The ZX2e control panel forms the heart of the fire detection system.
A steel enclosure contains all the required components - microprocessor,
power supply plus a clear LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), system status
indicators and the control buttons that are the user interface.
A quick glance enables users to assess the condition of the fire alarm
system. Alarm and Fault conditions are highlighted by LEDs and supported
by enhanced text descriptions on the LCD display. Clearly labeled buttons
allow users to quickly manipulate the system providing both audible and
tactile feedback of successful operations.
Accidental operation is prevented by user passcodes that are required
to gain access to functions. Basic functions (Evacuate, Reset, Mute, Accept,
Silence) are available at one access level whilst more advanced operations
are protected by a secondary level passcode. Individual device isolations,
test modes and configuration data are all protected by these secondary
access levels.
Inside each control panel the microprocessor maintains a log of the events
or actions occurring on the system. Fires, Faults, tested devices and
diagnostics are all electronically logged for future reference. Remote
(or local) printers can easily be connected to provide a paper copy of
events as and when they occur or provide a historical record.
The control panel can be configured to support any one of the five detection
protocols by installing the correct loop driver cards in the control panel.
For each loop the control panel will support a total up to 126 devices
using Apollo, Hochiki or Nittan protocols and up to a maximum of 99 sensors
and 99 modules (call points, monitor, control, conventional zone modules
and addressable sounders) using the Morley-IAS or System Sensor protocols.
The flexibility of the ZX2e design allows the control panel to be connected
to a wide variety of peripheral devices. From display repeaters to custom
mimic displays, printers, serial data interfaces and switching relay interfaces.