RTU5024 SMS Commands: The Complete Reference
Every RTU5024 SMS command explained with exact syntax, real examples, expected responses, and troubleshooting. Covers password management, user authorization, relay control, GOT timing, notifications, and signal diagnostics.
You're standing at your gate with your phone, trying to remember whether it's 1234#PWD or PWD#1234 or something else entirely. The manual is a 15-page PDF with broken English and no search function. The module just replied "Error password" and you have no idea why.
How RTU5024 SMS Commands Work
The RTU5024 processes SMS commands sent to the SIM card number inside the module. According to the RTU5024 V2019 user manual, every command follows the same structure: your password, followed by a hash delimiter, then the command code and parameters, ending with another hash. The default password is 1234.
Three rules apply to every command:
- 1. Commands must be uppercase. Sending
1234#pwd5678#pwd5678#does nothing. The RTU5024 only processes capital letters. - 2. The password goes first. Every command starts with your 4-digit password followed by
#. - 3. No spaces. The entire command is one continuous string with
#as the delimiter.
Password Commands
How Do I Change the RTU5024 Password?
To change the password, send the new password twice in one SMS. This prevents typos from locking you out.
Command: {password}#PWD{new}#PWD{new}#
1234#PWD5678#PWD5678# Response: New Password:5678
The password must be exactly 4 digits, numbers only. If you forget it, press and hold the hardware RESET button for 10 seconds while powered on. This restores 1234 but erases all settings except stored phone numbers.
User Management Commands
How Do I Add an Authorized Phone Number?
Only numbers on the authorized list can trigger the relay by calling the module.
Command: {password}#TEL{phone}#{slot}#
1234#TEL+447912345678#001# Response: 001:+447912345678
Slots range from 001 to 200. Always include the full international country code. Slot 001 is the admin slot: it receives SMS notifications when the relay activates (if enabled).
How Do I Check Who Is in a Slot?
1234#TEL002? Response: 002: +447912345679 or 002: Empty
How Do I Delete a User?
1234#TEL#012# Response: Number deleted
Access Control Commands
How Do I Set the Access Mode?
The RTU5024 has two modes: authorized users only (recommended) and allow all callers.
Authorized users only (default, recommended):
1234#AU# Response: Allow User Numbers can access it only
Allow all callers (security risk):
1234#AA# Response: Allow all numbers can access it
According to the Waferstar RTU5024 FAQ, the AA mode is for testing only. Leaving it active means anyone who knows your module's number can open your gate.
Check current access mode:
1234#AC?# Relay Commands
How Do I Open the Gate via SMS?
Most users trigger the relay by calling (free, no SMS cost). But you can also control it via SMS.
Relay ON:
1234#ON# Response: The relay is ON.
Relay OFF:
1234#OFF# Response: The relay is OFF.
How Do I Set the Relay Close Time (GOT)?
The GOT value controls how long the relay stays closed when triggered. According to the RTU5024 datasheet, values work in half-second increments.
1234#GOT10# Sets relay to 5 seconds. Response: GOT time set
| GOT Value | Duration | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| GOT01 | 0.5 seconds | Default. Too short for most gates |
| GOT02 | 1 second | Quick pulse |
| GOT06 | 3 seconds | Most gate motors |
| GOT10 | 5 seconds | Slower gate motors |
| GOT14 | 7 seconds | Heavy sliding gates |
| GOT19 | 9.5 seconds | Maximum timed duration |
| GOT00 | Toggle | Stays closed until next call |
Check current GOT setting:
1234#GOT? Notification Commands
How Do I Enable Relay Action Notifications?
When enabled, the module sends an SMS to slot 001 every time the relay activates, including who triggered it.
Enable notifications:
1234#R# Relay action return SMS ON
Disable notifications (default):
1234#N# Relay action return SMS OFF
Check notification setting:
1234#M? Diagnostic Commands
How Do I Check Signal Strength?
1234#CSQ? Response: Signal quality: XX (0-31)
According to the RTU5024 technical specifications, above 12 is usable and above 16 is recommended. A value of 0 means no signal. If consistently below 10, reposition the antenna or use an external antenna.
Complete Command Reference Table
| Command | Syntax | Example | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change password | {pwd}#PWD{new}#PWD{new}# | 1234#PWD5678#PWD5678# | New Password:5678 |
| Add user | {pwd}#TEL{phone}#{slot}# | 1234#TEL+4471234#001# | Slot list |
| Query user | {pwd}#TEL{slot}? | 1234#TEL002? | Number or Empty |
| Delete user | {pwd}#TEL#{slot}# | 1234#TEL#012# | Number deleted |
| Authorized only | {pwd}#AU# | 1234#AU# | Allow User Numbers... |
| Allow all | {pwd}#AA# | 1234#AA# | Allow all numbers... |
| Query access | {pwd}#AC?# | 1234#AC?# | Current mode |
| Relay ON | {pwd}#ON# | 1234#ON# | The relay is ON. |
| Relay OFF | {pwd}#OFF# | 1234#OFF# | The relay is OFF. |
| Set relay time | {pwd}#GOT{val}# | 1234#GOT10# | GOT time set |
| Query GOT | {pwd}#GOT? | 1234#GOT? | Current GOT |
| Enable SMS notify | {pwd}#R# | 1234#R# | ...SMS ON |
| Disable SMS notify | {pwd}#N# | 1234#N# | ...SMS OFF |
| Query notify | {pwd}#M? | 1234#M? | Current setting |
| Signal strength | {pwd}#CSQ? | 1234#CSQ? | Signal quality: XX |
Common SMS Command Mistakes
"Error password" response
Wrong password. If you changed it and forgot, factory reset by holding the RESET button for 10 seconds. Or check for a space or lowercase letter in your command.
No response at all
Most likely cause: lowercase letters in the command. Check CAPS LOCK and that auto-correct hasn't changed your input. Also verify the SIM has SMS credit.
User added but can't open gate by calling
The phone number was stored without the country code. Delete the user and re-add with the full international prefix (+44, +1, +31, etc.).
GOT time seems wrong
GOT values are half-seconds, not seconds. GOT10 = 5 seconds, not 10 seconds.
Relay action SMS not received
Notifications are disabled by default. Enable with 1234#R#. Also check that slot 001 has a valid phone number.
Skip the SMS Commands with GateOpener
Every command on this page (all 15 of them, plus the parameter variations) becomes a button, a slider, or a toggle in GateOpener. The app knows the RTU5024 command syntax, inserts your password automatically, validates your input before sending, and shows plain-language responses instead of cryptic SMS replies.
- Password management: change and store securely, no memorizing
- User management: add, remove, and view users with a contact-picker interface
- Relay timing: set GOT with a slider instead of calculating half-seconds
- EUR 4.99 one-time, no subscription, no cloud: all data stays on your phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all RTU5024 versions use the same commands?
The commands listed here apply to the RTU5024 V2019 and later. Older pre-2017 models may use slightly different syntax (e.g., A instead of TEL for user management). Check your model version if commands don't work.
Can I send multiple commands in one SMS?
No. The RTU5024 processes one command per SMS. Send each setting change as a separate message.
Does it cost money to open the gate?
Opening by calling is free. The module rejects the call after one ring. SMS commands cost your standard SMS rate.
What happens if I send a command from an unauthorized number?
In AU mode (authorized only), commands from unauthorized numbers are ignored. In AA mode, any number can send commands.
Sources
Manufacturer Documentation
- RTU5024 User Manual V2019 (PDF) — King Pigeon / BLIIoT official user manual
- RTU5024 Product Page — BLIIoT product specifications
- Waferstar RTU5024 FAQ — Troubleshooting and Q&A
Related Content
- RTU5024 Setup Guide — Complete setup from unboxing to first gate open
- RTU5024 Command Reference — Quick-reference command page
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