Paradox download

[Bob Worthy]

What modem is necessary to download the Paradox Spectra system? Secondly,
can this panel be direct connected to a laptop, if so, what adaptor is
needed?

Thanks in advance

 

[R.H.Campbell]

Bob, I use an external US Robotics 56K modem for the Spectra panel. I have
found this works more consistently than the Cardinal 2400 external that I
use primarily for the older Esprit panels. However, I believe there is a
long list of modems that are suitable, and if memory serves me correctly,
the drivers are built into the software.

For connecting to a laptop, I run the same modem through a dial tone
simulator, so I can't tell you about the availability of any direct
connection device (like the PC Link cable for DSC).

RHC

 

[Bob Worthy]

Thanks Bob, I appreciate the speedy reply. This equipment is no problem for
us to obtain and we have the software here already, just haven't attempted
downloading.

Thank again!

 

[R.H.Campbell]

A couple of minor cautions Bob ! Once connected, have patience; it seems to
take a while to do it's handshaking and exchanging of passwords etc. It's
easy to think things are frozen.

Also be very careful about which direction you are sending and receiving
data (see the arrows at the bottom of the screen). It's pretty easy to send
up empty data to the panel if you don't watch your "direction" of data flow
(don't ask me how I know...)

Other than that, the panels seem to upload very well although I did have
trouble initially with the computer crashing until I made sure I had the
latest version of the software (2.6 I think, available off the website)

Cheers !

RHC

 

[Mark Leuck]

What modem is necessary to download the Paradox Spectra system? Secondly,
can this panel be direct connected to a laptop, if so, what adaptor is
needed?

Thanks in advance

I use either Hayes Smartmodem Optima 2400 or Securcomm DL110 or Practical
Peripheral mini SA1200. They all work about as well but you'll be able to
find the Optima 2400 easily from Ebay

 

[Mark Leuck]

A couple of minor cautions Bob ! Once connected, have patience; it seems to
take a while to do it's handshaking and exchanging of passwords etc. It's
easy to think things are frozen.

I haven't ever thought it was frozen but it does like lots of handshakes

Also be very careful about which direction you are sending and receiving
data (see the arrows at the bottom of the screen). It's pretty easy to send
up empty data to the panel if you don't watch your "direction" of data flow
(don't ask me how I know...)

Thats why they need to redesign the entire package, that part of it is
pretty dumb

 

[R.H.Campbell]

Mark, while we're talking downloading software, my DLS2002 software has
started to exhibit a problem. When I connect to DSC panels, I get the
"session cancelled cannot identify panel" almost always now.

Am I missing some drivers here or what ?

RHC

 

[mikey]

I'd re-install the software. After that, if still no go, try turning off the
FIFO buffers in the port settings.

 

[R.H.Campbell]

I tried re-installing the software but no help. What are "FIFO" buffers may
I ask ?

RHC

 

[Mark Leuck]

Mark, while we're talking downloading software, my DLS2002 software has
started to exhibit a problem. When I connect to DSC panels, I get the
"session cancelled cannot identify panel" almost always now.

Am I missing some drivers here or what ?

RHC

Nope no new drivers, I haven't seen much of that problem

 

[Mark Leuck]

Go to your hardware manager in control panel and select comm ports, you'll
find it there under serial ports

 

[mikey]

Click the advanced box under Port Settings in Device Manager (Comm Ports) in
Systems section of Control Panel (W2K)

First In, First Out I think. I've seen disabling them somewhere in
somebody's DL software

 

[petem]

if I am not crazy..(never did it on a spectra)

you can use a 360usb module like the one used for digiplex connected into
the serial connector on board of the spectra..(4 pin white connector)

like the one at this address,just scroll down to 360 USB

http://www.paradox.ca/Products/CAT_DIGIPLEX/Default.asp?SUBCATID=40800

 

[R.H.Campbell]

Yeah, I tried that Mike, thanks! I also set the comm port to 300 baud. No
luck with either option.

I'm going to call DSC tech support on Monday to see what they suggest

RHC