BT Redcare Essential User manual

Essential
Installation Guide

Contents
2 Introduction
5 Mounting And Wiring
9 Programming
13 Configuration
28 Disposal
29 Glossary Of Terms
29 Support

Introduction

3
Product Description
Figure 1 – Essential unit (not to scale)
The BT Redcare Essential unit is a wireless single path, roaming SIM, alarm signalling unit for transmitting alarm signals
from a customer’s alarm panel, via the BT Redcare network to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The Essential unit has a
UK roaming SIM with 4G/2G mobile technology. The unit is designed for use in security systems only.
The unit communicates via the BT Redcare Network and a valid TA account must exist for the unit to communicate. The
TA account will have been populated with the serial number of the unit.
The unit has 8 general purpose alarm inputs, and 2 outputs, making it suitable for connection to most common alarm
panels.
The unit is supplied already fitted with a BT Redcare enabled SIM card.
Primary path fail reporting 60mins
Alarm transmission category EN standards / PD6669 (UK) SP2
PD6669, ENSO131 (2017) 2
Grade option 2A, 2B
Environmental class II

4
Specifications
Size: 95mm x 67mm x 17mm
Power: 9V – 30V
Current:
Alarm inputs: 8 General purpose inputs 1-8. (-0.5V – 30V)
Alarm threshold: High >2V, and Low <1.3V
Outputs: 2 X Relay NO C NC (Comms, Func)
RS232 port: remote panel access (UDL) and signalling to some intruder panel types
RS485 port: remote panel access (UDL) and signalling to some intruder panel types
Configuration: Using on board configuration buttons, web portal or App
Processor: STM32
Wireless module: ELS61
Average Average
Normal Operation Max loading (inc relays and dial capture operated)
2G/4G unit @12V 70mA 165mA

Mounting and Wiring

6
Removal of Cover
The top cover can be removed by gently releasing each of the 4 clips on the base of the unit by pushing the clips outward
with a screwdriver blade.
Regular access to the inside of the unit should not be required, although occasional access may be required to access the
SIM card.
Mounting
The unit should be mounted inside the alarm panel, or inside a separate powered housing, using the sticky mounting pads
supplied.
The enclosure must meet or exceed the protection requirements of the particular security grade for the whole installation
as per EN 50131-1.
The supplied aerial should be mounted vertically outside of the housing by removing the adhesive backing.
Figure 2 - Layout of terminals (not to scale)

7
Connection Terminals
The screw terminals for the alarm inputs are suitable for use with a standard 3mm blade terminal screwdriver.
Power connections
Power to the unit is via 2 screw terminals at the centre, with positive to the right nearest Pin 5.
The supply voltage range is 9V to 30V. The unit is designed to be connected to the Auxiliary power output on an
associated alarm panel, or separate powered enclosure. For use with intruder alarm panels the power supply must meet
the requirements of EN 50131-6.
Ensure the power source is sufficient to power all devices connected. See the power requirements in the specification
section. The account at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) should be put “on test” before power up, as signals will be sent
following initialisation.
Alarm inputs
The unit has 8 alarm inputs which are presented on screw terminals along the bottom of the unit. These are labelled as
Pin 1-4 and 5 -8.
By default the 8 alarm inputs require a positive condition to be presented to send an alarm. (Default = Positive applied).
This can be changed using the Pin Learn button or through the configuration menu. See later section on configuration.
Figure 3 - Alarm input allocations. (Functions must be agreed with ARC)
1
2
3
4
5-8
Hold up alarm
Intruder alarm
Open / Close (Set / Unset)
General alarm
Input (PIN) Use

8
Outputs
Two relay outputs are provided on screw terminals at the top of the unit.
Output 1 is Comms, output 2 is Func.
See the further sections on outputs for a full explanation.
Serial data connections
The serial data connection labelled TX, RX, B and A is configurable for RS485 or RS232 connection depending on the
panel.
This is done in the configuration menu.
These ports allow serial alarm panel connection, see the Panel Upload Download section.
Dial capture
The dial capture (Dial Cap) terminals enable interfacing with an alarm panel’s digital communicator. The alarm panel can
then send SIA, CID or Fast Format messages through the unit to the Alarm Receiving Centre.
Dial capture can also be used for upload download UDL, allowing remote access with some types of alarm panel.
Aerial connection
Connect the supplied aerial to the MMCX connector on the top right of the unit. The aerial should be placed in a vertical
position that receives the best wireless coverage. Carry out a survey to establish the best location.
If necessary, a selection of high gain and extension aerials can be purchased from the BT Redcare shop at
https://www.btinstallershop.com

Programming

10
Unit Initialisation
The unit will immediately attempt to connect to the BT Redcare platform over the mobile path. The unit will typically
complete path establishment in the following time from power up.
Figure 4 – time to commission after unit power up
The unit sends a “System Reset” event (pin 984,1) over the first available path, followed by a “Unit restarted” restore
(pin 984,3) within 2 seconds. The unit also sends the state of all 8 pins and low Battery alarm restore. Sending these
alarm states at start up help to ensure that the ARC alarm handling software reflects the true state of all pin alarms after
start up.
Status display
The unit clearly displays its status on the OLED.
In its normal working state, the unit will cycle its display.
Service Grade – The EN Performance category SP2 will be shown.
The performance category can only be determined by the unit while in contact with the platform. The unit will not show
the performance category until the mobile path is registered with the platform when it will retrieve the performance
grade
Pin Status - any outstanding alarm pins will be shown. If no pins are in the alarm state, then pin status will not be shown.
Alarms Battery - Low battery will be displayed if the supply voltage is below the supply threshold.
4G/2G 120s
Service Grade
Redcare SP2
Alarms GPI Alarm
3
Path: Mobile
Registered
Signal Strength
4G [ ] [-103]
Mobile Path and if registered with the platform. Signal strength – network type (4G or 2G) received
wireless signal strength in dBm and signal strength
indicator bars. 2 Bars or more is the recommended signal
level required.

11
Signal strength display:
That is:
- On 2G below -90dBm = X will be displayed
- On 2G between -90 & -85, 1 bars will be displayed
- On 2G between -85 & -80, 2 bars will be displayed
- On 2G between -80 & -75, 3 bars will be displayed
- On 2G above -75dBm, 4 bars will be displayed
That is:
- On 4G below -120dBm = X will be displayed
- On 4G between -120 & -110, 1 bars will be displayed
- On 4G between -110 & -100, 2 bars will be displayed
- On 4G between -100 & -90, 3 bars will be displayed
- On 4G above -90dBm, 4 bars will be displayed
X or 1 bar – try to improve the signal by moving the unit, aerial or using an extension or high gain aerial – available from
btinstallershop.com
Guide to signal strength
Figure 5 – Signal strength chart
Poor Good Very Good Excellent
Figure 6 – typical display cycling on a fully commissioned unit with a good signal strength and pin 4 in the alarm or
open state
The state of the communication path is indicated by the OLED display.
The mobile path status has the following possible status:
- Up No Reg – path is up but not registered with the platform
- Registered – has contacted the platform and successfully registered
- Alarm/Ack – Alarm is being transmitted and awaiting Ack
- Down – the path has lost connectivity to the platform and is trying to reconnect
Note: When fully commissioned the mobile path should be registered.
Path: Mobile
Registered
Alarms GPI Alarm
4
Service Grade
Redcare SP2
Signal Strength
4G [ ] [-103]

12
PIN inputs
Pin 4 can have an RPS output associated with it. (See output 2 RPS)
Pins 1 – 8 can be set up for end of line and dual end of line interconnection monitoring.
Outputs
Output 1 ( Comms)
Output 1 acts as the communications fault output.
Output 2 (Func)
Output 2 has two configuration options.
User control output. This can be remotely operated via the web portal or app.
RPS output for Pin 4.
The output will operate when input pin 4 is triggered. It will return when an acknowledge signal is returned from the
BT Redcare platform. The output has a minimum operation time of 1s. When the acknowledgement is received in less
than 1 second after pin 4 is triggered then the output will remain operated for 1s.
Defaults for Output 1 and 2.
Output 1 is set to single path fault.
Output 2 is set to User.

Configuration

14
Pin Learn
For speed of installation a single button press pin learn is available.
All pins to be used should be wired in and all the pins should be in the non alarm state. No tampers should be active
(if wired in) and Pin 4 (open /close) should represent the system being set/closed.
When ready press and hold the down arrow for 3 secs.
This has completed the pin learn. There is also an option to learn the pins within the configuration menu.
Configuration Menu Programming
The unit is supplied pre-configured with factory default values. For most installations no changes to the configuration are
required.
The unit can either be configured by using the on-board configuration menu driven by the buttons, or through the
installer app or web portal. Some configurations are only available through the app or web portal.
A minority of sites may require minimal configuration changes at installation, and most of these will be achievable
through the button configuration. i.e.
•Change the individual pin status
•Enable dual end of line for interconnection monitoring
Button configuration
The button configuration mode is entered by holding down the centre configuration button (Enter) for 3s.
Press & Hold for Pin Learn
The unit will then display Configuration:
Press the Enter button again and the display
will show the first menu option.
Configuration
Notice -
Done!
Configuration
Inputs

15
When in the main menu, each press of will step to the next menu item down.
Use to step back up and eventually return to the top of the menu. The full main menu options are shown in Fig.7.
Pressing the Enter button on any menu item will enter the sub-menu and take you into edit mode. This will allow the
function to be changed. The menu item will depend on the structure of the sub-menu.
Some menu items have more options. e.g. Output 2 has 2 options to set the comms fault output type. On such menus,
press the Enter button to enter the sub menu, then use the down and up arrows to increment through the options with
each press. Holding the Enter button for 5s will save changes. Display will show Notice saved.
Some more complex menu items use the Enter button to also step through additional items in the sub menu. i.e. Network
Web Passcode to be changed.
Edit mode can be exited at any time, without saving changes, by pressing for 5s. This will return you to the sub
menu that you were making changes in.
The configuration menu can be exited at any time without saving any changes by pressing for 5 seconds.
This will take you back to the scrolling status display.
Main menu display
Serial Panel Type Diagnostics Restore Defaults Back
Configuration Version Exit
Inputs
Pin Learn
Input Sense
Inputs EOL
Back
Output Type 1
Output Type 2
Back
Web Passcode
Back
Panel Type
Back
Back
Output Type Network
Figure 7 – button configuration main menu options
You know you are in edit mode and that changes can be
made by a * next to the menu title.
Typically, many menu items simply have two options, use
the down and up arrow to switch between the two. Press
and hold the Enter button to save changes. Display will
show Notice saved.
Output Type 1 *
Single Path Fault
Notice-
Saved!

16
Inputs
Pin Learn
The polarity of pins can be learnt by pressing and holding the down arrow for 5s.
The display will show notice done.
Pin learn can also be carried out through the configuration menu.
Example – to learn the pin polarity in the configuration menu:-
• Access the button configuration menu by holding Enter button. Configuration is displayed
• Press the Enter button again
• The display now shows Pin learn
• Press and hold the Enter button – the display shows notice done
The configuration menu can be exited at any time without saving any changes by pressing for 5 seconds.
This will take you back to the scrolling status display.
Inputs
Notice –
Done!
Press and hold
1
3
2
Configuration
Pin Learn

17
Input Sense
The polarity of the pins can manually be configured by the installer. This is additional to the pin learn function described
earlier.
Example – to configure pin 4 to be positive removed:-
Access the configuration menu by holding Enter button for 3 seconds, press the Enter button again, the display will show
pin learn. Press the down arrow. The display will show Input Sense. Press the Enter button again to enter Input Sense. Pin
1 and status will be shown.
Use the down arrow to step through the pins. Once the desired Pin is reached press the Enter button . * will be displayed.
Use down or up arrow to change to High or Low.
High (positive applied) or Low (positive removed).
Once selected hold the Enter button down till notice saved is displayed.
Then it will return to the postion in the menu for you to select another pin or use the down arrow to step through all pins
to get to the Back button.
Edit mode for that part of the menu can be exited at any time, without saving changes, by pressing for 5s.
This will return you to the sub menu that you were making changes in.
The configuration menu can be exited at any time without saving any changes by pressing for 5 seconds.
This will take you back to the scrolling status display.
Input Sense 4
High
Press until
Press and hold
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
Press until
Notice -
Saved!
High (positive applied) or
Low (positive removed).
Inputs
Configuration
Input Sense 1
High
Input Sense 4 *
Low
Inputs SensePin Learn
Input Sense 4 *
High

18
Inputs EOL
The alarm inputs (PINS) can be set to the following modes:
- None - (Alarm & Restore)
- EOL (Single end of line mode) - (Alarm, Restore & Cut)
- DEOL (Dual End of line mode) - (Alarm, Restore, Cut & Short)
Example – configure Pin 8 for DEOL
This allows the unit to monitor the wiring to the alarm panel contacts.
Access the configuration menu by holding Enter button for 3 seconds, press the Enter button again, the display will show
pin learn. Press the down arrow twice. The display will show Inputs EOL. Press the Enter button again to enter Input EOL.
EOL 1 = None will be shown.
Use the down arrow to step through the pins. Once the desired Pin is reached press the Enter button . * will be displayed.
Use the down or up arrow to change to None, EOL or DEOL.
Once selected hold the Enter button down till notice saved is displayed.
Then it will return to the same position in the menu for you to select another pin or use the down arrow to step through
all pins to get to the Back option.
Edit mode for that part of the menu can be exited at any time, without saving changes, by pressing for 5s.
This will return you to the sub menu that you were making changes in.
The configuration menu can be exited at any time without saving any changes by pressing for 5 seconds.
This will take you back to the scrolling status display.
Inputs
Inputs EOL
EOL 8
None
Press until shows
Press and hold
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
Press twice
Notice -
Saved!
Configuration
Pin Learn
EOL 1
None
EOL 8 *
DEOL
EOL 8 *
None

19
Outputs
The two relay outputs can be configured as follows:
1. Output type 1 (Comms)
- Single path fault – operates when the Mobile path is in fault
2. Output type 2 (Func)
- User – allows the relay to be operated remotely via the app (default)
- RPS – return path signal operates in conjunction with pin 4
Example – configure Output 2 (Func) for RPS
Access the configuration menu by holding the Enter button for 3 seconds, press the Enter button again, the display will
show pin learn. Press the down arrow until Output Types is displayed. Press the Enter button again. The display will show
the default setting for Output type 1. Use the down arrow to step through to Output type 2. Press the Enter button . *
will be displayed. Use the down arrow to change to RPS.
Once selected hold the Enter button down till notice saved is displayed.
It will return to the same position in the menu for you to select another output or use the down arrow to step through all
options to get to the Back option.
Edit mode for that part of the menu can be exited at any time, without saving changes, by pressing for 5s.
This will return you to the sub menu that you were making changes in.
The configuration menu can be exited at any time without saving any changes by pressing for 5 seconds.
This will take you back to the scrolling status display.
Output Type 1
Single Path Fault
Output Type 2 *
User
Notice -
Saved!
Press and hold
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
Press up arrow for
5 seconds to exit
Inputs
Configuration
Output Type
Output Type 2
User
Output Type 2
RPS