In previous parts of this series, we have covered the very basics and the inputs and outputs of the C8 board. If you missed these parts, you can find them here:
In this, the final part of the series, we will explain the usage of our Excel Jumper Configuration Tool.
About the Tool
The C4/C8 Jumper Configuration Tool is available free for download from the LifeSafety Power website's Calculators page.
The tool uses information entered by the user to determine the correct jumper settings. Even if you have the jumper settings memorized, the tool is very helpful in quickly configuring multiple zones. Jumper settings can be predetermined in the office, printed, and included in the system design documentation, or done on-the-fly at the job site.
Using the Tool
To begin, open the file in Excel. There are three sections on the screen - Voltage Sources, Zone Information, and Results.
Step 1 - Voltage Sources
The Voltage Sources section is where you enter the B1 and B2 voltages used as the power source for the C8. In a single voltage system, only the B1 field will have information entered. The B2 field should be left blank.
A dual voltage system should have both the B1 and B2 fields filled in as appropriate. Remember that a dual FPO system (as built by LifeSafety Power) would have the top FPO's voltage in the B1 space and the bottom FPO's voltage in the B2 space. An FPO/B100 system would have the FPO's voltage as B1 and the B100's voltage as B2.
Entering this information correctly is important for the yellow jumper's setting. Reversing this data will cause the incorrect output voltage to be placed on the outputs, potentially damaging the powered equipment. Remember to always double check your output voltages before connecting any load devices.
The B1/B2 information will remain consistent across all boards and zones in a typical FPO power supply system.
In this example, the B1 supply is set for 24V and the B2 supply is set for 12V.
Step 2 - Zone Information
The Zone Information section is where you enter the information for the zone being configured. This information may vary zone to zone.
In this example, the input is set for a NO Dry Contact and the output is set for a 24V maglock with FAI.
Step 3 - Results
The results section displays the correct jumper settings for the configuration entered in steps 1 and 2. Jumpers A-F are shown with a visual representation of positions 1 and 2 for each jumper. Remember to look closely at the C8 PC Board for positions 1 and 2 for each jumper carefully, as these positions change from jumper to jumper.
Conclusion
We hope this series has been useful to you and has helped you to become an expert in using the C8 family of lock control boards. If you need any assistance, our Technical Support department is here to help.