Description
Inovonics EN4204R EchoStream 4-Zone Add-On Receiver with Form C Relays | 902–928 MHz
The Inovonics EN4204R EchoStream® Four-Zone Add-On Receiver with Relay Outputs provides a practical way to add up to four high-performance Inovonics wireless transmitters to a compatible hardwired alarm panel or standalone security application. Four independently programmable Form C alarm relays convert EchoStream wireless transmissions into conventional dry-contact outputs that can be connected to hardwired zone inputs.
Unlike the EN4000 and EN4200 serial receivers, the EN4204R does not require an RS-232 software integration. Each registered transmitter can be assigned to one of four relay outputs, allowing the receiver to add wireless door contacts, panic buttons, hold-up transmitters, motion detectors, universal transmitters, and other compatible EchoStream devices to systems that accept conventional alarm inputs.
Operating within the North American 902–928 MHz frequency range, the EN4204R uses EchoStream frequency-hopping spread-spectrum technology and includes transmitter supervision, diagnostic LEDs, case-tamper protection, RF-jam detection, internal antennas, a dedicated fault relay, and flexible output programming for dependable commercial security integration.
Ideal for Adding Wireless Zones: The EN4204R provides four Form C alarm relays and one Form C fault relay. It is designed for panels and devices that accept conventional hardwired contact inputs. Confirm the panel’s zone wiring, resistor, relay-contact, power, supervision, and programming requirements before ordering.
Key Features and Benefits
- Four wireless points: Programs and supervises up to four compatible Inovonics EchoStream transmitters.
- Four Form C alarm relays: Provides normally open, normally closed, and common terminals for flexible hardwired-panel integration.
- Dedicated Form C fault relay: Reports supervised transmitter trouble conditions to the connected control panel.
- Independent output programming: Each alarm output can be configured for follower, latching, momentary, or toggle operation.
- Selectable supervision: Supports programmable supervision windows of none, two hours, four hours, or 96 hours.
- Transmitter-status LEDs: Displays alarm, tamper, low-battery, inactive, power, and transmitter-point information.
- RF-jam detection: Provides a dedicated jam output for reporting sustained interference affecting the receiver.
- Case-tamper protection: Helps identify unauthorized opening or removal of the receiver enclosure.
- Built-in wireless programming: Transmitters and relay functions are programmed directly at the receiver.
- Internal antennas: Supports a clean, secure installation without exposed external antennas.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | Inovonics Wireless Corporation |
| Model | EN4204R |
| Product Type | Four-zone add-on receiver with relays |
| Wireless Platform | Inovonics EchoStream® |
| North American Frequency | 902–928 MHz |
| Receiver Technology | Frequency-hopping spread spectrum |
| Wireless Points | 4 transmitters |
| Alarm Outputs | 4 Form C relay outputs |
| Fault Outputs | 1 Form C relay output |
| Relay Rating | 1 A at 28 VDC; 0.5 A at 30 VAC resistive |
| Output Modes | Follower, latching, momentary or toggle |
| Power Requirement | 11–14 VDC; 400 mA |
| Reset Input | Momentary low contact closure |
| Dimensions | 6.54 × 3.62 × 1.05 in. (166.1 × 91.9 × 26.67 mm) |
| Weight | 6.6 oz. (187 g) |
| Operating Temperature | 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C) |
| Operating Humidity | Up to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Regulatory Certifications | Security Level 1 CAN/ULC S304:2016, UL 985, UL 1023 and UL 2610 |
How the EN4204R Adds Wireless Zones
Each compatible EchoStream transmitter is registered to one of the EN4204R’s four wireless points. When a registered transmitter sends an alarm, the receiver changes the state of the corresponding Form C relay. The relay can then activate a hardwired zone input, annunciator, output device, or other compatible low-voltage circuit.
Because the EN4204R supplies dry-contact relay outputs, it can add limited EchoStream wireless capability to many panels without requiring the panel to understand the EchoStream radio protocol. The connected panel continues to process the relay activation as a conventional hardwired zone event.
Independently Programmable Relay Modes
Follower
The relay output follows the current alarm state reported by the assigned transmitter.
Latching
The relay activates when an alarm is received and remains active until the receiver is reset.
Momentary
The relay provides a temporary output when a new transmitter activation is received.
Toggle
The relay changes state each time the assigned transmitter sends a new activation.
Output mode, contact configuration, and connected-panel programming must be selected for the intended application by a qualified installer.
Transmitter Status and Fault Supervision
The EN4204R monitors registered transmitters and displays current system conditions through front-panel LEDs. Status indicators help technicians identify:
- Transmitter alarm activity
- Transmitter tamper conditions
- Low transmitter battery
- Inactive or missing transmitters
- Receiver power status
- Assigned transmitter number
- Recognized RF transmissions
- Receiver case tamper and RF jamming
Available supervision windows include none, two hours, four hours, and 96 hours. The supervision interval must be longer than the registered transmitter’s check-in interval. Disabling supervision can reduce the integrity of the installed security system and may not be permitted in listed applications.
Common EN4204R Applications
- Adding wireless zones to hardwired alarm panels
- Wireless panic and hold-up alarm integration
- Door and window security monitoring
- Remote motion-detector applications
- Small commercial intrusion systems
- Standalone wireless-to-relay signaling
- Guard shacks and remote offices
- Retail and financial security systems
- Equipment alarm and status signaling
- Expansion of existing hardwired installations
EchoStream Transmitter Compatibility
The EN4204R supports up to four compatible Inovonics EchoStream transmitters. Device compatibility and available alarm functionality must be verified for the selected application. Current Inovonics installation literature identifies the following models for compatible UL applications:
- EN1215EOL Universal Transmitter
- EN1215WEOL Door/Window Transmitter
- EN1223D Double-Button Pendant
- EN1235SF Fixed-Position Hold-Up Transmitter
- EN1235DF Double-Button Hold-Up Transmitter
- EN1244 Wireless Smoke Detector
- EN1245 Carbon Monoxide Detector
- EN1249 Billtrap Transmitter
- EN1261HT High-Traffic Motion Detector
- EN5040-T High-Power Repeater
Compatibility warning: Not every EchoStream transmitter is appropriate for every listed or life-safety application. Verify the current receiver, transmitter, panel, repeater, supervision, and regulatory requirements before installation.
EN4204R vs. EN4200 and EN4000
| Feature | EN4204R | EN4200 | EN4000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection | Form C relays | RS-232 serial | RS-232 serial |
| Capacity | Up to 4 transmitters | Determined by security application | Determined by head-end application |
| Primary Purpose | Add wireless points to hardwired inputs | Security-only serial integration | Universal one-way serial integration |
| Requires Software Integration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best Application | Small relay-based expansion | Large security integration | Security, temperature or analog integration |
What to Verify Before Ordering
- Number of wireless points: The EN4204R supports a maximum of four registered transmitters.
- Panel inputs: Confirm that the connected panel accepts Form C dry-contact relay outputs.
- Zone wiring: Determine whether the panel requires normally open, normally closed, or end-of-line resistor supervision.
- Output behavior: Select follower, momentary, latching, or toggle operation for each application.
- Fault reporting: Reserve and program the appropriate control-panel input for the receiver’s fault output.
- Power: Provide an unswitched, uninterrupted, regulated 11–14 VDC supply rated for 400 mA.
- Transmitter compatibility: Verify the exact EchoStream transmitter model and required check-in interval.
- RF coverage: Complete an EchoStream site survey and determine whether a compatible repeater is necessary.
- Listing requirements: Confirm the entire system configuration meets the applicable UL, CAN/ULC, fire, intrusion, or hold-up requirements.
Installation and RF Planning Guidance
- Install the receiver indoors and within 98.5 feet of the connected control unit.
- Use 18–22 AWG wiring and follow the manufacturer’s terminal-torque requirements.
- Use an unswitched, uninterrupted, regulated power source.
- Mount the receiver away from metal ductwork, pipes, wire mesh, safes, and metal enclosures.
- Ensure the housing is flush with the mounting surface so the back-tamper switch is actuated.
- Use an EchoStream survey kit to evaluate signal strength and receiver placement.
- Program the required supervision window and relay behavior for each registered point.
- Test the alarm relay, fault relay, case tamper, RF-jam output, and reset input.
- Perform a walk test with every registered transmitter after installation.
- Manually test the installed system weekly as directed by Inovonics.
Professional installation required: The EN4204R is designed to be installed and maintained by qualified security technicians familiar with relay wiring, alarm-panel programming, EchoStream RF systems, and applicable standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Inovonics EN4204R do?
The EN4204R receives transmissions from up to four compatible EchoStream wireless devices and converts their alarm activity into Form C relay outputs for connection to a hardwired panel or compatible standalone application.
How many transmitters does the EN4204R support?
It programs and supervises up to four Inovonics EchoStream transmitters.
How many relay outputs does it provide?
The receiver provides four Form C alarm relays and one Form C fault relay, for a total of five Form C relay outputs.
Can the EN4204R connect to any alarm panel?
It can connect to many panels that accept compatible hardwired contact inputs. The installer must verify zone wiring, relay ratings, end-of-line resistors, power, supervision, programming, and regulatory requirements.
Does the EN4204R require an RS-232 connection?
No. It communicates with the connected panel through dry-contact relay outputs rather than an RS-232 serial interface.
What relay modes are available?
Each alarm output can be independently configured for follower, latching, momentary, or toggle operation.
Does the receiver supervise its wireless transmitters?
Yes. Selectable supervision windows allow the receiver to identify an inactive or missing transmitter. The selected window must be longer than the transmitter’s check-in interval.
Does the EN4204R detect RF interference?
Yes. The receiver includes RF-jam detection and a jam output for reporting sustained interference to compatible equipment.
What power does the EN4204R require?
The receiver requires an unswitched, uninterrupted, regulated 11–14 VDC supply rated for 400 mA.
Manufacturer Documents
Documents are provided by Inovonics Wireless Corporation. The older datasheet and newer installation instructions show different product weights. This page uses the 6.6-ounce weight published in the newer installation instructions.
A Flexible Way to Add Four EchoStream Wireless Zones
The Inovonics EN4204R EchoStream Four-Zone Add-On Receiver provides a cost-effective bridge between high-performance EchoStream wireless transmitters and conventional hardwired inputs. Four independently programmable alarm relays, a dedicated fault relay, transmitter supervision, tamper protection, RF-jam detection, and direct onboard programming make it a versatile solution for small wireless expansions, panic alarms, intrusion protection, and standalone relay-control applications.
