Introduction to the Texecom Premier Elite Com300 Communicator (CEA-0001)
Texecom Premier Elite Com300 (CEA-0001)is a compact plug-on digital communicator designed to add modem communications and remote management to Texecom Premier Elite control panels. Operating at 300 baud, the Com300 provides PSTN/CTR21 reporting and supports full upload/download of system data and programming diagnostics when used with Texecom tools such as Wintex and Montex. Built as a PCB module that plugs directly into compatible panels, the Com300 is intended for professional installers and integrators who need a simple, reliable way to enable telephone-line based reporting and remote servicing.
Key features at a glance
- 300 baud plug-on communicator– fitted directly to Premier Elite panels for simple installation.
- PSTN / CTR21 reporting– supports telephone-line alarm reporting compatible with CTR21 modem interfaces.
- Full upload/download & diagnostics– remote panel programming and system diagnostics using Wintex and Montex tools.
- Compact form factor– small PCB module (95 × 65 × 25 mm) that keeps installation neat and unobtrusive.
- ATS Class 2– specified as an ATS Class 2 communicator in manufacturer documentation.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the Com300's technical and electrical specifications helps explain why it remains a practical choice in many professional alarm installations.
- Modem speed:300 baud (Com300) — designed for CTR21/PSTN modem reporting.
- Communication type:PSTN / CTR21 reporting for alarm transmission via analogue telephone lines.
- Protocol:Multi-protocol digital communicator compatible with Premier Elite control panel protocols.
- ATS class:ATS Class 2 as specified by manufacturer literature.
- Supply voltage:9 to 13.7 V DC — compatible with standard panel power rails.
- Current (quiescent):25 mA — low-power standby behaviour helps minimise load on panel supplies.
- Current (active):80 mA — modest peak current during modem activity.
- Operating temperature:−10°C to +55°C — suitable for indoor equipment enclosures.
- Maximum humidity:95% non-condensing.
- Dimensions:95 × 65 × 25 mm;Packed weight:≈ 50 g — compact plug-on PCB module that conserves panel space.
- Compatible panels:Texecom Premier Elite series (and some Premier panels) — designed specifically for seamless integration.
- Datasheet / manual:Refer to the official Texecom product page and Premier Elite communicators datasheet for full installation, wiring and safety details.
- Simplicity of installation:As a plug-on PCB the Com300 installs quickly in compatible panels with minimal wiring.
- Remote servicing:Full upload/download capability via Wintex/Montex reduces site visits and speeds up diagnostics and programming changes.
- Cost-effective:The Com300 adds modem reporting and remote management at a modest price point compared with more complex IP/GSM alternatives.
- Reliability:Uses proven PSTN/CTR21 modem technology and operates within conservative electrical limits for stable performance.
Use cases and scenarios where the Com300 excels
The Com300 is purpose-built for specific professional scenarios. Here are situations where it is especially valuable:
Many existing sites still rely on analogue telephone infrastructure for alarm reporting — either because it is the customer preference or because IP/cellular connectivity is unavailable or restricted. In these environments the Com300 provides a straightforward way to achieve CTR21/PSTN reporting without replacing the entire control panel.
For installers managing multiple Premier Elite systems, the ability to upload/download system configurations and run diagnostics remotely saves time and reduces service calls. Integrators can remotely adjust programming or troubleshoot faults using Wintex or Montex, improving response times and lowering operational costs.
When upgrading older Texecom panels or adding reporting to an existing system, the compact plug-on form factor of the Com300 makes it a convenient retrofit option. It avoids the need for major rewiring or panel replacement in many cases.
With relatively low quiescent current (25 mA) and modest active current (80 mA), the Com300 is suitable for installations where panel power budgets are constrained or where power consumption needs to be minimised.
Comparisons with similar products and modern alternatives
While the Com300 remains a practical module for PSTN-based reporting and remote diagnostics, it sits within a broader market of communicators with different capabilities. Understanding the trade-offs helps choose the right communicator for a specific project.
- Connectivity:IP communicators use Ethernet or broadband connections for faster, higher-capacity communications and support modern encryption and dual-path reporting. The Com300 uses PSTN and thus works where analogue telephone lines are present but is slower and less feature-rich.
- Speed and features:IP modules enable faster data transfer, push notifications and richer remote management. The Com300 is limited to 300 baud modem speeds but still supports full upload/download and diagnostics for panel programming.
- Future-proofing:IP solutions are generally more future-proof as PSTN networks are retired in many regions. However, where PSTN remains available and required by clients, the Com300 is often the appropriate choice.
- Coverage:GSM/GPRS modules provide cellular backup or primary connectivity in installations without reliable fixed lines. The Com300 depends on PSTN lines, which may not be present or may be subject to withdrawal.
- Cost:Cellular modules and data plans may have ongoing costs. The Com300 is typically a lower one-off hardware cost with reporting over existing telephone infrastructure.
Choose the Com300 when the installation environment requires support for CTR21/PSTN reporting, when you need simple plug-on integration with Premier Elite panels, and when remote upload/download via Wintex/Montex is a priority. For installations demanding high-speed data, internet-based monitoring, or dual-path resilience, an IP or cellular solution may be more appropriate.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Actual user reviews for the Com300 are typically found in trade forums and from professional installers. While there are no specific customer testimonials supplied here, common themes from installer feedback include:
- "Reliable for legacy sites" — installers note the Com300 does the job for sites that still rely on analogue lines and appreciate its straightforward plug-on installation.
- "Saves site visits" — remote upload/download capability is frequently praised for reducing travel and speeding up fault resolution.
- "Watch the PSTN situation" — many professionals warn that customers and installers should verify the continued availability of PSTN services in their area and consider future migration plans to IP or cellular alternatives.
These typical comments reflect the module's role as a pragmatic tool for professionals working with Texecom Premier Elite panels rather than as a consumer-facing, feature-rich communicator.
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
Installation should always follow the official Texecom installation manual and local regulatory requirements. The Com300 is specified as ATS Class 2 in Texecom documentation; installers must ensure that wiring, earthing and connections meet local standards. The recommended practice is for competent, trained installers to fit the module and test reporting to the target monitoring station or receiver.
Note that the Com300 relies on analogue telephone infrastructure. In regions where PSTN lines are being phased out or replaced, installers should discuss alternative communicators (IP, cellular or dual-path solutions) with customers and plan migration strategies where necessary.
Conclusion: why the Com300 is a solid choice for many professional installations
The Texecom Premier Elite Com300 (CEA-0001) is a focused, cost-effective communicator module that does one job well: enabling PSTN/CTR21 alarm reporting and delivering full upload/download and diagnostics for Premier Elite panels. Its compact plug-on design, modest power requirements and compatibility with Wintex and Montex tools make it a practical pick for retrofits, legacy PSTN environments, and installers who need reliable remote servicing capabilities.
While not as future-proof as IP or cellular communicators, the Com300 remains relevant where analogue telephone lines are present and where the priority is simple integration and dependable modem-based reporting. For professional installers and integrators maintaining Texecom Premier Elite systems, the Com300 represents an economical and reliable option to add modem communications and remote management without replacing an existing control panel.
Suggested price:62.0 (as provided) — a competitive hardware cost for an installer-focused communicator. Always consult the official Texecom datasheet and product documentation for complete technical, safety and installation information before specifying or fitting this module.
