Federal Signal Informer

[LMC1276]

I have a Federal Signal Informer. I purchased it for my firehouse as a station alerting option. I have found the software but am in need of a programming cable or the pinouts to make one and any other technical information available.

If any one has any information regarding This Federal Signal Informer we would really appreciate any and all assistance..

Thank You,
Larry
Town of Vernon Fire Department
Vernon, CT

 

[ramal121]

I reverse engineered a store bought cable and made my own program only cable. Easy enough to do with a DB-9 and a cat5 RJ-45 plug. Sorry don't have the pinouts right now, but when I think to look I'll repost.

The software is a whole 'nother story. Pretty easy to program parameters, but the way it was written it's wonky as all hell. You will need a real serial port on your computer. I have yet been able to make it work with a USB/serial adapter. Then again, it will not work on all true serial ports. You have to shop around for a computer that works. It also likes to go into "crash mode" every once in a while. The only way to revive it is to power off the computer and reboot.

There are no help files worth mentioning, but hovering over a parameter will give a quick blurb of what it does.

Other than that, really straightforward to set an informer up.

 

[cg]

Larry, check PM

chris

 

[marktans]

Programming Federal Signal Informers

Larry,
I have uploaded the pin out for the cable. The previous reply is correct that you must have a true serial port in order to program the Informer. The RJ11 port shown on the drawing requires the user to provide a 6 wire Crossover (aka Telephone Cable) cable from the plug shown to the radio port.

Having the correct software is also critical as severl versions have significant bugs. Make sure your version is I_SW_3_7_0_1. This is designed for Windows XP. It will work on Windows 7, but it must be set up to run as "WINXP SP3 Compatibility mode" as the Administrator.

Firmware version is also critical again due to some bugs. If you have the older Tunable version you want it to have TAR2_20.HEX. If you have the newer No-Tune model you want to have 5575_1_4_0_6.hex. The version in your unit will come up on the configuration screen after you read the unit.

Good Luck.

 

[LMC1276]

Thank you everyone!!

 

[adamr368]

My apologies on attempting to revive an old thread, but I can't find where to download the updated HEX files anywhere! Do you have any advice on where to look? Ours has been acting up for years and I think the firmware may fix it. We have an I-HIO model and NO TUNE is checked on the bottom. Current firmware is showing as INFO2_2. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!

Larry,
I have uploaded the pin out for the cable. The previous reply is correct that you must have a true serial port in order to program the Informer. The RJ11 port shown on the drawing requires the user to provide a 6 wire Crossover (aka Telephone Cable) cable from the plug shown to the radio port.

Having the correct software is also critical as severl versions have significant bugs. Make sure your version is I_SW_3_7_0_1. This is designed for Windows XP. It will work on Windows 7, but it must be set up to run as "WINXP SP3 Compatibility mode" as the Administrator.

Firmware version is also critical again due to some bugs. If you have the older Tunable version you want it to have TAR2_20.HEX. If you have the newer No-Tune model you want to have 5575_1_4_0_6.hex. The version in your unit will come up on the configuration screen after you read the unit.

Good Luck.

 

[adamr368]

Update: I finally heard back and received the updated firmware from Federal. They are now on version 5575_2_1_0_1.hex for anyone using this thread as a reference.

 

[Nick39110]

Can anyone tell me how to make the lights come on when the federal signal informer series activates I can't figure it out

 

[msfguy]

I-SW

Did you ever find the software? And if so where?

Marty

Larry,
I have uploaded the pin out for the cable. The previous reply is correct that you must have a true serial port in order to program the Informer. The RJ11 port shown on the drawing requires the user to provide a 6 wire Crossover (aka Telephone Cable) cable from the plug shown to the radio port.

Having the correct software is also critical as severl versions have significant bugs. Make sure your version is I_SW_3_7_0_1. This is designed for Windows XP. It will work on Windows 7, but it must be set up to run as "WINXP SP3 Compatibility mode" as the Administrator.

Firmware version is also critical again due to some bugs. If you have the older Tunable version you want it to have TAR2_20.HEX. If you have the newer No-Tune model you want to have 5575_1_4_0_6.hex. The version in your unit will come up on the configuration screen after you read the unit.

Good Luck.

 

[JMR3865]

I'm looking into these myself... 1 for station alerting. Any feedback?

 

[jeatock]

You can do the same with a mobile radio and the 'Horn Honk" function to activate an external relay for whatever purpose. Easier on the volunteer dept's budget and you can talk on it.