ZP3 Fire Control Panel Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Manual
REV 11 (ISS 08/03/2010)
Page 19
ZP3AB-RS232 Serial communications board (Z-Port 1a)
This board (see Figure 13) is used to connect a ZP3 panel to an external device, such as a desktop
printer, a graphics display system, a building management system, modem, or a paging system.
The hardware protocol is a RS232, being a screened 5-wire connection. The RS232 board is
defined in the menus as Port1a, and different software protocols can be selected to match the
connected PC application. Communication parameters can be set in the setup menu.
Figure 13: ZP3AB-RS232 Serial communications board (Z-Port 1a)
RS232 is officially specified as a maximum cable length of 10 metres. However, if slower baud
rates are used, then it is possible to operate it at up to 50 metres. Cable must be screened, with at
least five (5) conductors, and must be made-up as shown in Figure 13.
Software setup
To be functional, the optional RS232 serial port (Zport1a) must be configured in software, and
must be set to match the communications parameters of the PC and program being used. Access
the communications parameters menu using the following path:
SETUP: SYSTEM CONFIGURATION: PERIPHERAL COMMS: COMMS PARAMETERS
The following screen is displayed (see Figure 14):
Figure 14: Setup – System configuration screen
To change a setting, move the bracket to the selected item, and press <Enter>.