OLARM MAX - PSI Magazine Product Test
Andy Clutton, Editor of the PSI Magaizine carried out a product test on the Olarm Max Smart Communicator, here is what he had to say.
The OPTEX Olarm Max is a compact alarm communicator unit supporting 4G, LoRaWAN, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It has dimensions of 200 x 50 x 20 mm and a weight of approximately 140 grammes.
With the phase-out of PSTN technology, this device is intended to provide a simple upgrade solution to dual or multipath alarm system management.
A 3.7v supercapacitor is used for battery backup purposes. This is pre-wired and should be plugged into the two-pole connector, accessible once the back cover is removed.
A break-out section is positioned near the top-right of the module for an optional external 4G antenna.
Connections are made using a 12-way block located on the rear of the unit. The first two connections are for 7-24v power and ground, followed by two for serial data. Then, there are two I/O ports, RS232 Tx and Rx, with the final four connections designated for RS422/RS485 (labelled A, B, Y, and Z). The I/O ports enable interfacing with additional devices.
Programming
The unit must be integrated into the alarm system using the relevant alarm panel’s menu system. Basic information on this process is provided for the main supported alarm units, but familiarity with the programming of the alarm system is essential.
A clear front light sequence indicates the status as the unit connects to the system. It begins with a white light during boot-up, transitions to flashing green while connecting to the panel, then flashing blue when linking to the cloud, and finally a steady blue light once fully connected. Various additional colour combinations are used to indicate firmware upgrades and diagnostic states.
An “FN” button, located near the connections, can be used to activate WPS mode for Wi-Fi setup.
Technology
The unit features a well-organised PCB with three main ICs/modules that provide communication services. These include:
- An ESPRESSIF ESP32-S3, designed for AIoT applications, which manages the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.
- A QUECTEL EG912U-GL IoT/M2M LTE module, which facilitates 4G communication.
- A RAKwireless RAK3172 WisDuo LPWAN module, enabling long-range LoRaWAN connectivity.
A dual SIM holder is fitted with two SIMs installed for 4G connectivity. These SIMs are not user-accessible, as they are specific to the device and covered by subscription charges.
Conclusion
A simple to install and use communicator and flexible app for a growing range of alarm panels.
