Cellular Connectivity

In this article:

• How the SmartBox Connects
• Connecting to a Cellular Network
  • MS5 Series
  • MS4 Series
• Signal Reading on the Device
• Signal Reading in your Account
• Startup & Troubleshooting
  • MS3 Series
• Common Symptoms of a Poor Connection
• Countries of Operation
  • MS5 and MS4 Series
  • MS3 Series

 

How the SmartBox Connects

The Keycafe SmartBox can connect to the cloud using a cellular module provided by Keycafe. A connection is necessary for the SmartBox to function. The device is designed to operate with minimal data overhead and will function even in challenging signal environments, however, we recommend installing your SmartBox in an environment with strong signal reception. Once set up, the device will check in to the Keycafe server on a regular basis and you will be notified if it loses its connection. We provide a number of tools to monitor the signal of your SmartBoxes so you can optimize and understand the connectivity of each of your SmartBoxes over time.

 

Connecting to a Cellular Network

MS5 Series

 

1. Before beginning the installation, use a mobile phone to scan the QR code on the cellular module. This will provide you with a serial number (KC##########). Keep this for later.
2. Remove your SmartBox from the mounting backplate, then unscrew the SmartBox back.
3. Plug in one end of the provided USB cable into the cellular module, and the other end with the right-angle adaptor into the USB port near the bottom-left of the motherboard.
4. Route the cable between the bins up into the top-right area of the SmartBox, then attach the module to the top of bin 1 with the provided adhesive velcro strip.
5. Reset the SmartBox by pressing the Reset button rapidly three times.
6. The SmartBox will begin searching for an available cellular network. This may take up to 30 minutes the first time the SmartBox connects.
7. If the SmartBox fails to connect, tap Retry.
8. Once the SmartBox is connected, tap Continue Now.
9. IMPORTANT: Once you've completed the installation, please email support@keycafe.com informing them of the serial number on your cellular module (KC##########).

 

MS4 Series

 

1. Before beginning the installation, use a mobile phone to scan the QR code on the cellular module. This will provide you with a serial number (KC##########). Keep this for later.
2. Remove your SmartBox from the mounting backplate.
3. Plug the right-angle adaptor into any of the USB ports in the back of the SmartBox console.
4. Route the cable down into one of the cable pass-throughs at the bottom of the SmartBox, then attach the module to the side or top of the SmartBox with the provided velcro strip.
5. Reset the SmartBox by pressing the Reset button rapidly three times.
6. The SmartBox will begin searching for an available cellular network. This may take up to 30 minutes the first time the SmartBox connects.
7. If the SmartBox fails to connect, tap Retry.
8. Once the SmartBox is connected, tap Continue Now.
9. IMPORTANT: Once you've completed the installation, please email support@keycafe.com informing them of the serial number on your cellular module (KC##########).

 

Signal Reading on the Device

To mount the SmartBox at a spot with strong reception, use the signal strength status on the SmartBox.

• When Setting Up the SmartBox - plug-in the SmartBox. The signal strength screen is displayed automatically after the initialization process has completed.

• After Linking the SmartBox to a Location - Tap the ? button on the bottom right of the screen. Tap on Device Status to see a similar page as below. Please note that the signal strength is updated every 5 seconds.

 

Signal Reading in Your Account

To check the SmartBox's signal status from your account, go to your Keycafe Dashboard. Select SmartBoxes from the side menu to see the list of all your linked SmartBoxes.

You can find the Signal Strength status of each SmartBox under its serial number. Please note that the signal strength on your account will update every 15 minutes. The signal strength reading you are seeing is not real-time. It is the signal strength that was reported during the last successful full booking which occurs every 15 minutes.

 

Startup & Troubleshooting

MS3 Series

Move the SmartBox to a spot with stronger signal reception by reading the signal strength status.

If your SmartBox is not able to connect to the cellular network after being plugged in, you can use the LED light to indicate the issue.

1. Normal - The LED one-touch button will go through the following process upon startup:

(i) blink green for several minutes (looking for cell tower)

(ii) rapidly blink cyan (connecting to Keycafe)

(iii) breathing cyan (connection established)

(iv) solid blue (ready)

2. Failing to Connect to the Cellular Network - If the LED blinks green but it never blinks cyan, the SmartBox is unable to connect to the cellular network. In this case:

• Restart the device and wait for at least 10 minutes.
• Ensure that the antenna is properly attached to the motherboard. In rare cases, having the antenna disconnected or damaged causes the SmartBox to fail to connect to the cellular network.
• Check for any cellular outage reports in your area.

3. Failing to Connect to Keycafe - If the LED passes the green blinking stage, but stays on the cyan blinking stage, the SmartBox is unable to negotiate a connection with Keycafe.

• If you notice an occasional red blink amidst the rapid cyan, this means the device has lost its security key and is unable to authenticate (it can be caused for example by an internal memory failure). The SmartBox will reset itself and reload its credentials. The process may take several resets.

 

Common Symptoms of a Poor Connection

There are two major patterns you may notice in the event of a poor connection.

1. Poor Signal Issue - If you have a generally poor signal at a location and interactions such as key pickups often timeout, require multiple attempts, or do not result in the right outcome in your account, you should consider testing the SmartBox in another place with a better connection.

2. Connection Drop Issues - The application on the SmartBox screen will freeze if the SmartBox loses its cellular connection. In some cases, if this state persists for a period, the firmware will not be able to recover after the cellular connection has been reestablished and the screen will remain frozen. You must reset the SmartBox for it to begin operating normally again. If you encounter a frozen screen frequently, the area the box is located is prone to connection drops and you should consider a different placement.

 

Countries of Operation

MS4 and MS5 Series

The cellular module for MS4 and MS5 Series SmartBoxes works in 200+ countries on 470+ carriers. See the full list of countries here.

 

MS3 Series

In the list below, you can find our comprehensive network of carriers in each country and the bands on which the MS3 SmartBox cellular chip operates.

Don't see your country? Hang tight. Keycafe is always improving its hardware and geographic reach. Please note that you may not operate the SmartBox in any country under embargo by the US or Canada.