General Information
Does anyone still use paging?
Yes, paging is still widely used in both critical services where a time-critical
broadcast transmission is needed (point-to-multipoint) and in non-critical
communications where message delivery is infrequent. It has been proven to be
a reliable, cost-effective delivery method.
What range can I expect?
This depends on many factors, and there is no rule-of-thumb answer. Factors such as antenna type, feeder length, transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, height of the antenna above ground, obstructions, and interference all influence the
maximum distance achievable by a paging system.
Can you log into my system to check the configuration of a product?
No. Salcom’s company security policy does not allow us to access external networks or PCs remotely. Please read the device, save the file, and email it to Salcom to be checked.
What is the maximum power I can use?
A national regulatory body manages the use of the radio spectrum, typically a part of the Government, who plan how frequencies are used, and issue licenses to operate radio equipment. While most frequencies require licenses, some countries have free-to-air channels available that can be used without a license, but these are usually low-power, shared services so should only be used for non-critical systems. Higher power licenses are more strictly controlled requiring consultation with a radio engineer and an annual fee. Salcom encourages anyone intending to operate a transmitter to contact your local radio spectrum management authority for guidance on what frequencies can be used and obtain the correct license.
Where can I get software for older Salcom products?
There is a repository on our website at 1oj.aotai-tech.com/resources-2/programming-software where software for some older products is available. However, we make no guarantees that this software will work on modern operating systems. Additionally, older products often require cable interfaces that are no longer available for purchase, so replacing the product may be necessary.
Which products do you still support?
- All 20-series products.
- Some 12-series, although many have replacements available so, depending on the age of the device, replacement should be considered.
- Some 15-series, depending on the internal modules used.
- Only two from the 11- series, the 11-54 and 11-99.
- None of the 10- series.
Please check the Product Status Sheets on our website at
1oj.aotai-tech.com/resources-2/product-sheets/
Will new Salcom products interface with old ones?
POCSAG paging products will interface with each other, as will SELCALL selective calling products, but our telemetry products (11-76 and 12-76) use unique over-air protocols. Please contact Salcom if you have any queries.
Is the Salcom serial protocol proprietary?
The protocol was developed by Salcom specifically for our product range, but details of the composition are openly available and explained in most of our product user manuals. There are two versions of the Salcom protocol and products made before 2000 use a different format so must be upgraded to a current model.
Why do the products have two baud rate settings?
One is the serial port data rate used by the RS-232 and USB hardware ports.
The other is the POCSAG over-air bit rate transmitted to the receiver: 512, 1200, or 2400 Baud.
Salcom devices use POCSAG-RPC1, what is this?
POCSAG-RPC1 is an acronym for Post Office Code Standards Advisory Group – Radio Paging Code 1 (usually just shortened to POCSAG [Pock-Sag]) and is a standard adopted for paging in 1981 used for paging transmitters and receivers worldwide, including Salcom devices. As it is an international standard, any POCSAG receiver can decode any POCSAG transmitter-provided configuration parameters, such as data rate and type, match.
Do Salcom products support other manufacturers’ serial protocols?
Most of our products support serial paging protocols via serial or programming ports and although we fully support open protocols we only partially support those of other manufacturers in what is called “compatibility” mode. This means although we implement the basics of these protocols to allow our devices to
communicate with theirs to process messages in these formats, not all
functionality is provided
Can Salcom receivers decode other manufacturers’ protocols?
When other manufacturers or associations define their protocols, these are the serial protocols used to communicate between devices such as fire alarm
panels and a transmitter. Examples of these protocols include PET/TAP, TNPP and ESPA4.4.4. The transmitter converts information in these protocols into a POCSAG format for over-air transmission meaning any POCSAG receiver or pager will decode it irrespective of the serial protocol used to generate the initial
message.
How many pages can I use with each transmitter?
As many as you like. Paging a one-way broadcast service so any receiver on the same frequency with a matching CAP code, data rate, and data type will decode the message. This makes paging popular with multi-user services that only need to send one transmission to call one, or one thousand, members.
What is a CAP code?
CAP, or Channel Access Protocol, codes are used to address messages to a
receiver. POCSAG CAP codes are seven digits and can range from 0000008 to 2000000.
What is the longest message Salcom transmitters can send?
Messages initiated by buttons or inputs can be a maximum of 40 characters.
Serial or Ethernet-initiated messages can be up to 249 characters depending on the transmitter and protocol used.
Will Sacoto software work on Windows 11®?
Yes. To use the USB port, you must install the STM CP201x Universal Driver from the STM Website or from our website resources page.
Can I use rechargeable batteries in a pager?
No, the lower voltage of most rechargeable batteries makes them unsuitable for pagers.
What is the Salcom Relay Protocol?
Salcom Relay Protocol, or simply Relay Protocol, is a command structure sent as the message content used by all Salcom receive capable devices to control internal or external (expansion modules) outputs. The protocol is addressable allowing multiple receivers with the same CAP code to be controlled separately or as a group. Some devices can use this protocol to initiate resets, send watchdogs or report signal strength. Relay Protocol can also be used by other manufacturers' devices as it is a simple ASCII formatted message.
Does the length of the antenna relate to the frequency?
Not always, but VHF antennas are usually shorter than VHF. The length can vary greatly depending on the type of antenna; a UHF co-linear can be longer than a VHF half-wave, so always check any unmarked antennas with an analyser before connecting to a transmitter.
Can I operate a Salcom transmitter without an antenna?
No, if the transmitter has an antenna connector, it must be connected to either an antenna or suitably rate dummy load before attempting to transmit.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting
Can you log into my system to check the configuration of a product?
Messages initiated by buttons or inputs can be a maximum of 40 characters.
Serial or Ethernet-initiated messages can be up to 249 characters depending on the transmitter and protocol used.
The pager shows a garbled message.
If the installation is new, the pager and transmitter may have different data types. Check that the transmitter data type, Alphanumeric or Numeric, matches the pager.
In existing installations, if all the pagers show garbled messages it is likely a transmitter fault, however, if only one pager is showing this it is more likely that it is a faulty pager. Please contact us.
I have a faulty product; how do I return it for repair?
If you regularly purchase products from us, just return them for evaluation. For any equipment not directly purchased from Salcom, please contact us so a Return Material Authorisation (RMA) number can be issued. This ensures we have your details correct to avoid delays in getting your repair processed.
All repairs are evaluated and quoted before any work is undertaken.
Can I use a Store and Forward repeater to extend the range?
Yes. Although Store and Forward repeaters look like a good option for all range extension requirements, take care of deciding when and where to use these.
If the Store and Forward receives and transmits on the same frequency (simplex), the originating transmitter must delay sending another message while the Store and Forward is transmitting, effectively halving the throughput of a system.
The use of multiple Store and Forwards in a system should be avoided as this can cause messages to be sent back and forwards between devices uncontrollably (ping-pong).
Why does my 20-62 lose connection with my software when using the Ethernet?
This will happen normally when using TCP/IP which is a connection oriented protocol. TCP/IP establishes a connection before transferring data then disconnects afterwards. UDP, being connectionless but less reliable, doesn’t use this method.
Do your transmitters have FCC station ID?
No. A station ID can be implemented using the watchdog feature on transmitters that support it, but this will be sent as a POCSAG message; we do not support voice or Morse Code station identification.
Do your pendant transmitters have a low battery indication?
Yes. When pressing a button to send a message, all 20-86 and 20-85 products will flash the TX LED if the battery needs replacement. Products with firmware v2.17 or later can also add a low battery message to the end of a transmission.
Do I need a programming lead to read the configuration?
Yes. All Salcom products require a hardwire connection to a PC, laptop, or network to read the configuration.
Why is my 20-62 showing TX LED when I send a message?
This is an error indication generated by the transmitter in response to a hardware or configuration problem. To identify the error, connect a PC to the serial port assigned as the error output port in the configuration, record the “ER” code, and contact Salcom.
I have configured my transmitter, but the receiver or pager is not decoding the message.
To send a paging message four parameters must match: the frequency, the data type, the over-air data rate, and the CAP code.
- All Salcom transmitters with hardware inputs allow these parameters to be set for each input so ensure these are set for the input, or inputs, being used.
- Most serial protocols contain these parameters so check the external device sending the serial string is correctly configured.
- Some serial protocols, such as COMP or PhonePage, require the 20-62 to insert the CAP code so check this has been set in the TX Default field or in the CAP Database.
Sacoto won’t write changes when I try to program a new device.
Sacoto has the option to program changes to a device to reduce programming time if only a few changes have been made since the last programming. If you want to program a different device, you must select Program All.
In paging systems, faults can typically be isolated into four categories:
Antenna, Power Supply, Physical Damage, or Configuration.
- Antenna: Many issues can stem from the antenna’s installation, placement, or age.
- Power Supply: Check for inadequate current capacity, voltage drop under load, or incorrect voltage.
- Physical Damage: Inspect for any physical damage to the antenna, transmitter, or pager.
- Configuration: Ensure the correct Cap code, frequency, baud rate, and data type.
Product Compatibility and Configuration
Can I program a Salcom device using Ethernet directly from my PC or Laptop?
Yes, but first you must reconfigure the Ethernet port via the serial or USB port. The factory default for the Ethernet port is a DHCP: TCP/IP Server so it can connect easily to a network for programming. By reprogramming the device to Static IP with a valid address you can connect directly to a PC using a half- or full-crossover Ethernet cable.
Will your paging products work with other manufacturers’ products?
Yes, if they also use POCSAG RPC-1 as the over-air protocol at 512 or 1200 Baud they will be compatible. Some of our 20 series products will also support 2400 Baud.
Can I program new devices with a saved file?
Usually, you can. A current version of Sacoto will still load most older files but save files created for earlier versions of firmware will only enable features that were available in that version, some features in the new firmware won’t be enabled.
Can I upgrade the firmware in my product to the latest version?
Usually, you can. A current version of Sacoto will still load most older files but save files created for earlier versions of firmware will only enable features that were available in that version, some features in the new firmware won’t be enabled.
Can I use OEM software to change the Ethernet settings on your products?
Yes, but they won’t be retained after the next reset or power cycle. The configuration for the Ethernet module is set up in Sacoto and is written to the Ethernet module whenever the device is reset meaning any changes made by alternate software will be overwritten.
Product Specifications and Usage
What is the maximum power I can use?
Use of the radio spectrum is managed by a national regulatory body, usually part of the Government, who plan how frequencies are used, and issue licenses to operate radio equipment. While most frequencies require licenses, some countries have free-to-air channels available that can be used without a license, but these are usually low-power, shared services so should only be used for non-critical systems. Higher power licenses are more strictly controlled requiring consultation with a radio engineer and an annual fee. Salcom encourages anyone intending to operate a transmitter to contact your local radio spectrum management authority for guidance on what frequencies can be used and to obtain the correct license.
Will putting in a Power Amplifier improve the range?
In most cases, it will, provided there is a clear line of sight to the pager. Increasing the power won’t necessarily improve coverage if the pager is obscured from the transmitter such as inside a refrigerated room or in densely walled areas. In some cases, more power could worsen a problem, damage the transmitter, or be hazardous to people nearby.
Can I use CR2016 batteries in 20-86?
No, always use CR2032 batteries. Although a CR2016 is the same diameter as the CR2032, it is thinner and will not fit correctly in the battery holder.
For further questions please contact us:
Technical support and inquiries: gareth.cameron@aotai-tech.com
Sales: sales@aotai-tech.com