Siemens SPC 4320 - inertia sensors and firmware

zagadka

Hi, Thanks to the interesting discussions I have read on here I am self-installing a Siemens SPC4320 and I have a few queries.

The old system (which I inherited when I bought the house and appears to have been out of commission for many years) was wired with Aritech 611 inertias that I plan to reuse. The windows have a small upper pane and a large lower one. Only the lower pane has a reed sensor on; is this a typical arrangement and what is the best practice strategy for these openings?

I found an old PDF from Altor showing how to wire inertia sensors (I can't post a link but the file was "ALTOR DUAL PLUS SINGLE WIRING.pdf" and was on thread 2056653196 "Best use of a 4 core cable"). In this scheme, normal resistance is 4k7, tamper results in an open circuit and either shock or reed opening result in a 9k4 resistance. Is this an acceptable way to wire them for a Siemens panel? Since the inertia and reed sensor are indistinguishable from the wiring am I correct to assume that the panel is calling rapid fluctuations as being due to the inertia sensor but a stable 9k4 resistance as the window opening?

Finally, I am currently on firmware version 3.45. Is there anywhere that a self-installer can get SPC panel firmware upgrades from or is do you have to be registered with Siemens?

Thanks in advance... Z

KoolKid

Hi
Yes the best practice on the windows would be to wire contacts to all openings. These can be seriesed into the existing loops.
Your understanding of the duel wiring and how it works is correct. The Siemens Panel can configure what resistor can be used. This can be programmed individually on a per zone basis.
You can upgrade the panel yourself via the browser. I will PM you the new firmware files.
When you upgrade to and beyond 3-6-0 the browser compleatly changes and you then use the new app and portal Spc Connect.
In the coming weeks SPC Connect.com will also upgrade giving you polling and notifications in the event of network fails.
This is server end. You will not have to upgrade further.
Before you upgrade the panel make sure you download a backup of the config file.

zagadka

Thanks for the help KoolKid. Sensors on the smaller windows is something I will add when I have the system up and running then.

Thanks... Z

KoolKid

That's fine. It's easily done at any time.

Evolution1

KoolKid wrote: »

giving you polling and notifications in the event of network fails.

When is this being released? Any date?

KoolKid

Testing at the moment. The next couple of weeks.

altor

zagadka wrote: »

Hi, Thanks to the interesting discussions I have read on here I am self-installing a Siemens SPC4320 and I have a few queries.

The old system (which I inherited when I bought the house and appears to have been out of commission for many years) was wired with Aritech 611 inertias that I plan to reuse. The windows have a small upper pane and a large lower one. Only the lower pane has a reed sensor on; is this a typical arrangement and what is the best practice strategy for these openings?

I found an old PDF from Altor showing how to wire inertia sensors (I can't post a link but the file was "ALTOR DUAL PLUS SINGLE WIRING.pdf" and was on thread 2056653196 "Best use of a 4 core cable"). In this scheme, normal resistance is 4k7, tamper results in an open circuit and either shock or reed opening result in a 9k4 resistance. Is this an acceptable way to wire them for a Siemens panel? Since the inertia and reed sensor are indistinguishable from the wiring am I correct to assume that the panel is calling rapid fluctuations as being due to the inertia sensor but a stable 9k4 resistance as the window opening?

Finally, I am currently on firmware version 3.45. Is there anywhere that a self-installer can get SPC panel firmware upgrades from or is do you have to be registered with Siemens?

Thanks in advance... Z

You can also if you have enough cores split up the contact and shock to separate zones.

zagadka

So, I have upgraded my panel firmware to 3.6.5 (thanks very much KoolKid) and now I am getting the following error message:

> The firmware in this panel is not supported by SPC Pro...
> Please upgrade your SPC panel firmware before reconnecting...
> Current Firmware version in panel = 3.6.5 - R.19700

Presumably this actually means I need to upgrade SPC Pro (currently 3.4.5). Is that correct? Is there a source where normal people can get it?

Also, I am going to change my old Aritech 611 inertias; what are peoples opinions of the mechanical inertias (Aritech 711) vs an electronic one such as the Texecom Impaq?

Thanks... Z

KoolKid

I will send you the newer version of Spc pro.
I would recommend GS613 from UTC (Aritech)

zagadka

Wonderful, that has worked perfectly. Thanks very much KoolKid.

Out of curiosity, what is it that you prefer the 613? Do you find them more reliable than the electronic inertias or is the extra cores that you don't like?

KoolKid

More reliable, easier wiring & more space.

zagadka

Good to know, thanks... m

Frank Tp

Hi koolkid,
Just finished installing one of these with some help from a knowledgeable electrician friend of mine and all is nicely up and running with the exception of registering it with the portal.
I spotted your post on the newer GE and portal changes and was wondering if you could pm me the new FW for both the panel and the SPC PRO ( looks like I need both judging from the thread)

Btw, I have a sizeable z-wave installation that is growing and plan to use my Home Center 2 to arm and disarm the alarm as well as report notifications. If anybody is in the same space please PM me your interest and I'll let you know how I get one.

Secondly ( and this might be common practice but I have never seen it so forgive the post...)
I spray painted the door and window sensors to match the respective colours of the frames and surfaces and you can hardly see them now. I got the two RAL colors and got the spray paint made up from a company in cork. If you are starting a installation it may be worth the effort. I'll try and attach pictures.

Thanks
Frank

KoolKid wrote: »

I will send you the newer version of Spc pro.
I would recommend GS613 from UTC (Aritech)

KoolKid

If you have the panel up and running on 360 or higher you can just register the panel to your spc connect account. What problems are you having there?

I have pmed you the latest spc pro.

Frank Tp

Hi,
Was the upgrade process straight forward enough ?
Any tips/tricks I should watch out for .. currently running 3.4.5

Thanks

zagadka wrote: »

So, I have upgraded my panel firmware to 3.6.5 (thanks very much KoolKid) and now I am getting the following error message:

> The firmware in this panel is not supported by SPC Pro...
> Please upgrade your SPC panel firmware before reconnecting...
> Current Firmware version in panel = 3.6.5 - R.19700

Presumably this actually means I need to upgrade SPC Pro (currently 3.4.5). Is that correct? Is there a source where normal people can get it?

Also, I am going to change my old Aritech 611 inertias; what are peoples opinions of the mechanical inertias (Aritech 711) vs an electronic one such as the Texecom Impaq?

Thanks... Z

KoolKid

Easy enough. Do you have engineer access?
Remember to download a backup of the config file before you start. 345 to 360 is a major rewrite of the browser.

Frank Tp

thanks

I have engineer access and will perform a backup and will download a copy as you suggest.
looking forward to see how the new UI looks

I'll try and give it a shot this evening

KoolKid wrote: »

Easy enough. Do you have engineer access?
Remember to download a backup of the config file before you start. 345 to 360 is a major rewrite of the browser.

KoolKid

No bother. If you get stuck give me a shout.;)

DublinDilbert

KoolKid wrote: »

Hi
Yes the best practice on the windows would be to wire contacts to all openings. These can be seriesed into the existing loops.
Your understanding of the duel wiring and how it works is correct. The Siemens Panel can configure what resistor can be used. This can be programmed individually on a per zone basis.
You can upgrade the panel yourself via the browser. I will PM you the new firmware files.
When you upgrade to and beyond 3-6-0 the browser compleatly changes and you then use the new app and portal Spc Connect.
In the coming weeks SPC Connect.com will also upgrade giving you polling and notifications in the event of network fails.
This is server end. You will not have to upgrade further.
Before you upgrade the panel make sure you download a backup of the config file.

Hi, would you be able to send me the firmware and new version of spc pro too?

KoolKid

PMed you that.

zagadka

Hi Guys, All is working pretty well except for the external bell (which I deliberately left until last to fit). I can't get it work...

There is no voltage between either EX+ / EX- or IN+ / IN-. There is ~13V between each of the positives and the auxiliary 0V and a few mV between each of the negatives and the auxiliary 0V; it looks like the 0V is floating. Is there a setting or bridge I need to make to get an output on these terminals or is it duff?

Thanks... Z

toffimeister

KoolKid wrote: »

PMed you that.

Just received a SPC4320 with old firmware. Can you PM me latest firmware please?

Thanks,

toffimeister

KoolKid

No problem.:)
I PMed you everything you need.

Gavoh

Hi Koolkid
You've helped so many people, I wondered if you could help me?
I have a Signet 200 with 1.4b firmware and would like to upgrade to SPC firmware and get the 4220 to the latest Firmware as well.
Could you supply the files I would need as you have for so many.
Many Thanks

KoolKid

PMed you everything you need.
Any bother give me a shout.

Gavoh

you're a hero KoolKid.
thank you very much for your help.
😊

KoolKid

Your welcome. Did you get all set up with SPC Connect?
Remember to enable network in notifications and edit the SPC Connect ATS polling to Category 4 for 3 minute notifications on network fail.

Gavoh

All upgraded to 3.6.6 with no problems.
I can connect via SPC Connect on PC and mobile apps.
ATS polling set to Cat 4 as you adviced, great for notification of bband down and up.
Again thanks for the help.

KoolKid

Your welcome. That panel has some excellent features.Enjoy.

Lauvring

Hey Koolkid - can you help me with the firmware and new version of spc pro too?

KoolKid

Hi
I sent you a PM with everything you need.

trav

Hi,

Just installed an SPC 4320 at home and would very much appreciate the updated firmware as well. I didn't have a huge amount of time to fiddle with settings but got the system to a user settable state with a few faulty zones disabled. I noticed that the keypad LCD still reads "ENGINEER ACCESS" even though I have completely logged out of the Web interface.

How do I fully exit engineer mode or am I misreading this message?

Many thanks in advance,
Jamie

KoolKid

It just means engineer access is enabled. This can be disabled in the variables settings to require user code to grant engineer access.

trav

Thanks KoolKid, now I get it - engineer can access as opposed to engineer is currently accessing.

Would it be possible to PM the latest firmware?

KoolKid

No problem. What version is on the panel at the moment?

trav

Sorry for delay - just got a chance to check it: Version 3.4.5.

Interesting that I could not open the web interface under Chrome due to an SSL error - I presume this is related to the security breach on the lower firmware versions? Something to note anyway if anyone else sees this problem. It opens under IE fine.

KoolKid

I PMed you those Files.
Upgrade in order
360
365
366

Its a major rewrite of the browser. Back up & download the config file before you start.

trav

Thanks a million KoolKid - worked without a hitch. I can also now access via Chrome again (without enabling SSL3).

KoolKid

No problem. Have you got SPC Connect set up?
Make sure to enable notifications ,including network for polling fails.
You can adjust the polling times by editing the ATS >ATP and set polling to Cat 4 or 5 for 3 minute polling or lower.

trav

That's the next job on the list. I started the registration process but it was looking for a panel ID so I presume I will need to open the panel again and look for a PCB sticker or something? Will go at again this evening when I'm home.

KoolKid

Panel ID is shown in the browser under
Communications... FlexC... ATS

trav

Ok thanks. I had assumed it would be a physical label in order to avoid hacking your way into an SPC Connect registration - presume Siemens have put some thought into this though ;-)

trav

All done, SPC Connect set up and working as well. I managed to fit a home-plug into the panel as well for Ethernet access - will send a picture if anyone is interested. Fits exactly beside a 7Ah battery on a single socket with a shallow flush-box.

Thanks again to KoolKid for all the help.

KoolKid

Your welcome.
Interested to see that pic and how it worked out.

trav

Here it is!

KoolKid

Interesting.
What size back box did you use?
How slim is that adapter? (Just wondering would TP links fit)

DublinDilbert

A single trailing socket might be even smaller again.

KoolKid

You could hardwire something like these into the mains supply.

But the cost would be a fair bit dearer.

trav

It's one of these: DHP-509AV

Works fine, connected immediately no setup, just plugged one into router and the other into the panel and there it was.

The socket box is the shallowest you will normally get in a Wholesaler - 16mm. you have to route the wires around the socket terminals to get it to close. With that I'd say there's around 3mm clearance with the panel lid closed.

I was actually looking for a trailing socket but quite hard to find and a socket and flush box is probably cheaper.

trav

That adapter is 37mm deep from the socket faceplate, BTW - doesn't seem to be on the specs.

KoolKid

Looks like TP Links would be fine too.

With its new ultra-compact housing design, TL-PA411KIT is much smaller than TP-LINK’s legacy mini 500Mbps Powerline Products. At just 28.5mm thick, it nearly blends completely in front of any power outlet.