FireNet Community
FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: Galeon on November 28, 2008, 10:26:35 AM
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Boys ,
I have been asked for some input in relation to a new version of a panel that is currently going through some major changes .
I am being asked from commissioning install side of matters what would be good .
I have things like usb connection , no 232 etc , so you could download off a memory stick so no pc on site etc etc , however you still will have the option to manually /p.c data , anyone got a wish list ?
I cant say what panel it is at the moment , but will keep you informed as it progresses .
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Based on the ones i use i would like to see. minor changes
a memory switch not jumper and to be told if it is left open.
Loop test options to count how many devices it can see on the out and in side in event of an o/c
Zone led's and access keyswitch to come as standard
testing-to show any devices that have been missed and not to relight an led on a device already tested.
Earth bars instead of bolts to tie down screens
Battery leads to have choice of O-ring or spade conncetions to suit bigger/smaller batteries.
Biggest one for me to all panel manufacturers please make all knockouts easy to knock out and not ones that you end up distorting the panel's shell.
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For the customer:
The main control switches to be colour coded. They can understand the instruction 'press the yellow switch' easier than 'press the alarm silence' switch or 'press the switch with the funny euro-compliant symbol on it'. Their ability to read or dechiper symbols seems to disappear when they are panicing during an alarm condition!
For the engineer:
i) A copy of the last config. that was properly loaded, automatically stored in a non-volatile, non-removeable-from-the panel memory device, that can subsequently be read and used via a laptop if the panel config. becomes corrupted. Even better if it can store the last 2 or 3 configs.
ii) A log, preferably constantly displayed somewhere on the panel, with the date the last config. was loaded and the IP address of the device that loaded it. A record of this information could be kept by an engineer as proof that no-one else has subsequently loaded a, potentially dangerously altered, config. since he was last on-site.
iii) A panel design that enables the attachment of a special purpose-made shelf-type construction which is designed to hold a laptop PC. This will ensure the engineer can find somewhere safe and secure to place his laptop rather than hold it in his arms as he attempts to alsotap the keyboard!
iv) A standard 3-pin socket within the control panel to allow local connection of commissioning/service tools that require a mains supply.
I will think of more!
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Adequate space to dress and terminate cables would be nice rather than squeezing everything into a microcasm...
.... aand a "fault" input for monitoring external kit eg PSUs...
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Great thread.
Here here to Wiz's suggestions particularly the laptop holder.
Can I sense a trip into The Dragon's Den?!
The ability to export device labels/types to an excel spreadsheet is always handy.
Getting a list of devices sitting over a specific analogue value (to save scrolling through every device).
Test mode lowering the alarm threshold (not sure how this would stand with BS).
...TBC
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I would like a special sensor on it that can detect when a person who does not know what he is doing starts pressing buttons it gives them a electric shock.
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I would like a special sensor on it that can detect when a person who does not know what he is doing starts pressing buttons it gives them a electric shock.
Easy one Thomas , just leave the earth cpc out of the mains fuse holder section , and Roberts your uncle.
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I missed out, what's going on in this thread guys! is there any light? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
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Real time clock will be a must , so no changing over from summer to winter , as most panels rely on a standard clock if you have time periods set for multi sensors this wouldnt put out the day night periods.
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Off on me travels next week , any more takers on this post ?
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I missed out, what's going on in this thread guys! is there any light? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Yeah Benz. There should also be a light.
It's difficult reading finding your way around inside a control panel located in a dark place.
8)
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hi.
just a few things i have come across on other panels that i find work well. I know most ae fairly basic but its suprising that they are not standard on a fair few panels...
1. The ability to force outputs on/off.
2. The ability to force inputs on/off
3. The ability to force on a device LED (to make locating a device easy ;D)
4. A simple menu to tell the engineer how many devices are on each loop
5. most important, easy option to isolate all sounders and relays
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A built in Redcare unit.
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RedCare built in with GSM option, BT block
24v and 12v dedicated Communicator supplies
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An anti tamper mechanism!
davo
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Recent investigation - somebody (came in a red lorry) cut the battery in the panel to silence the alarm and the memory was wiped. Dunno if this would be a problem with newer panels...
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Thanks boys , will take the list with me , and let you know how we go , Wee Brian If the power via main 240v and batteries were removed what must have happened on some older panels there was a smaller battery that powered the Ram , memory section of the panel , if this wasn't changed you would effectively loose all the information stored within the memory , text , zone information cause & effect etc , thats why us detection boys don't like powering down panels , particularly the older ones.
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A panel design that enables the attachment of a special purpose-made shelf-type construction which is designed to hold a laptop PC. This will ensure the engineer can find somewhere safe and secure to place his laptop rather than hold it in his arms as he attempts to alsotap the keyboard!
How about Bluetooth so we could all sit at a desk in a cosy office near the panel with the laptop plugged into a socket.
beats standing at the panel with the laptop on a step ladder and everyone barging past you on site.