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InstallAlarm.com |
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Programming Programming can be as as simple as simply entering your disarm code or as complex as programming a small computer system. The target consumer of the panel plays an important role in its' programming interface. Commercial grade panels can be very flexible and powerful but extremely difficult to program. While physical installation may be much the same from panel to panel, programming is entirely different. Some panels require almost no programming beyond the basic arming code. Commercial panels require considerably more programming as every feature requires setup through the keypad. An 8 zone panel with 20 to 30 possible features for each zone could require a lot of keystrokes! Of course all this assumes that you have the "installer code". If you acquired your panle through a professional installer, they may be willing to give you the installer code for your panel. In fact, you probably don't own the panel. Read your contract! If you buy the panel through a 3rd party (like ebay) make sure the panel is new (unprogrammed) or that you get the installer code! Most commercial panels have a default installer code that is changed as part of the installation. An example of the cryptic nature of programming is given below. This is the programming sequence to tell the pc5010 panel that zone 1 is not in use. * 8 xxxx * 001 00 # xxxx = installer code Details for this are covered in the manual but be prepared to do a lot of reading and experimentation. Each zone on this panel has 24 different possible "definitions" that could be set and another 8 possible "attributes" for that type of definition. Confused? You probably will be even after reading through the manual the first few times. As I said, these things are designed for professional installers. So if you don't want to become a professional installer you do have another option. Buy a panel designed for consumer installation! There are a new breed of panels being sold to the public for self install. The programming is much simpler and uses english language prompts to get things going. Some of the same mfgs. that build the commercial panels are now building these user friendly panels. Some even allow direct programming and control through your PC with nice intuitive interfaces. It's about time! Once again, you need to do your homework. Check the forums for feedback on user setup.
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