RoyalTech

I'm working on an ongoing project for a customer that involves 3 ademco 128fbp panels in 3 different buildings around their property. The original spec call for a 7845iGSM module for each panel (internet and GSM backup communicator).

Everything is hunky dorey, except at the main house there is absolutely no cell service, not even in the attic with a large antenna. An exterior antenna is not an option.

The property has fiber between all the buildings, and my idea was to somehow convert the ademco bus (some flavor of rs 232 or 485?) to fiber and relocate the iGSM module to a building with cell service (approx 2000ft away around the hill).

Ademco and ADI have given me nothing, basically saying its not supported, therefor you cant do it.

At this point the customer is just going with the internet backup with no cell backup at the main house, but would my idea have been possible?

Thanks

Security101

Nope!

Not with Ademco stuff (or anything even related) anyway.

Why is an external antenna not gonna work (design, aesthetics, too much work?)

I could rig something up for about 25K or higher that would send it down the fiber and receive it on the other end -but I think if I were you I would blow the hole in the wall first!

It all depends on how serious they are...

Jim

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RoyalTech

I got a firm No on any kind of external antenna. We're new to this project as the original security contractor got the boot for shoddy workmanship, so im not stepping on any toes. Im not even sure an external antenna would do it. We had one wired up in the attic to test for signal, and even by the window facing the general direction of the tower got nothing.

Like I said above, they have decided to not use cell backup in the house at this point. Maybe if a new tower ever goes up they will.

mdshunk

What about a cellular repeater at one of the other buildings to get a good signal down at the house? I've had to do this for the interiors of large metal buildings. Works pretty well.

RoyalTech

That might be hard. The main house is on one side of the hill, and all the rest are around the other side. Theyre putting some kind of aviary on the top of the hill, but im sure they dont want antenna's sticking out of it.

mdshunk

I'd encourage you to give it strong consideration. These cellular repeaters don't necessarily need a line of sight or an external antenna. Even if you do mount the antenna externally, it's about the size of a coffee cup. I've been using the CAE brand. You might think about maybe just a cellular antenna amplifier if you can put an antenna in the attic. Just an idea...

RoyalTech

Thanks, ill check them out.