals together.
Step 3: Power the device
Connect the Spider IoT using:
- USB: Micro-AB cable to PC (also charges battery)
- Vehicle power: 8 to 38 VDC
LEDs when powering on
| LED | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GPS (left) | Blinking | Searching satellites |
| GSM (right) | Red | No connection |
| GSM (right) | Orange | Connecting… |
| GSM (right) | Green | Connected OK |
Step 4: Connect to device
Option A: Web Serial (recommended)
- Open Web Serial in Chrome/Edge
- Connect USB to device
- Select COM port
Option B: Serial terminal
- Open terminal software
- Configure: 115200 bps, 8N1
- Connect to COM port
Step 5: Configure APN
Use the CXAPN command:
>SCXAPNhost,user,password<Examples by country:
| Country | Carrier | Command |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Claro | >SCXAPNinternet.ctimovil.com.ar,< |
| Argentina | Movistar | >SCXAPNinternet.gprs.unifon.com.ar,wap,wap< |
| Argentina | Personal | >SCXAPNgprs.personal.com,< |
| Mexico | Telcel | >SCXAPNinternet.itelcel.com,< |
| Chile | Entel | >SCXAPNimovil.entelpcs.cl,entelpcs,entelpcs< |
Step 6: Configure server
Use the IP command:
>SIP0xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/port<Example with IP:
>SIP0190.168.1.100/5000<Example with domain:
>SIP0"tracking.mycompany.com",5000<Step 7: Verify connection
Cellular status
>QCEL<OK response: RCEL,CONNECT,CAT-M,722,310
Query ID
>QID<Response: RID + your device ID
Generate report
Use the G command:
>GGP00M<Response: GOK
Final verification
| Item | Command | OK Response |
|---|---|---|
| Device ID | >QID< | RID + your ID |
| APN | >QCXAPN< | Your APN |
| Server IP | >QIP0< | Your IP/Port |
| Cellular | >QCEL< | RCEL,CONNECT,... |
| Generate report | >GGP00M< | GOK |
Additional configuration (Spider IoT)
CANBUS
To use vehicle telemetry:
- Enable CAN by command (on HW ≤3.4, also set DIP 1 to ON)
- Configure protocol:
>SCAN,protocol<iButton
For driver identification:
>QOW<Temperature sensor
1-Wire port for DS18B20:
>QOW<LEDs - Quick reference
GPS LED (S)
| State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 700ms blink | Searching GPS |
| 300ms blink | ⚠️ GPS module error |
| Off | ✅ Position OK |
| Orange 5s | KO mode active |
CELLULAR LED (C)
| State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red blink | Initialized, waiting to connect |
| Orange blink | Connecting GPRS |
| Green blink | ✅ Connected |
| Orange 5s | KO mode active |
Common problems
GSM LED stays red
- Verify SIM inserted correctly
- Check coverage in the area
- Review APN with
>QCXAPN<
GPS LED doesn’t turn off
- Place device near window/outdoors
- Wait 2-3 minutes for first fix
- Verify GPS antenna is not obstructed
Doesn’t read CANBUS
- Check that CAN is enabled by command (and on HW ≤3.4, DIP 1 set to ON)
- Check physical CAN-H and CAN-L connection
- Verify configured protocol