Re: DIY is a rocky road.

["R.H.Campbell" <rh.campbell@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sir, following are some easy to understand definitions of the four code
types you mention:

Installer code

This is the code which is used only to enter "low level programming". This
is the programming which defines how your panel operates, communicates, and
is used also to define how each type of zone is to operate (instant,
entry/exit, follow etc). In summary, this code is used by the system
installer to change the default panel settings to ones which define in total
how your alarm panel works. This code is always changed by your installing
company to one of their own, in order to limit those who may access the
settings in your panel which can affect it's ability to function properly.

User code

This is a code which is used to arm and disarm the system. It may or may not
be set up to do other things like bypass certain zones on the system.

Default Code

This usually refers to the code that is hard programmed in to the panel when
it is either new off the shelf, or has been hardware defaulted back to
factory specifications. It often is identical to the model of the panel in
question, but not always.

Master code

This is the code which has a higher function than the other user codes. It
can arm and disarm the system AND is the code that you MUST use to enter
user level programming for the purposes of adding, deleting or simply
changing the balance of the user codes.

Those who write the manuals are usually engineering or technical types, and
often the end results reflect their "mind think". Writing user manuals is a
distinct skill that a lot of companies gloss over. Poorly written manuals
are the result !!

Hope that helps

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


"Charles Schuler" <charleschuler@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:HqGdnd_lSslXUk_enZ2dnUVZ_smdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> "Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:_dqAf.1174$CC1.527@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Yep they do, and you have to speak Alarmish, a sub-dialect of  'Glish.
>> They're not written for DIYers.
>
> They are not written for anybody who knows how to read and also trusts
> what they read:
>
> Installer code
> User code
> Default code
> Master code
>
> In the manuals that I am trying to read, all of the above appear with no
> definitions and are obviously used inappropriately, in some cases.  Trying
> to program something as simple as time and date becomes a mind-bending
> experience.  Not because it needs to be ... it's because the hacks who
> wrote the manuals don't themselves understand the terms that they are
> using, or perhaps are semi-clever agents dedicated to the demise of DIYs.
>
> I used to think this sort of thing was only endemic among offshore
> products designed and built by other than English speaking engineers.
> Now, I have a whole new perspective on this issue.
>
> I know, I know ... this "stuff" is intended for professional installers
> and they just enjoy the hell out of DIYs hanging out here, twisting in the
> wind. My tenacity will prevail, in any case.
>
> Maybe I'll put up a website and further illuminate this extremely dark
> corridor of consumer electronics in the good ole yew ess of aay.
>


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