Re: Difference between digital phone and VOIP

["Robert L Bass" <RobertLBass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>> If the unit emulates a POTS connection,
>> up/downloading should be a cinch.
>
> Actually it's not easy...

I should have been more clear.  I meant the
process will be no more difficult than it currently
is using POTS lines.

> The control panel modems are a mess...

That's partly because most panels don't even
have a true modem.  Many only send carrier
while transmitting.  As soon as they stop
sending carrier the DL modem senses a
lost connection and hangs up.  Napco is a
typical example of this.  The solution, a phone
off the hook at the DL office or a Napco
PCI-2000 (which simulated a phone off the
hook:)).

> They are all different - not only between
> manufacturers but even between models...

Well, between lines anyway.

> Everyone here knows about the problems of
> finding a computer modem that wants to talk
> to panels -- try finding one that talks to *any*
> panel :/

That would be like finding the golden fleece.
Unfortunately, neither one exists.

> So the only sure way of being really compatible
> would be to just pipe the audio through, and
> then we're back with the same problems as VoIP...

The real solution is coming and none too soon --
Internet enabled panels.  You may believe that all
manufacturers are dragging their feet but there
are already a few models with basic online
functionality.  As soon as one or two of the big,
national players decide to push one everyone
else will jump on the bandwagon.

> But cherry picking a few major panels to support
> might work...

That's what I did over the years.  I found Napco
panels to be reliable and more configurable than
anything in their price range.  We could and did
work with numerous other brands when we did
takeovers.  But our stock in trade was Napco.
I had a couple of modems and PCI-2000 units
in the CS office and each technician carried a
laptop with Napco software and a PCI-MINI on
installations and service calls.

We also had software, a number of chip burners
and dedicated programmers for the panels our
competitors installed.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>