Lookout Direct communications issue.

[PrisonSparky]

In Lookout Direct 4.5.1 (build 19) under object explorer, edit connections after selecting writeable members and then ASCII1.ResponseFormat the connection box show the following: "%2s%4s%2s%4s%2s%4s" which is accepted as valid. Does anyone know what this string may indicate? I have taken over a project started by a former employee.

[Mike@Forshock]

It is setting the format of the return/response string.

s = String

%2s = RSV1.txt (2 characters)

%4s = RSV2.txt (4 characters)

%2s = RSV3.txt (2 characters)

%4s = RSV4.txt (4 characters)

%2s = RSV5.txt (2 characters)

%4s = RSV6.txt (4 characters)

The help documentation for the object/driver is pretty informative and includes examples.

Good luck,

Mike

[PrisonSparky]

Mike,

Thank you for your reply. That information is exactly what I was looking for to get my communication link re-established.

Also the help file reference was also useful to get me familiar with the ASCII format. I have not dealt with ASCII before this project.

The RSV1 thru 6 appear thoughout the alarm message matrix when I search through object explorer so I surmise that the return/response string refers to the alarm message pop-ups found in the program.

[Mike@Forshock]

That looks like a small process, what device is it connecting too?  The prisons near us use Wonderware and InduSoft for the facility controls.

 Test, test and test again, body alarms are important piece of the safety.  🙂

Mike

[PrisonSparky]

I have wireless portable transmitters that connect to various Linear CP-90 Wireless Security Communicators. The CP-90 in turns dials into an Ademco 685 Digital Alarm Receiver. The Ademco transmits the ASCII code to a computer that is running the Lookout Direct Body Alarm program. The program then translates the ASCII code into a text message stating which alarm has been activated, the persons' name and work location. I have lost the link between the Ademco (which is still recieving alarms and self tests) and the computer (which is supposed to display the text message on its screen). I think the string "%2s%4s%2s%4s%2s%4s" is the key to re-establishing the connection but I am still uncertain as to how.

[Mike@Forshock]

I would start testing in a terminal program.  Set the com port settings to match the device, then send the commands needed or watch the raw data arrive.  Then you can adjust the responseformat.