IG21 Install Guide

Summary

This article will provide you an overview of the requirements to successfully install the Samsara IG21 plus IG21 accessories.

Note: Our IG41 is our newest IG that serves as the replacement to the IG21. Read more about it on our website, blog post, and press release.

IG21 Introduction

The Samsara industrial IoT platform combines hardware, software, and cloud to bring real-time visibility, analytics, and control to your operations. Purpose-built hardware is an essential first step for rapid connectivity of industrial assets. The IG21 is an industrial gateway with built-in cellular that connects sensors, existing controllers, and PLCs/RTUs to the cloud so that data can be visualized, analyzed, reported on, and acted upon through the dashboard. The IG21 is a simple, flexible, and affordable gateway designed to meet the harsh demands of industrial environments within manufacturing, equipment as a service, oil & gas, and water/wastewater.  

IG21 Specs and Accessories

Datasheets and Install Guides

Accessory Options for the IG21

Check out the full list here under “All Samsara Industrial Product SKUs” at the bottom of the article: All Datasheets and Install Guides

IG21 Installation Requirements

Please review the requirements below and verify that your environment meets these requirements for a successful installation.

1. Safety Requirements:

   1. Please adhere to your company’s safety protocols when installing or doing maintenance on the unit

   2. Wear safety glasses

   3. Make sure the site/unit is “OFF” and electrical hazards are given consideration for installation

   4. Acquire any work permits needed

2. Physical Requirements:

   1. Gateway dimensions 

      1. 180mm x 118mm x 32mm (7.09in x 4.65in x 1.26in) 

         • 286mm height (11.25”) if antennas are attached to IG directly

   2. Mounting

      1. DIN rail tool-less mounting - Ensure that there is available space on a DIN rail where the IG is to be installed

      2. Protect the IG by enclosing in a NEMA enclosure if not in a metal enclosure. Purchase a Nema enclosure (example here)

   3. Antenna

      1. If using the IG inside a metal enclosure, confirm pathway for cabling for an external antenna antenna to be mounted

3. Power Requirements:

   1. The IG requires 10-28 VDC. Alternatively, a power block is provided for 110 VAC power. Power block dimensions: 51mm x 96mm x 38mm (2” x 3.75” x 1.5”)

      1. Note: Ensure 110VAC for a 10-28VDC power is available, with space for the power supply or wire 24V directly to the IG

4. Communication Requirements:

   1. For Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP communication, ensure that there is an available RJ45 port or Ethernet Switch within reach of the IG 

   2. For cellular, ensure sufficient signal from AT&T at installation point

   3. If installing an antenna externally, ensure signal from external point

   4. For wireless sensors, ensure placement of 30m (100ft) or less from the IG and is in line of sight

5. Cell Signal Requirements:

   1. When installing the IG21, please ensure it has a sufficient cellular signal at the installation point. Site surveys should be completed with a signal meter to quantify the signal strength at the location. As a general guideline, the gateway does not have issues connecting with the array antenna if the RSSI is stronger than -90dBm. This is not true in all cases as signal quality can affect connectivity as well. For areas with less than -90dBm, directional antennas and potentially signal boosters should be considered.

IG21 Step-by-Step Installation

Activate the Device

Once you unbox the IG21, find the serial number. The serial number can be found on the backside of the box or on the lower-left corner of the IG21 itself. Go to the Samsara Cloud and activate the device:

Activate Device(s) in the Cloud

Power up Device

Attach the stick antennas that come with the IG to the corresponding port on the IG21. The IG21 can accept power between 10-28VDC. If you do not have a 10-28VDC power supply, use a standard 120VAC-24VDC power adaptor. Connect the red and black pigtail wires from the AC adapter to the positive and negative power terminals respectively.  

Next, plug in to the power supply. The light on the IG will turn on. At first it should be a flashing orange light, which indicates the IG is searching for a connection. Once connected to the Samsara network, the flashing orange light will turn solid green. Allow several minutes for the IG to download any firmware updates after you first power it up.

Install Antennas

If using an Array or Directional antenna, follow the steps to install the IG21 antennas here: IG21 Antenna Install Guides

Confirm Connection in the Cloud

After confirming the IG21 is installed (and light is solid green), check the data on the Samsara Cloud by:

1. Accessing Samsara Cloud with a correct browser - Supported Browsers on Desktop and Mobile

2. Go to Settings in bottom left of Samsara Cloud, then go to Gateways and make sure the light is Green for the IG21:

   1. 

Set up the IG21 in the Cloud

Once the physical install is complete, you are ready to configure the device in the Samsara Cloud, which includes setting up: data inputs/outputs, dashboards, alerts, reports, and connecting to 3rd party devices.

To learn how to set the IG21 up in the Cloud, navigate to Set up Devices in the Cloud.