Key Product Advantages

SIM x2
Dual Carrier Resilience
  • AT&T + VerizonTwo network carrier SIMs are built into the MAX2 platform.
  • Automatic carrier selectionThe communicator can select the stronger cellular network based on site conditions.
  • Redundant reporting optionsSupports single cellular, cellular/IP, or supervised dual-carrier operation depending on service plan and code requirements.
IP
Flexible Communications
  • Onboard EthernetUse the building network as an IP reporting path where approved and properly backed up.
  • Optional Wi-FiThe SLE-WIFI-MODULE can provide supported wireless IP connectivity where applicable.
  • Central-station flexibilityDesigned to forward fire alarm events through the StarLink infrastructure to compatible central-station receiving arrangements.
FACP
Retrofit Friendly
  • Panel-powered designThe CFB model is intended to operate from appropriate regulated FACP auxiliary power.
  • Dialer capture and inputsSupports common fire-panel takeover and retrofit connection methods according to approved wiring documentation.
  • POTS migrationProvides a modern communications path for compatible fire alarm systems previously dependent on legacy telephone service.
UL864
Commercial Fire Compliance
  • UL 864 10th Edition platformDesigned and listed for commercial fire communication applications.
  • NFPA 72 applicationsSupports service-plan configurations used for current and legacy NFPA 72 supervision requirements.
  • AHJ documentationNAPCO maintains installation, inspection, listing, and submittal resources for the MAX2 series.
2026
Current Platform Features
  • BuildingReports readyCurrent NAPCO materials describe MAX2 support for BuildingReports integration through the StarLink platform.
  • Direct Reporting modeCurrent NAPCO technical documentation includes optional Direct Reporting functionality, subject to configuration and central-station compatibility.
  • Remote NOC managementStarLink account and communicator management is supported through NAPCO dealer tools.
CUI
Lifecycle Support
  • Pre-install reviewPanel model, power budget, reporting method, network availability, and AHJ requirements.
  • CommissioningActivation, programming, signal verification, and central-station coordination.
  • Ongoing serviceTroubleshooting, communicator replacement, network changes, and reporting-path support.

Communication Modes

Choose the Reporting Architecture That Fits the Site

The proper reporting method is determined by the fire alarm system, the applicable code edition, the central station, network availability, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

MODE 01

Cellular Sole Path

Uses cellular communication as the primary reporting path. The dual-SIM architecture provides access to Verizon and AT&T carrier options through the MAX2 platform.

MODE 02

Cellular + IP Dual Path

Combines cellular reporting with an IP path through the onboard Ethernet connection, or supported optional Wi-Fi. Premises network equipment used for life-safety reporting must meet applicable standby-power and installation requirements.

MODE 03

Super Dual

NAPCO's supervised dual-carrier option uses the two cellular carriers as supervised reporting paths, which can reduce dependency on the premises Internet connection when the approved application permits it.

Still Paying for Legacy Fire Alarm Phone Lines?

StarLink MAX2 is designed for commercial fire communicator upgrades and POTS replacement. Communications Unlimited can review the existing fire panel, determine an appropriate MAX2 configuration, coordinate activation, and perform the communications cutover and testing.

Request a POTS Migration Review

Sales, Installation & Service

More Than a Box Sale

Commercial fire communications are a life-safety system component. The hardware is only one part of the deployment. Communications Unlimited can manage the technical work required to put the communicator into service and keep it operational.

01 · Equipment

Product Supply

SLE-MAX2-CFB hardware, compatible accessories, antennas, power accessories, and alternate MAX2 models as required by the site design.

02 · Engineering

Compatibility Review

Review the FACP, available regulated auxiliary power, standby battery capacity, DACT/dialer configuration, trigger inputs, network path, and physical mounting requirements.

03 · Activation

StarLink Setup

Communicator activation, service-plan selection, radio configuration, account setup, and coordination of reporting parameters with the monitoring workflow.

04 · Installation

Professional Deployment

Mounting, FACP interface wiring, Ethernet or optional Wi-Fi path where applicable, antennas, communicator supervision wiring, labeling, and system cleanup.

05 · Commissioning

Signal & Event Testing

Carrier signal verification, alarm/supervisory/trouble testing, communication-path validation, central-station signal confirmation, and cutover documentation.

06 · Service

Ongoing Support

Radio troubleshooting, carrier/path issues, network changes, communicator replacement, configuration review, and support for future service or inspection events.

MAX2 Model Selection

Select the Correct Power & Enclosure Configuration

SLE-MAX2-CFB is the metal, panel-powered model. Other MAX2 versions may be more appropriate when enclosure type or available panel power changes the installation requirements.

SLE-MAX2-FIRE

PANEL-POWERED · ABS HOUSING

Universal MAX2 fire communicator in a plastic housing for installations where the standard ABS enclosure is appropriate.

  • Dual SIM Verizon + AT&T
  • Cellular / IP options
  • Panel-powered
Featured Model

SLE-MAX2-CFB

PANEL-POWERED · METAL HOUSING

The featured commercial fire configuration, using a locking red metal enclosure and power from an appropriate regulated fire alarm system source.

  • Dual SIM Verizon + AT&T
  • Metal commercial enclosure
  • Panel-powered installation

SLE-MAX2-CFBPS

AC-POWERED · METAL HOUSING

Use when the fire alarm panel does not have suitable power capacity or when an independently powered communicator configuration is required.

  • Direct AC power arrangement
  • Provision for standby battery
  • Metal commercial enclosure

Technical Snapshot

Cellular Networks

Verizon and AT&T dual-SIM cellular connectivity using the MAX2 LTE-M / CAT-M1 platform.

IP Connectivity

Onboard Ethernet for supported dual-path configurations. Optional SLE-WIFI-MODULE available where applicable.

Power

SLE-MAX2-CFB is panel-powered. Available FACP auxiliary power and standby capacity must be verified before installation.

Enclosure

Red locking metal housing, approximately 11.5 in W x 9.5 in H x 3.5 in D, plus supplied external antennas.

Reporting

Supports fire alarm dialer capture, supervised inputs, programmable outputs, and supported direct-reporting configurations.

Service Modes

Cellular sole path, traditional cellular/IP dual path, and Super Dual supervised dual-cell operation, depending on selected service plan.

Compliance

MAX2 commercial fire models are supported by current NAPCO UL, NFPA, CSFM, FDNY, and related product documentation.

Accessories

Optional Wi-Fi module, extended antennas, voltage-drop kit, tamper kit, power supply, transformer, and cable-management backbox.

Engineering note: Fire alarm communicator selection, wiring, service plan, power calculations, network backup, and acceptance testing must follow the current manufacturer instructions, applicable NFPA/UL requirements, and the local AHJ. Communications Unlimited will verify the project configuration before commissioning.

Why Communications Unlimited

✓

One Vendor from Equipment to Service

Source the communicator, activate it, install it, test the signals, coordinate the reporting path, and obtain ongoing support without splitting responsibility across multiple companies.

✓

Network and Life-Safety Experience

Dual-path fire communications cross fire alarm, cellular, IP networking, backup power, and central-station operations. Our systems-integration approach treats the complete communications chain as one system.

✓

Legacy POTS Migration

We can review legacy copper-line fire alarm accounts and design a migration to modern cellular or cellular/IP reporting while preserving the existing compatible FACP.

✓

Commercial Project Support

Available for property managers, commercial buildings, campuses, hospitality, retail, mixed-use properties, and other managed facilities that require documented service and accountable support.

✓

Service After Installation

When communications trouble occurs, the objective is not to sell another radio. It is to identify whether the problem is FACP power, carrier signal, IP connectivity, service configuration, wiring, NOC reporting, or the central-station path.

Since 1984

Communications Unlimited provides communications, networking, security, integration, and managed infrastructure services for commercial customers.

South Florida service coverage. Project-specific availability, permitting, monitoring, and inspection requirements are confirmed during the site review.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a NAPCO StarLink MAX2 commercial fire alarm communicator in a red metal enclosure. It supports dual-SIM cellular connectivity using Verizon and AT&T, plus supported IP reporting configurations. The CFB model is powered from an appropriate regulated source associated with the fire alarm system.

NAPCO markets the MAX2 platform for replacement of legacy fire-alarm telephone-line communications. The final communication architecture and service plan must be selected for the applicable code edition, central station, and AHJ requirements. Communications Unlimited can perform that review before cutover.

Yes. The MAX2 dual-SIM platform supports Verizon and AT&T carrier connectivity. The actual carrier behavior depends on the selected service configuration, signal quality, and communicator programming.

Super Dual is NAPCO's supervised dual-carrier fire communications option. It uses the two cellular carriers as supervised communication paths. This may eliminate the need to use the building Internet connection as the second path in approved applications.

If the existing FACP cannot provide suitable regulated auxiliary power or adequate standby capacity for the panel-powered communicator, the SLE-MAX2-CFBPS may be the better configuration because it provides a dedicated AC-powered arrangement with provision for standby battery. The final selection should be based on the fire system power calculations and installation requirements.

Yes. Equipment-only sales can be quoted. For commercial fire applications, we recommend confirming panel compatibility, power, service plan, central-station requirements, and AHJ requirements before ordering so the correct model and accessories are supplied.

Yes. Use the form below and select Existing StarLink Service / Troubleshooting. Include the communicator model, FACP model, current trouble condition, and property location. Service availability is confirmed by project location and system requirements.

Current NAPCO materials state that StarLink Fire MAX2 communicators can support BuildingReports integration through the StarLink platform. Firmware, account configuration, and platform requirements should be verified for the specific installed radio before the integration is enabled.