General questions for DigiGate systems

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Over time, your 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. and Transaction LogDatabase that keeps track of activities that happen at the PC. For example: Move in's, move out's, made delinquent, paid up, etc. can become very large as entries are added daily. When the DigiGate program first starts up, it automatically checks all of your databases for integrity. A very large activity database can take a long time to scan.

There are two methods you can use to decrease this time. Both have drawbacks.

  1. You can add an option command at the end of the shortcut that starts the DigiGate program. This will tell the program to not check the databases on startup. The disadvantage to this is that over time, an error may occur in the database that will require technical support assistance to fix. To set this option, follow these steps:
    • Close DigiGate if it is running.
    • Locate your desktop shortcut used to launch the DigiGate program. It's usually named "DigiGate for Windows". Right click on the shortcut and select "Properties".
    • In the field Target, add on to the end of the line a space and then -nc.
      DigiGate Shortcut Properties.png

    • Click on OK to save and close the properties window.
    • Restart DigiGate and it should not perform the database verification.

  2. You can "Trim" the databases to a smaller size, which makes the database verification at program startup run much faster. The disadvantage to this is that:
    • You lose archive access to those activities. Typically only activities older than 30 days are removed, so this only matters if you need to look back further in time.
    • Eventually, the logs will fill back up and you'll need to trim them again. How quickly this happens depends on the amount of activity at your site.
    To trim the logs, perform the following steps:
    • In the DigiGate program, select the Utility menu, then tab labeled Data utilities.
    • Click on the Remove button.
      DigiGate Trim Logs.png

    • The date will be set to one month prior to the current date. This operation will discard all activities from both logs that are older than the date shown. You can adjust this if you wish.
    • Click on OK to start the process. Note: This process may take several minutes to complete, depending on the size of the logs.


A "Managers" code is used by the manager to enter and exit the facility without being assigned to a regular unit. To add this code, do the following:

  • In the DigiWin program, select the "Setup" button then the "UnitAn individual space or room that can be rented to a user and is generally off limits to other users. Setup" Tab, then the "Add Units" button.
  • Put in the same unit for starting and ending unit and click OK. Be sure to use a unit that does not exist in your accounting program. As shown in the example below, MANAGE makes a good unit number.
    DigiWin Add Manager Code.png

  • Go back to the main menu and select the "Move In" button. Type the unit number that you used above into the unit number field.
  • In the menu that comes up, type in anything you want for first and last name.
  • Select the "Access" Tab and type in your access code, select a time zone and keypad zone and click OK. The initial managers code should be the one used by the manager of the facility and therefore have a 24 hour time zone and "All Keypads" Keypad ZoneA programming setup that defines where on a site that someone assigned the zone is allowed access. All sites have a default "All Keypads" Keypad Zone that permits use of all access devices on the facility. Additional zones are added depending on the needs of the site..
  • When it asks if you want to "Link Units" select "NO".

The code is now in the system. If you want to change it later, pull the unit up with the Digigate FIND button, select the Access tab and you can edit the access code and select OK.

If you want to add more codes for people that do not actually have a unit on the facility but need access, such as district managers, the groundskeeper, waste management, police, etc. then perform the following actions:

  • In the DigiWin main menu, click on the "Find" button. Click on the "Authorized" Tab.
  • Click on the "New" button. Enter a first name, last name, access number, Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. and Keypad ZoneA programming setup that defines where on a site that someone assigned the zone is allowed access. All sites have a default "All Keypads" Keypad Zone that permits use of all access devices on the facility. Additional zones are added depending on the needs of the site. for this person, then click on the "UpdateA change, improvement, or fix for the system that must be downloaded. This will change the version." button. Note: Select the Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. and Keypad ZoneA programming setup that defines where on a site that someone assigned the zone is allowed access. All sites have a default "All Keypads" Keypad Zone that permits use of all access devices on the facility. Additional zones are added depending on the needs of the site. appropriate for this person. Some people you might want to give full access to the facility, while others have more restrictions.


A Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. is used to define when a tenant is allowed access to the facility. The DigiGate system has a 24 Hour Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. (Zone 0) which is hard coded into the system and cannot be removed. Additional zones can be added to the DigiWin software.

Note: If you are using a management application for your day-to-day site operation (moving in tenants, etc.), you will need to make sure that this application can send the correct Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. number to the DigiGate system. Contact your support desk for your particular management application for more information on this.

  • In the DigiWin menu, select the button labeled "Setup" and then the "Syscon Setup" tab.
  • Select the Time Zones button and note what numbers are to the left, disregarding the time zone 9. The next number available will designate your new time zone.
  • Select the "Add" button. Enter the number and description, then enter your times for access in Open and Close for Sunday. Be sure to type in all four digits and the colon (for instance 09:00AM, not 9:00AM).
    AddDigiGateTimeZone1.png

  • Select the repeat button and it will set those times for all days of the week. You can edit individual days and select the "Closed" button if you want no access on holidays.
  • Select the OK button and your time zone will be added.
You will need to clear and set the Syscon before this new Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. will take effect.


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.


To change the output of any one relay on the Syscon top board, or on an old style MUXDoor Alarm Multiplexers take multiple inputs from individual door contacts and convert them to a single output back to the controller. Camera Multiplexers are similar in that they take multiple inputs from different cameras and create a single output back to the recorder. board, follow the instructions below:
  1. Note on the picture and drawing below, that there is a jumper on the circuit board directly above the terminals for each relay. Each jumper has 3 pins sticking up out of the board, and a black plastic “Shorting Plug” covers 2 of these pins.
  2. If the plug is across the center and right pin, then the relay output for those terminals is set as "Normally Open". This is the default position as shipped from the factory.
  3. To change the relay output for one particular set of 2 terminals, use a pair of needle nose pliers, and move the shorting plug for those terminals to the CENTER and LEFT pins.
    • Note: Relay outputs on 700LX and 700LC keypads, as well as the UniMux, have three terminals for each relay (Common, NO and NC) and therefore do not have jumpers for setting their configuration.


After a Syscon has been reset and it's setup information loaded into it, you need to download all of the tenant names and codes before the keypads will accept those codes.

  • In the [DigiWin] program, open the "Utilities" menu.
  • Select the "DownloadTo copy information from a main source or computer into a peripheral, for example copying a file from the internet into your local computer. All" button. Click "OK" when prompted.
    DigiWin-Utilities-CSD.png

  • A progress screen will show the units that are having their codes sent to the controller. These units are displayed in the order they were moved into the program, so they generally will not show in alphanumeric order.


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.


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.


"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. Note: Depending on the amount of setups and units you have, you may see the progress stop momentarily. This is normal and it should continue after a minute or so.
  • 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" command.


Avast Antivirus may delete and quarantine various programs needed for the DigiGate system to work correctly. To stop it from doing this, perform the following steps:

  • Open the Avast program.
  • Select scan and the quarantine at the bottom. This will give a listing of files Avast has quarantined.
  • Right click on the files "Digisend.exe" and / or "Diginet.exe" if they are listed, and select "Restore". Note: There is a restore and add to exclusions but do not use it as it does not always work.
  • Go back to the Avast main MenuA list of commands or options that the user can choose from..
  • Select "Settings".
  • Select "Active Protection".
  • Select "File System Shield".
  • Select "Exclusions" and browse to the "C:\Digi" folder and add the whole folder as an exclusion by selecting the "Add" button. Select "OK".
  • Using "Exclusions" again, browse to the "C:\Program Files\DigiGate" folder and add the whole folder as an exclusion by selecting the "Add" button. Select "OK".


Sometimes delinquent tenants will "Tailgate" into a facility by following another tenant closely through the gate. However, once inside they discover that they can't get out and may end up damaging the gate in an attempt to exit the facility. You can set your exit keypad to allow these tenants to use it by following these steps:

  • In the Digiwin program, select the "Setup" button and the "Syscon Setup" Tab.
  • Select the "Antipassback" button and select from the list the exit keypad you wish to edit.
  • Select the "Edit" button.
    DigiGate Delinquent Exit1.png

  • Check the box labeled "Select to allow delinquent tenants to use input device":
  • Select "OK" to save your changes and then close the Setup menu.
    Note: Before these changes will take effect, you must follow the process to set the Syscon.


In some cases you may wish to set the system so that a specific code will not work on the exit keypad if that code was not previously used at the enter keypad. Follow these steps to set this option:

Warning! Use this option setting with caution as tenants effected by this situation will require manager intervention to let the them out. Certain operational issues may result in a tenant being moved "Off-site" while they are still in the facility and then the exit keypad will not work for them.

  • In the Digiwin program, select the "Setup" button and the "Syscon Setup" Tab.
  • Select the "Antipassback" button and select from the list the exit keypad you wish to edit.
  • Then select the "Edit" button.
    DigiGate AntiPassback1.png

  • Set the "AntiPassback" selection as follows:
    • If you want the exit keypad to allow access regardless of if the person used the enter keypad, select "None".
    • If you want to exit keypad to allow access but prompt the tenant to use their code next time, select "Soft". Note: Your exit keypad must have an LCD screen for tenants to get this message.
    • If you want the exit keypad to not work if a code was not used on entry, select "Hard".
  • Select "OK" to save your changes and then close the Setup menu.
    Note: Before these changes will take effect, you must follow the process to set the Syscon.


The Digigate system can be set to have an exit keypad either allow exit after closing hours or not. If the exit time is restricted, it can be set to either stop access at the same time the enter keypad stops allowing access, or give a "Grace Period" of up to 59 minutes.

Note: These settings do not have an effect on 24 hour customers. Note: Some laws prohibit a person being entrapped inside a facility. Check your state and local laws before enabling this feature.

  • In the Digiwin program, select the "Setup" button and the "Syscon Setup" Tab.
  • Select the "Antipassback" button and select from the list the exit keypad you wish to edit.
  • Then select the "Edit" button.
    DigiGate Exit After Close1.png

  • Set the "ExitTo close a program or window, generally by clicking on the red ⌧ in the upper right corner of the window. Also refers to a user leaving a facility by entering their code at a keypad that operates a gate or door, allowing egress from the site or building. After Close" selection as follows:
    • If you want the exit keypad to allow access 24 hours a day regardless of the Time ZoneA programming setup that defines when a tenant is allowed access to a site. All sites have a default 24 Hour Time Zone in their setups. Additional Time Zones are added as needed. assigned to the tenant, select "Always".
    • If you want to exit keypad to stop working at the same time as the entry keypad does, select "No".
    • If you want the exit keypad to work for a limited amount of time after the enter keypad stops working, select "Yes" and then to the right in the "Grace Period" area set the time you want, from 1 to 59 minutes.
  • Select "OK" to save your changes and then close the Setup menu.
    Note: Before these changes will take effect, you must follow the process to set the Syscon.


During the process of getting a software update or replacement from PTI Security for your DigiGate system, we may ask that you send your current setup files on your PC to us. This can be done by using the DigiFileDrop program.

  1. DownloadTo copy information from a main source or computer into a peripheral, for example copying a file from the internet into your local computer. the application here.
  2. Close any DigiGate programs that are running on your PC.
  3. Run the application on the PC that has the Digigate program installed[1]. It will open a console window as shown:
    DigiFileDrop 1.png
  4. Enter a description for the files. Typically this will be your order or quote number. If you have multiple site softwares on the same sales order, use a -1, -2, -3 etc. at the end of the number to differentiate them. The max length of this field is 20 characters, and do not use the characters / , \ & * ?. Press the Enter key when finished.
  5. The DigiGate files[2] will be compressed and then sent to PTI Security Systems. If for some reason the transfer cannot be completed, the program will attempt to place the ZIP file on your desktop for you to manually attach to an email and send them to your PTI Security salesperson.[3]
  6. Once the upload is complete, press Enter to close the window.
  7. After PTI Security has used your files to complete the software order, you may receive an email with a link to download your updated software. Click here for instructions on how to do this.
Notes:
  1. if you are running DigiGate using Windows Virtual XP, you must download and run this program inside the virtual machine for the DigiGate files to be captured correctly.
  2. if your site has remotes facilities that are administered from the same PC, the files transferred will include all of the remote files as well.
  3. A common reason that the program cannot complete the automatic upload is a hardware or software firewall blocking connection to FTP ports.


In some cases, it is possible to accidentally "Drag" the activity log off of the screen so that it no longer shows on the desktop. To fix this requires that the Windows registry be manually edited as per the following:

  • Close the Digiwin program completely.
  • Select the Windows "Start" button and select "Run". Type in "regedit" and click on OK. (Example shows Windows 7 OS)
    Running regedit Win 7-1.png

  • Navigate through the tree to HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Digiwin/TActivityLog.
  • Right-click on the TActivityLog key and select Delete. This will cause the program to recreate the key when it is restarted and set the log to its default position and size.
    Delete TActivity Registry Key.png

  • Reopen the Digiwin MenuA list of commands or options that the user can choose from..
    Note: In certain versions of Windows the Run option may not be available from the start menu. You can usually find regedit by typing it in the search.
Note: Depending on your version of Windows and your users security level, you may not be allowed to run regedit or not be allowed to make changes to the registry. It may be necessary to log in with an AdministratorThe administrator is the first unrestricted operator that is created with full access to all parts of the software. account to be allowed to make these changes.


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. options can be set to always show the log on the screen.

  • Select the "Setup" button in the DigiWin program.
  • Select the "System Setup" Tab.
  • Select the "User Ids" button.
  • Select the User Id that you wish to change and select Edit.
  • Select 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." Tab.
  • Display 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. should be set to Yes.
  • Set the "Number of Activities to Display" to the number you want displayed, from 1 to 10.
  • Set the Number of Seconds to Display to 0.
  • Select "OK".
  • Note: You must exit the DigiWin program and log on with the User Id that you modified for the changes to take effect.