Honeywell Fire Communications Task
Overview
The Honeywell Fire Panel Communications Task provides serial integration between an Integriti controller and a Honeywell Fire Panel. The integration uses the Honeywell Serial protocol over RS-232 to receive fire panel events (alarms, faults, isolates) and map them to Integriti virtual inputs or auxiliaries via automation points.
This integration requires the Honeywell Fire Panel to be configured to allow print functionality, which sends event messages over the serial connection that the Integriti controller interprets.
Prerequisites
Hardware
- Integriti Controller ISC (996001) or IAC (996035)
- Controller Smart Card (996020)
- Integriti Unibus UART (996520PCB&K)
- Serial Cable: DB9 Male to 10-pin cable with CTS and RTS lines linked
Software / Licensing
- Honeywell Fire Panel Integration Smart Card Licence (996239)
- Integriti Controller Firmware V20.0.0 or higher
- Unibus UART Firmware 1.0.3 or higher
Serial Cable
Inner Range recommends installing the two systems in close proximity. The theoretical maximum distance for serial communication at 9600 baud is 150m. If distances exceed 150m or communication is unreliable, a Serial-to-TCP converter can be used.
Custom Cable Assembly (Parts List):
- Inner Range Modem Cable (P/N 993027)
- Shielded data cable: minimum 2 conductors @ 7/0.2, foil shield and 7/0.2 drain wire, max 145m
- 9-Way Male D connector with shell and strain relief
Short-run Alternative (up to 5m):
- Inner Range Modem Interface Cable (P/N 993027)
- DB25 Female to DB9 Male Adapter (e.g. Element14 152-5870, RS Components 218-289)
- DB9 Null Modem Cable Male-Female (e.g. Element14 283-6301)
Important: Cable assembly should only be performed by a competent technician with appropriate wiring and soldering skills.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Configure the Honeywell Fire Panel
Configure the Honeywell Fire Panel to enable print functionality. This causes the panel to output event messages over its serial port.
Step 2: Create the Communications Task
- In Integriti System Designer, navigate to Communications Tasks.
- Create a new Communications Task.
- Set the Type to Fire Panel.
- Enter a descriptive name for the task.
Step 3: Configure Protocol and Connection
- Protocol: Select Honeywell Serial.
- Online Input: Optionally set an input to monitor the connection state. The Honeywell panel sends a heartbeat message, so this input will reflect whether the connection is alive.
- RS-232 Serial Interface: Configure the serial channel assigned to the UART:
- Baud Rate: 9600
- Data Bits: 8
- Parity: ODD
- Stop Bits: 1
Step 4: Set Poll Time
Set the Poll Time to define how long before communications is deemed lost. Values below 5 seconds are not allowed and will default to 5 seconds.
Step 5: Create Automation Points
For each fire panel point to be monitored, create an automation point:
- Navigate to the Automation tab.
- Create a new Automation Point.
- Set the Type to Honeywell serial.
- Configure the following fields:
- Restore on change: When ticked, the state returns to off/sealed after the input or aux is triggered. If unticked, the state stays “on” after an event.
- Zone number: Enter the zone number (0-255).
- Point address: Enter the point address as a string.
- Mapped entity: Select a virtual input or aux. Inputs monitor for Alarm, Fault, and Isolate events. Auxiliaries monitor only for Alarm events.
Point Address Mapping Examples
| Honeywell Display | Zone Number | Point Address |
|---|---|---|
| Z001 1.1.Z | 001 | 1.1.Z1 |
| Z001 VP3 | 001 | VP3 |
Verification
- Verify the serial cable is properly connected and the UART channel matches the configuration.
- Confirm the Online Input toggles state, indicating the heartbeat message is being received.
- Trigger a test event on the Honeywell panel (e.g. a test alarm) and verify the corresponding Integriti virtual input or aux changes state.
- Check the Integriti event log for review entries confirming the integration is processing events.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Online input not active | Serial cable wiring issue or wrong UART channel | Verify cable assembly against pinout; confirm UART channel assignment |
| No events received | Fire panel print function not enabled | Enable print functionality on the Honeywell panel |
| Intermittent communication | Cable too long or unshielded | Reduce cable length or use Serial-to-TCP converter |
| Zone/point not matching | Incorrect Zone Number or Point Address | Verify the address format matches the Honeywell panel output exactly |
| Communication timeout | Poll time too short | Increase Poll Time above 5 seconds |