Subscriber Discussion

Cell Communicators For Alarm Systems

Undisclosed Integrator #1

•Jun 27, 2018

We have almost always dealt with alarm panels that had built in cell communicators. We have a job we are bidding that requires a stand alone communicator that can wire into a panel that has 4 terminals for a POTS line. I have seen Telguard and Uplink, does anyone have any experience working with these or a different brand they could recommend?

Also, outside of looking at wireless coverage maps (install is in a rural area), are there other considerations? Or is it just pick a LTE module and go from there?

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Ross Samek

•Jun 27, 2018

Take a look at Napco Starlink. Very easy to install and setup. It's also easy to take over panels that you can't access the existing CS programming.

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Undisclosed Integrator #1

•Jun 27, 2018

Have you found their service plan rates to be similar to the other brands?

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Ross Samek

•Jun 27, 2018

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1

We've been a Napco shop for a long time so it was an easy switch from Uplink. With Uplink all we got was a radio that gave us just basic alarm trigger signals, the Starlink radios gave us full data reporting for the same cost. And with the options to use AT&T or Verizon for the carrier, we could pick a unit that would have the best signal for the region.

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Daniel S-T

•Jun 27, 2018

We used DSC 3060 communicators, they "simulate" a phone line, in the sense the panel thinks it's dialing a phone number, and the cell send it off. I think it had to be in contact ID though, no SIA.

It was fairly simply, draws power from the panel, or remote source. Can still use a POTS with it, phone goes into Cell communicator, out to panel, and then out to premise (from alarm panel). Cell can see if signals aren't going through on POTS and then switches.

Outputs on the Cellular communicator to monitor it's status on the panel. ULC approved for fire monitoring in canada, or at least it was 2 years ago when I last put one in. Probably still is.

My only other experience with cell communicators in Alarmnet, but that pretty much only works with the Honeywell Panels.

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