How to connect Texecom Wintex to a Premier Elite panel
Applies to: Texecom Wintex on Windows PCs, connecting to Premier Elite and Ricochet Premier Elite panels by USB-Com, ComIP or SmartCom. Older non-Elite Premier panels can use Wintex through a ComIP, but not SmartCom or the Premier Elite Flasher. Also covers Texecom Cloud and the Texecom Connect app. Screens differ between software versions.
Texecom Wintex is Texecom's Windows upload/download (UDL) software for Premier and Premier Elite panels. Texecom describes it as giving complete upload/download and system diagnostics. You can also use it offline to build panel profiles and manage customer accounts.
This guide covers the installer side: Wintex, the UDL password, and how the panel connects. It also explains where Texecom Cloud and the Texecom Connect app fit in. For choosing a panel, see our Texecom alarm systems guide.
Before you start
- A Windows PC. Texecom's Wintex user guide (INS549-3) lists Windows XP to Windows 7. It is an older document, so check the download page for current Windows support.
- Access to Wintex from Texecom's website. The user guide says it is available to Registered Installers.
- A supported panel, such as the Premier Elite 48 or the Ricochet Premier Elite 64-W.
- A connection route: a USB-Com lead (JAC-0001), a ComIP module (CEJ-0001) or a SmartCom (CEL-0001).
- The panel's engineer code and UDL password.
- For SmartCom and Texecom Connect: panel firmware V4 or later. Some SmartCom features need V5.00 or later.
Step 1: Install Wintex and set up a logon
- Download Wintex from Texecom's website and install it. On 64-bit Windows the guide says it installs under Program Files (x86)\Texecom.
- By default Wintex needs no logon. Texecom recommends creating a logon for each person who uses it.
- Use the newest version you can. Wintex older than 7.2.3 cannot connect to SmartCom systems.
Step 2: Create a customer account
- Create a new customer account.
- On the Panel Details tab, choose the panel type and Software Version. If you do not know the version, choose the highest. Wintex flags a mismatch when it first connects.
- Leave the serial number. It fills in on first connection.
- Enter the UDL password programmed in the panel. If none has been set, the guide says it is the last 4 digits of the engineer code.
- Leave the phone number blank when using USB-Com or IP.
- On Ricochet systems, tick Include All Ricochet Config when Sending Data (V6.13 and later). If it is unticked, Ricochet data will not show in Wintex.
Step 3: Connect locally with a USB-Com lead
- Plug the USB-Com lead into the panel and the PC, and power the panel.
- Windows normally installs the FTDI driver. The lead shows as a USB Serial Port on COM 1 to 16.
- In Wintex go to Setup > Setup Modem (Ctrl+M) > PC Com tab. Set the PC's COM port, not the panel's.
- Connect, then upload the panel data and save it before changing anything.
Step 4: Connect over IP with a ComIP
- Fit the ComIP. Texecom lists upload and download via Wintex as a ComIP feature, for Premier Elite and Premier panels.
- Connect locally through the router, or with a crossover cable straight to the PC.
- The default ComIP port is 10001. For remote access over the internet you normally need a port forward on the site router.
Step 5: Set up SmartCom and Texecom Cloud
SmartCom connects out to Texecom's servers, so Wintex and the Connect app can reach the panel without port forwarding. It works with Premier Elite panels on V4.00 firmware or later, except the Premier Elite 640.
- Fit the SmartCom leads: the 4-wire lead to COM1 and the 2-wire lead to COM2.
- In Com Port Setup, set COM1 = SmartCom and COM2 = ComIP.
- Check the IP data for COM2 (ComIP port). On Ethernet with DHCP it is filled in automatically. On Wi-Fi the address shows as 0.0.0.0, which is normal, so do not change it. Enter IP data by hand only if you are giving an Ethernet SmartCom a static IP. The port can be left as 10001.
- Program a UDL password at UDL/Digi Options > UDL Options > UDL Password. It is required on SmartCom systems.
- Configure the panel for Texecom Connect and generate an App Code at the keypad. The SmartCom installation guide gives the menu path for your panel.
- Sign in at cloud.texe.com and go to Panels > Add A Panel > App Code. Enter the app code and engineer code, then choose the installation type and service plan.
- For Wi-Fi, use a 2.4GHz network with DHCP enabled. SmartCom does not support 5GHz.
On managed networks, SmartCom needs only outbound connections: TCP 443 to cloud.texe.com and to Texecom's MQTT brokers (broker*.texe.com). Since 20 September 2022 the brokers use port 443, with 8883 kept as a fallback. It also needs UDP 123 to *.pool.ntp.org, and DNS on port 53 (Google 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 when a static IP is used). Texecom's troubleshooting list also includes outbound TCP 50501-50509. The simplest route is to allow all outbound traffic to *.texe.com and *.pool.ntp.org. No inbound ports are needed. See our SmartCom and communicators guide for hardware choices.
Step 6: Firmware updates
For panels already on V5.00 or later with a SmartCom, Texecom's SmartCom guide says firmware can also be upgraded through Texecom Cloud Services. Otherwise use the Premier Elite Flasher. The steps below cover the Premier Elite Flasher. Check the flash instructions for your panel before you start.
- Upload and save the panel data in Wintex first.
- Power down. Connect the Flash Interface PCB's 10-way header to the programming port (pin 1/red to the arrows) and the USB-Com to the PC. Unplug anything on the panel COM ports.
- Re-apply power and press RESET on the Flash Interface.
- Run the Premier Elite Flasher, select the .mot file and the USB-Com's COM port, and press Flash. Set the switch to Prog and press Reset.
- When it finishes, set the switch to Run, press Reset, and unplug the header.
- A major upgrade, such as V3 to V4, needs a factory reset. A minor one does not.
- In Wintex, set Edit Account > Panel Details > Software Version to the new version and click OK. Connect over USB-Com, which also writes the Unique ID and encryption key that Texecom Connect needs after a V4 upgrade. Then use Send Update. When sending data back after a V4 upgrade, Texecom says the COM port you are using must be programmed as 'Nothing Fitted'.
The Flasher does not update Ricochet expander firmware on -W panels, and it is not for non-Elite Premier panels.
Good habits with Wintex and Texecom Cloud
- Always upload and save the panel data before you change or flash anything.
- Give each engineer their own Wintex logon.
- Back up customer profiles. On 64-bit Windows the guide stores them under AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Texecom\Wintex\Customers.
- Keep Wintex up to date before attending a site with newer firmware.
- Set a UDL password that is not just the default.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Wintex will not connect through a SmartCom | Wintex older than 7.2.3. From 20 September 2021, SmartCom connections need the updated security certificate included in Wintex 7.2.3 | Install the latest Wintex from Texecom's website. |
| No COM port appears for the USB-Com | FTDI driver not installed, or the panel is not powered | Connect the lead and power the panel. If needed, install the driver from the FTDI Drivers folder inside the Wintex install folder through Device Manager. |
| Panel firmware version is missing from the Wintex list | Wintex is older than the panel firmware | Install the latest Wintex, then set the matching Software Version. |
| 'Incorrect Config' shown when generating an App Code | No UDL password, wrong COM port settings, no IP data, or Texecom Connect ARC not selected | Set a UDL password. Check COM1 = SmartCom and COM2 = ComIP. Check the COM2 IP data and that Texecom Connect is selected. |
| NO CARRIER when enabling Texecom Connect | SmartCom has no network or internet path, or the ARC IP addresses are wrong | Check that the Ethernet or Wi-Fi LED is solid and the router lists texe_hub. Check ISP parental controls. Set the ARC to Disabled and then back to Texecom Connect. |
| Unique ID shows all ffff | The panel has no unique ID (GUID) | Connect with Wintex V6.2.5.0 or later over USB-Com or PC-Com to generate one. |
| Cloud LED flashing on the SmartCom | The SmartCom is not connected to Texecom's servers | Check the configuration. On managed networks, allow outbound traffic to *.texe.com and *.pool.ntp.org. Then contact Texecom technical support. |
| SmartCom will not join Wi-Fi | 5GHz network, or DHCP turned off | Use a 2.4GHz network and make sure DHCP is enabled. |
| Ricochet data missing in Wintex | Include All Ricochet Config when Sending Data is unticked | Tick the option (Wintex V6.13 and later) and connect again. |
Questions
Where can I download Texecom Wintex?
Wintex is downloaded from Texecom's own website. Texecom's Wintex user guide says it is available to Registered Installers. Check the product downloads page on texe.com for the current version and access terms. We do not supply Wintex or issue software licences.
Why won't my old version of Wintex connect to a SmartCom?
Texecom announced that from 20 September 2021, Wintex versions earlier than 7.2.3 cannot connect to SmartCom systems because SmartCom connections need the updated security certificate included in Wintex 7.2.3. Install the latest Wintex from Texecom's website and try again.
What is the Texecom UDL password, and is it the same as the engineer code?
No. The UDL password is a separate code that lets Wintex talk to the panel. Texecom's Wintex guide says that if one has not been set, it will be the last 4 digits of the engineer code. Wintex also has an option to use 1234 as the default UDL password for new accounts. On SmartCom systems a UDL password must be programmed, using up to 15 letters and numbers.
Can I program a Premier Elite remotely without port forwarding?
Yes, with a SmartCom. Texecom says SmartCom enables remote panel connections from Wintex and the Connect app without router port forwarding, because it only makes outbound connections. A ComIP on its own normally needs a port forward on the site router, using port 10001 by default.
Which lead do I need to connect Wintex locally?
Use the Texecom USB-Com lead, part JAC-0001, between the panel and a PC USB port. Windows usually installs its FTDI driver automatically, and the lead then shows as a USB Serial Port. Texecom also documents an older serial PC-Com lead.
Is Texecom Cloud free?
Opening a Texecom Cloud account is free, and adding a panel for Connect V2 app visibility is free. Texecom's SmartCom guide says system and V2 app management are charged at the normal per-panel rate, which is shown in the portal when you add a panel.
Does Wintex update the panel firmware?
No. Premier Elite firmware is not flashed from Wintex. For panels already on V5.00 or later with a SmartCom, Texecom's SmartCom guide says firmware can also be upgraded through Texecom Cloud Services. Otherwise use the Premier Elite Flasher. Texecom's flash instructions say to upload and save the panel data in Wintex first, and that Wintex V6.2.5.0 or later is required. After a flash to V4, default the panel and connect with Wintex so it can write the unique ID and encryption key needed for Texecom Connect.
What is the difference between Wintex and the Texecom Connect app?
Wintex is Windows software for installers. It handles full programming, upload and download, and diagnostics. Texecom Connect is the end-user app for iOS and Android. It is used to arm and disarm, receive notifications and view a timeline. Texecom describes the app as a supplementary feature that is not considered part of the graded alarm transmission system (ATS).
Do you install or program Texecom alarms?
No. Zenith Security Co. is a supplier. We sell Texecom panels, keypads and communicators to installers and end users, but we do not install, program or maintain systems. If you need an engineer, use our find an installer page. Installers can apply for a trade account for trade pricing.
More Texecom help
Browse our Texecom alarms. For software downloads and manuals, use Texecom's product downloads page.
Related guides
Questions about which Texecom panel, lead or communicator to buy? Call us on 01902 902251. For programming help, contact Texecom technical support or use a qualified installer. We supply Texecom panels, keypads, SmartCom and ComIP communicators from Wolverhampton, and can recommend an installer if you need one. Installers can apply for a trade account for trade pricing.
