This guide explains how to configure your alarm panel to connect to CallOnAlarm using the SIA DC-09 protocol.
Note: The configuration steps below are generic and apply to most alarm panels. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your manufacturer (Hikvision, Dahua, VESTA, Ajax, Paradox, DSC, etc.).
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
Configuration Steps
1
Access Monitoring Station Settings
Navigate to your alarm panel's monitoring station configuration:
Settings > Device > Panel > Monitoring Station
or
Settings > Network > ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre)
Tip: Look for terms like "Monitoring Station", "ARC", "Central Station", or "Reporting" in your panel's menu.
2
Configure Connection Parameters
Enter the following settings:
Parameter
Value
Protocol
SIA or SIA-DCS
Account Number
Your account number from CallOnAlarm dashboard
Server Address
sia.callonalarm.io
Port
5001
Encryption
Disabled / Inactive
3
Configure Timing & Retry Settings
Parameter
Recommended Value
Notes
Periodic Test
> 1 hour (e.g., 90 min)
Automatic test report sent to verify connectivity
Retry Attempts
2 - 3 max
⚠️ Higher values may trigger multiple phone calls
Retry Delay
30 seconds
Time between retry attempts
Heartbeat Interval
30 - 60 seconds
⚠️ Only if accessible (see note below)
Important about retries: Each successful alarm transmission may trigger a phone call. If your panel retries multiple times before receiving an ACK, this could result in multiple calls for the same event. We recommend setting retries to 2–3 maximum.
Heartbeat Interval: Most alarm panels do not expose this setting. However, if your panel allows you to configure the heartbeat interval, you must set it between 30 and 60 seconds. Values outside this range may cause connection issues or trigger server-side protections.
4
Enable Monitoring
Enable the monitoring station / ARC reporting
Ensure the connection is set to Active
5
Test the Connection
Most alarm panels include a manual test feature:
Look for "Test Connection", "Manual Test", or "Send Test Report"
Trigger the test
Check your CallOnAlarm dashboard → Events tab
Verify the test event appears in the logs
6
Save Configuration
Once the test is successful:
Save your configuration
Exit the settings menu
Verify the panel shows "Connected" or "Online" status (if available)
Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
Connection failed
Wrong server address
Verify: sia.callonalarm.io port 5001
Test not appearing in dashboard
Wrong account number
Double-check account number matches your connection
Connection timeout
Firewall blocking outbound
Ensure TCP port 5001 outbound is allowed
Encryption error
Encryption enabled
Disable encryption in panel settings
Manufacturer-Specific Guides
Standard Configuration (Most Panels)
Most manufacturers (Hikvision, Dahua, Ajax, Honeywell, DSC, Paradox, etc.) provide separate fields for each connection parameter:
Field
Value
Server / Host
sia.callonalarm.io
Port
5001
Account Number
Your account number from CallOnAlarm
URI-Based Configuration (VESTA and others)
Some manufacturers, like VESTA, require a single URI string to configure the SIA connection:
Replace the following:
Placeholder
Value
account_number
Your account number from CallOnAlarm dashboard
host
sia.callonalarm.io
port
5001
Example:
If your account number is 12345678, the URI would be:
VESTA compatible panels: HSGW, HPGW, MZ, HMGW, and all panels supporting IP/GPRS/4G reporting.
Need Help?
If you're having trouble configuring your alarm panel:
Check the Events tab in your connection dashboard for diagnostic information
