Paradox PCS200 User manual

PCS200 Communicator Module
V2.2
Reference and Installation Manual

Warranty
For complete warranty information, please visit www.paradox.com/terms.
Your use of the Paradox product signifies your acceptance of all warranty
terms and conditions. PCS200, Magellan, Spectra SP, EVO, and WinLoad are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Paradox Ltd. or its affiliates in
Canada, the United States and/or other countries. For the latest product
approvals, such as UL and CE, please visit www.paradox.com.
© 2012 Paradox Ltd. All rights reserved. Specifications may change without
prior notice.
Patents
One or more of the following US patents may apply: 7046142, 6215399,
6111256, 6104319, 5920259, 5886632, 5721542, 5287111, and RE39406
and other pending patents may apply. Canadian and international patents
may also apply.

Page 3
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................5
Features ............................................................................................... 5
Included Items.......................................................................................... 6
Required/Optional Items .......................................................................... 6
Compatibility............................................................................................. 6
Overview ..........................................................................................................................7
System Components............................................................................ 7
LED Feedback ..................................................................................... 8
Specifications ........................................................................................ 9
Connections .................................................................................................................10
SIM Card Connection......................................................................... 10
GSM vs. GPRS Connections ............................................................. 11
VDMP3 Connection (Optional - GSM mode only).............................. 11
Installation ....................................................................................................................13
Wall-Mount Installation....................................................................... 13
Antenna Installation ............................................................................ 14
Antenna Extension Installation (Optional) .......................................... 14
Configuring the PCS200 ..........................................................................................15
Modifying the Frequency Band .......................................................... 15
Bandwidth Saver Mode ...................................................................... 15
Configuring GSM Network Provider Information ................................ 16
Configuring WinLoad Access ............................................................. 16
Programming GSM Reporting Options .............................................. 17
Programming and Registering GPRS Reporting Options .................. 17
Troubles ............................................................................................. 18
Text message notification .................................................................. 19
SMS Language .................................................................................. 19
Arm/Disarm System via Text Message (GSM only)........................... 20
List of SMS Commands ..................................................................... 20
Upload/Download .....................................................................................................21
Public Network (GPRS mode only) .................................................... 21
Private Network.................................................................................. 21
Upgrading the Firmware..................................................................... 22
On-Site Firmware Upgrade .................................................................... 22
Remote Firmware Upgrade.................................................................... 22

Page 4
Module Supervision Options .................................................................................23
End User SMS Programming............................................................. 24
End User SMS Programming with Digiplex EVO ................................... 24
End User SMS Programming with MG/SP / E-Series ............................ 24
View GSM IP Information................................................................... 25
Viewing GSM IP Information with Digiplex EVO .................................... 26
Viewing GSM IP Information with MG/SP / E-Series ............................. 26
Pre-Defined Text Messages ....................................................................................27
Alarm Messages ................................................................................ 27
Arming/Disarming Messages ............................................................. 28
Trouble Event Messages ................................................................... 29
Trouble Restore Messages ................................................................ 30
Index ...............................................................................................................................31
Notes ..............................................................................................................................33

Page 5
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
The PCS200 provides Paradox control panels with wireless communication
capabilities to report system events through a GPRS or GSM network to the
IPR512 GPRS/IP Monitoring Receiver.
The PCS200 can be configured to send system events to the
end-user via SMS, and can remotely upload/download with WinLoad software
via GPRS. All this is achieved via a simple 4-wire serial connection between
the control panel and the PCS200.
The PCS200 can be installed up to 2m (6 ft.) from the panel. The device’s
antenna can be installed up to 18m (60 ft.) from the reporting device using an
optional antenna cable extension, depending on the local signal strength.
Features
• Report events to the IPR512 GPRS/IP Monitoring Receiver via GPRS or
to a landline receiver via GSM
• Fast upload/download with WinLoad or NEware via a GPRS connection
• Firmware upgrades via GPRS, or directly on-site
• Report via text message (up to 16 cell phone numbers)
• Control panel communication supervision. When detected, the control
panel will generate a trouble as well as report it to the monitoring station
via landline
• End user can arm or disarm the system by sending a text message
(SMS) to the PCS200 - GSM mode
• Send pre-recorded voice messages to up to 8 phone numbers to report
alarms using the Paradox Plug-In Voice Module (VDMP3) - GSM mode
• Simple installation with 4-wire serial connection
• Module antenna can be installed up to 18m (60ft) from the module using
optional antenna cable extensions depending on the local signal
strength
• 128-bit (MD5) and 256-bit (AES) encryption - GPRS mode

Page 6 Introduction
Included Items
• Serial cable
• 4-Phillips screws (top cover)
• Antenna
• Removable power terminal
Required/Optional Items
• Active SIM card (required)
• Paradox Plug-In Voice Module VDMP3 (optional)
• Antenna extension (optional)
Compatibility
• EVO48 and EVO192 panels V2.02
• K641 and K641R keypads V1.51 or higher
• SP series V3.42 with K32LCD keypads V1.22
• E55 panels V3.0 (labels to be programmed via Winload)
• E65 panels V2.1 (labels to be programmed via Winload)
• MG series V4.0 or higher with K32LCD keypads V1.22 or higher
For latest updates visit paradox.com

Page 7
Overview
Chapter 2: Overview
This section provides an overview of the Paradox PCS200 Communicator
Module. It covers technical specifications, light-emitting diode (LED)
functionality, and an overview of the PCS200 system components.
System Components
1) SIM card slot (supports standard GSM provider SIM cards)
2) System LEDs (refer to “LED Feedback” on page 7)
3) Antenna cable connector
4) Mounting holes - used to mount the PCS200 to a wall or similar type
surface
5) Aluminum enclosure
6) Bandwidth selection switch
7) Serial cable connector - used to connect the PCS200 to a Paradox
control panel
8) Audio jack (GSM mode only)
LED Feedback
2
8
7
4
6
1
3
5

Page 8 Overview
The following table provides a description of the PCS200 Communicator
Module LEDs.
RX Flashing green: receiving data
TX Flashing green: transmitting data
Error Red: module is not communicating with control panel.
LED will be lit on power-up until a connection has been
established.
N/A Future use
SIM Card
Error
Red: SIM card is not present or communication cannot
be established via the SIM card
Signal
Strength
Indicates the quality of the signal
1 LED lit: weak signal
3 LEDs lit: strong signal
GPRS Green: established a GPRS connection on the GSM
network
Flashing green: transmitting GPRS data
GSM Green: connected to the GSM network

Page 9
Overview
Specifications
The following table describes the technical specifications of the PCS200
Communicator Module.
Power Class 4 (2W) @ 850/900 MHz
Class 2 (1W) @ 1800/1900 MHz
Antenna
Bandwidth
70 / 80 / 140 / 170 MHz
Antenna Gain <3dBi; impedance 50 ohm
Input power >2W peak power
Power Input 12 Vdc (from control panel)
Consumption 80 mA Standby, max 600 mA during GPRS/GSM
transmission
Dimensions 12.2cm X 10.2cm X 4.8cm (4.8in X 4.0in X 1.9in)
Operating
Temperature
0ºC to 50ºC (32ºF to 122ºF)
Encryption 128-bit (MD5 and RC4) or 256-bit (AES)
SMS Protocol 8-bit (IRA:ITU-T.50) or 16-bit (UCS2 ISO/IEC10646)

Page 10 Connections
Chapter 3: Connections
The following sections guide you through the steps required to connect the
PCS200 prior to mounting the unit.
SIM Card Connection
The PCS200 connects to your Paradox control panel providing wireless
communication capabilities to report system events to a monitoring station.
The PCS200 supports standard GSM provider SIM cards. The SIM card
contains all your cellular telephone account information. In order to activate
your SIM card, you must contact your local GSM network provider.
Note: Prior to setting up your PCS200, it is important that the Personal
Identification Number (PIN) of the SIM card be disabled. Refer to your cellular
phone’s manual for more information on how to disable the PIN.
To install the SIM card:
1) Remove the front cover of the PCS200 Module. If the cover is not
installed, proceed to Step 2.
2) Slide the SIM card tray towards the bottom to unlock it, and then flip the
SIM card tray open towards you, as shown in Figure 1.
Note: Open the SIM card tray slowly to avoid damage to the tray.
3) Slide the SIM card into the tray with the cut-off corner towards the
bottom left. Close the SIM card tray and slide the tray up to lock it into
place.
Figure 1
+ -
1
2
3

Page 11
Connections
GSM vs. GPRS Connections
The PCS200 is connected directly from the serial cable connector located on
the bottom of the unit to the Paradox control panel using the provided serial
cable.
Note: GSM and GPRS reporting cannot be conducted simultaneously. To
switch reporting methods, connect the serial cable to the control panel’s Serial
or Ebus connector and then scan the module. Refer to your Paradox control
panel documentation for more information on scanning modules.
Figure 2
VDMP3 Connection (Optional - GSM mode only)
The Paradox Voice Module (VDMP3) can send pre-recorded voice messages
on up to 8 phone numbers to report alarms via the GSM cell phone network.
This is done by mounting the VDMP3 directly on the PCS200 Communicator
Module, enabling the VDMP3 to dial out using the GSM cell phone network.
With the VDMP3 mounted onto the PCS200, the end user can also arm/
disarm, request system status, and control PGMs from any telephone.
Note: When using the VDMP3, certain programming options must be
configured. Refer to the control panel programming guide for more
information.
DIALER EBUS
for GPRS Reporting
for GSM Reporting
SERIAL
Paradox Control Panel
PCS200
SIM Card
Up to 2m ( 6ft.)
SERIAL (UART)
Serial Cable
Connector
VDMP3
DIALER EBUS
Serial Cable

Page 12 Connections
If the VDMP3 module is installed and the GSM network reception is weak, the
volume setting can be adjusted to help improve the VDMP3’s response to
keys pressed on a telephone. The default volume is 85; this allows for best
communication. Valid range values are between 85 to 100, anything outside
of this range will reset the command to 85. To adjust the GSM volume the
following SMS command must be sent:
P[admin].VOLOUT.[volume value]
e.g., Padmin.VOLOUT.95
Where [admin] is the PCS200 default password (if the password has been
changed, enter in the new password) and [volume value] is the new volume
level. The PCS200 will receive the SMS message and then adjust the volume
setting accordingly.

Page 13
Installation
Chapter 4: Installation
The following sections guide you through the steps required to install the
PCS200 and how to mount and connect the antenna.
Wall-Mount Installation
The PCS200 must be securely mounted on a wall or similar surface. It is
important to mount the metal box as far away as possible from any electronic
equipment. Ensure that the metal box is mounted as high as possible to
ensure protection from RF interference and to maximize the signal quality.
To Mount the PCS200:
1) Use the module as a template to mark the four holes onto the mounting
surface.
2) Drill the holes.
3) Align the PCS200 and secure into place using the appropriate hardware,
as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3
Mounting
Holes
Mounting
Hardware

Page 14 Installation
Antenna Installation
The PCS200 antenna connects to the antenna cable connector located on the
PCS200 PCB board. The antenna cable’s connector is located on the outside,
top-part of the PCS200 Communicator Module.
To Connect the Antenna:
1) Position the antenna onto the antenna connector.
2) Screw the antenna securely into place.
Figure 4
Antenna Extension Installation (Optional)
Antenna extensions are available to improve reception by moving the
antenna. The antenna extension is sold with a wall-mounting bracket.
To Install the Antenna Extension:
1) Use the mounting bracket to mark the holes onto the mounting surface.
2) Drill the holes and insert the antenna extension in the bracket until it
snaps into place.
3) Align the bracket and secure into place using the appropriate mounting
hardware.
Figure 5
The antenna cable
connector is outside the
metal box
Mounting Bracket
Screw Holes

Page 15
Configuring the PCS200
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCS200
The PCS200 can be configured for GSM or GPRS reporting. In order for the
unit to provide GSM or GPRS reporting, certain configurations must be set.
These configurations include modifying the frequency band, configuring GSM
network provider information, configuring the PCS200 for WinLoad access,
programming GSM reporting options, and registering and programming
GPRS reporting options.
Modifying the Frequency Band
The PCS200 will automatically be set to a working frequency according to
your country. If the frequency is not working, it can be changed manually by
pressing and holding the band selection switch for 10 seconds. Once the
selected frequency band LED flashes rapidly, press the band selection switch
to change between bands. Press and hold the bandwidth selection switch for
at least 5 seconds until the module reboots.
Figure 6
Bandwidth Saver Mode
The PCS200 can turn off SIM card usage during system inactivity until a new
event is sent from the panel. The bandwidth saver mode can be turned ON or
OFF by sending the following SMS message to the PCS200.
P[admin].BWS.[value]
e.g., Padmin.BWS.on
Where [admin] is the PCS200 default password (if the password has been
changed, enter in the new password) and [value] is either ON or OFF to
enable or disable bandwidth saver mode.
Note: The bandwidth saver mode is turned ON by default.
+ -
Bandwidth Selection Switch
GSM 850 MHz, PCS 1900 MHz
GSM 900 MHz, DCS 1800 MHz

Page 16 Configuring the PCS200
Configuring GSM Network Provider Information
To connect the PCS200 to the GPRS network, certain registration parameters
must be set (supplied by your GSM network provider). These parameters
include the Access Point Name, APN User Name, and the APN Password. To
begin the configuration of your GSM network provider information, enter the
section programming in your panel.
Note: When entering into GSM network provider sections, the LCD screen of the
control panel’s keypad will display either “Labels” or “Messages”.
Configuring WinLoad Access
The PCS200 Communicator Module provides remote access for upload and
download with WinLoad via a GPRS connection. The following site specific
sections must be configured for WinLoad access.
Note: In the case where a reportable event occurs while a WinLoad session is
active via GPRS, the communication is terminated to allow event reporting.
MG/SP/E EVO Feature Details
[921] [2960] APN part 1
(characters 1 - 16)
This information can
be obtained from your
GSM network
provider.
[922] [2961] APN part 2
(characters 17 - 32)
[923] [2962] APN user name part 1
[924] [2963] APN user name part 2
[925] [2964] APN password part 1
[926] [2965] APN password part 2
MG/SP/E EVO Feature Details
[920] [2966] Software port Default: 10000
[927] [3013] Installer software password Default: admin

Page 17
Configuring the PCS200
Programming GSM Reporting Options
The following sections describe the options that must be programmed in the
panel for GSM reporting.
Note: The primary phone number is configured via section [815]; the backup
phone number is configured in section [817].
Programming and Registering GPRS Reporting Options
The following sections describe the options that must be programmed in the
panel for GPRS reporting. Control panels with a PCS200 can also report
system events to a monitoring station’s IPR512 GPRS/IP Monitoring
Receiver.
MG/SP/E EVO Details
[805] [2950] [1] Off + [2] Off = Landline only (default)
[1] Off + [2] On = Landline primary / GSM backup
[1] On + [2] Off = GSM primary / landline backup
[1] On + [2] On = GSM only
MG/SP/E EVO Feature Details
[918]
[919]
[2976] Account / partition
registration
MG/SP/E: sections
represent account /
partition 1 & 2
EVO: sections represent
account / partition 1 to 8
[2983]
[806] [2975] [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 & GPRS in parallel

Page 18 Configuring the PCS200
Troubles
The following sections and options have been added to support the IPPR512
GPRS/IP Monitoring Receiver.
Receiver
Settings
MG/SP/E EVO
Receiver #:
IP address*
IP port**
IP address WAN2
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]
1
[2984]
2
[2986]
3
[2988]
4
[2990]
Module
registration -
press [ARM] to
register
[935] [942] [949] [2985] [2987] [2989] [2991]
* For 1 or 2 digit numbers, add “0s” before the digit: e.g., 138.002.043.006
** Default 10000
†Enter [MEM] for blank space
Note: When entering into Receiver Settings sections, the LCD screen of the control
panel’s keypad will display “Data” for the receiver password and security profiles
sections.
MG/SP/E Trouble Group MG/SP/E Trouble Sub-Group
[4] Communication Trouble [7] Fail to communicate with receiver
[9] GSM network failure
[OFF] IP Receiver unregistered (IP/GPRS)
[10] Module supervision loss [9] GPRS/GSM module
EVO Trouble Group EVO Trouble Sub-Group

Page 19
Configuring the PCS200
[9] Communication Trouble [5] Fail to communicate with receiver 1
[6] Fail to communicate with receiver 2
[7] Fail to communicate with receiver 3
[8] Fail to communicate with receiver 4
[9] IP Receiver unregistered (IP/GPRS)

Page 20 Configuring the PCS200
Text message notification
In addition to reporting control panel events via a GSM cell phone network
through GSM and GPRS, the PCS200 can also send text messages (SMS) to
the end user (up to 16 cell phone numbers). The PCS200 can send text
messages for any control panel event due to its proprietary communication
through the panel’s serial port. Each text message contains a detailed
description of the event including site name, date and time, and any
associated labels such as zone and serial number. The detailed description of
each system event is pre-programmed and hardcoded into the PCS200.
SMS Language
Note:Some languages are not currently supported. If an unsupported
language is selected, messages will be sent in English. Some languages, like
Hungarian or Romanian, will generate 2 SMS messages per event reported
and other languages will use special LCD characters not supported on all cell
phones. Refer to the paradox.com website for the list of languages that are
supported, that generate 2 SMS messages, or that use special characters.
MG/SP/E EVO Feature Details
[856] [2953] SMS language Values: 000-255 (see SMS
Language)
[780] [2954] SMS site name Default: “Your Alarm Site”
Language Value Language Value Language Value
English* 000 Hungarian 009 Slovak 018
French 001 Czech 010 Chinese 019
Spanish 002 Dutch 011 Serbian 020
Italian 003 Croatian 012 Malay 021
Swedish 004 Greek 013 Slovenian 022
Polish 005 Hebrew 014 Lithuanian 023
Portuguese 006 Russian 015 Finnish 024
German 007 Bulgarian 016
Turkish 008 Romanian 017
*Default Value = 000