Downloading Panels Via VoIP

[Jim Rojas]

Ok...since many of you are having these issues, I think I will start
this thread sharing what I have found out using trial and error.

Vonage: You can download most panels through Vonage. You just have to
have the customer max out the bandwidth, shut off voice mail if you need
a high ring count, and remove any dual ring & message forwarding.
Shutdown all computers until you are done. Once the download is
completed, the customer can put all settings as they were. Contact ID
seems to work fine. SIA, or any format that has long strings should be
avoided.

MagicJack: Napco panels seems to download fine with no issues.
Everything else is a shot in the dark. It all depends on bandwidth. Make
sure no other computers are using any bandwidth.

Cable VoIP: Should not be an issue other than having to reverse or
bypass the line seizure altogether. Echo problems can occur.

FiOS VoIP: The cleanest connection of all. Might have echo issues due to
long distance data compression.

Unfiltered DSL: Have customer unplug DSL modem. Wait 5-10 minutes, then
try to download the panel.

Other Notes: Make sure you turn your modem speaker on low or medium so
you get an idea what's going on at all times.

If you are getting heavy echos on the line, just turn on your
speakerphone like you would on Napco panels. This seems to work on DSC
panels well.

Jim Rojas

 

[Bob La Londe]

Unfiltered DSL: Have customer unplug DSL modem. Wait 5-10 minutes, then

try to download the panel.

I insist that a POTS line with DSL over it has an alarm DSL filter at the
panel. They are not cheap like ordinary DSL filters, but it eliminates
problems completely. DSL doesn't even have to shut down while the panel
communicates.

Other Notes: Make sure you turn your modem speaker on low or medium so you
get an idea what's going on at all times.

That is an excellent tip. I have always had my modem on when communicating
with alarm panels and phone systems. Amazing how many problems are quickly
figured out that way.

If you are getting heavy echos on the line, just turn on your speakerphone
like you would on Napco panels. This seems to work on DSC panels well.

If you are getting heavy echoes or tin canning many panels will also have
problems recognizing the kiss off from a central station receiver.
Amazingly this seems to be also related to format. It seems that the FBII
XL31 really doesn't like anything but the most perfect line when sending CID
so I leave all my old XL31s in 4x2 format. I can't figure out why. They
both recognize the same kiss off tone. I also ran across a Firelite panel
that would lock up on the kiss off tone if sending CID, but if sending 4x2
it worked fine.

Jim Rojas

Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com

 

[Jim Rojas]

Unfiltered DSL: Have customer unplug DSL modem. Wait 5-10 minutes, then

I insist that a POTS line with DSL over it has an alarm DSL filter at
the panel. They are not cheap like ordinary DSL filters, but it
eliminates problems completely. DSL doesn't even have to shut down while
the panel communicates.


That is an excellent tip. I have always had my modem on when
communicating with alarm panels and phone systems. Amazing how many
problems are quickly figured out that way.


If you are getting heavy echoes or tin canning many panels will also
have problems recognizing the kiss off from a central station receiver.
Amazingly this seems to be also related to format. It seems that the
FBII XL31 really doesn't like anything but the most perfect line when
sending CID so I leave all my old XL31s in 4x2 format. I can't figure
out why. They both recognize the same kiss off tone. I also ran across a
Firelite panel that would lock up on the kiss off tone if sending CID,
but if sending 4x2 it worked fine.


Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com

Good tips Bob.

I usually try CID first, then 4x2 40BPS or 20BPS.

Jim Rojas

 

[Jim Rojas]

MagicJack:

There is information available on the internet that allows anyone using
a MagicJack to convert it into an ATA device you plug into your router
like Vonage. This will eliminate the need to keep a computer running
when using the Magicjack service. Once this is done, You can now
download Ademco, DSC, DMP, Radionics, etc. using the ATA setup. Limit
this to one phone number even though many ATA devices can handle 1-8
lines. Unless you have FiOS level of bandwidth, stick to the one ATA
device per router port.

Jim Rojas

 

[Bob La Londe]

Ok...since many of you are having these issues, I think I will start
this thread sharing what I have found out using trial and error.

Vonage: You can download most panels through Vonage. You just have to
have the customer max out the bandwidth, shut off voice mail if you need
a high ring count, and remove any dual ring & message forwarding.
Shutdown all computers until you are done. Once the download is
completed, the customer can put all settings as they were. Contact ID
seems to work fine. SIA, or any format that has long strings should be
avoided.

MagicJack: Napco panels seems to download fine with no issues.
Everything else is a shot in the dark. It all depends on bandwidth. Make
sure no other computers are using any bandwidth.

Cable VoIP: Should not be an issue other than having to reverse or
bypass the line seizure altogether. Echo problems can occur.

FiOS VoIP: The cleanest connection of all. Might have echo issues due to
long distance data compression.

Unfiltered DSL: Have customer unplug DSL modem. Wait 5-10 minutes, then
try to download the panel.

Other Notes: Make sure you turn your modem speaker on low or medium so
you get an idea what's going on at all times.

If you are getting heavy echos on the line, just turn on your
speakerphone like you would on Napco panels. This seems to work on DSC
panels well.

Jim Rojas

I wont hook to Vonage. My reasoning is (and now with your experience
above to support it) If you can have problems downloading there's
every reason to suspect that there is a possibility that it wont
communicate during an alarm condition. That is, unless we can get the
intruder to max out the bandwidth, shut off voice mail and remove any
dual ring & message forwarding and shutdown all computers before he
breaks in.

.... and there are IP reporting devices that will work better for reporting.
Unfortunately they do not allow for downloading. I guess the thing to do is
figure out how to use both. I don't really worry about it. I just delete
the IP device serial number form the CS server if they cancel service.

 

[G. Morgan]

And something that the end user can
inadvertently disconnect or shut down without remembering that he's
shuting down his alarm system too. Or, his router or modem can lock up
for no apparent reason.

From what I understand the panel is pinged every 7 seconds or so, if no reply
for "x" number of attempts over "y" period of time, the CS calls the dealer and
the customer to see what's up.

 

[VirtualMonitoring]

Thanks for the info Jim. The Linksys IP Alarm Monitoring solution supports upload/download of all panels over IP but not many dealers have used that part of the solution to date.

Are there any panels that you have not been able to remotely program over VoIP so far ?

 

[G. Morgan]

And since the customer is likely using the same VoIP for their home
phones the central station won't get through....

Most people have cell phones, and the dealer will know.

 

[G. Morgan]

It won't be the primary phone tho, people don't get VoIP for an alarm
system

Wait a sec... I thought VIOP was unnecessary.

I thought you run a CAT5 from the panel 2 router and all communication was
purely IP, not CID tones riding on VOIP. Am I wrong about that? All they need
is DSL or Cable for ISP and a router, correct?

 

[G. Morgan]

Wait a sec... I thought VIOP was unnecessary.

I thought you run a CAT5 from the panel 2 router and all communication was
purely IP, not CID tones riding on VOIP. Am I wrong about that? All they need
is DSL or Cable for ISP and a router, correct?

Shit, wrong thread... I thought this was the one I started about the Vista
21-IP.