Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

• miAlarm Troubleshooting
• Common Issues & Solutions

miAlarm Troubleshooting

Common error codes and solutions for MiAlarm connectivity

Device Busy Error

Meaning: Unit is attempting to change mode

Solutions:

• Wait 30-60 seconds and retry
• If persistent, power cycle the GSM unit
• Check if another user is accessing the system
• Verify no other apps are connected

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General Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Basics

   • Panel powered on
   • Serial cable properly connected
   • GSM unit has power
   • SIM card properly inserted
   • That signals are being sent via Serial Cable.

2. Check Programming

   • Correct serial port selected
   • FINMON mode enabled (for Orisec)
   • Account code programmed
   • User code valid

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When to Contact Support

Contact Finmon support if:

• Error persists after all troubleshooting
• New error codes appear
• Hardware failure suspected
• Programming assistance needed

Common Issues & Solutions

Cross-panel troubleshooting guide

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Panel Not Sending Signals

Check these first:

1. Account code programmed correctly (4 digits, 6 digits with FF)
2. Phone number is exactly 5555555
3. Contact ID enabled
4. Dialer enabled (check specific panel locations)
5. Sufficient dial attempts (minimum 6)

Solutions:

• Power cycle the panel
• Clear event buffer
• Check for dial tone (if applicable)
• Verify no other communication devices attached

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Signals Send Once Then Stop

Common Causes:

• Event buffer full
• Acknowledgment not received
• Incorrect format selected

Solutions:

• Clear panel event buffer
• Verify Contact ID format
• Check kiss-off timeout settings
• Ensure forced dialing enabled (Caddx)

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Account Code Issues

Rules across all panels:

• Never use leading zeros (0001 → 1001)
• Paradox: Try hex A (1AA1)
• DSC: Add FF suffix if needed (1234FF)
• Ensure code in ALL required locations

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Serial Connection Problems

Universal Serial Troubleshooting:

1. Never connect serial with panel powered
2. Always power cycle after connection
3. Check cable color coding:
   • Grey = IDS805
   • Red = IDS806, Texecom
   • Pink = Paradox
4. Draw power correctly:
   • IDS805: Serial power only
   • Others: Aux power, not serial

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App Connection Issues

Common Requirements:

• Correct app version for panel
• Valid user code with permissions
• Proper serial mode selected
• Location 196 = 000000 (IDS)
• FINMON mode (Orisec)

Quick Fixes:

• Remove and re-add panel in app
• Power cycle GSM unit
• Check user code permissions
• Verify serial port settings

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Signal Strength Problems

Improving Signal:

• Relocate GSM unit higher
• Use extension antenna
• Avoid metal enclosures
• Check SIM card seating
• Verify antenna connection

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Power Issues

Best Practices:

• Connect to battery directly when specified
• Use adequate wire gauge
• Check voltage at GSM unit (11-14V)
• Separate power from serial data
• Use dedicated power supply if needed

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When All Else Fails

1. Document everything:

   • Panel model and version
   • Error codes/messages
   • LED states
   • What works/doesn't work

2. Progressive testing:

   • Test with known good equipment
   • Try alternative connection method
   • Isolate variables one at a time

3. Contact support with:

   • Panel type and version
   • GSM firmware version
   • Detailed symptoms
   • Steps already tried