The ready to deploy eStorm L1 kit is a commercial off-the-shelf product from Embien — loaded with features and designed for quick realization of customer requirements. The ready to deploy eStorm L1 kit has been deployed across industries for various functional applications and is particularly well-suited for remote switching, data acquisition, and IoT automation. This blog captures one of the most popular applications — the ready to deploy eStorm L1 kit as a GSM Remote Control Switch — bringing a low-cost, reliable solution to industrial automation. Embien's Industries team has deployed this ready to deploy eStorm L1 kit solution across remote lighting control, pump management, HVAC automation, and more.
eStorm L1: Device Information
The estorm l1 based GSM remote control switch is a remote monitor and control device equipped with GSM connectivity and external digital IO interfaces.
Powerful MCU: The estorm l1 is powered by an industrial-grade ARM Cortex M0+ microcontroller running at 48 MHz — capable enough for remote control and monitoring at production scale.
Digital Inputs and Outputs: Supports up to 4 digital inputs for sensors/transducers, up to 8 digital outputs in relay mode, and 4 outputs in digital switch mode. Relay mode supports external relay control for heavy loads; digital switch mode supports direct load control.
GSM Communication: Dual-band GSM modem with on-board antenna and SIM card holder supports standard 6-pin SIM cards at 1.8 V and 3 V — enabling gprs data connection and sms data transfer without any additional hardware.
Storage: On-board EEPROM preserves configurations and user account details across power cycles.
Field Upgrade: USB device and configuration switch support field firmware upgrades via PC/Laptop.
Enclosure: The estorm l1 is enclosed in an ABS plastic enclosure rated for rugged industrial environments — wall-mountable via protruded flanges.
GPRS Data Connection and SMS Data Transfer: Remote Switch Operation
The gprs data connection and sms data transfer capability makes the eStorm L1 a versatile remote controller. Device operation requires a valid SIM card inserted in the holder, with loads/sensors connected to their respective terminals. Control and monitoring is achieved by sending SMS commands or missed calls — leveraging gprs data connection and sms data transfer as the communication backbone. Up to one admin and 10 users are supported with password-protected access hierarchy.
Configuring the device is simple: a missed call from the administrator provides a user name and password via SMS. Supported command groups include:
- Relay commands — group/individual switch on/off, ON/OFF delay, ON duration, status updates, missed call actions
- Input commands — group/individual enable/disable, de-bounce settings, update type and period
- Admin commands — add/delete users, change password, change phone number, get user list
- Query commands — device information, relay/input settings, current status, signal strength
- Help commands — command format reference for each command type
For all command types, shortcut commands are available for quick operations. Except admin commands, all users have rights to use standard commands — providing a clear control hierarchy.
SMS command example — switching relays 1, 3, 5, 7 on:
GSM Relay On command
Query command — retrieving relay and input status:
GSM Switch Query Command
Remote Asset Management Industrial: Applications
The ready to deploy eStorm L1 kit is purpose-built for remote asset management industrial scenarios. Designed for operation from -40 to 80 degrees Celsius, it covers a broad range of remote asset management industrial applications: remote control of industrial lighting, exhaust fans, engine/machine pre-heaters, water well pumps, single and three-phase irrigation systems, power cycling of remote servers and routers, HVAC in holiday homes, aviation engine heaters, and pumping stations. Its rugged enclosure and field-proven reliability make it a preferred choice for outdoor and harsh-environment deployments. IoT Development Services from Embien can extend the eStorm L1 platform with custom firmware and cloud integration for larger deployments.
IoT Device Management Platform: Cloud Integration
The ready to deploy eStorm L1 kit can be integrated with an IoT device management platform for fleet-scale deployments. An IoT device management platform adds centralized device configuration, OTA firmware updates, alert management, and historical data visualization — elevating the eStorm L1 from a standalone GSM switch to a fully managed IoT asset.
About Embien: Primary focus of Embien technologies lies in the Industrial Automation segment. We have rich experience in industrial automation and control systems with customers across geographies. Our team has developed protocol stacks for various industrial protocols and created HMI systems to simplify machine interfaces. Our M2M service offering includes developing systems for remote monitoring and controlling of machines, PLCs, and more.