Specifications
Sicon-8 Technical Manual CircuitWerkes, Inc.
18
Operating/Programming Your Sicon-8
Most functions can be accessed in one of two ways, either via the USB/serial port interface or via DTMF tones. Virtually
all of the important functions are available both ways. If you have trouble with or don’t understand one method, remember
that you can always try the other. The Sicon-8 has both global (affecting everything) and channel based commands (those
functions specific to the current channel). Both the Sicontroller software and DTMF functions make use of these
distinctions, though there are differences between DTMF and software implementations.
About DTMF Access:
The voice connection requires only a telephone line routed from your wall jack to the TELCO jack on the Sicon-8. It is highly
recommended to route the telephone line through a TELCO surge suppressor before plugging it into the Sicon-8. The Sicon-8
may also be connected to a cell phone or a bi-directional audio path and controlled via DTMF sent over that path.
When connected to a phone line, the Sicon-8 will auto-answer your incoming call after a user-set number of rings. Once
the Sicon-8 answers the incoming call, it will say “Enter password”. A “#” must be entered at the end of the password being
used when using DTMF tones. The default dial-up/audio password for the Sicon-8 is 6736 + # which spells “open”
on a standard DTMF keypad. It is highly suggested that you change this password since this manual is published online.
See system setup (#91, 71) on for instructions on changing or adding passwords. If connecting via phone line, the
Sicon-8 will allow three attempts to enter your password.
If you fail to correctly enter the password three times or take
more than 30 seconds to enter your password, the Sicon-8 will automatically hang up. When using an auto-answer cell phone
or dedicated audio line, the Sicon-8 simple waits indefinitely for the correct password to be entered.
Once you have correctly entered your password you now have DTMF tone control of the Sicon-8. Using your DTMF
telephone, you can tell the Sicon-8 to get meter readings, check status input states, check and/or clear alarms, issue
commands via the relays or, if your access level is Administrator, you can also program the various functions of the Sicon-8.
As soon as the password has been correctly entered, you will be at the main menu. The main menu has fourteen possible
commands that are currently available. They are:
00 - AutoScan active channels for readings
01 thru 32 - Select a channel to read/control (control & metering functions & setup shortcuts)
65 - X10 On Commands (01 thru 16)
66 - X10 Off Commands (01 thru 16)
67 - Speak the Web Server’s current IP Address
69 - reserved
90 - Play 15-Second Test Tone
91 - Enter System Setup Menu (where most user programming is done).
92 - Report alarms
93 - Report unread alarms
94 - Toggle remote/local mode (requires special password)
95 - Turn on audio monitor for 15 seconds
96 - Report firmware version
97 - New Login (requires entering a valid password
98 - TAD (telephone answering device) mode
99 - Immediate hangup command
Main menu commands are global. In other words, they are available from the “main menu” or from any of the sub-menus.
Submenu commands are available only while in that sub-menu. Each of the above sub-menus is explained in detail in the
remainder of this document.