Programming a Napco GEM-P816

[[email protected]]

I am looking to reprogram my Napco GEM-P816 for the GEM-X10 module. I
have version 10 of the firmware, so the GEM-X10 module will work with
my unit.

I believe I have the GEM-RP3DGTL keypad. Programming the GEM-P816 with
this unit seems pretty involved. In the manual, they state: "It is
recommended that the panel be uploaded to NAPCO's PCD-Windows software
following any keypad programming and that the PCD3000's error-check
feature be utilized to reduce the possibility of programming omissions
or conflicts."

I know Napco makes a PCI-MINI Programming Adaptor Kit which connects
into a "J3 Port" (http://www.basshome.com/product_11029_detailed.htm).
I believe the port used to configure the GEM-P816 is labeled as "JP2 -
PCD LOCAL DOWNLOAD CONNECTION".

1) Is this port the same thing as the "J3 Port"? Will this Adaptor kit
work with the GEM-P816 (firmware version 10)?

The link I provided at Basshome also says it comes with "Napco's
Quickloader Windows Programming software".

2) Is this the same as the "PCD LOCAL DOWNLOAD CONNECTION"?

3) Exactly what "events" can the X10 module send out commands for? I
understand the GEM-X10 looks the same as an expansion relay module to
the GEM-P816, so I would assume that anything I can get to trigger a
relay I could get to send an X10 command. If this is the case, exactly
what events can I trigger a relay for? For example, can I trigger an
event for any of the following:

- Zone 6 has been opened
- Zone 10 has been closed
- Entry delay timer triggered for Zone 1
- Code entered incorrectly into Keypad 2
- Alarm sounded
- Alarm armed
- Alarm disarmed
- 10 second have gone by in entry delay
- All zones have been closed

Thanks in advance!
Ken

 

[Robert L Bass]

Hi Ken,

I own Bass Home Electronics.

The P816 can be programmed using either the PCI-MINI or the PCI-MINI-USB. If your PC or laptop has serial port use the standard
PCI-MINI since it's cheaper.

You don't need the PCD-2000, etc.

The software is a free download. Call me if you need assistance.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[[email protected]]

Hi Ken,

I own Bass Home Electronics.

The P816 can be programmed using either the PCI-MINI or the PCI-MINI-USB.If your PC or laptop has serial port use the standard
PCI-MINI since it's cheaper.

You don't need the PCD-2000, etc.

The software is a free download. Call me if you need assistance.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>













- Show quoted text -

Thanks Robert.

Do you have personal experience with the GEM-X10 unit? Do you know if
it can do the things I asked about?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Robert L Bass]

Thanks Robert.

You're most welcome.

Do you have personal experience
with the GEM-X10 unit? Do you know
if it can do the things I asked about?

While I've installed lots of Napco systems
over the years, I've only used the GEM-X10
a few times (primarily because I don't like X10).
However, you are correct that the GEM-X10
board looks like a relay board to Napco.
Note that this is not the same as the on-board
relays on Napco control panels. Those have
very different options.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[Jim]

I am looking to reprogram my Napco GEM-P816 for the GEM-X10 module. I
have version 10 of the firmware, so the GEM-X10 module will work with
my unit.

I believe I have the GEM-RP3DGTL keypad. Programming the GEM-P816 with
this unit seems pretty involved. In the manual, they state: "It is
recommended that the panel be uploaded to NAPCO's PCD-Windows software
following any keypad programming and that the PCD3000's error-check
feature be utilized to reduce the possibility of programming omissions
or conflicts."

I know Napco makes a PCI-MINI Programming Adaptor Kit which connects
into a "J3 Port" (http://www.basshome.com/product_11029_detailed.htm).
I believe the port used to configure the GEM-P816 is labeled as "JP2 -
PCD LOCAL DOWNLOAD CONNECTION".

1) Is this port the same thing as the "J3 Port"? Will this Adaptor kit
work with the GEM-P816 (firmware version 10)?

The link I provided at Basshome also says it comes with "Napco's
Quickloader Windows Programming software".

2) Is this the same as the "PCD LOCAL DOWNLOAD CONNECTION"?

3) Exactly what "events" can the X10 module send out commands for? I
understand the GEM-X10 looks the same as an expansion relay module to
the GEM-P816, so I would assume that anything I can get to trigger a
relay I could get to send an X10 command. If this is the case, exactly
what events can I trigger a relay for? For example, can I trigger an
event for any of the following:

 - Zone 6 has been opened
 - Zone 10 has been closed
 - Entry delay timer triggered for Zone 1
 - Code entered incorrectly into Keypad 2
 - Alarm sounded
 - Alarm armed
 - Alarm disarmed
 - 10 second have gone by in entry delay
 - All zones have been closed

Thanks in advance!
Ken

I can't say for sure, since I only use the "upper end" Napco panels,
however, my intuition says that about the only thing from your list
you could 'expect' get from the 816 via X10 would be alarm sounding. I
say that based on the fact that you can't get some of the above
functions from the 1632.

I also have to say that in spite of what you've been told here, I do
know that if the P816 doesn't /didn't have relay control capability,
it wont have the ability to work with the Napco X10 module. And from
what (little) I remember about the P816, it doesn't have relay
control. I could be wrong because of revisions to the panel since I
last reviewed it, but it doesn't seem to make sense to give such a
small panel that ability since it would become a virtual P1632.