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Configuring Modems

The SPC panel provides two on-board modem interface connectors (primary and backup) that allow you to install GSM and/or PSTN modules onto the system.

  After a factory default, during the process of initial setup of the system with the keypad, the panel detects if it has a primary or backup modem fitted, and if so, it displays the modem type and automatically enables it (or them) with the default configuration. No other modem configuration is allowed at this stage.

To program the modem(s):

Note: A modem must be installed and identified. (See section Installing plug-in modules.)

  1. Select Communications > Communications > Modems.

  2. Click Enable.
  3. Click Configure.
  SMS detection and configuration is not available unless modems that are configured and enabled.
SMS test

Once the SIM feature is enabled for a modem, a test may be preformed to desired recipient number with a composed message.

  1. Enter the mobile phone number (including 3-digit country prefix) in the number field and a short text message in the message box.
  2. Click Send SMS and verify the message is received on the mobile phone.
  The SMS test is provided only for the purpose of ensuring the SMS feature is operating correctly. A short text message using alphabetic characters (A-Z) should be used to test this feature.

The SMS operates using a standard protocol that is used in SMS telephones. Note that some PSTN operators do not provide the service of SMS over PSTN. For SMS to operate over PSTN the following criteria is required:

SMS feature

The SPC controller allows remote (SMS) messaging on systems with installed modems. Once a modem is installed, the following configurations are necessary for SMS:

Depending on configurations, features include these SMS abilities:

SMS system options

Once a modem is installed and the SMS feature enabled, for SMS operations the SPC system must apply the SMS Authentication.

  1. Select Configuration > System > System Options.

  2. Select the desired option from the drop-down menu SMS Authentication:

SMS commands

See SMS Commands for more information.

GSM modem

Prerequisite

  1. Select Communications > Communications > Modems.

  2. Click Configure.

  3. Configure the following fields.

SGM Modem settings

Country

Select the country that the SPC system is installed in.

SIM PIN

Enter the PIN for the SIM card installed in the GSM module.
Wireless Technology

GSM only

Select the signal type that you wish to the modem to use:

  • 2G Only
    This option enables connection to 2G networks only.
  • 3G Only (Default)
    This option enables connection to 3G networks only.
  • Search 2G First
    This option forces the modem to connect to 2G networks where available. If 2G is not available, the modem connects to 3G.
  • Search 3G First
    This option forces the modem to connect to 3G networks where available. If 3G is not available, the modem connects to 2G.
Operator Survey

Multi-network SIMs only

Enable this option for the modem to search for all available networks and to connect to the strongest available signal.

Allow Roaming

Select to enable GSM roaming.

Warning: If this option is enabled, the modem can connect to a network in a different country.

Note: Changing this setting resets the modem.

Note: Supported on GSM modems v3.08 or higher.
USSD

Pay-As-You-Go SIM only

Enter the code that the modem can use to query the network for the credit balance of the SIM. This code is network-dependent, please check with your service provider.

Incoming Calls

Note: Vanderbilt recommend that these options are not enabled for current systems.

The modem can be programmed to answer calls based on the following conditions:

  • Don’t answer incoming calls: The modem never answers calls.
  • Answer incoming calls: The modem answers incoming calls.
  • Only answer when ‘Engineer Access’ is granted: The modem only answers the call while engineer access is granted to the system.

Line Monitoring
  • Disabled
  • Enable
  • Fullset

Enable this feature to monitor the signal level from the GSM mast connected to the modem.
The Fullset option only enables this feature while the system is Fullset.

Note: EN 50131-9 Confirmation configuration
In order for EN50131-9 Confirmation to operate correctly, line monitoring must be enabled. (See Options.)

Monitoring Timer

Enter the time period in seconds for which the signal level must drop to Low before the SPC system registers a fault. 0 to 9999 seconds range.

Modem Fault Time

Enter the time delay in seconds before the SPC system sends an alert. 0 to 9999 seconds range.

SMS Enable

Tick this checkbox to enable the transmission and reception of SMS messages and command control.

Automated SMS
  • Disabled
  • 1 hour
  • 24 Hours
  • 48 Hours
  • 7 Days
  • 30 Days

Select the timing for automated SMS messages.

Automated SMS Number

Enter SMS number to receive automated SMS messages. Only one device can receive these messages.
Start Date/Time Enter the start date and time from when the system will send automated SMS messages.
Mobile Data Configuration
Access Point (APN) Enter Access Point details to enable any IP communications. These details are service provider-dependent.

Access Point
User Name

Enter Access Point details to enable any IP communications. These details are service provider-dependent.

Access Point Password

Enter Access Point details to enable any IP communications. These details are service provider-dependent.
Dial Up Internet Configuration
Dial Up Internet Enable Select this option to enable the modem to gain internet access through a dial-up connection
Phone Number Enter the phone number for the dial-up connection.
Username Enter the dial-up connection Username.
Password Enter the dial-up connection Password.

Click the Test SMS button to send a short text message for the purposes of testing the system.

  The SMS test is provided only for the purpose of ensuring the SMS feature is operating correctly. A short text message using alphabetic characters (A-Z) should be used to test this feature.
PSTN modem

  1. Select Communications > Communications > Modems.

  2. Click Configure.

  3. Configure the fields as described in the table below.

PSTN Modem settings

Country

Select the country that the SPC is installed in.
Incoming Calls

The modem can be programmed to answer calls based on the following conditions:

  • Don’t answer incoming calls Modem never answers calls.
  • Answer after ‘x’ rings Select the number of rings (1 to 8) after which the modem answers the incoming call.
  • Answer when after one ring phone is hung up, then immediately dialled again If the calling party calls the modem, hangs up after 1 ring burst only, and then immediately re-calls the modem. The SPC system knows to automatically answer the call in this condition.
  • Only answer when engineer access is granted The modem only answers the call while engineer access is granted to the system.

Prefix

Enter the number required to access a line (for example, if connected to a PBX).
Line Monitoring Enable this feature to monitor the voltage of the line connected to the modem. Note : EN 50131-9 Confirmation configuration In order for EN50131-9 Confirmation to operate correctly, line monitoring must be enabled. (See Options.)
Monitoring Timer Select the period (in seconds) for which the line voltage must be seen as being incorrect before the line is deemed by the SPC to be faulty.

Modem Fault Time

Time delay for a system alert (0–9999 seconds). Default 60 seconds.

SMS Enable

Tick this checkbox to enable the SMS feature on the system.

Note: The SMS operates using a standard protocol that is used in SMS telephones. Note that some PSTN operators do not provide the service of SMS over PSTN. For SMS to operate over PSTN the following criteria is required:

Caller ID needs to be enabled on the telephone line.

Direct telephone line – not through PABX or other comms equipment.

Also note that most Service Providers only allow SMS to a telephone registered in the same country (this is due to billing issues).

Note: SMS over PSTN is no longer supported. The functionality remains in the product for backward compatibility.

SMS Server Number

Only for PSTN. This number automatically displays the default number for SMS for the country selected. Enter an appropriate phone number of the SMS service provider that is accessible in your location.

Automated SMS

Select the timing for automated SMS messages.

Automated SMS Number

Enter SMS number to receive automated SMS messages.
Dial Up Internet Configuration

Dial Up Internet Enable

Select this option to enable the modem to gain internet access through a dial-up connection.

Phone Number

Enter the phone number for the dial-up connection.

Username

Enter the dial-up connection Username.

Password

Enter the dial-up connection Password.

Click the Test SMS button to send a short text message for the purposes of testing the system.

  The SMS test is provided only for the purpose of ensuring the SMS feature is operating correctly. A short text message using alphabetic characters (A-Z) should be used to test this feature.

When using the SMS message feature over a PSTN line, it is necessary to program the phone number of the SMS service provider that services the area in which the SPC is installed. The SPC system automatically dials this number to contact the SMS server whenever the SMS feature is activated. Calling line identity MUST be enabled on the PSTN line for this feature to operate. Each country will have its own SMS service provider with a unique phone number.

  This feature is not released in all countries. Contact your local supplier for more information (support of feature, recommended service provider).