M1 Newsletter

June 14, 2005

Using Custom Settings

Incorporating custom settings in rules provides the user with the ability to modify how the rule will operate.   Custom settings can be set to a numeric value, a timer value in seconds, or a time of day.  An authorized user can access the custom settings from the keypad user menu 7 –Automation Custom Settings, and modify the value of that setting.  This newsletter will cover some examples of how custom settings can be used.

There are 20 memory locations for custom settings.  Each may be assigned a 12 character description, a function type (number, timer, or time of day) and an initial value. A ‘number’ may be 5 digits with a range of 00000 to 65535.  A ‘timer’ may be 5 digits with a range of 00000 to 65535 seconds.  The ‘time of day’ is formatted as 00:00 with a range of 00:00 to 23:59 .

Number
In this example, the user would like to be able to adjust the cool set point of the “Economy Mode”.  A task is used to set the thermostat to “Economy Mode” when the system is armed away.  When this task is activated, it sets the cooling desired temperature to the value programmed in custom setting 1.  In ElkRP, on the custom setting screen under automation, custom setting 1 is named “EconSetPoint” and defined as type 0 (number).  The initial value is set to 85.  The rule below defines the task described above.

The following rule activates the task when the system is armed away.

The user can go into Keypad Menu 7, CS01 and change the “Economy Mode” cool set point.

Timer
In this example, the user would like to be able to control how long the Garage lights stay on when he/she pulls the vehicle into the garage.  In ElkRP, on the custom setting screen, custom setting 2 is named “Garage Light” and defined as type 2 (timer).  The initial value is set to 600 seconds (10 minutes).  When the garage door is opened, the following rule will turn the garage lights on for the length of time programmed in custom setting 2. 

The user can go into Keypad Menu 7, CS02 and change the length of time the lights stay on.

Time of Day
In this example, the user would like to be able to adjust the time of day that the sprinkler system is activated.  In ElkRP, on the custom setting screen, custom setting 3 is named “Sprinklers” and defined as type 3 (time of day).  The initial value is set to 8:00 AM .  The following rule will turn the sprinkler system on for 15 minutes, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the custom setting time.  

The user can go into Keypad Menu 7, CS03 and change the time of day the sprinklers come on.

ELK RP Tips 

Modem Connection Methods 
Local Connection Via House Telephone Line
When the installer has a laptop computer at the installation site, he can program the system via a direct connection.  However, this requires the computer be located close by the system, which is not always convenient.

This method allows ElkRP to connect through a modem using any telephone jack on the premises.  The computer can be conveniently placed on a counter top, table, or desk, provided a telephone jack is nearby.

NOTE: For this method to work, the site must already have working local telephone service and the system must be properly wired to allow line seizure. Also, the “listen for dial tone” option for the modem must be disabled.  This option can be disabled in the Phone & Modem options found in the system’s control panel.

Simply plug the modem cord into any working telephone jack and select this method.

Got Questions or Ideas?
Email me at amy.strickland@elkproducts.com