Introduction to the Texecom CGA-0001 Speech Dialler and its key features
The Texecom CGA-0001 Speech Dialler is a compact, purpose-built PSTN voice communicator designed for wired intruder alarm systems. Built to deliver clear voice alarm messages to designated contacts, the CGA-0001 focuses on reliability, simplicity and compliance with UK telecommunications standards (CTR21). It is a speech-only module that connects to an alarm control panel and can call up to eight stored numbers, provide remote listen-in and talkback, and offer programmable behaviour per contact and per trigger input.
Key features at a glance:
- PSTN voice communication:Sends recorded voice messages to up to 8 contact numbers.
- Four trigger inputs:Assignable inputs with programmable polarity to report different alarm conditions.
- Four voice messages:Record up to 4 messages, each up to 32 seconds long.
- Remote access:Listen-in and talkback via touch-tone phone for verification and assessment.
- Programmable outputs:Two open-collector outputs for integration with other devices.
- CTR21 approval:Telecoms compliance for UK PSTN operation.
The CGA-0001 is engineered to meet the needs of professional installers and end-users who want a reliable PSTN-based voice dialler. Below is a detailed look at the product specifications and the practical benefits each delivers.
- Part code / Model:CGA-0001, Speech-only (UK English).
- Dialling format:Supports Pulse or DTMF, enabling compatibility with a wide range of legacy and modern PSTN exchanges.
- Telecom approval:CTR21, ensuring the unit meets UK PSTN connection standards.
- REN rating:REN 1, suitable for standard line capacity.
- Supply voltage:10–14 V DC – compatible with typical alarm system auxiliary supplies.
- Current consumption:Low standby draw of about 35 mA and active consumption around 100 mA, helping preserve battery backup life on monitored systems.
- Trigger inputs:Four assignable inputs, programmable polarity, accepting 5–24 V DC. This flexibility allows each input to represent different alarm types (e.g., intruder, fire, panic).
- Outputs:Two open-collector switched negative outputs rated at 100 mA each for controlling indicators, relays or signalling other devices when required.
- Stored contact numbers:Up to eight contact numbers can be stored, with per-contact programmable behaviour such as repeat dialing or call abortion rules.
- Voice messages:Four user-recordable messages, each up to 32 seconds, enabling tailored messaging for different alarm conditions or premises.
- Remote modes:Touch-tone access supports listen-in and talkback so authorised users can remotely verify an event or communicate via the unit.
- Dimensions:140 × 115 × 30 mm — a compact wall-moulded enclosure suitable for mounting near alarm panels.
- Packed weight:Approx. 360 g.
- Compliance & safety:CTR21 telecommunications approval (UK). The unit should be installed and commissioned by a competent person and the phone line disconnected before servicing.
Benefits derived from these specifications include predictable PSTN performance, low power drain for battery-backed systems, clear voice messaging to contacts for faster human response, and flexible integration with existing alarm wiring through multiple inputs and outputs.
The Texecom CGA-0001 is particularly well-suited to environments where PSTN lines remain in service and where voice messaging is preferred for immediate human response. Typical scenarios include:
- Small businesses:Retail shops, small offices and hospitality venues where an alarm activation should immediately notify owners or designated contacts by voice so they can take action quickly.
- Residential properties:Family homes and managed properties where a direct voice alert to neighbours, family members or a monitoring contact helps verify incidents and coordinate responses.
- Remote or rural sites:Locations where broadband or cellular coverage is unreliable but a PSTN line is available. The CGA-0001's CTR21 approval ensures predictable PSTN behaviour.
- Assisted living and care homes:Facilities where staff need to be alerted verbally to specific conditions, and where listen-in/talkback can help evaluate occupant safety.
- Temporary or legacy installations:Sites with existing PSTN infrastructure where replacing the whole communications approach is not justified; the CGA-0001 offers a cost-effective upgrade path to voice notification capability.
Communicators in the intruder alarm market broadly fall into three categories: PSTN voice diallers (like the CGA-0001), IP/network communicators, and GSM/cellular communicators. Each approach has strengths and trade-offs.
- PSTN vs GSM:GSM units provide cellular redundancy and can operate without a fixed line, but they depend on network coverage and typically cost more. The CGA-0001 excels where a reliable PSTN line exists and where straightforward voice messaging is preferred.
- PSTN vs IP:IP communicators enable faster and more feature-rich reporting (including app notifications and cloud monitoring), but require reliable broadband and are more complex to configure. The CGA-0001 is simpler to commission and maintains compatibility with legacy alarm systems and monitoring arrangements.
- Feature comparison:Unlike SMS-only diallers, the CGA-0001 provides full voice messaging and two-way talkback which is valuable for human verification. It lacks advanced push-notifications or remote web configuration common in IP devices but gains by being CTR21 approved and power-efficient for battery-backed alarm panels.
For installations where voice confirmation and touch-tone remote access are priorities, and where a PSTN line remains the preferred communications path, the CGA-0001 offers a compact, cost-effective solution compared with more feature-rich but more complex alternatives.
While individual experiences vary with installation specifics, the following representative comments reflect common feedback themes from users of PSTN voice diallers like the CGA-0001:
- "Easy to integrate with our existing alarm panel and provides clear voice alerts to our keyholders — we appreciate the listen-in feature for verification."
- "Compact and low power; it didn’t affect our battery backup and gives us peace of mind that calls will be made when the alarm triggers."
- "Good value for a PSTN voice dialler. It does what it needs to do without unnecessary complexity."
- "Installer-friendly: programming options and Wintex support made setup straightforward for the technician."
Note: These comments are representative of typical user feedback for devices in this class. Prospective buyers should consult installer reviews and, where possible, request demonstration recordings to confirm voice quality meets their expectations.
The Texecom CGA-0001 Speech Dialler is an effective, focused solution for sites that rely on PSTN lines and want dependable voice alarm reporting with human verification options. Its CTR21 approval, low standby current, flexible input/output arrangement and remote listen-in/talkback capabilities make it ideal for small businesses, homes and legacy installations where simplicity and reliability trump advanced internet-based features.
For installers and end-users seeking a compact, easy-to-install voice communicator that integrates cleanly with wired intruder alarm control panels, the CGA-0001 offers a compelling balance of functionality, compliance and cost-effectiveness. Consider it when you need a straightforward voice alarm communicator with proven performance on the UK PSTN.
