Texecom have just released v6 of the firmware for the Premier Elite panels:
https://www.texe.com/uk/news/#new-premier-elite-v6-and-smartcom-v4-firmware
The main benefit here is a new ‘Monitor Mode’ which is meant to make it easier to set up SmartCom units, apps, Texecom Cloud etc. So definitely worth investigating further as I do have a SmartCom. I’ve not been able to explore Texecom Cloud really because I’m not a professional installer although if you have multiple systems to manage it sounds like an interesting option.
So far as I can see without Texecom Cloud the only way to upgrade the firmware is with the good old fashioned programmer so I’ll have a look at this in the next few days.
I am impressed by the longevity of these panels and that they are still being fully supported an updated. I think mine was on v2 when I bought it. It will be interesting to see how long this continues – I would like to see an easier way of upgrading the panels but it may be that this will remain a ‘premium’ feature.
Universal Discovery Methodology 
Hello!
Monitor mode is only used for Control Panels that report to a Monitoring Centre (ARC) as part of a Graded Alarm installation. This would not be used by an Avid End User, unless you have a system with monitoring to a ARC. – This saves the installation having to use an additional Communicator (Redcare, CSL, Webway, Emizon) alongside the Smartcom.
You can register now as a “Self Installer” – Therefore being able to benefit from all the features as a Company Does!
Simply fill in the Sign-Up page here, and use zeros for the VAT and Company number!
The form will auto enrol you now as the applications are not manually vetted!
https://cloud.texe.com/signup.html
Regards,
John
Well apparently in a discussion in the office, you can use this as an End User for a more “Easy” setup.
However you will lose access to alot of settings in the UDL/Digi Options in the panel, in an attempt to then stop people breaking things after it is set up.
So, as an Avid user, I would use the traditional setup method for Texecom Connect if you want access to all the remainder of the settings in the UDL/Digi options of panel.
Regards,
John
This is great John – thanks very much. I’ve registered now and had a lot of fun exploring what it can do.. and should certainly save time for upgrading the panel firmware. I’d recommend anyone interested checking this out – to get the full panel management and backup you have to pay £7 a year per panel but for a self-install / hobbyist it’s definitely affordable. The cloud backup is worth it by itself. I’ll write some more about this when I’ve checked it out properly
Thanks – yes I’ll do this
Out of interest having discovered this post several months later, have you still got access? I’ve been tempted to register but effectively I would be in breach of the legal agreements they get you to ok by nature of not being a professional installer. I would prefer not to get sued but don’t know how “keen” they are on this…
Yes I’ve still got access and there’s been no issue at all. From what I gather I don’t think they are really that bothered about whether you are _really_ a professional installer. I think it’s more to discourage the uninformed ‘DIY’ people. I’ve found it very handy – in fact I used my ‘installer’ account to set up a friend’s system and it made it really easy to upgrade his firmware etc remotely. He was dead impressed too 😉