Communications Products FAQ

Please make sure your configurator software is up to date.

1. Download the latest TX3-Configuratoion and Monitoring software from our website.
2. Turn off all your firewalls, moreover, uninstall all third-party anti-virus software.
3. Install the latest software by clicking ‘run as administrator’.

No

Yes, they can be integrated as slave panel in the existing network of TX3 panel. The firmware of all the panels should be version 3.7.XX and above.

No, you cannot downgrade the firmware in the TX3-256 panel.

Before replacing to new panels, please make sure:

1. None of the existing panels in your network are TX3-version 1 models (MD-951; MD-934; MD-955).
2. All panels must be upgraded to version 3.7.XX and above.

Mircom had to perform interim changes in all TX3 panels to overcome supply chain issues which were caused due to pandemic. The TX3-256 models will require:

1. A separate IP-256 module, which can be mounted outside the panel. You will require to add this module as separate device in the panel.
2. It will require latest configurator software 2.13.11 and above.
3. Our TX3-256 models are not compatible with our first-generation models (MD-951; MD-934; MD-955).
4. All the other panels in the RS-485 network should be upgraded to firmware 3.7.XX and above order to communicate with the panel.
5. It does not have guard phone module.

Please check the MD-XXXX and the panel model. Our TX3-256 panels are not compatible with traditional IP module. Few interim changes had to be made on all TX3 panels to overcome supply chain issues which were caused due to pandemic. The IP add on board is replaced with TX3-IP-256/TX3-IP-NP-256 modules.

Video/GUI issue:

Ensure that the Video screen saver is of the same format as the TXTOUCH’s default screen saver and that the resolution of the video-screensaver is the same resolution as the default screen saver.

• Since the TXTOUCH unit is network connected via RS485, you must tell it to update its tables from the telephone card. From this please go directly to the unit, open the TXTOUCH to its configurator and check the  “Auto get Job”; then
• Restart unit and re-send the configuration file.

• Wrong admin password:

Under “ More Options” folder, ensure that the configurator’s admin password is the same as the admin password of the TXTOUCH’s unit. For more information, please see Instruction Manual

Yes, this can be done within the “More Options” menu. Complete all requirements for email outgoing messaging and ensure that all tenants’ records have email accounts for full functionality. For more information, please see Instruction Manual

• Yes, you simply go to advance>>”more Options”>>Resident Groups to separate the tenants into groups. Ensure that the tenant’s records are organized via dial codes. For more information, please see Instruction Manual.

• Yes, you simply use the configurator’s Touch Screen>>Video banner’s folder to upload your new video. Ensure that the video is of the same Video format as the default screensaver for operational assurance.

Yes, you simply connect to the all TX3-series system via the configurator. You simply use the IPtool to find their IP addresses. Once done, you configure and connect. From there you can change the display, color to tenant’s update instantly with ease.

Yes, all that is needed is to either us a Grand Stream SIP services for VOIP integration and use OnSip Video compression compatibility ( H.264). For more information please see Instruction Manual

Yes, All Mircom’s telephone access systems are trilingual and can be easily converted to French or Spanish. Please consult the instruction manual for further understanding.

• Check “Main Door Sec Code” option from programming. If you have any value set there it will override the general DTMF (9). If there is no value set for “Main Door Sec Code” you need to check the “Main Door DTMF” is set to 9 or not.
• Check that you hear a tone at the entry panel speaker when the resident presses 9. If no tone is heard, try another phone set for the occupant to use.

3333

Send an email to Mircom Technical Support at [email protected] with the following info:

• Panel Model
• Panel ID
• Contact info for the person who is handing the programming for the panel
• Address the telephone entry panel is located at ___

It is blank. Leave the password field empty and click log in.

Make sure that your Windows Security is updated (Please see P2 of Access Control).  If the issue remains, please contact our Tech Support.

The following could be the cause:

1. Line load balance issue: “ DTMF” sensitivity issue: go to “ advance folder” and adjust the DTMF sensitivity to “7” then test. If worst; then
2. Adjust DTMF sensitivity to “4”; if helped and now fewer calls issue still occurs; then
3. Call your provider to change out the line card ( load balance issue); or
4. Remove the DSL service from the line. The line MUST BE a POTS line.

Change telephone line demarcation point.

• SQL connectivity /fragment issue:
  • Ensure that TXTOUCH is power protected from the Building’s power feed via an UPS:

Replace CFAST due to corrupted database and/ or ODBC data links.

• Ensure that your comport, modem attached, has a bit rate of 38400 and that the flow control is set to “none”;
• Check the comports VCC to be measured not less than 4.9Vdc.

• Power , environmental and ground issues:
  • Ensure proper –steady voltage feed to the Telephone unit sheafed within its own cable;
  • Ensure that the ground wire is a 18AWG/Stranded ( minimum) to the building’s bond as per NEC standards;
  • Ensure that Telephone line is ran within its separate sheaf;
  • Ensure that the ribbon cable is not pinched; and
  • If the unit is outside, then ensure that the unit is properly shielded from the elements, a separate heater feed is installed within the unit’s housing and that no water can enter the unit;
• If the above is complete and keypads Latency persists then change out the keypad.

• USB/RS485 module and Rs485 bus is connected together. The USB/RS485 Module connection to the PC should be one-to-one connected and not mutually connected to the main RS485 BUS;
  • Separate the two RS485 lines;

RS485 BUS is separate from the USB/RS485óPC connection.

• Power/Firmware related:
  • Replace the power supply with a 40VA power supply and ensure that it is not shared with any other loads; and

Update the firmware.

• Load/MIC issue through wear and tear and or power variance:
  • Remove all additional loads feeding from the board ( Cameras,attached module, etc);
    • Place a call, if it did not change, then measure the voltage on the MIC ( Voltage should be around 5 vdc);
    • Disconnect MIC from the main board and measure impedance ( should be around 1.2KOhms.

Replace the board if voltage supply to the MIC is below 4.5Vdc or replace keypad if Mic impedance is not 1.2Kohms.

• The ribbon and or the keypad issue:
  • Power recycle the unit then try to connect:

If the unit comes back online, then Key pad or ribbon connector will require change-out at a later date. If it happens again, replace the keypad and ribbon cable

• Data fragmentation issue:
  • OS drivers are corrupted from Environmental effects and wear and tear;

Replace CFAST.

• Temperature issue:

The Lithium Crystal Display is freezing up. Ensure that the system has and inside heater ( on a different power supply) has been installed within the TX3-8U/C unit.

• Dipswitch #7 issue: telephone panel at the TXTOUCH:
  • At the TXTOUCH, open the unit. Press the Black button to soft-shutdown the system;

Positioned at the top right general area, on the Telephony board ( MD-1086)-Right-upper-mid of the MD-1086 assert dip-switch#7 . Then turn the system back on

• ground issues: ( unbalance line loads)
  • Isolate all Telephone, Access control and Elevator Restriction power supply system from the elevator supply system; and

Isolate all communication and shield ground points from the elevator ground points.

• European Phone with different Dual Tone separation-resolution issue:
  • Tell client that all N.A phones must be FCC compliant; OR

Use international analog/VOIP converter with new VOIP service to reconvert DTMF signalling to N.A standards.

• Continuity issue:

Verify the demarcation patch point is causing the issue and then re-punch-down;

• Line load issue: do the following:
  • Remove all the telephone units connected to the single Tip and Ring Line:
    • Problem is resolved: verify what unit is overloading the system and replace; OR
    • Ensure that a maximum of 4 Telephone Access is connected to one Tip and Ring Line.

• Tip and Ring Bi-directional signalling is not differential or in-ground current noise issue:
  • Install a 0.1 Micro farad capacitor in series to the Tip. Then line test:
    • If the signal/noise improves then Line is unbalance. Request Line Card change-out; OR
  • Disconnect Tip and Ring from the module. Measure the voltage ( potential) between Tip and Chassis ground. If voltage exceeds 2.0-2.5 volts:
    • then run a 10AWG/Stranded cable from the telephone access unit to the communication demarcation point to ensure voltage drops to approximately 0 potential difference; OR

Change out the power supply. Ensure the power supply ground is connected to the power ground and not the communication ground.

• AM carrier is coupling on the ground lines ( Tip and Ground) and then demodulated via the telephone bridge . The following should occur:
  • Verify that board has the current Board revision ( Mircom installed a notch filter removing the prominent carrier wave). If the board is not of current Revision, change out the board; or
  • Install an isolation telephone line transformer between the board’s ground and telephone line. Ensure that no other grounds are connected to the board and that the casing is not connected the Telephone’s metal casing; or

Use a analog/VOIP service to service the lines through the internet instead of analog lines.

• TXTOUCH screen is not receiving enough power caused by the following:
  • The voltage, at the TXTOUCH input is below voltage. Increase the voltage by adjusting the adjustable power supply to the required 24 VDC voltage;
  • The 120VAC power feed to the Power module is reversed. Change out the power module and ensure that that the hot of 120VAC is properly tide the right side; and

TXTOUCH’s power module is damaged from generator testing. Replace the power module and protect the TXTOUCH by installing a UPS.

• A solid ground point is a 6 AWG stranded ground wire feeding a room and coming from the building’s bond point ( Building bond- a point where all building corners has the same equipotential point)

• There is a short between the A+ and the B- connection to the RS485;
  • Check the lines;
• Camera supply ( on board) is deregulating the 5V DC DC Converter. Remove the camera supply from the system and restart system, including the board. Telephone module is over loading the 5v DC DC supply:
  • Replace the main board;
• TXTOUCH system is not UPS power protected from the Building’s unregulated power supply;
  • Change telephony board, verify if database is conserved and install a UPS;

Yes, it is important and required as per NEC as well as FCC regulations. The telephone access unit should and must be grounded to the same communication bond point as the Building’s communication equipment. A confirmatory test to determine if the communication bond is the same ground point as the telephone ground is by measuring the voltage ( in ONHK mode)between the Tip and the equipment ground. The potential between the two points should be as low as possible ( 0>x<275-300mV).

No, the Tip and Ring Telephone lines does not matter how you connect then to the line connector. Tip/Ring for connector one and Ring/Tip for connector two.

Displays can become blank because of poor ground issues. Make sure the TX3 telephone entry panel’s chassis is connected to a GOOD ground point (<50 ohms) and power cycle the panel. The display should come back.

• Door strike power supply gets connected to the “Door Supply” terminal and the AC/DC door strike gets connected to “AC Door” or “DC Door”. Ensure that you use a separate power supply for powering the door strike.

• If you are controlling the front main entrance with a Non Mircom access control system, only tie a two wire connection for activating the front main door. The door strike power supply will be supplied by the access control system.

• If you are using a Mircom’s access control system, then no wires are needed to activate the door strike. For more information please read the instruction Manual.

24VDC, 5 Amp switching power supply per unit

All TX3 telephone entry/per  unit and access control/ per unit are running off a (PS-4P) 40 VAC power supply.

Yes, Mircom is highly flexible to the client’s needs and can perform custom manufacturing requirements depending on job and task requirements. Please contact a Mircom rep to determine the viability of product customization.

Yes, they can. This can easily be done within the configurator configuration. For more information, please see instruction Manual.

No, This is a customize software configuration consideration and can only be customized by Mircom at an additional cost. Installing OEM software on TXTOUCH systems will void warranty.

• The lockset is not communicating with the HUB to validate the request of entry:
  • Restablish hub-to-lockset communication with the device via:
    • Changing out the batteries and or re-syncing the HUB to the Lockset.

NOTE: Use the Super-user card to gain access into the unit before re-syncing the lockset with the HUB.

• Use dipswitch setting on back of the HUBs to RS485 configure the HUBs, press refresh;

NOTE: Use dipswitches for the HUBS to organize the RS485 HUB addresses;

Upload the encryption key before you can create a configuration file and connect to the HUB(s) and Locksets;

• Verify Hub RS485 communication with the TX-CX-A-8 panel. Light indicator should be double green flashing, ( indicating communicating with Lockset and controller);
  • If previous is true, then relocate the lockset near the Hub. Fresh scan. When you see the lockset, right-click and sync;
  • Relocate the HUB to be line-of-sight to lockset for continuous operation;
• Verify that Lockset has sufficient battery power;
• Verify that no EMI devices ( vending machine, 2.5GHz telephone system) are not within 0-25 feet of the Lockset;
• Verify that Lockset is properly installed and safely powered;
• Verify that the HUB is a maximum of 50 ft and separated by a maximum of 2 construction drywall walls;
• If you do not see the lockset with your RF dongle, position the laptop in front of the lockset and sync unit;
• Verify that the Hub is LED flashing Red/Green;

If not, then verify wiring ( you should see and sync with the HUB);

• Ensure that the Card Reader has a TX3-IP module board installed on the main access control board;
• Network connect to the panel;
• Port forward the associated IP address and Port :14000 for that panel within the router;
• Write DNS_name:14000 within the ip address field.

For more, please see Instruction Manual

• Line Noise:
  • Verify that all units have proper RS485 connections and that no stubs are used on the RS485 lines preventing thorough data updates;
  • Verify that all units have proper Beldon RS485 cabling;
  • Verify that there are no in ground- loops ( cable shield should be tied to one end only and that no shields are connected to the middle RS485 connector;
  • All communication grounding; cable shields; are one-point tied to a quiet ground point;
  • Verify that all communication hubs ( for large aggregate communication equipment points) are mutually tied together with the appropriate awg cable ( 14-12 AWG/Stranded) to a common building bond point as per NEC part 68 requirements;
  • Ensure that all power grounds for these aggregate Hubs are tied to one common neutral point;
  • Ensure that there are no stubs feeding from the Bus line;
  • Verify that the RS485 lines are not to long ( maximum of 1.2KM ( for two nodes)-too <500M for more than 15 nodes);
  • Verify that End-Of-the-Line ( EOL) connectors are connected at either end to reduce line noise when transmitting; and

Verify that the IP network has no through-put issues.

• Communication Signal/Noise issue ( see U5 below) for RS485 ;
• Ensure that Network cabling have proper one-to-one pin assignments as per T568A or T568B pin outs; and

Ensure that the network does not have through-put issues or network bottle-necks.

Controller registries of last update entries are not registering- communication issue.
• Verify that you properly connected the RS485 line to each panel units and that no lines are crossed;
• Ensure that EOL ( End-Of-The-Line) resistors are property terminated on the RS485 network; and
• Visit U5, below for more information on network RS485 stability.

• Set the date/time for the panel to today’s time and date.
• The unit did not receive its full configuration file. Individual send the full file to the unit, after updating the time and date;

Ensure that there is only one unique card ID#, FCC# and not two. In most cases, the configurator would dis-allow multiple card entries. However corrupted files may be too corrupted to distinguish identical card IDs.

• ensure that the full configuration and updated time and date has been individually sent to the panel upon firmware update or after schedule update;
• Ensure that the access point’s “auto-unlock schedule” is set to “always”;
• Ensure that the evening-night scheduling is split into two schedules;
• Ensure that the firmware to the controller is up-to-date; and

Ensure that the configurations were sent to the controller with no failures.

• Click on the access point, within the left GUI Pane. Then, associated to “Auto-unlock schedule” select “ always”. Finally send the configuration to the panel.

For more information please see the Instruction manual.

Circuit Supervision is used to alert the operator the continuity state of a cable. You must use 22KOhm resistors in series and /Or in parallel to distinguish from short, Open and short/Open supervision. For more information please see the Instruction manual.

A correlation is used to generate an action based on an input or condition. For more info, please see instruction manual.

The user access level defines the ability to have authorized access through a restricted point or area. Access levels can be found within the left GUI pane.

You connect a card access panel up with a reader type ( compatible to the unknown card) then check one box at a time then swipe to see if you see the ID number on the event viewer. Continue the process until the card number is visible. If the card does not make the card reader beep then you do not have the right card reader type corresponding to the card.

Ensure that only one administrator is using his/hers database to update the network and not more than one administrator. If you have to administrator with two separate databases, then please perform a “GET” before updating the system. Once update is complete, use “SEND” to push the updated configuration to the units/or nodes.

“3333” is the installer’s code for configuration changes to be allowed.

Note: to get to the installer’s level, the client must first dial “9999”

• Send an email to Mircom Technical Support at [email protected] with the following info:
• Panel Model
• Panel ID
• Contact info for the person who is handing the programming for the panel
• Address the telephone entry panel is located at ___.

Note: There is no way to recover the passcode. The panels will have to be factory reset at Mircom.

• Disable all security features before installing the configurator and set “ user account Control settings” to minimal before installing the Configurator;
• if you have already SQL database ensure that the “sa” account has no password;
• If the previous has been confirmed then ensure that you have administration rights before installing the software;
• Make sure that your Windows Security is updated.  If the issue remains, please contact our Tech Support.

• Power cycle the panel leaving the USB cable plugged in (If there is a battery/UPS connected please disconnect it).
• Ensure that the USB-Comport driver is properly installed within the used laptop/PC;
• If the above has been confirmed then restart your computer

• Measure the card reader’s voltage. If the voltage ( 12Vdc-to-signal ground) is below 10 Vdc ( when cable is connected and not connected), then card reader port is burnt from unknown causes;

Card reader or Card reader cable is damage.

• Verify that your panel is properly connected to the router ( via any switches) and that both the green and orange light, on the IPmodule is randomly flashing ( as if communicating with a router;
• Verify the pinouts to the patch network cable to be one-to-one Type A or Type B network pin-out assignment ( use a cable tester to determine its proper one-to-one communication);
• Ensure that the IP-Module is properly plugged into the TX3-CX-2-A’s board;
• Ensure that your router has DHCP assigned IP range of reserve IP addresses;
• Ensure that your router’s firewall allows network connections of new peripheral devices;
• Ensure that your configured laptop is on the same LAN as the device you are trying to connect too;
• Ensure that 14000 and 8080 ports are not taken/used for that LAN;
• Ensure that your IPV4 configurations ( on your laptop) sees the LAN- verify that you can ping the router;
• Ensure that the panel is not connected through a VPN ( there will be latency communication issues disallowing you to see the panel);
• Ensure that you have 3.1.22 and above for IP connectivity assurance. ( If not that use USB to firmware update your panel);
• Ensure that the LAN has enough bandwidth to accommodate the newly installed panel;
• Ensure that no other OEM VNC-type application is installed on your laptop or installed on the TXTOUCH causing ODBC disruption;
• Ensure that your TCP/IP-V4 WINS has Netbios over TCP/IP enabled;
• Ensure that the Configurator software is properly installed;
• ensure that the SQL connectivity is set for both TCP and ODBC connectivity;
• Ensure that there is no IP address conflict;
• Ensure that both the IP and RS485 addresses are correct; and
• Ensure that port forwarding is properly configured for remote accessing ( if required).

• RS485 Collision issue: a node is remaining in transmission state:
  • Measure the A+-common, and B—Common voltage ( should be around 2.5Vdc each leg) for all units;
    • Isolate each panel from the BUS before measuring;

Once you determine the faulty panel, upgrade the firmware to the panel. Use direct USB connection to the panel for firmware upgrade after recycling the power. Then put the panel back online. Ensure that the panel is properly grounded.

The output dry contact can wear with time. Tx3-series Dry SPDT UL operation zones are : 0.5Amp@120VAC to 5Amp@30Vdc and have Mean Time Between Failure of 1,800 cycles per hour or a total of 50,000 operations in one life time (100days @ 500 door opens per day). A typical SPDT relay wear points is the contact between the contact or continuity between “ common” and “NO” or “NC” . After a while, in high traffic zones the resistance exceeds the input sensing of the device. From that, all that is required is to change dry-SPDT relay point for immediate corrective action. Other factors associated to dry-SPDT relay wear is high current feeds. In some cases, it’s the high inductive rush current that causes dry-SPDT relay failure. In this case, examination of the inrush current should be measured if fast relay wear has been noted.

Yes, Absolutely, the Snubber circuit eliminates abnormal and harmful reactive current surges through wet and output relays. Without Snubber circuits, relays will not or eventually fail after experiencing relay jitter ( for dry relays) and/or raised ground voltage levels ( through wet relays causing abnormal electronic operational failures). These reactive effects increases with increasing magnetic flux ( the core holding strength to MAGLOCK systems).

For the TX3 series card access panels you have 2 powered/wet outputs #7 and #8 that supplies a 12Vdc ( solid-state) 1 amp-shared for door strikes and maglocks, within fire code requirements.

No, unfortunately, it is the installer’s responsibility to conduct a respectable site feasibility study, with appropriate product recommendations, based on the study, to determine what is required to ensure system stability

Their should be a 24VDc, 5 AMP power supply used to power 4-to-5 access control modules.

All TX3 telephone entry/per  unit and access control/ per unit are running off a (PS-4P) 40 VAC power supply.

We have a three year warranty from the date of purchase. However, if the cause of the damage was caused by feasibility site neglect then warranty can be void.

If you bought the panel through a distributor you need to go to them for the RMA process.

If you bought the panel directly from us please go to our website (www.mircom.com), click on support, Customer care, RMA: Submit Return Material Authorization and follow the instruction.

Please contact our sales team for the requirements of our preferred dealer program.

Connect to the panel using the default level 3 passcode of 9999. Once connected go to monitoring>right click on the Voice Entry System>Set Passcode>Enter the old and new passcode and press OK. Your passcode should change successfully.
The level 3 passcode can also be changed from the front keypad. For more info, please see instruction manual.

Note: This must be done to ensure the security of your site.