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Author Topic: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans  (Read 14148 times)

builtospill

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SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« on: May 12, 2015, 10:00:05 PM »

Anyone out there using the new SC1200 GSM alarm?  Can anyone recommend dirt cheap GSM cell plans that work on this unit?  The best I've seen so far is AT&T and T-Mobile prepay plans and buying $100 in minutes so the service stays active for a year.
I've also seen AlarmSIM.com which seems the cheapest and doesn't have minutes that expire, has anyone had experience with this company?
Thanks!!
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builtospill

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2015, 09:36:45 PM »

Anyone? 
I'm looking to buy the GSM version, was curious as well if anyone has used it yet and reilability of cellular.
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Brian H

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2015, 06:18:05 AM »

I didn't even know there was a SC1200 GSM model.
I did find it in the X10 wiki and X10 sales pages.

http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/SC1200-GSM#Product_Pages

The manuals are linked in the X10 wiki if you want to read them.
« Last Edit: May 21, 2015, 06:21:56 AM by Brian H »
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builtospill

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2015, 12:34:25 PM »

I'm gonna get one with AlarmSIM pre-paid plan, will post info soon
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Brian H

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2015, 12:37:11 PM »

We will look forward to your report.
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wwjdjfl

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2015, 11:23:01 PM »

NO, not $100.   T-Mobile only charges $3 a month for a PREPAID PLAN.  Includes 30 minutes of talk.
You can order SIM card over their web page for just a couple dollars, but best to go to a store and have them set it up for you for just 15 SIM card. 
Put $10 on your account and you are good for 3 months.

Make sure you get the full size SIM although maybe others work with adaptor,,, best to keep it simple.
By whole system is having problems, but $3 SIM is working activated on T-Mobile.


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JeffVolp

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2015, 10:32:00 AM »

Put $10 on your account and you are good for 3 months.

PagePlus does even better.  The emergency "hiking phone" I carry in my backpack costs $11 for 120 days (including tax and fees).  Then it is 10 cents a minute if I use it.  It runs on the Verizon network, which has pretty good coverage out here.  Just don't let the clock run out on the 120 days because then you lose the balance still on the phone.

Jeff
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JMac

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2015, 10:57:59 AM »

I have AlarmSim (AT&T version).  Not enough experience with the company yet, but they were able to switch me from T-Mobile to AT&T easily after I notified by email.  So far so good with their service.
My problem is the SC1200 unit I cell  reception.  I can only get signal strength 1 or 2.  I think all my electronics (Insteon, etc.) affect reception big time.  Any way to increase cell reception?
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builtospill

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2015, 11:14:02 AM »

Jmac, so you originally bought T-mobile Sim through alarmsim and they were able to switch the Sim service to At&t? Do you get dropped calls with signal of 1 to 2? Are you able to call into alarm reliably as well?  With that Alarmsim, your unused minutes never expire unless you buy a "premium" local number?
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JMac

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2015, 06:30:27 PM »

Yes they were able to switch from TMobile to AT&T, after I emailed them to do so.  I was able to call the unit with my cellphone and try a alarm set and disarm.  Al worked fine with no dropped calls. However, my signal is a 1 for the most part with an occasional 2.  Most of the time I am unable to complete the call though.  Can hear phone ringing on through cell, but not able to complete the call.
I can't believe my service is that weak here.
Still moving things around to try to find a good spot for cell tower!!??
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Brian H

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2015, 07:12:57 PM »

Is there an FCC ID Number on the unit?
There is a chance we may find more information on its insides. If they posted internal photos like they did with other X10 devices that have transmitters in them.
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JMac

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2015, 06:05:27 PM »

47 CFR Part 68: US: B4SAL04BSC12A.    RINGER EQUIVALENCE 0.4B
IC: 1632A-SC12A

Is this of any help?
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Brian H

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2015, 06:18:16 PM »

Thanks for the information.
Seems like they only needed a part 68 ID for connection to a telephone system.
So there was no RF tests for the GSM interface.
So no nice photos. I was just thinking there maybe a photo showing were the GSM sub assembly was and maybe how it antenna was facing.
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JMac

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Re: SC1200 GSM Cheap cellular plans
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2015, 06:24:31 PM »

Thx for the info
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