PCS250
GPRS/GSM Communicator Module
Installation and Programming Guide
**Compatible with Insite GOLD
and SWAN Server**
Installation
GPRS (Serial Connector)
GSM (EBUS Connector)
RS485 Connection
A CVT485 module can be connected onto the control panel’s EBUS in order to lengthen the distance (up to 300 m. / 1000 ft.) between the panel and the PCS250. Refer to the drawing for connections.
VDMP3 Module
CVT485
8
7
1
2
3
4
1 Mounting holes
2 Audio jack
3 InField upgrade connector
4 RS485 / power terminal
5 Serial connector
6 Tamper screw hole
7 Tamper switch
8 Audio module connector
(e.g., VDMP3)
6
5
SIM Card Connection
The PCS250 supports two standard GSM provider SIM cards.
To install the SIM cards, open the SIM Card tray and insert card into slot, as shown. SIM Card 1 is used as “Primary” and SIM Card 2 for
“Backup”.
Panel Connections
Connect the PCS250’s serial out to the serial connector on the panel.
• For GPRS reporting, connect to the Serial port of the panel.
• For GSM reporting, connect to the EBUS port of the panel.
Up to 300m (1000 ft.)
* Up to 50m (160 ft.) AWG18
*Optional Power Supply Connections (for RS485)
The PCS250 is designed to be powered by the control panel up to 50m
(160 ft.) with an 18 gauge wire. If you are using a CVT485 module to increase the distance from your panel, an external power supply should be used. Refer to the drawing below.
12 Vdc
Antenna Extension Connection
Use an antenna extension kit to improve RF reception if your module’s signal strength is weak. Antenna kits are purchased separately.
IP150 Connection
The PCS250 can be connected to the IP150 Internet Module’s PCS port. For more information on how to configure this option, please refer to the IP150’s Installation manual.
UC300 Connection
The PCS250 can be connected to the UC300 Serial port. For more information on how to configure this option, please refer to the UC300’s
Installation manual.
VDMP3 Connection (GSM mode only)
If using a VDMP3 module for personal reporting, mount the VDMP3 directly onto the PCS250 Communicator Module to enable the VDMP3 to dial out using the GSM cell phone network.
Powering-up the PCS250
Once your hardware connections are completed, the PCS250 module will begin its power up sequence.
• SIM1, SIM2, GPRS, and GSM LEDs will flash intermittently for several seconds.
• SIM card 1 LED will slowly flash green while searching for the GSM network; once found the LED will be solid green and signal strength
LEDs turn on (depending on network strength)
If configured for GPRS reporting, you will need to configure network provider information. Refer to Programming.
LED Functionality
LED
SIM1 and
SIM2
GPRS
GSM
Signal
Strength
Functionality
Solid green - SIM Card 1/2 is installed on the GPRS module
Quick green flashing - SIM card 1/2 is exchanging data
Slow green flashing - Searching the network
Flash red (once) SIM Card 1/2 is defective
Off - SIM Card 1/2 is not installed, not active, or currently not in use
Solid green - unit is set for GPRS operation
Quick green flashing - exchanging data
(when this LED in ON, the GSM LED stays OFF)
Solid green - unit is set for GSM operation
Quick green flashing - exchanging data
(when this LED in ON, the GPRS LED stays OFF)
Three LEDs indicate network strength
Programming
In order to configure the PCS250 for reporting, you will need to first configure your SIM cards. Please note that SIM Card 1 can be configured via panel programming and SIM Card 2 via SMS.
GPRS Reporting (Serial Port Connection)
Network Provider Information
MG/SP EVO Feature
[921]
[922]
[923]
[924]
[2960]
[2961]
[2962]
[2963]
APN part 1 (characters 1-16)
APN part 2 (characters 17-32)
APN user name part 1 (1-16)
APN user name part 2 (17-32)
[925]
[926]
[2964]
[2965]
APN password part 1 (1-16)
APN password part 2 (17-32)
Important: This information can be obtained from your mobile network provider.
Network Provider Information via SMS
Command
P[password].
APN2.NAME.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].
APN2.USER.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].APN2.PSW.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].
APN2.CLEAR
P[password].VAPN2.
[CALL BACK PHONE
NUMBER]
Description
Used to program the SIM Card 2 Access
Point Name
Used to program the SIM Card 2 Access
Point User
Used to program the SIM Card 2 Access
Point Password
Used to clear the SIM Card 2 Access Point
Name
Used to view the SIM Card 2 Access Point
Name information
PCS250-EI07 05/2018
GPRS Reporting Options
MG/SP
[918]
[919]
[806]
EVO
[2976] to
[2983]
[2975]
Feature
Account / Partition
Registration
Details
MG/SP: Sections represent account/ partition 1 and 2
EVO: Sections represent account / partition 1 to 8
[7] Off + [8] Off = landline only
[7] Off + [8] On = GPRS primary / landline backup (default)
[7] On + [8] Off = landline only
[7] On+ [8] On = landline and GPRS in parallel
Receiver Settings MG/SP
Receiver #:
IP address*
IP port **
IP address WAN 2
IP port WAN2
Receiver password
Security Profile
1
[929]
[930]
[931]
[932]
[933]
[934]
2
[936]
[937]
[938]
[939]
[940]
[941]
Backup
[943]
[944]
[945]
[946]
[947]
[948]
Module registration - Press [ARM] to register
[935] [942] [949]
Receiver Settings EVO
Receiver #:
IP address*
IP port **
IP address WAN 2
IP port WAN2
Receiver password
Security Profile
1
[2984]
2
[2986]
3
[2988]
* For 1 or 2 digit numbers, add “0’s” before the digit: e.g.,
138.002.043.006
** Default = 10000
Enter [MEM] for blank space
4
[2990]
GSM Reporting (EBUS Connection)
Reporting Options
MG/SP
[805]
[815] to
[817]
EVO Details
[2950] [1] Off + [2] Off = landline only (default)
[1] Off + [2] On = landline primary / GSM backup (default)
[1] On + [2] Off = GSM primary / landline backup
[1] On + [2] On = GSM only
[3071] to
[3074]
Telephone numbers
[811] to
[812]
[3061] to
[3068]
Account numbers
SMS Messages for Backup
Command
P[PASSWORD].SMS[GSM MODEM
TELEPHONE #].[IPRS-7
PASSWORD]
Description
Used to program the receiver’s
SMS parameters
List of SMS Commands
Command
P[password].A[IP address].
P[port number]
P[password].IP.[call back phone number]
P[password].RESET
P[password].BWS.ON
P[password].BWS.OFF
P[password].VOLOUT.[GSM output volume]
P[password].STATUS.[phone number]
P[password].APN1.NAME.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].APN1.USER.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].APN1.PSW.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].APN1.CLEAR
P[password].VAPN1.NAME.
[Access Point Name]
P[password]. APN2.NAME.
[Access Point Name]
P[password]. APN2.USER.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].APN2.PSW.
[Access Point Name]
P[password].APN2.CLEAR
P[password].VAPN2.[CALL
BACK PHONE NUMBER]
P[password].[IP1W1/ IP1W2/
IP2W1/ IP2W2/ IP3W1/ IP3W2/
IP4W1/ IP4W2].[domain name]
P[password].[IP1W1/ IP1W2/
IP2W1/ IP2W2/ IP3W1/ IP3W2/
IP4W1/ IP4W2].CLEAR
P[password].DNS.[ip address]
Description
Used for GPRS remote access
Used to obtain the IP address and IP port of the PCS250 and whether or not the “bandwidth saver” option is being used
Used to reset the PCS250
Used to enable bandwidth saver mode
Used to disable bandwidth saver mode
Used to set the GSM output volume; values range between 50 to 100
Used to obtain the signal strength, signal quality, GPRS connection status, and APN settings of the current
SIM card
Used to program the SIM Card 1
APN
Used to program the SIM card 1
APN User Name
Used to program the SIM card 1
APN Password
Used to clear the SIM Card 1 APN
Used to view the SIM card 1 APN
Used to program the SIM card 2
APN
Used to program the SIM card 2
APN User Name
Used to program the SIM card 2
APN Password
Used to clear the SIM card 2 APN
Used to view the SIM card 2 APN information
Set domain name for GPRS receiver
Clear domain name for GPRS receiver
P[password].DNS.CLEAR
Set domain name server (DNS) IP address
Clear domain name server (DNS) IP address
Get domain name server (DNS) info P[password].VIP.[phone number]
C[user code].[ARM/OFF].A[area number], [area number], [area number]TO[area number]
P[password].---S
P[password].+++S
Arm/Disarm
Disable SWAN polling
(V4.10.011 and up)
Enable SWAN polling
(V4.10.011 and up)
Technical Specifications
Specifications
RF Power
Antenna Bandwidth
Antenna
Description
Class 4 (2W) @ 850/1900 MHz
Class 2 (1W) @ 1800/1900 MHz
70 / 80 / 140 / 170 MHz
Gain <3dBi; impedance 50 ohm
Input power >2W peak power
12 VDC nominal
100mA standby
Average 450 mA
Voltage Input
Consumption (1.2A peak) during GPRS/GSM transmission
Encryption
SMS Protocol
Humidity
Weight
Dimensions
Certifications
128-bit (MD5 and RC4) or 256-bit
(AES)
8-bit (IRA:ITU-T.50) or 16-bit (UCS2 ISO/IEC10646)
5 - 90% non-condensing
200 gr (7.05 oz)
17.2 x 9.8 x 4.4 cm
6.8 x 3.9 x 1.7 in.
Please visit Paradox.com for the latest certification information
If you have any comments please write to us at Paradox.com/products/ feedback.
Warranty
The Limited Warranty Statement can be found on the website www.paradox.com/terms.
Patents
Your use of the Paradox product signifies your acceptance of these terms and conditions. The following US patents may apply 5,886,632 and
6,215,399. Other Canadian and international patents may apply.
©2018 Paradox Security Systems (Bahamas) Ltd. All rights reserved.
Specifications may change without prior notice.
PCS250-EI07 05/2018
