StarLink SLE-MAX2-CFB Dual SIM Fire Alarm Communicator

The StarLink SLE-MAX2-CFB Dual SIM Fire Alarm Communicator is a commercial fire alarm communication device manufactured by NAPCO Security Technologies..It interfaces with compatible fire alarm control panels and transmits alarm, supervisory, and trouble information to a central monitoring station.

The SLE-MAX2-CFB incorporates AT&T and Verizon cellular connectivity using CAT-M1 technology and can be configured for cellular sole-path, cellular/IP dual-path, or NAPCO’s supervised dual-cell Super Dual communication.

Product Functions

• Provides commercial fire alarm communications
• Uses dual SIM cellular technology
• Supports Verizon and AT&T networks
• Supports cellular sole-path operation
• Supports cellular/IP dual-path communication
• Supports supervised dual-carrier cellular communication
• Provides onboard Ethernet connectivity
• Supports optional Wi-Fi connectivity
• Provides fire alarm dialer capture
• Provides supervised Class B inputs
• Provides programmable outputs
• Supports compatible 12V and 24V fire alarm systems
• Designed for UL 864 commercial fire applications

This dual-carrier architecture provides additional communication redundancy compared with a single-carrier fire alarm communicator.

NAPCO’s current technical library continues to provide firmware and certification resources specifically for the SLE-MAX2-CFB, SLE-MAX2-CFBPS, and SLE-MAX2-FIRE.

Super Dual Communication

The SLE-MAX2-CFB supports NAPCO’s Super Dual communication service.

This configuration uses the two cellular carriers as two supervised communication paths, allowing AT&T and Verizon to provide redundant reporting without requiring the second path to be Ethernet/IP.

This can simplify installations where dual-path fire alarm communication is required but providing a dedicated building Internet connection would be inconvenient.

Cellular & IP Dual Path

The communicator also supports traditional dual-path operation using:

Cellular + Ethernet/IP.

An onboard Ethernet connection allows the communicator to use the building network as one reporting path while cellular communication provides the alternate path.

NAPCO also offers the optional:

SLE-WIFI-MODULE

which allows supported MAX2 communicators to connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi instead of a hardwired Ethernet connection.

Fire Alarm Panel Interface

The SLE-MAX2-CFB is specifically designed to interface with fire alarm control panels (FACPs).

The CFB configuration supports communication methods including fire alarm dialer capture and supervised trigger inputs. NAPCO publishes dedicated wiring documentation for both sole dial-capture and trigger-input configurations.

This allows the communicator to retrofit many existing fire alarm panels that previously relied on conventional telephone-line reporting.

Supervised Inputs

The MAX2 platform provides supervised fire alarm inputs.

Published specifications for Inputs 2 through 5 identify:

Circuit Type: Class B

Maximum Loop Voltage: 25 VDC

Maximum Loop Current: 1.2 mA for metal models

End-of-Line Resistor: 10 kΩ.

The supervised inputs can be used to capture appropriate fire alarm system conditions according to the approved wiring configuration.

Relay & Programmable Outputs

NAPCO documentation identifies two Form C relay outputs on the commercial fire communicator platform, helping eliminate the need for separate listed supervision relays in applicable installations.

The MAX2 platform also provides programmable output capability for appropriate communicator and system-status functions.

Panel-Powered Operation

The SLE-MAX2-CFB is the panel-powered metal-enclosure version of the MAX2 commercial fire communicator.

Published electrical specifications are:

Input Voltage: 10–24 VDC regulated

24 VDC Standby Current: 85 mA.

Power is supplied from an appropriate power-limited output of the UL-certified fire alarm control unit or compatible remote fire power supply.

This distinguishes it from the SLE-MAX2-CFBPS, which incorporates a dedicated AC power-supply arrangement.

SLE-MAX2-CFB vs. SLE-MAX2-CFBPS

The primary difference is the power configuration:

SLE-MAX2-CFB: Panel-powered, 10–24 VDC

SLE-MAX2-CFBPS: Direct AC-powered version with power supply and provision for backup battery.

Both models support the commercial fire communication capabilities of the MAX2 platform.

Electrical & Communication Information

Input Power: 10–24 VDC regulated

Standby Current at 24 VDC: 85 mA

Cellular Carriers: AT&T / Verizon

Cellular Technology: CAT-M1

IP Connectivity: Ethernet

Optional Wireless IP: SLE-WIFI-MODULE

Communication Modes: Cellular sole path / cellular-IP dual path / supervised dual cellular

Class B Input EOL: 10 kΩ

Input 2–5 Maximum Loop Voltage: 25 VDC.

Installation Information

The SLE-MAX2-CFB is installed between the compatible fire alarm control equipment and the central-station communication network.

Depending on the approved configuration, installation may include panel power, dialer-capture connections, supervised trigger inputs, Ethernet connectivity, dual cellular antennas, and programmable output connections.

NAPCO provides dedicated wiring diagrams for SLE-MAX2-CFB sole dial capture and sole trigger-input applications, as well as NFPA inspection guides for commissioning and AHJ testing.

SLE-MAX2-CFB Datasheet