NCS PDF

ONYX Network Control Station
NCS
Network Version 5.0 and Higher
Document 51658
2/28/2007
Rev:
P/N 51658:H
H
ECN 06-718
Fire Alarm System Limitations

While a fire alarm system may lower insurance rates, it is not a substitute for fire insurance!
An automatic fire alarm systemtypically made up of
smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, audible
warning devices, and a fire alarm control panel with remote
notification capabilitycan provide early warning of a developing fire. Such a system, however, does not assure protection
against property damage or loss of life resulting from a fire.
The Manufacturer recommends that smoke and/or heat detectors be located throughout a protected premise following the
recommendations of the current edition of the National Fire
Protection Association Standard 72 (NFPA 72), manufacturer's
recommendations, State and local codes, and the recommendations contained in the Guides for Proper Use of System
Smoke Detectors, which are made available at no charge to all
installing dealers. These documents can be found at http://
www.systemsensor.com/html/applicat.html. A study by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (an agency of the
United States government) indicated that smoke detectors
may not go off in as many as 35% of all fires. While fire alarm
systems are designed to provide early warning against fire,
they do not guarantee warning or protection against fire. A fire
alarm system may not provide timely or adequate warning, or
simply may not function, for a variety of reasons:
Smoke detectors may not sense fire where smoke cannot
reach the detectors such as in chimneys, in or behind walls, on
roofs, or on the other side of closed doors. Smoke detectors
also may not sense a fire on another level or floor of a building.
A second-floor detector, for example, may not sense a firstfloor or basement fire.
Particles of combustion or smoke from a developing fire
may not reach the sensing chambers of smoke detectors
because:
Barriers such as closed or partially closed doors, walls, or

chimneys may inhibit particle or smoke flow.
Smoke particles may become cold, stratify, and not reach

the ceiling or upper walls where detectors are located.
Smoke particles may be blown away from detectors by air

outlets.
Smoke particles may be drawn into air returns before

reaching the detector.
The amount of smoke present may be insufficient to alarm

smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are designed to alarm at
various levels of smoke density. If such density levels are not
created by a developing fire at the location of detectors, the
detectors will not go into alarm.
Smoke detectors, even when working properly, have sensing
limitations. Detectors that have photoelectronic sensing
chambers tend to detect smoldering fires better than flaming
fires, which have little visible smoke. Detectors that have ionizing-type sensing chambers tend to detect fast-flaming fires
better than smoldering fires. Because fires develop in different
ways and are often unpredictable in their growth, neither type
of detector is necessarily best and a given type of detector
may not provide adequate warning of a fire.
Smoke detectors cannot be expected to provide adequate
warning of fires caused by arson, children playing with
matches (especially in bedrooms), smoking in bed, and violent
explosions (caused by escaping gas, improper storage of
flammable materials, etc.).
Heat detectors do not sense particles of combustion and

alarm only when heat on their sensors increases at a predetermined rate or reaches a predetermined level. Rate-of-rise
heat detectors may be subject to reduced sensitivity over time.
For this reason, the rate-of-rise feature of each detector
should be tested at least once per year by a qualified fire protection specialist. Heat detectors are designed to protect
property, not life.
IMPORTANT! Smoke detectors must be installed in the
same room as the control panel and in rooms used by the system for the connection of alarm transmission wiring, communications, signaling, and/or power. If detectors are not so
located, a developing fire may damage the alarm system, crippling its ability to report a fire.
Audible warning devices such as bells may not alert people
if these devices are located on the other side of closed or
partly open doors or are located on another floor of a building.
Any warning device may fail to alert people with a disability or
those who have recently consumed drugs, alcohol or medication. Please note that:
Strobes can, under certain circumstances, cause seizures

in people with conditions such as epilepsy.
Studies have shown that certain people, even when they

hear a fire alarm signal, do not respond or comprehend the
meaning of the signal. It is the property owner's responsibility to conduct fire drills and other training exercise to
make people aware of fire alarm signals and instruct them
on the proper reaction to alarm signals.
In rare instances, the sounding of a warning device can

cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
A fire alarm system will not operate without any electrical

power. If AC power fails, the system will operate from standby
batteries only for a specified time and only if the batteries have
been properly maintained and replaced regularly.
Equipment used in the system may not be technically compatible with the control panel. It is essential to use only equipment listed for service with your control panel.
Telephone lines needed to transmit alarm signals from a
premise to a central monitoring station may be out of service
or temporarily disabled. For added protection against telephone line failure, backup radio transmission systems are recommended.
The most common cause of fire alarm malfunction is inadequate maintenance. To keep the entire fire alarm system in
excellent working order, ongoing maintenance is required per
the manufacturer's recommendations, and UL and NFPA standards. At a minimum, the requirements of NFPA 72 shall be
followed. Environments with large amounts of dust, dirt or
high air velocity require more frequent maintenance. A maintenance agreement should be arranged through the local manufacturer's representative. Maintenance should be scheduled
monthly or as required by National and/or local fire codes and
should be performed by authorized professional fire alarm
installers only. Adequate written records of all inspections
should be kept.
Limit-C1-2-2007
ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007
Installation Precautions
Adherence to the following will aid in problem-free installation with long-term reliability:
WARNING - Several different sources of power can be
connected to the fire alarm control panel. Disconnect all
sources of power before servicing. Control unit and associated equipment may be damaged by removing and/or inserting cards, modules, or interconnecting cables while the unit is
energized. Do not attempt to install, service, or operate this
unit until manuals are read and understood.
CAUTION - System Re-acceptance Test after Software
Changes: To ensure proper system operation, this product
must be tested in accordance with NFPA 72 after any programming operation or change in site-specific software. Reacceptance testing is required after any change, addition or
deletion of system components, or after any modification,
repair or adjustment to system hardware or wiring. All components, circuits, system operations, or software functions known
to be affected by a change must be 100% tested. In addition,
to ensure that other operations are not inadvertently affected,
at least 10% of initiating devices that are not directly affected
by the change, up to a maximum of 50 devices, must also be
tested and proper system operation verified.
This system meets NFPA requirements for operation at 0-49
C/32-120 F and at a relative humidity 93% 2% RH (noncondensing) at 32C 2C (90F 3F). However, the useful
life of the system's standby batteries and the electronic components may be adversely affected by extreme temperature
ranges and humidity. Therefore, it is recommended that this
system and its peripherals be installed in an environment with
a normal room temperature of 15-27 C/60-80 F.
Verify that wire sizes are adequate for all initiating and indicating device loops. Most devices cannot tolerate more than a
10% I.R. drop from the specified device voltage.
Like all solid state electronic devices, this system may

operate erratically or can be damaged when subjected to lightning induced transients. Although no system is completely
immune from lightning transients and interference, proper
grounding will reduce susceptibility. Overhead or outside aerial
wiring is not recommended, due to an increased susceptibility
to nearby lightning strikes. Consult with the Technical Services Department if any problems are anticipated or encountered.
Disconnect AC power and batteries prior to removing or
inserting circuit boards. Failure to do so can damage circuits.
Remove all electronic assemblies prior to any drilling, filing,
reaming, or punching of the enclosure. When possible, make
all cable entries from the sides or rear. Before making modifications, verify that they will not interfere with battery, transformer, or printed circuit board location.
Do not tighten screw terminals more than 9 in-lbs. Overtightening may damage threads, resulting in reduced terminal
contact pressure and difficulty with screw terminal removal.
This system contains static-sensitive components.
Always ground yourself with a proper wrist strap before handling any circuits so that static charges are removed from the
body. Use static suppressive packaging to protect electronic
assemblies removed from the unit.
Follow the instructions in the installation, operating, and programming manuals. These instructions must be followed to
avoid damage to the control panel and associated equipment.
FACP operation and reliability depend upon proper installation.
Precau-D1-9-2005
FCC Warning
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual may
cause interference to radio communications. It has been
tested and found to comply with the limits for class A
computing devices pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules, which is designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when devices are
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his or her own expense.
Canadian Requirements
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits
for radiation noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le
ministere des Communications du Canada.
Acclimate Plus, HARSH, NIS, Notifier Integrated Systems, NOTIFIRENET, and ONYXWorks are all trademarks; and FlashScan, NION,
NOTIFIER, ONYX, UniNet, VeriFire, and VIEW are all registered trademarks of Honeywell International Inc. Echelon is a registered trademark and
LonWorks is a trademark of Echelon Corporation. ARCNET is a registered trademark of Datapoint Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are
registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. LEXAN is a registered trademark of GE Plastics, a subsidiary of General Electric Company.
2007 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this document is strictly prohibited.
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Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction............................................................................................................. 8
1.1: Related Documentation .................................................................................................................................8
1.2: UL 9th Edition Compliance...........................................................................................................................8
1.3: Notes, Cautions, and Warnings......................................................................................................................9
1.4: Typographic Conventions ..............................................................................................................................9
Section 2: Installation............................................................................................................. 10
2.1: NCS Mounting and Connections .................................................................................................................10
2.1.1: NCS Equipment.................................................................................................................................10
2.1.2: The NCS-NCW/F Board ...................................................................................................................10
2.1.3: Primary and Secondary Power ..........................................................................................................13
2.1.4: Power Requirements..........................................................................................................................13
2.1.5: Connecting the NCS Computer .........................................................................................................13
2.1.6: Connecting the Monitor.....................................................................................................................15
2.1.7: Internal Modem to Telephone System...............................................................................................16
2.1.8: NCS UPS Supervision .......................................................................................................................16
2.1.9: Strain Relief.......................................................................................................................................19
2.2: Peripherals ...................................................................................................................................................19
2.2.1: Printers...............................................................................................................................................19
2.3: PC Configurations .......................................................................................................................................20
2.4: Software .......................................................................................................................................................21
2.4.1: Installing the NCS Software ..............................................................................................................21
2.4.2: NUP Port Auto-Configuration/Serial Port Configuration .................................................................21
2.4.3: Installing Printers...............................................................................................................................21
2.4.4: Read/Write CD ROM ........................................................................................................................22
2.4.5: Windows 2000 Secure Desktop Configuration .................................................................................23
Section 3: Programming ........................................................................................................ 24

3.1: Networking the NCS ...................................................................................................................................24
3.1.1: History Database................................................................................................................................24
3.1.2: Graphics Database .............................................................................................................................25
3.2: Power-Up .....................................................................................................................................................25
3.2.1: Data Refresh ......................................................................................................................................25
3.3: Running the Program ...................................................................................................................................26
3.4: NCS Graphical User Interface .....................................................................................................................27
3.4.1: The NCS Window .............................................................................................................................27
3.5: Menu Options for Programming..................................................................................................................33
3.5.1: Administration Menu, System Setup.................................................................................................33
3.5.2: Administration Menu, Network Operations ......................................................................................46
3.5.3: Administration Menu, Archive History Database .............................................................................48
3.5.4: Graphic Menu ....................................................................................................................................48
3.5.5: Utilities Menu ....................................................................................................................................49
3.5.6: The Help Menu..................................................................................................................................54
Section 4: Operation............................................................................................................... 56
4.1: Normal Operation ........................................................................................................................................56
4.2: AutoNavigate ...............................................................................................................................................56
4.3: Troubles .......................................................................................................................................................57
4.4: Alarms..........................................................................................................................................................58
4.5: Supervisory, Security, and Other Activation ...............................................................................................59
4.6: Menu Options for Operating the NCS ........................................................................................................60
4.6.1: File Menu...........................................................................................................................................60
4.6.2: Operator Menu...................................................................................................................................60
4.6.3: The Action Menu...............................................................................................................................62
4.6.4: The View Menu .................................................................................................................................67
Table of Contents
4.6.5: Screen Navigation..............................................................................................................................70

4.6.6: Troubles Originating at the NCS .......................................................................................................71
4.7: Read Status/Program....................................................................................................................................71
4.7.1: Read Status Screens (AM2020/AFP1010, AFP-300/400).................................................................72
4.7.2: Read Status Screens (NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, NFS-640/NFS2-640, and NFS-320) .........................78
4.7.3: Read Status Screens (DVC)...............................................................................................................81
Section 5: The History Manager ............................................................................................ 86

5.1: NCS History Manager Operation.................................................................................................................86
5.1.1: History Backup ..................................................................................................................................90
5.2: Stand-alone History Manager Operation .....................................................................................................91
Section 6: The Graphic Setup Program................................................................................ 92

6.1: Program Layout ...........................................................................................................................................92
6.1.1: Screen Tree View (Floor Plan) ..........................................................................................................93
6.1.2: Group Tree View ...............................................................................................................................93
6.1.3: Screen Device View ..........................................................................................................................93
6.1.4: Information Windows ........................................................................................................................94
6.1.5: Tool Bar .............................................................................................................................................95
6.2: Graphic Floor Plans .....................................................................................................................................95
6.2.1: Adding Floor Plans to the NCS ........................................................................................................96
6.2.2: Selecting Floor Plans .........................................................................................................................97
6.2.3: Deleting Floor Plans ..........................................................................................................................97
6.2.4: Setting Keymap Links .......................................................................................................................98
6.2.5: Screen Title ........................................................................................................................................98
6.2.6: Guidance Text....................................................................................................................................98
6.3: Keymap Area ...............................................................................................................................................98
6.4: Menu Bar Options........................................................................................................................................99
6.4.1: File .....................................................................................................................................................99
6.4.2: Screens ...............................................................................................................................................99
6.4.3: Devices ..............................................................................................................................................99
6.4.4: View.................................................................................................................................................102
6.4.5: Setup ................................................................................................................................................102
6.4.6: About ...............................................................................................................................................102
6.5: Device Icons...............................................................................................................................................102
6.5.1: Devices ............................................................................................................................................103
6.5.2: Detectors ..........................................................................................................................................104
6.5.3: System Troubles ..............................................................................................................................105
6.5.4: Modules ...........................................................................................................................................105
6.5.5: Zones................................................................................................................................................105
6.5.6: Linked Files .....................................................................................................................................105
6.5.7: Information Labels...........................................................................................................................105
6.5.8: Navigational Buttons .......................................................................................................................106
6.5.9: Delete Operations ............................................................................................................................107
6.5.10: Searching for Specific Items..........................................................................................................107
6.5.11: Rules for Setting Up Device Graphics...........................................................................................107
6.6: Groups........................................................................................................................................................108
6.6.1: Level 1 Groups ................................................................................................................................109
6.6.2: Level 2 Groups ................................................................................................................................109
6.6.3: Group Setup Restrictions .................................................................................................................109
6.6.4: Group Navigation ............................................................................................................................109
6.7: Setup Templates .........................................................................................................................................109
6.7.1: Template Groups .............................................................................................................................110
6.7.2: Hot Templates..................................................................................................................................110
6.8: Custom Bitmap ..........................................................................................................................................110
6.9: Template Files ............................................................................................................................................111
6.10: NCS Required Files .................................................................................................................................111
Table of Contents
Appendix A: Windows 2000 Security Disable Procedure ................................................. 112

A.1: Disable Procedure .....................................................................................................................................112
A.2: Re-Enable Procedure ................................................................................................................................112
Appendix B: NCS Utility Programs ..................................................................................... 113

B.1: Serial Port Configuration Utility...............................................................................................................113
B.2: Key Upgrade Utility..................................................................................................................................113
Appendix C: Miscellaneous Software Installation ............................................................. 114

C.1: Installing the Secure Desktop Software ....................................................................................................114
C.2: Installing VeriFire Tools CD .....................................................................................................................114
Appendix D: Message Tables .............................................................................................. 115

D.1: Messages ...................................................................................................................................................115
Appendix E: Windows Settings for Database Replication................................................ 120

E.1: Adding the Network Adaptor ....................................................................................................................120
E.2: Setting Up the Network.............................................................................................................................123
E.3: Setting Up the IP Address .........................................................................................................................126
E.4: File Sharing ...............................................................................................................................................128
Appendix F: Display and Control Center (DCC)................................................................. 129

Appendix G: The NFN Gateway Application ...................................................................... 131
G.1: General Description...................................................................................................................................131
G.2: System Architecture ..................................................................................................................................131
G.3: The File Menu ...........................................................................................................................................132
G.3.1: Accessing the NFN Gateway Application......................................................................................132
G.3.2: Quitting the Program ......................................................................................................................132
G.3.3: Close the Window...........................................................................................................................132
G.4: NFN Gateway Properties and Configuration ............................................................................................132
G.4.1: NFN Settings ..................................................................................................................................133
G.4.2: Node Mapping ................................................................................................................................135
G.4.3: Password Settings ...........................................................................................................................136
G.4.4: Active NFN Nodes .........................................................................................................................137
G.4.5: Active Clients .................................................................................................................................137
G.5: Edit Menu/Applying changes....................................................................................................................137
G.6: Configure Menu ........................................................................................................................................138
G.6.1: Auto Detect Nodes.........................................................................................................................138
G.6.2: Amplifier Configuration (NOTIFY-IP Enabled NCS ONLY)......................................................138
Index
.................................................................................................................................. 143
Section 1: Introduction
The Notifier Network Control Station (NCS) is a high performance desktop NCS computer with
text and graphics display capability for all network events and points. Connecting via the NFN
Gateway, the NCS is used with the NOTIFIRENET system, and runs under the user-friendly
Windows environment.
NOTE: The illustrations in this manual depict nodes on a local area network (LAN). Network
addresses differ when using the wide area network option. See the Wide Area Network &
NOTIFY-IP Addendum (51658ADD) for more information.
1.1 Related Documentation

The table below provides a list of documents referenced in this manual, as well as documents for
selected other compatible devices. The document series chart (DOC-NOT) provides the current
document revision.
Table 1.1 Reference Documentation
Compatible Conventional Devices (Non-addressable)
Document Number
Device Compatibility Document
15378
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) and Main Power Supply Installation
Document Number
AFP-200 Instruction Manual
15511
AFP-300/AFP-400 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals
50253, 50259, 50260
NFS-320 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals
52745, 52747, 52746
NFS-640 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals
51332, 51334, 51333
NFS2-640 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals
52741, 52743, 52742
NFS-3030 FACP Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals
51330, 51345, 51344
NFS2-3030 FACP Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals
52544, 52546, 52545
AM2020/AFP1010 FACP
15088
Off-line Programming Utility
Document Number
VeriFire Tools CD help file
VERIFIRE-TCD
Networking
Document Number
NOTIFIRENET Manual, Network Version 4.0 & Higher
51584
NCA Network Control Annunciator
51482
NCA-2 Network Control Annunciator
52482
DVC & DAA Series Digital Voice Command Manual
52411
NCM-W/F Installation Document
51533
Addendum to the
ONYX
NCS for Wide Area Network & NOTIFY-IP
51658ADD
Audio Applications
Document Number
DVC & DAA Series Digital Voice Command Manual
52411
AA Series Audio Amplifiers Manual
52626
ACT-2 Audio Coupling Transmitter
51118
1.2 UL 9th Edition Compliance

This product has been certified to comply with the requirements in the Standard for Control Units
and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864 9th Edition.
8
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Introduction
The following products have not received UL 864 9th Edition certification and may only be used in
retrofit applications. Operation of the NCS with products not tested for UL 864 9th Edition has not
been evaluated and may not comply with NFPA 72 and/or the latest edition of UL 864. These
applications will require the approval of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
NFS-3030 Fire Alarm Control Panel
AFP-200 Fire Alarm Control Panel
AFP-300/AFP-400 Fire Alarm Control Panel
AFP1010/AM2020 Fire Alarm Control Panel
NFS-640 Fire Alarm Control Panel
NCA Network Control Annunciator
NCS Network Version 4.0 and lower
1.3 Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

This manual contains notes, cautions, and warnings to alert the reader as follows:
NOTE: Supplemental information for a topic, such as tips and references.
CAUTION: A brief identifier stating the nature of the hazard.

Information about procedures that could cause programming errors, runtime errors, or equipment
damage.
WARNING: A brief identifier stating the nature of the hazard.
Indicates information about procedures that could cause irreversible equipment damage, irreversible loss
of programming data or personal injury.
1.4 Typographic Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions as listed below:
Table 1.2 Typographic Conventions in this Manual
When you see
Specifies
Example
text in all caps and bold

text
In body text, text as it

appears in the LCD display
or on the panel
MARCH TIME is a selection that appears in

the LCD display; or Press the ENTER key
text in quotes
a reference to a section or a
LCD menu screen
Status Change specifies the Status

Change section or menu screen
bold text
In body text, a number or

character that you enter
Press 1; means to press the number 1 on

the keypad
italic text
a specific document
NFS-3030 Installation Manual
a graphic of the key
In a graphic, a key as it
appears on the control panel
Press
means to press the Escape key
Section 2: Installation
2.1 NCS Mounting and Connections
2.1.1 NCS Equipment
The Network Control Station is a kit comprised of:
an NCS Computer
a UL 864 listed monitor
NOTE: The monitor and mouse, as well as the printer (if one is used), must be installed in the same
room as the NCS in order to comply with UL listing requirements.
Table 2.1 lists available NCS model numbers.

NCS Model #
NCS5-F-ONYX
NCS5-W-ONYX
Components
ONYX NCS computer (p/n NCS5-P4F), mouse,
17" monitor (p/n MON-17LCD), fiber optic data link

ONYX NCS computer (p/n NCS5-P4W), mouse,
17" monitor (p/n MON-17LCD), wire data link
Table 2.1 NCS Equipment Options

An NCS PRN-6 printer (referred to in this manual as the PRN) can be ordered separately.
2.1.2 The NCS-NCW/F Board

The NCS/NFN Gateway communicates with NOTIFIRENET through the NCS-NCW board if the
NCS has wire connections, or through the NCS-NCF board if the NCS has fiber connections.
Figure 2.1 illustrates the board configuration. Descriptions of the LED indicators, board
connections, switches, and batteries follow the illustration.
Each board comes installed in the NCS computer. Open the computer to remove the battery paper,
set the switches on the NCS-NCW, or view the LEDs for troubleshooting.
A
10
WARNING: Risk of Equipment Damage!

Use a grounding strap before handling any circuits so that static charges are removed from the body.
NCS Mounting and Connections
Installation
NOTIFIRENET
EIA-232 CONN
(NUP Port)
CH A
UPS SUPV
N/C
CH B
The NCS ships with a

shunt plug over the
UPS SUPV pins.
Remove the shunt to
wire for UPS SUPV.
NOTIFIRENET
Connections
Connections
EARTH
TERM B
EF B
EIA-232 CONN
(NUP Port)
UPS SUPV
N/C
The NCS ships with a
shunt plug over the
UPS SUPV pins.
Remove the shunt to
wire for UPS SUPV.
RX A
RX B
TX B
TX A
A HI
PCI edge connector
LED7
LED5
LED1
RCDB
PULSE1
RECON
RESET
LED4
LED3
LED7
LED5
LED1
STATB RCDB PULSE1 RECON RESET
LED3
STATB
STATB RCDB PULSE1 RECON RESET
LED4
B HI
SW102 SW101
TERM B EF B
1
TERM A EF A
LED100
LED2
PCI edge connector
LED2
STATA RCDA
LED6
EF A
LED6
STATA RCDA
A HI
TERM A
STATA
RCDA
STATA
RCDA
B HI
LED101
STATB
RCDB
PULSE1
RECON
RESET
Battery, P/N
LITHBATT-3V
(Ships with paper
strip between
battery and
clip/connector.
Paper must be
removed to enable
battery.)
Battery, P/N
LITHBATT-3V
(Ships with paper
strip between
battery and
clip/connector.
Paper must be
removed to enable
battery.)
NCS-NCF
NCS-NCW
Figure 2.1 NCS-NCW/F Boards

Indicators
Piezo sounder - Pulses on and off when the NCS application is not running properly, or during loss
of power from the NCS. (Not shown)
LEDs - The NCS-NCW board has nine LED indicators; the NCS-NCF board has seven. Table 2.2
lists and describes each. These LEDs are visible when the NCS-NCW/F card is exposed.
LED Name
Color
Description
A HI
Green
Channel A high threshold (NCS-NCW only).
STATA
Yellow
Channel A inactive for at least 16 seconds.
RCDA
Green
Illuminates to indicate data reception on NOTIFIRENET Channel A.
B HI
Green
Channel B high threshold (NCS-NCW only).
STATB
Yellow
Channel B inactive for at least 16 seconds.
RCDB
Green
Illuminates to indicate data reception on NOTIFIRENET Channel B.
Table 2.2 LED Indicators, NCS-NCW/F
11
Installation

PULSE1
Green
Illuminates to indicate data transmission to NOTIFIRENET.
RECON
Yellow
Illuminates when NOTIFIRENET reconfiguration is in progress.
RESET
Yellow
Illuminates to indicate a microcontroller watchdog failure.
Table 2.2 LED Indicators, NCS-NCW/F (Continued)

Connectors
EIA-232 CONN Connects to the NCS computer COM port to the NUP port with an RJ type
connector cable, P/N 75557.
UPS SUPV (J4) Normally closed connection for monitoring a UPS Uninterruptable Power
Source.
PCI EDGE CONNECTOR Powers the NCS-NCW/F board from the NCS computer.
CONNECTIONS Connects the NCS/NFN Gateway through one or more NCMs
to the NOTIFIRENET. Refer to the NOTIFIRENET manual for information on network
connections.
NOTIFIRENET
Battery
The battery on the NCS-NCW/F card powers the piezo sounder. It generates an NCS trouble
message when it is low, and is replaceable (Notifier P/N 31004 (RAYOVAC lithium 3 Volt BR2335)).
CAUTION: Risk of Fire or Chemical Burn.

The battery used in this device may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212F (100C), or incinerate. Replace battery with
Notifier P/N 31004 (RAYOVAC lithium 3 Volt BR2335) only. Use of another battery may present a
risk of fire or explosion.
Switches (NCS-NCW Only)
TERM A (SW100) Enables/Disables Termination Resistor for Channel A.
EF A (SW103) Ground fault detection from NOTIFIRENET may be passed through
(Enable setting) or disabled (Disable setting) for Channel A.
TERM B (SW102) Enables/Disables Termination Resistor for Channel B.
EF B (SW101) Ground fault detection from NOTIFIRENET may be passed through
(Enable setting) or disabled (Disable setting) for Channel B.
Factory Default Switch Settings: TERM A, TERM B = Enabled
EF A, EF B = Disabled.
For further information on the switches below, refer to the NOTIFIRENET manual.
LED101
A HI
LED6
LED2
LED100
STATB
LED4
B HI
SW102 SW101
TERM B EF B
TERM A EF A
Edge
connector
Disable
LED bank
Enable
STATA RCDA
TERM A
EF A
TERM B
EF B
To enable a switch, push it towards the edge connector. To disable a switch, push it towards the LED bank.
In Figure 2.2, TERM A and EF A are enabled. TERM B and EF B are disabled.
NCS-NCW
Figure 2.2 Switches for NCS-NCW
12
Installation
2.1.3 Primary and Secondary Power

The NCS requires connection to a separate dedicated primary AC fire alarm circuit, which must be
labeled FIRE ALARM. This AC circuit must connect to the line side of the main power feed of
the protected premises. No other equipment can be powered from the fire alarm circuit. The
primary AC circuit wire run must run continuously, without disconnect devices, from the power
source to the NCS. Overcurrent protection for this circuit must comply with Article 760 of the
National Electrical Code as well as local codes. Systems that require an NCS, must use a UL 864
approved supervised UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). Input voltage must be set to 115 VAC
when using a UPS.
2.1.4 Power Requirements

Use the table below to determine the total amount of power, in VA, that a UL listed UPS must be
able to supply to the NCS system.
Max Current
(Amps)
Total Power
(VA)
Device Type
No. of Devices
NCS5(-W,-F)-ONYX
(@115 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
7.0
NCS5(-W,-F)-ONYX
(@230 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
4.0
MON-17LCD
(@100 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
1.8
PRN-6
(@115 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
0.6
PRN-6
(@230 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
0.3
Total power required=VA
Table 2.3 Power Requirements
2.1.5 Connecting the NCS Computer

!

Remove all power sources to equipment while connecting electrical components. Leave the external,
main power breaker OFF until installation of the entire system is complete.
The following steps must be completed when connecting the NCS Computer.
1.
Make sure the power switch on the back of the NCS computer is in the ON position. (See
Figure 2.3.)
2.
Cut off the plug end of the computer power cord.
3.
Plug the socket end of the power cord into the computer.
4.
Remove the three screws from around the power supply of the NCS Computer (see Figures 2.3
and 2.4). Set the screws aside.
5.
Install a 3/4-inch (19.05 mm) conduit and fitting in the 7/8 inch (22.23 mm) hole of the Power
Cord Locking Bracket cover (see Figure 2.4). Size the 3/4-inch (19.05 mm) conduit so the line
cord can reach the primary AC power source at the other end of the conduit. Thread the power
cord through the cover and conduit.
6.
Attach the PCLB to the computer using the three screws previously set aside. Ensure that the
PCLB holds the power cord socket firmly in place.
7.
Connect power cord to 115 VAC, 50/60 Hz primary power or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz primary
power as shown in Figure 2.5. Primary power voltage (115 VAC or 230 VAC) depends upon
the position of the voltage selection switch shown in Figures 2.3 and 2.4. All wiring must
remain in conduit.
13
Installation
8.
Connect the monitor to the primary AC power source. (See Connecting the Monitor on
page 15.)

Improper voltage selection can damage the NCS and void the warranty on the back cover of this manual.
9.
Turn the AC circuit power on.
10. Connect the video cable (DB-15) to the VIDEO connector on the back of the computer (see
Figure 2.6). Connect the other end of the video cable to the monitor. Tighten the thumbscrews
for a secure attachment. Do not overtighten.
11. Insert the supplied splitter into the Mouse/Keyboard port at the back of the computer.
12. Connect the keyboard cable to the splitters keyboard port.
13. Connect the mouse cable to the splitters mouse port.
14. Connect the Parallel Port Key on the back of the computer (see Figure 2.3). Tighten the
thumbscrews for a secure attachment. Do not overtighten.
15. Turn computer on using the power switch at the front of the computer. (See Figure 2.11 on
page 22.)
NCS-NCW/F card
See page 10 for
more information.
DB9 cable connection

(installed at the factory)
between COM Port 1
and EIA-232 connection
UPS Supervision
Cable Connection
Microphone Connector
Speaker Connector
Video
connection
EIA-232 Connection
Power
Cord
Socket
Ethernet 1
(see addendum)
Ethernet 2
(not used)
Voltage
Selection
Switch
Power
Switch
EIA-232
COM Ports
1 and 2
NOTIFIRENET
Connections
USB Ports See page 12.
0 and 1
(not used)
Parallel Port Key connection/
graphics printer connection
Mouse/Keyboard Port
Phone
(not used)
Line
sonyxback.wmf
Remove these
screws and reuse
for mounting the
PCLB plate
Figure 2.3 NCS Computer Connections

The NCS is not suitable for use as a receiving unit.
Ensure the power switch on the back of the NCS computer is set in the ON position. A
functional power switch is located behind the locking front door. (See Figure 2.11 on
page 22.)
14
Installation
nrtpwcrd.cdr
PCLB.wmf
Power Cord
Voltage
Selection
Switch
PCLB
Mounting Screws
7/8 inch (22.23 mm)

diameter hole
Figure 2.4 Attaching the PCLB to the NCS Computer
Neutral - White
To 115 VAC, 50/60

Hz Primary Power
or 230 VAC, 50/60
Hz Primary Power
NCStoAC.wmf
AC - Black
Conduit
Power Cord
PCLB
Ground - Green
Figure 2.5 Connecting to the Primary AC Power Source
2.1.6 Connecting the Monitor

The following steps must be completed when connecting a monitor to the primary AC power
source and NCS computer (see Figure 2.6).
1.
Cut off the plug end of the monitor power cord.
2.
Connect the plug end of the monitors AC/DC adapter to the monitors DC 12V port.
3.
Plug the socket end of the power cord into the monitors AC/DC adapter.
4.
Connect the AC Power Cord to the primary AC power source as shown in Figure 2.6.
5.
Connect the DB-15 video cable from the port labeled RGB on the monitor to the monitor
connection on the NCS computer.
15
Installation
6.
Connect the monitors audio cable from the port labeled PC SOUND on the monitor to the
speaker connection on the back of the NCS/NFN Gateway workstation.
LCD MONITOR
AC/DC
Adapter
AC - Black
Ground - Green
Power
Cord
Audio
Cable
Monitor
Connection
Neutral - White
ncsmononyxac.wmf
To 115 VAC, 50/60

Hz Primary Power
or 230 VAC, 50/60
Hz Primary Power
DB-15 Cable
Speaker Connection
NCS Computer
Figure 2.6 Connecting the Monitor
2.1.7 Internal Modem to Telephone System

To use the alphanumeric paging function, connect theinternal modem to the telephone system.
Attach the supplied cable to the port labeled LINE at the back of the computer. (See Figure 2.3.)
2.1.8 NCS UPS Supervision

NCS Computer/Monitor/Printer UPS Supervision
Where a Network Control Station (NCS) is not ancillary, the use of a supervised 115 VAC
UL listed Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) is required. See Figures 2.7 and 2.8 for wiring
information and Table 2.3 for power requirements.
16
Installation
Negative Bar
Positive Bar
AC Input
To AC Power
of NCS,
Printer, or CRT
AC
Load
AC Line
NC
COMM
NO
Note: The Inverter

is equipped with
automatic
transfer. Refer to
the schematic in
the instruction
manual for
internal wiring.
Use cable P/N 71033

(supplied with the NCS)
from NCS-NCW UPS
port to UL listed UPS.
Cut and strip wires as
needed, and connect as
shown. Make all
connections in conduit.
DC/AC
Inverter
NCS computer
47k ELR
(optional)
Utility Failure
Note: Wiring should be in the same

cabinet or use less than 3 feet of
conduit.
NCS-NCW
UPS Supervision Port
DC
Output
DC
Output
Charger 1
Charger 2
ncsupsfsonyx.wmf
Low
Current
Rectifier
Failure
Load
Sharing
Remote
Sense (-)
Remote
Sense (+)
Remote
Equalize
Low
Current
Rectifier
Failure
Load
Sharing
Remote
Sense (-)
Remote
Sense (+)
Remote
Equalize
FMM-1
Figure 2.7 NCS Computer UPS Supervision
17
Installation
NCS Printer (only) UPS Supervision
NCS-NCW
UPS Supervision
Port
SPARE
GND
120V AC
Output
Of UPS
120V AC
Output
Of UPS
GND
120V AC
Output
Of UPS
GND
No Connection
N
No Connection
H
Chassis Ground
GND
Input Power
120V AC, 60 Hz
8A AC Maximum
Total Output Load

5A AC Maximum
Battery Backed Up
Relay Contacts Are Rated:

500 mA, 28V DC
500 mA, 28V AC
} Resistive Load
Note: Cut and Strip

Wires on Cable
Assembly P/N 71033
(provided with the
NCS), and connect
as shown.
AC
Input
Fail
Battery Fail
FMM-1
UPS
System Control
Board
47K
ELR
EMI
Line
Filter
Static
Switch
Transformer
Charger
Inverter
Battery
upsprn1fsonyx.wmf
UL listed UPS
Figure 2.8 NCS Printer UPS Supervision (Example using NCS-NCW)
18
Peripherals
Installation
2.1.9 Strain Relief

A supplied, protective cover (P/N 08275) provides strain relief for wiring attached to the
NOTIFIRENET wire terminal on the NCS-NCW.
Complete the following steps to connect the protective strain relief cover:
1.
Feed wires to be connected to the terminal block through the back or side access hole of the
protective cover. The hinged covers of the unused access hole can be closed.
2.
Attach the wires to the pluggable terminal block.
3.
Snap the strain relief assembly over the pluggable terminal block. Use tie wrap to secure the
wires to the protective cover (see Figure 2.9).
Tie Wrap Around Wire

and Hinged Cover
Cable Restraint
(add after assembly)
Wiring Access Holes

and Hinged Covers
Protective Cover
(P/N 08275)
strainre.cdr
Strain Relief Assembly

(snaps over pluggable terminal block)
ncsonyxback.wmf
NCS-NCW card
Figure 2.9 Strain Relief Assembly
2.2 Peripherals
2.2.1 Printers
All printers must be located in the same room as the NCS.
Connecting a Line Printer

NOTE: The NCS line printer is dedicated to printing from the NCS. Do not use this line printer to print
from any other application.
19
Installation
PC Configurations
Connect a line printer (PRN printer) to the NCS to print fire alarm and trouble signals (see
Figure 2.10 and Table 2.4).
DB 9 connector
Parallel Port Key/Graphic Printer connector

DB 25 connector from PRN or
another listed EDP printer
ncsdb9xonyx.wmf
Cable
Figure 2.10 Serial and Parallel Port Connections for Printers Connected to an
NCS Computer
To connect a PRN printer to the NCS, prepare a cable with the connections shown in Table 2.4.
NCS
DB9
Printer
DB25
4 and 6
jumpered
together
8
20
Table 2.4 Printer Connections
Connecting a Graphics Printer

The optional NCS Graphics Printer prints graphics, reports, etc. An NCS Graphics Printer can be
any laser printer that is UL ITE listed, Windows compatible, and installed in the same room as the
NCS.
To connect a graphics printer to the NCS, attach the printer cable to the Parallel Port Key at the
back of the computer.
2.3 PC Configurations
NCS software requires Windows 2000 Professional Edition with Service Pack 4. Beginning with NCS
Version 5.8, Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is also supported.
To run the NCS program you must configure your system as follows:
20
Software
Installation
1024 x 768 resolution
Large Fonts
High Color (16 Bit).
Active Desktop setting must be off. (Windows 2000)
2.4 Software
2.4.1 Installing the NCS Software
NOTE: VeriFire Tools must be installed prior to NCS software If you intend to use both applications
on the same workstation.
NOTE: If the NCS is the Master Time Keeper on the network, installing this software will cancel the
setting and a Master Time Keeper will not exist on the network. Enter the date/time in the NCS Local
Programming Dialog Box for the NCS to become the Master Time Keeper again.
1.
Insert the NCS CD into the computers CD-ROM drive.
2.
If the install program does not automatically start, select Run from the Windows Start menu.
Use the Browse button to navigate to the CD-ROM drive and open the file:
NCS.exe
3.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
2.4.2 NUP Port Auto-Configuration/Serial Port Configuration

The Serial Port Configuration Utility detects the address of your computers COM port and
configures it to communicate with the NCS-NCM card. This allows NCS/NFN Gateway to
communicate with the network. The utility is a part of the installation process and insures that the
COM port is configured correctly.
Select AUTO CONFIGURATION to detect and configure the appropriate COM port. Any errors
displayed in the utilitys window must be rectified for the NCS/NFN Gateway to communicate with
the network.
2.4.3 Installing Printers

Two printers may be installed to the NCS: the text-only NCS Line Printer (PRN) and the optional
NCS Graphics Printer that prints graphics, reports, etc.
Installing a Graphics Printer
1.
Exit the NCS application.
2.
From the Start Menu, select Settings, and then Printers.
3.
Double-click on the Add Printer icon.
4.
Click Next. The following items should be selected on the next screens.
The printer must be connected to LPT1.
Select the printer that is to be hooked up to the system.
Select Not Shared.
21
Installation
Software
Name the printer NCS Graphic Printer.

NOTE: This entry is case sensitive: the printer name must be entered exactly as shown.
Installing a Line Printer
1.
2.
From the Start Menu, select Settings, and then Printers.
3.
Double-click on the Add Printer icon.
4.
Click next. The following items should be selected on the next screens.
The printer should be connected to a line printer connection (see Figure 2.10).
Select the printer that is to be hooked up to the system.
Select Not Shared.
Name the printer NCS Line Printer.
NOTE: This entry is case sensitive: the printer name must be entered exactly as shown.
5.
In the printer dialog box, highlight the printer just installed, right click and select properties.
NOTE: If the NCS Line Printer is connected to a serial port, the port settings must match the printer
settings.
In addition, when a PRN is used to meet UL listing requirements:

Set Flow Control to XON/XOFF at both the NCS and the Windows COM port setting.
Under NCS Line Printer properties, click on the Advanced tab and set Priority to 99.
2.4.4 Read/Write CD ROM

File Directories in the NCS application
folder contain information specific to normal
NCS operation. The files in these directories
may be backed up on to a CDR or CDRW.
The Read/Write CD drive is located as
shown in Figure 2.11. Follow the steps below
to copy NCS information onto a CD.
1.
22
Figure 2.11 NCS Computer, Front View,

Door Open
WARNING: Fire and Life Safety Functions Disabled!

Exiting the NCS application disconnects the NCS from NOTIFIRENET. While disconnected, the NCS
will not perform fire protection and life safety functions. A firewatch is recommended in all areas where
the NCS is designated as the primary or only reporting station.
2.
Read/
Write CD
drive
location
Load a CDR or CDRW into the CD drive.
CAUTION: Door must remain open during software installation.

Once the CD is in the drive, the door must remain OPEN until the CD is removed. If the drive opens while
the door is shut, it will hit the door and may become jammed.
Software
Installation
3.
Double-click on the Create CD icon on the NCS desktop. Easy CD Creator will appear.
4.
Select DATA
5.
Select DATA CD. The program will launch at this point.
6.
Select files for backup. The directory C:\NOTIFIER\NCS contains important information and
should be included in the backup. Click the ADD button after each selection.
7.
Click Create CD button on the toolbar. The CD creation Setup comes up with default
settings.
8.
Click OK. The CD writer will copy the selected files onto the CD. When copying is complete,
the message CD created successfully will appear.
9.
Click OK.
2.4.5 Windows 2000 Secure Desktop Configuration

ONYX computers come pre-installed with Secure Desktop. This application prevents unauthorized
modifications to the PC configuration. This includes installation and/or removal of software
components and the unauthorized termination of executing software (i.e., the NCS ). To fully
enable the software, and to comply with UL 864, follow these steps:
1.
From the Start Menu, select Secure Desktop, then Secure Setup.
2.
The current configuration from will indicate Windows Explorer or Program Manager
(Default). Change that to Secure Desktop Icon Settings and General Options.
This will enable operation of certain applications, such as the NCS and related programs, VeriFire
programs, and CD Burner software. The Windows Explorer Desktop will be replaced with the
Secure Desktop.
23
Section 3: Programming
3.1 Networking the NCS
Through an NFN Gateway, the Network Control Station (NCS) annunciates system signals on
NOTIFIRENET. Equipment that connects to NOTIFIRENET network and communicates
(sends and receives data) with other equipment using the network is referred to as a network node
(examples: NFS-640/NFS2-640, NCA/NCA-2, and NCS) NOTIFIRENET is a peer-to-peer
network, and can be logically grouped together to form systems. For more information refer to the
NOTIFIRENET Manual.
NCS functions include:
Network-wide event display.
Network-wide event acknowledge, reset, and signal silence.
Graphic configuration and annunciation of all monitored points.
Read/alter status operation (with selected fire panels).
Archive upload/download information from selected fire panels.
Stand-alone history viewer application with filters.
Password-protected feature access.
NOTE: All network nodes on a NOTIFIRENET network must contain compatible software. Refer to
the NOTIFIRENET manual for more information on networking.
Upon power-up, the NCS checks for the presence of the databases. If it can not find them, a
warning dialog box will be displayed, and a system error message will be logged to the history
manager and current event window. If the Run Time or Administrator database is missing, the NCS
will not be able to execute, and the program will not start. To correct this situation re-load the NCS
software or restore the databases. The NCS will open an existing history database or create a new
one if none exists.
NOTE: The illustrations in this manual depict nodes on a local area network (LAN). Network
addresses differ when using the wide area network option. See the Wide Area Network &
NOTIFY-IP Addendum (51658ADD) for more information.
3.1.1 History Database

The History database provides a full history of all changed states that have occurred throughout the
system since the history file was last archived. Refer to Section 5, The History Manager, on page
86 for more information.
The history database includes:
All alarm and trouble events received by the system. This includes all activation and clearing
of all devices.
All system messages received from the network. This includes remote acknowledge, reset,
signal silence, walk test, etc.
Any command operation performed at the NCS. This includes acknowledge, reset, signal
silence operation, local programming, fire panel programming, and alter status action.
Events are listed from top to bottom, with the top being the most recent event.
24
Power-Up
Programming
3.1.2 Graphics Database

The graphics database contains references to all custom device and floor plan bitmaps used in the
NCS. Information stored in the graphic database includes detector, module, and zone information
including graphics and AutoNavigating capability. The graphics database also includes floor layout
information including floor plans, keymap graphics, information labels, navigational buttons and
group information. Modify the graphics database with the Graphics Setup Program (GSP).
The GSP can be accessed directly (stand-alone) or via the NCS application. A database modified
directly must be copied into the directory where the NCS application resides. If modified via the
NCS application, the graphics database must be updated with the Update Database command
located in the graphics menu.
3.2 Power-Up
3.2.1 Data Refresh
Upon power-up, the NCS refreshes all programmed nodes. The NCS can refresh the data of up to
five nodes simultaneously to update point information as fast as possible. This may take longer if
the system includes classic panels.
Data refresh updates the alarm, trouble, disabled, and enabled state of all the points programmed
into the graphic screens. It also updates the unacknowledged event box, acknowledged event box
and the detailed event window with any off-normal information found in the system.
The data refresh option is set in the System Administration dialog box under the General NCS tab
(see Figure 3.16 on page 33). It should remain on during normal operation of a network that
includes classic fire panels. However, you may wish to disable it while troubleshooting the
network or to reduce message traffic upon power-up.
Manual Data Refresh

Data refresh can be manually invoked by selecting Data Refresh from the Action menu. This
command is useful when a node is suspected to be out of sync with the NCS, or if the automatic
data refresh is turned off. The data refresh command can then be sent to a specific node and the
node will reply with any off-normal conditions. Prior to sending the data refresh command, the
NCS will delete all off-normal events stored for the selected node.
NOTE: The manual data refresh command is only available to the Administration Account user.
25
Programming
Running the Program
3.3 Running the Program

NOTE: You must run the serial port configuration utility before starting the NCS or NFN Gateway for
the first time. See Section 2.4.1, Installing the NCS Software, on page 21; Section B.1, Serial Port
Configuration Utility, on page 113; and Appendix G, The NFN Gateway Application for more
information.
The NCS application will automatically start upon power up. To run the program from the
Windows Start Menu, select PROGRAMS>NCS>NCS. (See Figure 3.1.)
Figure 3.1 Starting the Program.
26
CAUTION: Use caution when powering down PC.

Exit from the NCS software and exit from Windows 2000 before turning off the PC. Failure to do so could
invalidate software settings.
CAUTION: DO NOT install Third Party Software!

Install only software supplied by an authorized distributor. The installation and/or use of ANY third party
software on the NCS workstation will violate the warranty and the systems UL listing!
CAUTION: Confirm that Parallel Port Key is connected.

If the Parallel Port Key is not connected to the PC, the NCS will power up in Demo Mode. In this mode of
operation, the program will not communicate on the network.
See Connecting the NCS Computer on page 13 for more information.
NCS Graphical User Interface
Programming
3.4 NCS Graphical User Interface

The NCS consists of several different windows, with the main NCS Window containing command
areas, events, and graphic floorplan/event displays.
Other windows can be invoked by means of a pull-down menu bar or in some cases, command
buttons. The menu bar is located on top of every window, and displays commands pertinent to the
window invoked.
3.4.1 The NCS Window

The NCS Window (Figure 3.2) is the first window that appears after the NCS application begins
communication on NOTIFIRENET. The NCS Window provides access to other NCS windows.
The basic input/output element of the NCS program is the NCS Window. This window collects and
displays alarm and trouble signals from the network. It allows the operator to see a diagram of any
specific area of the monitored network and gives information about the facility area and the
monitored devices. Main elements of this window include: Title Bar, Menu Bar, Graphic Floor
Plan, Key Map Area, Events Window, Acknowledged Events Window, Screen Navigation Tools,
Date and Time Field, Logo Window, Tool bar, Alarm, Trouble, Supervisory Alarm, and Security
Alarm Banners, Command Area, Current Operator Field.
Title Bar
Logo Window
Menu Bar
Alarm, Trouble,
Supervisory Alarm,
Security Alarm, and
Other Activation
Banners
Key Map Area

Current Operator Field
Current
Operator
Information
Network/Node
Commands
Date & Time Field

Screen
Navigation
Tools
Tool Bar
Events
Window
Graphic
Floor Plan
mainscrn.tif
Acknowledged
Events Window
Figure 3.2 Elements of the NCS Window (sample screen)
27
Programming
Title Bar
Menu Bar
ncsTitleBar.tif
The title bar indicates the name of the window and is

located on the top left corner. For an NCS participating
in DCC, the title bar will also show whether the NCS is
currently a network Display and Control Center. (See
Appendix F, Display and Control Center (DCC), on
page 129 for more information.)
Figure 3.3 The Title Bar
ncsmenu.tif
The menu bar lists the available menus in the NCS.

There are nine menus available from the NCS window: File, Operator, Action, View, Screen
Navigator, Administration, Graphic, Utilities, and Help
Figure 3.4 .The Menu Bar
Graphic Floor Plan
ncsbase.jpg
The graphic floor plan displays selected blueprints of a building, high-rise or campus-type setting.
It allows an operator to see a diagram of any specific area of the monitored network and gives
information about the facility area and the monitored devices. The graphic screen is comprised of
device icons superimposed over bitmapped versions of a floor plan.
Figure 3.5 Example of a Graphic Floor Plan
Key Map Area

The Key Map Area is an overview of the displayed floor plan. Use it as a reference or to navigate
through the accompanying floor plan.
File Operator Action View Screen Navigation
Classrooms
Area of
focus
Dorm #3
Cafeteria
Dorm #1
Admin Bldg
Cafeteria
Dorm #2
ncskeymapa.tif
Overall view
of area.
Figure 3.6 Key Map Area
Events Window
The Events window displays the first 12 or 50 unacknowledged, off-normal events on the network,
depending on the preference set in the System Administration Window. Events are grouped by type
(i.e., fire alarm, security alarm, supervisory alarm, and trouble), and sorted by time within the
group, displaying the earliest event first and the most recent event last. The highest priority event
28
Programming
group is displayed on top of the window, the lowest priority event group on the bottom of the
window. All events in this window are color coded. Fire alarms are designated red, Security Alarms
are blue, Supervisory Alarms are orange, Trouble Conditions are yellow, and other events are cyan
(aqua).
Alarm
N226L10D1
Alarm N226L10D 3:05:28

Clr Alm N226L10D13:06:17
Event Type
Time
ncsfirevent.tif
Address
Figure 3.7 Events Window

The information displayed consists of the event type, the address, and the time that the event was
received. NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, NFS-640/NFS2-640, NFS-320, DVC, and NCA/NCA-2 nodes
assign event times; the NCS assigns a times to events from all other nodes. A detail button is
provided to expand the event box to display all events, as well as provide more detailed information
for each event. See The Detailed Events Window on page 68 for more information.
Double click on any device appearing in this box to display the floor plan containing the device.
Any device that has been acknowledged moves from the unacknowledged event window to the
acknowledged event box.
Acknowledged Event Window

The acknowledged event window displays the first 12 or 50 unacknowledged, off-normal events on
the network, depending on the preference set in the System Administration Window. Events are
grouped by type (i.e., fire alarm, security alarm, supervisory alarm, and trouble), and sorted by time
within the group, displaying the earliest event first and the most recent event last. The highest
priority event group is displayed on top of the window, the lowest priority event group on the
bottom of the window.
Time
Event Type
ncsackn.tif
Address
Figure 3.8 Example of the Acknowledged Event Box

The information displayed consists of the event type, the address, and the time that the event was
acknowledged (assigned by the NCS when the NCS acknowledges the event). A detail button is
provided to expand the event box and display all events, as well as provide more detailed
information for each event. See The Detailed Events Window on page 68 for more information.
29
Programming
Double click on a device appearing in this box to display the screen containing the device. This
deletes events that have cleared from the unacknowledged event box, unless the cleared event is an
alarm condition that must be acknowledged (i.e., a tracking alarm on an AM2020/AFP1010 that
clears without a reset). In that case, the clear alarm will move to the unacknowledged event box for
further action.
Screen Navigation Tools

Navigate to a specific floorplan by using the forward and back arrows. Click on the house icon to
go directly to the Home page, click the document icon to open a Text File dialog that is
associated with the Graphic Screen box, or click on the printer icon to print out a screen. You may
also use commands in the Screen Navigation Menu to cycle through different screens.
ncsnavig.tif
Forward Arrow
Back Arrow
Print Graphic
Current Screen
Home Screen
(Top Level Screen)
Text File Associated with

Graphic Screen
Figure 3.9 Screen Navigation Tools
The Date / Time Field displays the

current system time to the nearest
second (as set by the operating system).
7/8/01
11:15:10 AM
ncsdatime.cdr
Date / Time Field
Figure 3.10 Date and Time Field
Logo Window
This window displays a custom company logo. See Section 6.8 on page 110 for more information.
The tool bar is located on the right side of the NCS

window. Click the Buttons on this tool bar to display the
Event Counter and Detailed Event windows. These
windows may also be accessed under the View Menu.
ncstoolb.tif
Tool Bar
Event Counter
Detailed Events
Figure 3.11 Tool Bar
30
Programming
Alarm/Trouble/Supervisory Alarm/Security Alarm/Other Activation Banners

A set of five symbols is located in the upper right corner of the NCS. These symbols represent firealarms, supervisory alarms, security alarms, trouble, and other activation conditions present in the
system. If there are any unacknowledged events in the system, the appropriate symbol will blink. If
all events have been acknowledged, the symbol will remain steady. If the system is at All Systems
Normal, these five symbols will be replaced by an All Systems Normal message.
ncsbanr.tif
Supervisory Alarm
Alarm
Other Activation
Security Alarm
Trouble
Figure 3.12 Alarm, Trouble, Supervisory Alarm, Security Alarm and Other Activation
Banners
Command Area
The command area at the top of the screen allows the user to acknowledge, signal silence, or reset
the network or a specific node. Clicking a command button will transmit the appropriate instruction
over the network to all programmed nodes or off-normal nodes assigned to the user. (See
Section 3.5.1 on page 33 for more information.)
OFF-NORMAL NODES
SELECT NODES
Pop-up window that

appears when mouse
is right-clicked over
Signal Silence or
ncscomndc.jpg
Additionally, the user can send signal silence and system reset commands to specific nodes on the
network by right-clicking the signal silence or reset button. The resulting pop-up window allows
the following choices. Choose Off-normal nodes in the pop-up window to silence all off-normal
nodes (as opposed to all programmed nodes); or choose Select nodes to send the command to
individual nodes selected from subsequent dialog box. Commands are sent only to nodes assigned
to the user.
Figure 3.13 Command Area
NOTE: Assign command permission at the User Information window. The NCS will not send any
commands that are disabled at the User Information window. See User Account Tab on page 36 for
more information.
Acknowledge
Initiating an acknowledge command transmits a point acknowledge or block acknowledge message

to all appropriate nodes assigned to an authorized user.
The NCS will first acknowledge any fire alarm events, individually, by sending a point
acknowledge to the appropriate node. If there are no fire alarm events, the NCS will transmit a
block acknowledge command, acknowledging all trouble conditions.
31
Programming
The NCS logs successfully completed point and block acknowledge commands into the history
manager and current event window. If the command could not be completed, an error message
appears.
NOTE: Highlighting different events in the various windows does not affect the acknowledge
operation: pressing the Acknowledge button will not individually acknowledge highlighted items in the
Events and Detailed Events windows.
System Reset
Initiating a system reset command transmits a system reset message to all appropriate nodes
assigned to an authorized user. Additionally the operator may send the reset command to a specific
node.
The NCS logs a successfully completed reset command into the history manager and current event
window. If the command could not be completed, an error message appears.
Signal Silence
Initiating a signal silence command transmits a signal silence message to all appropriate nodes
assigned to an authorized user. Additionally the operator may send the signal silence command to a
specific node.
Current Operator Field
Clicking on this button on the

NCS Screen will display the
screen below.
ncscurruserinfo.jpg
ncsope
The current operator field that shows the name of the current operator of the NCS. Pressing the (...)
button to the right will display additional information about the current operator. See User
Account Tab on page 36 for more information.
Figure 3.14 Current Operator User Information Screen
32
Menu Options for Programming
Programming
3.5 Menu Options for Programming

3.5.1 Administration Menu, System Setup
When clicking on System Setup under the

Administration Menu, the user will gain
access to the System Administration dialog
box. In this dialog box there are six tabs:
General NCS, User Account, Printer,
Audio, Pager Carrier, and Graphic
Configuration, all of which contain NCS
programming options.
ncsadmin.
The Administration menu gives the user

access to three commands: System Setup,
Network Operations, and the Archive
History Database.
Figure 3.15 The Administration Menu
General NCS Tab

This tab contains all NCS programming options which include the speaker frequencies for Alarm
and Trouble, the Time Sync options, a Data Refresh option, a Reset/Signal Silence Option, a
History Backup option, and a Master Time Keeper option.
Threshold Ports
A/B
Node Address
Sound (Hz)
Reset/Signal Silence
Option
Port Supervision
History Backup
Data Refresh
Current Time Keeper,

(see Fig. 3.17)
UPS Supervision
Expand Event
Displays
NFPA Event
Reminder
Set Time,
(see Fig. 3.18)
Display and
Control Center
Network Version
Selection
Module Confirmation
Wide Area Networking
IP Connection Speed
System Setup-General tab-Notifier.bmp
Figure 3.16 General NCS Tab

Node Address
Displays the NCS/NFN Gateways NOTIFIRENET node address.

Sound (Hz)
Alarm and trouble values must be set between 20 - 20000 Hz.
33
Programming

Port Supervision
When the Auto box is checked, the NCM detects whatever port has activity for supervision.
When Dual Port is checked, supervision of both Port A and Port B is forced. There must be
activity on both or a trouble will be reported.
Data Refresh
Checking this box selects the data refresh options required for proper operation of the NCS. See
Data Refresh on page 25.
UPS Supervision
Checking this box enables supervision of any UPS connected to the NCS. A trouble will be
generated if a failure is indicated.
Expand Event Displays
This option allows the toggling of the number of events to be displayed in the Events and
Acknowledged Events windows. When cleared, only the 12 highest priority events will be
displayed. When checked, the 50 highest priority events will be displayed in these windows. In this
mode, a scroll bar may overlay the time display in the third column.
NFPA Event Reminder
When this box is checked, the NCS sends out a trouble condition to all display nodes at 11:00 a.m.
everyday if there are troubles on the NCS.
Display and Control Center
When this box is checked, the NCS participates in dynamic network control. The NCS can assume
or relinquish control of other participating locations. See Appendix F for more information.
When this box is selected, the wide area network option is disabled. (See below.)
Network Version Selection1
Check this box when using NCS Network Version 4.0 and higher. Clear this box when connecting
the NCS to a NOTIFIRENET 3.0 network containing legacy panels only. Over a wide area network,
all NOTIFIRENET networks connecting to the NCS must run identical versions of NFN software.
Confirm Module On/Off
When checked, a confirmation dialog appears when an output module is manually activated. See
Section 4.7 on page 71.
Wide Area Networking
Checking this box enables the NCS to communicate over a wide area network. When selected, the
NCS cannot participate in dynamic network control (DCC). Requires WAN software key
(purchased separately). See Addendum to the ONYX NCS for Wide Area Networks & NOTIFYIP for more information.
Over a wide area network, all NOTIFIRENET networks connecting to the NCS must run identical
versions of NFN software.
Threshold Ports A/B
Set each port to High or Low depending on communication threshold desired. Refer to the
manual for more specific information on threshold settings.
NOTIFIRENET
1. See Section 1.2, UL 9th Edition Compliance, on page 8 for more information.
34
Programming
Reset/Signal Silence Option
Checking the All Nodes box allows use of the Reset and Signal Silence command buttons on the
NCS screen for all nodes. Checking the Off-Normal Nodes box will allow use of the Reset and
Signal Silence buttons on the NCS screen for off-normal nodes only. See Figures 3.2 and 3.13.
History Backup
Checking this box enables automatic history backup. Checking the Number of Events: box will
allow the user to limit the number of events to be placed in backup. The number entered must be
between 10000 and 100000. Checking Day of the Month: (1-28) allows the user to enter a value
of 1 to 28 as the day the history backup will be performed.
Operating Mode:
Defaults to Proprietary Protected Premises Fire Command Center.

CNTC, an option for China only, is the other mode option. In this mode, acknowledging an alarm
at the fire panel will not acknowledge it at the NCS, so the alarm must be acknowledged at the NCS
as well.
Master Time Keeper
The node address of the current Network Master Time Keeper is displayed. To make the NCS the
network master time keeper, press Set NCS as current Time Keeper (see Figure 3.17). Press Set
Time (see Figure 3.18) to change the NCS computer time.
IP Connection Speed
ncssetdate.jpg
Sets upload speed over the wide area network. Requires WAN software key (purchased separately).
See Addendum to the ONYX NCS for Wide Area Networks & NOTIFY-IP for more
information.
Figure 3.17 Setting the NCS as the Current Time Keeper
35
Programming
Click on arrows to
set
day/month/year
NCSSETTIME.JPG
Click on
arrows and in
AM or PM
box to set
time of day.
Click OK to save
settings.
Figure 3.18 Setting System Time
User Account Tab

In the System Setup dialog box, the User Account Tab displays a Current Users list (see
Figure 3.19) where all user accounts currently setup on the NCS are displayed.
Add a user to
the NCS
Add or delete
commands
from a user
account
SysAdminUserAcct.tif
Delete a user
from the NCS
Figure 3.19 The User Account Tab

This dialog box also lets the programmer add, edit and delete users from the NCS. To set up a new
user on the NCS, press the ADD USER button. The new user dialog box appears, prompting for a new
user name (see Figure 3.20). Enter a user name up to 19 characters long. The password must be
from four to 10 characters. Note that the starred fields are required.
36
Programming
Click on the Apply button to enable the user account.

A photo may be inserted
here for a visual check
to see if the person
logged on is the person
on the NCS, or as an aid
to supervisors to identify
the different guards that
have access to the NCS.
Click here to bring up a
directories screen from
which the programmer
can choose the desired
picture.
UserInfoGen.tif
Note:
The picture file must
be a bitmap of the
following size:
147w x 177h (pixels)
Figure 3.20 Editing User Information (General)

To add or delete commands from a user account, press the edit user button. The User Information
dialog box appears.
Permission Tab
The Permission tab lists all commands available on the NCS (see Figures 3.21 and 3.22). Clicking
on a check box beside a command selects or deselects it from the user account being edited
(Figure 3.21). For instance, if the box to the left of Alphanumeric Page is checked, the NCS will
allow this user access to alphanumeric paging.
Node Tab
The Node tab assigns node access to a user. All nodes available on the system are displayed in the
Programmed Nodes window (Figure 3.22). Programmed nodes that have been assigned to a user
appear in the Assigned Nodes window. Double-clicking on a node in the Programmed Nodes
window will add that node to the users assignments. Alternately, double-clicking on a node in the
Assigned Nodes window will remove the node from the users assignment. Press OK to accept the
changes.
NOTE: All nodes assigned to a given user will have the same set of commands available to them.
Initially only the Administration Account user can edit accounts; however, any user given access to
the Account Setup command (in the Permission dialog) will also have the ability to edit accounts.
To delete a user account from the NCS, highlight the account and press on the delete button from
the account list dialog box.
37
ncspermissionc.jpg
Programming
ncsuserinfonodes.jpg
Figure 3.21 Editing User Information (Permission)
Figure 3.22 Editing User Information (Nodes)

Pager Tab
The NCS Pager will dial a users pager number and deliver an automatic or manually-generated
alphanumeric message when certain conditions occur.
Click on the Pager tab in the User Information screen to define the users paging information.
38
Programming
When
Default NCS
Message is
selected, this
figure gives
the actual
character
count in the
text window
ncsUIpgrdefault.jpg
Text window
Figure 3.23 Editing User Information (Pager)

CARRIER: - Choose the users carrier from the pull-down menu. If the users carrier is not in the
pull-down menu, add it at the pager carrier screens (see Figures 3.32 and 3.33).
PAGER ID: - Enter the users unique pager identification number.
MESSAGE TO SEND ON NCS EVENT -If DEFAULT MESSAGE is selected, type a message into the text
window. This message will automatically be sent to the user when an assigned event occurs. If
CUSTOM NCS MESSAGE is selected, the boxes below the text window will become available for
selection. Checking one or more of these boxes will cause that information to appear when a user
message is generated. Figure 3.24 is an example of such a message.
ncsUIpgrCusta.jpg
Custom
message
listing
event,
device
type,
label,
and
event
time.
When Custom NCS

Message is selected, this
figure gives the maximum
number of characters that
could appear in the text
window based on the
message types selected in
the boxes. The programmer
can determine from this
figure how many pager
messages will be generated
based on the pager carriers
maximum characters per
block.
Figure 3.24 User Information Pager Screen, Custom Message

PAGING TIME PERIOD - Check All Day for 24 hour paging, enter Start and End times for shift paging.
39
Programming

PAGING NODES...- Click on this box to bring up the Nodes Assigned for Alphanumeric Paging
ncsusernodeassignmnt.jpg
Screen.
Figure 3.25 Nodes Assigned for Alphanumeric Paging Screen

The Nodes Assigned For Alphanumeric Paging screen displays the nodes assigned to the user for
alphanumeric paging. The user will be paged for any node event that occurs for any of the checked
boxes to the right of the Node. For instance, in Figure 3.25, the user will be paged if a Fire Alarm,
Security Alarm (Life), Critical Process (Life), Security Alarm (Property), or Critical Process
(Property) occurs on Node 17. Note that there is a scroll bar to edit or view other event types for
each node.
Click the Assign All button to check all event boxes for all nodes displayed. The user must click
Apply to save this change.
Adding A Node
Click on the Add Node button in the above screen. The Assign Node for Alphanumeric Paging to
User screen (see Figure 3.26) will appear. It displays all the nodes that are assigned to the users
account that are not assigned for paging. Select the node(s) to be added, then click OK. The node(s)
will be added to the Nodes Assigned to User for Alphanumeric Paging screen, with all the event
types checked. The programmer must remove undesired events and press the Apply button to
enable the new paging node. The recently added node requires no further intervention to enable
paging.
NOTE: The user may also add a node to a users account by double-clicking on the node displayed
in the Assign Node for Paging to User screen.
Deleting A Node
Select the node to be removed at the Nodes Assigned for Alphanumeric Paging Screen
(Figure 3.25). Click on the Remove Node button in this screen. The node will be removed from
paging, but will remain on the users account. (To delete a node entirely from a users account, see
Figure 3.22, Editing User Information (Nodes) on page 38.)
40
Programming
These nodes
have been
assigned to the
users account,
but have not
been assigned
for paging
ncsassignpagnodes.jpg
Clicking on
Select All will
select all nodes
on this screen
for paging
assignment.
Clicking on
Clear will
deselect what
you have
already
selected.
Figure 3.26 Assign Node for Paging to User Screen
ncsclrnodepagevent.jpg
Click
here.
Figure 3.27 Adding or Deleting All Events from a Node

To add or delete all event assignments from a node, click where indicated in Figure 3.27. From the
pop-up menu, select Clear All to delete all events, or Set All to add all events.
NOTE: To select more than one node for editing in this manner, hold down the shift key while making
selections.
41
Programming
ncsclrnodepagevent.jpg
Click
here.
Figure 3.28 Adding or Deleting an Event from All Nodes

To add or delete an event assignment from all nodes, click where indicated in Figure 3.28. From the
pop-up menu, select Clear All to delete all events, or Set All to add all events.
NOTE: Selecting more than one event for editing in this manner may be done if the event columns
are next to one another. Hold down the shift key while making selections. If the event columns are not
next to one another, they must be edited one at a time.
Printer Tab
In the System Setup dialog box, the Printer tab (Figure 3.29) allows the user to setup the
communications port settings if the printer is connected to a COM port. The NCS supports two
types of printer:
An Event (line) printer that can be attached to either the COM or LPT port for printing of all
events received by the NCS.
A Graphics Printer that can be attached to the LPT Port for printing graphics. If attached, it
must be set as the default printer.
NOTE: If an event (line) and graphic printer are to be used by the NCS, the event printer must be
connected to a COM port.
42
Programming
ncsprntab.jpg
Figure 3.29 The Printer Tab

Event Printer Setup The event printer is usually connected to the serial port, but can also be
connected to the parallel port. The event printer prints all events as they are received by the NCS
and activates as soon as the event is received. If the printer is connected to a serial port, you must
set all parameters listed on the Printer Tab. Event printers used to meet UL requirements must set
the Flow Control option to XON/XOFF. Any parameters set at the Printer Tab must correspond
with parameters set at the printer.
The settings listed in this dialog do not apply to event printers connected to the parallel port.
The compressed mode of operation of all event printers must be set to 17 CPI. This allows an
event to be printed on a single line. If this setting is not selected, an event will wrap to the next line.
Graphics Printer Setup - the graphics printer is a laser printer connected to the LPT port. The
setup for this printer must be done in Windows. Any Windows 2000 compatible printer that will
work connected to the parallel port can be used. This printer will print screens, history files, and
any reports generated by the NCS. (See Connecting a Graphics Printer on page 20 for more
information.)
Audio Tab
There are two types of audio messages in the NCS. Those that are linked to an event or command,
and those that are linked to a device. Files which are linked to events or commands must be in the
Waves directory. Files which will be linked to a device must be in the Sounds file directory
(see Figure 3.30).
Events and Command files activate automatically when the event occurs. Select audio message
files for:
Alarm and Other Activation events.
Supervisory and Security events.
Trouble events.
System Reset, Signal Silence and Acknowledge commands.
Alter Status Commands (which include enabling or disabling a device and turning a module on
and off).
All Systems Normal.
43
Programming
If a higher priority event interrupts a lower priority event, the current audio message will be halted,
and the new audio message will be started.
ncsvoicec.tif
To select a wave
file for an event,
click under the
Wave File
directory. A dropdown menu lists
available wave
files.
Figure 3.30 Audio Tab
NOTE: On an NCS with NOTIFY-IP installed, do not select any .wav files displayed on this tab.
See Addendum to the ONYX NCS for Wide Area Network and NOTIFY-IP for more information.
Graphic Configuration Tab
NCSgraphictabc.tif
Under this tab the user can program the NCS to invoke the main screen on all systems normal,
display guidance text and/or device documents automatically, play wave files, display device
labels. You can also program the NCS to print device text, guidance text, and graphics. Click in a
box in order to put a check in the category you would like to display or print. See Figure 3.31.
Figure 3.31 Graphic Configuration Tab
44
Programming
Pager Carrier Tab

The NCS PAGER will dial a users pager number and deliver an automatic or manually-generated
alphanumeric message when certain conditions occur. The NCS may be set up to page personnel
under a variety of conditions, and may be set up with multiple pager carriers. At this tab, the
programmer may set up a particular user account with paging capabilities; as well as add, delete or
edit carrier information.
NOTE: Use of third party modems will violate UL listing.
NCSSysAdminpgr.jpg
At the System Setup screen click on the Pager Carrier tab (Figure 3.32). To add, edit or delete
carrier information, click on the appropriate button.
Figure 3.32 Pager Carrier Tab

Adding Or Editing A Pager Carrier
Click the ADD CARRIER or EDIT CARRIER button to bring up the Pager Carrier Information screen
(Figure 3.33).
NCSAddCArrier.tif
Include all
numbers,
letters, or
other keys
necessary
for dialing
out of the
building.
Figure 3.33 Add Carrier Screen

CARRIER NAME: and CARRIER PHONE NUMBER: - Enter the appropriate information.
45
Programming

MODEM COM PORT: - Leave at Auto or enter the specific port number.
MAXIMUM CHARACTERS PER BLOCK: - Enter the maximum number of characters per block allowed
per page by the pager carrier. If the actual message being sent exceeds the block size, the message
will be delivered in more than one block.
PORT SETTINGS (OPTIONAL) - These fields do not need entries, unless it is necessary to override
defaults when the modem or carrier has limitations or requirements. Either all the fields must be
entered, or none of the fields.
Click on the Apply button to enable the carrier addition. Click OK when done to leave the screen.
Deleting A Carrier
Clicking on the Delete Carrier button (see Figure 3.32) will delete whichever carrier is highlighted,
unless a user is assigned to that carrier. A carrier cannot be deleted if there is one or more users still
assigned to it.
3.5.2 Administration Menu, Network Operations

The Network Operations command located under the Administration menu opens a Network
Operations Window that allows the user to program the nodes that the NCS will monitor, check the
current state of all nodes programmed in, and access the read status and alter status menus for a
particular node.
Network Operationss.bmp
For nodes that are programmed into the NCS, the Network Operations Window displays the node
number, node type, label, DCC status, on-line status and signal silence status in a spread-sheet like
view (see Figure 3.34). The label is a 30 character custom label local to the NCS that can be entered
by the user. The on-line status is either on-line or off-line. The signal silence status is N/A, Normal,
Partial, or Full Silence. DCC status will be indicated only if Display and Control Center option is
selected on the General NCS tab. (See pages 3334.)
Figure 3.34 The Network Operations Menu Option
NOTE: On systems utilizing DCC, all participating nodes must be mapped to all participating
network annunciators.
For more information, see Appendix F, Display and Control Center (DCC) , Appendix G.4.2,
Node Mapping and all other network annunciator manuals.
46
Programming
editnode.tif
While in demo mode or upon initial power-up, the local NCS will be programmed in as node 0. The
operator must change this node number to initiate network communications. (If the system is in
demo mode, the address cannot be changed.) The Network Operations window allows the user to
add, delete and edit nodes. Editing a node will allow the user to enter the 30 character custom label.
The LOCAL NCS cannot be deleted from the network operations window.
Figure 3.35 Editing a Node Dialog Box

When the option is selected, the network operations window indicates nodes that are present on the
network, but not programmed into the NCS. The information displayed includes the node number
and node type. Double-click on any nodes in the window to program it into the NCS. The NCS will
only display events, act on, and communicate with nodes that are programmed into the NCS.
The Program All Nodes option will automatically program all unprogrammed nodes on the
network. This option is available once network communications have been established.
Node Access
Double-clicking on a particular node in the network system window displays the Read Status menu,
if read status is supported by that node. Double-clicking on the local NCS displays the General
NCS tab (see Figure 3.16).
rdatamen.tif
Right click on an AM2020/AFP1010 or AFP-300/4001

node in the network system window to open the Read
Database Menu. From here the user can view loop,
zone, or device information displayed in a read-only,
spreadsheet type format (see Figure 3.39).
Figure 3.36 Read Database Menu
NOTE: The information displayed in the Read Database Menu comes from a database stored on the
NCS. The database is only updated during upload and read status commands, and therefore might
not be up-to-date.
1. These panels have been not certified for UL 864 9th Edition compliance. See Section 1.2,
UL 9th Edition Compliance for more information.
47
Programming
3.5.3 Administration Menu, Archive History Database
ncshistc.jpg
The Archive History Database menu option allows the user to archive the current history database,
and open a new one (Figure 3.37).
Figure 3.37 The Active History Database
3.5.4 Graphic Menu
ncsgraphmenu.jpg
Use the Graphic Menu option to invoke the Graphics Setup Program, bring graphics created in the
GSP to the NCS, or copy graphics data to other NCS workstations.
Figure 3.38 The Graphic Menu

Graphic Setup
Graphics in the NCS are programmed using the Graphic Setup Program (GSP). The GSP can be
accessed directly (stand-alone) or via the NCS application. It is used to set up all floor plans, device
icons, links, etc. in the program. All graphics information is stored in graphics.mdb. Refer to the
Section 6, The Graphic Setup Program, on page 92 for more information about this program.
Update Graphic Database
Select this command to update the NCS database with a database modified via the GSP application.
NOTE: You must execute the Update Graphic Database to save any changes to the graphics
database.
Replicate Graphics
This function allows the user to replicate to all or selected NCS servers
the graphics database (graphics.mdb) and all bitmap pictures in the directories, or
the bitmap pictures only.
Selecting Replicate Graphics from the graphic menu brings up the Database Replication Dialog
screen below.
48
Programming
Select replication sites.

Clicking on All will
replicate data to all the
sites listed in the
Available NCS
Workstations: box in
the window.
Clicking on Selected
will allow the user to
select or deselect sites
from the Available
NCS Workstations:
box by clicking the row.
Click on Data
and Graphics
for replication of
the graphics
database and all
bitmaps in the
directories.
Click on
Graphics Only
to replicate
bitmaps only.
Click this
button to
replicate.
Figure 3.39 Database Replication Dialog Screen (for graphics)
NOTE: All files replicated to the destination NCS will have the same file attributes as those on
the source NCS. When replicating make sure that files on the destination NCS are not marked
read-only. Files marked read-only may cause the replication to fail with an "Access Denied"
error. Use Windows Explorer to change attributes.
3.5.5 Utilities Menu
NCSutilmenud.tif
The Utilities Menu allows the user to edit speech files, compact databases, view network
communication statistics and software versions, and perform node maintenance and walk tests. The
Edit Speech File opens up the Audio tab which also can be opened through the System
Administration menu. The Compact Database compacts and saves a database for transferring
information onto a floppy disk.
Figure 3.40 The Utilities Menu
49
Programming

Network Statistics
Network Statistics allows the user to troubleshoot network statistics by displaying traffic within the
network. (See Figure 3.41.) When you initiate this service, you can view the diagnostic information
for a selected node or the entire network from the perspective of any node on the network.
Checking the "Reset All Nodes" option clears all previous network responses in the statistics
screen.
Contact your Technical Services representative to use this information to diagnose problems that
may occur within your network.
Choose from the FOR dropdown to

view statistics for a selected network
node or all network nodes by.
ncsnetstats.bmp
To view statistics from the perspective of

any node on the network, choose a node
from the STATS KEPT BY dropdown.
Figure 3.41 Network Statistics

NUP Port Statistics
ncsnuportstat.jpg
Information for the various NUP ports on the network nodes is listed in the NUP Port Statistics
window, and can be used by Technical Services Support to troubleshoot network problems. Contact
Technical Services Support to use the information to diagnose such problems as overly-long
upload/download times that may occur within your network.
Figure 3.42 NUP Port Statistics

50
Programming
Software Version Numbers
The Software Version Numbers screen lists the software versions for components on the network
nodes.
NOTE: Version information for primary gateway clients appears in parentheses next to gateway
version information.
ncssftwvrsnmenu.tif
Press the All

Nodes button to
bring up the screen
below, which lists
software version
numbers for all
nodes.
ncssftwrvers.jpg
Press this
button to select
a single node
for viewing
Figure 3.43 Software Version Numbers
NOTE: Network Statistics, NUP Port Statistics, and Software Version Numbers are available only to
the administrative user.
51
Programming

Node Maintenance
The Node Maintenance Selection allows the user to change a node address or password.
Enter the
new node
address
ncsnodeaddrchange.jpg
Select the
node that
requires
changing.
Select the
node that
requires
changing.
Press the
Update Button
to complete the
change.
Select
password type
ncsnodepasswdchg.jpg
Enter and
confirm
password
Press the Update
Button to
complete the
change.
Figure 3.44 Node Maintenance Screens
52
Programming
Walk Test
The Walk Test screens allow the operator to perform walk tests on selected system nodes. The
Select Nodes for Walk Test screen appears first. It lists all the nodes on the network that can be
put through Walk Test at the NCS.
NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 only - Click in the
numbered Loops boxes to select or deselect a
loop for Walk Test
Choose Basic to exclude CBE from Walk

Test. Walk Test event displays will not latch.
Click in the
Walk
Test
column to
select or
deselect a
node for
Walk Test.
A check
indicates
selection.
Press this button to start the Walk Test when
the desired nodes have been selected. The
Walk Test Manager screen will appear.
Press this button to select

all the nodes listed on this
screen for Walk Test.
Choose
Advanced
to include
CBE in Walk
Test. Walk
Test event
displays will
latch and
require
pressing the
Next Test
button to
progress.
(See
Fig. 3.46 for
button
location.)
ncsselectwalktstnods.jpg
Figure 3.45 Select Nodes for Walk Test

The operator may wish to add or delete a node from Walk Test while the test is in progress, proceed
to the next test if the event displays are latching, or abort the Walk Test. The Walk Test Manager
screen provides these functions, and appears when the Start Walk Test button is pushed. (See
Figure 3.45.)
Figure 3.46 Walk Test Manager
53
Programming
NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 only - Click in

the numbered Loops boxes to select
or deselect a loop for Walk Test. (A
check indicates selection.)
Pressing this
button invokes
the screen
below it.
Press this
button to
update the
list of
nodes that
will be
placed in
Walk Test.
Click here to
select Node
17 for
addition to the
list of other
nodes that
will be placed
in Walk Test.
(A check
indicates
selection.)
ncswlktstaddnod.jpg
Figure 3.47 Walk Test - Add Node
Pressing this
button invokes
the screen
below.
The Loops
selections
are
displayed
here; no
changes
may be
made to
these
selections
at this
screen.
Click here to
select Node 59
for deletion from
the list of other
nodes that will be
placed in Walk
Test. (A check
indicates
selection.)
Press this button to update the list of

nodes that will be placed in Walk Test.
Figure 3.48 Walk Test - Delete Node

Refer to the appropriate FACP manual for information on performing Walk Test.
The Help menu allows the user to access

information about the NCS.
The About command displays a splash screen
which shows the copyright and part number of the
software (see Figure 3.50).
54
ncshlepmn.jpg
3.5.6 The Help Menu
Figure 3.49 The Help Menu
Programming
aboutncsa.bmp
Figure 3.50 The About Window

Select the System Info button to access information (memory, version, processor, etc.) about the
system you are on.
55
Section 4: Operation
4.1 Normal Operation
During normal operation, when no fire alarms or troubles exist, the NCS window appears as shown
below with a System Normal message in top right-side of the window.
ncssysnormc.jpg
System Normal message
Figure 4.1 NCS Window, System Normal

The user can perform functions associated with the following buttons without having to enter a
password, these functions can be performed under the Action Menu or directly from the Command
Area (see page 31).
Button functions are as described below unless the Display and Control Center (DCC) option is
enabled and another node has become the DCC. When this panel is not the DCC on a network,
permission must be granted from the DCC before Acknowledge, Signal Silence, or Reset can be
performed at this panel. Pressing one of these buttons will automatically send a permission request
to the current DCC. See Appendix F for more information.
ACKNOWLEDGE - The Acknowledge button acknowledges events currently in the system.
Alarms are acknowledged individually, and Supervisory, Security and Trouble events are
acknowledged as a group (block acknowledge). Receiving unit mode is not supported on the NCS
and all nodes on the network should be configured for block acknowledge.
SIGNAL SILENCE - The Signal Silence button silences all programmed or off-normal nodes
based on system set-up. (See Reset/Signal Silence Option on page 35.)
RESET - The Reset button resets all programmed or off-normal nodes based on system set-up.
(See Reset/Signal Silence Option on page 35.)
4.2 AutoNavigate
When an off-normal event occurs, the NCS will automatically display the floor plan associated
with the highest priority event. This function is called AutoNavigating. If an equal or lower
priority event is received while a higher unacknowledged event exists in the network, the floor plan
will not change.
The AutoNavigate option is set in the Device Parameters dialog. If the AutoNavigate option for the
device received is enabled, the graphic floor plan will change to display the floor plan containing
the icon, bypassing any group associations. See Figure 6.32 for information on setting up grouping
and AutoNavigating for a device.
56
Troubles
Operation
If AutoNavigate is off, and a group is associated with the device, the floor plan containing the
highest level group will be displayed. See Section 6.6, Groups, on page 108 for a more detailed
explanation of groups. Even with the AutoNavigate function enabled, the user can still manually
change screens using the Select Screen dialog box.
4.3 Troubles
When a trouble is received from a fire alarm panel it is reported to the NCS. The NCS will report
the trouble in three ways; the trouble icon in the banner will flash, the trouble will be reported in the
Events window, and it will appear in the Event Counters window. For the highest priority event, the
representative icons banner in the Graphics Display Window will flash. (See Figure 4.2.)
Trouble icon
flashing in the
Banner area.
Trouble
reported in the
Events
Counter Box
under New and
Total
categories.
Trouble
reported in the
Events
window.
ncspointdisablnew.jpg
Detector
flashing the
reported
trouble
Figure 4.2 Troubles Reported to the NCS

Select Acknowledge to acknowledge that a trouble has been reported. The trouble will then be
shown in the Acknowledged Events window (see Figure 4.3). Select Signal Silence to silence
NACs, and select Reset to reset the control panel.
57
Operation
Alarms
Trouble icon
stops flashing
in the Banner
area.
Trouble
reported in the
Events
Counter Box
under the Total
category.
ncspointdisablAck.jpg
Trouble moves
to the
Acknowledged
Events
window.
Figure 4.3 Acknowledging Troubles on the NCS
4.4 Alarms
When an alarm is received from a fire alarm panel it is reported to the NCS. The NCS will report
the alarm in three ways; the alarm icon in the banner will flash, the alarm will be reported in the
Events window, and it will show up in the Event Counters window. See Figure 4.4.
Alarm icon
flashing in the
Banner area.
Alarm reported
in the Events
Counter Box
under New and
Total
categories.
Alarm reported
in the Events
window.
ncspointalrmnew.jpg
Detector
showing the
reported alarm
Figure 4.4 Alarms Reported to the NCS
58
Supervisory, Security, and Other Activation
Operation
Select Acknowledge to acknowledge that an alarm has been reported. The alarm will then be shown
in the Acknowledged Events window (Figure 4.5). Select Signal Silence to silence NACs, and
select Reset to reset the control panel.
Alarm reported
in the Events
Counter Box
under the Total
category.
ncspointalarmack.jpg
Alarm icon
stops flashing
in the Banner
area.
Alarm moves to
the
Acknowledged
Events window.
Figure 4.5 Acknowledging Alarms on the NCS
4.5 Supervisory, Security, and Other Activation

When a supervisory, security, or other activation signal is received from the control panel it is
reported to the NCS. The NCS will report the supervisory, security, and other activation in three
ways; the appropriate icon in the banner will flash, the supervisory, security, or other activation will
be reported in the Events window, and it will show up in the Event Counters window.
Select Acknowledge to acknowledge that a supervisory, security, or Other Activation has been
reported: it will then appear in the Acknowledged Events window under its appropriate category.
Select Signal Silence to silence NACs, and select Reset to reset the control panel.
NOTE: When this panel is not the DCC on a network, permission must be granted from the
DCC before Acknowledge, Signal Silence, or Reset can be performed at this panel.
Pressing one of these buttons will automatically send a permission request to the current
DCC. See Appendix F for more information.
59
Operation
Menu Options for Operating the NCS
4.6 Menu Options for Operating the NCS

4.6.1 File Menu
ncsfilemen.jpg
The File Menu (Figure 4.6) allows the user to exit the NCS application.
Figure 4.6 The File Menu
Exit
The Exit command from the file menu exits the NCS program and places the user in the Windows
2000 environment. The user is prompted for a password. After entering the correct password a
warning display indicates the user is exiting the NCS application (Figure 4.7). The user should
either press Ok to exit the NCS application or press Cancel to abort.
Exiting the NCS application disconnects the NCS from NOTIFIRENET. The NCSceases to perform
life safety functions and the building is unprotected.
ncsexit.tif
Figure 4.7 The Exit Dialog Box
4.6.2 Operator Menu
ncsopmen.tif
The Operator Menu allows the user to Login, Logout, and Change Password of the NCS
(Figure 4.8).
Figure 4.8 The Operator Menu
Login
The Login command allows the user to gain access to the NCS by selecting his or her name in the
dialog box. Both a user name and a password are required to log on (Figure 4.9). When the NCS is
first powered up, the initial user name is Admin. After initial login, the Administration Account
password must be changed to something other than Admin to ensure system security. The
administration account user should then set up accounts with temporary passwords for all operators
that will be accessing the NCS. Passwords can be from four to 15 characters.
60
Operation
ncslgout.tif
Asterisks are displayed in place of characters when entering a password. After selecting the user
name and entering the password, press Ok to accept the login information. If an error is made while
entering the password during login, a quick warning beep sounds, and the password dialog box
remains on the screen with the user name highlighted.
Figure 4.9 Login Dialog Box
ncswarn.tif
If the user is already logged into the NCS and clicks the Login command a warning box will appear
stating that the current user will be logged out (Figure 4.10).
Figure 4.10 Login Warning Box
Logout
ncslgout.tif
The Logout command is used to exit the NCS. Once logout has been selected, a dialog box appears
asking the user for the password. (Figure 4.11). After entering the password, select Ok to continue
logging out. System commands will not be accessible again until a user logs onto the NCS.
Figure 4.11 Logout Dialog Box
Change Password
The Change Password command allows a user to change their current password. A password can
only be changed by the user who owns the password. Not even the Administration Account user
(the top user account with permanent access to all the NCS commands) can change another user's
password.
When the Change Password command is selected, the change password dialog box (Figure 4.12)
prompts the user for old and new passwords. Asterisks will appear in place of the entered characters
for both the old and new passwords. Type the old password. Type the new password and then
retype it in the confirm password box to verify the first entry. Press OK to accept the new password
information.
NOTE: The password must be between four and 15 characters inclusive.
61
ncschpas.tif
Operation
Figure 4.12 Change Password Dialog Box
4.6.3 The Action Menu
NCSactionc.jpg
From this menu, the user can acknowledge events, reset the system, perform a signal silence, hide
offline events, show offline events, perform a data refresh (Figure 4.13), upload or download
databases and applications, and page users. If there is an active command center and DCC is
enabled at the panel, Acknowledge, Signal Silence, and System Reset require permission before
they can be processed. See Appendix F for more information.
Figure 4.13 The Action Menu
62
Acknowledge - Allows the function of acknowledge to be performed across the allowable

network nodes.
Reset - Allows the function of system reset to be performed across the allowable network
nodes. The user can reset all nodes at one time, all off-normal nodes at one time, or select
individual nodes of choice.
Signal Silence - Allows the function of signal silence to be performed across the allowable
network nodes. The user can signal silence all nodes at one time, all off-normal nodes at one
time, or select individual nodes of choice.
Hide Offline Events - Hides all offline events. For example, if a node is disconnected from a
network with active events, then this selection will mask them from the graphic workstation.
Show Offline Events - Displays all offline events. For example, if a node is disconnected from
a network with active events, this option will unmask offline nodes that have active events.
Data Refresh - Manually initiation from the NCS to update the off-normal points in the NCS.
This is also automatically done when the NCS is powered up. The NCS has the capability to
initiate a data refresh to five nodes simultaneously to update point information as fast as
possible.
Upload/Download - Invokes the Upload/Download window.
Alphanumeric Paging - Invokes the alphanumeric paging dialog. (See Alphanumeric

Paging on page 63 for more information.)
Operation
Open Verifire 1020 - Invokes the VeriFire 1020 programming utility. (See VeriFire 1020
Help for more information.)
Open Verifire Tools - Invokes the VeriFire Tools programming utility. (See VeriFire Tools
Help for more information.)
Voice Paging - Invokes the voice paging dialog if NCS has NOTIFY-IP. (See Wide Area
Network and NOTIFY-IP Addendum for ONYX NCS for more information.)
Alphanumeric Paging
To page a user manually, click on the Action pull-down menu at the NCS Screen and choose
Alphanumeric Paging. (Figure 4.14).
NCSMainpager.jpg
Select
Alphanumeric
Paging
Figure 4.14 NCS Screen, Pager Operation

The NCS Alphanumeric Paging screen will appear, as illustrated in Figure 4.15. Select the desired
user from the Send Page To: pull-down menu. Enter a message in the Message to Send: window
and click on Send.
NCSpagingperat.jpg
Click here to
bring up the
User
Information
Screen Pager
tab (see
Fig. 3.23.)
Figure 4.15 NCS Alphanumeric Paging
Upload/Download (UPDL)
The upload / download window is used to upload or download the database from a node, and to
perform application downloads for those nodes supporting this function. Options are available to
initiate uploads and downloads, schedule uploads, and abort any current actions. Information about
63
Operation
ncsUPDLmainwindow.jpg
the node number, status indication and progress indication will be displayed by the upload /
download. Select UPDL under the Action option in the NCS Window menu bar and the Main
Window will appear showing nodes and their completion percentage. (Figure 4.16.)
Figure 4.16 Upload/Download Main Window

All upload / download messages that affect the operation are stored in the history window and
current event window. This includes initiating the upload / download process, aborting the process,
or any errors that will prohibit the process from completing successfully. A message will also be
stored in these windows if the upload / download has successfully completed.
NOTE: Enabling IP Access allows for the disabling/enabling of commands, downloads, and
programming from the Wide Area Network. See the appropriate manuals for more information
about downloading to nodes with IP Access controls.
Database
Upload - Before an upload is initiated, the NCS will query the user for a database file in which to
store the received information. All uploaded information, including the database version, is saved
to the UPDL database. The NCS will also update the run-time database with the new information.
See Figure 4.17 for a screen example illustrating choices made for uploading databases from nodes.
An AM2020/AFP1010 database file cannot be uploaded to an NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, NFS640/NFS2-640, NFS-320, DVC, or NCA/NCA-2; and vice-versa.1
1. Some of these panels have not been certified for UL 864 9th Edition compliance. See
Section 1.2, UL 9th Edition Compliance for more information.
64
Operation
Select Database as the

operation.
The upload will

be performed
on highlighted
node(s) in this
box.
Select Upload from

nodes.
Select the [...] button to

choose or create a database
file. A window will pop up
allowing a file name entry.
ncsUPDLdatabupload.jpg
Click Start to
initiate the
upload.
Figure 4.17 Uploading Nodes

Download - The NCS will query the user for a database to download. It will open the database
specified, and check the version. If the database specified is an older version, the upload will not
proceed. There will be no option to continue the download. Use VeriFire Tools to convert an older
database format to the current format.
An AM2020/AFP1010 database file cannot be downloaded to an NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, NFS640/NFS2-640, NFS-320, or NCA/NCA-2; and vice-versa.1
See Figure 4.18 for an example of a download screen.
Select Database.
Select Download to
nodes.
The download
will be
performed on
highlighted
node(s) in this
box.
Click Start to
initiate the
download.
ncsUPDLdatabdwnload.jpg

choose a database file for
downloading. A window will
pop up allowing the file name
entry.
Figure 4.18 Downloading to Nodes
1. Some of these panels have not been certified for UL 864 9th Edition compliance. See
Section 1.2, UL 9th Edition Compliance for more information.
65
Operation

Application
Applications files, which contain a panels operating firmware, can be downloaded using this
screen to those network nodes that support downloading. When the Application operation is
selected on the Upload/Download screen, the following screen appears.
Select
Application
The Application
download will be
performed on
highlighted node(s)
in this box. Only
nodes that support
downloading (NCM,
NCA/NCA-2, NCS,
NFS-640/NFS2640, NFS-320, NFS3030/NFS2-3030)
will appear in this
box.
Click Start to initiate
the download.
Select the [...] button to choose an

application file for downloading. A
window will pop up allowing the file
name entry.
Check this box to select all network

nodes of the same type selected in
the Download to Nodes window
(in this example, all NFS3030/NFS2-3030panels).
Click here to select the Application
Code Type.
ncsUPDLappdwnload.jpg
Figure 4.19 Application Download
CAUTION: Confirm Application Version.

The programmer must be certain to download the correct version of the application. Otherwise, an older
version of the application may overlay a newer version.
Scheduled Uploads
The NCS has the ability to schedule uploads once or on a monthly basis. All scheduling options,
including dates, times, and nodes selected, are saved to the NCS database. Figure 4.20 shows an
example of a Schedule Upload screen. Scheduling options are as follows:
66
Only Once - This option will allow the user to upload a set of panels on a one-shot basis. A
date and time for the upload is entered and the NCS initiates the upload at that time.
Monthly - The NCS has the ability to schedule uploads on a monthly basis. The user can select
the day of the month and time to upload. The NCS can then upload the specified set of nodes
every month at the specified time. To alleviate the problem of how many days are in a month,
the plug-in only allows a range of 1 - 28 for the day specified.
Multiple Panel Upload - The NCS can upload the databases of up to five nodes at a time. If
more than five nodes have been selected, the NCS will upload the first five, then continue by
uploading at a rate of 5 nodes at a time until all databases have been uploaded.
Operation
Selections in this
area have
scheduled a
monthly upload for
the first of each
month at 7:00 p.m.

choose an application file
for downloading. A window
will pop up allowing the file
name entry.
The Schedule Upload

will be performed on
highlighted nodes in
this box. Check the All
Nodes box to select all
nodes for scheduled
uploading.
Click Apply to set up

the scheduled upload.
ncsUPDLscheddatabuplad.jpg
Figure 4.20 Scheduled Uploads Screen
4.6.4 The View Menu
NCSviewc.jpg
From the View Menu, the user can see the number of events that have occurred from the Event
Counter Window, see a detailed list of all events, fire and non-fire, from the Detailed Events
Window, view the last 1,000 events that have happened in the system from the Current Events
Window, disable devices (once the device is disabled, the user can enable it again by doubleclicking on the device, from the window itself), and view disabled device, from the Disable
Devices Window, and view the History Manager (Figure 4.21).
Figure 4.21 The View Window Menu
67
Operation
Event Counters
ncseventcounts.jpg
The Event Counter window (Figure 4.22) contains the new and total events on the network. The
information displayed in the window consists of fire alarms, security alarms, supervisory alarms
troubles, and other activations. The new and total field areas are capable of displaying up to 99,999
events.
If there are
counts in the
Other Activation
fields, click on the
+ box. The
window will
expand to show a
breakdown of
these events into
categories.
Figure 4.22 Event Counters Dialog Box

Event counters are not permanently displayed on the Graphics Screen but invoked when prompted
by the user.
The Detailed Events Window

The Detailed Events Window is an advanced Signal Display interface to networked panels. The
Detailed Events Command is displayed from the View Menu in the Start-up Window. The Detailed
Events Window contains all off-normal events, both unacknowledged and acknowledged, that are
currently present in the system (see Figure 4.23). It is made up of two parts, Details of Events and
Details of Background Activations. Two buttons in the upper right-hand corner of the window
toggle between these two views. The Details of Events window contains all events that are
normally displayed by the fire panel, including all alarm and trouble conditions. Details of
Background Activations consist of all events that are only reported to the history buffer and
printer of the fire-panel, such as speaker circuits, and non-reporting control modules, as well as
zone activation.
Double-clicking on a row will bring up a screen of the floor plan involved, if there is one.
NCS4detev
Select the
blue button
to view
Details of
Background
Activation.
Figure 4.23 The Detailed Events Dialog Box (Fire Events Shown)
A scroll bar will be provided if more events are present in the system that can be displayed at one
time. The events are sorted by event type (fire alarm, security alarm, supervisory alarm, trouble,
pre-alarm, acknowledged alarm, acknowledged security alarm, acknowledged supervisory alarm,
acknowledged trouble, and acknowledged pre-alarm) and time. This dialog box will be displayed in
68
Operation
the same position as when previously closed. If left open, it will be refreshed every 6 seconds, and
only if new events of equal or lower priority were received by the NCS. If higher priority events
were received, this window would be updated immediately.
All information received from the node that the event happened on will be displayed in this box.
This includes the event type, the device type, the device label, the first zone referenced in the CBE
equation (for panels that provide this information), the first zone label (for panels that provide this
information), the trouble type (for trouble conditions), the time and date (assigned by the NCS), and
a panel specific type index. This box will be updated during receipt of normal events, as well as
during a data refresh operation. In the latter case most of the information will not be available, and
only the information that is available will be displayed. The NCS provides the ability to print all
events in the Detailed Event box by clicking the printer icon on the right side of the events banner.
Current Event Window
ncscurrt.tif
The current event window contains all network and local events, as well as system messages
received by the NCS. A maximum of 1000 events can be displayed in the system message box (see
Figure 4.24), with the newest event displayed on the bottom of the window. If more than 1000
events are reached, the oldest event will be deleted. The events displayed in this window are sorted
by time and date, with the date column being displayed first. Events in this window will be color
coded, using the same color scheme as in the Unacknowledged Event Box.
Figure 4.24 Current Events Dialog Box

If this window is not closed, it will remain on top. This window will also always be displayed in the
same position as when previously closed.
Disabled Device Window
ncsdisdv.tif
The disabled device window contains all disabled devices in the system. A disabled device can be
re-enabled by selecting (double-clicking) it from the list of disable devices. A confirmation dialog
box will be displayed, confirming the enable command. If the point enabled is a AM2020 or
AFP1010 zone, right clicking on the point will bring up another menu.1 This menu will give the
user an option of using the Zone Enable or Group Zone Enable command for the zone. All zones
will be colored to make them stand out within the window.
Figure 4.25 Disabled Devices Dialog Box

1. These panels have not been certified for UL 864 9th Edition compliance. See Section 1.2,
UL 9th Edition Compliance for more information.
69
Operation
The Disabled Device window will only be refreshed when the device is disabled or enabled, but at
a rate no greater than 6 seconds. This window will also be displayed in the same position as when
previously closed. All events in the disabled device window may be printed.
History Manager
The user may select the History Manager Window from under the View Menu. The History
Manager is a program that records all operator actions and all events (alarms and troubles) that
have occurred in the system. Refer to Section 5 on page 86 for a detailed description of the History
Manager.
4.6.5 Screen Navigation

Under this menu option the user can view different graphic building representations which have
been setup by the Graphic Setup Program (Section 6). Select Next or Previous Screen to view the
floor representations (see Figure 4.26). Perform this same function by pressing the < and > arrows
above the graphic (see Figure 4.27 below).
NCSnavmenc.jpg
Select Find Screen to bring up a particular screen. The pull-down menu illustrated in Figure 4.28
will display screens available for viewing.
ncsarrow.tif
Figure 4.26 The Screen Navigation Menu
Figure 4.27 Next and Previously Viewed Arrow Keys
Pull-down
menu. Click
on tab to
display
screens
available
for viewing.
Figure 4.28 The Find Screen
70
Read Status/Program
Operation
4.6.6 Troubles Originating at the NCS

Trouble events originating at the NCS are transmitted to other reporting nodes (i.e., another NCS or
an NCA/NCA-2) on the network. All local troubles are reported with the exception of node off-line
conditions which depend on the local settings of the NCS or NCA/NCA-2 and are reported
individually by all reporting nodes.
Below is a list of trouble messages which are exclusive to the NOTIFIRENET network
environment, and generated by the NCS.
Node Communications Failure
The node is programmed into the system but does not exist physically on the network, or the
node is physically attached to the network but is not programmed into the Command Center.
Network Fail Port A
Data is not being received on network Port A. This trouble is only reported if the node is
configured for dual port supervision.
Network Fail Port B
Data is not being received on network Port B. This trouble is only reported if the node is
configured for dual port supervision.
NCS UPS Failure
This trouble is generated when an attached Uninterruptable Power Supply is no longer
functioning.
NCS Fan Failure
This trouble is generated when the cooling fan in the PC stops functioning, and it is a latching
trouble. The operator must exit the NCS program and restart it to clear this trouble condition.
NUP Communication Loss
This trouble is generated when the NCS loses communication with the NCS-NCW/F card.
NCS Piezo Battery Failure
This trouble is generated when the battery back-up for the piezo on the NCS-NCW/F card
fails.
4.7 Read Status/Program

The Read Status feature of the NCS allows the operator to display the status of nodes or devices
communicating on and programmed into the NOTIFIRENET. The NFS-320, DVC,
AM2020/AFP1010, AFP-300/400, NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, and NFS-640/NFS2-640 fire panels are
supported for read status operations in this software release. Refer to the sections below.
AM2020/AFP1010
AFP-300/400
Section 4.7.1
NFS-3030/NFS2-3030
NFS-640/NFS2-640
NFS-320
Section 4.7.2
DVC
Section 4.7.3
71
Operation
Read Status/Program
4.7.1 Read Status Screens (AM2020/AFP1010, AFP-300/400)

NOTE: The AM2020/AFP1010,and AFP-300/400 have not been certified to comply with the
requirements in the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864
9th Edition. Operation of these panels with the NCS (version 5.0 and higher) has not been
evaluated. Such operation requires the approval of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Detectors
ncsdetrdstat.jpg
To perform Read Status on a detector in the system, select the node the detector is connected to
from the Select System dialog box. Select OK. A node dialog box appears. Select the Detector tab.
Enter the address of the detector that is desired to perform Read Status. Select Program. The
Detector dialog box appears. This dialog box displays the current programming for the detector, the
verification counter, percentage of alarm, and whether the detector is in alarm, trouble, or disabled
(see Figure 4.29).
Figure 4.29 Detector Read Status

Control and Monitor Modules
To perform Read Status on a module in the system, select the node the module is connected to from
the Select System dialog box. Select OK. A node dialog box will appear. Select the Module tab.
Enter the address of the module desired to perform Read Status. Select Program. The Module
dialog box will appear. This dialog box displays the current programming for the module and
whether the module is in alarm, trouble, or disabled (see Figure 4.30).
72
Operation
ncsmodrdstat.jpg
Read Status/Program
Figure 4.30 Module Read Status
73
Operation
Read Status/Program
Zones
ncszonrdstat.jpg
To perform Read Status on an AM2020/AFP1010 zone in the system, select the node the zone is
connected to from the Select System dialog box. Select OK. A node dialog box appears. Select the
Zone tab. Enter the zone number desired to perform Read Status. Select Program. The Zone dialog
box will appear. This dialog box displays the current programming for the zone and whether the
zone is in alarm, trouble, or is disabled (see Figure 4.31).
Figure 4.31 Zone Read Status
74
Read Status/Program
Operation
Annunciator Points
ncsannrdstat.jpg
To perform Read Status on an annunciator point, select the Annunciator tab from the Node dialog
box. Enter the address of the point desired to perform Read Status. Select Program. The
Annunciator Point dialog box displays. This dialog box shows the type of annunciator point and
whether it is in Alarm, Trouble, or Off (see Figure 4.32).
Figure 4.32 Annunciator Point Read Status
75
Operation
Read Status/Program
System Data I
ncssysdat1c.jpg
To perform Read Status on system parameters, select the System Data I, II or II tab from the node
dialog box (See Figures 4.33 through 4.35).
Figure 4.33 System Data I Point Read Status
ncssysdat2c.jpg
System Data II
Figure 4.34 System Data II Point Read Status
76
Read Status/Program
Operation
ncssysdat3c.jpg
System Data III
Figure 4.35 System Data III Point Read Status
77
Operation
Read Status/Program
4.7.2 Read Status Screens (NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, NFS-640/NFS2640, and NFS-320)

NOTE: The NFS-3030 and NFS-640 have not been certified to comply with the requirements in
the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864 9th Edition.
Operation of these panels with the NCS (version 5.0 and higher) has not been evaluated. Such
operation requires the approval of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
ncs3030readstatsy
To enter Read Status node, select the desired node from the Network Operations screen (see
Figure 3.34) by double-clicking on the node number at the beginning of the row. The following
screen will appear.
Tree for navigating NFS3030/NFS2-3030Read

Status screens. Double
click on a category to
expand the tree.
Read Status information in this area will

change depending on which category of
information has been selected in the tree.
Click the
Refresh button
to update the
screen.
Figure 4.36 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - System

The column at the left is a collapsed tree that will allow the operator to navigate the read status
screens for that node. The data at the right gives information on the NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 system.
For detailed information on the fields that appear in the Read Status screens, refer to the panels
programming and operating manuals.
Loops
ncs3030reads
Click a Loop row in the tree to view loop information.
Click
Loop
Figure 4.37 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - Loop
78
Read Status/Program
Operation
SLC and Panel Circuit Detectors and Modules
For SLC devices, double-click on a Loop row, click on Detectors or Modules, then click on a
particular detector or module address to view Read Status.
For Panel Circuit devices, click on the Panel Circuits row, click on a panel circuit, then click on a
particular panel circuit point to view Read Status.
Panel Circuit
devices:
Click Panel
Circuits, then
the Circuit
number, then
a point
address
Click this button to

disable the point
Control Modules or panel circuit points Click this button to force the module on.
Scroll to view all the module

or detector information.
ncs3030readstatmodule.jpg
SLC devices:
Click Loop,
then
Detectors or
Modules,
then the loop
address
Figure 4.38 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - Detector or Module

Zones
Double click on a zone row to expand the tree to display individual zones.
ncs3030readstatreleas
In this example,
the Releasing
Zones row has
been clicked
and the tree has
expanded to
display the list
of releasing
zones.
Click on a zone
to display its
information.
When a General Zone is selected for Read Status, a Disable button
appears at the bottom of the screen. Clicking the button disables the zone.
Figure 4.39 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - Zones
79
Operation
Read Status/Program
Annunciators
For Annunciators, click on the annunciator row, click on an ACS device, then click on a particular
annunciator point to view Read Status.
In this example, the
Annunciator row has been
clicked and the tree has
expanded to display the
list of ACS devices.
Click on an ACS
device to display
individual points,
then click on an
Annunciator Point
to display its
information.
Figure 4.40 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - Annunciator Points
Custom Action Messages
Custom Action messages are user-defined messages that can be programmed to appear in device
event display screens.
ncs3030readstatacam.
Click on the
Custom Action
Messages row
to display the
list of
messages.
Click on an
individual
message to
view its
contents.
Figure 4.41 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - Custom Action Messages
80
Read Status/Program
Operation
Weekly Occupancy Schedules
This screen will display the panels weekly occupancy schedules.
ncs3030readstatoccup
Click on the
Weekly
Occupancy
Schedule row
to display the
list of
schedules.
Click on a
schedule to
view its
contents.
Figure 4.42 NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 Read Status - Weekly Occupancy Schedules
4.7.3 Read Status Screens (DVC)
DVCreleasestatus1.jpg
To view read status of a DVC node, select the desired DVC from the Network Operations screen
(see Figure 3.34) by double-clicking on the node number at the beginning of the row. The following
screen will appear.
Tree for navigating Read

Status screens. Double
click on a category to
expand the tree.
Read Status information in this area will

change depending on which category of
information has been selected in the tree.
Click the
Refresh button
to update the
screen.
Figure 4.43 DVC Read Status - System

The column at the left is a collapsed tree that will allow the operator to navigate the read status
screens for that node. The data at the right gives information on the system. For detailed
information on the fields that appear in the Read Status screens, refer to the DVC manual or
VeriFire Tools Online Help.
81
Operation
Read Status/Program
DAA Amplifiers
Select an amplifier in the tree to view its current settings.
DVCreadstatusDAA.bmp
Click
DAA
Figure 4.44 DVC Read Status - DAA Amplifier

Speakers
Expand the DAA AMPLIFIER and SPEAKERS rows, and then select a speaker address to view read
status for an individual DAA speaker output.
Speaker on a DAA:
Expand the Amplifier
and Speakers rows.
Select the
speaker address.
Speaker read status information is on the

right side of the screen.
DAAReadStatusSpkrckts.bmp
Figure 4.45 DVC Read Status - Speakers
82
Read Status/Program
Operation
PAM Points (Local Outputs)
To view read status about individual PAM Points located on a DAA: Expand SPEAKERS,
speaker address (for example, A1S2), and PAM POINTS rows. Select a PAM Point address to display
information for a particular PAM point.
To view read status about individual PAM Points located on a Analog Output: Expand
ANALOG OUTPUTS, AO (individual analog output address), and PAM POINTS rows. Select a PAM
Point address to display information for a particular PAM point.
PAM Points on a
DAA:
Expand Speakers,
speaker address, and
PAM Points rows.
Select the PAM Point address.

PAM Point information is displayed on the
DVCDAArdstatPAMpts.bmp
Figure 4.46 DVC Read Status - PAM Points (Local Outputs)

PAM Points (Network Outputs)
To view read status about individual Network Paging PAM Points located on a DAA:
Expand NETWORK PAGING PAM POINTS. Select a Network Paging PAM Point address to display
information for it.
PAM Points
on a DVC
Select the PAM Point address.

PAM Point information is displayed on the
DVCrdstatPAMpts.bmp
Figure 4.47 DVC Read Status - PAM Points (Network Outputs)
83
Operation
Read Status/Program
All Call/Special Paging Mapping
DVC_ALLCALL.bmp
Expand the ALL CALL MAPPING and SPECIAL PAGING MAPPING rows to display nodes that are
mapped to All Call and Special Paging.
Figure 4.48 DVC Read Status - All Call/Special Paging Mapping and Fixed Input
Priorities
Fixed Input Priorities

Expanding this row displays the current priorities of the DVCs fixed inputs. The fixed inputs are:
1
Local Mic Page*
Network Mic Page
16
Local Tel Page*
17
Network Tel Page
1035
Network Workstation
1037
Network Remote Workstation
1038
Local RM-1
1039
Network RM-1
1040
Local AUXB
1041
Network AUXB
1043
Local AUXA
1044
Network AUXA
* Local Microphone Page will always take

priority over Local Telephone Page.
84
Read Status/Program
Operation
Logic Zones
Expand the Logic Zone row and select an individual logic zone to view its state, status and
equation. The DVC can have up to 2000 logic zones.
Click a
zone to
display its
information.
LogicZonelabel.bmp
Figure 4.49 DVC Read Status - Logic Zones
General Zones
Expand the General Zone row and select an individual general zone to view it.
Click a zone
to display its
information.
DVCrdstatGenZon.bmp
Figure 4.50 DVC Read Status - General Zones
85
Section 5: The History Manager

The History Manager program is designed to directly integrate with the NCS, or operate as a standalone program that can be used to view the history file at any given time. On PCs that have the NCS
installed, the History Manager can only be invoked through the NCS.
5.1 NCS History Manager Operation

When the History Manager is invoked, the History database is opened and all events are shown (see
Figure 5.1). While the History Manager is running, and a new, higher priority event is received as
the current one, the History Manager automatically shuts down to display the new event. If equal or
lower priority events are received, the History Manager will not shut down.
ncshistoryviewer.jpg
Figure 5.1 Current History Database

To maximize operations while the History Manager is running, new events of equal or lower
priority, are not automatically shown. Instead, a Refresh Grid button (Figure 5.2) indicates if new
events have been received. If this button is grayed out, all events that have been received are
displayed. If this button is enabled, then the NCS has received new events, but the History Manager
is not currently displaying them. Pressing this button queries the database to show the new events
received. New events will appear at the top of the database window.
refresh.tif
Figure 5.2 Refresh Grid Button

Stored History Files
The History Manager, by default, displays the currently active history database. This is indicated by
the program in the title bar. The user can open older history databases under the File menu, Open
Archived History File command (Figure 5.3). This operation will close the current database and
86
NCS History Manager Operation
The History Manager
archivhs.tif
open the selected one. The History Manager will indicate that the current history file is no longer
displayed by showing the path and file name of the current history database in the title bar. See
Figure 5.4 for an example of an archived history database.
archive.tif
Figure 5.3 Opening an Archived History File
Figure 5.4 Example of an Archived History Database

The current history database can be re-opened by selecting the Current History File command
under the File menu. If the history manager is shut down and later re-opened, and an archived
history database was previously selected, the dialog box will be shown indicating this. The dialog
box will then ask if the user wants to open the current history database, or continue with the one
selected.
Operator List
The History Manager provides an Operator List via a control tab on the main screen. This tab, when
invoked, displays all operators who have logged on to the system and the last login time and date.
This list is part of the history database, and therefore will be cleared whenever a new history
database is opened. See Figure 5.5.
87
operlis.tif
The History Manager
Figure 5.5 Example of an Operator List Dialog Box

Number of Events
numevnt.tif
The number of entries in the history database is shown at all times. If a custom filter view is
selected, the number of entries will be equal to the number of events shown (see Figure 5.6).
Figure 5.6 Number of Events Shown on the History Database

Custom Filters
The history manager will allow the operator to view the events using the following search criteria:
All events
All events while a specific operator was logged in*.
All events by node number, loop number or device number*. They can be independently set.
Events with a particular device status (fire alarm, security alarm, supervisory alarm, point or
system trouble, module activation, disabled device, operator login in/out, system programming
and other events)*.
Events which happened between in a given time frame*.
Events received by device types, including detectors, modules, zones, bell circuits, panel
circuits and other devices.
NOTE: The events marked * may be combined with any other search criteria.
88
The History Manager
custfilt.tif
Searching and displaying events in the history manager wont adversely affect the NCS operation.
Any operation of this type is conducted as a low priority event. See Figure 5.7 for an example of
search dialog box and Figure 5.8 for a search showing only Administration logins.
custadmn.tif
Figure 5.7 Example of a Search Dialog Box
Figure 5.8 Example of a Search of Administration Logins Only

If the user selects a custom filter view, the History Manager will indicate this by highlighting the
Custom Filter button (Figure 5.8). If the user doesnt have any custom filters applied, the All
Events view will be displayed, and the All Events button will be highlighted. Pushing either
button will bring up the associated screen.
89
The History Manager
Visible columns
viscolm.tif
Select Options, Select Visible Columns to control column types shown in the Event History
Viewer. Clear the box next to the column type to hide it from view (Figure 5.9). The History
Manager saves these preferences for future sessions. In addition, each column in the Event History
Viewer can be resized by dragging its borders.
Figure 5.9 Select Visible Columns Dialog Box

Printing
hisprint.tif
Any graphics printer connected to the NCS can print the current history database (or any archived
history database). The Print command located under the File menu invokes the common printer
dialog box (Figure 5.10) enabling the selection of a printer. The printout consists of the information
shown in the history manager. Columns that are hidden will not print. If a custom filter has been
selected, only the events that are a part of the filter will be printed.
Figure 5.10 Print Dialog Box
5.1.1 History Backup

The history buffer may contain an unlimited number of entries. However, once the number reaches
100,000 events, the user is instructed to archive the current database and open a new one.
90
Stand-alone History Manager Operation
The History Manager
hisback.tif
Use the Archive History command under the Administration menu to manually archive a database.
This command opens a dialog box to save the current history database, with a .his extension (see
Figure 5.11). Archiving the current database for backup creates a new, blank history buffer.
Figure 5.11 Archive History Dialog Box

Automatic History Backup
The NCS can be automatically configured to back up a history file when the NCS reaches a userselected number of entries (from 10,000 to 100,000 events). In addition, the history database can be
backed up any day of the month, ranging from 1 to 28. (To alleviate the problem of how many days
are in a month, the allowable range of specified days is 1 - 28.)
The current history file will be saved to a file name made up of the current date with an a prefix,
denoting an automatic backup. If more the one backup has occurred in any given day, a 1 will be
added to the file for each backup. For example, a061201-1.his indicates the first file backed up
automatically on June 12th, 2001. An a061201-2.his file indicates that a second file was backed
up that day.
The path and filename of the old history file will be saved in the new history file. All history files
are backed up in the \{install}\HistoryArchives directory.
5.2 Stand-alone History Manager Operation

Stand-alone operation of the History Manager is similar to its NCS Integrated operation. When the
History Manager is powered up, a blank history file is initially displayed. The user has to manually
open any history file.
91
Section 6: The Graphic Setup Program

The Graphic Setup Program allows the creation of floorplans and devices as well as associating
information about each device.
NCS Integrated Operation

If the GSP is called up from the NCS, all operations are identical. However, when the GSP is
exited, graphics.mdb is not automatically updated. Instead, the database can be updated in the NCS
using the Update Graphic Database command under the Graphics menu. If the NCS is not running
at the time the database is updated, the database can be updated once the NCS is powered up, and
the update command is executed.
In both the Standalone and NCS integrated operations, on power-up the existence of the backup
database will be checked. If it exists, then a dialog box will be displayed indicating that it was
found. The user then has the option to use this database, or the graphics database. If the graphics
database is chosen, recent edits might be lost.
6.1 Program Layout

The Graphic Setup Program (GSP) consists of several different windows. The main graphics area
and key-map area have the same size and location as in the NCS. This allows the user to place
screen floorplans and devices, and see them exactly as they would appear in the NCS. (See
Figure 6.1.)
Title Bar
Information Window
Menu Bar
Key-Map Area
Toolbar
Graphics Area
ncsgspintc.jpg
Tree View Window

(Screen Device
View)
Figure 6.1 Graphic Setup Program Interface Window

In addition, the top area has room for displaying the current screen information and command
buttons. The area to the right of the main graphics screen contains the Tree View Window which is
similar to a Windows Explorer type structure. Refer to Figure 6.2 for three different views of the
system offered by the Tree View Window.
92
Program Layout
The Graphic Setup Program
6.1.1 Screen Tree View (Floor Plan)

This view shows how the different screens are linked through groups. A path from the left to the
right identifies screens containing lower groups, down to the floor plan containing only devices.
This view can also be used to navigate through the screens. Double-click on a floor plan name to
display the appropriate floor plan. (See Figure 6.2.)
Click here to select
the Screen Tree view
ncstree.jpg
These two screens are at

the same hierarchy level.
There are no screens at
another level in this
example.
Figure 6.2 Floor Plan Screen Tree View Example
6.1.2 Group Tree View

This view shows which devices are linked to a group. Each group and the devices associated with it
are shown. Double-clicking on an item in this view will bring up the appropriate dialog box to
change any settings. (See Figure 6.3.)
ncsgrview.jpg
Click here to select

the Group Tree view
Figure 6.3 Group Tree View Example
6.1.3 Screen Device View

This view shows all screens in the system, and the devices associated with a screen, which includes
information labels and navigational buttons. Double-clicking on a floor plan displays the screen,
double-clicking on a device displays the edit dialog box for the device. (See Figure 6.4.)
Click here to select the
Screen Device view
Level 1 screens/bitmaps
Level 2 devices linked to

Level 1 3rd Floor
ncsscview.jpg
Level 2 devices linked to

Level 1 test
Figure 6.4 Floor Plan Device View Example
93
Program Layout
6.1.4 Information Windows
infowin.jpg
The Information Window contains the information about the current screen that is edited. This
includes the screen Description, keymap file name, guidance text file name, and floor plan file
name. (See Figure 6.5.)
Figure 6.5 The Information Window
selectfl.jpg
Double-clicking on any of these fields displays a file dialog box. This allows the user to change the
keymap or floor plan, select a new guidance text file, or change the name of the screen that is
currently edited, refer to Figure 6.6 for an example. If a floor plan is changed, a Save Screen
option appears, see Figure 6.7, allowing the user to save all current changes. This option only
appears if changes have been made to the current screen. In addition, double clicking on the floor
screen name in the Tree View Window also saves any current changes that have been made.
savescrn.jpg
Figure 6.6 File Dialog Box
Figure 6.7 Save Screen Option Dialog Box
94
Graphic Floor Plans
6.1.5 Tool Bar

A toolbar is available through the Information Window. This toolbar is not restricted to the
Information Window and can float to other areas of the screen. The toolbar contains shortcut
buttons for various graphic operations, including: creating groups, detectors, modules, zones,
system troubles, information labels and navigation buttons, creating hot keys (hot templates) and
editing a floor plan or key map. (See Figure 6.8.)
Create Navigation Button
Create Zone
Edit File Plan

toolbarc.jpg
Create Detector
Create Group
Create Module
System Troubles
Display Hot Keys
Create Information Label
Edit Keymap
Figure 6.8 Tool Bar

If a template group is defined, then pressing the short cut button will display a dialog box from
which a template can be chosen. If a template is not defined, then the first 40 items in the directory
will be displayed in a picture box. For example, if the Create Zones Button is pressed, and no
templates are defined, the first 40 icons found in the device directory will be displayed in a picture
box. However, if templates are defined, a selection of all zone templates will be shown. After a
template is chosen, only the icons associated with that template will be displayed. Select a toolbar
icon and a library of icons associated with that button will appear. Choose an icon by clicking on it
and dragging it to a location on the floor plan screen.
6.2 Graphic Floor Plans

Floor plans are bitmaps that are displayed on the main screen of the NCS. The bitmaps measure
780 x 538 pixels and can be customized with any graphics program that can edit bitmaps. Note that
third party software cannot be installed on the NCS workstation. Bitmaps should be edited on an
auxiliary computer running the Graphic Setup Program in STANDALONE mode. The auxiliary
computer must be configured to have the same display properties as the NCS workstation.
(1024 x 768 resolution/High Color (16 Bit).
Transfer edited floor plan bitmaps to the NCS workstation. All floor plan bitmaps must be stored in
the directory \{install}\Floors. All images must be saved in bitmap (.bmp) formats.
CAUTION: DO NOT install Third Party Software on the NCS Workstation!

Install only software supplied by an authorized distributor. The installation and/or use of ANY third party
software on the NCS workstation will violate the warranty and the systems UL listing!
95
Graphic Floor Plans
6.2.1 Adding Floor Plans to the NCS
floorpl.jpg
A floor plan can be added to the NCS by selecting the Screens menu option, New Screens
command from the menu bar. A confirmation dialog box is then displayed. This dialog box allows
the user to select an existing floor plan and keymap, or create a new floor plan and key-map. In
both cases, a floor plan title must be selected. (See Figure 6.9.)
Figure 6.9 New Screen Dialog Box
floorpic.jpg
If an existing floor plan or keymap is to be added, a dialog box appears allowing the user to select a
floor plan, refer to Figure 6.10 for an example. Once the floor plan and keymap are selected, they
will be displayed in the Graphic Setup Program.
Figure 6.10 Existing Floor Plan Dialog Box (Example)

If a new floor plan or keymap is to be added, a blank floor plan and key map will appear with the
floor plan title. This floor plan can be altered entirely with image editing programs such as Paint
and then pasted into the screen. Double-clicking on a floor plan or keymap will invoke Paint where
any changes or edits can be made to the drawing. When Paint is exited, the file date and time are
checked on the hard drive. If the date or time of the file has changed, the bitmap is copied over the
existing floorplan and displayed in the Graphic User Interface (GUI).
Each screen contains a floorplan, keymap, screen description and guidance text. Although each
floor plan has a corresponding numeric identifier assigned to it, only the screen name is displayed
on the NCS main form. The Graphic Setup Program displays the name of the current screen, as well
as the floor plan filename, the keymap filename, and the guidance text file name that is associated
with the screen.
96
Graphic Floor Plans
6.2.2 Selecting Floor Plans
selflpln.jpg
The screen selecting command displays a dialog box which contains all screens with their
corresponding floor plan number, and a preview window. It allows the user to select a floor plan for
editing purposes. Once a screen floor plan has been selected, click the OK button and the new floor
plan with all its associations will be displayed. (See Figure 6.11.)
Figure 6.11 Selecting Floor Plans Dialog Box
6.2.3 Deleting Floor Plans
delscrn.jpg
The Graphic Setup Program allows the operator to delete screens. When this operation is selected, a
dialog box containing all screens in the GSP, with the corresponding floor plan number, will be
displayed. In addition, this dialog box will contain a preview of the floor plan belonging to the
screen that is to be deleted. (See Figure 6.12.)
Figure 6.12 Deleting Floor Plans Dialog Box
delsrdi.jpg
A confirmation dialog box will be displayed before the floor plan is actually deleted from the
system (Figure 6.13). Deleting a floor plan causes all devices, information labels, navigation
buttons, etc. that are on the screen, to also be deleted. The physical bitmap files for keymaps and
floorplans are not deleted.
Figure 6.13 Deleting a Floor Plan Confirmation Dialog Box
97
Keymap Area
6.2.4 Setting Keymap Links

A key map can be linked to a floor plan diagram if desired. In the NCS, when the key map is
double-clicked, the screen linked to the key map will appear. This allows easy navigation of the
graphics.
gspkeymplk.jpg
Keymap links can be set under the Screens menu, Set Keymap Link command. When this
command is activated, a dialog box appears, displaying all screens in the system (Figure 6.14).
Once the keymap and screen are linked, the floor plan will be displayed when the corresponding
keymap area is selected.
Figure 6.14 Selecting Keymap Links Dialog Box
6.2.5 Screen Title

The screen title describes the present screen. A 40-character floor plan title can be entered. All
screen titles are available for viewing and navigating from the Tree View Window.
6.2.6 Guidance Text
textfl.jpg
Guidance Text can be added to any screen. Guidance text may contain instruction or warnings
applicable to the displayed area. The text is entered using the guidance text viewer/editor
(Figure 6.15). The guidance text can be printed automatically or by device activation from within
the NCS or manually by user selection. To manually print guidance text by user selection, press the
button to display, choose auto display, and select auto print.
Figure 6.15 Guidance Text Dialog Box Example
6.3 Keymap Area

Keymaps are bitmaps which are created and assigned during the new screen process. The bitmaps
measure 327 X 167 pixels. Keymaps are displayed above the floor plan on the Main NCS screen.
The Keymap acts as an overview for the floor plan it belongs to. Every floor plan must have a
98
Menu Bar Options
keymap assigned to it, although the same Keymap may be assigned to different screens. Keymaps
can be customized through Paint. If a keymap link has been created, double-click the keymap while
in the NCS to bring up the associated screen.
6.4 Menu Bar Options

6.4.1 File
gspfile.jpg
Select Exit Setup to close the Graphic Setup Program and return to the NCS (Figure 6.16).
Figure 6.16 The File Menu
6.4.2 Screens
gspscreen.jpg
Under the Screens menu option, the user can create a new graphic screen, select a previous graphic
screen, delete a graphic screen or set a keymap link to a graphic screen (Figure 6.17).
Figure 6.17 The Screens Menu
gspdevicec.jpg
6.4.3 Devices
gspdevgrc.jpg
Figure 6.18 The Devices Menu
Figure 6.19 Groups
99
Menu Bar Options
gspgrpsetup.jpg
gspdevdetc.jpg
Figure 6.20 Setting Up Groups
gspdevsystrb.jpg
Figure 6.21 Detectors
gspdevmodc.jpg
Figure 6.22 System Troubles
Figure 6.23 Modules
100
gspdevzonc.jpg
Menu Bar Options
gspdevinfolc.jpg
Figure 6.24 Zones
gspdevnbc.jpg
Figure 6.25 Information Labels
Figure 6.26 Navigation Buttons
101
Device Icons
6.4.4 View
gspview.jpg
The View menu option allows the user to customize the toolbar to the users preference and view
screen statistics. Screen statistics include: device (detectors, modules, zones) count, graphic (labels,
navigation buttons) count and a Total count (combination of both).
Figure 6.27 The View Menu
6.4.5 Setup
The Setup menu allows the user to edit graphics and set NCS preferences for non-latin language
labels. Select Edit NCS Graphic to edit the site logo. See Section 6.8, Custom Bitmap, on page
110. Choose Nodes for Labels instructs the NCS to display custom labels programmed in the
GSP instead of labels programmed at the panel for the selected nodes. These custom labels will
appear in all NCS windows except read status windows. Allow Remote Site Setup makes the
Graphic Setup Program functional over remote networks.
Figure 6.28 The Setup Menu
gsphelpcb.bmp
6.4.6 About
Figure 6.29 The About Window
6.5 Device Icons

After a floor plan and keymap screen have been created, Device Graphics can be added. Device
Graphics include Level 1 Groups, Level 2 Groups, Devices (detectors, modules and zones),
Navigation Buttons, and Information Labels. All device bitmaps must be stored in the
{install}\device directory, Groups must be stored in the {install}\group directory.
102
Device Icons
6.5.1 Devices
A symbol can be used to graphically represent a device (detector, module or zone) in the fire alarm
system. In addition to a graphical representation of the device, the user can assign device
descriptions and link pictures, documents and sound to the device. The NCS does not permit one
device to be displayed on multiple screens; a device can only appear on one screen.
detbox.jpg
A new device can be added to the system by using the Devices Menu command or through the
toolbar. When using the toolbar, select the appropriate detector, module or zone you would like to
add. After this command is executed, a library of icons will be displayed to select a symbol
representing the device (see Figure 6.30).
Figure 6.30 Detector Library of Icons
newdetbx.jpg
Once a device is selected, a new device dialog box is displayed where the user can enter address
information about the device (Figure 6.31). For detectors, modules and zones, options are available
to link a sound file, document and/or picture to the symbol. In addition, each of these devices can
be linked to a group. If grouping is to be used, the groups and group screens should be created
before actual devices.
Figure 6.31 New Detector Dialog Box
103
Device Icons
Devices can also be set to AutoNavigate. In this case the AutoNavigate option must be selected.
The following screen allows the user to set up or edit group and graphic display information for a
device (in this example, a detector).
Display:
Node number,
SLC loop number,
Device address
Display:
GSP Screen number,
Screen name
Customer-defined label
associated with device.
Devices group number
Pressing the Clear

button removes the group
displayed in the Group
window from its
association with this
device.
Devices level number

Group description
Checking this box enables

AutoNavigation for this
device.
GSP Device.jpg
Sound: Double-click in this

box to bring up a directory of
sounds that may be selected
for this device. Pressing the
box to the right (the horn icon)
will run the sound file selected.
DO NOT ENTER
INFORMATION INTO THIS
FIELD IF NOTIFY-IP IS
Picture: Double-click in this box to ENABLED!
bring up a directory of user-created
bitmap pictures that may be selected
for display with this device. Pressing
the box to the right (the picture icon)
will display the picture selected.
Double-click in the text window to choose

an icon for a device state (normal, active,
etc.). A menu will pop up allowing the
programmer to browse for icon files.
Selecting a file displays the icon in the
box to the right of the file name.
Right-click on the icon picture to clear the
menu.
Note: The Normal icon may be edited,
Document: If this box is empty and a new message is desired, press the box to the right
but never removed.
(the text icon). An empty box will appear in which the programmer may type a text
message for association with this device. Closing the text box will prompt the user for a
new file name. Press the text icon to display the message.
To edit or select an existing file, double click on the document box. A directory file will
appear with a text box at the top for editing.
Figure 6.32 Setting Device Parameters (Detector Example)

The active icon will blink during an active condition, and steady when acknowledged. Once the
point returns to normal, the normal bitmap is displayed. The trouble, disabled device and pre-alarm
icons also operate the same way.
6.5.2 Detectors
Detectors have other symbols associated with them: an active icon, a trouble icon, a disabled device
icon and a pre-alarm icon. The appropriate icon will be displayed for an event, the device label
blinks if an event is unacknowledged, and is steady if the event is acknowledged.
104
Device Icons
6.5.3 System Troubles

Icons can be selected and edited to represent the various types of system troubles that can be
generated from a node. These troubles are applicable to NFS-3030/NFS2-3030, NFS-640/NFS2640, NFS-320, DVC, NCA/NCA-2, NCS, AFP-200 and AFP-300/400 only. Node off-line troubles
are applicable to all panels.
Generally, AM2020/AFP1010 system troubles can not be mapped in this fashion, with some
exceptions. The following AM2020/AFP1010 system troubles can be mapped according to the
following table.
AM2020/AFP1010 System Trouble to be mapped
Correct GSP set-up Trouble selection
Ground (Earth) Fault Detected in Wiring or System
Ground Fault
Standby Battery Not Connected or Defective
Battery
MPS-24 Monitor Cable Disconnected
MPS Cable Missing
AC Power (Main) Loss. Backup Activated
AC Fail
Catastrophic CPU Nonvolatile RAM Failure
Internal RAM Error
Printer Supervisory Path is Interrupted
Printer Supervisory
PRN Printer Off-line, Buffer Full or Out of Paper
Printer Paper Out
Network Communications Link Fail Port A
Network Fail Port A
Network Communications Link Fail Port B
Network Fail Port B
6.5.4 Modules
Modules show an active, trouble and disabled device symbol. If the module can be disabled from
the NCS, the Disable Device option must be chosen. If the module is an output module, and can be
activated from the NCS, then the Control On/Off option must be chosen.
6.5.5 Zones
A zone shows an active and disabled device symbol.
6.5.6 Linked Files

Sound, document and picture files can be linked with a device. To access these files through the
NCS software, the files must be in specific directories on the PC.
Pictures (scanned photos) must be in the {install}\Pictures directory.
Text files (instructions etc.) must be in the {install}\docs directory.
Sound files (verbal instructions or warnings) must be in {install}\Sounds directory.
These files can also be manually activated by the operator.
6.5.7 Information Labels

Information labels are bitmaps that can be added to a floor plan for additional information. These
labels are generally symbols representing biohazard, flammable or other important information (see
Figure 6.33). Information labels do not receive information regarding alarms and troubles from the
system.
105
Device Icons
infolbl.jpg
Figure 6.33 Information Labels Dialog Box

To add an information label under the Devices menu option, select the Information Label option to
the New Information Label command, or select the information label icon on the toolbar. After this
command is executed, a library of icons will be displayed to select a symbol representing the
information label. If template groups are defined for that label, then a group must be chosen before
a label is selected. Once a label is selected, a new label dialog box will be displayed where the user
can enter text information about the information label.
Double-click on a device label icon and drag it to the corresponding area on the graphic floor plan,
it will then appear on the screen. Double-click on the information label in the NCS to display the
text file associated with the information label. Information labels can be moved around the screen
without being deleted and recreated.
6.5.8 Navigational Buttons

Navigational Buttons can be placed anywhere on a graphic screen. These buttons are then linked to
other screens in the NCS. Place the cursor over a navigational button to see the label of the floor
plan associated with that button.
navbut5.jpg
To create a navigational button link, select the Navigational Button icon on the toolbar or select the
Devices Menu option, New Navigation Button. A dialog box will appear that contains a navigation
button (Figure 6.34). Double-click on the button and drag it to the appropriate area on the graphic
floor plan. After the navigation button is dragged on the screen another dialog box will appear
allowing you to set up a link (Figure 6.35).
Figure 6.34 Navigation Button Dialog Box
106
navbut2.jpg
Device Icons
Figure 6.35 Setup Links Dialog Box
6.5.9 Delete Operations

To delete a particular button, device or information label from a screen, place the mouse over the
symbol and right-click on the mouse (or use the Devices menu option, delete module, detector,
zone, etc.). A dialog box will appear allowing the user to delete a symbol.
6.5.10 Searching for Specific Items
findcom.jpg
Once many screens are entered, finding a particular device without displaying each floor plan is
difficult. The NCS has a Find command located under the Devices menu option, under each device
category, which allows the user to find a device by entering in its device label or address
(Figure 6.36). Once the label or address is entered, the appropriate floor will be invoked. For easier
viewing, select the Flash Label checkbox to make the device blink for two seconds. For
information labels and navigation buttons, the option to blink the graphic is given (no labels for
these).
Figure 6.36 Example of a Find Dialog Box for Detectors
6.5.11 Rules for Setting Up Device Graphics

The following rules must be followed when setting up device graphics.
A Level 1 Group must be created before any Level 2 Groups.
Groups must be created before their associated devices.
A Floor Plan containing Level 1 Groups can contain any Graphic Device.
A Level 2 Group should not be placed on a screen where a Level 1 Group resides.
Any Floor Plan can contain a Navigational Button, which functions as a link to another Floor
Plan.
Any floor Plan can contain Information Labels, which display text when double-clicked.
107
Groups
If any Groups are created (or exist already when beginning an edit session), the default
AutoNavigating setting is set to false.
6.6 Groups
Groups allow the creation of screen hierarchies for displaying the pathway to an off-normal device,
starting at a top level site view. Two levels of grouping, Level 1 and Level 2, are used to associate
devices with a single bitmap. A Level 1 group can have either Level 2 groups or actual devices
associated to it. A Level 2 group must be associated upwards to a Level 1 group (in the floor plan
hierarchy), and will have devices associated below it. The two levels of grouping plus the floor plan
where the actual off-normal device is located offer three main view levels for floor plan navigation.
These levels coupled with Navigation Buttons offer a variety of setup possibilities for graphics.
The graphics are no longer limited to one top screen, therefore the Home Screen is the first screen
created. This screen is shown on NCS / GSP Startup. This ability to have many top screens means
that Level 1 Groups can exist on different screens, each representing the Top Screen of a different
graphic path.
Figure 6.37, below, is a pictorial representation of the group levels and device relationships in an
example consisting of two campus buildings.
Main Campus
Screen 1
Bitmap assigned
Group: 4
Group Level: 1
Description: Bldg A
Bitmap assigned
Group: 5
Group Level: 1
Description: Bldg B
Bldg A
Bldg B
Detector 5
Group 5
Group Level 1
Group Level 1
Detector 6
Group 5
Group Level 1
Group Level 2
Screen 2 with
Bitmap assigned
Group: 6
Group Level: 2
Parent: Group 4,
Level 1
Descr: Bldg A Fl 1
Detector 1
Group: 6
Group Level:2
Descr: Bldg A Fl 1
Labs
Bldg A Fl 1
Detector 2
Group: 6
Group Level:2
Descr: Bldg A Fl 1
Bldg A Fl 2
Screen 3 with
Bitmap assigned
Group: 7
Group Level: 2
Parent: Group 4,
Level 1
Descr: Bldg A Fl 2
Detector 3
Group: 7
Group Level:2
Descr: Bldg A Fl 2
Detector 4
Group: 7
Group Level:2
Descr: Bldg A Fl 2
Figure 6.37 Groups Example
108
Setup Templates
6.6.1 Level 1 Groups

A Level 1 group requires a normal state bitmap and a description. A label is created from the Group
description and displayed bottom center of the group bitmap. This label flashes when an off-normal
event is received for an associated device. The flashing occurs by alternating the normal group
description with the color and text of an off-normal event. Optional active and trouble bitmaps can
be assigned to a group for these conditions.
6.6.2 Level 2 Groups

A Level 2 group requires an associated Level 1 group name, normal state bitmap, and a description.
An optional active and trouble bitmap can be assigned and displayed when any off-normal
conditions occur for the group. The Level 1 groups are selected from an available list box. If no
Level 1 groups exist, an error message is displayed and the Level 2 setup is cancelled.
A label is created from the group description and displayed bottom center of the group bitmap. This
label will flash when an off-normal event is received for an associated device. The flashing occurs
by alternating the normal group description with color and text of an off-normal event.
6.6.3 Group Setup Restrictions

The following are restrictions for groups:
If a device on a floor plan is associated with a group, then all other devices on that floor plan
are automatically restricted to the groups contained on the screen where the associated group
resides. In other words, if L1D1 is associated with a specific group 2, then L1D2 on that floor
plan must also be associated with group 2, or another group on the screen where group 2
resides.
Screens can contain Level 1 icons or Level 2 icons, but they can not be intermixed. If a floor
plan has a group defined, all other groups on that floor plan must be of the same level, either
Level 1 or Level 2.
6.6.4 Group Navigation

If a device goes into alarm or trouble, while AutoNavigating is off and a floor plan is displayed that
contains the device linked, then the screen with the group containing the device where the event has
occurred will appear and the group label will flash. This can indicate that an off-normal condition
has occurred within the area that the group monitors. Double clicking on the group will either
invoke the floor plan containing a Level 2 group (assuming that the first group was a level 1 group),
or the device that is off-normal. If a Level 2 group is defined, then the floor plan containing this
group will be invoked, and change to its off-normal bitmap. Double clicking now will invoke the
off-normal device.
If the device is directly linked to the top level group, then double-clicking on the device will invoke
the floor plan that contains that group.
6.7 Setup Templates

Templates can be defined to make device setups easier. Templates can be defined to group a
number of device graphic file options together, or to define a Hot Template which contains the
same bitmap and options for the device.
109
Custom Bitmap
6.7.1 Template Groups

A template contains specific bitmap file groupings for modules, detectors, zones, information
labels, groups, and navigation buttons. These templates can be shown on the main screen, and used
to drag items on the screen. They are designed to logically group specific devices on a dialog box,
with each icon shown. A maximum of 40 icons can be shown per template.
When creating a template, a dialog box listing all items in the directory is displayed. Select the
checkbox next to the items to add them to the template.
6.7.2 Hot Templates

A hot template is a setup of specific modules, detectors or zones. Once a device has been added to a
screen, an option within the device setup saves it as a hot template. These hot templates can then be
used to set up other devices with the same options. The hot templates saved can be invoked from
the toolbar.
NOTE: If a device that defines a hot template is deleted, the hot template will also be deleted.
A hot template is defined for a specific device (the hot template and the device are actually one
item). This allows the user to easily copy information from one device to another. Once the
information for a device hot template is changed, all new devices created from it will have the new
information. Devices created with the hot template before it was changed will not contain the new
information.
6.8 Custom Bitmap
editncsg.jpg
The bitmap that appears on the NCS main window next to the keymap area can be customized.
Located in \notifier\ncs\pictures\frontncs.bmp, this bitmap can be changed with any image editing
software. Select the EDIT NCS GRAPHIC command under the SETUP menu to call up the image file
and edit in Paint. When the graphics are updated, changes to the Custom Bitmap are also updated.
The size of this file must be 459 x 65 pixels, and it must be named frontncs.bmp. (See
Figure 6.38.)
Figure 6.38 Example of Editing a Bitmap in Paint
110
Template Files
6.9 Template Files

For the creation of blank floor plans, and invoking Paint, several files are required for the program
to operate correctly. These files can not be deleted. If they are missing, the program will not operate
correctly.
6.10 NCS Required Files

1.
Floor Directories
{install}\Floors\Genfloor.bmp
\Olefloor.bmp
\NotProgF.bmp
2.
Keymap Directories
{install}\Keymaps\Genkey.bmp
\Olefloor.bmp
\NotProgK.bmp
3.
Device Directories
{install}\Device...Detector, Module, Zone BMPs
\Group...Group BMPs
\Inflabel...Device Information label BMPs
\Navigate...Device navigation button BMPs
\Pictures...Device associated bitmaps
\Sounds...Device wave files
\Docs...all text files
NOTE: Groups and Group screens should be created first if grouping is to be used.
111
Appendix A: Windows 2000 Security Disable

Procedure
A.1 Disable Procedure
In the Windows 2000 environment, a log-on box is displayed requesting a user name and password
each time Windows 2000 starts up. The Windows 2000 log-on box may be disabled if the NCS
software login function is sufficient for security or if the NCS software is to start automatically
once Windows 2000 is running. Once the NCS software starts, the user must still choose Login
under the File menu and enter a user name and password to gain access to the NCS. Note: The
Login function in the NCS software can not be eliminated. To eliminate the Windows 2000
Workstation log-on box, execute the following steps:
1.
From Program Manager, go to the File menu (for Windows 2000 users, select Start, then Run).
Select Run and type regedt32. This brings up the Windows 2000 Registry.
2.
Go to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE dialog box.
3.
Double-click on Software, then on Microsoft.
4.
Double-click on Windows 2000, followed by Current Version, and then Winlogon. At this
point the screen will be split into two sections. The section on the left side contains the tree
structure of the registry and the right side contains values stored in the registry.
5.
From the Edit menu, select Add Value. A dialog box will pop up. Under Value Name, type
DefaultPassword (do not change the displayed data type).
6.
Press OK. Another dialog box will pop up. Under String, enter the current password of the NT
administrator. The password is case sensitive, so be sure it is entered correctly. Press OK for
the change to take effect.
7.
From the Edit menu, select Add Value again. Under Value Name, type AutoAdminLogon.
Press OK. Under String, enter 1 (do not change the displayed data type).
8.
Verify that the two new variables entered in the previous steps appear on the right side of the
screen. The variables should appear as follows:
AutoAdminLogon:REG_SZ:1
DefaultPassword:REG_SZ:<password> (Password is the password entered by the
administrator in Step 6.)
9.
Exit the Windows 2000 Registry, and reboot Windows 2000. When it starts, the log-on screen
should be bypassed.
A.2 Re-Enable Procedure

To re-enable Windows 2000 security, follow steps 1-3 above. Tab over to the right section of the
screen and select the AutoAdminLogon variable. From the Edit menu, select Delete. Press OK. Do
the same for the DefaultPassword variable. Exit the Registry, and reboot Windows 2000.
112
Appendix B: NCS Utility Programs

These programs ship with the NCS, and are used to set up/configure the NCS or computer. They
can be run from the Start/Program Files/NCS menu, and selecting the appropriate program.
B.1 Serial Port Configuration Utility

This program will set up the serial port of the NCS/NFN Gateway to allow the NCS/NFN Gateway
to communicate to the NCS-NCM card. For this program to operate, the cable connecting the serial
port to the NCS-NCM card must be connected. (See Figure 2.3 on page 14.)
The program will scan the available serial ports to detect message flow from the NCS-NCM card. It
will indicate if a connection has been established.
B.2 Key Upgrade Utility

This program is used to upgrade the NCS Key, enabling various functions. If prompted, you must
run this program when upgrading to new versions of the NCS software. In addition, it must be
executed when additional functions, such as the Pager, are purchased.
When the program is executed, the NCS Key Upgrade Utility for Notifier Fire Panels window
will be displayed. This window will identify the installation name, registration, serial number, NCS
version, as well as products and features installed. This information is directly read from the NCS
key. In addition, the Upgrade Authorization Code dialog box will be displayed.
Enter the code to upgrade the NCS key in this dialog box. The code to upgrade the NCS version, or
to purchase additional options, can be obtained from Customer Service.
113
Appendix C: Miscellaneous Software Installation

C.1 Installing the Secure Desktop Software
This software must be installed and configured to comply with UL-864. Follow these steps to
install and configure the software.
1.
Run setup.exe from the Installation CD.
2.
After setup has completed, configure the software by running the Secure Setup program from
the Secure Desktop Program Group.
3.
Select Secure Desktop Icon Settings and General Options instead of Windows Explorer or
Program Manager (Default).
4.
Under Non-Specific User, select Setup, then select F1. Browse to the NCS directory, select
NCS.exe. Be sure to select App Start Enabled. Also select this option for all other programs
that will be selected.
5.
Select F2, browse to the VeriFire Tools directory (if installed), and select nts.exe.
6.
Select F3, browse to the VeriFire-1020 directory, and select veri1020.exe.
7.
Select F4, browse to \program files\Adaptec\Easy CD Creator 4\Create CD\createcd.exe. This

will enable the CD burner software. This completes setting up the programs to run on the PC.
8.
Under Options, select Alt-Tab, Sft-Alt-Tab, Ctrl-ESC, Alt-ESC, Sft-Alt-ESC, Ctrl-Alt-ESC

and Sft-Ctrl-Alt-ESC. These keystrokes will not be permitted.
9.
Go to the Password Tab, select Exit Password. Enter a password that is easily remembered.
The default password is admin.
10. Click on the Registry Button. Select Secure Desktop Gina, and select Disable Ctrl-AltDel.. Select Automatic Login Enabled, if that feature is desired.
11. Click on OS Policy, and select Windows 200/ME. Under Task Manager, select Disabled
12. The PC must now be rebooted for the settings to take effect. After the PC powers back up, the
Windows Desktop will be replaced with the Secure Desktop. Click on the setup button to
change any other options.
C.2 Installing VeriFire Tools CD

Run Setup.exe from the VeriFire Tools CD.
VeriFire Tools can only be run in offline mode when installed on an NCS computer.
Note that MicroSoft Excel is required to view certain spreadsheets in VeriFire Tools. The NCS
comes with this software already installed; however, an upgrade kit will not include Excel and the
software must be purchased separately and installed.
114
Appendix D: Message Tables

D.1 Messages
Some messages differ between the AFP-200, AFP-300/400 and the NCS. Table D.1 depicts AFP200 messages as they appear on the NCS. Tables D.2 through D.4 depict AFP-300/400 messages as
they appear on the NCS. If the system displays a message that is not self-explanatory and is not
listed in this section, contact a Technical Service Representative.
AFP-200
Type I.D.
Supervisory
Tamper
Non-Fire
Hazard Alert
Fire Control
Abort Switch
Man. Release
Trouble Mon
Burglar Ala
Silence
Pas Inhibit
System Reset
AFP-200 Message
NCS Message
activated: ACTIVE SUPERVISORY custom point label zone

label 01:40P 3/06/00 M04
activated: Supervisory Sprvsry Mntr custom point label zone

label N12L1M4 13:40:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL SUPERVISORY custom point label zone

label OPEN CIRCUIT 02:07P 3/06/00 M04
trouble: Trouble Supervisory Sprvsry Mntr custom point label

zone label Open Circuit N12L1M4 14:07:00 3/06/00
activated: ACTIVE TAMPER custom point label zone label

02:20P 3/06/00 M05
activated: Supervisory Sprvsry Mntr custom point label zone

label N12L1M5 14:20:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL TAMPER custom point label zone label

OPEN CIRCUIT 02:43P 3/06/00 M05
trouble: Trouble Supervisory Sprvsry Mntr custom point label

Open Circuit zone label N12L1M5 14:43:00 3/06/00
activated: ACTIVE NONFIRE custom point label zone label

02:07P 3/06/00 M06
activated: *Active Non Alarm custom point label zone label

N12L1M6 13:10:00 15/06/00
trouble: TROUBL NONFIRE custom point label zone label

trouble: Trouble Non Alarm custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M6 14:21:00 3/06/00
activated: ACTIVE HAZARD ALERT custom point label zone

label 02:33P 3/06/00 M07
activated: Supervisory Hazard Alert custom point label zone

label N12L1M7 14:33:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL HAZARD ALERT custom point label zone

trouble: Trouble Supervisory Hazard Alert custom point label

activated: ACTIVE FIRE CONTROL custom point label zone

label 03:21P 3/06/00 M08
activated: *Active Non Alm Mon custom point label zone label
N12L1M8 15:21:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL FIRE CONTROL custom point label zone

trouble: Trouble Non Alm Mon custom point label zone label
Open Circuit N12L1M8 15:35:00 3/06/00
activated: ACTIVE ABORT SWITCH custom point label zone

label 03:07P 3/06/00 M09
activated: *Active Abort Switch custom point label zone label

N12L1M9 15:07:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL ABORT SWITCH custom point label zone

activated: ALARM: MAN. RELEASE custom point label zone
label 04:34P 3/06/00 M10
trouble: Trouble Supervisory Hazard Alert custom point label

activated: Alarm: Man Release custom point label zone label
N12L1M10 16:34:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL MAN. RELEASE custom point label zone

activated: TROUBL TROUBLE MON custom point label zone
label SHORT CIRCUIT 08:24A 3/06/00 M12
trouble: Trouble Man Release custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M10 16:58:00 3/06/00
activated: Trouble Trbl Monitor custom point label zone label
N12L1M12 08:24:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL TROUBLE MON custom point label zone

label OPEN CIRCUIT 08:36A 3/06/00 M12
activated: ACTIVE BURGLAR ALA custom point label zone
label 08:52A 3/06/00 M13
trouble: Trouble Trbl Monitor custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M12 08:36:00 3/06/00
activated: Security Area Monitor custom point label zone
label N12L1M13 08:52:00 3/06/00
trouble: ACTIVE BURGLAR ALA custom point label zone label

09:33A 3/06/00 M13
activated: ACTIVE SILENCE custom point label zone label
11:34A 3/06/00 M14
trouble: Trouble Security Area Monitor custom point label

zone label Security Tamper N12L1M13 09:33:00 3/06/00
activated: *Active Silence custom point label zone label
N12L1M14 11:34:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL SILENCE custom point label zone label

OPEN CIRCUIT 11:45A 3/06/00 M14
activated: ACTIVE PAS INHIBIT custom point label zone label
12:04P 3/06/00 M15
trouble: Trouble Silence custom point label zone label Open

Circuit N12L1M14 11:45:00 3/06/00
activated: *Active Pas Inhibit custom point label zone label
N12L1M15 12:04:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL PAS INHIBIT custom point label zone label

trouble: Trouble Pas Inhibit custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M7 12:10:00 3/06/00
activated: ACTIVE SYSTEM RESET custom point label zone

label 12:21P 3/06/00 M16
activated: *Active System Reset custom point label zone

label N12L1M16 12:21:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL SYSTEM RESET custom point label zone

trouble: Trouble System Reset custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M16 12:39:00 3/06/00
Table D.1 AFP-200 Messages as They Appear on the NCS
115
Message Tables
AFP-200
Type I.D.
Smoke Detect
Heat Detect
Water Flow
Pre-Alarm
Messages
AFP-200 Message
NCS Message
activated: ALARM: SMOKE DETECT custom point label zone

label 12:46P 3/06/00 M17
activated: Alarm: Smoke Detect custom point label zone label

N12L1M17 12:46:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL SMOKE DETECT custom point label zone

trouble: Trouble Smoke Detect custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M17 14:06:00 3/06/00
activated: ALARM: HEAT DETECT custom point label zone

label 02:16P 3/06/00 M18
activated: Alarm: Heat Detect custom point label zone label

N12L1M18 14:16:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL HEAT DETECT custom point label zone

trouble: Trouble Heat Detect custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M18 14:26:00 3/06/00
activated: ALARM:WATERFLOW custom point label zone label

03:18P 3/06/00 M19
activated: Alarm: Water Flow custom point label zone label

N12L1M19 15:18:00 3/06/00
trouble: TROUBL WATERFLOW custom point label zone label

trouble: Trouble Water Flow custom point label zone label

Open Circuit N12L1M19 15:28:00 3/06/00
activated: PREALM SMOKE (PHOTO) custom point label

ALERT: 1.31/1.50% 05:21P 3/06/00 D01
activated: Pre Alarm Smoke (Photo) AFP200 PREALM

ALERT Pre-Alarm Alert N12L1D1 17:21:00 3/06/00
trouble: (not applicable)
Trouble: (not applicable)
*Will be displayed only in History Manager, Current Event window and NonFire Event window in the NCS
Table D.1 AFP-200 Messages as They Appear on the NCS (Continued)
116
Messages
AFP-300/400
Type I.D.
Smoke Detect
Heat Detect
Pull Station
Monitor
(blank)
Abort Switch
Man. Release
Silence
System Reset
Security
Trouble MON
PAS Inhibit
AllCall Page
Message Tables
AFP-300/400 Message
NCS Message
alarm (short): ALARM: Smoke Detect device label zone

label 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Smoke Detect device label zone label

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBLE SMOKE DETECT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Smoke Detect device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: HEAT DETECT device label zone

label 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Heat Detect device label zone label

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL HEAT DETECT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Heat Detect device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: PULL STATION device label zone

label 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Pull Station device label zone label

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL PULL STATION device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Pull Station device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: MONITOR device label zone label

01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Monitor device label zone label

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL MONITOR device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Monitor device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: device label zone label 01:27:00p

03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm device label zone label N232L1M21

13:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL device label Z05 INVALID REPLY

01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE ABORT SWITCH device label

zone label 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm short: Active Abort Switch device label zone label

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL ABORT SWITCH device label Z05

INVALID REPLAY 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Abort Switch device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: MAN. RELEASE device label zone

label 01:27p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Man. Release device label zone label

N232L1M21 01:27:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL MAN. RELEASE device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 01:27:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Man. Release device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 13:27:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE SILENCE device label zone label

12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active Silence device label zone label

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL SILENCE device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Silence device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE SYSTEM RESET device label

zone label 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active System Reset device label zone label

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL SYSTEM RESET device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble System Reset device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
alarm (short and open): ACTIVE SECURITY device label

zone label 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short and open): Security Burglar Ala device label

zone label N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL SECURITY device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Burglar Ala device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): TROUBL TROUBLE MON device label Z05

SHORT CIRCUIT 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Troubl Trouble Mon device label Short Circuit

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL TROUBLE MON device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Mon device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

12:40:00:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE PAS INHIBIT device label zone

label 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active Pas Inhibit device label zone label

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL PAS INHIBIT device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Pas Inhibit device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE ALLCALL PAGE device label zone

label 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active Allcall Page device label zone label

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL ALLCALL PAGE device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Allcall Page device label INVALID REPLY

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
Table D.2 AFP-300/400 Messages As They Appear on the NCS
117
Message Tables
AFP-300/400
Type I.D.
Tamper
Fire Control
Tele. Page
Comb. Monitor
Sprinkler Sys
Second Shot
Man Rel Dlay
Hazard Alert
Supervisory
Waterflow
Control
Relay
Bell Circuit
Messages
AFP-300/400 Message
NCS Message
alarm (short): ACTIVE TAMPER device label zone label

12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Supervisory Tamper device label zone label

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL TAMPER device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Tamper device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

12:40:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE FIRE CONTROL device label zone

label 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active Fire Control device label zone label

N232L1M21 12:40:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL FIRE CONTROL device label Z05

INVALID 12:40:00p 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Fire Control device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

12:40:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE TELE. PAGE device label zone

label 03:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active Tele. Page device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL TELE. PAGE device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Tele Page device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: COMB. MONITOR device label

zone label 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Comb Monitor device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL COMB. MONITOR device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Comb. Monitor device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: SPRINKLER SYS device label

zone label 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Sprinkler Sys device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL SPRINKLR SYS device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Sprinklr Sys device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE SECOND SHOT device zone label

3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Active Second Shot device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL SECOND SHOT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Second Shot device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ALARM: MAN REL DLAY device label zone

label 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Alarm: Man Rel Dlay device label zone label
N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL MAN REL DLAY device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Man Rel Dlay device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE HAZAD ALERT device label zone

label 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Supervisory Hazard Alert device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL HAZARD ALERT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Hazard Alert device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm (short): ACTIVE SUPERVISORY device label zone

label 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): Supervisory Supervisory device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL SUPERVISORY device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Supervisory device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

15:15:00 03/07/00
alarm short: ALARM: WATERFLOW device label zone

label 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
alarm (short): ALARM: WATER FLOW device label zone label

N232L1M21 15:15:00 03/07/00
trouble: TROUBL WATERFLOW device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 3:15:00P 03/07/00 M121
trouble: Trouble Water Flow device label Invalid Reply N232L1M21

15:15:00 03/07/00
on: No Annunciation*
on: Active AFP400 Output Device N232L1M1 12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL CONTROL device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Control device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL RELAY device label Z05 INVALID
trouble: Trouble Relay device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL BELL CIRCUIT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Bell Circuit device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
*Any AFP-300/400 messages that say 'No Annunciation' will be displayed in the History Buffer, only.
Table D.3 AFP-300/400 Messages As They Appear on the NCS
118
Messages
Message Tables
AFP-300/400
Type I.D.
AFP-300/400 Message
NCS Message
Strobe Ckt
trouble: TROUBL STROBE CKT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Strobe Ckt device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL HORN CIRCUIT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Horn Circuit device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL AUDIBLE CKT device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Audible Ckt device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL REL END BELL device label ZR1

INVALID REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Rel End Bell device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1
12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL RELEASE CKT device label ZR1

INVALID REPLY 12:07:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Release Ckt device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

12:07:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL REL CKT ULC device label ZR1

INVALID REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Rel Ckt ULC device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1
16:55:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL REL AUDIBLE device label ZR1

INVALID REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Rel Audible device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

16:55:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL NONRESET CTL device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Nonreset Ctl device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

16:55:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL TELEPHONE device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Telephone device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

16:55:00 3/16/00
on: Active AFP400 Output Device N232B1 16:55:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL REL CODE BELL device label ZR1
trouble: Trouble Rel Code Bell device label Invalid Reply N232B1
16:55:00 3/16/00
on: Active AFP400 Output Device N232L1M21 04:55:00P 3/16/00
Horn Circuit
Audible Ckt
Rel End Bell
Release Ckt
Rel Ckt Ulc
Rel Audible
Nonreset Stl
Telephone
Rel Code Bell
Instant Rele
trouble: TROUBL INSTANT RELE device label Z05

INVALID REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
Relea Form C
Speaker
trouble: Instant Rele device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1 16:55:00

3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL RELEA FORM C device label Z R1

INVALID REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Relea Form C device label Invalid Reply

N232L1M21 16:55:00 3/16/00
trouble: TROUBL SPEAKER device label Z05 INVALID

REPLY 04:55:00P 3/16/00 M101
trouble: Trouble Speaker device label Invalid Reply N232L1M1

16:55:00 3/16/00
*Any AFP-300/400 messages that say 'No Annunciation' will be displayed in the History Buffer, only.
Table D.4 AFP-300/400 Messages as They Appear on the NCS

119
Appendix E: Windows Settings for Database

Replication
E.1 Adding the Network Adaptor
On systems with multiple workstations, an ethernet network connection is required for
communication between these devices. Each computer comes with a network adapter installed.
These adapters are configured for peer-to-peer TCP/IP ethernet communications. Settings for this
device should already be in place. If not, or if the operating system must be reinstalled, follow the
instructions below to set up ethernet communication.
To set up network connections, three parameters must be configured:
Network adapter card
Communication protocols
File sharing
ncsethraddadapt.jpg
To begin, go to Start, Control Panel. Go to ADD & Remove Hardware and double-click.
Figure E.1 Adding the Network Adapter
120
Adding the Network Adaptor
Windows Settings for Database Replication
ncsethraddhdw.jpg
This will bring you to the Add/Remove Hardware selection screen. Select Next.
Figure E.2 Adding New Hardware
ncsethradddev.jpg
Select the option Add/Troubleshoot a device. Click on Next.
Figure E.3 Adding a New Device
ncsethrsrch.jpg
The screen below will be displayed for a short time. The monitor may flicker when this screen
comes on. This is normal.
Figure E.4 Plug and Play Search Screen
121
Adding the Network Adaptor
Setup will automatically display all the devices with Plug and Play properties. Scroll down to the
network card, Intel(R) PRO/100+Management Adapter. Highlight the line, then click on Next.
ncsethradptcard.jpg
Select
this
device
Figure E.5 Selecting the Network Adapter
ncsethrsuccesinst.jpg
The Add/Remove Hardware Wizard should display a screen momentarily, giving installation status
and device status. When the hardware has been successfully installed and is working properly, hit
Finish.
Figure E.6 Installation Successful Screen
122
Setting Up the Network
E.2 Setting Up the Network

Once the network adapter card has been installed, Workstation settings must be changed for it to
function properly. Go to Control Panel, then Systems. This will bring up the System Properties
screen. Choose the Network Identification tab. Click on Network ID.
Figure E.7 System Properties Screen
ncsethrntwkidwiz.jpg
This will bring up the Network Identification Wizard screen. Click on Next at the bottom of the
screen to proceed.
Figure E.8 Network Identification Wizard
123
ncsethrwodoman.jpg
When the Connecting to the Network screen appears, choose My company uses a network
without a domain. Click Next at the bottom of the screen to proceed.
Figure E.9 Connecting to the Network

The Network Identification Wizard will bring you to a screen where the Workgroup is named. Type
NCSGROUP. Click Next.
ncsethrwrkgrp.jpg
NCSGROUP
Figure E.10 Naming the Workgroup
124
ncsethrwrktyp.jpg
Specify the network type by choosing This computer is part of a business network, and I use it
to connect to other computers at work. Then click Next.
Figure E.11 Connecting the Network
ncsethrnetidfin.jpg
The Wizard will finally bring up the Completing the Network Identification Wizard screen,
which states that network identification has been successful. It also warns that once you hit Finish,
the computer will automatically restart. Click Finish when ready to reboot.
Figure E.12 Completing the Wizard
125
Setting Up the IP Address
E.3 Setting Up the IP Address
ncsethrLACcxprop.jpg
To set up the IP address of your machine, go to Start, then Settings, then Control Panel. Highlight
Network and Dial-up Connections, then double-click. Highlight Local Area Connection, then
right-click. Select Properties.
Figure E.13 Locating the Connection Properties
ncsethrTCPIP.jpg
The Local Area Connection Properties screen will display. Highlight Internet Protocol (TC/IP),
then hit Properties.
Figure E.14 Setting the TCP/IP Properties

This brings up the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties screen. Choose Use the following IP
address:, then enter your IP address and Subnet mask as it applies to the rest of your network.
Click OK.
126
ncsethrIPprop.jpg
Setting Up the IP Address
Figure E.15 Defining the IP Address and Subnet Mask
127
File Sharing
E.4 File Sharing

To set up file sharing, go to Start, then Settings, then Control Panel. Highlight Network and
Dial-up Connections, then double-click. Highlight Local Area Connection, then right-click.
Select Properties. Check File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, Client for
Microsoft Networks and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Click OK.
Intel(R) PRO/100+ Management Adapter
ncsethrshare.jpg
Allows other computers to access resources on your

computer using a Microsoft network.
Figure E.16 Setting File Sharing
128
Appendix F: Display and Control Center (DCC)

A Display and Control Center (DCC) is a display location which can respond to events occurring at
other participating locations. While there may be multiple Display and Control Centers on a
network, an individual location can only accept the commands of one DCC at a time. The users
actions at any participating station, panel, or remote display determine which location will be the
DCC.
On the NCS, the title bar indicates DCC status (Figure F.1). If there are multiple DCCs on a
network and any one denies an NCS request, the title bar will show that the NCS only has partial
control of the network. The NCS has full control only when it is the DCC to all nodes mapped to it.
NOTE: An NCSs DCC status may change when control is yielded to a DVC that is associated
with it.
See the DVC manual and VeriFire Tools Online Help for more information.
The NCS is not a

Display and Control Center.
The NCS controls only some

of the devices mapped to it.
The NCS controls all the

devices mapped to it.
Figure F.1 Title Bar Indicating DCC Status

When an NCS is not the Display and Control Center, pressing Signal Silence, System Reset,
Acknowledge will automatically send a request for permission to the current DCC (Figure F.2).
The DCC must release control to the requesting NCS before the command will be processed.
If no DCC already exists, the command is processed and the acknowledging panel or station
assumes control. Unless specifically denied authorization, an NCS will assert control over of any
node assigned to it that supports DCC functionality.
Press the OK button

to close the window.
Figure F.2 DCC Request Window

If the NCS is already a network DCC, it can grant or deny DCC status to a requesting device
(Figure F.3). A request must be answered within 15 seconds or control is automatically released to
the requesting device.
129
Display and Control Center (DCC)
Figure F.3 Device Requesting Control from the NCS

DCC participation is set at the General NCS Tab in the System Setup dialog (see Figure 3.16).
130
CAUTION: DCC Locations must be Enabled and Mapped.

On systems utilizing the DCC function, all locations that can participate must be enabled and all
participating nodes must be mapped to network annunciators.
CAUTION: Initialize NCS after Re-Booting.

If re-booting an NCS that is participating in DCC, the system must be completely initialized before
Acknowledge, Signal Silence, or Reset commands can be executed.
Appendix G: The NFN Gateway Application

G.1 General Description
The NFN Gateway is a network server for an NCS that connects directly to a NOTIFIRENET
(version 5 or later). The NFN Gateway acts as a bridge between the NCS and other nodes on the
NOTIFIRENET network. This allows the NCS workstation software to act as the primary
workstation for NOTIFIRENET. The NFN Gateway resides on any standard NCS computer. The
Gateway has the ability to use VeriFire Tools to upload/download data to a panel without having
to physically go out to the panel.
NFN Gateway allows users to view properties and control functions of all NOTIFIRENET
devices through the NCS workstation. Events that occur on the NOTIFIRENET will be reported
to the NCS workstation and appear in the Events Window (page 28) like any other NCS system
event. See the Section 4 for more information about event handling.
G.2 System Architecture

The NFN Gateway resides on a standard NCS PC and connects to NOTIFIRENET through an
available COM port by means of the NCS-NCW/F network interface card.
The following figure shows a sample network diagram on which the NFN Gateway resides.
NFS-640
NFS2-640
NOTIFIRENET
Network
NFS-640
NFS2-640
NFS-3030
NFS2-3030
NFN Gateway/NCS Workstation
Figure G.1 Basic NOTIFIRENET Network with NFN Gateway/NCS

The NFN Gateway menus and their features are discussed in the following sections.
131
The NFN Gateway Application
The File Menu
G.3 The File Menu

G.3.1 Accessing the NFN Gateway Application
Login
The LOGIN command allows the user to gain access to the local NFN Gateway application. . Use the
same command to logout from the gateway. After logout, system commands will not be accessible
until the next login.
A password is required to log on (Figure G.2) or off the gateway. The default password is 00000.
See Section G.4.3 on page 136 for more information about setting the password.
.
Figure G.2 Login/Logout Dialog
G.3.2 Quitting the Program

Shutdown Gateway
The SHUTDOWN GATEWAY command from the file menu quits the program and places the user in the
Windows 2000 environment. A warning display confirms the user wishes to exit the application.
The user should either press YES to exit or NO to abort.

Shutting down the gateway disconnects the workstation from the NOTIFIRENET. This leaves the
NCS unable to perform life safety functions on the local network.
Start Interface
Select START INTERFACE command to reconnect the NCS to the NFN Gateway after reconfiguring
COM Port settings with the serial port configuration utility (Section 2.4.2) or through the COM
port settings on the NFN Settings page. (See Figure G.4)
G.3.3 Close the Window

Selecting EXIT closes the application window. The gateway remains online and program continues
to run. System commands can be easily re-accessed by clicking the icon in the taskbar.
G.4 NFN Gateway Properties and Configuration

The NFN Explorer Window is where the NFN Gateway is set up to communicate with the
NOTIFIRENET.
There are several features available in this window, each allowing different configuration options.
The window operates much like Windows Explorer with the separate pages in the left pane and
detailed information concerning those pages in the right. Click a page in the left pane to open its
configuration options in the right.
132
NFN Gateway Properties and Configuration
The NG HOME PAGE is the default for the NFN Gateway properties window. The NG HOMEPAGE
displays general information about the NFN Gateway software and its network interface card
(NCS-NCW/F). The PROGRAM item displays the name of the application that is running. The DLL
VERSION item displays the current version number of the NFN Gateway application. The NCM
VERSION item displays the version number of the NCS-NCW/F network card installed in the
computer. These version numbers are required for technical service calls.
This information also available through the Help Menu (About).
Figure G.3 NFN Gateway Properties Home Page
G.4.1 NFN Settings

The NFN SETTINGS page displays the configuration options required to communicate with
NOTIFIRENET.
The asterisk (*) denotes fields that are editable. Once edited, these fields will turn green, but
changes will not go into effect until you select SAVE MODIFICATIONS from the EDIT menu.
Site Settings
SITE NAME displays the name of the NFN Gateway. (User-defined)
General Settings
Setting TROUBLE REMINDER to YES initiates a daily 11 a.m. reminder when there are uncleared
Troubles in the system.
133
NCM Settings
This dialog sets the options for the NCS-NCW/F network card installed in the NFN Gateway
computer.
Figure G.4 NFN Gateway NOTIFIRENET Settings Page

NODE ADDRESS is the NOTIFIRENET node number assigned to the network card. Click in
the Value box to change this number.

CHANNEL A AND B THRESHOLD allows the threshold to be set to HIGH or LOW.
STYLE 7 may be set to either YES or NO. If NOTIFIRENET is not wired to Style 7
requirements, select No.
NCS Settings
PRIMARY NCS determines if there should be a primary NCS on this gateway. When a primary
NCS loses communication with the gateway, a trouble is issued to all other nodes on the
network.
If this gateway is on a LAN, set this option must be set to YES.
If this gateway is on a WAN, open the IP Administration dialog to determine the status of the
connecting NCS. An NCS may be the primary NCS for more than one gateway.
See Addendum for more information.
ENABLE AUDIO determines if the user may send live voice messages over the wide area network
to this NFN Gateway. Requires a WANenabled NCS with NOTIFY-IP option. See addendum.
ENABLE FAN MONITORING When enabled the gateway monitors and reports to the NCS when the
cooling fan in the PC stops functioning. The operator must exit the NCS application and restart
it to clear this trouble condition.
134
Communication Settings
COMM PORT determines which of the PCs COM Ports contains the NCS-NCW/F card.
G.4.2 Node Mapping

The NODE MAPPING item is used to view and map nodes on the NOTIFIRENET network to the
NCS. Node mapping is similar to filtering; if a node is mapped through Gateway, then the
Workstation will be able to communicate with that node. If a node is not mapped then NCS will not
receive events from nor send commands to that node.
Expanding the NODE MAPPING page will show a list of NOTIFIRENET node ranges in the left
pane. The nodes are arranged in groups of 30. Highlight one of the ranges to display all the nodes
that fall within that range.
Map/Unmap Node
Map or unmap a node to the NFN Gateway by clicking on the node and selecting an option from
the drop-down menu.
Figure G.5 NFN Gateway Node Mapping Properties
135
A Note on Mapped/Unmapped and Online/Offline

Four Node Status Values:
1.
ONLINE - The node was auto-detected by the NFN Gateway, but it will not communicate with NCS until it is
mapped.
2.
OFFLINE - There is no device detected at that node address.
3.
MAPPED - If the node is online, it will be accessible to NCS.
4.
UNMAPPED - The default value; the node is either online but not communicating with NCS, or there is no
device detected at that node address. No events or properties will be displayed for unmapped nodes.
G.4.3 Password Settings

The Password Settings page is where you can configure the Gateways password. Passwords can be
up to eight characters.
Figure G.6 NFN Gateway Password Settings
136
Edit Menu/Applying changes
G.4.4 Active NFN Nodes

The ACTIVE NFN NODES window displays a list of mapped and online NOTIFIRENET nodes
communicating with NFN Gateway. A mapped node may not actually be connected to a device on
the NOTIFIRENET; in this case, it would still be displayed in the window because it is mapped.
Figure G.7 Active NFN Nodes Window

Note that the NFN Gateway takes up a node on the NOTIFIRENET and is displayed as an NFN
Gateway.
G.4.5 Active Clients

The ACTIVE CLIENTS window view displays a list of IP connections that are communicating with the
NFN Gateway. The screen displays the connected clients IP address, application/hardware type
and node address, and whether the client has a primary or auxiliary connection to the gateway (See
page 134).
Figure G.8 Active Clients Window
G.5 Edit Menu/Applying changes

After modifying any settings on the gateway, you must select SAVE MODIFICATIONS from the EDIT
menu to save your changes. Selecting UNDO will return all settings in the current window to their
last saved state.
137
Configure Menu
G.6 Configure Menu

G.6.1 Auto Detect Nodes
Selecting this command will automatically detect and map connected nodes to the NFN Gateway.
G.6.2 Amplifier Configuration (NOTIFY-IP Enabled NCS ONLY)

!
WARNING: Paging via the NOTIFY-IP is unsuitable for any life safety event!
Paging via the NOTIFY-IP is unsuitable for any life safety event such as fire, emergency, and/or
mass notification signalling. Such operation requires the approval of the local Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ).
To receive live voice messages, a DVC or UL-listed public address amplifier (PAA) must be
connected to the workstations speaker connector. (See Figures G.10 and G.11.). The DVC acts as a
router that sends the live page to DAAs or other analog audio devices. The PAA adjusts the audio
output from the sound card to the required voltage used by the ACT-2.
The AMPLIFIER CONFIGURATION command sets the output of the PAA to the proper level. After
selecting the command, use a screwdriver to adjust the amplifiers MUSIC VOL control until the
PEAK VOL indicator light turns on. Press OK to end the configuration (See Figure G.9). Because the
DVC has automatic gain control, this command is unnecessary when the workstation is connected
to a DVC.
Audio Configuration:
Adjust MUSIC VOL until PEAK LEVEL
indicator light turns on.
Figure G.9 Configuration of Public Address Amplifier (PAA)
NOTE: This command applies to WAN-enabled NCSs with the NOTIFY-IP function installed.
See Wide Area Network & NOTIFY-IP Addendum for more information.
138
Configure Menu
Connecting the Public Address Amplifier (PAA)

The PAA consists of the UL-listed amplifier, model TPU-15A, manufactured by Bogen (Notifier
p/n 46211), and a six-foot (1.83 m) cable (Notifier p/n 75625).
1.
If already connected, unplug monitor audio cable from the workstation speaker connector.
See Figure 2.6 on page 16.
2.
Using p/n 75625, connect the plug into the speaker connector of the NCS workstation.
The PAA must be mounted within six feet (1.83 meters) of the NCS.
3.
Connect bare wires to the MUSIC and GND terminals on the PAA.
4.
Use 18 AWG to 12 AWG twisted-pair cable to connect the COM and 25V terminals on the
PAA to the AUDIO IN terminals on the ACT-2.
5.
Connect the AC Power Cord to the primary AC power source.

Speaker
Connector
To
XPIQ
ACT-2
NCS Workstation
To next
ACT-2
p/n 75625
PAA
Figure G.10 Wiring the Amplifier
NOTES:
The PAA and the NCS must have a common AC power source.
The PAA can drive up to 250 ACT-2 audio coupling transformers. However, the strength and
quality of the audio signal will diminish with increased wire length.
Do not run cable adjacent to or in the same conduit as 120 volts AC service, noisy electrical
circuits that are powering mechanical bells or horns, audio circuits above 25 volts RMS,
motor control circuits, or SCR power circuits.
NOTIFY-IP paging takes the lowest priority at the XPIQ.
See the XPIQ manual for more information about priority configuration.
139
Configure Menu
Making an Analog Connection to the DVC

1.
If already connected, unplug the monitors audio cable from the workstation speaker
connector.
See Section 1.1.7, Connecting the Monitor in the NCS Manual.
2.
Using p/n 75625, connect the plug into the speaker connector of the NCS workstation.
The DVC must be in the same room and mounted within six feet (1.83 meters) of the NCS. The
connection from the NCS to the DVC must be in conduit.
3.
Connect bare wires to either left or right speaker channel (AUXA R or AUXA L) on Auxiliary
Input A (TB4) on the DVC.
Microphone
Connector
Speaker
Connector
Note: The DVC must be in the same

room and mounted within six feet (1.83
meters) of the NCS.
The connection from the NCS to the
DVC must be in conduit.
NCS Workstation
p/n 72625
DVC
Figure G.11 Wiring the Workstation to the DVCs Analog Inputs
NOTES:
Do not run cable adjacent to or in the same conduit as 120 volts AC service, noisy electrical
circuits that are powering mechanical bells or horns, audio circuits above 25 volts RMS,
motor control circuits, or SCR power circuits.
NOTIFY-IP paging must be set at the lowest priority.
See the DVC Programming Manual or VeriFire Tools Online Help for more information about
priority configuration.
140
Notes
141
Notes
142
Index
Numerics
08275, strain relief 19

71033 cable, supplied with NCS 17, 18
Data Refresh 34
Manual 25
On Power-Up 25
on the Action Menu 62
database 24
graphics 25
history 24
history, archiving 48
printing 90
see also History Manager
Upload/Download (UPDL) from node 63
Database Replication, settings 120
Date / Time Field 30
DB-15 video cable 15
DCC 129130
See also Display and Control Center
demo mode 47
Detailed Events window 68
Device Icons 102
adding 102
deleting 107
Find command 107
linked files 105
setup rules 107
disabled device window 69
Display and Control Center 34, 129130
DVC 71
A
acknowledge 31, 56, 62
acknowledged event window 29
Administration menu 33
Audio Tab 43
General NCS Tab 33
Graphic Configuration Tab 44
User Account Tab 36
AFP-300/400 71, 72
alarm 58
acknowledge 59
reporting 58
Alphanumeric Paging 63
AM2020/AFP1010 71, 72
Amplifier 138
audio messages 43
Sounds directory 43
Waves directory 43
edit speech files 49
Auto Detect Nodes Button 138
AutoNavigating 56
Auxiliary NCS 134
B
Banners 27, 31, 57, 59
Battery, LITHBATT-3V 11, 12
paper strip removal 12
C
Caution
exiting the NCS 22, 26, 60
NCS Demo mode 26
Channel A and B Threshold 134
Clients 137
colors, PC 21
column types, visibility 90
command area 31
Communications
port settings 42
Setting on the NFN Gateway 135
Compact Database 49
Confirm Module On/Off 34
Connectors 12
current event window 69
current operator field 32
Current Users list 36
to edit 36
E
Event Counter window 68
Events window 28
Expand Event displays 34
F
Files, required, NCS 111
Find Screen 70
FMM-1 17, 18
fonts, PC 21
G
General Settings 133
graphic event display 27
graphic floor plan 28
Adding 96
customizing 95
Deleting 97
device icons 102
editing 97
key map, setting links 98
Graphic Replication 48
143
HO
Index
Graphic Setup Program (GSP) 48, 92111

Information Window 92, 94
key map area 92
Menu Bar 92, 99102
Toolbar 92, 95
Tree View Window 92
Graphical User Interface 27
Graphics Printer, installing 21
Ground fault detection from NotiFireNet 12, 19
Group Tree View 93
Groups 108
Level 1 109
Level 2 109
Navigation 109
setup restrictions 109
Guidance Text 98
H
Help menu 54
hierarchies, screen 108
History Backup 35
History Backup option 33
History Manager 8691
database 86
display priority 86
Open Archived History File 86
Operator List 87
Refresh Grid 86
search criteria 88
stand alone operation 91
History Manager window 70
Home Screen 108
I
Information Labels 105
adding 106
deleting 107
IP Access 64
IP Connection Speed 35
K
key map area 28, 98
see also Graphic Setup Program
Key Upgrade Utility 113
L
LCD monitor 10
LED indicators 11
Line Printer, connecting 19
LITHBATT-3V 11
paper strip removal 11
Logo Window 30
M
Map/Unmap Node 135
Mapped vs. Unmapped 136
Master Time Keeper 21, 33, 35
Message Tables 115
Miscellaneous Software Installation 114
Modem 16
monitor 10, 15
installing 15
mouse 14
N
Navigational Buttons 106
adding 106
deleting 107
NCA/NCA-2 24
NCM 12
NCM Settings 134
NCS Computer 13
computer connections 14
connecting to power 13
NCS computer 15
NCS functions 24
NCS Model numbers
NCS-F-ONYX 10
NCS-W-ONYX 10
NCS Software installation 21
NCS window 27
NCS-NCW/F Boards 11
Network Command Center 62
network node 24, 37
edit and display 4647
network statistics 50
Network Version 34
NFN Gateway Application 131
NFN Gateway Properties 132
NFN Settings 133
NFPA Event Reminder 34
NFS-3030/NFS2-3030 71
NFS-320 71
NFS-640/NFS2-640 71
Node Address 134
Node Maintenance 49, 52
Node Mapping 135
Nodes
Active NFN 137
Map/Unmap 135
NotiFireNet node address 33
NUP Port 11, 12
Configuration See Serial Port Configuration Utility
O
offline events, show or hide 62
Operating Mode 35
144
Index
PU
Other activation 59
acknowledging 59
P
PAA 138
Pager Carrier 33
Pager Carrier Tab 45
edit carrier information 45
Maximum Characters per Block 46
modem COM port 46
Pager Tab 38
Carrier 39
Message 39
Paging Nodes 40
Paging Time Period 39
Paging, alphanumeric 63
Paint 99, 111
password 60, 61
changing 61
NFN 136
PCLB enclosure 15
photo, to add a user 37
Piezo sounder 11
Port Supervision 34
Power Requirements 13
Power, Primary and Secondary
connecting the NCS computer 13
Power-Up Initialization 25
pre-alarm signal
reporting 59
Primary NCS 134
printer 10
graphic 20, 21, 42
line 21, 42
line, cable connections 20
PRN-6 10, 13
setup 43
UPS Supervision 18
Programming 24
Menu Options 33
Properties 132
NFN Settings 133
Node Mapping 135
Public Address Amplifier 138
R
Read Status 71
annunciator point 75
DVC 81
module 72, 79
NFS-3030 and NFS-640 screens 78
System Data 76
zone 74
Read/Write CD ROM 22
Related Documentation 8
Replication, graphics 48
Reset 33, 56, 62

Reset/Signal Silence Option 35
resolution, PC 21
S
Screen Device View 93
screen navigation tools 30
Screen Tree View 93
Secure Desktop Software
Installation 114
security signal 59
acknowledging 59
reporting 59
Serial Port Configuration Utility 21, 113
Settings for data base replication 120
shunt plug and UPS SUPV 11
signal silence 32, 33, 56, 62
Site Name 133
Software Version Numbers 51
Sound (Hz) 33
speaker frequencies, alarm & trouble 33
Strain relief 19
Strain relief, for MIB wires 19
Style 7 134
supervisory signal 59
acknowledging 59
reporting 59
Switches (NCS-NCW Only) 12
system reset 32
T
Templates, setup 109
Termination Resistors 12
Threshold 134
Threshold Ports A/B 34
Time Sync options 33
tool bar 30
Tree View Window 93
trouble 57
acknowledge 57
NCS NUP Communication 71
Network Fail Port A 71
Network Fail Port B 71
Node Communications Failure 71
Trouble Messages 115119
U
Upload/Download 63
UPS 13
UPS Supervision 16, 18, 34
UPS SUPV 11
User Information, editing 37
Utility Programs, NCS 113
145
VW
Index
V
VeriFire Tools
Installation 114
W
Walk Test 49, 53
Wide Area Networking 34
Windows 2000
Disable/re-enable Procedure 112
Windows NT Workstation 20
146
Limited Warranty
NOTIFIER warrants products manufactured by it to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for eighteen (18) months from
the date of manufacture, under normal use and service. Products are
date stamped at time of manufacture. The sole and exclusive
obligation of NOTIFIER is to repair or replace, at its option, free of
charge for parts and labor, any part that is defective in materials or
workmanship under normal use and service. All returns for credit are
subject to inspection and testing at the factory before actual
determination is made to allow credit. NOTIFIER does not warrant
products not manufactured by it, but assigns to the purchaser any
warranty extended by the manufacturer of such products. This
warranty is void if the product is altered or repaired by anyone other
than NOTIFIER or as expressly authorized by NOTIFIER in
writing, or is serviced by anyone other than NOTIFIER or its
authorized distributors. This warranty is also void if there is a failure to
maintain the products and systems in which they operate in a proper
and workable manner. In case of defect, secure a Return Material
Authorization form from our Return Authorization Department.
This writing constitutes the only warranty made by NOTIFIER, with
respect to its products. NOTIFIER, does not represent that its
products will prevent any loss by fire or otherwise, or that its products
will in all cases provide the protection for which they are installed or
intended. Buyer acknowledges that NOTIFIER, is not an insurer
and assumes no risk for loss or damages or the cost of any
inconvenience, transportation damage, misuse, abuse, accident or
similar incident.
NOTIFIER GIVES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
OR OTHERWISE WHICH EXTENDS BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION
ON THE FACE HEREOF. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL
NOTIFIER BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY, DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL,
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE
NOTIFIERS PRODUCTS. FURTHERMORE, NOTIFIER SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH WHICH
MAY ARISE IN THE COURSE OF, OR AS A RESULT OF,
PERSONAL, COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL USE OF ITS
PRODUCTS.
This warranty replaces all previous warranties and is the only
warranty made by NOTIFIER. No increase or alteration, written or
verbal, of the obligation of this warranty is authorized.
"NOTIFIER" is a registered trademark.
Warn-NL-04-2005.fm
147
World Headquarters
12 Clintonville Road
Northford, CT 06472-1610 USA
203-484-7161
fax 203-484-7118
www.notifier.com

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ONYX Network Control Station

Network Version 5.0 and Higher

Fire Alarm System Limitations

Barriers such as closed or partially closed doors, walls, or

Smoke particles may become cold, stratify, and not reach

Smoke particles may be blown away from detectors by air

Smoke particles may be drawn into air returns before

The amount of smoke present may be insufficient to alarm

Heat detectors do not sense particles of combustion and

Strobes can, under certain circumstances, cause seizures

Studies have shown that certain people, even when they

In rare instances, the sounding of a warning device can

A fire alarm system will not operate without any electrical

ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007

Like all solid state electronic devices, this system may

ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007

Product name and version number (if applicable)

Send email messages to:

ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007

Section 3: Programming ........................................................................................................ 24

4.6.5: Screen Navigation..............................................................................................................................70

Section 5: The History Manager ............................................................................................ 86

Section 6: The Graphic Setup Program................................................................................ 92

ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007

Appendix A: Windows 2000 Security Disable Procedure ................................................. 112

Appendix B: NCS Utility Programs ..................................................................................... 113

Appendix C: Miscellaneous Software Installation ............................................................. 114

Appendix D: Message Tables .............................................................................................. 115

Appendix E: Windows Settings for Database Replication................................................ 120

Appendix F: Display and Control Center (DCC)................................................................. 129

ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007

1.1 Related Documentation

Device Compatibility Document

AFP-200 Instruction Manual

AFP-300/AFP-400 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals

50253, 50259, 50260

NFS-320 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals

52745, 52747, 52746

NFS-640 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals

51332, 51334, 51333

NFS2-640 Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals

52741, 52743, 52742

NFS-3030 FACP Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals

51330, 51345, 51344

NFS2-3030 FACP Installation, Operations, and Programming Manuals

52544, 52546, 52545

Off-line Programming Utility

VeriFire Tools CD help file

NOTIFIRENET Manual, Network Version 4.0 & Higher

NCA Network Control Annunciator

NCA-2 Network Control Annunciator

DVC & DAA Series Digital Voice Command Manual

NCM-W/F Installation Document

NCS for Wide Area Network & NOTIFY-IP

DVC & DAA Series Digital Voice Command Manual

AA Series Audio Amplifiers Manual

ACT-2 Audio Coupling Transmitter

1.2 UL 9th Edition Compliance

ONYX NCS Manual P/N 51658:H 2/28/2007

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

1.3 Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

CAUTION: A brief identifier stating the nature of the hazard.