DSC TL280E

Questions and Answers:

J
Jonathan VelasquezAug 18, 2025
What to do if the yellow LED flashes 5 times on my DSC Security System?
- L
  Lindsay NunezAug 18, 2025
  If the yellow LED on your DSC Security System is flashing 5 times, it indicates a cellular trouble. First, confirm that cellular service is both available and active in your location. Next, check all antenna connections to ensure they are secure. Make sure your average radio signal strength is CSQ 5 or higher. Verify that the SIM card is correctly inserted into its holder and has been activated, noting that activation can take up to 24 hours. If the issue continues, try relocating the panel and communicator or consider installing an external antenna extension kit.
A
amandafryAug 20, 2025
Why is the yellow LED on my DSC TL280E solid?
- T
  Tiffany KingAug 20, 2025
  If the yellow LED on your DSC Security System is solid, it means there is no signal. Verify that cellular network service is active in your area. Also, make sure the antenna is securely connected to the radio. Check that the antenna stub cable is securely connected to the radio. If you're using an external antenna, ensure it's securely screwed onto the antenna cable connector and inspect the external antenna for any damage or shorts.
K
Kathleen BakerAug 23, 2025
How to fix yellow LED flashing 6 times on DSC Security System?
- P
  Patricia AbbottAug 23, 2025
  If the yellow LED on your DSC Security System flashes 6 times, it indicates an Ethernet trouble. Start by checking with your ISP to confirm that Internet service is active in your area. Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely inserted into both the RJ45 jack of the communicator and the hub/router/switch. Verify that the link light on the hub/router/switch is ON; if it's OFF, restart the hub/router/switch. If DHCP is in use, confirm that the unit has been assigned a valid IP address from the server. If the problem persists, try replacing the Ethernet cable and RJ45 connector.
R
Richard TorresAug 26, 2025
What to do if my DSC TL280E Security System has no indication?
- T
  Timothy TapiaAug 26, 2025
  If your DSC Security System shows no indication (no lights, no response), the cause might be no power. Check the power connections between the panel and the communicator. Also, confirm that the PC-LINK cable is properly installed between the communicator and the panel.
C
Charles SullivanAug 30, 2025
What does it mean when all LEDs are flashing on my DSC TL280E Security System?
- H
  hcoleAug 30, 2025
  If all the LEDs on your DSC Security System are flashing together, it indicates a boot loader failure. To resolve this, disconnect and then reconnect the power to the communicator module.
A
Andrea WoodSep 2, 2025
How to solve LED flashing 2 times on DSC TL280E?
- B
  Brandi RiveraSep 2, 2025
  If the LED on your DSC Security System flashes 2 times, it indicates a supervision trouble. Ensure the PC-LINK cable between the panel and communicator is connected properly (not reversed) and is securely in place.
J
Jillian YoungSep 4, 2025
Why are the green LEDs alternating on my DSC Security System?
- L
  Lindsey MortonSep 4, 2025
  If the green LEDs on your DSC Security System are alternating, it may indicate a radio reset or radio initialization. If this status persists and the yellow LED shows 5 flashes, confirm that the SIM card is active.
M
melissa52Sep 7, 2025
What does it mean when red and yellow LEDs are flashing together on my DSC TL280E?
- P
  perezjessicaSep 7, 2025
  If the red and yellow LEDs on your DSC Security System are flashing together, the unit is still initializing. Please wait while the unit gets its programming and establishes a connection to all programmed receivers. Note that this process may take several minutes to complete.
P
Peter Benson MDSep 9, 2025
What does yellow LED flashing 8 times mean on DSC TL280E?
- J
  Jordan WilliamsSep 9, 2025
  If the yellow LED on your DSC Security System is flashing 8 times, it indicates a receiver supervision trouble. If this trouble persists, contact the central station.
J
Jeffrey ParsonsSep 12, 2025
Why are only the green LEDs flashing on my DSC Security System?
- K
  Kathryn WardSep 12, 2025
  If only the green LEDs are flashing on your DSC Security System, it means the hardware default jumper is installed and must be removed.

DSC TL280E Specifications

General

Brand	DSC
Model	TL280E
Category	Security System
Language	English

Summary

General Information

Installer Safety Instructions

Installer must instruct the system user on safe product operation, servicing, and usage of authorized accessories.

Communicator Model Overview

Details specifications and compatibility for various DSC communicator models and supported cellular bands.

Product Features and Specifications

Key Features and Compatibility

Highlights security features, panel mounting, and technical specifications for the communicators.

Communicator Installation

Ethernet, SIM, and RS-232 Cable Installation

Guides on installing Ethernet, SIM card, and RS-232 cables for communicator setup.

Panel Installation Procedures

Details the process of installing the communicator module within compatible control panels.

Communicator Placement and Testing

Cellular Signal Strength Testing

Procedure for testing cellular signal strength and antenna placement for optimal radio operation.

Panel Programming and SMS Control

Initial Panel Programming

Steps for initial programming of the panel and communicator, including keypad data entry.

SMS Command and Control Features

Enables remote system control and notifications via SMS text messages.

Communicator Status Indicators

Yellow Trouble LED and Codes

Explains the function of the yellow LED and its flash codes indicating system troubles.

Network and Signal Strength LEDs

Details red network status LEDs and green signal strength LEDs for communicator monitoring.

Communicator Status Troubleshooting

Trouble Codes and Descriptions

Lists and describes troubles indicated by yellow LED flashes, including SIM lock, cellular, and Ethernet issues.

Network Connection and Signal Indicators

Explains the red network status LED and green signal strength LEDs for operational status.

Troubleshooting Guide

Trouble Indications and Solutions

Provides a table of trouble indications, possible causes, and recommended solutions for common issues.

EthernetCellular Programming

System Options Configuration

Configures network settings like IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway, DNS servers, and receiver supervision.

System Toggle Options

Receiver Supervision and Path Settings

Manages supervision for Ethernet/cellular receivers, primary path selection, redundant communications, and firmware upgrades.

Network and Signal Troubleshooting Options

Controls receiver enablement, network trouble suppression, and low signal trouble masking.

System Test Options

Test Transmission Configurations

Configures test transmissions with primary/secondary receiver backup and FTC trouble generation.

Ethernet Receiver Options

Ethernet Receiver 1 Configuration

Configures account code, DNIS, and IP address for Ethernet receiver 1.

Ethernet Receiver 2 Configuration

Configures account code, DNIS, and IP address for Ethernet receiver 2.

Cellular Receiver Options

Cellular Receiver 1 Configuration

Configures account code, DNIS, IP address, port, and APN for cellular receiver 1.

Cellular Receiver 2 Configuration

Configures account code, DNIS, IP address, port, and APN for cellular receiver 2.

SMS Notification and Control

SMS Command and Control Settings

Enables SMS notification, command control, character format, message handling, and retry settings.

SMS Phone Number and Event Configuration

Manages SMS phone numbers and configures event types for sending SMS notifications.

Receiver Diagnostic Testing

Performing Diagnostic Test Transmissions

Signal Strength and Network Indicators

Radio Signal Strength Interpretation

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Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

DSC TL280E Specifications

Summary

General Information

Installer Safety Instructions

Communicator Model Overview

Product Features and Specifications

Key Features and Compatibility

Communicator Installation

Ethernet, SIM, and RS-232 Cable Installation

Panel Installation Procedures

Communicator Placement and Testing

Cellular Signal Strength Testing

Panel Programming and SMS Control

Initial Panel Programming

SMS Command and Control Features

Communicator Status Indicators

Yellow Trouble LED and Codes

Network and Signal Strength LEDs

Communicator Status Troubleshooting

Trouble Codes and Descriptions

Network Connection and Signal Indicators

Troubleshooting Guide

Trouble Indications and Solutions

EthernetCellular Programming

System Options Configuration

System Toggle Options

Receiver Supervision and Path Settings

Network and Signal Troubleshooting Options

System Test Options

Test Transmission Configurations

Ethernet Receiver Options

Ethernet Receiver 1 Configuration

Ethernet Receiver 2 Configuration

Cellular Receiver Options

Cellular Receiver 1 Configuration

Cellular Receiver 2 Configuration

SMS Notification and Control

SMS Command and Control Settings

SMS Phone Number and Event Configuration

Receiver Diagnostic Testing

Performing Diagnostic Test Transmissions

Signal Strength and Network Indicators

Radio Signal Strength Interpretation

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