DualCom Series

Improvements

When a panic is initiated from a Vista series keypad, the keypad no longer temporarily ignores button presses.

Check-in messages sent over the primary and backup communication paths are no longer suppressed when check-ins are frequent, whereas previously, frequent check-in messages sent over the backup path were suppressed.

Improvements

Updated Version 232 (4/12/24) decreases the MSS (Maximum Segment Size) in the TCP header of DualCom messages from 1466 bytes to 1460 bytes. This improvement prevents network packets from being dropped at some firewalls when the packet size exceeds the 1500-byte MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) limit. Since the DualCom never transmits packets larger than 1000 bytes, the MSS was adjusted to prevent potential problems with various firewall rules.

Improvements

Several cellular communications improvements were made in updated Version 232 (2/23/24). These improvements include better CATM1 network handling by ignoring the NBIOT category and by resetting communications if the cellular communications detect any connection errors.

Communication Programming Update

After a firmware update, older hardware level CellCom units could potentially be programmed for network communications. With updated Version 231, the CellCom upgrade routine will be modified to ensure that older CellComs can only be set to Cell communications.

User Code Update

When remotely adding, editing, or deleting a user code in a Vista panel using Dealer Admin or Virtual Keypad, the Vista panel would arm. This unintended arming would take place if the Quick Arm option was enabled in the Vista panel and if the user number was from 50-99. With updated Version 231, Vista panels will not arm when a user code is added, edited, or deleted remotely using Dealer Admin or Virtual Keypad.

4-2 Dialer Capture Connection

CellCom and DualCom Series Communicators now support the 4-2 dialer capture format.

Backup Check-in and Fail Time Enhancements

Older CellComs that are updated now default to the correct backup check-in or fail times.

Panel Improvements

Updated Version 221 (4/10/23) resolves an issue where the control panel would occasionally stop responding to the Wi-Fi network after receiving a message with a “VLAN Tag.”

Updated Version 221 (4/10/23) resolves an issue where the control panel would occasionally send stored messages with the incorrect time stamp.

Updated Version 221 (4/10/23) resolves an issue where the control panel would occasionally not automatically rejoin the Wi-Fi network after losing connection.

Improved Cellular Modem Registration

Updated Version 213 (6/22/22) firmware resolves an issue where FirstNet modems were not able to register with the appropriate APN. This would cause the keypad to display a NOT REGISTERED message.

DSC Panel Communication Improvement

Updated 213 (3/23/22) firmware adds support for acknowledging general trouble messages on the keypad when using a DualCom on DSC 1832 or 1864 panels.

Improved User Code Change Reporting

With updated Version 213 (2/11/22) firmware, any time a user code is added or changed, encrypted user code information is sent to the Monitoring Center receiver. This can be done from Dealer Admin, the Virtual Keypad App, and from the keypad.

Zone Expansion Module Programming

Version 213 supports changes to addressing zone expansion modules, starting with the 711S. The modules will be able to be programmed into the panel via a 10-digit serial number instead of rotary switches. A new Expander Serial Number prompt has been added in Zone Information to allow a serial number to be entered for addressing. This feature requires XT Version 213 and 711S Level 102 hardware with Version 101 firmware.

Active/Inactive User Code Capability

With Version 213 firmware, users can now be set as active or inactive in XT30/XT50 and XTL Series panels. This provides greater flexibility to how users are managed.

Scheduled User Code Capability

Previously, the Scheduled User feature was only available on XT50 panels. With Version 213 firmware, the Scheduled User feature is available in XT30 and XTL Series panels. This feature allows for more freedom over how user codes are managed and maintained.

Improved Central Station Test Failure Procedure

With Version 213, the panel will send the user a notification in a future version of Dealer Admin if the chosen communication path has failed to test with the central station. This will allow users to run reports and to run a communication test to verify whether that path is down.

Wireless Key Fob Improvement

XT Version 213 ensures that 1144 Series Key Fobs do not allow arming or disarming when the user code associated with it is set as inactive.

EasyConnect AP

COM Series Communicators with built-in Wi-Fi can now use the EasyConnect AP process. This process allows the installer to connect the communicator to the desired Wi-Fi network with a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.

The communicator will broadcast an SSID of DMP followed by the communicators serial number (ex. DMP12345678). Navigate to your Wi-Fi settings and select the communicators SSID in order to connect to it. Once connected, open a browser and type in 192.168.1.1. The Connection Settings page will load. The Connection Settings page allows you to select the Wi-Fi network you would like your communicator to use, and it also allows you to type in the password for that network. Once the information has been entered and saved the Connection Settings page will no longer be available.

There is also a button labeled WPS. Pressing this button makes the Wi-Fi module enter WPS communication for 3 minutes. Once the communicator is in the WPS process, press the WPS button on the desired Wi-Fi router in order to complete the connection.

ECP Partition Number Selection

Previously, communicators were only able to manage the first partition programmed into the host panel. With Version 212, a new programming option has been added to System Options that gives users the ability to specify which partition the communicator is located in. When the host panel is armed or disarmed via the communicator, only the partition where the communicator is located will be armed or disarmed.

Send Stored Messages Support

COM Series Communicators are now able to use the Send Stored Messages feature in System Reports. This allows the communicator to store any messages that are not sent in the event of a communication failure, and send them when communication is restored, and functions exactly the same as it does on an XT50 panel.

Improved CID Capture

Version 212 firmware resolves an issue where the communicator would send the incorrect area number when for any area after 15.

ECP/DSC Setup

ECP and DSC Setup can now be triggered by Dealer Admin and the Tech APP. In order to use this feature, the installer code must be sent to the communicator.

1100T Support

XT Series Panels updated to Version 211 are able to support the 1100T Wireless Translator. A new prompt has been added in Device Setup that allows the user to program the 1100T into the panel and select the proper non-DMP (competitor) frequency. Compatible frequencies are 2GIG, DSC, Interlogix, and Honeywell. The default frequency is HWL (Honeywell).

Support for the 1100T has also been added in Zone Information. Here the user will be prompted to confirm that a competitor’s wireless is being used, and to enter the appropriate 8-character alphanumeric serial number of the wireless device that the 1100T is communicating with. Once the signal has been detected and read, the device serial number will display on the keypad screen.

Improved Communications Failover

Previously on panels with Network or Wi-Fi primary and Cell backup, the panel would attempt to connect over network or Wi-Fi three times before failing over to Cell backup. With XT Series Version 211, panels will automatically fail over to Cell backup after the initial attempt to make a connection if no Network or Wi-Fi link is detected.

Improved Trouble Audibles Programming

With Version 211, the Wireless Audible setting in System Options has been renamed to Trouble Audible. All system trouble audibles now follow this setting. Zone troubles do not follow this setting.

DSC Maxsys CID Capture

COM Series Version 211 now enables the CellCom to correctly capture the CID messages from DSC Maxsys 4020 panels.

DSC Bus Support

DualCom, CellCom, and iComSL Series Universal Communicators can now integrate with DSC PowerSeries panels using the DSC bus. The KEYPADINPUT section of SYSTEM OPTIONS now has DSC listed as an available option.

DSC Auto Communication Setup

COM Series Version 202 enables you to automatically set up communication with DSC PowerSeries panels over the DSC bus. To use auto communication setup, reset the panel, enter 2313 (DIAG), then go to DSCSETUP. At INSTALLER CODE, enter the host panel installer code. If you don’t know the code, you can still configure communication manually in DSC panel programming.

After setup, DSC panels can be remotely programmed using a Model 330-DSC programming cable, Remote Link Version 2.02, and DLS.

For more information, refer to Com Series How-To Guide: DSC Passthru (LT-2208), DualCom Installation Guide (LT-1859), or CellCom Installation Guide (LT-1817).

ECP Auto Communication Setup

COM Series Version 202 enables you to automatically set up communication with VISTA panels over the ECP bus. To use auto communication setup, reset the panel, enter 2313 (DIAG), then go to ECP SETUP. At INSTALLER CODE, enter the host panel installer code. If you don’t know the code, you can still configure communication manually in VISTA panel programming.

For more information, refer to Com Series How-To Guide: ECP Passthru (LT-2209), DualCom Installation Guide (LT-1859), or CellCom Installation Guide (LT-1817).

CID Format

In SYSTEM OPTIONS, select DMP to send CID messages as Serial 3 format. Select CID to send messages as DMP string with raw CID message appended. Default is DMP.

This feature requires SCS-VR Version 1.4.6 (8/4/20) and higher or SCS-150 Version 107 and higher.

Note: If using CID format, DMP recommends programming the communicator and host panel with the same account number so activity can be properly monitored at the central station.

Custom Action Enhancements

Previously, only a zone activation could trigger a custom action. With COM Series Version 202, system events such as arming or disarming, fire alarms, and panic alarms will also trigger custom actions.

Duplicate Connection Issue Resolution

COM Series Version 202 enhances how systems handle duplicate connections when using Dealer Admin, Virtual Keypad, and Remote Link. User code information has been added to specific system event notifications such as Arming/Disarming, Door Access, Output ON/OFF, Remote Panic, and Cancel/Verify. This resolves an issue where the user who triggered the event was not accurately shown.

New Default User Code

XT Series panels and Universal Communicators Version 194 and higher ship with a unique four‑digit default master code. This master code is generated with algorithm that ensures it cannot be duplicated. The code can be modified or deleted in panel programming. To revert the default code to 99, use the Clear All Codes option found in the Initialization menu. Panels ship with the master code on the serial number label in parentheses next to the serial number.

Increased Number of User Codes

The number of user codes that can be stored in iComSL, CellCom, and DualCom Series Communicators has increased to 99.

Send User Codes on ECP Bus

Version 194 enables you to manage user codes remotely without requiring you to log in to a VISTA® panel with a master code. This feature allows you to change user codes in Dealer Admin and push them remotely to a VISTA panel over the ECP Bus.

Updated Functionality

DualCom communicators connected to the ECP bus of a Honeywell® panel and Armed Stay using the Virtual Keypad™ app would incorrectly indicate Armed Away on the arming status screen when refreshed. Updated Version 192 (8/6/19) firmware resolves this issue.

System Analytics

DualCom communicators have been updated to send hourly cell signal and cell tower IDs to Dealer Admin. You can use this feature to more precisely troubleshoot cellular communication issues.

LTE Modem Support

DualCom communicators will no longer display NO TOWER in the diagnostics menu for LTE modems when it should be displaying NO SIGNAL or NOT REGISTERED. The panel will now check the signal strength of the LTE modem and will display NO SIGNAL if the modem cannot connect to the tower, and NOT REGISTERED if the LTE modem has not been registered with SecureCom Wireless.

Improved User Code Support

Previously when adding user codes to a system that has Z-Wave™ devices but no Z-Wave locks learned in, the user codes would be sent out to Z-Wave locks that do not exist, causing the communicator to reset. Version 192 firmware resolves this issue.

Remote ECP Passthru (iComSL)

Version 192 (8/23/19) now supports programming a Honeywell® VISTA® panel with the iComSL communicator. You can now connect an iComSL to a VISTA series ECP bus, and with Remote Link™ Version 1.93, program the Honeywell panel remotely using Compass® software. Use Remote Link to fully program the host panel on the ECP bus. Remote Link will intercept communications from Compass and send it to the iComSL, which passes these communications along the ECP bus. For more information about setting up Remote Link and Compass for ECP Passthru, refer to Remote Link How-To Guide: ECP Passthru Compass Setup

LED Operation

In previous versions of Universal Communicator firmware, the green LED did not light when the communicator was in a disarmed state. The LEDs now operate as follows:

• Disarmed—Green on, red off
• Armed—Green off, red on

ECP Programming Improvement

DualCom Version 191 (05/02/19) now supports programming the Honeywell® VISTA® 128 panel using ECP programming. You can connect DualCom to the VISTA 128 ECP bus, and with Remote Link™ Version 1.92, you can program the Honeywell panel remotely using the Compass® downloading software. Use Remote Link Version 1.92 to fully program the host panel on the ECP bus. Remote Link will intercept communications from Compass and send it to DualCom, which passes these communications along the ECP bus.