Re: Compass Software

[Nomen Nescio <nobody@xxxxxxxxx>]

Crash Gordon said:

>Yes, I noticed the bigger panels you can be more selective in what you
>update. But, pain in the but to download the whole panel (there I
>go..upload) to have fresh copy (3 min) change one code, then have to reload
>the whole panel again another 3 min.
>
>Yah..I got in the habit of download upload a fresh panel copy everytime too.
>Some of dem pesky clients actually RTFB and figured out how to change codes,
>so's I gotta be careful i dont wipe changes out.

It isn't always necessary to copy the panel.  Remember that Compass will
tell you right away if the panel programming has changed.  This is your
protection against not only subscriber code changes, but also techs
changing something at the keypad and not telling you.

The trick is to contact the panel before you make any changes in Compass.
If you get the warning message, you upload.  Otherwise, you remain on line
with the panel, modify the program, save, and download.

Ademco seems to break the programming into blocks on the larger panels,
each of which has a CRC.  So, you aren't really uploading the entire panel,
just checking the CRCs for each block and copying the blocks that have
changed.  I assume on the smaller panels, it's quicker just to copy the
whole program rather than breaking it into blocks.

- badenov