Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 48

XFP Programming Software

Help Manual

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Title page 1
XFP Programming Software Help Manual
by Ian Rob Fox / Andy Marshall

This PDF details the on-line Help manual for the XFP
Programming Software Release Version 4.4.

XFP Programming Software Help Manual


<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)
All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the
written permission of the publisher.
Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the
respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this
document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and
the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
directly or indirectly by this document.
Printed: August 2008 in (whereever you are located)

Technical Editors

Special thanks to:

Ian Rob Fox

All the people who contributed to this document including Ant, Steve
and Andy.
Last not least, we want to thank EC Software who wrote this help
tool called HELP & MANUAL which printed this document.

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Table of Contents
Part I Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations
1
2
3

...................................................................................................................................
Quick
Start - Basic Operation
...................................................................................................................................
Getting Connected

6
6
9

...................................................................................................................................
Failure
to Connect
...................................................................................................................................
Transfer
Data

11
13

...................................................................................................................................
Data
Storage
...................................................................................................................................
Print

...................................................................................................................................
Default
Data

14

4
5

13

17

Part II Indepth Programming Topics


1

11

...................................................................................................................................
Loop
Summary
...................................................................................................................................
Alarm Verifcation Count

17

...................................................................................................................................
Loop
1/2 Configure
...................................................................................................................................
Zone Configure

26

...................................................................................................................................
Group
Configure
...................................................................................................................................
Set
Configure

31

...................................................................................................................................
Site
Configure
...................................................................................................................................
Cause
& Effect Configure

35
44

10

...................................................................................................................................
Network
Configure
...................................................................................................................................
View Event Log

11

...................................................................................................................................
Comments

47

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Index

26
28
33
38
46

48

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Part

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations

1.1

Quick Start - Basic Operation

Welcome to the basic operation and help


This is intended for installers who have experience in installing analogue fire systems and
who now need to use these programming tools to finish the job and make the system useful
to the users. It is assumed that you have all the loop devices connected to the loop, each
device has a unique address and that any loop wiring faults have been corrected, during your
testing.

In order to connect your PC to the XFP fire panel you will require (this software installed) and
the special serial connecting lead which may have come with this software. If you require a
special lead, then please contact your supplier.

A Simple Basic Loop Configuration example


There are two ways of generating loop data, and one logical approach is to do a "loop learn"
through the commissioning menu via access level 3. This will read all the devices correctly
fitted on the selected loop and identify their address. This will give you the opportunity to scroll
through the LCD display and spot any missing or extra devices. When the loop is correct then
transfer that loop information from the Panel to the PC using the XFP programming tools. In
order to do this you will need to set up your PC and get it communicating with the panel.
Please see getting connected to show you how to do this.
When you have the "loop learn data" in the XFP Programming Tools, create a suitable file
name and save that information on the PC. Place the file in a known place so that you will
know which is the correct configuration data. For information on file formats and data storage
see the data storage topic.

Editing the device or point description


To make the system intelligible to the user, you should add device names. There are two
ways of doing this. One way is to use the "Loop Summary" tab, the other is to use the "Loop
1" tab or "Loop 2" tab (if fitting a two loop panel).
Please note that in order to make a change to the Type, Zone or Group in this Loop Summary
window, the "Enable Type/Zone Changes" box needs to be ticked. The following example
uses the "Loop Summary" page to clearly show the results of your editing and the ease at
which this can be achieved.
The Loop Summary dialogue below, shows the typical results after a "loop learn" has been
processed by the panel and the data uploaded into the XFP programming tools. This allows
you to check that the devices have been correctly read and identified. In order to perform any
modifications to the data, the "Enable Type/Zone Changes" box needs to be checked.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations

Below shows the editing of the device name or the point name. Simply click on the
description you want to change and then type. The name is limited to 24 characters, including
spaces. The names can be copied and pasted using the right mouse button to speed up
multiple similar descriptions.

Editing the Zone Name description and grouping devices into


Zones
To edit the zone names, you need to enter your desired name in the "Zone Description"
dialogue on the right hand side of the Loop Summary page. The Zone name is limited to a
maximum of 14 characters.
To apply the correct Zone and name to the correct device, click on the Zone name description
in the right hand dialogue box and then click on the Zone field in the main Loop Summary
page to link the right devices into the right zones, as shown in the example below. You are
limited to a total maximum of either 16 or 32 Zones (dependant on panel model). This is a
very simple example of the use of Zones, for a full explanation of zones, please see "Zone
Configure".

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

For the basic loop configuration shown so far, loop sounders have not been fitted. There are
two sounders circuits in the panel (Panel Sounders 1 & 2) and by examining the "Group
Config" tab you will see how these interact with Sounder Groups and Zones; By default Panel
Sounders 1 & 2 map to Sounder Groups 1 & 2 and they are configured so that any event in
Zones 1 to 32 will trigger Panel Sounders 1 & 2.
Looking at the graphic below, you will see that Panel Sounder 1 maps to Sounder Group 1,
Panel Sounder 2 maps to Sounder Group 2 and that all Zones are set for continuous
sounders in Sounder Groups 1 & 2 & through to 5. This is shown and explained in far more
depth in "Group Configure".

When the loop data is to your satisfaction, the final data to set is the "Site Configure" dialogue,
see below. The main window which contains the customer and service company address
details are only held in the data file on the PC and is not held in the Panel Memory. This is to
identify the site specific data file to the correct site and panel (if on a network). The bottom four
panels do however contain programming data that is held within the panel memory.
The "normal string" is the text which is normally displayed on the panel display. This string
is limited to 40 characters including spaces.
The maintenance string is the text which is displayed on the display when the maintenance
date is reached. Typically modify this date to 12 months in the future from commission to the
next maintenance call.
Tick the "Send to Panel" box if you want to alter the maintenance date during subsequent
data sends to the panel.
An Auto Adjust DST (Daylight Saving Time) option is also available with a corresponding

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations

"Send to Panel" box. This option will adjust the time one hour forward on the last Sunday in
March and one hour backward on the first Sunday in October.
If the time on your PC is accurate, this can be copied to the panel on
data transfer, by checking the "Send to Panel" box.
The codes for access level 2 and 3 can be modified at this point as
well.
The Day/Night times and the Recalibrate times are alterable here. A full explanation of
Day/Night times and Recalibrate times are detailed in "Site Configure".

Save the data file to a known place on the PC and then load the data to the panel. For help on
loading data to the panel see "getting connected".

1.2

Getting Connected
Getting Connected
How to connect the PC and the XFP Panel
Note: Some computers may cause an Earth Fault on the Panel when they are connected.
This will have no detrimental effect on the programming operation. Silence the fault in the
normal manner if desired. The fault will clear when the connection is removed.
1 How to connect the PC/Panel interface cable
Connect the special serial lead to the PC serial port and the other end to the "program"
connector in the panel. If you cannot connect the programming lead to the PC, then see "how
to connect your PC programming lead"
In the Panel, connect the other end of the serial cable to the 4 way PL3/ Programming
connector on the main printed circuit board, noting that this connector is polarized and great
care should be taken when fitting and removing the cable to avoid any physical strain. Ensure
that any connections to CONN1 on the Main printed circuit board (the other RS232 connector),

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

10

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

are removed whilst the PC is connected.

Programming connection on 16 Zone Panel

Programming connection on 32 Zone Panel


2 Start the XFP program
Go to the XFP Programmer through the Windows "Programs" facility.
3 Select the Serial Port

Under Settings menu chose the Serial Port for the connected interface cable. Note: The XFP
Tools will remember the settings from the last time the programming tools were run. So the
Com Port should only need to be selected the first time the XFP Tools are run on that PC.
4 Set up the Panel
Enter Access Level 3:
Press "Menu", select "enter access level 3", then "Accept", enter access level 3 code and
choose "Connect to PC", then press "Accept". This action prepares the XFP to either send
or receive data from the PC.
N.B. Writing data to the panel requires the NVM link to be fitted.
5 You are now ready to transfer data to the Panel

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations

11

6 Click here for help on Failure to connect error messages

1.3

Failure to Connect
If there were any messages indicating a fault at this stage then
they will be typically caused by either:
A faulty cable - Check for breaks especially at the Panel end.
Check 25/9 adapter if fitted.
Serial Port - Incorrect choice, or in use by another PC program.
Note: Launching the XFP Tools more than once will cause a Port conflict and cause peculiar
and unreliable results. Ensure only one session of the program is running. If utilised, check
USB to serial adapter installation and settings.
At the XFP Panel - A printer still connected to RS232 connector
CONN1.
This causes a conflict between the printer and the PC, temporarily
remove the printer connection.
User problem - The user must press "Accept" at "
Connect to PC" prompts at the XFP Panel.

1.4

Transfer Data
Loading and Saving Data to the Panel
Once the PC is communicating with the Panel Data may be loaded from the Panel or Saved
to the Panel.
Transfer Speed
The data transfer time depends on the speed of the PC, and the transfer direction, since it
takes longer to Save the information into the Panel Non Volatile Memory (NVM) than it does
to Load from it.
To transfer all data
To save all data in the PC to the Panel data in "one shot", click on this icon on the menu
bar.

To load all data in the PC to the Panel data in "one shot", click on this icon on the menu
bar. A confirmation prompt is displayed before data is loaded.

To transfer some data


Rather than using the "one shot" method, it is possible to transfer only certain parts of the

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

12

XFP Programming Software Help Manual


data by using the Load and Save commands in the Tool Tabs. For example, to save only the
Loop 1 to panel 1 data to the Panel, go to the Loop 1 Tool Tab click on "Save Loop 1 to
Panel 1" and only Loop Data will be transferred, thus saving time.

NVM Memory Lock


To transfer data to the panel the Panel Non Volatile Memory (NVM) must be unlocked so
that the data may be written into it. To unlock the NVM, fit the NVM unlock link (jumper) on the
main printed circuit board as shown below (see XFP instructions). Failure to do this will
bring up a warning prompt on the XFP Programming Tools, giving the option to fit the link or
abort.

Memory Locked on 2 Loop

Memory Locked on 1 Loop

Memory Unlocked on 1 Loop

Whilst loading or saving data, the XFP Programming Tools window and the XFP Panel
LCD will give details of the data transfer progress.
Note: If there is data currently open in the XFP Tools then it will be overwritten during a load
from the panel. If this current data is important then save before loading from the panel.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations

1.5

13

Data Storage
Loading and Saving Data to Disk
The data may be opened from and saved to the PC hard drive or floppy disk.
To start a new file then Select "New" from the Menu bar or File menu. The Default Data is
then loaded into the settings.
The Saving commands follow Windows conventions including "Save" and "Save As".
The default file name extension for Data files is .AFP. Although not recommended practice,
if this extension name is changed, the program will still read in the file.
The convention used is "your file name"_panel1.AFP, where 1 is the panel number on the
network. If a network is not fitted, then the default is always 1, when a network is fitted, then
the file panel number reflects the number of that particular panel configuration file. If you had
a fully populated network, then you would have eight configuration files where the panel
number would be 1 through to 8.
Note: When a Data File is saved a corresponding Comments file is also saved with the
same file name as the Data file but with the file name .RTF. The comment files are treated
exactly the same as the .AFP files, "your file name"_panel1.RTF is the default and the file is
incremented 1 through 8, dependant on the panel number selected if a network system is
fitted.
The files do not have to be saved in the AFP Tools application directory.
To open an existing File Select "Open" from the Menu bar or File menu.
The "Open" dialogue box will default to find data files with the extension .AFP
Attempting to open a file that is not an AFP data file will result in an error message.
See View Event Log help for information on saving Event log files.

1.6

Print
Print Setup
Shown below is the default settings of the Print Setup menu. It is possible to generate either
a very specific or total report about that panel. If the panel is a two loop panel, then you will
generate a two loop report. The content options of the report are selected in the bottom
panel. The top panel has the option of printing all device addresses (long report) or only the
addresses of fitted devices (shorter report usually). The middle panel allows the options of
ordering the report, by device address, device type or by zone.
Use the Print Preview button to have a look at how the report will be presented.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

14

1.7

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Default Data
Default Settings
When the Tools are started, or if "New" is selected from the "File" menu or tool bar, then
the data is loaded with the default settings:
All addresses are cleared and marked as "Not Fitted".
All Zone names are called "Zone n", where n is the number of that zone.
All Zone time delays are set to zero, and "Functioning with" (in Zone Config) Detectors, and
Call Points is cleared.
All Sounder Groups 1 to 5, are Set to be triggered from any Zone. This includes Panels 1 to
8
Panel Sounders circuits 1 and 2 are by default mapped to Sounder Group 1 & 2.
All Sets are cleared. Panel Relay 1 & 2 are set to be triggered by all Zones, Panel Relay 1 is
set to Silenceable
On the Site page, all data is cleared, except:
"XFP Fire Panel" is entered for the Normal String details

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Quick Start, Data Transfer & General Operations

15

"Call the Engineer" is entered for the Maintenance String details


The Access codes are loaded with 3333 for Access level 2, and 4444 for Access level 3.
Phased delay time is set to infinity i.e. -. - .
The Maintenance date defaults to <today>/<this month>/2099 - set an appropriate date to
tell the user that maintenance is due.
Input Delay defaults to 5 minutes and Investigation Period defaults to 3 minutes, however if
"dependencies" have not been set in Zone Config. and they are not set by default, then
these times have no effect.
By default all network settings are set to no network.
The Event Log and Comment pages are cleared.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Part

II

Indepth Programming Topics

Indepth Programming Topics

2.1

Loop Summary

17

Editing Loop Summary


Please note that the Loop Summary information can be loaded from and saved to the panel.
See Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into
other pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Loop Summary page allows the assigning of device types to device addresses, the
application of those devices to Zones, Groups or Sets. Device names are assigned to
devices, to make the system intelligible to the end user. Shown below is a typical Loop
Summary page, which consists of different types of devices, assigned to Zones, Groups and
Sets. Please note that Zones and Device Names have been assigned to give logical,
obvious areas to the building.

The Loop Summary data can be created in one of two ways; the first way is to have a wired
loop that is connected to the panel, with all devices in place, tested and addressed correctly.
In this instance, the panel would be set to do a loop learn and the panel data would be
loaded from the panel (see Getting Connected and Transfer Data). The panel would "read"
the devices and apply the correct protocol. This information can be printed out (see Print)
and checked against any plans used to wire, and set the locations of devices on the loop.
The other way Loop Summary data can be created is as follows; that is, program the
software remotely (off site), to place all the devices, and set up all your Zone and Device
Names. Then apply any Groups, Sets, Cause & Effect or other site specific design
requirements and to then load the program from the PC into the Panel (see Getting
Connected and Transfer Data).
Below shows the above Loop Data file when a loop learn has been completed on the panel
and the data loaded from the panel into the PC. You will notice that the software has, in this
case selected the Apollo protocol, understood what the fitted devices are, and that the
software has assigned all Detectors to Zone 1, all Loop Sounders to Group 1 and
interestingly you will notice that devices 3 & 15, which are I/O units have been assigned to
"Click for I/O Configuration". The reason why the I/O unit has been assigned in this way is to
infer that, the I/O unit may have several I/O channels and may have some channels
configured as Sets (outputs) and some channels configured as Zones (inputs). The
configuration of I/O units is discussed in length, further on.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

18

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Zone and Device Names


In order to make the system intelligible to the end user, it is desirable to add meaningful
names to Zones (general logical areas of a building) and Device Names (specific areas
within the Zonal area). Please note that Groups and Sets cannot be re-named, they are
always Groups 1-16 and Sets 1-16. To change a device name, you simply click on the Device
Name field as shown below and type the name that you require. The Device Name is limited
to 24 characters, including spaces.

For device 3, the I/O unit, we will need to add some additional information as shown below. By
either clicking on the device number, 3+ (the + means the availability of sub-addresses for that
device) or by enabling the "Enable Type /Zone changes" and clicking on "Click for I/O
Configuration" the I/O Config dialogue appears, as shown below. The I/O Config dialogue
presents the following information; the device address, the type of device, the fact that you may
have four up to four sub addresses available. Please note that you will always be presented
by default, four sub addresses, however the device you are programming may have less or
more than four channels.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

19

Explanation of Sub Addresses, Channels and Cause & Effect


The graphic below demonstrates the relationship between a 3-way I/O unit and the I/O Config
dialogue.
Note: The example below, shows a 3-way I/O unit and in the I/O Config dialogue above, there
are up to four sub addresses available. It is logical to assign one channel to one sub
address (you can have a channel assigned to more than one sub address, but this is
unusual). Therefore, for practical purposes, the maximum number of sub addresses we
would normally use in this case would be three. The same would apply to an 8-way I/O unit,
the maximum number of sub addresses that could be used would still be four by default.
The graphic below shows the selection process for Outputs, or Inputs using Sub Address 0.
The upper section of the graphic shows an output being selected on the pull-down list. When
an output is selected, then three channels become available on the channel pull-down list.
When the sub address 'Output' and 'Channel' have been set then Sets 1 to 16 are available
for selection on the Zone/Set pull-down list.
The lower section of the graphic shows that an Input has been set and that only two channels
are available for selection. When the Zone/Set pull-down list is accessed, Zones 1 to 32 are
available for selection.
Instead of selecting Zones or Sets, a "Use in Special C&E" option is available. When this
option is selected (with Channel 1 only) it may be used with Special Cause & Effect routines
(see Cause & Effect Configure).
To change the description of the Sub Address, click on "No name allocated" and enter a
description. A maximum of 24 characters, including spaces, is available.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

20

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

To summarise I/O Config; four sub addresses are available, up to three output channels and
up to two input channels. Therefore, the maximum combination would be three output
channels and one input channel, or two output channels and two input channels. To use with
Special Cause & Effects, then only use Channel 1 as shown below, either as an Input, or
Output and select "Use in Special C&E".
(see Cause & Effect Configure for help on Cause & Effect).

To set the I/O unit as shown in the previous example, then refer to the final I/O Config below.
Sub Address 0 is set as an Output using Channel 1 in Set 1 and is described as Vent
Control North Stair.

Below are some further examples of the use of I/O Units


This shows a standard example of using a 3-way I/O unit on plant control.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

21

This shows an example of using a non-latching I/O unit to trigger (in this case) another
Fire Panel. This is a special case setup and a full explanation is given below:

An example of a Non Latching Input


When a Non Latching Input is triggered, it will cause a fire event on the assigned zone and
any configuration or special cause & effect for that zone will be carried out as normal.
However, when the input is returned to normal, the zone and outputs asserted by that alarm
will be also return to normal. This is providing there are no other alarms still present in the
same or other zones or if Special Cause & Effect has been, that any required parameters
have also been met.
This function is typically used for interfacing to other Fire Alarm Panels. The application here
is such that when the other fire panel is in alarm, it triggers the Non Latching Input Device.
This Input Device has been configured so that it triggers a Zone (zone 4) on the XFP Fire
Panel. When the Zone is triggered by the Input Device, then any configuration or special
cause & effect for that zone is carried out (typically turning on the sounders).
When the other panel is Silenced, then it returns the Non Latching Input to normal or
untriggered, which will then Reset the Zone (typically turning off the sounders).

To use a Non Latching Input, there must be a suitable input device(s) on the
system;
This can only be a single channel I/O device (CHQ-SIO) with Hochiki protocol.
It can be any I/O unit with Apollo protocol.
To program a Non Latching Input, a fitted Input Unit must be converted in the
Programming Tools to be a Non Latching Input.
This can be done in either the Loop Summary or Loop 1/2 configure, select Non Latching IO
from the Interface (Apollo) or Modules (Hochiki), then enter this device at the desired

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

22

XFP Programming Software Help Manual


address.
As can be seen above, the Non Latching Input uses the same I/O Config dialog as any other
I/O device.
When a Non Latching I/O unit has been set up in the software and then loaded or saved to
the panel and the software is then loaded from the panel to the PC, then the I/O Unit will
remain as Non Latching. If a Loop Learn is conducted and that data is loaded from the
panel into the PC, then the I/O unit will have to be reset as a Non Latching I/O Unit.
To summarise the Setting up of Non Latching I/O; there can only be one input, and this must
be on Channel 1. Any output channels on the Non Latching I/O may be used as normal. If a
loop learn is conducted, any I/O units that are suitable for using as Non Latching I/O units
must be reset as such in the programming software.

Explanation of Zone Names and Groups


The graphic below shows how far we have got so far with the programming data. The next
thing is to start setting the Zone names. To do this, simply ensure that you have Zones
selected, as shown in the lower right hand area of the dialogue. Click on the Zone Name you
wish to change and type, the Zone Name is limited to 14 characters, including spaces.

The graphic below shows that all the Zone names have taken the new Zone 1 name.
Looking at the previous graphic, all of the input units (Call Points and Detectors) had
automatically been assigned to Zone 1. It can be seen that all of these devices have now
taken the new Zone one name.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

To modify the Zones into the correct Zone; do this by ticking "Enable Type/Zone changes",
then click on the Zone and name required in the lower right hand box, then click on the Zone
that needs to modify in the Zone/Group/Set column, as shown below.

Explanation of Device Configuration


By clicking on the address of Device 4, the Device Configuration page appears as below.
This page varies depending on the type of device fitted. It is possible to assign an input
device to the desired Zone at this point and also to give the device an appropriate name.
Using the <- Prev and Next -> buttons is a quick way to access the next devices and to edit
them. The Device Configuration dialogue will change as the type of device changes.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

23

24

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

The Device Configuration page for device seven is shown below. This page has changed
from the one above, because it is being applied to a different device type. The dialogue infers
that the volume of the sounder can be altered dependant on whether Day or Night mode is
selected. This is true for some manufacturers sounders, but the types being used here
cannot be altered and that is why the volume figures are greyed out.
It is possible to assign an output device to the desired Group at this point and also to give the
device an appropriate name. Use the <- Prev and Next -> buttons to quickly access the next
devices and to edit them.

The Device Configuration page for device sixteen is shown below. This page has changed
slightly from the above, in this instance it is being applied to a Smoke Detector.
The dialogue shows that the sensitivity of the detector may be altered during Day mode
(Occupied) or Night mode (Unoccupied) please see Site Configure for more information on
Day/Night mode. This dialogue changes slightly from manufacturer type. Some sensitivities
are set on a scale of 1 to 5 and others are done on a percentage basis. Please consult the
manufacturers information for the specific device for more information on sensitivity levels.
There are two additional boxes shown here "Remote LED Enabled" and "Has Base
Sounder".
Has Base Sounder - This is to inform the system that either an Ancillary Base Sounder is
fitted or an Hochiki addressable base sounder is fitted to the device. When this option is

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

25

ticked as shown , then the Group selection box appears as shown. This allows the Base
Sounder to be applied to any of the Groups (see Group Configure). When a Base Sounder is
applied, the applied Group (Group 1 by default) appears in the end column (Base Sounder)
in the Loop Summary page. Different protocols handle this slightly differently. Apollo
recognises the detector at that address has a Loop Sounder fitted. Hochiki adds a Loop
Sounder at the Device address + 127. So a Detector fitted with a Base Sounder at Address
10, and "Has Base Sounder" ticked would have a Sounder automatically assigned to
Address 137.
Remote LED Enabled - This is to switch on the relevant output in the detector to power a
remote LED indicator if fitted. Please note that this option is device sensitive and will only
become available if you need to switch on or activate this particular output.
If this is ticked and an Ancillary Base Sounder is fitted (irrespective of whether the "Has
Base Sounder" is ticked and assigned to a Sounder Group), then the Ancillary Base
Sounder will sound as soon as the Detector Triggers.

It is possible to assign an output device to the desired Zone at this point and also to give the
device an appropriate name. Use the <- Prev and Next -> buttons to quickly access the next
devices and to edit them. Above also shows the "Groups" radio button being used on the
lower right hand side and this allows different Groups to be applied, by simply clicking on the
Group number and then applying that to those devices that you want in that group.

Editing Hochiki Sounder Controller Modules


Hochiki Sounder Modules part CHQ-B may be programmed such that their outputs are in
Sets or in Groups.
When learnt by the panel they default to an I/O type device and thus have their outputs in Sets.
They are represented in the tools as type "Sounder Cont (Sets)", and their I/O Configuration
may be edited in the normal way, then loaded back into the panel.
To convert the module to have its Outputs in Sets, replace the module with a Sounder Cont
(Sets) type device from the Module menu in the tools. The module will now have the type
"Sounder Cont (Groups)".
Editing the I/O configuration will allow the outputs to be put into Groups. Loading the data
back to the panel will store the Group settings for the Sounder Module.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

26

2.2

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Alarm Verifcation Count


Alarm Verification Count
This Loop Summary page feature (only available with Panel software 8A44 and onwards and
XFP Tools version 4.00 and onwards) allows the number of times that the panel verifies the
alarm state from different types of devices.

The recommended default settings are shown above, which means that the alarm condition
shall be established when the panel recognises one single alarm from either a Manual
Callpoint, or Interface Unit, but it needs to verify an alarm 5 times from a detector. Alarm
verification occurs every second.
These settings apply to all the types of device in the system.

2.3

Loop 1/2 Configure


Editing Loop 1 or 2 Configure
Please note that Loop Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the panel.
See Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into
other pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Loop 1 or 2 Config page is an alternative graphical interface to using the Loop Summary
configure. The two ways of programming is to either do a Loop Learn on the panel and load
the data from the panel into the software as shown in the Loop Summary example or the
other way is to remotely build a loop and then load it into the panel to control an existing
unprogrammed system.
Start by selecting the system protocol that you wish to use, then select the device types by
clicking on the Icons, selecting the device and then by clicking on a numbered rectangular
area below (this is the device address).

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

27

Below shows some devices placed and an open selection list on the Interface Icon.

Below shows the two options available when you right click on a placed icon. The first option
opens the "Device Configure" dialogue as shown on Loop Summary Configure. The second
option is to take any previous configured data and to "Reset Parameters". This means that
the device will be set to the default condition.

Below shows the Device Configure for Device 1. This Device Configure allows the Device
Name to be set and dependant upon the device, be assigned to a Zone or Group. To edit the
Zone Name, you will need to either enter the Zone Names in Loop Summary or Zone
Configure.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

28

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Below shows a helpful feature when you hold the cursor as shown on Device 1. Look at the
line immediately above the icons, and a full description of the device your cursor is above is
shown. - "Disc MCP" - "Call Point Reception" - "Zone No=1" - "Zone Name=Reception"

2.4

Zone Configure
Editing Zone Configure
Please note that Zone Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the panel. See
Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into other
pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Zone Configuration Page
The Zone Configuration page allows editing and setting up three functional areas of the
panel.
The first is the Zone Description, which is shown on the left hand side. This is the name
applied to a fire zone, that a user of the panel would understand. To edit the names, simply
click and highlight the text in the name field and type the new Zone Name. The Zone Name is
limited to a maximum of 14 characters, including spaces.
The next area, is the Dependancy Options as shown much further below. This is where you
can assign a control function from how input devices (ie, detectors and or call points) in a
zone, affect the fire panel and it's outputs. False alarms can be minimised by using
dependancies, which monitor the retriggering of a device within a time period or by using
events on other devices to confirm an alarm situation (Double Knock etc.)
Please note that different dependancies can be applied to occupied and unoccupied
times (day/night mode) see Site Configure for help on setting occupied/unoccupied options.
The dependancy categories are; Normal - this is default and means that detectors and call point inputs are treated normally by
the panel.
Investigation - This allows an investigation period can be applied to that zone. The times for
the investigation period are controlled by the "Input Delay" and "Investigation Period" times
and these are found above the Zone Description and Dependancy Options titles. The input
delay timer is activated by an event on that zone and the time period (5 minutes in this case)
starts to countdown. The user attention will be attracted to the panel and the user will then
push the investigate button and will then be allowed (3 minutes) in this case to investigate the
cause. If, after this three minute period, the panel has not been manually reset, a full alarm
condition will occur. Investigation periods can be set for both Day and Night modes.
Please note the investigation period and Input delay do not apply to Manual Call Points.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

29

The graphic above shows the interaction of the Input Delay and Investigation Delay

Type A Dependancy option - When this option has been set, the operation is as follows; If a
Detector in that zone is triggered, the panel will recognise that and will go into first stage
alarm condition. No outputs, (sounders, relays etc.) will be triggered ("Time to Reset Detector time controls the detector reset period) . If there is a second event from the same
detector or another detector in that zone within the "Time to Reset - Alarm time", then a full
alarm condition will occur. Manual Call Points will always trigger an alarm condition in type
A dependancies. Looking at the graphic below you will see the "Time to Reset" times in the
Dependancy Option dialogue. This is where the time periods as mentioned above are
controlled. In this case the time to reset a detector is one minute, this means that after one
minute the detector is reset to look for another event. The Alarm reset time is the time the
panel will wait for another detector event from that zone. If another event does not occur
within that time period, then the first stage alarm will be cancelled.

Type B Dependancy option - When this option has been set, the operation is as follows; If a
Detector in that zone is triggered, the panel will recognise that and will go into first stage
alarm condition. No outputs, (sounders, relays etc.) will be triggered. If there is a second
event from a separate detector in that zone within "Time to Reset" period, then a full alarm
condition will occur. Manual Call Points will always trigger an alarm condition in type B
dependancies. Looking at the graphic below you will see the "Time to Reset" times in the
Dependancy Option dialogue. In this case the time to reset a detector is greyed out and
cannot be altered, and is ineffective. The Alarm reset time is the time the panel will wait for
another detector event from that zone. If another event does not occur within that time period,
then the first stage alarm will be cancelled.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

30

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Type C Dependancy option - When this option has been set, the operation is as follows; If a
Detector in that zone is triggered, the panel will recognise that and will go into first stage
alarm condition. No outputs, (sounders, relays etc.) will be triggered. If there is a second
event from another detector or Manual Call Point in that zone or any other zone, then a full
alarm condition will occur. n this case the time to reset a detector is greyed out and cannot
be altered, and is ineffective.

When a dependency has been applied to a zone, the dependency option box changes colour
to a yellow background as shown below.

Output Delays
The third area of the dialogue is the Output Delays Functioning with Input Devices
(detectors and call points).
The outputs that can have zonal delays applied to them are; Sounders (this is Sounder
Groups, see Group Configure), Relay 1 & 2, these are the Panel Relays and Outputs (which
are Output Sets, see Set Configure). As shown in the example below, the output delay times
can be set to "00:00" (zero, which is default and means no delay), a time (which is a delay)
and "--" (infinity) which means that it is never used.
The tick boxes on the "functioning with" states that the delays are activate with the ticked item.
So in the example below, Zone 1 has delays on all outputs and these are triggered on events
from detectors and manual call points. On Zone 2 the delays are triggered from detectors
only.
Note that the delays will only affect those Sounders and Relays that are actually assigned to
those Zones. See Loop Summary or Loop 1/2 Configure.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

31

Output Delays between panels


An output may be delayed if the input is from another panel. In this case there is no method of
entering whether it was a detector or manual call point that was the cause of the fire on the
other panel(s).

2.5

Group Configure
Editing Group Configure
Please note that Group Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the panel.
See Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into
other pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Group Configure dialogue deals with how groups of sounders interact with zones. The
sounders can be combined into Groups on the Loop Summary page.
Below shows both the default Apollo Group Configure and the Hochiki Group Configure, the
following is the same for both Apollo and Hochiki, this is; Panel Sounder 1 is mapped to
Sounder Group 1 and Panel Sounder 2 is mapped to Sounder Group 2. Sounder Groups 1
through 5 are set to continuous sounders through all 16/32 zones and panels 1 through 8
(see Network Configure for a detailed explanation of this). This means by default, the panel
sounders are set to continuous sounders at a fire event.
By reading across from the zone name you can see that you can have up to 16 Sounder
Groups assigned to that zone.
By reading down the columns, you can clearly see which Sounder Groups are assigned to
which zone.

Apollo Group Configure

Hochiki Group Configure (slightly different to Apollo, discussed below)

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

32

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

The intersection of the rows and columns show the Group Sounder setting.
To change the status of the groups, simply click on the desired state button (Off, Pulsed or
Continuous) located at the left hand side of the toolbar. Then click on individual cells to
change their status or click and drag across the cells to do multiple cell changes in one go.
There are additional controls to the right hand side, that allow all the cells to be changed to
all off, all continuous or all pulsed.
Also, a "New Fire causes ReSound" tick box option is available. If there is a new detector fire
in a previously silenced zone, then the sounders for that zone will not be reasserted.
However, if a Manual Call Point is activated in that zone then the sounders (for that zone) will
be activated. If a fire occurs in a new zone then the previously silenced zones will not resound
unless the "New Fire causes ReSound" is ticked.
- The grey bell indicates the Sounder Group is off in that cell.
- The red bell indicates the Sounder Group is continuous in that cell.
- The yellow bell indicates the Sounder Group is pulsed in that cell.
The Phased Delay is set to "--" (infinity) by default and therefore not active.
Phased delays are a useful way of controlling the evacuation of associated or nearby zones.
Below shows an example of how this can be used.
The Phased Delay has been set to a maximum of 10 minutes, Sounder Groups 1 & 2 are
mapped to Panel Sounder 1 & 2. The Sounder Group mapping is such that in;
Fire event in Zone 1 - Sounder Group 1,2,4 are set for continuous sounders.
Fire event in Zone 1 - Sounder Group 3 & 5 are set for pulsed sounders.
Fire event in Zone 2 - Sounder Group 1,2 & 5 are set for continuous sounders.
Fire event in Zone 2 - Sounder Group 4 & 6 are set for pulsed sounders.
Fire event in Zone 3 - Sounder Group 1,2 & 6 are set for continuous sounders.
Fire event in Zone 3 - Sounder Group 5 & 7 are set for pulsed sounders.
Fire event in Zone 4 - Sounder Group 1 to 5 are set for continuous sounders.

Example showing how Phased Delays are used

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

33

If a fire event were to occur in Zone 1, 2, 3 or 4 then those Groups that are set to continuous
sounders will sound(after any other delays which may have been set). Those Groups which
are set to Pulsed Sounders, will pulse for the Phased Delay time (10 minutes in this case)
and then all Groups will go to continuous sounders. This can be used to alert zones that are
at the side of fire event zones, that there is a fire event nearby. This would allow phased
evacuation to take place.
At the bottom of the page, after Zone 16/32, you will see Panel 1 - 8 listed after the zones.
This is so that a fire event on a panel on a network (if fitted) can trigger any Sounder Group.
The example below shows that a fire event on any panel in an 8 panel network will sound
Sounder Groups 1 & 2, and if these are mapped to Panel Sounders 1 & 2, then these
sounders will sound(after completing any programmed delays).

Hochiki Group Configure

The above graphic shows the what the slight difference between the Hochiki and the Apollo
Group Configure as extensively detailed in the topic above. The above dialogue shows some
of the different tones that can be assigned. The Hochiki protocol allows these different tones
to be applied to some Hochiki Sounders, during the continuous and pulsed periods. Please
check Hochiki technical documentation for more information on Sounders that can take
advantage of this feature.

2.6

Set Configure
Editing Set Configure
Please note that Set Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the panel. See
Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into other
pages and saved when this page is saved.
Sets are collections of output devices, that are collected or Set together on the Loop Summary
or Loop 1/2 Configure pages.
The Set Configuration page allows the editing and setting up the output Sets. The techniques
for organising Sets is very similar to the way Sounder Groups are organized on the Group
Configure page.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

34

XFP Programming Software Help Manual


Overview
Sets are collections of output devices, so that they can be activated by a fire event on a zone or
zones. Please note that Panel Relays 1 & 2 may be also configured on this page.
The default setup is shown below. That is all Sets are set to "not triggered", the delay time is
set to 5 minutes, but again by default this has not been applied to any sets.
You can have 16 groups of Sets, and these can be applied to 16/32 Zones and Panels 1
through 8 (see Network Configure for a detailed explanation of this).
The Set Config Page
By reading across from the zone name you can see that you can have up to 16 Sets assigned
to that zone.
By reading down the columns, you can clearly see which Sets are
assigned to which zone.

The Intersection of the rows and columns show the Set status.
To change the status of the Sets, simply click on the desired state button (Not Triggered,
Pulsed or Continuous) located at the left hand side of the toolbar. Then click on individual
cells to change their status or click and drag across the cells to do multiple cell changes in
one go. There is an additional control to the centre of the toolbar that allows all the cells to be
changed to all "Not Triggered"

- The grey cross indicates the Set is off in that cell.

- The yellow tick indicates the Set is pulsed in that cell. (Please note this function is
not supported in all protocols, because that manufacturer does not support it)
- The red tick indicates the Set is continuous in that cell.

- The delay timer indicates there is a delay applied to that Set. Note when the delay
has finished, then this Set becomes continuous.
This timer will ignore any other timers that may have been applied to zones via Zone
Configure that use devices already assigned to this Set.
The "Delay Time" function is the time applied to delayed sets and by default is set to 5
minutes. This could be set to "--" (infinity) and therefore not active.
An example
Below is an example of Sets being used. The protocol selected allows the use pulsed output
units. This feature is manufacturer specific and not all protocols support it!
Fire event in Zone 1 - Set 2 is set for continuous and panel relays 1 & 2 are set for delay.
Fire event in Zone 1 - Set 1 & 3 are set for pulsed and panel relays 1 & 2 are set for delay.
Zone 2 - Set 3 is set for continuous and panel relays 1 & 2 are set for delay.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

35

Zone 2 - Set 2 & 4 are set for pulsed and panel relays 1 & 2 are set for delay.
Zone 3 - Set 4 is set for continuous and panel relays 1 & 2 are set for delay.
Zone 3 - Set 3 & 5 are set for pulsed and panel relays 1 & 2 are set for delay.
Silencable Sets and Relays
You will notice that the Panel Relays have a tick above them on the Set columns. When a Set
column is ticked, the set will be returned to normal when the panel is silenced.

At the bottom of the page after Zone 32, you will see Panel 1 - 8 listed after the zones. This is
so that a fire event on a panel on a network (if fitted) can trigger any Set. The example below
shows that a fire event on any panel in an 8 panel network will trigger the delayed Set 16.
Please note that any delayed sets will become continuous after the delay has finished. This
timer will ignore any other timers that may have been applied to zones via Zone Configure that
use devices already assigned to this Set.

2.7

Site Configure
Editing Site Configure
Please note that Site Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the panel. See
Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into other
pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Site Configuration page allows editing and setting up of four functional and one nonfunctional areas of the panel.
The non-functional area is the main part of the dialogue and here you can enter both the
clients and installation company's details. This information is retained in the software data
file and is not saved to, or retrieved from the panel. It's function is purely to help identify the
site and panel the data belongs to. To enter the site data, simply click on the relevant field
and enter the details.
The Software Version window displays the firmware version that the panel was programmed
with at the factory, this window is non-editable. The software version is found by loading
panel data from the panel into the software.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

36

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

The first of the four functional areas that affect the panel is shown in the dialogue below:
Normal String - The contents of the "Normal String" is displayed on bottom line of the LCD
display on the fire panel. The text length of this line is limited to 40 characters including
spaces. This line is displayed during the normal operation of the fire panel.
Maintenance String - This is displayed on bottom line of the LCD display on the fire panel
when the maintenance date is reached. The text length of this line is limited to 40 characters
including spaces.
Maintenance Date - This is by default set to <this day>/<this month>/2099. Use this to set the
date to trigger the next maintenance service. The maintenance string is displayed on the
panel, on the day that the date occurs. This maintenance date is only sent to the panel if the
"Send To Panel?" box is checked. This is to avoid existing maintenance dates being
overwritten, or lost during data maintenance, when bringing data to and from the panel.

Time and Date


The next area is the time and date information. Instead of having to manually set the time
and date on the panel, you can if you wish transfer the date and time from the PC (check it is
correct and accurate). The transfer of the time and date is only sent to the panel if the "Send
To Panel?" box is checked. An Auto Adjust DST (Daylight Saving Time) tick box is also
available.

Access Level Codes


You can change the access level codes in this dialogue. By default the Access Level 2 code
is 3333 and Access Level 3 code is 4444. Changing the codes is recommended, but

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

37

ensure the authorised user is informed of the new Access Level 2 code and that this code is
entered in the log book.

Occupied/Unoccupied Times
The last part of the dialogue, as shown below, refers to when the occupied or unoccupied
times (can be referred to as Day/Night mode etc.) are set. The occupied/unoccupied times
are used to change detector sensitivity during these times. Sensitivities are typically reduced
to reduce false alarms during occupied times and sensitivities increased during unoccupied
times. To set the sensitivity levels, refer to the Loop Summary page. Also refer to the device
manufacturers data for information on sensitivity values. Please note different dependency
options can be applied to occupied and unoccupied times (see Zone Configure). Also
sounder volumes (manufacturers protocol allowing) may also be changed with respect to
the occupied and unoccupied times and either to all sounders, or sounder groups (see Loop
Summary).
The dialogue allows you set the start times for occupied and unoccupied, and the days those
times will apply to. The 'Recalibrate at' time defaults to 04:00 and the fire panel has to
recalibrate the detectors every 24 hours. It is sensible for the panel to recalibrate the
detectors when the building is quiet or inactive, so if this particular installation is busy at
04:00, please select an appropriate time. If the fire panel is in a fire event during the
recalibration time, then recalibration will be suspended until the fire event is cleared and will
be conducted as soon as possible.

The example dialogue below, shows settings that start the occupied (day) time at 08:00 and
the unoccupied (night) time at 18:00. These times are applied from Monday through to Friday,
because Saturday and Sunday are not ticked, they will remain at the last event, which is Friday
and unoccupied. Saturday and Sunday will remain at this status, until the next event, which is
Monday and occupied.
Note: If the time settings for the occupied (day) and unoccupied (night) are the same then this
function is disabled.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

38

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Enable Discovery Polling LED


Ticking this check box makes Apollo Discovery devices led pulse when they are polled
during the normal operation of the panel.

2.8

Cause & Effect Configure


Editing Cause & Effect Configure
Please note that Cause & Effect Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the
panel. See Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be
loaded into other pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Cause & Effect dialogue is basically an equation writer that allows you to take a specific
or other events and allow them to effect a specific end result. An event comprises of two
equations, the first to give an action, the second to stop the first action. The main dialogue
can look daunting at first, so below we have a simplified example of how to read the
equations. The way to look at it is this;
"What do I want to happen"? "How do I want to control this"? and then "How do I want to stop
it?
Simple Example
In the case below we want to close a door, when a loop 1 detector called device No. 11 is
triggered. When loop 1 detector called device No. 11 resets, we then want the door to open.

So for Event 1 we used Panel Relay 1 to control the door controller, this is activated by Loop 1
Device Triggered 11 = TRUE (true means triggered). Then when Loop 1 Device Triggered 11 =
False (false means not triggered or normal), then Panel Relay 1 is released and the door
controller becomes active again, allowing the door to open.

Programming Cause and Effect


Below shows the main default dialogue, and we are going to show how to select the options
required for the above example. To use Cause & Effect properly you need to select the correct
protocol.
The first part you see is the Timer Event boxes as shown below. These are timers which are
referenced to the panel time (see Site Configure on how to set Panel Time from this
software).

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

39

To set times, you highlight the characters by clicking and dragging across the timer box and
then entering the time in 24 hour format (08:30 and 23:45 etc.) We will use these timers in an
example later on.

To begin creating the equations as shown in the example Door Closer above, you start by
clicking on the Event Row that you want to create the equation in (Event 1 in this case). You
then click the pull down on the "What Happens" box. You can see that you have a list of
logical functions that you can scroll through. In this instance we are going to select "Panel
Relay".

When panel relay has been selected, the next selection box appears to the right of it, as
below.

By clicking on the pull down, you will see that you have the option of Relays1, 2 or 3. When
Relay 1 was selected, The "When" option window opened and defaulted to "Loop 1 Device
Triggered". There are other options available, please see the next graphic and description
below.
We have now completed the "What Happens" part of the equation.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

40

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

The "Occurs when" options available to you are shown below (please note additional items
may be added in the future). We have selected "Loop 1 Device Triggered", and as we
selected that, the next "When" option appears. Please see the next graphic and description
below.

Because we selected a loop 1 device, then the next selection we make is the device number
or address. We are going to choose device 11 in this case, please see the next graphic and
description below.

When we selected device 11, this then brought up the next selection box under "Resets
When". But please notice the =TRUE function on "Occurs when". This function can be
changed by dragging down on the scroll arrow and selecting TRUE or FALSE. The graphic
below shows the selections.

TRUE has been selected on Event 1. This now completes the "When" function. So the
equation now reads, When {Loop 1 Device Triggered 11 = TRUE} What Happens is {Panel
Relay 1} is triggered. Please see the next graphic and description below for the final part of
the equation or "Resets When".

The "Rests When" options available to you are shown below (please note additional items

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

41

may be added in the future). We have selected "Loop 1 Device Triggered", and as we selected
that, the next "Resets When" option appears. Please see the next graphic and description
below.

Because we selected a loop 1 device, then the next selection we make is the device number
or address. We are going to choose device 11 again in this case, please see the next graphic
and description below.

Below shows the completed example, the way to read this complete equation is as follows;
Event 1 Action {Panel Relay 1 triggers} Occurs when {Loop 1 Device 11 Triggered(true)}
Resets when {Loop 1 Device 11 not triggered(false)}

An example of Cause & Effect using timers


Below we have an example using the timers T1 & T2. The problem is that there has been
nuisance tripping of detectors in Zone 6, during "manned" periods. Zone 6 is a loading bay
that operates seven days a week, so a simple way of dealing with this is to create an equation
to deal with this; so
Event 1 Action {Zone Disable Zone 6} Occurs when {Timer event Tn Time 1 = TRUE (08:00)}
Resets when {Timer event Tn Time 2 = TRUE (18:00)}.
Basically this states disable the zone when the time is 08:00 and re-enable the zone when
the time is 18:00.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

42

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

A limitation here is that the timers run for a 24 hour period, but a seven day period in this
instance is acceptable. However if you wanted to perform the same function for a five day
period, this is easily achievable, as shown below. This uses Cause & Effect for setting up the
control of Zone 6 in conjunction with Occupied and Unoccupied times in Site Configure. View
this with reference to the Site Configure graphic further down.

This reference graphic shows the setting of the Occupied and Unoccupied times in Site
Configure dialogue.

The overall control of Cause & Effect is affected by the setting of the Occupied and
Unoccupied times being applied to Monday through to Friday. Because the last event is
Friday, Unoccupied at 18:00 hours, then this state is carried through until the next event,
which is Monday, Occupied at 08:00 hours. So the Zone Disablement does not occur on the
Saturday or Sunday, but does start again on the Monday.
The above example is shown, because it is important to realise that setting Cause &
Effect is not always a solution in it's own right and is dependant on previous or other
settings else where in the panel. Extensive testing must always be done at commission
or when settings are changed to ensure functions are not in conflict at Fire events.

Shown below is a real life example of the use of Cause & Effect, this setup is based on a two
panel network. See Network Configure on how to setup multi-panel networks.
Events 1 and 2 are shown as Abstract Events, these are events that do not have a direct end
result in themselves, but can be used in conjunction with other events.
Event 1 Action (no result) Occurs when {Any Zone in Fire =TRUE} Resets when {Panel
Reset=TRUE}
Event 2 Action (no result) Occurs when {Zone or Panel in Fire Panel 2 =TRUE} Resets when
{Panel Reset=TRUE}
Event 3 Action (Sounder Evac Group 2) Occurs when {Event 1 AND Event 2 =TRUE} Resets
when {Panel Silenced =TRUE}
The above three events are linked as this; Event 1 + Event 2 = Event 3, which means that
Event 1 and Event 2 are a "double knock" setup and when they concurrently occur, this allows
Event 3 to take place.
Event 4 is not obviously linked to Events 1, 2 or 3, this event is triggering a loop 2 device
address 104 on Panel 1 (possibly an I/O type device) and is triggered and reset from a loop 2

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

43

device address 105 (possibly a smoke detector).

From the description above in Events 1,2,3 & 4, it can be difficult to work out the
functionality of the Cause & Effect, especially for someone who is following up after the
commissioning of the original system. It would be advantageous to put an explanation of
the fire system design and what is being controlled in the Comments page. The
Comments page is a diary type page, where you can add any text comments to help any
future servicing or understanding of the panel software.

Using Cause & Effect for Class Change


The requirement is to use the class change clock to briefly ring a set of sounders in three
zones to indicate Class Change. A Mini Switch Monitor has been placed at Device Address 4
on loop 1 and this has been given the description "Class Change Timer Input". The Class
Change Clock is going to be connected to Channel 1, so the I/O Configuration for Device 4 is
shown below and is;
Sub Address 0 is set as an Input using Channel 1 in Special C&E and described as Class
Change Timer Input.

The Class Change Clock output is connected to Channel 1 on Device 4 and Sounders in
Groups 2, 5 and 9 need to sound.
The equations to create this are shown below;
Event 1 Action {Sounder Evac Group 2} Occurs when {Loop 1 Device 4 Triggered =TRUE}
Resets when {Loop 1 Device 4 Triggered =FALSE}.
Event 2 Action {Sounder Evac Group 5} Occurs when {Loop 1 Device 4 Triggered =TRUE}
Resets when {Loop 1 Device 4 Triggered =FALSE}.
Event 3 Action {Sounder Evac Group 9} Occurs when {Loop 1 Device 4 Triggered =TRUE}
Resets when {Loop 1 Device 4 Triggered =FALSE}.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

44

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

So when the Class Change Clock triggers the Input on Channel 1 on Device 4 on Loop
1 then the Sounders in Groups 2, 5 and 9 will sound. When the Class Change Clock
output ceases, then the Input on Channel 1 on Device 4 on Loop 1 will cease to be
triggered and therefore the Sounders in Groups 2, 5 and 9 will cease to sound.

2.9

Network Configure
Editing Network Configure
Please note that Network Configure information can be loaded from and saved to the panel.
See Getting Connected to find out how to do this. Note some information will be loaded into
other pages and saved when this page is saved.
The Network Configuration page allows editing and setting up of an XFP Fire Panel Network.
Depending on which model you are using, you will require the right Network card fitted into
each Panel. It is also possible to fit additional cards that allow the connection of up to four
Repeaters from each panel.
Shown below is the default Network page and as shown a full network can comprise of up to
eight panels. Each panel can be assigned a "Panel Name", this is changed from the default
by simply clicking on the name field and typing, please note a panel name is limited to 14
characters including spaces.
A panel name is added to help the user accurately identify where an event is taking place on
the network.
When setting up the network, you have to manually add the panels to create the network by
adding ticks in the "fitted" box. The panel names and fitted information has to be added
manually to each separate panel in turn on the network using the programming software.
The graphic below shows the default configure for Panel 1, when the panel number is
changed on the top tool bar, the greyed out segment moves accordingly on the "Accepts
From Panels" box.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

45

The example below shows a six panel network implemented into a sports ground with a
leisure complex. If you examine the "Accepts from Panels" dialogue, you will see the
options that can be displayed on the panel selected from other panels on the network.
In this instance panel 1 is selected and will display all the ticked features from the other
panels. However Panel 1 will not display faults or disablements from panel 5 & 6.
The definition meanings are;
Faults - all faults are listed.
Alarms - all alarms and pre-alarms are listed.
Controls - Silence, Mute, Reset and Investigations are accepted.
Disablements - Zones, Sounders,Outputs and Relay disablements are accepted.
Occupied/Unoccupied - The network setting will have priority over local settings.

The example below shows the Network configuration for Panel 4 and Panel 4 will display
all the ticked features from the other panels. However Panel 4 will not display faults or
disablements from panel 5 & 6.
Please note the example below does not show any ticks in the column under Panel 4
"Accepts from Panels", as this indicates that this panel is selected. However it is
possible that when that particular panel is selected, either ticks are not present in the
column or that ticks may be present but greyed out.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

46

2.10

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

View Event Log


View Event Log
Please note that the Event Log information can be loaded from the panel, or loaded from
and saved to Disk. See Getting Connected to find out how to do this. The Event Log data
cannot be edited, or loaded to the Panel.
The Event Log is designed for a Service Engineer to analyse exactly what events have been
taking place. This is a very useful tool to help diagnose repetitive faults, e.g. faulty detectors,
or zones liable to false triggering.
Shown below is a typical section of log (ignore the closeness of dates and times, you would
normally expect to see this spread over weeks and months).
The View Event Log display consists of the following fields (see below):
<Date> <Time> <Action or Loop address/device> <Zone description>
When the 'Load Event History From Panel' button is pressed, a message box appears asking
'Do you want to clear the events as we go?'. If 'Yes' is selected this will clear the events held in
the panel at that point. The data loaded can be saved to Disk for archive, or for future reference
off-site.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Indepth Programming Topics

47

The View Event Log display also consists of the following buttons:

- This allows you to clear the current log in the display, this is useful when
looking at multiple Event Log files.

- This allows you to load an archived Event Log files.

- This allows you to save and create an archive Event Log file.

2.11

Comments
Comments
This page is used for general comments for the Fire Panel setup, and is typically used for;
Explanations of how the Cause & Effect works, if used, a diary showing replacements and
repairs, modifications to the system or changes in the programming. List anything that helps
to maintain and understand that part of the system or network. There is no practical limit to the
length or size of this part of the file, apart from disk space. This comment log is part of the
software data file and is not loaded to or from the panel.

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

48

XFP Programming Software Help Manual

Index
-AAlarm Verification Count

26

-CComments
47
Configuring Groups 31
Configuring Loops 26
Configuring Sets 33
Configuring Sites 35
Configuring the Network 44
Configuring Zones 28

-DDefault Settings

14

-FFailure to Connect

11

-GGetting Connected

-LLoading and Saving Data to Disk 13


Loading and Saving Data to the Panel
Loop Summary 17

11

-PPrinting 13
Programming Cause and Effect

38

-QQuick Start

-VViewing the Event Log

46

<7/2008> Computionics Ltd. (C-TEC)

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi