General questions for DigiGate systems

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How do I adjust the DigiGate system for Daylight Savings Time?

The Digigate System does not adjust automatically for when Daylight Saving Time begins or ends. This can cause the Activity LogThe display window in the DigiGate program that shows the activities that occur at the system. For example: Code entries, bad passwords, alarms, doors opened and closed. etc. Can also refer to the program's database file that stores this information. time to be an hour off and it will affect a customers entry if the keypad is set to allow entry by a time zone that is not 24 hrs a day. To adjust the system time use the following steps:

  • Select the Utility Button in the Digiwin main menu.
  • Select the Date/Time button. Ensure the time showing is correct. Note: This will display the current computer time. If this is not correct, adjust the time.
  • Once the correct time is displayed, select the OK button at the bottom. A window will come up saying "Set ControllerTerm for the Falcon XT, Falcon Base Unit, or Master Security computer that ‘controls’ AI Devices. Date and Time". Select "Yes". This will adjust the Syscon time.

How do I download all tenant codes into the system?


How do I place the DigiGate system in standalone?

Standalone operation is a mode of the DigiGate system that will allow the keypads to operate with any code entered if the keypads are installed in standard configurations. If the keypad is plugged into slot 1 on the Keypad Board it will fire the number 1 relay on the IO board when any code is entered. This can be valuable if there are Syscon or Software Problems with the system. The keypads will operate independently of the software configuration and assigned codes. LX and LC keypads can also be placed in standalone mode, with the caveat that the relay they are assigned to activate must be on the same keypad and not a relay on a different board somewhere else in the system.

  • Place Digigate 700 KPs in standalone by first pushing the reset button on the lower board of the Syscon. You should hear a "click" from the Syscon when this is done. You then power the Syscon off and on. You can do this by unscrewing and disconnecting the power connector (silver and round) from the bottom right of the System ControllerTerm for the Falcon XT, Falcon Base Unit, or Master Security computer that ‘controls’ AI Devices. box. Wait about 10 seconds and reattach the connector.
  • LX and LC keypads can be placed in standalone after resetting the Syscon. Reset each keypad by removing power to it for 10 seconds then reconnecting power.
  • To take the system out of standalone, follow the process to set the Syscon.
  • Note: Standalone mode is meant to be an emergency operation mode only. Devices in standalone will work with any code at all, provided it is in the correct format. Codes will also work at any time.

How do I fix spontaneous "Cold Start" messages in the Activity LogThe display window in the DigiGate program that shows the activities that occur at the system. For example: Code entries, bad passwords, alarms, doors opened and closed. etc. Can also refer to the program's database file that stores this information.?

A "Cold Start" message means that the Syscon has reset for some reason. This will cause the system to lose all memory of its setups and access codes.

Use the following troubleshooting steps for spontaneous cold starts:

Note: because of the default date of Dec 1990 that the cold start gives, you cannot use the printable activity log to see this happening, but it will show on the activity log pulled up from the Utility button in the Digigate MenuA list of commands or options that the user can choose from..

  • Ensure Syscon is grounded. The ground bus on the controller should be grounded to a good earth ground.
  • If your system is not using a UPSProvides power surge protection, power conditioning, and battery backup. Recommended for all computers, including Site Graphics (if present). (battery backup), it is strongly suggested that you use one. If you are using one, be sure it is functioning properly. Unplug it from the wall outlet and see that the Syscon is still getting power.
  • The syscon board (lower board in the controller box) has a 3 VDC battery located center lower portion of the board (+B1 written on the board above it). Check it with a voltmeter and be sure it is close to 3 VDC. If it's less than 2.8 VDC, replace it. You can bring it to radio shack etc. and get a like item. While you are checking the battery, check your voltage at pins 4/5 on the p1 plug, same board (the red/black wire). The voltage should be around 12 VDC with the controller powered up. Also ensure the J3 jumper at the upper part of this board, to the right of the reset button, is firmly covering both pins.
  • While you are checking the voltage, look real carefully at all the IC chips on the Syscon board and push down on them to be sure they have not wiggled a bit out of their sockets. This can cause intermediate cold starts. Especially the Syscon Chip itself(U11), and U2 and U17 on some models.
  • If none of the above, then you may have the Syscon board itself going bad.

How do I "Set" the Syscon?

"Setting" the Syscon is done to transfer all information about a sites setups from the PC to the Syscon. The setups are such things as how many keypads the system has, which keypad operates which device, door alarm settings, etc.

  • In the [DigiWin] program, open the "Utilities" menu.
  • Reset the Syscon by selecting the button labeled "Clear Syscon". Click "Yes" if prompted.DigiWin-Utilities-CSD.png
  • Wait for the Activity LogThe display window in the DigiGate program that shows the activities that occur at the system. For example: Code entries, bad passwords, alarms, doors opened and closed. etc. Can also refer to the program's database file that stores this information. to display the "Cold Start" message.
  • Select the button labeled "Set ControllerTerm for the Falcon XT, Falcon Base Unit, or Master Security computer that ‘controls’ AI Devices.". Select "OK" when prompted.
  • The screen will display the download progress of the setup items, and the unit numbers, into the Syscon.
  • When this is finished, wait for the Activity LogThe display window in the DigiGate program that shows the activities that occur at the system. For example: Code entries, bad passwords, alarms, doors opened and closed. etc. Can also refer to the program's database file that stores this information. to update. You should see an online message for each board in your system. You may also see messages related to Time Zones, Alarm Zones, and other setups.
  • The information downloaded does not include the access codes for the tenants. Those are transferred to the Syscon using the "Download All Units" command.