problems with DSC 864 and DLS 2002 software

[Bernard]

Folks I'm trying to connect to a dsc 5020 panel (brand new) via the
DLS 2002 software and I'm getting the following message…

"The panel has stopped responding to communications requests…"
I'm getting the same result with another 5020 panel.

The software is good because it works with 5010 panels

Panel ver : 3.2NA
Keypad type: 5500z
Keypad ver: 3.10

Any suggestions?


Thanks
Bernard

 

[RH.Campbell]

Bernard, I've seen this same sort of stupidity with the 632 and 832. I don't
know what causes it or how to cure it, but I have been told that once you
connect once, it will continue to work in the future. Try uploading the
event log as the very first connection; my partner lives out in the boonies,
and he can only enter by doing this with a lot of his 1555 panels....who
knows why

Hey Mark, have you any idea why this happens...

RHC

 

[fly in the ointment]

Bernard wrote

Folks I'm trying to connect to a dsc 5020 panel (brand new) via the
DLS 2002 software and I'm getting the following message.

"The panel has stopped responding to communications requests."
I'm getting the same result with another 5020 panel.

The last time it happened to me, my modem cable was loose. A poor telephone
connection will also cause it.
js

 

[RH.Campbell]

Now that I think of it, sometimes using another modem will cure the problem.
However, with DSC that is not a straightforward thing to do. If the MD12
doesn't work, I use a Cardinal MX 2400 external (with the special patch Mark
sent me), and sometimes my US Robotics external will also work (with the
same patch for that particular modem)

You might try doing that. I feel reasonably certain it must have something
to do with the phone line connection or noise on the line blocking the the
handshake between modem and panel. If I go on prem and use my dial tone
simulator and any of the modems, the panel will always answer ok...

RHC

 

[Jim Rojas]

I had the same problem with a Maxsys v3.21 recently. I first tried using the
Cardinal MB2400EX, it did not want to work for anything. I switched to a
PM1200SA Mini, and it worked fine.

Jim Rojas

 

[RH.Campbell]

Strange isn't it ? Must have something to do with the noise tolerance of
each particular modem and that particular connection. Sometimes one modem
won't work for love nor money, but the next one will be ok...and that might
have been the one that didn't connect yesterday....

Something ain't right here ! I don't have that problem with any of my
Paradox panels - any model line. They always answer the way they're supposed
to. Can't speak for any other line of panels though....

RHC

 

[RH.Campbell]

Ok, just five minutes ago, I got off the line with a PC1555MX version 2.3.
It wouldn't communicate with my computer using the US Robotics or the MD12,
but would communicate with the Cardinal MX2400 !! All three are on a Belkin
switch which has proven totally transparent as far as affecting
communications over many years of using them...

Go figure ! This is bullsh*t ! You can't run a business where service is
paramount, with panels that you can't rely on to answer the phone properly
when you need it !

I'm going after DSC on Monday !! This is totally unacceptable performance
from an otherwise good line of panels...

R.H.Campbell
Home Security Metal Products
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.homemetal.com

 

[Jim Rojas]

Is the Belkin a manual rotary switcher? I use the CA274-8 electronic 8 port
switcher.

Jim Rojas

 

[RH.Campbell]

Yes, the Belkin is a manual switch. I have a couple of them - a four port
model for the three modems I use for uploading panels, and another four port
model for switching between four printers on the print server on my router.
These are reasonable in price and good quality with gold contacts, so they
cause no communication problems

What does an electronic one cost ?

RHC

 

[Jim Rojas]

New $300+, I got mine on ebay for $15

Jim Rojas

 

[RH.Campbell]

Good move ! At that price though ($300), I'll stay with the manual
ones....))

RHC

 

[Mark Leuck]

I don't think I've EVER seen this kind of thing happen from any DSC panel

 

[Mark Leuck]

Anyone even bother finding out what modem he's using?

 

[Mark Leuck]

It should work fine with the Cardinal and MD12, it shouldn't work with the
US Robotics (unless you've had better luck than I)

Only problem I've ever had is a few 1555MX's that confused the panel
resulting in a "unknown panel" error but even thats rare, DSC is pretty good
about picking up on a download

 

[Mark Leuck]

Yes, the Belkin is a manual switch. I have a couple of them - a four port
model for the three modems I use for uploading panels, and another four port
model for switching between four printers on the print server on my router.
These are reasonable in price and good quality with gold contacts, so they
cause no communication problems

What does an electronic one cost ?

RHC

I've used the cheapest most generic manual switch for ages with no problems

 

[RH.Campbell]

Oh, they answer OK first time always, but the problem comes when they start
to do their handshaking. You get that unknown panel or communication can't
continue unknown situation that the other gentleman experienced. My gut
instinct tells me it is a noise problem or a handshaking problem with the
initialization string somewhere (one of the S switch settings isn't quite
right ...)

I have had good luck with both the Cardinal and the US Robotics thanks to
the software you sent me last year. It also seems to be getting worse
lately. One out of ten DSC panels is giving me this reaction, and it's
really annoying. I'd really like to get to the bottom of the problem so I
will talk to DSC to see if they have any ideas...

RHC

 

[fly in the ointment]

RH.Campbell wrote

Oh, they answer OK first time always, but the problem comes when they start
to do their handshaking. You get that unknown panel or communication can't
continue unknown situation that the other gentleman experienced. My gut
instinct tells me it is a noise problem or a handshaking problem with the
initialization string somewhere (one of the S switch settings isn't quite
right ...)

I have had good luck with both the Cardinal and the US Robotics thanks to
the software you sent me last year. It also seems to be getting worse
lately. One out of ten DSC panels is giving me this reaction, and it's
really annoying. I'd really like to get to the bottom of the problem so I
will talk to DSC to see if they have any ideas...

You know, you're right. It seems to me like it is getting worse. I never
used to have trouble, but tonight I can't seem to stay connected to a 4020
with my trusty PM1200SA. Finally had to go out to the office computer and
Hayes 2400. Maybe my PM1200 is starting to fail; like the tolerances are
drifting or something.
js

 

[Mark Leuck]

You know, you're right. It seems to me like it is getting worse. I never
used to have trouble, but tonight I can't seem to stay connected to a 4020
with my trusty PM1200SA. Finally had to go out to the office computer and
Hayes 2400. Maybe my PM1200 is starting to fail; like the tolerances are
drifting or something.
js

More than likely the modem is starting to fail, that thing is over 15 years
old now. I used to make fun of those high priced Hayes modems but in the
long run they work the best and last the longest

 

[fly in the ointment]

Mark Leuck wrote

More than likely the modem is starting to fail, that thing is over 15 years
old now. I used to make fun of those high priced Hayes modems but in the
long run they work the best and last the longest

I wonder if Rojas will exchange it under warranty for me. Hmmmm...yeah,
that's the ticket. ;-)
js

 

[Bernard]

Thanks for the feedback guys but I am not using a modem, all this is
happening on my work bench with a PC Link cable...

When I try connecting using the auto detection option the software is
able to determine the type of panel it is and hang up moments.

Thanks,
Bernard