GSM Communicator Programming Manual

Quick Start

New Installation?

  1. Start with General FINMON Programming
  2. Find your panel type in the relevant chapter
  3. Follow the specific programming steps
  4. Test communication before leaving site

Troubleshooting?

Manual Organization

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Chapters 2-7: Panel-Specific Guides

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting


Support Resources:

Color-Coded Serial Cables


Chapter 1: Getting Started

Chapter 1: Getting Started

General FINMON Programming

This page covers the essential programming requirements for all Finmon radio installations.


Required Programming Steps

The following must be programmed for the Finmon radio to work via the dialler correctly:

  1. Account Code

    • Four digit code as required by control room
    • Must be inserted in all required locations (some panels need it in multiple places)
    • For six digit fields: program the four digits followed by FF (e.g., 1234FF)
  2. Telephone Number

    • Program '5555555' in both primary and secondary locations
    • Must be exactly seven 5's
  3. Communication Format

    • Contact ID must be enabled
    • This is the standard format for all installations
  4. Dial Attempts

    • Minimum of 6 attempts required
  5. Dial Timeout

    • For kiss-on (if applicable): minimum 60 seconds
    • If no timeout available, ensure attempts cover:
      • 90 seconds for server send
      • Additional 90 seconds for direct send
      • SMS send time (if enabled)
    • Note: SMS limit is 20 free messages per unit per month
  6. Dialing Method

    • Tone dialling must be enabled (usually default)
    • Do not use pulse dialling
  7. Special Requirements

    • Forced dialling must be enabled (mostly for Caddx panels)

Important Notes

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Trigger Inputs Z1-4 on Transmitter

This page covers the configuration of direct trigger inputs on the Finmon transmitter.


Default Configuration

Factory Default Account Code: 9998

When a transmitter is connected to a panel via serial/dialler:


Direct Connection to Z1-4

When connecting directly to trigger inputs (not through a panel):

  1. Account Code Programming

    • Must be set by dialling into the radio over the internet
    • Use Finmon website: www.finmon.co.za
    • REFER TO YOUR FINMON CONSULTANT OR CONTROL ROOM
  2. Voltage Requirements

    • The radio requires a positive 12v trip on any of the triggers.
    • Ensure clean, stable 12v signal

Default Trigger Assignments

Input Default Function
Z1 Panic
Z2 Burglary
Z3 Open by user / Close by User
Z4 AC Failure

Reprogramming Triggers

The trigger inputs can be reprogrammed for any Contact ID reporting code:


Wiring Notes

Chapter 2: Caddx Panels

Chapter 2: Caddx Panels

Caddx Standard Programming

Standard Caddx panels connected via Tip & Ring


Location Programming

Location 0

Location 1

Location 2


Partition Account Codes

If using multiple partitions, program account codes for each:


Important Notes

Chapter 2: Caddx Panels

Caddx NX Programming

Caddx NX series panels connected via Tip & Ring


Location Programming

Location 0

Location 1

Location 2

Location 4


Partition Account Codes

If using multiple partitions:


Differences from Standard Caddx


Troubleshooting Tips

Chapter 3: DSC Panels

Chapter 3: DSC Panels

DSC Generic Programming

Standard DSC panels connected via Tip & Ring


Basic Programming

Location 301

Location 303

Location 310

Location 311

Location 350

Location 380

Location 381


24 Hour Test Configuration

Location 702


PGM Configuration (if using triggers)

For panels with LED keypads (carat in front of numbers):

Location 009

Location 501

Location 502


Tips for Older Panels

Identifying an old panel:

For old panels:

Chapter 3: DSC Panels

DSC Neo Programming

DSC Neo panels with sub-locations (usually with LCD keypads)


Accessing Programming


Location Programming

Location 301

Location 310

Location 350

Location 377

Location 380


Programming Tips

Chapter 4: IDS Panels

Chapter 4: IDS Panels

IDS805 Programming

IDS805 panels with grey serial cable on external serial connector


Basic Programming

Locations 43 to 46

Location 47

Locations 48 to 54

Location 151


Important Notes


App Configuration

For mobile app connectivity:

Requirements:


Troubleshooting

Chapter 4: IDS Panels

IDS806 Programming

IDS806 panels with red serial cable


Basic Programming

Locations 43 to 46

Location 47

Locations 48 to 54

Location 196


Installation Procedure

Important: Follow this exact sequence:

  1. Ensure panel power is OFF
  2. Connect serial port only (no panel power)
  3. Power up the panel
  4. Serial port will be automatically detected

Tested Versions

Successfully tested on firmware versions:


Critical Notes

Chapter 4: IDS Panels

IDS816 Programming

IDS816 panel programming locations


Basic Programming

Location 111

Location 116

Location 121

Location 128 Sub 2


Programming Tips

Chapter 4: IDS Panels

IDS X64 Programming

Complete guide for all X64 variants


Basic Programming (All Versions)

Location 41

Location 46

Location 47

Location 51

Location 61-68 (Account Codes)

Location 71 (72 = P2 -> 78 = P8)

Location 196

Location 501-564

Enable User Code Bypassing Hold [ * ] → beep → [MASTER CODE] [ * ] [ 1 ] [ 0 ] [ * ] [USER CODE] [ * ] [BITMAP] [ * ] [ # ]

Bitmap(Option 8) Zone Bypass Enable MUST be set to Yes


Open/Close Reporting by User

For X64 Older than 2017

Programming Sequence: Hold [ * ] → beep → [ MASTER CODE ] [ * ] [ 1 ] [ 4 ] [ * ] [ USER CODE ] [ * ] [ BITMAP ] [ * ] [ # ]

Enable User Reporting Codes:

Subloc/LED Default Action
1 OFF Set ON to enable close reporting
2 OFF Set ON to enable stay close reporting
3 OFF Set ON to enable open reporting
4 OFF Set ON to enable siren cancel reporting

Important: Must be repeated for EACH user requiring open/close reporting!

For X64 New (2017 onwards)
  1. Enter Installer Mode
  2. Go to Partition Arm Options (Locations 211-218)
  3. Enable option 16 (Open/Closing User Reporting), this option is global for all users in the partition.

Arm Without User Code Reporting

For quick-arm and key-switch arming:

Locations 581-588 (Split Reporting Data)


Serial/App Programming

Requirements:

Programming:

24V Version Additional:


Troubleshooting

Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Paradox 1738 Programming

Very old panel - defaults are mostly wrong, use settings below


Programming Locations

Location 087

Location 110

Location 131


Dialer Options

Location 135 (Tone dial)

Location 136 (Auto Contact ID)


Communication Settings

Location 140

Location 143

Location 144

Location 151

Location 152


Important Notes

Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Paradox MG5050 and SP6000 Programming

Tested on Plus range version 1.30


Basic Programming

Section 810

Section 811

Section 812

Section 815

Section 817


Enabling the Dialer

The status light on panel will be solid when dialling. If not dialling, check:

Section 800

Section 802

Section 803

Section 805


Opening/Closing Reports

If closings work but not openings:

Section 801


Babyware Programming

If using Babyware, these are MANDATORY:

Section 910

Section 911


Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Panel won't send despite correct programming:

    • Rarely, a default may be needed
    • Power down, default, reprogram
  2. Account number issues:

    • MUST be entered at both 811 and 812
    • With LED keypad: type account code twice at loc 811
  3. PGM trigger issues:

    • Jumper on motherboard above PGMs sets positive trigger
    • One model only sets one PGM as positive (not both)
    • Paradox fixing in next PCB version
  4. 6500 Panel on serial:

    • Does not send account code
    • Only sends signal ONCE

Clear Event Buffer

For 5050 and 6000:

  1. Enter programming mode
  2. Press Stay key once
  3. Press Clear key once
  4. Power panel down
  5. Power up and send signals

For SP65:

Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Paradox Evo 192 Dialler

Programming sections for the Evo dialler


Basic Dialler Setup

Section 3036

Section 3061-3068 (Account Codes)

Section 3070 (Format)

Section 3071 (Telephone Number)


Event Reporting Configuration

Sections 3127 to 3829

Section 4031


Important Programming Tips

After all programming:

  1. REBOOT the panel - Critical step!
  2. Disable the dialer module
  3. Re-enable the dialer module, This clears the module for correct dialling.

Account Code Rules:


Troubleshooting

Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Paradox Evo 848 Programming

Older Evo model programming


Basic Programming

Location 521 (Dialer options)

Location 550 (Format Contact ID)

Location 551

Location 561


Important Notes

After Programming:

Account Code Rules:


Troubleshooting

  1. Panel not communicating after programming

    • Reboot is mandatory
    • Check all LEDs in location 521
  2. Account code issues

    • Avoid leading zeros
    • Try hex characters if numeric codes fail
Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Paradox Evo 192 Triggers

Configuration for direct trigger inputs using PGM outputs


Prerequisites

Before starting:

  1. Ensure jumper for PGMs is set to positive on panel motherboard
  2. If not set:
    • Shut down panel
    • Change jumper position
    • Power up again

Important: PGM1 stays negative - only PGM 2, 3, and 4 become positive


PGM2 Configuration (Panic)

Location 0920

Location 0928

Location 0929


PGM3 Configuration (Burglary)

Location 0930

Location 0938

Location 0939


PGM4 Configuration (Open and Close)

Location 0940

Location 0948

Location 0949


Wiring Notes

Chapter 5: Paradox Panels

Paradox MG5050 DIALER + VERSION

Extended programming guide for MG5050 with dialer module


Enable Dialer

Section 800


Basic Configuration

Section 810

Section 811

Section 812

Section 815


Event Call Direction

Section 801

Section 802

Section 803

Section 804

Section 805


Additional Settings

Section 966 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Enter

Section 967 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Enter


Chapter 6: Texecom Panels

Chapter 6: Texecom Panels

Texecom 412/816/832 Programming

Standard Texecom panels with red serial cable


Version Information

Texecom 412/816:

Texecom 832:

Note: Texecom Elite panels are NOT supported on app, but work with serial for CID


Basic Programming

Access Programming:

Location 70

Location 71 Programming:

Location 76


Serial Connection Configuration

For serial connection ONLY:


Texecom 412 Serial Specific

Known working app version: V14

Location 70

Additional for Serial:

OR (NOT BOTH)


Converting from Serial to Tip & Ring

If panel was previously on serial and now using Tip & Ring:


Special Notes

Texecom 816:

Chapter 6: Texecom Panels

Texecom MiAlarm PANEL MODE

Configuration for MiAlarm compatibility

Note: Texecom Elite panels are NOT supported on app, but work with serial for CID


Programming Steps

  1. Enter Programming Mode

    • Enter Installer Code
    • Press Menu button
    • Press 9
  2. Location 76/0

    • Press location 76
    • Press sublocation 0
    • Ensure LED 1 is ON
    • If not ON: Press 1, then YES/Tick button
  3. Location 76/2

    • Press location 76
    • Press sublocation 2
    • Enter UDL code: 1234
    • Press YES/Tick button
  4. Location 76/5

    • Press location 76
    • Press sublocation 5
    • Press 3
  5. Exit Programming

    • Press Menu button
    • Press 99

Important Notes

Chapter 7: Other Panels

Chapter 7: Other Panels

Orisec Configuration

Orisec panels support both Tip/Ring and Com Port connections


Orisec Tip/Ring Configuration

  1. Enter Installer Code
  2. Select Programming Menu → Tick/Enter
  3. Go to ARC Set up
  4. Phone Number: 555 5555
  5. Account Number: As supplied by control room/software
  6. Protocol: Contact ID
  7. Dial Seq: 1
  8. Any issues with not sending - RESTART PANEL

Orisec Com Port Configuration

  1. Enter Installer Code
  2. Select Programming Menu → Tick/Enter
  3. Com Port Setup → Tick/Enter
  4. Select Com Port number 2
  5. Set mode to FINMON (Required for app)
  6. Hold Tick to go back
  7. Go to ARC Set up
  8. Phone Number: F555 5555 (Note the 'F' prefix)
  9. Account Number: As supplied by control room/software
  10. Protocol: Contact ID
  11. Dial Seq: 6
  12. Any issues with not sending - RESTART PANEL

App Configuration

Requirements:


Critical Notes

IF YOU AREN'T GETTING SIGNALS OUT:


Chapter 7: Other Panels

Risco Configuration

Complete programming guide for Risco panels


Accessing Programming

  1. Press MENU BUTTON
  2. Enter INSTALLER CODE (Default: 1111)
  3. Navigate to "PROGRAMMING" → ENTER
  4. Navigate to "COMMUNICATION" → ENTER

Monitoring Station Setup

Navigate to "MONITORING STATION (MS)" → ENTER
Navigate to "MONITORING STATION 1 (MS 1)" → ENTER

Configure the following:


Timer Configuration

Navigate to "TIMERS":


Periodic Test Setup

Navigate to "PERIODIC TEST":


Report Split Configuration

Navigate to "REPORT SPLIT":


Cloud Settings

Back to main COMMUNICATION menu
Navigate to "CLOUD":


Exit Programming

  1. Press MENU
  2. Press MENU
  3. Press MENU, 0, ENTER to exit

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

miAlarm Troubleshooting

Common error codes and solutions for MiAlarm connectivity

Device Busy Error

Meaning: Unit is attempting to change mode

Solutions:


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

When to Contact Support

Contact Finmon support if:

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

Common Issues & Solutions

Cross-panel troubleshooting guide


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:


Signals Send Once Then Stop

Common Causes:

Solutions:


Account Code Issues

Rules across all panels:


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

App Connection Issues

Common Requirements:

Quick Fixes:


Signal Strength Problems

Improving Signal:


Power Issues

Best Practices:


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