Re: Napco Gem-P3200 Daylight Saving Time

[David B <dbarabino@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 8:10:16 PM UTC-6, Jim wrote:
> On Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 6:17:50 PM UTC-5, David B wrote:
> > On Friday, November 27, 2015 at 11:31:49 PM UTC-6, Jim wrote:
> > > On Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 5:49:52 PM UTC-5, David B wrote:
> > > > My Napco board is 10 years old and uses the old dates for changing =
to Daylight Saving and Standard times.
> > > >=20
> > > > I have a VER 11E micro that will correct that problem but I don't k=
now how to install it. The local alarm company couldn't care less and Napco=
 tech support doesn't support users, only professionals.
> > > >=20
> > > > Do I replace the micro with both AC and battery disconnected? And i=
f I do this myself will I lose all current programming and end up with a no=
n-working system?
> > >=20
> > >=20
> > > Do you have access to the dealer programming via the Napco Quickloade=
r and do you know how to program the panel? If not, then don't change the m=
icroprocessor.
> > >=20
> > > If you do, then power down the panel.
> > > Before you take the chip out of the protective bag, make sure you hav=
e grounded yourself to the alarm panel. While changing and handling the chi=
p don't be doing anything that would cause static electricity to build up b=
etween you and anything else .... mainly the alarm panel.
> > >=20
> > > I'm presuming that you don't have a chip extractor or inserter.
> > >=20
> > > Before beginning to remove the old chip, make sure you note which end=
 of the chip the key mark is on. You don't want to put the new chip in back=
wards.=20
> > >=20
> > > The old chip needs to be pried out VERY CAREFULLY without bending any=
 of the pins. Pry a little from one side then a little from the other side =
and gradually remove the chip from the socket.
> > >=20
> > > Once removed, put it in the protective bag that the new chip came in.=
 Keep it, just in case something goes wrong while or after the new chip is =
installed.
> > >=20
> > > Take a look at the angle of the pins on the new chip. You'll notice t=
hat the pins are spread wider than the holes in the socket.=20
> > >=20
> > > Lay the pin side of the new chip down with the pins down, up against =
a hard surface.(table, etc) You have to bend all of the pins simultaneously=
 just slightly inward to try and make them form a right angle with the chip=
. If you bend them too much inward, it's difficult to straighten them back =
again. So just bend them ever so slightly ..... first one side of the chip =
.... and then the other ..... so that the pins will line up with the holes =
in the chip socket. =20
> > >=20
> > > Line the new chip up with the socket, make sure all the pins are line=
d up with the holes in a socket. If you're not careful, one of more of the =
chip pins can bend and it's a bear to try and straighten them out and you c=
ould possibly brake or damage a pin beyond repair. Push down with even pres=
sure all the while noting that none of the pins are bending.
> > >=20
> > >=20
> > > Once you install the new chip. power up the panel and now you can go =
into programming to review all of your settings to make sure noting has cha=
nged.=20
> > >=20
> > > If it doesn't work, you can always reinstall the old chip. BUT .... i=
n any case, if you don't have access to the dealer programming, don't chang=
e the chip.
> >=20
> > Thanks, Jim for your very complete reply.
> >=20
> > No, I don't have a Quickloader and wouldn't know how to use it if I did=
. From your answer I surmise that yes, I will lose all my programmed data i=
f I remove the old chip. I was hoping that the settings may have been retai=
ned in a capacitor or elsewhere for a short time while I did the switch out=
. If they are, I would like to give it a try. If not, I will have to look f=
or professional service from someone in or near Corpus Christi, Texas.
> >=20
> > Thanks again for your helpful advise.
>=20
>=20
> If you can get someone to upload the programming in your panel, you can c=
hange the chip and then they can download the programming back into the pan=
el and set the DLS parameters for you. I'd offer to do it for you but I'd s=
uggest that you have someone local do it in the event there's a problem. If=
 the panel locked up or failed for some reason, it would likely take someon=
e to physically go to your home to reset the panel. I'm in New York ..... a=
lthough ...... hmmmm I've never been to Corpus Christi. Are you willing to =
risk a 1st class round trip ticket to get your panel programmed ????? :-))

Jim, I just checked this bulletin board again since Daylight Savings Time i=
s getting closer. How about if I take the panel off the wall and bring it t=
o New York? :-)

Seriously, I will give in and call the local NAPCO guy. I will tell him wha=
t you suggested and watch him closely since I don't think he knows much. Th=
ank you again for your help.

Dave