Labkotc Labcom 220 Communication Unit
Introduction
The Labcom 220 communication unit is designed for the monitoring of industrial, domestic, and environmental engineering measurements remotely. Typical applications include oil separator alarms, tank surface level measurements, as well as pumping station and property monitoring.
Labcom 220 Interfaces to Various Systems
This installation and user guide contains instructions for the installation, commissioning, and use of the communication unit.
Labcom 220 and Mobile Phones
The figure below illustrates the message exchange between users and the Labcom 220 communication unit. You can store two types of mobile numbers in the unit:
- End user numbers to which measurement and alarm messages are sent. These mobile numbers can also be used to query measurement results.
- Administrator numbers can be used to change the unit settings. No measurement or alarm messages are sent to these mobile numbers, but they can be used for sending measurement queries.
Labcom 220 and Labko Net
- Labcom 220 can be connected to an online LabkoNet® monitoring system.
- Using the LabkoNet® system alongside mobile phones brings various advantages, including constant connection monitoring, as well as measurement and alarm data storing and visual presentation.
- Alarm and measurement data from measurement points are transferred to the LabkoNet® server through the communication unit over the GSM network.
- The server stores the data into a database from which it can later be accessed for reporting purposes, for example.
- The server also checks the data of each measurement channel that is sent by the unit, converts it into the applicable format, and checks for possible alarm threshold violations.
- If it detects any violations, it sends the alarm data to the predefined email addresses as email messages and mobile numbers as text messages.
Installing the Enclosure
The Labcom 220 unit enclosure is wall-mounted.
- Open the cover of the enclosure.
- Mount the enclosure onto the wall.
- Drive the upper screw into the wall, hang the enclosure on it, and then drive the lower screw into the wall.
- Make the required connections according to the instructions in Chapter 2.2.
- Install the SIM card into the unit according to the instructions in Chapter 2.2.
- Close the cover of the enclosure.
Electrical connections
The figure below shows the electrical connections and other key components of the Labcom 220 unit.
Legend
- Cable connection for the user interface
- 2G/3G modem
- 2G/3G modem signal light
- SIM card holder
- Transformer
- Reset button
- Analogue input 2, 4…20 mA
- Analogue input 1, 4…20 mA
- Digital input 2
- Digital input 1
- Mains input, 230 VAC
- Fuse 125 mAT
Connecting the unit to the mains supply
The operating voltage of the unit is 230 V, 50/60 Hz. The maximum connected load is 4 VA. Connect the voltage to the terminals marked L and N (see the figure above). Use a dedicated feed from the distribution board, if possible. The unit is equipped with a 125 mAT distribution fuse (5×20 mm, glass tube).
Connecting the Sensors
The Labcom 220 unit is equipped with two 4…20 mA analogue inputs. The unit provides a supply voltage of about 24 VDC (+Us) for a passive 2-wire transmitter (pass. 2W) or 3-wire transmitter (3W). Alternatively, you can connect an active 2-wire transmitter that obtains its power supply from some other system to the analogue input.
Connecting the Digital Inputs
The Labcom 220 unit has two digital current-sinking inputs (switch inputs). All digital and analogue inputs share the same voltage source and current limit.
Cabling
To ensure sufficient protection against interference, you should use screened instrumentation cables and, for analogue inputs, double sheathed cables. Install the unit as far as possible from units with relay controls and other cabling. Keep the input and relay cabling separate from the measurement and communications cabling. Use single-point earthing, if possible.
Installing the SIM Card
- Install the SIM card acquired for the Labcom 220 communication unit in your own mobile phone and check that you can use it to send and receive text messages.
- Disable the PIN code query from the SIM card using your mobile phone.
- Open the Labcom 220 SIM card holder by sliding the cover of the holder to the right and then lifting the cover. Install the SIM card with its metal contacts facing down and lock the card in place by sliding the cover of the holder to the left.
Commissioning
You can use the following order, for example:
Specify the end user mobile numbers (TEL)
- Alarms and scheduled measurement messages are sent to these numbers.
- They can also be used to query the unit status (‘M’ query).
Administrator’s mobile numbers (OPTEL)
- Once you have specified the administrator mobile numbers, you can only modify unit settings from one of these numbers.
- If no administrator mobile numbers have been specified, you can modify the unit settings from any number.
For the unit (NAME)
- Specify the parameters for the measurements and digital inputs (AI and DI messages).
- Specify common (ALTXT) and measurement-specific alarm messages (AIALTXT).
- You may also find the following settings useful:
- Specify the transmission time for scheduled measurement messages (TXD).
- Specify the time (CLOCK).
Operation
- You can modify the unit settings with your mobile phone whenever necessary.
- You can also query the results using a text message.
Control panel
| Signal light/button | State | Description |
| Green (a) | On | The unit is fully operational. |
| Red (c) | On | Measurement out-of-range alarm or digital input alarm |
| Blinks | Sensor connection fault or measurement value out of the normal measurement range | |
| LED or button (b) | – | Not in use. |
MESSAGES AND REPLIES
Mobile numbers
Adding mobile numbers for end users and administrators
The ‘End user and administrator mobile numbers’ setup message contains the following fields, separated by a white space:
| Field | Description |
| TEL or OPTEL | TEL = ‘End user mobile numbers’ message identifier OPTEL = ‘Administrator mobile numbers’ message identifier |
| <No.> | The mobile number in international format You can specify up to ten (10) end-user mobile numbers. You can specify up to five (5) administrator mobile numbers. The unit saves the numbers in the first available memory slots in the order it receives them. If the message contains more than ten numbers or if no memory slots are free, the unit does not save the excess phone numbers. |
Please take note
This Quick Guide describes an Labkotc Labcom 220 Communication Unit application example for the communication unit Labcom 220 and the warning device GA-1. It is not substituting the instruction manuals for Labcom 220 and GA-1.
Requirements
The cable connection between the two devices Labkotc Labcom 220 Communication Unit matches the application example. Follow the instructions provided in the mobile phone’s manual to do this.
The application example shows the scheme of Labkotc Labcom 220 Communication Unit the GA-1 warning device, where the relay switches upon grease alarm, sensor cable breakage, or sensor defect. The relay of the warning device switches back as soon as the sensor is no longer in the alarm state.
Inserting the SIM Card
SMS Parameter Steps and Examples
The SMS command must use uppercase and must end with a blank space. Mobile phone numbers must always use the plus sign followed by the country code. If no confirmation or notification arrives, check the credit balance of the SIM card or the contract term of your mobile service provider.
One or Multiple User Mobile Phone Numbers
Device or System Name
Current Date and Time
Digital Input
Cyclic Status Notification
Application Example
Labcom 220 Dimensions
EU Declaration of Conformity
We hereby declare that the product named below has been designed to comply with the relevant requirements of the referenced directives and standards.
Product
Communication unit Labcom 220
Manufacturer
Labkotec Oy Myllyhaantie 6 Directives FI-33960 Pirkkala, Finland
Directives
The product is in accordance with the following EU Directives:
- 2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
- 2014/53/EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
- 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
- 2011/65/EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)
Standards
EMC
- EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019
- EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021
- EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
- EN 61000-3-3:2013/A1:2019
RED
- EN 301 511 v12.5.1
- EN 301 908-1 V13.1.1
- EN 301 908-2 V13.1.1
LVD
EN 61010-1:2010/A1:2019/AC:2019-04
RoHS
EN IEC 63000:2018
Customer Service
- E-mail: labkonet@labkotec.fi
- Tel: +358 29 006 6066.
- Address: Myllyhaantie 6, FI-33960 Pirkkala, Finland
© 2025 Labkotec.fi.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Labcom 220 Communication Unit?
The Labcom 220 is a communication interface that allows Labkotec monitoring devices (such water level, sludge, or oil sensors) to send status and alarm signals to external systems via email, SMS, or Modbus TCP/IP. It serves as a tool for integration and remote alarm alerting.
Can I test the communication setup without triggering a real alarm?
Indeed. Labcom 220 features a manual test function in the web interface. To confirm your setup and make sure all recipients are getting notifications correctly, you can send test messages by email or SMS.
What is the power supply requirement for Labcom 220?
The Labcom 220 requires a 12–24 VDC power source to function. To prevent malfunction, make sure the supply is steady and appropriately rated.
Does Labcom 220 log historical alarm data?
Indeed, the gadget has the capacity to store logs of system operations, delivered notifications, and alarm occurrences.
Is the unit suitable for outdoor or harsh environments?
If the installation site is dusty, humid, or perhaps exposed to water, use a protective enclosure.
