ELK-C1M1 LTEV ElkCommBd Communicator — Installation & Programming Instructions

Instructions and specifications for the ELK-C1M1 LTEV ElkCommBd Communicator — a dual-path (Cellular + IP) alarm communications device for the ELK-M1G Control family, covering setup, wiring, registration, and M1 programming.

Applications and Overview

The C1M1 LTEV ElkCommBd is a dual-path alarm communications device for use with the ELK-M1G Control family. It backs up or replaces old-fashioned phone-line communications, sending full data messages over Internet (IP) as the primary pathway and Cellular as backup. It can also be configured for single-path operation if one pathway is unavailable. In dual-path mode it can optionally detect a temporary outage of either pathway after a selectable delay and report that outage 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.

Service and Setup

Cellular service is handled via a partnership between Elk and Telguard Online (a division of Telular Corporation). Activation and setup are handled through the Telguard Online website. Once a unit is activated, Central Station reporting parameters and paths are managed through the ElkLink website. Installing dealers need online accounts for both websites; existing Telguard dealers can reuse existing credentials.

Specifications

Included accessory: 36" max. 3-wire RS232 serial-to-DB9M cable (to M1 Control). Optional accessory: ELK-USBCM USB Serial A to mini-B cable, 60", black.

Hardware Overview

• Dipole Antenna
• 7-Segment Display: Sequentially displays 1 character at a time to reveal Signal Strength, Error Codes, and IP Address. Data is grouped in short packets with a key-letter prefix; also displays communications activity.
• Cell (Service) Green LED: ON solid = cell tower in range and connection established. Blinking = limited or no service.
• LAN (Activity) Green LED: Blinking = active network communications with the LAN.
• ElkLink (Connect) Orange/Yellow LED: ON solid = connected/active with the ElkLink intermediate server portal. Continuous connection to ElkLink is not mission-critical for CS reporting; this LED may be off for short periods.
• Removable Terminal Block: Power Input (12VDC) — supplied from an Aux. Power output on the M1 Control. Input/Output terminals are not currently enabled (future use).
• RS232 Cable (3-wire): C1M1 ships with a 36" serial cable plugged into this port; the DB9M connector plugs into the M1's main RS232 serial port. WARNING: Max. cable length is 36". Product warranty is voided if this cable is spliced, extended, or disconnected from the C1M1 board.
• LAN (IP) Port: For connection to the client's LAN for dual-path communications. If LAN is unavailable, C1M1 may run in single-path (cellular only) mode. Per UL requirements, when using the LAN (IP) Port an Isolated Loop Circuit Protector (APC model #PNET1GB) shall be purchased and installed.
• USB Port (Mini B): Allows local ElkRP programming of the M1 via PC and USB serial cable.

7-Segment Display Codes

b — Bars of cell signal, followed by a single digit 0-5 (e.g., "b 3" = 3 bars).

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, e.g. "A 192.168.0.100"). Note: CS reports take priority over the LAN IP display, which can make it difficult to view the address sequentially during power-up; the display may be manually restarted by removing the cover and pressing the small tamper switch 5 times quickly.

Communications activity indicators: "0" = clockwise rotation of the outer 6 display elements for Central Station comms (decimal point illuminates if sent via IP/Ethernet). "8" = figure-8 circulation of all 7 elements for ElkLink comms. "o" = clockwise rotation of the lower 4 elements for USB serial comms.

Quick Start Guide

1. Setup a Telguard Dealer Account — Contact Telguard customer support to register and activate C1M1 units with cell service (skip if already registered).
2. Setup an ElkLink Dealer Account — Contact Elk Products customer support to register C1M1 units on the ElkLink Management Portal.
3. Register (Activate) the C1M1 on Telguard — Log in at www.telguardonline.com, add a new subscriber using the Serial or MEID number printed on the unit's label, complete the info, and register.
4. Register (Authenticate) the C1M1 on ElkLink — Log in at www.elklink.com, select Device > New, enter the Device MAC and Device PIN from the unit's label, complete info, and Authenticate.
5. Wiring to the M1 Panel — Power from an M1 Aux. 12VDC output or a quality 12VDC supply; connect the RS232 serial cable to the M1 Main Serial Port; screw on the cell antenna; connect a LAN cable to the customer's network.
6. Signal Strength Test (Recommended) — Apply power and watch the Cell Signal bars on the 7-segment display. Do not permanently mount where bars are less than "b2". Smartphone signal strength is not a reliable gauge of cell data coverage.
7. Program the M1 Communications Settings — Setup M1 Telephone #1 for CS reporting over IP, from keypad Installer Level programming or ElkRP PC software.
8. Test — Test and verify alarm signal transmissions.

CAUTION: Do NOT apply power to the C1M1 until after it has been activated on Telguard, registered in ElkLink, and connected serially to a working M1 Control Panel. Premature power application may cause the unit to be temporarily blocked by the cell carrier network.

Detailed Installation Steps

Step 1 — Establish Telguard Dealer Account

One-time event; skip if already registered. Registration must be completed prior to installing any devices — set up at least 1 day before the job site visit. Go to www.telguardonline.com, select Dealer Sign-up, fill out the form, and accept the services agreement. You can also call Telguard Customer Service at 678-945-1651. Expect an acknowledgment with a Dealer Account Number within 1 business day.

Step 2 — Establish ElkLink Dealer Account

One-time event; skip if already registered. Set up at least 1 day before the job site visit. Contact Elk Products and ask for Customer or Technical Service; using the same account number as your Telguard account is recommended for simplicity. The C1M1 can only be activated after accounting info is in the Telguard Communication Center and Central Station info is in the ElkLink database.

Step 3 — Signal Strength Test

Always check cellular signal strength at the proposed mounting location before permanent attachment, by temporarily powering the unit and holding it near the location while monitoring bars. A minimum of "b2" is suggested. Caution: smartphones display voice signal strength, not data signal strength — do not rely on them.

1. Connect the 12VDC inputs to a 12VDC power source or battery, observing polarity.
2. Within 30 seconds the device boots and displays bars of service and possibly "E" error codes. The green CELL light illuminates if sufficient service is available; recommend at least 2 bars. If fewer, relocate or substitute a quality remote antenna for the supplied dipole.
3. Once a suitable location is found, proceed to physical installation.

Mounting considerations: Do not mount within 20cm (8 inches) of where persons might regularly be. Prefer the highest point of a building or fewest walls to the nearest cell tower. Avoid mounting near other electronic devices. The included antenna is for indoor installations only. Always mount with the antenna perpendicular to the ground (never horizontal).

Step 4 — Mounting and Connecting to the M1 Control

C1M1 mounts in the top right corner of the M1 Control enclosure. Perform a radio signal strength test prior to permanent mounting.

1. From inside, install the supplied #6 x 3/8 self-tapping screw in the hole above the top right knockout, leaving it out 1/16"; the keyhole slot on the C1M1 back slides onto this screw.
2. Remove the 1/2" antenna knockout on the top and right side of the enclosure.
3. Hold the C1M1 at about a 5-degree angle, thread the antenna through the top knockout, slide the unit right until the keyhole slot engages the mounting screw, then slide down onto the screw.
4. The bottom straddles a basket handle for zip-tie wire attachment — secure with the included zip-tie after all testing is complete.

Wiring Connections (make certain M1 and C1M1 are unpowered while wiring):

1. Connect a two-conductor Red/Black power cable from Positive/Negative input terminals on the C1M1 to an Auxiliary Power output on the M1 Control, observing polarity.
2. Plug the supplied 3-wire serial cable into the C1M1, then into the main serial port #0 on the M1 Control.
3. Connect a Cat5/5E RJ45 LAN cable (not supplied) from the C1M1 to the customer's LAN switch or router.
4. Confirm all connections including the screw-on dipole antenna are secure, then power on the M1 Control. The C1M1 should power up.
5. Observe the 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 (e.g., "A 192.168.0.100").

Step 5 — Register (Activate) the New Subscriber on the Telguard Website

A completed subscriber registration is required before activating any C1M1 unit. Telguard Technical Service is open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM EST Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST Sat, closed major holidays; after-hours forms process by 9:00 AM EST the next business day.

1. Log in at www.telguardonline.com.
2. Choose Register Subscriber under the Current Dealer Menu.
3. Enter the Serial Number printed on the C1M1 (the Telguard ID); units may also be registered by ICCID Number.
4. Choose Validate — the Subscriber Profile screen appears once validated. (The Unit Template option does not apply to C1M1.)
5. On the Subscriber Info tab, note the auto-assigned Subscriber #.
6. Fill out name, industry, address, city, state, zip, country. For Client Account Number, use the Reporting Acct number that will be transmitted to the Central Monitoring Station — this must match what's entered on ElkLink. Rate Plan auto-sets (C1M1 is included in the Telguard Advantage Program for participating companies).
7. Choose Register Subscriber.
8. The Subscriber # and 10-digit Serial Number display at the top — either can be used to look up the unit later.
9. Choose the Support tab, then the ElkLink hyperlink icon to continue to final registration at www.elklink.com.

Step 6 — Register (Authenticate) the C1M1 on the ElkLink Website

1. Log in with your ElkLink Alarm Company credentials. Important: your login authority must be Alarm Company Admin or Alarm Company Reg — ViewOnly cannot add/edit devices.
2. Choose the Device tab, then "+ New" to add a device.
3. The Add New Device screen auto-fills Service Provider, Alarm Co Name, Alarm Co Num, and Receiver IP/Port from your account (IP addresses, ports, and DNIS can be changed by editing your Alarm Company Profile).
4. Enter the Device MAC and Device PIN from the unit's label, and a System Name to identify the customer.
5. Enter the Central Station Reporting Acct number (same number entered as the Client Account Number on Telguard).
6. Optional Heartbeat field enables IP path supervision via periodic ping to the CS Receiver — confirm with your Central Station before enabling; heartbeat is never sent over the cellular path.
7. Choose Authenticate Device to validate the MAC/PIN.
8. Choose Confirm Activation to initiate communications and make the device operational.

Note: IP encryption is a device option that cannot be set from this screen — it's programmed by manually editing the device after activation. The Central Station typically assigns the encryption key (32 hex digits), though some allow you to choose your own.

Step 7 — Program the M1 for IP Communications via the C1M1

Only Telephone #1 must be programmed to use the C1M1. This can be done via Keypad Installer Level programming or ElkRP PC software.

Keypad Installer Level Programming: Enter Installer Level (ELK, 9, RIGHT arrow, Installer code), navigate to Menu 08 (Telephone Account Setup):

• Option 01 (Format): "06 = Ethernet" (required)
• Option 02 (Priority): "0 = Always Report"
• Skip option 03 (Num); set option 04 (Dial Attempts) to at least 01
• Options 05-12 (Acct # for Areas 1-8): enter a non-zero number for each area/partition to be reported; blank (000000) areas won't be reported
• Option 13 "Yes" to report Zone Alarms/Restorals/Unbypasses
• Option 14 "Yes" to report Zone Bypasses
• Option 15 "Yes" to report Zone Troubles
• Option 16 "Yes" to report User Openings/Closings
• Option 17 "Yes" to report Global System events (AC, Low Battery, etc.)

Note: the other 7 telephone numbers can still be used for legacy dialing over POTS if available; Telephone #2 could serve as a digital dialer backup. Reporting codes are set in Menus 09-13; a value of 00 means the code will not be reported.

ElkRP Programming Software: download from elkproducts.com, connect to the M1, and program: Telephone #1 Priority = "Always Report", Format = IP (6), Dial Attempts ≥ 01, checkboxes for each Reporting event type and Area/partition, and reporting codes under Communicator. Send to Control when done (ElkRP must be connected). Two connection methods: (1) Local Connect via USB (Serial A to USB Mini B) from PC to C1M1's USB port — select On-site Local, then PC USB Port TO Device USB; (2) Remote Connect via Elk's Cloud Proxy — select Network Proxy and log in with ElkLink credentials. Legacy methods (Local IP connect via LAN, or Local RS232 which disrupts the M1-C1M1 connection) are also still supported. Note: ElkRP's C1M1 setup button is not used — all C1M1 setup (IP, Acct number, Port, DNIS) is managed via the ElkLink portal.

Step 8 — Test and Verify Alarm Signal Transmissions

Trip several alarms on the M1 Control and confirm the Central Station receives them. If signal transmission is unreliable: recheck signal strength (need at least "b2"), and check that the antenna connector is screwed on and seated correctly.

Agency Compliance Statements

FCC and IC Compliance: Uses approved radio NL-SW-LTE-GELS3. Contains FCC ID: QIPELS31-V (LTE Radio Module). Complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules — operation subject to (1) no harmful interference caused, (2) must accept any interference received. Any change or modification not expressly approved by Elk Products may void FCC authorization. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum 20cm distance between the equipment and the user's body. Tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits under Part 15 of the FCC Rules, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. If interference to radio/TV reception occurs, try reorienting the receiving antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different outlet circuit, or consulting a technician.

FIPS 197 Compliance: The ELK-C1M1 LTEV incorporates a Freescale Kinetis with mmCAU and implements the Elk Crypto Library using AES 128/192/256 encryption for line security. Validated by NIST under FIPS 197, Certificate #3352, issued May 8, 2015.

Network (Port) Requirements (disregard for cellular-only mode): No inbound port forwarding is needed — C1M1 initiates all connections outbound. Firewalls may need outbound rules for: Ports 3061 and 3071 (outbound UDP, to Central Station IP Receiver — verify actual ports with your Central Station); Port 8888 (outbound TCP, to ElkLink backend server for CS reporting parameters and ElkLink Mobile connectivity — must remain open even if Mobile is disabled); Port 8899 (outbound TCP, needed for ElkRP Remote Programming or third-party apps eKeypad/M1TouchPro via ElkLink proxy).

Limited Warranty

The ELKC1M1 LTEV ElkCommBd Communicator is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 2 years from date of manufacture. Refer to Elk's website for the full warranty statement and details.

Manufacturer

Elk Products, Inc. — PO Box 100, 3266 US Hwy 70 West, Hildebran, NC 28637. Phone 828-397-4200, Fax 828-397-4415. www.elkproducts.com