Commercial Base Unit
The Commercial Base Unit is a complete alarm system in a box, utilizing wireless technology to protect anything, anywhere, anytime. This tattletale is equipped with.
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Built-in Motion Detector
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Integrates with up to 48 Sensors
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Tamper-proof Rattlesnake Technology
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10 Hour Back-Up Battery
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115 dB Siren
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LED Strobe Light
Features:
INITIAL SET-UP
How do I activate my tattletale?
Simply submit an Activation Form to begin your wireless monitoring.
How do I determine where to place my tattletale?
Locate an area that an intruder is likely to pass through, and place the tattletale on a stable, horizontal surface approximately 4 ft. off the floor.
Angle the unit so that the intruder will cross in front of the motion detector.
For easy arming and disarming, choose a location that is easily accessible to you when you enter and exit. Make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby. Plug it in.
This will activate the Power indicator lights on the front and top of the unit. In 60 seconds you will hear a “beep” indicating the tattletale is warmed up and ready to proceed.
For optimum performance, we recommend the use of a surge protector for each alarm unit.
How do I test my tattletale?
To send a test signal, or place your system on test for an extended amount of time, call us at 1-888-TELL-ON-U.
Is there a warranty on my tattletale?
Yes. Every new tattletale arrives with a limited two year warranty.
Can I open the unit up to see what's inside?
No. If you open the unit, your warranty will be voided.
Can I move the system from one location to a new location without deactivating and reactivating?
Yes! Simply fill out a Change Form.
How far from the tattletale unit can I place a wireless sensor?
High-powered outdoor sensors may be placed up to 2000' from the base unit.
Low-powered indoor sensors will work up to 1000' from the base unit.
ZONE LIGHTS
What do the numbered lights on my tattletale indicate?
The numbers on top of your base unit correlate to the 8 different Zones. Your accessories each report to a specific Zone. Each of your sensors should have a Zone Location labeled on the back.
Zone 3 is the base unit motion detector.
Why is my Zone 3 Light flashing?
Zone 3 is the built-in motion detector in the tattletale base unit, and this flashing light is simply indicating that you are being detected while standing in front of the system.
If you stop moving in front of the tattletale, Zone 3 will stop flashing.
What does it mean if my Zone Lights are rapidly flashing?
A rapidly flashing Zone Light means that the accessory reporting to that zone has a low battery, or is not communicating with the tattletale.
Zone Lights are flashing and I can't arm my system. Why?
The tattletale will not let you arm if you have zones that are steadily flashing (with the exception of Zone 3, your built-in motion detector on the base unit.)
Steadily flashing lights warn you that you have accessories that are currently open, being tripped, or in need of attention.
Check the accessories that are programmed to that zone. Make sure they are secure and appear to be in good operating condition.
Rapidly flashing lights indicate that you have a sensor that is not communicating or needs a change of batteries.
How can I tell which accessory reports to which zone?
Each sensor is labeled with a corresponding zone sticker.
If I have multiple accessories on a Zone and the light is flashing, how can I tell which accessory is affected?
In this case, you should check all sensors associated with that zone.
If your serial number does not end in "ES", you cannot distinguish between multiple sensors on individual zones.
If your serial number does end in "ES", you can purchase a programming harness to pull up a list of all your accessories and their status on a laptop or PC.
STATUS LIGHTS
What does the Cell Light indicate?
The cell service light is an indication that your tattletale has cellular service, and is currently communicating with a cell tower.
A solid red light indicates very strong signal strength, equivalent to 4-5 bars of cell strength.
A flashing red light indicates medium signal strength, equivalent to 2-3 bars of cell strength.
If the light is not on, your tattletale does not have cell service. If this is the case, please call us at 1-888-TELL-ON-U to troubleshoot.
What does the Armed Light indicate?
When this light is solid red, your unit is armed or in the process of arming.
What does the Ready Light indicate?
This green light indicates that your system is ready to be armed.
What do I do if the Ready Light is not on?
If the light is off, one of your zones may be open or tripped.
Verify which Zone Lights are flashing. Check accessories on corresponding zones.
Verify that all doors and windows are closed, and that any sensors are not being tripped or opened. Ensure that any Loops are closed.
What does the tattletale light indicate?
The green tattletale light on the front of your base unit indicates that a signal is being transmitted.
When the alarm is set off, or when a signal is being transmitted, the tattletale light will begin to flash.
When the green light changes from flashing to solid, this indicates that your signal has successfully been sent.
MASTER & USER CODES
How do I program my Master Code?
First choose a 4-digit Master Code you want to use to arm and disarm your tattletale.
The tattletale comes preprogrammed with a master code of 1-2-3-4.
To create your new code:
Press: * 1 #
Press: 1 2 3 4
Press: * 1 #
Enter your new 4-digit Master Code
Press: * 1 #
Test the new master code and make sure it arms and disarms your tattletale with the new code.
How do I program additional User Codes?
Choose a 4-digit code for each User you want to add. You will have your Master Coder (User 1) and can add unique User Codes for Users 2-7.
For example, to add a User 2 Code:
Press: * 2 #
Enter your 4-digit Master Code
Press: * 2 #
Enter your new 4-digit User 2 Code
Press: * 2 #
Test the User 2 Code by arming the system with the new code.
To add a User 3 Code, repeat this process with * 3 #; to add a User 4 Code, use * 4 # and so on.
How do I delete User Codes?
For example, to delete a User 2 Code:
Press: * 2 #
Enter your 4-digit Master Code
Press: * 2 #
Enter your 4-digit Master Code
Press: * 2 #
To delete a User 3 Code, repeat this process with * 3 #; to delete a User 4 Code, use * 4 # and so on.
What happens if I forget my 4-digit Master Code?
Contact a tattletale representative at 1-888-TELL-ON-U for support. You will need to verify your identity and verbal password to program a new code.
Frequently Asked Questions
BACKUP BATTERY
What happens if I unplug my tattletale or lose power at my location?
Every tattletale comes equipped with a 10 hour backup battery already sealed inside. The tattletale will continue to function completely during the 10 hour backup period.
Within 6 to 8 hours the tattletale will transmit a low battery signal, and if you are fully monitored, you will receive an automated call to notify you of a low battery.
Can I replace the battery inside my tattletale?
No. If you open your tattletale, your warranty will be voided.
If the battery needs to be replaced, it will need to be serviced by tattletale technicians.
How do I test my Backup Battery?
It is recommended that you check your backup battery monthly by unplugging the tattletale and verifying it stays on.
If all the lights on your tattletale go out and you hear a click, your backup battery needs replaced.
How long will my tattletale operate on its Backup Battery?
A fully-charged battery should last approximately 8-10 hours.
It could take up to 48 hours to fully charge.
How do I know when my Backup Battery is low?
When the unit is working on battery power, it will send a text or email alert when there is about 2 hours of power left.
Please note that a Low Battery does not indicate that the battery is dead. This indicates that it has low voltage and needs to be reconnected to power for uninterrupted service.
The typical battery life is 3-5 years. Test your battery monthly by unplugging the system and verifying it stays powered.
You may also receive an A/C Power Loss and A/C Power Restore message shortly after you lose power or power is restored.
MOTION SENSOR
What is the white square on the front of the base unit?
The white square is the built-in motion detector. This detector has a field of view of 30' by 105 degrees when placed at least 30 inches off the floor.
Can the motion sensor on the base unit see through glass?
No. It can't look through glass or plastic, and will not react to movement unless there is a change in temperature associated with the movement.
If I arm my tattletale and don't leave, will I set off the motion detector as I move about?
Yes. Don't arm your tattletale unless you are going to be out of the motion detector's sight.
ENTRY & EXIT DELAY
Entry Delay: When I enter my location, how much time do I have to disarm my tattletale?
By default, you will have 40 seconds to disarm your tattletale. If you wish to change this, call us at 1-888-TELL-ON-U.
During this time, you cannot pick up or attempt to move the unit. The tattletale has a built-in tamper to prevent any unlawful attempts to damage the tattletale. Vibration of near-by surroundings may also trip the Rattlesnake.
Why don't I get an Entry Delay when I enter my location?
During the Entry Delay time, the Rattlesnake vibration detector in the tattletale is active. It is most likely that the vibration caused by you entering is tripping the Rattlesnake and causing the tattletale to go off "instantly."
Make sure the tattletale is on a stable, level surface with the keypad facing upwards.
There may also be an accessory programmed to an Instant Zone protecting the entrance. (Zones 4, 5, and 6 are Instant Zones by default.)
Please verify the zone number of any sensor that may detect you before you are able to enter your 4-digit code on your base unit.
Exit Delay: Once I arm my tattletale, how much time do I have to leave?
By default, you will have 60 seconds to leave. After 50 seconds you will hear 3 beeps indicating that you have 10 more seconds left.
If you have an open zone at the end of the Exit Delay, that zone will be bypassed.
If you wish to change any of the delay timers, call 1-888-TELL-ON-U.
MORE
What is Rattlesnake Technology?
During the entry delay time, if you attempt to tamper with, move, or pick up the unit, your tattletale will sound its alarm and send a signal.
During the entry delay time, if you attempt to tamper with, move, or pick up the unit, your tattletale will sound its alarm and send a signal.
There is a Chime Mode feature that is activated by pressing the first number of your Master Code, or by pressing * 0 *.
You will hear a long beep, indicating that the function has been accepted.
When the Chime Mode is activated, a chime will sound when any zone (except for 3) has been tripped.
Why does my tattletale continue beeping after I arm or disarm it?
This is letting you know that there is a fault that needs to be corrected or overridden.
This will happen when your unit is not plugged into power, or if it has been disconnected from power long enough to reach low battery status.
You need to enter your code twice to arm or disarm your system if your A/C Transformer (power cord) is not powering the tattletale.
The purpose of this is to remind you that your tattletale is operating on its own internal battery power, which will run out in 8 to 10 hours.
Make sure that your tattletale is plugged in.
If a Zone Light is flashing, check the accessory on the corresponding flashing zone to either change the battery in the accessory or bring the accessory back into range of the unit.
How long will the siren and strobe be active in the event of an alarm?
The siren will sound for 8 minutes after the last sensor is tripped, and the strobe will flash until the unit is disarmed.
If a zone is tripped after the siren stops sounding, it will sound again for another 8 minutes.
The unit remains armed until it is disarmed. There is no need to turn the system off after an alarm event; it will communicate any additional events until the alarm is disarmed.
The flashing strobe light will warn you that there has been an alarm, and will help authorities locate the premise.
As a safety precaution, make sure authorities have responded to the alarm event before you enter the premise.
Can I set the unit to automatically arm itself at a specific time?
Yes. This will require some programming; if you wish to do this, please call us at 1-888-TELL-ON-U.
What's the difference between FA and ES accessories?
FA and ES refer to different types of transmitters assembled with your accessories that communicate to your base unit.
Your system uses FA accessories if your serial number (located on the bottom of your base unit) does not have "ES" at the end. If it does, you have ES accessories.
FA accessories cannot be used with ES base units, nor can ES accessories be used with FA base units.
Generally speaking, older systems have FA accessories and newer systems have ES accessories.
Questions?
Call us.
CUSTOMER CARE
1-888-835-5668
Monday - Friday
8am - 6pm EST