Noel's Muses

This process is not as daunting or expensive as it might sound, for example, with Lifts, you're not going to need lengthy and costly service calls, or have downtime to change over the panels, because the system stays the same, it's only the external part, on how it talks to the outside world, that changes. These systems are intelligent, with a lot of electronics behind them, as part of that, the system is pre programmed by the Lift company on who to call in the event of emergency call button activation. These systems usually have a phone lead from them plugged into a telecommunications outlet on a normal PSTN phone line, just like your home phone, as this example shows


In the current set up, when the call button is pressed, it automatically dials the pre determined phone number which usually is the Lift or Security company, it's exactly like if you pick up a normal phone and hit a stored number memory button and sending caller-ID. Most Alarm Systems with B2B monitoring operate the same way, all you need do is make sure it's plugged into a working PSTN line.

And therein lies the problem, the PSTN line, it is the existing copper telecommunications network, which gets completely switched off 18 months after the area is formerly NBN ready. To get around this we need to go wireless - with a 3G or 4G dialler gateway - please, do not consider using VoIP/NBN for such critical infrastructure, somebody's life, maybe your own, may one day depend on that call button on a Lift, or panic button on your Alarm getting through to someone, help can't come if you're internet is down, or high jitter because your Internet is lagged out.

NBN (see PDF) recommends cellular (4G etc) diallers be used for Lifts, Security, and Fire Alarmed Systems, as there is no battery backup on FTTN/FTTB/FTTC, and very limited backup on only some FTTP installs. Reliability is key, and WH&S Laws covering Lifts and Fire must also be consulted.

To overcome the PSTN line problem you first need to purchase a 3G dialler such as the Ness 106-249 4G dialler like the Ness 106-250s single line dialler, this unit ranges in cost from around $170 to $200. At about 18*12*4 cm, it's small enough to fit inside most Lift Control units, it also includes a backup battery capable of powering the unit for two or so hours which meets the requirements under Queensland law where most states are similar and a small external antenna.


** I strongly advise against purchasing cheap diallers or knock-offs from sellers on eBay, always buy from a reputable company with equipment that may save your life

Although the Ness 4G diallers are popular for Alarm and single lift installs, there are alternatives, most of these unfortunately are not as cheap as the Ness units starting at around $700, but offer substantial battery lifetime and extra features, diallers like the Aristel NEOSLIFT1-4G-BM with typically 8 hours plus as well as system status and battery monitoring with SMS notifications. Aristel also provide multi line units for those with several lifts. Because of the extra monitoring and long runtime these units would be more suitable for busy public areas like shopping complexes, where the Ness's are better suited to Alarms and more private lift areas. Just remember that Ness is an Alarm supplier, where the alarm systems would initiate the battery monitoring not the dialler.

Next, purchase a SIM Card compatible with your device for your network, there are established companies that specialise in M2M (Machine to Machine) SIMs that are very well suited for Lifts and Alarms, one such example is M2Mone who at time of writing have very cheap PAYG plans at $1.50 per month, plus per second timed calls, works out to be around 69c a minute - perfect for Lifts and Alarm Systems that mostly sit idle. As touched on earlier, for a B2B Fire/Security Alarms, talk to your B2B company first in case they have a better deal.

** Do not use a normal pre-paid phone service, if credit expires or exceeds purchased value - the Lift Emergency, Security, and Fire Alarm call service will not work

Setting up most diallers is as easy as inserting the SIM, plugging in its external antenna, then unplugging the phone lead coming from your Lift Control unit from the phone wall outlet, and plugging it into the phone socket at the rear of the dialler, power it up, and you're good to go.

Don't forget to let your Lift/Alarm company know you've moved off the PSTN network, they will likely need the new number. Then test the system, and even if it works flawlessly, test again to be absolutely sure.

Your new dialler set up now looks something like this...


A few side notes...

• Make a note of the date the dialler was installed, as with everything with batteries, they need to be replaced eventually, and test them every six months (or more often if your local law requires it).
  
• Add the six and twelve months onto your to do calendar so you don't forget.
  
• Some Lift systems may have their phone cabling hard wired, in this case, you'll need to seek out a Registered Cabler (not an electrician) to sort it out for you.
  
• Work with your lift alarm monitoring service advising them you have a 4G dialler to replace phone line what information do they need to know to ensure smooth transition.
  
• Some lift companies will tell you that you can't do it that way and will try sell you a multi thousand dollar upgrade - which will just be a 4G dialler anyway, so don't take for gospel everything that comes out of a companies mouth, since they have vested interests in selling you new products.
  
• The dialler doesn't have to be located in or even next to the Lift Control system, if the existing phone line is currently wired to an MDF, the dialler can be connected down there, or anywhere in between, for convenience, security and reception.
  
• If this is for a Security Systems, before you go out and get any of this, it's possible your system is already capable of 4G services, either right now, or through purchase of a module or licence upgrade (yeah, I too despise these licence upgrade paths, someone's always out to rip us off every and any way they can).
  
• If you're considering replacing or upgrading your entire Security System, you need to ensure it's 4G capable, if you need, or think one day you might need, back to base monitoring.
  
• As for monitored Fire Alarms, you need to talk to your Fire Alarm Service Provider, your equipment may be under maintenance contract to be replaced by them, or maybe capable of 4G dialler module already.
  
• You might also want to notify your Indemnity Insurance company
  
• I said it above but i'll say it again, after installation - test, and test again.
  

There have been a number of installers using the Ness 3G dialler for Alarms and Lifts in past few years, I myself recommended their use - along with the warning that Telstra for one, will be as of June 2024, turning off its last 3G service, with other carriers to follow sometime after. As of that time most the 3G diallers would have been installed for over 5 to 8 years, If you have a tech offer you a Ness dialler solution in 2020 (onwards) please ensure it is 4G model now reflected below in the updated post. do not accept them installing the older 3G models and be prepared to upgrade your older dialler to 4G.

Hope this explains what needs to change for your Lifts and B2B Alarms. If you have other fixed dialler uses, like Doors, or Taxi phones, you may get away with using VoIP (SIP), but don't take any chances with services that may potentially save a life or property.

Usual Disclaimer: I have no direct relationship with any equipment manufacturer or cellular provider, I offer suggestions and examples based on what is known to work, and at fair and reasonable prices.

This article was originally written in February 2018, but has been updated.


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