NAPCO StarLink SLE-CDMA Alarm Communicator — Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for the NAPCO StarLink™ SLE Series Alarm Communicators (including SLE-CDMA and SLE-CDMA-8D models) — fully supervised, wireless digital two-way subscriber units that report alarm signals over a cellular network as a backup or primary communicator for 12VDC alarm control panels.

Overview

StarLink radio communicators use proprietary data-capture technology to capture alarm reports from the control panel and transmit them to the SLE Control Center, which forwards signals to any central station via standard receiver formats (4/2 and Contact ID). The SLE Control Center also generates a Supervisory signal if the expected supervisory test signal isn't received during a scheduled period.

Available Models

• SLE-GSM-3/4G — 2G/3G/4G GSM alarm capture communicator, SIM card included, black plastic enclosure
• SLE-GSM-8D-3/4G — GSM communicator supporting remote downloading to Gemini GEM-P400, GEM-P800, GEMP-801, Express XP-400/XP-600 panels
• SLE-CDMA — universal CDMA alarm capture communicator
• SLE-CDMA-8D — CDMA communicator with remote downloading support (same panel list as GSM-8D)

Additional components: SLE-DLEXT (download extender, 10-100 ft), SLE-DLCBL (6 ft download cable), SLE-SMTCHG (smart charge module/optional charger), SLE-ANTEXT (extended antenna with 15 ft cable).

Radio Reporting Path

1. Signal from the control panel
2. StarLink radio receives the signal (via TIP and RING wires), sends RF signal through the network operator
3. Network operator (cellular spectrum) relays the signal
4. SLE Control Center (NOC) receives and routes data
5. Central station receives the alarm

Specifications

• Power (+12V, all models): Input voltage 15-10.6VDC, input current 65mA standby with peak RF transmission current 400mA (80mA standby for 8D models)
• IN 1 Burg/Fire input: 15-9VDC
• IN 2 / IN 3: Max loop voltage 15VDC, max loop current 1.2mA, EOLR value 10K
• 3 PGM outputs: Open collector, max 3V when active / 15V max when not active, max sink current 50mA
• Physical: Plastic housing 8 x 5-29/64 x 1-1/2" (20.3 x 13.9 x 3.8cm), mounts via three keyhole slots for triple-gang boxes
• Environmental: Operating temp -10°C to 49°C (14°F-120°F); humidity max 95% non-condensing

Terminal Descriptions

17 terminals located at the bottom of the StarLink radio PC board:

LED Indicators

Green RF Signal Strength LED (D3)

Every 30 seconds the radio checks cell tower signal and blinks 1-8 times. Acceptable power level is ≥ -91dBm (minimum 4 blinks at mounting location).

Yellow Operational Status LED (D4)

Blinks momentarily every 10 seconds in standby. During alarm processing, blinks variably through dialing/handshaking/data transmission phases.

Red Trouble LED (D5)

Red Diagnostic LED (D7): One blink = weak/no network signal (green LED off). Any other blink pattern — contact technical support.

Jumper Descriptions (Block "X5")

Primary and Backup Reporting

For primary reporting (no telephone lines present, connected directly to panel Telco terminals): do NOT install jumper 3. For backup reporting (existing phone lines present): install jumper 3 — the radio automatically switches to the network when it senses telephone line trouble.

Installation Steps

1. Account Registration: Create an account and register StarLink modules at www.NapcoComNet.com. Internet-registered accounts/modules are enabled for activation within 24 hours.
2. Select a Mounting Location: Choose based on RF performance and climate. High locations are best — do NOT mount in basements or below grade. Do NOT mount in non-climate-controlled spaces (attics, garages). Avoid locations within 3 feet of AC power lines, fluorescent fixtures, or large metal objects. Before applying power, connect the antenna and temporarily power the unit from a fully charged 12V (4AH min) battery without mounting it yet — position it with antenna vertical and check the Green Signal Strength LED (aim for ≥4 blinks). Once a good location is found, permanently secure with #8 screws (not supplied) in the two mounting holes.
3. Wiring (Primary and Backup Modes): Use 22-gauge wire up to 50 ft from the panel, 18-gauge up to 100 ft.
   • Primary Mode: Remove jumper #3. Wire 5 connections: TB1 (PWR +12V), TB2 (PWR GND), TB13 (PANEL TIP), TB12 (PANEL RING), TB3 (PGM1, wired to a zone dedicated to radio status monitoring — program as Day Zone, sound locally, do NOT activate the bell).
   • Backup Mode: Install jumper #3. Wire 7 connections: TB1, TB2, TB10 (TIP), TB11 (RING), TB13 (PANEL TIP), TB12 (PANEL RING), TB3 (PGM1, same zone config as above). Connect Telco panel terminals TIP/RING per the wiring diagrams — do NOT connect StarLink TB10-13 directly to house phone lines (RJ31X plug wires, etc.).
4. Apply Power: Requires 12VDC, draws <65mA standby, ~400mA during transmission (<1 second). Attach the antenna BEFORE applying power. Compatible with GEM-P400/GEM-P800/Express XP-400/XP-600, GEM-P801, GEM-X255/GEM-P9600/GEM-P3200, and GEM-816/GEM-P1632/GEM-P1664/Freedom F-64 control panels — see the full PDF for panel-specific wiring diagrams. On GEM-CDMA-8D and GSM-8D-3/4G models, Jumper J600 must be positioned per panel type to enable remote downloading (bottom pins "B" for GEM-P400 family, top pins "A" for GEM-X255/P9600/P3200 and GEM-816 family).
5. Signal Verification: After wiring, verify the StarLink network received the signals — log in to www.napconoc.com with your username/password, enter the StarLink radio ID# (on the label inside the housing), and confirm. Always verify signals are received by your central station before leaving the premises.

WARNING (FCC RF Exposure): This unit must be installed with a minimum separation of 60cm (24") between the antenna and nearby persons. Use ONLY the supplied antenna (or the SLE-ANTEXT extended antenna) to comply.

StarLink Radio Related Event Report Codes (Contact ID default)

These event codes and zone numbers can be changed via the Management Center screen at www.napconoc.com. Contact ID is always available in response to a Contact ID handshake.

Control Panel Programming

Use PCD-Windows Quickloader software (Digital Communications screen, Central Station Receivers tab) to program the central station receiver reporting format. If using "4/2 with checksum" format, install jumper #2 in block X5. Always confirm with the central station which receiver format each phone number expects. Supported formats: Contact ID, Ademco Slow, Radionics Fast/Slow, Silent Knight Fast, Universal High Speed. Caution: Always confirm an area code is programmed into the control panel.

Programming StarLink Radio Troubles

Three methods to have the Red Trouble LED (D5) troubles annunciated:

1. Method 1: Dedicate a panel zone to activate a trouble sounder on open detection — on Napco panels, program as Day Zone, Mini-sounder on Alarm, No Bell on Alarm.
2. Method 2: No dedicated zone required — program the panel for telephone supervision, and enable "Line Cut on all troubles" via the Management Center Advanced Features screen (some panels may need a duration other than the default 3 minutes).
3. Method 3: Use PGMs programmed for the appropriate trouble to activate sounders directly.

Supervisory Time Schedule

Any signal sent to the central station resets the supervisory time counter to that day. Example: if the scheduled supervisory check-in is March 25 at 3AM, but an alarm signal was sent on March 15 at 3PM, the next check-in moves to April 15 (not April 25) if no other signals are sent.

Wiring Best Practices

For single-conductor terminal blocks, don't daisy-chain multiple conductors directly into one terminal — use a pigtail with a wire nut/crimp connector, or connect a single incoming wire. For barrier-type terminal blocks with two conductors, use separate incoming/outgoing conductor terminals rather than doubling up on one side. For more than two conductors or mixed wire gauges, always use the pigtail method with insulated wire and an appropriately sized wire nut/crimp connector.

Supported Control Panels

The full PDF includes detailed primary and backup wiring diagrams for each of the following panel families: GEM-P400 / GEM-P800 / Express XP-400 / Express XP-600; GEM-P801; GEM-X255 / GEM-P9600 / GEM-P3200; and GEM-816 / GEM-P1632 / GEM-P1664 / Freedom F-64. Each diagram shows exact terminal-to-terminal wiring between the control panel PC board and the StarLink radio housing, including RJ31X telco connections for backup mode.

FCC Compliance

This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B Unintentional Radiator, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, providing reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference to radio/TV reception occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, using a different outlet circuit, or consulting a technician.

Warranty

NAPCO warrants its products free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for 18 months from the date of manufacture — NAPCO will repair or replace, at its option, any product failing to operate correctly, at no charge to the original purchaser. Excludes equipment repaired by others, improperly installed/used, abused, altered, damaged, subjected to acts of God, or with altered/removed serial numbers. No express or implied warranty beyond this description; no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Any breach-of-warranty action must be brought within 6 months of the warranty period ending. NAPCO is not liable for consequential or incidental damages. To exercise warranty, the product must be returned via the installing security professional, shipping prepaid and insured to NAPCO.

Important: NAPCO recommends the entire system be completely tested weekly. Despite frequent testing, the system may fail to perform as expected due to tampering, electrical/communications disruption, or other factors — NAPCO does not guarantee the system cannot be compromised or that it will prevent injury or property loss. A properly installed and maintained alarm reduces risk but is not insurance or a guarantee against burglary, robbery, or fire.

Support

NAPCO Security Systems, 333 Bayview Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. Sales/Repairs: (800) 645-9445. Technical Service (security professionals only): (800) 645-9440 or http://tech.napcosecurity.com/