The traditional problem with pre-install signal surveys is dependency on site conditions. Either you rely on a phone or handheld tester (wrong hardware, wrong antenna, wrong results), or you wait until the installation is complete to find out whether it works. Neither is acceptable for professional IoT commissioning.
The solution is straightforward: use the same router from your van stock, power it from a battery pack, connect your install antennas in the planned position, and run a full CellTester sweep. No site power. No completed cable run. No customer dependency. Just accurate, real-world data before a single permanent fixing goes in.
Battery options for Teltonika routers
Teltonika BAT120
The BAT120 is Teltonika’s own battery backup module, designed for their router range. It connects directly and provides clean regulated power without voltage drop issues. Runtime varies by router model and usage — typically 2–4 hours of active signal testing. Purpose-built and the most reliable option.
12V DC power banks (Amazon / third-party)
Many portable power stations and car-jump style batteries output 12V DC suitable for Teltonika routers. Key requirements:
- Stable 12V output (not a USB-to-12V converter — these often drop under load)
- At least 20Wh capacity for a full commissioning session
- Compatible DC barrel connector (5.5/2.1mm for most Teltonika models)
Not all power banks are suitable. Cheap converters can reboot routers mid-sweep if voltage drops during peak current draw. Use a unit with a genuine 12V regulated output, not a USB converter.
USB-C PD power banks with voltage trigger
A USB-C PD power bank with a 12V trigger cable is a compact option for the RUT200 and similar low-power routers. The trigger cable requests 12V from the power bank’s USB-C PD port. Works well if the power bank supports PD 12V output reliably.
Portable testing workflow
- Load router from van stock onto site
- Connect battery pack
- Mount or hold antennas in planned position (same height, same orientation as final install)
- Insert roaming IoT SIM
- Connect phone to router WiFi or via USB-C Ethernet adapter
- Open CellTester and run full multi-operator sweep
- Confirm best primary and failover operator
- Aim directional antenna using live RSRP mode
- Record MIMO port balance
- Download commissioning certificate
Total time: 8–15 minutes. Total additional kit beyond the install hardware: one battery pack and one phone.
Where portable testing delivers the most value
| Scenario | Problem solved | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Construction sites | No power available pre-completion | Know connectivity before build decisions are locked in |
| Remote/rural UK sites | Uncertain operator coverage | Confirm best operator before SIM provisioning at scale |
| EV charger pre-install | Charger post needs connectivity confirmed before groundworks | Avoid costly repositioning after groundworks complete |
| CCTV surveys | Camera positions need connectivity before cable runs agreed | Camera placement informed by real signal data, not phone bars |
| Multi-site rollouts | Consistency across sites | Standardised commissioning before each site is handed over |