Category C: Computer Operation
As stated on page 2-1, three distinct categories have been selected,
into which each of the CP-220A's programming parameters have been
placed. Programming the CP-220A's parameters according to category,
rather than by numerical sequence, is thought to be a more logical
approach and is generally easier.
Category C: Computer Operation
relates to the use of an
Automation
System
in conjunction with the CP-220A. In this section, the use of the
terms
computer
and
Automation System
are interchangeable.
Introduction
For many years, computer systems have helped to streamline, or
automate,
Central Station operation by using the "raw" data from
subscriber messages (received by units like the CP-220A) to access a
database
stored on the
Automation System's
hard disk – from where it
can be translated into useful information that can be read off a
computer monitor or terminal. In the process, Central Station
operators are relieved of the tedious process of having to relate the
receiver's "alphanumeric"
Account Numbers
and
Event Codes
to
paper-based records containing the identities of their subscribers.
While many (if not all) Central Stations still use paper-based records
for backup and emergencies, the main task of dispatching alarms and
other pertinent events is performed far more efficiently through the
use of a
Computer
(or
Automation) System.
The
Automation Systems
found in today's Central Stations take
several forms. When they were first introduced,
mini-computers
ran
the operation, and were often large and very expensive. As the
Personal Computer revolution developed and
PCs,
networked
together, replaced many
mini-computers
in corporate environments, it
wasn't long before the same technology appeared in Central Station
monitoring – with great success, and at a much lower cost. While
many Central Stations still have
mini-computers
for this purpose,
virtually all automation packages developed today are strictly
software-based and take advantage of the ready availability of
inexpensive PCs.
Data Transfer
In either case, the means of connecting computing equipment so that
communication among them is possible has been in existence for many
years, in the form of an industry standard known as
RS-232-C
(Recommended Standard No. 232, Revision C), established by the
Electronic Industries Association
(EIA) in 1969. Among other things,
RS-232-C
specifies the "pin-out" assignments on the plug and socket
CP-220A Central Station Receiver
Section 2: Programming the CP-220A Page 2-73
Hook-Up and Installation Manual
Parameters in Category C:
Computer Operation
PARAMETER 00: Computer I/O
PARAMETER 02: Receiver
Computer
Type
PARAMETER 09: Serial Baud
PARAMETER 10: Serial Stop Bits
PARAMETER 11: Serial Data Bits
PARAMETER 12: Header
PARAMETER 15: Computer
Trouble
Delay
PARAMETER 16: ACK
PARAMETER 17: NAK
PARAMETER 18: BS
PARAMETER 19: CR
PARAMETER 13: Time
PARAMETER 14: T-Header
PARAMETER 20: DTR
PARAMETER 21: RTS
PARAMETER 22: Terminator
PARAMETER 23: Time
Terminator
PARAMETER 24: LF
PARAMETER 25: Clock Set
PARAMETER 39: Computer Fail
Test
PARAMETER 45: Data Loop Test
PARAMETER 48: Applied
Spectrum
PARAMETER 49: Applied
Spectrum
PARAMETER 50: Applied
Spectrum
PARAMETER 51: XON
PARAMETER 52: XOFF
PARAMETER 53: Acron 11 Digit
with Zero or
Space
PARAMETER 54: RTS / CTS
Protocol
(On/Off)
