The bench test 2: Don't be Euro-sceptic

The provision of a 32-character LCD remote keypad with fully programmable zone and user descriptors, plus a time and date stamped event log, make this an attractive system from both engineer and user standpoints.

It has eight fully programmable zones, each having a wide range of options which includes a keyswitch in the case of zone 5.

The CP8LCD, as supplied for testing, consists of a control panel and one remote keypad – it will support a maximum of four keypads and an optional dedicated digital communicator.

The remote keypad display shows date, time and system state for the bulk of its working life, unless interrupted by a valid four-digit code when the displayed text guides the user/engineer along the intended path to either set or programme the system. System problems such as mains failure and tamper violations are also displayed.

The eurosec is very user friendly, but our version was not quite so 'euro-friendly' since the text is only shown in English! The system has a full set and three part set options. Separate exit/entry times can be programmed for full and part setting; the part set exit sounder can be disabled for minimum disturbance in residential installations.

There are at least nine programming options for each of the eight zones with no restrictions regarding exit/entry zones; PA, Fire and 24-hour zones are included.

The eurosec CP8LCD has programming provision for nine user codes: three at the Master Level, which includes system setting, unsetting and user programming; four at the User Level, allowing setting and unsetting but not resetting after an alarm; and two at Set Only Level. This provides a good range of system management options for the Master User.

The usual bell and strobe outputs are available, along with a dedicated negative tamper return terminal for the bell enclosure. The bell output current should not exceed 500mA but the CP8LCD can be programmed for SCB (self-powered bell unit) operation if high powered or multiple sounders are specified.

A single programmable output terminal is available, rated at 50mA, for one of a list of ten options, which includes a set/unset supply to latching detectors. Other programmable features include strobe confirmation (of system set), system re-arm and a service timer.

Altogether, this is a very comprehensive range of features.

Construction
Both the control panel and remote keypad enclosures are moulded in white matt finish plastic around 3mm thick. The control panel base has plenty of rear access cable openings, PCB supports and securing clips, mains transformer housing and mains fuse and connector block securing latch – all as part of the moulding.

The supports and clips worked quite efficiently with the exception of the mains connector block latch which needed additional support while removing the fuse. Supporting screw holes are moulded in such a manner as to lift the base 5mm clear of the mounting surface so that the existing rear access can be used with surface cables, avoiding any weakening of the base.

The cover is very stylishly shaped with a viewing hole for the "mains on" LED. It is held in place by two engineering threaded bolts into brass nuts moulded in the base – a nice touch of class which avoids the need to provide ever bigger self tapping screws from time to time when screwed directly into plastic.

The remote keypad base has rear access for the cable(s) with rear vertical channels for surface wiring and a single brass nut for securing the PCB and cover in place. In use, it is covered by a hinged flap having two small holes which emit a small portion of the display permanently on backlighting. This is no doubt to enable the user to "home in" on the keypad on a dark night when the hall lighting has failed. Outwardly, the keypad is very neat, with the display and keys completely hidden from casual view.

The control panel has a single PCB, 188 x 63mm, which leaves ample space in the enclosure for any sized standby battery up to 7Ah.

The remote keypad PCB is slightly smaller than the enclosure and is tightly secured inside the cover, clamping the key membrane in place. Key response is positive, giving good tactile feedback.

Both PCBs are neat and well constructed. The component parts and covers fit neatly – all of those are also manufactured and finished to a high standard.

Installation
Installation is quite straightforward, following the manufacturer's detailed instructions which include tamper, contact, PIR and 13 sample bell box connection diagrams.

Four-cored cable is required to connect the remote keypad(s) to the alarm panel – maximum permissible cable length is not specified. A 680 Ohm terminating resistor (supplied) must be connected to the last RKP in line, so that a "daisy chain" connection method must be used. This could require a fair length of cable between keypads in premises with front and rear access points. We wired the system on the bench with a simulated external sounder and zone switches. After applying mains and battery power, using the default Master User code and assuming zone 1 as exit/entry point, it all worked.

   As with many manually programmed systems, the eurosec CP8LCD needs time and effort on the part of first time installers in order to change the factory default settings.

   The operation is made more difficult in that the instructions do not offer a list of default settings, program headings or the options available under each heading.

We spent a couple of hours, at play, listing the headings and options. The results were set out in the form of a flow chart showing the headings and options (both in loop form). This was time well spent – a much clearer picture emerged and the manufacturer's programming instructions started to make sense.

Later on we read the Trouble Shooting section of the Installation Manual: "Fault: I got confused while programming and don't know what settings have been programmed. Action: In this situation we would recommend that you revert to factory defaults". Pressing the "0" key to escape back to the start of the programming loop would have been a much more helpful suggestion.

After initial familiarisation, programming becomes very straightforward, using the No or Yes keys, as appropriate, in response to the LCD display questions and options presented.

In our opinion, the Programming section of the Installation Manual needs some serious revision. It should also include a glossary of display prompts, repeated in the User Manual.

What the manufacturer says …
THE NEW EUROSEC CONTROL PANEL IS AIMED AT BOTH THE DOMESTIC and smaller commercial installations sectors, and represents the first new control panel offering from the company, following its acquisition by the RISCO Group. The eurosec range was designed to meet specific market criteria, identified by the company during its evaluation and research of these sectors. The result is a range of panels offering a unique blend of performance, features and cost effectiveness, coupled with simplicity of installation and use.

The CP8LCD is supplied as a blank end station, with LCD remote keypad. The LCD has 32 character, full English text incorporating fully programmable zone descriptors and user names. Standard features include eight fully programmable zones, nine user codes, four different set options that allows for full set and three different part sets. A quick set feature and easy reset options on the keypad, together with the ability to have up to four remote keypads and an installer selectable choice of 256 event memory or 64 events with time and date stamp, add to the system's flexibility and ease of use.

All of the eurosec programmable options, including the zone descriptors and user names programmed to the individual system by the installer, are retained on the NVM contained within the main control panel.

There is also a choice of end user or engineer reset and the ability to make the panel a communicated system.