Napco StarLink SLe-GSM & SLe-GSM-3/4G — GSM Communicator Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for the Napco StarLink™ SLe-GSM and SLe-GSM-3/4G Series GSM Alarm Communicators — fully supervised, wireless digital two-way subscriber units that report alarm signals to any central station over a cellular network, for use as primary or backup communicators with GEM control panels.

Overview

The StarLink SLe-GSM and SLe-GSM-3/4G are fully supervised, wireless digital two-way subscriber units supported by an extensive nationwide wireless network:

• SLe-GSM — 2G Network Compatible
• SLe-GSM-3/4G — 2G, 3G, and 4G Network Compatible

Both models work with virtually any alarm control panel and can function as a backup to existing telephone lines, or as a primary communicator when telephone lines are absent (connected directly to the control panel Telco terminals). As a backup, both units automatically switch the communication channel from telephone line to network when telephone line trouble is detected. Enclosure tamper protection is provided on both models.

The units use proprietary data-capture technology to capture the alarm report from the control panel and transmit alarm signals to the SLe Control Center, which forwards them to any Central Station via standard receiver formats 4/2 and Contact ID. The SLe Control Center also generates a Supervisory signal if the network doesn't receive the expected supervisory test signal during a pre-scheduled period. Alarm signals transmit on the RF data-only portion of the GSM digital network for a fast, dependable communication path.

GSM Radio Reporting Path

1. Signal originates from the Control Panel.
2. SLe-GSM (or SLe-GSM-3/4G) receives the signal via the TIP and RING wires, then sends an RF signal through the GPRS network operator.
3. The Network Operator (part of the vendor system, a section of the cellular spectrum) relays the signal.
4. The SLe Control Center receives and routes the data.
5. The Central Station receives the final signal.

Ordering Information

• SLE-GSM — 2G Network Compatible GSM alarm capture Communicator, SIM card included.
• SLE-GSM-3/4G — 2G, 3G and 4G Network Compatible GSM alarm capture Communicator, SIM card included.
• SLE-SMTCHG — Optional Smart Charge Module. Required where the control panel cannot provide the 65mA of Auxiliary power needed to operate the SLe-GSM radio; allows use of a standard 4AH/12V rechargeable battery for radio standby power.
• SLE-DLEXT — Optional up/download extender; extends distance from radio to panel from 10 feet up to 100 feet.
• SLE-DLCBL — Download Cable, 6 feet.
• SLE-ATT/4 — Kit of four AT&T network-compatible SIM cards for areas without/with insufficient T-Mobile coverage.
• SLE-ANTEXT — Extended antenna with 15 feet of cable.

Specifications

Terminal Descriptions

17 terminals are located at the bottom of the SLe-GSM PC board:

LED Indicators

• Green RF Signal Strength LED (D3): Every 30 seconds, the receiver checks the cell tower and blinks 1-8 times based on signal strength. Acceptable power level is ≥ -91dBm (minimum 4 blinks at the mounting location).
• Yellow Operational Status LED (D4): Blinks momentarily every 10 seconds in normal standby; blinks variably during alarm processing (dialing, handshaking, data transmission).
• Red Trouble LED (D5): 1 blink = low Aux power voltage; 2 = battery trouble; 3 = alarm report failed to communicate; 4 = RF trouble (antenna/cellular registration); 5 = network trouble; 6 = unit disabled; 7 = unit shutdown, requires full power cycle; 8 = Telco line cut.
• Red Diagnostic LED (D7): One blink = weak/non-existent network signal (green LED off). Any other blink pattern — contact technical support.

Radio Receiver Coverage Table (Signal Strength LED)

Jumper Block "X5" Options

Primary and Backup Reporting

For primary reporting (no telephone lines present, connected directly to panel Telco terminals), do NOT install jumper 3 in block X5. For backup reporting, install jumper 3 — the SLe-GSM automatically switches from telephone line to GPRS network when it senses telephone line trouble.

Network Coverage

The radio constantly supervises GPRS network coverage. When configured for primary reporting and a loss in network coverage is detected, the unit can be configured (via the Management Center, napconoc.com) to prompt the control panel to announce a Telco Line Cut failure trouble. This will NOT activate when configured for backup reporting. By default, the SLe-GSM is NOT configured to cause a Telco Line Cut failure trouble and will not annunciate at the keypad.

Supplying Power

Control panels can provide power through their Auxiliary Power terminals if the available standby current is reduced by 65mA. When there is insufficient standby current (e.g. 24-hour standby required for Residential Fire), the SLE-SMTCHG Smart Charge Module accessory must be used to charge an additional battery and supply the standby current.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Account Registration

Create a new account and register specific SLe-GSM modules at www.NapcoComNet.com. Accounts/modules registered online are enabled for activation within 24 hours.

Step 2: Select a Mounting Location

• Choose a location based on RF performance and ambient climate conditions.
• High locations are generally best — do NOT mount in basements or below grade.
• Avoid non-climate-controlled environments (attics, garages) when possible.
• Avoid mounting within 3 feet of AC power lines, fluorescent light fixtures, or large metal objects (air conditioners, metal garage doors) — these degrade signal strength.
• Before applying power, connect the antenna. Temporarily power the unit from a fully charged 12V (4AH minimum) battery — do NOT mount yet.
• Position the unit at the desired location with the antenna oriented vertically; check the Green Signal Strength LED (D3) — aim for a location with a minimum of 4 blinks (signal strength can vary day to day).
• Once a suitable location is confirmed, permanently secure the unit with #8 screws (not supplied) in the two mounting holes.

Warning: To ensure user safety and satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements, this unit must be installed with a minimum separation distance of 60cm (24") between the antenna and nearby persons. Use only the antenna supplied with the SLe-GSM.

Step 3: Wiring (Primary and Backup Modes)

Use 22-gauge wire for runs up to 50 feet from the control panel, or 18-gauge wire for up to 100 feet. If the central station receiver format is "4/2 with checksum," install jumper #2 in block X5.

Primary Mode (remove jumper #3): 5-wire connection — TB1 (PWR +12V), TB2 (PWR GND), TB13 (PANEL TIP), TB12 (PANEL RING), and TB3 (PGM1, normally-low output wired to the (+) of a zone dedicated to monitoring radio status — programmed as a Day Zone with local sound only, not the bell).

Backup Mode (install jumper #3): 7-wire connection — TB1 (PWR +12V), TB2 (PWR GND), TB10 (TIP), TB11 (RING), TB13 (PANEL TIP), TB12 (PANEL RING), and TB3 (PGM1, same as above).

For power: connect TB1/TB2 without applying voltage first. If the Aux Output can't supply the necessary current, use the SLE-SMTCHG Smart Charge Module with an additional battery. For telco wiring, reference the correct wiring diagram for the specific control panel and connect the panel's TELCO TIP/RING terminals — do NOT connect the SLe-GSM's TB10-13 terminals to house telephone lines (RJ31X modular plug wires, etc.).

Step 4: Apply Power

The SLe-GSM requires 12VDC, drawing less than 65mA in standby and almost 400mA during transmissions (for less than 1 second). Attach the antenna before applying power.

Step 5: Signal Verification

After triggering channels, verify online: go to www.napconoc.com, log in, enter your Company ID and SLe-GSM Radio Number, then click Signal Log. Confirm with your central station that the signals were properly received.

Supported Wiring Configurations (by Control Panel Family)

The manual includes detailed wiring diagrams for the following panel families in both Primary (telephone line not available) and Backup reporting configurations, with and without the SLE-SMTCHG Smart Charge Module (when 65mA standby current is unavailable):

• GEM-P801 — Primary mode wiring uses PWR, PGM1-3, IN1-3, GND, TIP/RING, PANEL RING/TIP, RTS, PANEL TX/RX, CTS terminals connected to the panel's AUX POWER and TELCO T300 block. Backup mode adds the RJ31X connection from house telephone lines.
• GEM-X255 / GEM-P9600 / GEM-P3200 — Similar primary/backup wiring pattern connected to the panel's AUX POWER, TEL LINE, and PHONE terminals (terminals 13-33 on the panel side).
• GEM-816 / GEM-P1632 / GEM-P1664 / Freedom F-64 — Similar primary/backup wiring pattern connected to the panel's AUX POWER and TELCO/PHONE terminals (terminals 13-29 on the panel side). For backup mode: RJ31X RED→SLe-GSM 10, GREEN→SLe-GSM 11, BROWN→Panel terminal, GRAY→Panel terminal; Panel TIP/RING terminals connect to SLe-GSM 12/13.

For exact pin-to-pin wiring diagrams for your specific panel model, refer to the original PDF manual (linked above) — each panel family has a dedicated diagram page showing the AUX POWER, TIP/RING, RJ31X, and Smart Charge Module connections.

Control Panel Programming

Program the central station receiver reporting format using PCD-Windows Quickloader download software (Digital Communications screen, Central Station Receivers tab). If using "4/2 with checksum" (pulse format with Sum-Check box checked), install jumper #2 in block X5.

Supported alarm reporting formats: Contact ID, Ademco Slow, Radionics Fast, Silent Knight Fast, Radionics Slow, Universal High Speed.

Caution: Always ensure an area code is programmed into the control panel.

Common Contact ID / Pulse Event Codes

These codes and zone numbers can be changed via the Management Center screen (napconoc.com). Upon alarm, the SLe-GSM sends an SMS with the appropriate Contact ID alarm code, including zone/user number.

Programming SLe-GSM Troubles

Three methods for annunciating detected troubles (shown on the Red Trouble LED D5):

1. Method 1: Dedicate a panel zone to activate a trouble sounder on open detection — program as Day Zone, mini-sounder on alarm, no bell on alarm.
2. Method 2 (no dedicated zone needed): Program the control panel for telephone supervision, and enable Line Cut on all troubles via the Management Center "Advanced Features" screen. Note: some panels may require a duration other than the default 3 minutes.
3. Method 3: Use PGMs programmed for the appropriate trouble to directly activate sounders.

Warranty

Napco Security Systems, Inc. warrants its products free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for 18 months following the date of manufacture. Napco will, at its option, repair or replace any product failing to operate correctly, at no charge to the original purchaser/user, within that period.

This warranty does not apply to equipment repaired by others, improperly installed, improperly used, abused, altered, damaged, subjected to acts of God, or with altered/defaced/removed serial numbers. There are no other express or implied warranties, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Any breach-of-warranty action must be brought within 6 months following the end of the warranty period. Napco is not liable for consequential or incidental damages.

To exercise the warranty, the product must be returned by the installing security professional, shipping prepaid and insured, to Napco. Napco recommends the entire system be completely tested weekly.

Warning: Despite frequent testing, due to criminal tampering, electrical/communications disruption, or other factors, it's possible for the system to fail to perform as expected. Napco does not represent that the product/system cannot be compromised or circumvented, or that it will prevent all personal injury or property loss. A properly installed and maintained alarm may reduce risk but is not insurance or a guarantee against burglary, robbery, or fire.

Manufacturer

Napco Security Systems, 333 Bayview Avenue, Amityville, New York 11701. Sales/Repairs: (800) 645-9445. Technical Service: (800) 645-9440. Publicly traded on NASDAQ, Symbol: NSSC.