Requirements

Hardware, software, and phone preparation before install.

Supported phones

VMGateClient requires Android 13 or newer on arm64 field phones. Samsung mid-range models (A-series and similar) are commonly deployed; other devices may work but need on-site GSM and audio testing before production.

The phone must have:

• Minimum 8 GB RAM
• Reliable mobile data or Wi‑Fi for the VMGate network link to VMGateServer
• One or two active SIM slots with working GSM registration (dual-SIM phones show separate SIM 1 / SIM 2 cards in the app)
• Internal storage: VMGateClient and VMGate Audio together use about 200 MB once installed. Keep at least 500 MB free on the phone so OTA updates can download and install — if free space is too low, updates fail until you clear space
• A USB port that accepts the Startel USB audio board (same port used for charging, with the cable or adapter from your deployment). The phone must recognize the flashed board when plugged in (see chapters 03 and 06). Some models do not support USB accessories; stick to phones your operator has approved

Two packages required

Production audio needs both of these on the same phone:

• VMGateClient — main app (GSM, UI, dongle control, VMGate network)
• VMGate Audio — companion app required for call audio (installed with VMGateClient on first launch)

You install VMGateClient from the portal APK. On first launch the main app installs or updates VMGate Audio for you when Android prompts — chapter 03 walks through that step by step. Keep both packages matched using CHECK FOR UPDATES in the app (chapter 07), not random APK files from other sources.

USB audio hardware

VMGateClient requires Startel USB audio hardware. It is not optional: without it, GSM may connect but call audio cannot reach VMGateServer (portal status no_dongle).

What it does

The USB board carries GSM call audio for VMGateClient. Without it, calls may connect but you will hear no voice (portal status no_dongle).

The VMGate network link to VMGateServer runs on the phone (mobile data or Wi‑Fi). The USB board does not connect to the internet or join your Wi‑Fi.

Required board — exact part

If you supply your own hardware, order this product name exactly as printed on the box and on the distributor listing — character for character:

ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N16R8

Then set it up from VMGateClient (menu → Dongle management — chapter 07). A board that has not been set up will not work for calls.

Boards that will not work

Shops sell many boards with similar names. VMGateClient accepts only the exact product above, or a unit supplied by Startel. Anything else — a different suffix, a generic “ESP32-S3 dev board”, or a USB adapter from another vendor — will be rejected.

If the label on the box or the web listing does not match ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N16R8 exactly, do not buy it. If Dongle management shows Dongle is not correct for the current version, contact Startel.

How to obtain hardware

• Self-provisioned — purchase ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N16R8 from your component supplier, then complete setup from the phone (chapter 07).
• Startel supply — Startel International can ship ready-to-use units. Email info@startelinternational.com.

Dual-port units (daily use on the left, setup/update on the right) are shown in menu → Dongle management. Keep the left port connected during operation.

Before you install — checklist

Have these ready before chapter 03:

• APK link or QR from portal Management → Client QR Codes
• A join code for the correct network (from your administrator — chapter 04)
• SIM(s) inserted and registered on the mobile network
• ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N16R8 (set up via chapter 07) or a ready-to-use unit from Startel — plus USB cable
• Mobile data or Wi‑Fi working (avoid captive-portal-only Wi‑Fi during setup)

Chapter 03 covers download, APK install, and everything that happens on first launch until the phone is ready for pairing.