GSM Mobile Pump Starter

A GSM mobile pump starter is a SIM-based remote controller mounted in the pumphouse that lets the cultivator switch an irrigation pump on and off remotely via missed call, SMS or smartphone app. It eliminates routine and night-time trips to the borewell when three-phase power is restored on rural feeders.

Function

The controller sits between the motor's contactor and the supply. Incoming GSM commands open or close the contactor; integrated sensors monitor supply voltage, motor current and water-flow probes. Faults trigger automatic cut-off and a status SMS to the registered mobile number.

Design and specifications

Single-phase units handle 230 V supply for 2-5 HP motors; three-phase units handle 415 V supply for 7.5-15 HP motors. Built-in protections include dry-run detection, overload, single-phase prevention (against neutral failure) and over/under-voltage cut-off. Most units offer up to five scheduling windows for unattended timed operation. Indian manufacturers include Nelsotech, RMG Automation, Indusmate, Accord, GIC India and Dyulabs (Varun S2).

Operation

Setup requires inserting an active SIM card with a small SMS pack, configuring the registered mobile numbers and binding the contactor. The user dials a missed call (or sends an SMS / app command) to start the pump, and a second missed call to stop. Retail price for single-phase units is approximately Rs 4,000-6,000.

Subsidy and adoption

GSM starters are listed under several state energy-conservation and DBT-agriculture programmes; some Discoms promote them as part of demand-side management. Adoption is heavy in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, where erratic three-phase supply makes remote control particularly valuable.

References

Basic GSM Mobile Motor Pump Controller. RMG Automation.
Indusmate GSM Wireless Mobile Starter. Indusmate.