Re: Why Don't You Like DSC? (Addressed to those that don't.)

["Robert L. Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I agree 100% with you on this one Mark.
> Although downloading is a great convienience,
> I believe it has become an easy way out...

You do realize that Leuck's major job function is downloading panels he's
never seen, don't you?  That's not a flame; just an observation based on his
own statements.  As to downloading being easier, how is that worse?  It's
easier to bring your tools to the jobsite in a truck than on foot.  Does
that make walking across town a better choice?

> Some people here are obviously those that
> are actually doing the installations themselves
> and are onsite throughout the install...

There are people here who install for a living.  Others mostly just download
from behind a desk.  Some of us do tech support and/or sales.

> Having a lap top on site and downloading the
> panel, setting up the discriptors, sending signals
> etc. is ideal.... If you are not willing to give a
> lap top to all twenty installers...

I usually employed only two techs (small company).  Someone carried a laptop
on every installation and service call.  It was one of the job tools.

> Downloading a panel without ever seeing the
> job, in my opinion is a sin!...

I wouldn't go that far.  Leuck can be pig-headed but don't call him a
sinner.  :^)

> All of my techs learn to keypad program the
> panels we use...

Mine, too.  It helps to know just in case the laptop ever fails.

> The CS people know keypad functions to
> help over the phone for identifying troubles,
> changeing codes etc.

Same here, except if a client wanted code changes and was uncomfortable
doing the keypad programming we'd do it for them (for free) from the office.
It's good customer service doing little things like that as a courtesy.

> It is just plain faster and less hassle...

That depends on the panel.  With Napco I can make a few mods to the client's
account, select "one-step" download and go on to another task in less time
than it takes to walk someone through keypad programming.  If they're having
problems I can read the panel history and know in two or three minutes what
they're doing wrong.  That's far faster than you can dispatch a tech even to
a nearby job site.

> It may appear more technical but the customer
> doesn't care. They just want their code changed.

Walking someone through keypad programming may seem better -- until you walk
them through over-writing a code that they need.  The client rarely knows
which user number is assigned to which person.  He may know the code but get
the sequence wrong.  If you walk him through it by phone and don't check by
PC, you may be setting him up for a false alarm when someone else comes home
and finds his code no longer works.

> It gets done with one quick call, otherwise
> there are three calls made. The initial, the
> download, and the verification call...

With so many people using cell phones these days, if it's a major change I
speak to them on their cellular while I do the download.  If they only want
a code added or deleted, I can do that without verification.  I can have
them test the system while I talk to them by cell if needed.

IMO the point to remember, Bob, is that no one method is best for all
situations.  Keypad programming has its place but in most instances PC
downloading is more convenient and more secure.  It's good to train your
tech in keypad downloading but even the best techs make mistakes from time
to time.  The only way to be absolutely certain it's right is to at least
verify everything by PC.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>