ProSoft ILX800-SMSG – SMS Text Messaging Module for Compact 5000 I/O (CompactLogix)

The ProSoft ILX800-SMSG is designed for teams that want their CompactLogix-based systems to speak up when it matters—sending and receiving SMS text messages directly tied to controller logic. From my experience, this is the kind of module you add when a simple, dependable “text me when it trips” workflow saves a truck roll or a midnight drive to the plant.

Typical use cases include on-call alarm notifications from water pump stations, utility substations, skid-mounted packages, and OEM machines where a cellular text is faster and more practical than spinning up a full remote SCADA link. One thing I appreciate is how message triggers, phone lists, acknowledgments, and status bits tie back to controller tags—so operators can clear, re-arm, or request status via simple text replies in many cases. You might notice that it reduces reliance on separate gateways and scripting, which usually simplifies validation and support.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Direct SMS from the PLC: Trigger texts from alarms, state changes, or counters—mapped to controller tags for simple logic integration.
• Receive and act on replies: In many cases, acknowledged texts or simple commands can update tags to reset alarms or request status (under controlled logic).
• Phonebook and templates: Maintain recipient lists and reusable message templates to standardize alarm formats across sites.
• Backplane integration: Sits in the Compact 5000 I/O platform, so no separate Ethernet gateway or PC script maintenance.
• Works with carrier-approved modems: Leverage an external GSM/LTE modem for the actual cellular link—easier to align with regional carriers and antennas.
• Industrial-friendly approach: Designed for control cabinets; typically easier to validate for OEM and utility applications than custom-coded SMS solutions.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• ProSoft ILX800-MBS: Modbus Serial module for the same Compact 5000 I/O platform; handy when alarms also need to be gathered from serial Modbus devices.
• ProSoft ILX800-MBTCP: Modbus TCP module that complements SMS alerts with IP-based data collection from skids or drives.
• ProSoft ICX35-HWC Cellular Gateway: A cellular router option when you prefer an external gateway for remote access; also useful if you need VPN plus SMS capabilities at a site level.
• Carrier-certified LTE Modem & Antenna Kits: Typically required for SMS transport; choose models with strong local carrier support and the right antenna gain for your enclosure.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel & environment: Install in a clean, dry control cabinet with proper grounding and ventilation. From my experience, keeping cellular antennas outside metal enclosures (or using a bulkhead feed-through) greatly improves signal quality.
• Backplane & wiring: Mount in a Compact 5000 I/O chassis on DIN rail. Keep modem cabling short and shielded where practical; separate from high-voltage runs.
• Cellular setup: Use an active SIM with SMS enabled on your carrier plan. Configure allowed phone numbers and test two-way messaging during FAT/SAT.
• Controller integration: Map message triggers and acknowledgments to tags. You’ll typically leverage Add-On Instructions or sample logic provided by ProSoft to accelerate commissioning.
• Safety & lockout: Power down before inserting/removing modules. Validate logic interlocks so text-based commands can’t override safety functions.
• Routine maintenance: Review alarm recipients quarterly, clean dust from the cabinet, check antenna connections, and update firmware/configuration files on a controlled schedule.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE and RoHS compliant; UL/cUL recognition is typical for ProSoft modules used in industrial panels.
• Manufacturer standards: Built for industrial environments and integration with Rockwell Automation ecosystems.
• Warranty: 365 days provided by our company terms above.

Quick user note: a water utility client mentioned they reduced night-call response times because the ILX800-SMSG sends targeted texts to the on-duty supervisor with clear alarm context—no need to remote into SCADA just to see if it’s a nuisance trip or a real shutdown.