Help Understanding a Module

TurnipTruck

I am trying to use the module for the GE Concord security system. I am having trouble with understanding the device definitions.

DEFINE_DEVICE
    dvITIConcord        =   5001:1:0    //  Security System            
    dvTP_Main           =   128:1:0     //  Main Touch Panel         
    vdvITIConcord       =   33001:1:0   //  Security System virtual device
    vdvITIAllTP           =   33002:1:0   //  Touch Panel virtual device

The first and third definitions are obvious.

However, I don't understand why it wants to know a real AND virtual panel.

I intend to have several panels in the house with alarm functions. Each of those would have a D:P:S for alarm functions, all combined with a virtual device for alarm functions.

Would my virtual device for alarm functions be defined as the main touch panel in the above definitions or the virtual? What would be done with the unused definition above?

Thanks.

DHawthorne

I would need to see more of the module to be certain, but it is likely that the panel virtual defined is needed to control the device with the supplied UI. Typically, that's how the module packages are set up: a communications module, and a UI module, and it is entirely up to you to use the UI portion or make your own. If you are using the UI module, you can probably cmbine your real panels with the defined virtual, and as long as the button channels and addresses are correct, it will work without any further coding. If you are rolling your own UI and just using the comm module, you don't need the panel virtual, but the device virtual is where you send the commands to be passed along to the actual device.

TurnipTruck

Thank you for your reply. I am using the UI module.

What, if anything, is done with the device 128:1:0 that they refer to as the "main touch panel?"

The module is on the website under GE Concord security system.

yuri

look for a DEFINE_COMBINE or COMBINE_DEVICES command

DHawthorne

Yes, if you look at the example file, you will see a DEFINE_COMBINE statement that combines the real panel to the virtual. The virtual is passed to the UI module for your actual control. You can add as many real panels as you like to that combine statement, and all of them will work for the UI module. Just be certain you define a specific port for the alarm on your panel and nothing else - if other buttons are on the same port, once you combine it, they won't be seen by the rest of the code.

TurnipTruck

Thank you. I got that all working fine, but I'm having compatibility problems between the module and the security system. I'm thinking it's a firmware issue as the module is four years old.