Aico RadioLINK, RadioLINK+ & SmartLINK Explained

Aico alarms can be interconnected so that when one alarm activates, the other interconnected alarms throughout the property also sound.

As Aico's alarm ranges have developed, several generations of wireless interconnection technology have been introduced, including RadioLINK, RadioLINK+ and SmartLINK.

If you are replacing an existing alarm or adding another alarm to a system, understanding the difference between these technologies can help you identify which alarm, module or base you require.

What Is Aico RadioLINK?

RadioLINK is Aico's radio frequency (RF) wireless interconnection technology.

Instead of running a physical interconnect cable between every alarm, compatible alarms and accessories can communicate wirelessly using radio frequency signals.

When one interconnected alarm activates, the other alarms within the same system can also sound.

RadioLINK is commonly found on older Aico installations and remains relevant when replacing or expanding existing systems.

What Is RadioLINK+?

RadioLINK+ is a later generation of Aico's wireless interconnection technology.

It retains wireless RF interconnection while introducing additional functionality compared with earlier RadioLINK equipment.

A common example is the Ei100MRF RadioLINK+ module, which is used with compatible Aico alarm ranges including the 160e Series.

If you have an existing 160e Series alarm with wireless interconnection, the Ei100MRF is an important model number to look for when identifying the system.

What Is Aico SmartLINK?

SmartLINK is the next generation of Aico's wireless interconnection and data technology.

It provides wireless interconnection while adding further system monitoring and data capabilities when used with compatible equipment.

For the Aico 3000 Series, SmartLINK functionality is added using the Ei3000MRF SmartLINK module.

The module plugs directly into the designated slot in a compatible 3000 Series alarm.

RadioLINK vs RadioLINK+ vs SmartLINK

The easiest way to understand the three technologies is:

RadioLINK
Earlier generation of Aico RF wireless alarm interconnection.

RadioLINK+
Later RF technology with additional functionality and data features.

SmartLINK
Current technology used with the 3000 Series, adding enhanced data and monitoring capabilities alongside wireless interconnection.

Importantly, these technologies are not completely isolated from each other.

Aico states that SmartLINK uses the same proven wireless interconnection technology as RadioLINK and RadioLINK+ and is compatible with existing systems.

This can make it possible to expand certain existing Aico wireless systems using newer equipment, provided the correct alarms, modules and accessories are used.

Which Aico Wireless Module Do I Need?

The module or base you need depends primarily on the alarm series.

Aico 3000 Series

The 3000 Series uses the:

Ei3000MRF SmartLINK Module

This module is compatible with 3000 Series alarms including:

  • Ei3014
  • Ei3016
  • Ei3018
  • Ei3024
  • Ei3028
  • Ei3030

The module plugs into the alarm head and is powered by the alarm.

Aico 160e Series

The 160e Series uses the:

Ei100MRF RadioLINK+ Module

This provides compatible 160e Series alarms with RadioLINK+ wireless interconnection.

Aico 140RC Series

The 140RC Series can use the:

Ei168RC RadioLINK Base

Unlike the plug-in modules used by some later alarm ranges, the Ei168RC is a RadioLINK base used with compatible alarms.

This distinction is important when identifying an existing system.

What Does the Ei3000MRF Do?

The Ei3000MRF is an optional SmartLINK module designed for the Aico 3000 Series.

Once installed in a compatible 3000 Series alarm, it enables RF wireless interconnection.

This means that if one interconnected alarm detects a hazard and activates, the other alarms within the House Coded system can also sound.

Aico states that up to 12 alarms and devices can be interconnected wirelessly using the Ei3000MRF system.

The Ei3000MRF can also transmit, receive and repeat RF signals, creating an RF mesh between compatible devices.

When used with additional SmartLINK equipment, it can also provide system data and monitoring functionality.

Does Every 3000 Series Alarm Need an Ei3000MRF?

If you want individual 3000 Series alarms to communicate wirelessly through SmartLINK, the relevant alarms require SmartLINK capability.

The Ei3000MRF plugs into the alarm itself to provide this wireless functionality.

However, Aico alarms can also use hardwired interconnection depending on how the system has been installed.

You should therefore establish whether your existing system uses:

  • Hardwired interconnection
  • Wireless RF interconnection
  • A combination of wired and wireless interconnection

before purchasing replacement equipment.

Can SmartLINK Work With Older RadioLINK Alarms?

Yes, in compatible configurations.

Aico states that SmartLINK is compatible with its existing RadioLINK and RadioLINK+ wireless interconnection systems.

This is particularly useful where an existing property contains older Aico alarms and newer equipment needs to be incorporated.

However, this does not mean that every Aico alarm works wirelessly without the appropriate equipment.

The correct module or RadioLINK base still needs to be fitted to the relevant alarm.

What Is House Coding?

Aico wireless alarms need to be House Coded so that the devices recognise which alarms belong to the same system.

House Coding prevents the alarms from inadvertently communicating with compatible wireless alarm systems in neighbouring properties.

During the House Coding process, the compatible devices are placed into House Code mode and learn the other devices within their system.

Once House Coded, activating one alarm should cause the other correctly interconnected alarms in the system to sound.

House Coding is particularly important when adding or replacing an alarm within an existing wireless system.

Can I Add Another Alarm to an Existing Aico Wireless System?

Potentially, yes.

If you have an existing RadioLINK, RadioLINK+ or SmartLINK installation, compatible alarms and accessories can be added to expand the system.

The new equipment must use the appropriate wireless module or base and then be correctly House Coded into the existing system.

Before buying another alarm, identify:

  • Existing alarm model
  • Alarm series
  • Existing wireless module or base
  • Whether the system uses RadioLINK, RadioLINK+ or SmartLINK
  • Number and type of existing alarms
  • Replacement or expiry dates of the existing alarms

This makes it much easier to determine what equipment is required.

How Can I Tell If My Aico Alarm Is Wireless?

Start by checking the alarm model.

For some Aico ranges, wireless functionality is provided by a separate module or base rather than being permanently built into the standard alarm.

For example:

3000 Series + Ei3000MRF = SmartLINK

160e Series + Ei100MRF = RadioLINK+

Compatible 140RC alarm + Ei168RC base = RadioLINK

If you remove an alarm to identify its wireless equipment, follow the manufacturer's instructions and take appropriate precautions with mains-powered equipment.

Can Aico Wireless Alarms Still Be Mains Powered?

Yes.

Wireless interconnection and mains power are two different things.

For example, Aico's 3000 Series alarms require a permanent mains supply even when they use Ei3000MRF SmartLINK modules for wireless interconnection.

The wireless connection replaces the need for a physical interconnect connection between alarms; it does not turn a mains-powered 3000 Series alarm into a battery-only alarm.

Replacing an Existing RadioLINK Alarm

If you are replacing an older RadioLINK alarm, don't purchase based solely on the alarm's appearance.

Check:

  • Model number
  • Alarm type
  • Alarm series
  • Existing base
  • Wireless module
  • RadioLINK generation
  • Other alarms within the system
  • Replace By date

If several alarms within the system were installed at approximately the same time, it is also worth checking their Replace By dates while identifying the system.

Need Help Identifying Your Aico RadioLINK System?

If you are unsure what equipment you currently have, take clear photographs of:

  • The alarm
  • Model number
  • Rear label
  • Existing base
  • Any plug-in module
  • Other alarm models within the property

Send the photographs to ReCircuit Resale and we can help identify the equipment and point you towards relevant products we currently stock.

Buying Aico RadioLINK & SmartLINK Equipment

ReCircuit Resale stocks a changing selection of Aico alarms, RadioLINK equipment and SmartLINK modules, including Ei3000MRF SmartLINK modules.

We also regularly stock older Aico alarm models and accessories that may be useful when maintaining existing installations.

Where applicable, our alarm listings clearly state the model, condition and expiry or Replace By year.

Important: Fire and carbon monoxide alarms are life-safety devices. Wireless compatibility and system configuration should be confirmed for the specific installation. Always follow Aico's current installation and House Coding instructions. Mains electrical work should be carried out by a suitably competent person.