Communications Setup

2.1 Setting up Downloader Communications

To establish communication with different protocols, a modem must be set up for each protocol within the Communication Setup screen. The list of modems supported by Compass 2.0 for each protocol can be found in the Standard Modems pane of the Communication Settings dialog box.

The application allows configuration of Modems/IP communication ports for Compass 2.0 supported panels. For Compass 16, use the Modem Setup from the Compass 16 Communication/Unattended Server UI.

Communication Settings Dialog Box:

The Communication Settings dialog box includes options to:

• Select Company (e.g., Ademco/First Alert)
• Configure Modem Settings, including selecting COM ports (e.g., COM1)
• View and manage Standard Modems and Custom Modems
• Configure Dial Out Prefix, Modem Volume, and TCP/IP Port Settings

Figure 3-1 Communication Settings displays a visual representation of this dialog box.

2.2 Setting up the Modem

To set up the modem, click the modem icon on the Compass Shell toolbar or navigate to File > Communication Setup within the Compass Communications screen. This action will open the Communication Settings dialog box (as shown in Figure 3-1).

Modem Setup Steps:

View Modem Properties:

The 'View Modem Properties' dialog box allows for detailed configuration of the modem:

• Modem: Displays the selected modem (e.g., Ademco CIA 2400 For Compass 32).
• AT Commands: Allows for the configuration of AT commands for modem control.
• Reset Command: Sets the command to reset the modem.
• Max Command Length: Defines the maximum length for modem commands.
• Support: Options include 'F7702 Required' and 'Software Volume Control'.
• Custom Modem: To add a new modem not in the list, click 'Add' to open the 'Add/Edit Modem' screen. Configure as detailed in the 'Adding Modems' section.
• Dial Out Prefix: A unique number used to identify the panel making the call.
• Touch Tone: Select for touch-tone dialing; the default is rotary or pulse dialing.
• Speaker On: Enables the speaker.
• Off After Connect: Turns the speaker off after connection.
• Modem Volume: Sets the modem volume to High, Medium, or Low.
• TCP/IP Port Settings: Click to configure TCP/IP port settings via the 'Configure TCP/IP Port' dialog.

TCP/IP Port Configuration

The 'Configure TCPIP Port' dialog allows for the setup of TCP/IP communication:

• Select TCPIP Port for Compass: Choose the TCPIP port (e.g., TCPIP 1). Use 'Add' or 'Delete' to manage ports.
• Internet/Intranet Controller: Enter the IP Address of the Control Server for the customer location.
• AlarmNet Website: For internet communication via Alarmnet, enter the AlarmNet-i Website address/URL where the Control Server is running (e.g., "controlserver.alarmnet.com").

Click 'Apply' to save the settings to the modem.

FBII F7702 Interface

The F7702 is a modem interface compatible with Compass 2.0, enabling the use of a wider range of modems and providing local operation. Connections can be made remotely or locally based on modem configurations.

The modem configuration screen allows input for a Remote Code Suffix and a Local Code Suffix. Default values are typically '1' for remote and '0' for local, accommodating phone company or PBX requirements.

If 'FBII' is selected as the company in Communication Settings, the FBII F7702 Interface must be configured. This involves setting parameters such as Local Code, Remote Code, Ring Count, Carrier Duration, and Mode.

Figure 3-2 FBII F7702 Interface illustrates the configuration for the FBII F7702 Interface.