For non-intelligent formats (e.g., 4x2), you may encounter the same event on consecutive zones. To save time during such an event you can add just one line of programming for the consecutive zones by using a wildcard (*), within the input and output zones.

Example for Manitou Versions 1.5 and higher:

1. Select Systems from the jump to menu and then Programming

2. Select Edit and add a line of programming such as the following:

TX 1, DES *A, AREA *, ZONE 3*, SENSOR *, EVENT BA, DESCRIPTION BURG ALARM, AREA =, ZONE 3=, SENSOR =

In this example there would be activation on zones 30 thru 39 (as a Burglar Alarm) that would thus poll the appropriate zone description from the zone table.  

The primary benefit of programming consecutive zones with wildcards is to save operator data entry time. If this programming shortcut were not used, for example, the operator would have to add 10 separate lines of programming (as opposed to adding only one).

Bill Fox

billf@boldgroup.com