ELK-C1M1 4GSM ElkCommBd Communicator — Installation & Programming Instructions

Instructions and specifications for the ELK-C1M1 4GSM ElkCommBd Communicator — a dual-path alarm communications device for the ELK-M1G Control family, backing up or replacing old phone-line communications with Internet (IP) as primary and Cellular as backup.

Overview

The C1M1 4GSM ElkCommBd sends full data messages using Internet (IP) as the primary pathway and Cellular as backup. It can also be configured for single-path operation if one pathway isn't available. In dual-path configuration, the C1M1 automatically reports temporary outage of either pathway over the remaining pathway. Periodic automatic test reports configured in the M1 are sent over both pathways for reliability. All communications between the C1M1 and the Central Monitoring Station are encrypted and secure.

Cellular service is handled through a partnership with Telguard Online (a division of Telular Corporation). Activation and setup happen through the Telguard Online website; management of Central Station reporting parameters and paths happens through the ElkLink website. Installing dealers need accounts on both.

Technical Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 12VDC
• Standby Current: 85 mA
• Max. Operating Current: 230 mA
• Frequencies Supported: 850/1900MHz
• FIPS 197 Compliant: Certificate No. 3352
• Dimensions: 3.5" x 5.4" x 1.3"
• Operating Environment: Indoor use only; 32-120°F (0-49°C), 0-85% humidity (non-condensing)
• Supplied Antenna: Dipole screw-on
• Connections: Power and I/O — 4 position plug-in terminals; LAN — RJ45 10/100 receptacle; RS232 Input Port — 3 pin mini plug-in; USB Serial Port — Type "B" USB Mini
• Included Accessories: RS232 9-Pin Serial to 3-Pin Mini 36" Cable (to M1 Control)
• Optional Accessory: ELK-USBCM USB Serial A to mini-B cable, 60", Black

Mounting

C1M1 mounts inside the 14" or 28" ELK-M1 metal enclosures (ELK-SWB14 or ELK-SWB28), both of which provide a knockout for the cellular antenna plus a screw hole and zip-tie basket handle for mounting. C1M1 ships with a screw-on dipole antenna. Only 3 wiring connections are needed: a serial cable to the M1 RS232 Main Port 0, 12VDC power from the M1 Aux power output, and a CAT5/6 network cable (not supplied) to the premise's IP (LAN) router. An optional USB port (type "B" mini) allows local PC connection for ElkRP programming of the M1 Control.

Mounting Steps

1. From the inside, install the supplied #6 x 3/8 self-tapping mounting screw in the hole centered just above the top-right knockout of the M1 enclosure, leaving it sticking out 1/16". The keyhole slot on the back of the C1M1 slides onto this screw.
2. Remove the 1/2" antenna knockout on the top and right side of the enclosure, just above the mounting screw location.
3. Hold the C1M1 at about a 5-degree angle and thread its antenna up through the top antenna knockout. Move the unit right until the keyhole slot engages the mounting screw, then slide down onto the screw.
4. After all testing is complete, use the included zip-tie to fix the unit to the basket handle at the bottom.

Wiring Connections

1. Make certain the M1 and C1M1 are not powered on while making connections.
2. Connect a two-conductor Red/Black power cable from the Positive and Negative input terminals on the C1M1 to the Positive and Negative output terminals of one of the Auxiliary Power outputs on the M1 Control. Observe proper polarity.
3. Plug the supplied 3-wire serial cable (black cable, white 3-pin connector, 9-pin serial connector) into the C1M1 and then into main serial port #0 on the upper-right edge of the M1 Control.
4. Connect a Cat5/5E RJ45-terminated LAN cable (not supplied) from the C1M1 to the customer's LAN switch or router.
5. Confirm all connections, including the screw-on dipole antenna, are correct and secure. Turn on M1 Control power — the C1M1 should power up.
6. Observe the C1M1 LEDs and 7-segment display for activity. The unit attempts to obtain an IPv4 address via DHCP and displays it during the first few minutes after power-up.

Hardware Overview / Status Indicators

• Cell (Service) Red LED: ON solid = a cell tower is in range and the unit has established a connection. Blinking = limited or no service.
• LAN (Activity) Green LED: Blinking (normal) = communications occurring with the LAN.
• ElkLink (Connect) Orange/Yellow LED: ON solid (normal) = established connection with the ElkLink portal. May occasionally be off briefly — not mission critical for CS reporting.
• 7 Segment Display: Displays one alphanumeric character at a time to reveal signal strength, error codes, or IP address, each preceded by a key letter:
  • b — bars of cell signal (0-5). Example: "b 3" = 3 bars of service.
  • E — error codes, followed by two digits (see table below).
  • A — LAN IP address, displayed one character at a time during the first 2 minutes after power-up (IPv4, 4 octets separated by decimal points). Example: "A 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 1 0 0". Repeat the display by removing the cover and pressing the tamper switch's rubber plunger 5 times quickly.
  • 0 — communications to the Central Station, shown as a clockwise rotation of the outer 6 elements; a decimal point in the lower-right corner illuminates if the report is sent via IP (Ethernet).
  • 8 — communications to ElkLink, shown as a figure-8 circulation of all 7 elements.
  • o — communications via the USB serial port, shown as a clockwise rotation of the lower 4 elements.

Error Codes

Quick Start Guide

1. Establish a Telguard dealer account — one-time; register at www.telguardonline.com and complete Dealer Sign-up. Do this at least 1 day before physical installation, not on the job site.
2. Establish an ElkLink dealer account — one-time; contact Elk Products Customer/Technical Service. Recommend using the same account number as your Telguard account for simplicity.
3. Signal Strength Test (MANDATORY) — Always check cellular signal strength at the proposed mounting location before permanent attachment (minimum 2 bars recommended). Apply temporary power to the C1M1 or use a GSM cellphone to check.
4. Mounting and Wiring — Turn off all power in the Control, physically mount the C1M1, complete wiring connections, then apply power.
5. Register (Activate) the C1M1 on Telguard — Log in at www.telguardonline.com, select "Register Subscriber," enter the Serial or ICCID number printed on the unit's label, and complete the Subscriber Information form. Choose the Support tab, then the ElkLink hyperlink to continue registration.
6. Register (Authenticate) the C1M1 on ElkLink — Log in at www.elklink.com with Alarm Company Admin or Reg-level credentials (ViewOnly cannot add/edit devices). Add a New Device, enter the Device MAC and PIN from the unit's label plus a System Name and the Central Station Reporting Acct number (same number used on Telguard). Choose Authenticate Device, then Confirm Activation.
7. Program the M1 Communications Settings — From Keypad Installer Level programming (Menu 08, Telephone Account Setup) or the ElkRP PC Software. Set Telephone #1 Format to "06 = Ethernet" and Priority to "0 = Always Report." Program Area account codes and enable desired reporting categories (Zone Alarms/Restorals/Bypasses/Troubles, User Opens/Closes, Global System events).
8. Test — Trip several alarms on the M1 Control and verify the central station receives them.

Signal Strength & Placement Tips

• A minimum of 2 bars of cellular signal is recommended for reliable service; substitute a remote antenna if the mounting location can't achieve this with the supplied dipole.
• Do not mount within 20cm (8 inches) of where a person might regularly be near the antenna.
• The best location is generally the highest point of a building, or wherever there are the fewest walls between the unit and the nearest cell tower.
• Avoid mounting near other electronic devices that could cause interference.
• The included antenna is for indoor installations only.
• Always mount with the antenna perpendicular to the ground (right-side up or upside down) — never horizontal.

Programming Notes (Telephone #1)

Telephone #1 is the one telephone number that must be programmed for the C1M1 to function. The other 7 telephone number slots remain available for a POTS line digital dialer backup if desired, since the C1M1 already provides dual-path (IP + Cellular) backup on its own. Reporting Codes are configured in Menus 09–13 by category; codes left at 00 will not be reported. Encryption of IP communications must be programmed by manually editing the Device on ElkLink after activation — the key must be 32 hexadecimal digits, generally assigned by the Central Station.

Programming via ElkRP Software

Download and install ElkRP from elkproducts.com. Two connection methods work with the C1M1 in place: Local Connect via USB (Serial A to USB Mini B) cable from the PC to the C1M1's USB port — does not disrupt the C1M1's connection to M1 serial Port 0; or Remote Connect via Elk's Cloud Proxy server using your ElkLink login credentials. Legacy methods (Local IP via LAN, or Local RS232 direct to M1 Port 0) are also supported but the RS232 method requires disconnecting the C1M1 for the duration of programming.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Unapproved changes/modifications may void FCC authorization.
• Should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the equipment and the user's body.
• Contains FCC ID: QIPPHS8-US (GSM Radio Module).
• FIPS 197 compliant — incorporates a Freescale Kinetis with mmCAU implementing the Elk Crypto Library (AES 128/192/256). Validated by NIST, Certificate #3352 (May 8, 2015).
• UL evaluated to UL 985 (Household Fire Warning System Units), UL 1023 (Household Burglar-Alarm System Units), UL 1610 (Central-Station Burglar-Alarm Units).
• Operating temperature 32-120°F (0-49°C); humidity not to exceed 85%; indoor/dry use only.
• When using the LAN (IP) connection, an Isolated Loop Circuit Protector (APC Model PNET1GB) must be purchased and installed per UL requirements.

Warranty

The ELK-C1M1 4GSM ElkCommBd Communicator is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 2 years from the date of manufacture. Refer to Elk's website for the full warranty statement and details.