Paradox PCS250 User manual
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................... 4
Features............................................................................... 4
Overview................................................................ 6
System Components ......................................................6
LED Feedback ....................................................................7
Specifications ....................................................................8
Connections .........................................................9
SIM Card Connection ......................................................9
Optional Power Supply Connections .................... 11
VDMP3 Connection
(Optional - GSM mode only)..................................... 12
Using an RS485 Link..................................................... 13
Using an External Power Input ................................ 14
Antenna Installation ....................................... 15
Antenna Extension Installation (Optional) .......... 15
Configuring the PCS250 ................................ 16
Frequency Band ............................................................ 16
Bandwidth Saver Mode .............................................. 16
Configuring GSM Network Provider
Information ..................................................................... 16
Configuring WinLoad Access ................................... 17
Programming and Registering GPRS
Reporting Options ........................................................ 18
SMS Backup Reporting ............................................... 20
Troubles ........................................................................... 22
SMS Language ............................................................... 23
Arm/Disarm System via Text Message ..................24
List of SMS Commands ............................................... 25
Upload/Download .......................................... 26
Public Network (GPRS mode only) ......................... 26
Private Network ............................................................. 26
Module Supervision ........................................ 28
View GSM IP Information ........................................... 30
Text Messages ................................................... 32
Page 4 Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
The PCS250 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 PCS250 can be configured to send system events to the end-
user via SMS. All this is achieved via a simple 4-wire serial
connection between the control panel and the PCS250.
The PCS250 can be installed up to 2m (6 ft.) from the panel. An
external antenna can be installed up to 18m (60 ft.) from the
reporting device using an optional antenna and a 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
• 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 PCS250
• 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
• Optional rod 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
• Increase the distance between the panel and the PCS250
with an RS485 link (GSM mode only (e-bus)). A CVT485
module must be added at the panel in order to accomplish
this.
Introduction Page 5
Included Items
•Serialcable
•GPRS14Module
Required/Optional Items
• Active SIM card (required)
• Paradox Plug-In Voice Module VDMP3 (optional)
• Antenna extension (optional)
• 12 Vdc external power supply (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 6 Overview
Chapter 2: Overview
This section provides an overview of the Paradox PCS250
Communicator Module. It covers technical specifications, light-
emitting diode (LED) functionality, and an overview of the
PCS250 system components.
System Components
1) GPRS14 with dual SIM card slots
2) Audio jack
3) InField upgrade connector
4) Function switch reserved for future use
5) RS485/power terminal
6) Future use
7) Serial cable connector
8) Audio module connector (e.g., VDMP3)
9) System LEDs (refer to “LED Feedback” on page 7)
1
2
3
4
765
8
9
Overview Page 7
LED Feedback
The following table provides a description of the PCS250
Communicator Module LEDs.
Communication Loss
Upon loss of communication with the panel, the PCS250 LEDs
will behave in the following manner:
1) GPRS or GSM LED displays are off; the SIM card and Signal
Strength LEDs display their status for about 3 seconds.
2) Signal strength LED remains OFF; GSM (green) is turned ON,
followed in turn by GPRS (green), SIM2 (orange) and SIM1
(red). When a LED is ON, all others are off. Each LED lights for
about 20 sec. This sequence is repeated two times.
3) This cycle repeats until communication is restored.
LED Feedback
SIM
Card 1
Solid green = SIM card 1 is installed on the GPRS14
Quick green flashing = SIM card 1 is exchanging
data
Slow green flashing = Searching the network
Solid red = SIM card 1 is defective
Off = SIM card 1 is not present
SIM
Card 2
Future use
GPRS Solid green = unit is set for GSM operation
Quick green flashing = exchanging data
Note: When this LED is ON, the GSM LED stays OFF.
GSM Solid green = unit is set for GSM operation
Quick green flashing = exchanging data
Note: When this LED is ON, the GSM LED stays OFF.
Signal
Strength
LED 1, 2, and 3 (bottom three LEDs) indicate the
strength of the incoming antenna signal.
Page 8 Overview
Specifications
The following table describes the technical specifications of the
PCS250 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 12Vdc nominal
Consumption 100 mA standby, average 450mA (1.2A
peak) during GPRS/GSM transmission
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)
Connections Page 9
Chapter 3: Connections
The following sections guide you through the steps required to
connect the PCS250 prior to mounting the unit.
SIM Card Connection
The PCS250 connects to your Paradox control panel providing
wireless communication capabilities to report system events to a
monitoring station. The PCS250 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. It is important to use
SIM Card Tray 1, as SIM Card Tray 2 is reserved for future use.
Note: Prior to setting up your PCS250, 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 PCS250 Module. If the cover
is not installed, proceed to Step 2.
2) If an optional VDMP3 module is installed, disconnect the
VDMP3 before proceeding to the next step.
3) 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 tray slowly to avoid damage to the tray.
Page 10 Connections
4) 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.
5) Reconnect the VDMP3 module.
Figure 1: SIM Card Installation
Connections Page 11
GSM vs. GPRS Connections
The PCS250 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: GSM and GPRS Serial Connections
Optional Power Supply Connections
The PCS250 is designed to be powered by the control panel.
However, if you want the PCS250 to function even if the control
panel battery is low, or if power failures are anticipated, an
external power supply with a backup battery (such as the PS817)
can be used. For more information on connecting to an external
power supply visit paradox.com.
Page 12 Connections
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 PCS250 Communicator Module, enabling the
VDMP3 to dial out using the GSM cell phone network. With the
VDMP3 mounted onto the PCS250, 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. As well, only one VDMP3 Voice Module can be
installed, either on the control panel or the PCS250 GPRS/GSM
Communicator Module.
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 90; this allows for best communication. Valid range
values are between 50 to 100, anything outside of this range will
reset the command to 90. 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 PCS250 default password (if the password
has been changed, enter in the new password) and [volume
value] is the new volume level. The PCS250 will receive the SMS
message and then adjust the volume setting accordingly.
Connections Page 13
Using an RS485 Link
When in GSM mode, a CVT485 module can be connected onto
the control panel’s serial port as an interface to lengthen the
distance between the panel and the PCS250 GPRS/GSM
Communicator Module. The serial cable provided enables a
connection of up to 1m (3 ft.) from the control panel. If the
PCS250 has to be installed further from the control panel (e.g.,
better reception), the CVT485 converts serial to RS485 protocol,
allowing a connection of up to 300m (1000 ft.) from the control
panel.
While the connection line A+ and B- of the RS485 connector can
be extended up to 300m (1000 ft.), the power lines (+12V and
ground connections of the RS485 connector) are subject to a
shorter length restriction which is based on the wire gauge (this
is due to a voltage drop in the lines during transmission). Please
refer to Using an External Power Input on page 14 for more
details on maximum wire length.
Note: It is possible to connect the RS485 A+ and B- lines to a CVT485
installed on a remote panel and power the PCS250 using a separate
12V power source with shorter wire lengths.
Figure 3: CVT485 Connection
+ - A+ B-
+ -
12 VDC
A+ B-
RS485
PCS250
GPRS14
Control Panel
CVT485
VDMP3
Up to 300m (1000 ft.)
* Up to 50m (160 ft.) AWG18
* or use an independent power source for the PCS250
Page 14 Connections
Using an External Power Input
When an external power input is used as a backup power supply,
or when the power lines of a RS485 adapter module (CVT485) are
used to power the PCS250, the following connections are
required:
• Screw 1 = +12V
•Screw2=ground
The maximum wire length for each of those power lines is as
follows:
• 12m (40 ft.) for AWG24
• 20m (65 ft.) for AWG22
• 30m (100 ft.) for AWG20
• 50m (160 ft.) for AWG18
Antenna Installation Page 15
Chapter 4: Antenna Installation
The PCS250 is equipped with an on-board antenna. To improve
RF reception an optional external antenna can be installed
together with an extension cable.
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.
Note: There are two knockout holes in the PCS250 enclosure. The
one located at the top of the enclosure is used for an extension cable
while the other one is used if an external antenna is installed on the
box (rod antenna).
Page 16 Configuring the PCS250
Chapter 5: Configuring the PCS250
The PCS250 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 PCS250 for WinLoad
access, programming GSM reporting options, and registering and
programming GPRS reporting options.
Frequency Band
The PCS250 will automatically be set to a working frequency
according to your country.
Bandwidth Saver Mode
The PCS250 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 PCS250.
P[admin].BWS.[value]
e.g., Padmin.BWS.on
Where [admin] is the PCS250 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.
Configuring GSM Network Provider Information
To connect the PCS250 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.
Configuring the PCS250 Page 17
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 PCS250 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
[921] [2960] APN part 1
(characters 1 - 16)
[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
IMPORTANT: This information can be obtained from your GSM
network provider.
MG/SP/E EVO Feature Details
[920] [2966] Software port Default: 10000
[927] [3013] Installer software
password
Default: admin
Page 18 Configuring the PCS250
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]. A land/GSM
account number must be defined in sections [811] and [812] for MG/
SP/E and for EVO in sections [3061] through [3068].
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 PCS250 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
Configuring the PCS250 Page 19
Receiver Settings MG/SP/E
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]
Module
registration -
press [ARM] to
register
[935]
[942]
[949]
Receiver Settings EVO
Receiver #:
IP address*
IP port**
IP address WAN2
IP port WAN2
Receiver
password
†
Security profile
1
[2984]
2
[2986]
3
[2988]
4
[2990]
Module
registration -
press [ARM] to
register
[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.
Page 20 Configuring the PCS250
SMS Backup Reporting
The PCS250 Communicator Module now supports SMS backup
reporting to an IPRS-7 (IP/GPRS PC Receiver Software) when used
in conjunction with a compatible Paradox control panel.
• SP5500/SP6000/SP7000 v4.76
• EVO192 v2.65
• SP4000/SP65 v4.94 (coming soon)
• MG6250 v1.35 (coming soon)
This advanced feature assures continuous communication with
the protected premises. With the addition of a GSM/GPRS
modem, the IPRS-7 software will be able to receive alarm signals
through SMS text messages when GPRS communication is
disrupted. Should the GPRS channel fail to transmit from a
protected premise because of a power outage or internet failure,
a backup SMS will automatically be sent to the IPRS-7 (containing
the same CID information of the reportable event).
Configuring the PCS250 for SMS Backup Reporting
Enter the following command to program the receiver’s SMS
parameters:
1) Send the SMS command:
P[PASSWORD].SMS.[GSM MODEM TELEPHONE #].[IPRS-7
PASSWORD](e.g., Padmin.SMS.5145551111.123456)
2) Wait two minutes. The PCS250 will automatically register to
the IPRS-7 receiver. This will automatically program the
Backup IP receiver, IP address and port as follows:
IP address = 000.000.000.001
Port number = 00001
Backup IP receiver section reference:
Enter the following command to view the SMS reporting settings
(VSMS):
Control Panel IP
address Port Password
Register
IP/GPRS
module
SP Series [943] [944] [947] [935]
EVO Series
(IP Receiver #4)
[2990] [2985]
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