DSC MaxSys Questions

[Interested]

Hi Group,

I'm in the midst of installing the first three of 9+ MAXSYS panels
(PC4020, v. 3.3) for my facility and am having a few questions that
I'm hoping someone here can answer:

a) Exactly how do I set it up so that, say Partition 1 auto arms at
9:45 PM (2145) and disarms at 6:45 AM (0645)? I've read and reread the
installation manual on this topic and it seems like there's something
missing... or something... Maybe I'm just not following it right.

b) Is there any way to manage these systems as a group as far as user
administration is concerned (I.e. send the same user info to every
panel at once... I'm using the T-Link, the TL-1 server, DLS 2002 and
(soon) Reporter IP)? I only have 6 user codes to worry about, so if
not it wouldn't be too big of a deal, but it would be nice to just
push everything out at once, especially if we ever add users.

c) How important is the EGND connection? When I have it connected (via
a TCBB bonded to building steel) the systems complain about a ground
fault, that clears when I disconnect EGND I'm not doing what the
manual tells me to.

d) What is the purpose of that black hole plug DSC ships with every
can?

e) Where do you typically your zone expansion modules? Centrally
located or closest to the zones being served? I'm pretty much stuck
installing the boxes in really awkward locations due to "space
available", but I'd like to know what the "norm" is.

f) Am I the only person tampering every can & using a high-ish
security ACE II locks on all of my cans? Glancing at panels in similar
environments it seems that 90% of them are open and most of the
remaining 10% are just screwed shut.

g) Is alarming the main panel [as a 24 hour bell zone] enough or
should I alarm the door to the room with the panel as well? [A keycard
from the campus CI CardAccess system is required to get into the room
as it is]

Thanks,

Interested
-As paranoid as I can afford to be while staying under budget

 

[alarman]

Interested wrote

a) Exactly how do I set it up so that, say Partition 1 auto arms at
9:45 PM (2145) and disarms at 6:45 AM (0645)? I've read and reread the
installation manual on this topic and it seems like there's something
missing... or something... Maybe I'm just not following it right.

Set up a date scheule with arm and disarm times, select auto arm and auto
disarm. Then set up an entry in the arm/disarm schedule corresponding to
your specific date schedule and edit the partition mask to select the
partition to which you want the schedule to apply. Clear as mud.

b) Is there any way to manage these systems as a group as far as user
administration is concerned (I.e. send the same user info to every
panel at once... I'm using the T-Link, the TL-1 server, DLS 2002 and
(soon) Reporter IP)? I only have 6 user codes to worry about, so if
not it wouldn't be too big of a deal, but it would be nice to just
push everything out at once, especially if we ever add users.

Not that I know of, but I havent used the T-link yet.

c) How important is the EGND connection? When I have it connected (via
a TCBB bonded to building steel) the systems complain about a ground
fault, that clears when I disconnect EGND I'm not doing what the
manual tells me to.

The earth ground, unless it's done just so, will cause you more trouble than
if you go without it, IMO. However, if you have a ground fault, you need to
find it. Depending where your eol resistors are, a ground fault might cause
a zone not to report an alarm, or cause a false alarm.

d) What is the purpose of that black hole plug DSC ships with every
can?

It fills the D-hole if you don't use the camlock.

e) Where do you typically your zone expansion modules? Centrally
located or closest to the zones being served? I'm pretty much stuck
installing the boxes in really awkward locations due to "space
available", but I'd like to know what the "norm" is.

Put them where it's convenient for you. I like to have them at the control,
but it's nice to remote them sometimes to make wiring easier. Follow the
wiring specs. in the manual.

f) Am I the only person tampering every can & using a high-ish
security ACE II locks on all of my cans? Glancing at panels in similar
environments it seems that 90% of them are open and most of the
remaining 10% are just screwed shut.

Depends on the installation. A panel lock just keeps the curious out. A
tamper is a good idea though.

g) Is alarming the main panel [as a 24 hour bell zone] enough or
should I alarm the door to the room with the panel as well? [A keycard
from the campus CI CardAccess system is required to get into the room
as it is]

That depends what else is in the room, and when others might need access.

-As paranoid as I can afford to be while staying under budget

Only a thin line exists between preparation and paranoia. Good luck.
js