What cellular service providers can I use?
The Rescue GSM is GSM (General System for Mobile Communications) based cellular service using the AT&T or T-Mobile networks. We provide the SIM card ready for activation using T-Mobile’s network. You may also go direct with AT&T or T-Mobile service if you choose but their fees are as high as $30.00 per month for Voice only service.
Why are some companies still selling 3G devices?
These companies either have left over inventory or bought up remaining old inventory at a huge discount and are now trying to liquidate the product for a quick profit. Be aware of these companies trying to lock you in on a term contract. 3G is set to sunset later in 2020 so your device will need to be replaced at an additional cost.
Are Rescue GSM products UL or Agency Listed?
No, at this time nothing in this communication configuration is agency listed from your current emergency phone(s) to the phone company land lines or cable providers communications gateway in use at the facility.
What is 4G VoLTE?
VoLTE stands for Voice over the LTE network. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution.
Does Rescue GSM work with Rath Microtech products?
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the 2100-907RA, 2100-957RA, 2100-957CC, SmartPhone VI, SmartPhone V, SmartPhone IV, III, II series, Smart Rescue, 2400-2109 Series, 2300 series emergency phones.
Does Rescue GSM work with Schindler elevator phones?
Yes, Schindler uses Rath Microtech emergency phones in their elevator cars.
Does Rescue GSM work with Viking Electronics emergency phones?
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the E-30-EWP, E-1600A, E-1600A-EWP and E-1600-30A emergency phones.
Does Rescue GSM work with Kone elevator phones?
Yes, Rescue GSM works with Kone box style and grill mount emergency phones.
Does Rescue GSM work with Thyssen Krupp elevator phones?
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the Avire – Janus, PBD, PND, PNB, PSM, PSS and PSL emergency phones.
Does Rescue GSM work with Otis elevator phones?
Yes, Rescue GSM works with Otis emergency phones but requires our add-on FXS power boost module or part number: RGSM-PB.
Does Rescue GSM work with Wurtec elevator emergency phones?
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the Wurtec S3 Communicator.
What is an Analog or POTS line?
The meaning of POTS is Plain Old Telephone Service. These phone lines have been around for 100 years and were commonly used for the facility’s general telephone service, fire alarm panel and elevator phones. POTS lines also have a 38-52 Volt output often powering the elevator phone and keeping the fire panel in a normal condition. This power was generated from the phone company’s Central Office and generally provided consistent power even if the facility lost power.
When are POTS lines going away?
They are being dismantled at a fast pace and will be phased out by 2022. Many areas no longer offer POTS line service especially at new construction sites.
What are VoIP Phone Lines?
VoIP or Voice Over IP are digital phone lines and don’t have the same voltage properties and frequency signature as an analog line making it difficult for fire alarms and emergency phones to successfully deliver the call.
Why can’t I just hang an old cell phone in my elevator, it will dial 911 with no plan?
NFPA-72 and IBC require hands free communication with an option for the dispatcher to call the emergency phone back and reach the caller. The other problem, the cell device must display its phone number via Caller ID. That is how the account is pulled up at the dispatch center.
Will Rescue GSM Maintain service on our SIM cards?
Yes, please contact us for more information.
Can I use the Rescue GSM for my fire alarm communications?
No, its not rated for that use but there are other cellular products that are. Please contact us for more details.
Can I use a Wireless Home Phone adapter from my cellular provider?
No, these devices don’t have the proper parameters to end the call from the Emergency Phone. There are procedures done by the emergency dispatch center to terminate the call. These devices can also tie up and put that emergency phone line at the dispatch center out a service for a significant period-of-time delaying other incoming emergencies. We have built these protocols into the Rescue GSM.
Are there any contracts associated with Rescue GSM products?
No, our device is open source, unlocked and can be used with any monitoring station.
What is the cost savings of eliminating my POTS lines and using a Rescue GSM?
The average cost of a POTS/Analog phone ranges between $80.00 to $110.00 per line/per month.
Can I use the Rescue GSM for my Area of Refuge or 2-Way Communications system?
Yes, these emergency phones are very similar to elevator emergency phones and will give you the opportunity to terminate the dedicated POTS/Analog phone line for a significant cost savings.
Does the Rescue GSM have a back-up battery?
Yes, in the event of a power failure our device will provide back-up power for 24-Hours.
Can I mount the Rescue GSM stock antenna outdoors?
Yes, the antenna that comes with the device is weather proof and rated to go outdoors if needed.
How does the Rescue GSM meet code requirements for Area of Rescue/2-Way Communications?
In the 2004G LTE-A has a built-in UPS with Relay outputs for Low Battery and AC Fail that can be monitored by the facility’s fire alarm panel. This meets current IBC and NFPA-72 code requirements.
What is the phone line voltage output on the Rescue GSM?
48-Volts, very similar to a POTS/Analog phone line.
Does the Rescue GSM work with all phone line verifiers found in newer facilities?
Yes, these devices are supervising line voltage, line quality and frequency signature.
Can I use the Rescue GSM for my Entry Intercom System?
Yes, this device will work great and give you the opportunity to terminate the POTS/Analog phone line for a cost savings. Our device however does not accommodate remote programming of users. Contact us with further questions and options regarding this.
How do I know if the Rescue GSM will work in my facility?
We recommend you go to this link first, find your location and check local coverage.
https://www.tmobile.com/coverage/coveragemap?icid=WMM_TM_P_19NETWORK_Q2EIOTKP0S8NTPUM18175
Then, check you’re your cell phone coverage in the area you wish to install it, starting at the D-Marc location. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have very similar network infrastructure so test with one of these phones. US Cellular and Sprint may not show accurate results.
Can the Rescue GSM be used in a commercial, new construction application?
Yes, this is the perfect time to install the device for optimum cellular coverage.
Can I connect all my elevator phones into one Rescue GSM?
You can if you use a phone line combiner. This prioritizes and connects the emergency calls.
Can I use one Rescue GSM for both elevator and Area of Rescue/2-Way Communications?
No, these are two different emergency services and each require their own phone line or Rescue GSM.
Where does the Rescue GSM get installed in my facility?
The best location to install this is at the telephone company D-Marc (demarcation) point. This is where your phone service enters the facility and typically where the elevator/other emergency phone lines terminate. This device is not intended to be installed in the elevator car, shaft or equipment room unless you are licensed to work in these areas. However, the final location for installation depends on quality cellular service.
Can I extend the antenna cable on the Rescue GSM?
You can, but often its easier to remote the device and run a CAT-6 back to the phone block or D-Marc.
Can I mount the Rescue GSM outdoors?
Yes, but first you will need a NEMA Rated or weather proof outdoor enclosure. In colder climates you will need an enclosure heater strip. Contact us for more details.
Why are similar companies trying to sell me monitoring under contract with their Cellular Device?
The truth of the matter is many times you already have monitoring which is included under your Elevator Service Agreement. Canceling monitoring doesn’t offer a cost savings and you end up paying for an unnecessary service. The companies we are aware of that include elevator monitoring with their service agreements are: Schindler, Otis, Thyssenkrupp and Kone.
Can my local fire/police department or public safety dispatch center monitor my emergency phones?
Yes, many fire and police dispatch centers will now monitor your emergency phones at no charge, but you must first get approval. We recommend you start with contacting your fire inspector or calling the non-emergency phone number for your local fire department.
Can I use AT&T and other Cable Providers new Fiber POTS service?
Yes, providing you meet the following requirements.
All Emergency Phones now require a 4-Hour rated UPS on the service gateway at the premise for emergency stand-by power. Inspectors across the country are now checking for this. Meeting the latest code requirements is very expensive and challenging making Rescue GSM a preferred product.
Rescue GSM distributes products to: United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.