Simplex Panel Guide.pdf - Grostech.com

Release 2.5 

Simplex Panel 

Interface Guide 

December 2012

SATEON Release 2.5 

Simplex Panel Interface Guide 

Issue 1.0, released December 2012 

Disclaimer 

Copyright © 2012, Grosvenor Technology. All rights reserved. 

SATEON and the SATEON logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of 

Grosvenor Technology. All other brands, names, or trademarks appearing in this 

document are acknowledged as the trademarks of their respective owners. 

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any means for any 

purpose without the written permission of Grosvenor Technology. 

While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our publications, Grosvenor 

Technology assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that 

may appear in this document. 

Grosvenor Technology Ltd. 

Millars Three 

Southmill Road 

Bishop’s Stortford 

Herts 

CM23 3DH 

Telephone: +44 (0)1279 838000 

Fax: +44 (0)1279 504776 

Email: support@grosvenortechnology.co.uk 

Website: www.grosvenortechnology.co.uk 

SATEON Release 2.5 2 Version 1.0 

Simplex Panel Interface Guide December 2012

Contents 

Preface ..............................................................................................................................5 

About the Simplex Panel Interface ................................................................................................... 5 

About this guide ............................................................................................................................... 5 

Related documents ........................................................................................................................... 6 

Technical support ............................................................................................................................. 6 

Introduction to the Simplex Panel interface .......................................................................7 

Overview of the interface ................................................................................................................. 8 

Operation of the Simplex panel ........................................................................................................ 9 

Conditions and states of points ................................................................................................ 9 

States reported .......................................................................................................................10 

Commands to control the Simplex panel................................................................................11 

Setting up and licensing the Simplex panel interface ........................................................ 13 

Installing the Simplex panel interface ............................................................................................14 

Installation options .................................................................................................................14 

Adding the Simplex panel interface to an existing installation ..............................................14 

What is installed......................................................................................................................15 

Licensing the Simplex panel interface ............................................................................................16 

Installing a licence ...................................................................................................................16 

How Simplex panel events are reported ........................................................................... 21 

Simplex events reported in SATEON ..............................................................................................22 

Simplex Panel events ..............................................................................................................22 

Simplex Point events ...............................................................................................................22 

Setting up Simplex event reporting ................................................................................................24 

Setting up an event group ......................................................................................................25 

Setting up an event topic ........................................................................................................25 

Setting up an event rule ..........................................................................................................26 

Setting up a new event profile ................................................................................................28 

Setting up an incident .............................................................................................................30 

SATEON Release 2.5 3 Version 1.0 


Configuring the Simplex panel interface ........................................................................... 31 

Configuring the Simplex panel comms ...........................................................................................32 

Configuring the physical connections .....................................................................................32 

Configuring the Lantronix device ............................................................................................32 

Configuring the information within SATEON ..................................................................................35 

Setting up a panel ...................................................................................................................35 

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................37 

Connection problems ..............................................................................................................38 

Simplex panel not licensed .....................................................................................................38 

Viewing and managing Simplex panels from SATEON ....................................................... 39 

Viewing configured Simplex panels ................................................................................................40 

Monitoring and managing a Simplex panel ....................................................................................41 

Viewing Simplex panels ..........................................................................................................41 

Monitoring the status of a panel ............................................................................................41 

Acknowledging an abnormal condition ..................................................................................42 

Updating point data ................................................................................................................42 

Silencing alarms ......................................................................................................................43 

Resetting the panel .................................................................................................................43 

Refreshing point status ...........................................................................................................43 

Monitoring and managing a Simplex point ....................................................................................43 

Viewing Simplex points ...........................................................................................................44 

Monitoring the status of a point .............................................................................................44 

Acknowledging alarms or warnings ........................................................................................46 

Glossary of terms ............................................................................................................. 47 

SATEON Release 2.5 4 Issue 1.0 


Preface 

This document provides information on the Simplex Panel Interface module of SATEON, 

which provides an interface between the SATEON access control system and Simplex 

4100u Fire Panels. 

This version of the document relates to SATEON Release 2.5. It may not include changes 

incorporated in later versions of the software. 

Date of latest update: December 2012. 

About the Simplex Panel Interface 

SATEON is a powerful yet easy-to-use browser-based access control system that allows 

users to manage and monitor physical access to sites. It integrates access control, alarm 

and incident monitoring and comprehensive reporting facilities. 

SATEON supports interfaces to third-party security systems such as alarms and CCTV 

systems. The Simplex Panel Interface is an optional, separately licensable module that 

provides an interface between the SATEON system and one or more Simplex 4100 fire 

alarm control panels. It enables SATEON users to control the panels and their separate 

alarms and outputs. For example, you can acknowledge a raised alarm, turn off sounders 

or reset the system, all from within the SATEON user interface. 

About this guide 

This document provides details on setting up the Simplex Panel Interface module, 

configuring communication between SATEON and the panel, and displaying and 

managing Simplex information from the SATEON interface. 

It is aimed at installers and system managers who are responsible for setting up the 

interface, and security staff who are responsible for monitoring the system. 

Note: This document assumes that the Simplex panel is fully configured and operational. 

For specific operation of the Simplex panel itself, see the Simplex documentation. 

This guide includes the following information: 

• Section 1 – Introduction to the Simplex Panel interface. This section provides an 

overview of the Simplex panel interface and introduces the Simplex panel concepts. 



• Section 2 – Setting up and licensing the Simplex panel interface. This section 

explains how to install the Simplex panel interface module and upgrade the licence. 

• Section 3 – How Simplex panel events are reported. This section details the Simplex 

panel events that are reported in SATEON and how to set them up via the Event 

Configuration module. 

• Section 4 – Configuring the Simplex panel interface. This section covers setting up 

the Simplex panel itself and the data required within SATEON. 

• Section 5 – Viewing and managing Simplex panels from SATEON. This section 

explains how to view and manage the Simplex panels and monitoring points from 

within the SATEON user interface. 

Related documents 

The following SATEON documents may also be useful: 

• SATEON – Installation Guide. This guide explains how to install SATEON including 

details of hardware requirements and software prerequisites. 

• SATEON – Access Control Guide. This guide explains how to set up the access control 

system, including setting up external systems. This is available both as a Help system 

and in PDF form. 

• SATEON – Control Centre Guide. This document explains how to use the Control 

Centre module to view reported events in real-time and control and monitor system 

equipment. This is available both as a Help system and in PDF form. 

• SATEON – Event Configuration Guide. This document explains how to set up the way 

in which system events are displayed, reported and used. This is available both as a 

Help system and in PDF form. 

For details of setting up and managing the Simplex panels, please consult the 

appropriate Simplex Fire Panel product manuals. 

Technical support 

For further assistance with SATEON, please contact Grosvenor Technology Technical 

Support as follows: 

E-mail: 

Web: 

Technical website: 

support@grosvenortechnology.co.uk 

www.grosvenortechnology.co.uk 

www.grostech.com 



Section 1 

Introduction to the Simplex Panel 

interface 

This section provides an overview of the Simplex panel interface and 

introduces some of the Simplex panel concepts. 

• For an introduction to the Simplex panel interface, see Overview of the 

interface on page 8. 

• For an explanation of the various functions of the Simplex panel, the 

information reported and the commands that can be issued, see 

Operation of the Simplex panel on page 9. 



Overview of the interface 

The SATEON access control system can be integrated with the Simplex 4100 fire detection 

and alarm systems. 

Integration is managed by a separate, licensable SATEON module which manages 

communication between one or more Simplex 4100 fire alarm control panels and the 

main SATEON system. 

The Simplex Panel Interface module includes the following functionality: 

• It enables events and state changes from the Simplex fire panel or any of its 

associated monitoring points to be passed to SATEON and displayed on screen via the 

Control Centre. 

• It allows a SATEON system user to view the status of the Simplex fire panel and its 

associated alarms via the SATEON user interface. 

• It allows a SATEON system user to manage the panel and its associated alarms. For 

example you can acknowledge an alarm, silence alarms and reset the system. 

For details of setting up and managing the Simplex panels, please consult the appropriate 

Simplex Fire Panel product manuals. 

The Simplex panel interface can be connected either via a direct RS232 connection or over 

the IP network using a Lantronix RS232 device. 



The SATEON Simplex Interface module is licensed separately. If necessary, an upgraded 

licence file needs to be installed, which defines the maximum number of Simplex panels 

that are supported. For details, see Licensing the Simplex panel interface on page 16. 

Operation of the Simplex panel 

The Simplex 4100 Fire Alarm Control Panel has three general functions: 

• It monitors fire alarm initiating points (including smoke detectors, heat detectors, and 

pull stations). 

• It activates fire alarm notification appliances (including horns, strobes and audio 

evacuation messages) when an initiating point activates. 

• It monitors and controls auxiliary building equipment (fan dampers, relays, security 

devices). 

Conditions and states of points 

Each Simplex Fire Panel can control and monitor several thousand points, where a point 

refers to an individual element of the system, such as a single smoke detector, a heat 

detector, a switch, a single pull station, etc. 

Points can report various conditions on the Simplex front panel. 

Alarms 

The most serious incidents are Alarm conditions, indicating the possibility of fire danger. 

Alarm conditions will be indicated on the panel by a flashing red LED. In addition 

messages will appear on the alphanumeric display and the building’s notification 

appliances (sounders, lights etc) will be activated. There are two types of alarms: 

• Fire Alarms. A Fire Alarm occurs when activated by a suitable point such as a smoke 

detector, heat detector, sprinkler flow switch, manual call points, etc. 

• Priority 2 Alarms. A Priority 2, or Security Alarm may be activated by a secondary 

device such as a security system, building management system, or another fire alarm 

control panel. 



Warnings 

Warnings are used to indicate abnormal, non-fire-conditions related to the fire alarm’s 

wiring or connected devices. Warning conditions will show on the panel as a flashing 

yellow LED and messages will appear on the alphanumeric display. There are two types of 

warnings: 

• Supervisory. A Supervisory Warning indicates a problem with the building’s automatic 

sprinkler system or some other system used for the protection of life and property. 

This signal indicates that a portion of the building’s fire protection system has been 

disabled. 

• Trouble. A Trouble Warning, also known as Fault or Defect, is used to indicate the 

presence of a circuit break or ground somewhere within the system. Trouble 

conditions are often activated by a contaminated smoke detector or an electrical 

problem within the system. 

Other conditions 

Some conditions are not reported via the Simplex front panel, but associated state 

changes result in events being sent to SATEON: 

• Disabled Trouble. If a point is disabled, a Disabled Trouble condition occurs on that 

point as a reminder that the point is disabled. When the point is enabled again, the 

trouble clears. 

• Utility Monitor State. Certain types of points can be set to this state to permit 

monitoring. Acknowledgement is not applicable to these state changes. 

• Control State. If a point is in the control state it can be managed from the panel. This 

is applicable to certain points only, such as relays, signals etc. Acknowledgement is 

not applicable to these state changes. 

Note: There are many different types of point, and the states and conditions reported 

depend on the type of point. For example a typical smoke alarm could report a Fire Alarm, 

a Trouble Warning and a Disable Trouble condition, while a switch could report a Trouble 

Warning, a Utility Monitor state change and a Disable Trouble condition. See also Simplex 

events reported in SATEON on page 22. 

States reported 

Each point reports changes of state to the Simplex panel; these are reported as events to 

the SATEON Event Service, and can be displayed on the Control Centre pages within the 

SATEON system. 

Each state change message specifies the state being reported on, the value and the 

acknowledge status of a specific point: 

The state will be one of the following: 

• Fire Alarm state 

• Priority 2 Alarm state 

• Trouble state 



• Supervisory state 

• Disable Trouble state 

• Utility Monitor state 

• Control state 

Note: It is possible for a point to be in more than one state at a time. 

The value will be one of the following: 

• Normal/Off 

• Abnormal/On (e.g. Fire Alarm activated) 

The acknowledge status will be one of the following: 

• Acknowledged 

• Needs Acknowledging 

Note that the Acknowledge status does not apply to Control and Utility Monitor states, 

which are reported as simply On or Off. 

Commands to control the Simplex panel 

Various commands can be sent from the SATEON system to the Simplex panel. 

At panel level 

The following commands apply at panel level: 

• Panel Reset. Resets the panel after an alarm condition has occurred. All initiating 

devices are reset, and the panel is cleared of any alarm conditions. If an initiating 

device is still in alarm after the system is reset, such as a smoke detector continuing to 

sense smoke, or a manual pull station still in an activated position, another alarm will 

be initiated. A system reset is often required to clear supervisory conditions, but it 

does not usually clear trouble conditions. 

• Acknowledge Next. Acknowledges the next abnormal situation such as an alarm, 

trouble or supervisory. 

• Alarm Silence. Turns off all sounders on the Simplex system. 

• Refresh Point State. Requests details of all abnormal points, and updates the current 

status of all points. By default, this command is only available to members of the 

SATEON Administrator and Installer groups. 

• Update Points. Requests full point information from the Simplex panel and updates 

the database with all point definitions. By default, this command is only available to 

members of the SATEON Administrator and Installer groups. 



At point level 

The following commands apply at point level: 

• Acknowledge Fire. Acknowledges a Fire Alarm that has been raised on the specified 

point. 

• Acknowledge Priority 2. Acknowledges a Priority 2 Alarm that has been raised on the 

specified point. 

• Acknowledge Trouble. Acknowledges a Trouble Warning that has been raised on the 

specified point. 

• Acknowledge Supervisory. Acknowledges a Supervisory Warning that has been raised 

on the specified point. 

• Acknowledge Disable Trouble. Acknowledges a Disable Trouble Warning that has 

been raised on the specified point. 



Section 2 

Setting up and licensing the 

Simplex panel interface 

This section explains how to install the Simplex interface module and 

upgrade the licence file. 

• For details of installation, see Installing the Simplex panel interface on 

page 14. 

• For information about licensing, see Licensing the Simplex panel 

interface on page 16. 



Installing the Simplex panel interface 

For full details of the SATEON installation process, see the SATEON Installation Guide. 

Installation options 

If you use the “one-step” SATEON installation process (Sateon Setup.exe), the Simplex 

service and database will be installed as part of the standard SATEON installation process. 

If you use the SATEON installation wizard (Sateon Installer.msi), the Simplex service and 

database will not be installed if the default settings are used. Therefore it may be 

necessary to install the Simplex panel support separately. 

Note: Even if the Simplex module has been installed, it can only be used when an 

appropriate licence is present. 

Adding the Simplex panel interface to an existing installation 

1. Run the SATEON installer.msi. 

2. On the first screen, press Next. 

3. Choose Change. 



4. In the tree structure, select the features to be installed. Ensure this includes the 

Simplex database within SATEON Databases and the Simplex service within SATEON 

Services. 

5. Click Next and continue with the installation. On the next screen, click Change to 

install the missing elements. 

6. Continue until the installation is completed, then click Finish. 

Note: For multi-tier installations, ensure the Simplex service and database are installed on 

the appropriate machines. 

What is installed 

The elements installed are as follows: 

• The SateonSimplex database. The database schema is created but not populated until 

communication is established with the Simplex panels. 

• The Simplex service and associated executables. These are installed in the default 

location (C:\Program Files\Grosvenor Technology Ltd (x86)\SATEON\Services) unless 

another has been specified. 

The service is started automatically following installation. If necessary, you can manage it 

from the Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services dialog. 



A log file Simplex.yyyymmdd.log in C:\Program Files\Grosvenor Technology Ltd 

(x86)\SATEON\Services\logs when the service starts. 

Licensing the Simplex panel interface 

The Simplex panel module is an optional, separately licensed SATEON feature. 

• For a new installation you need to ensure that the licence includes support for the 

Simplex panels. 

• If you have added Simplex panel support to an existing installation, you will need a 

new licence file. 

Note: If you do not have a valid licence file yet, contact Grosvenor Technical Support as 

soon as possible. 

Installing a licence 

Whether this is a new installation or an upgrade, you need to install a licence. 

To install a SATEON licence 

1. Choose Systems Configuration > Systems Administration > Licensing to display 

details of the current licence: 



Note that if this is a new SATEON installation the Licensing page is displayed 

immediately after log-in as the licence file must be installed first. 

2. Do one of the following: 

− 

− 

If you have a licence in file format, ensure it is in an accessible location. Select 

Upload a new licence file and click the Click to Start Upload button. A file 

selection dialog appears. Navigate to the appropriate file and click Open. The 

new licence file is installed. 

Note: The filename is of the format .gtl 

If the encrypted licence data has been sent to you in a document or email, select 

the Copy/paste the licence below. Cut the string of encrypted text from the 

source email or document and paste it into the text box. Click Save Licence. 

3. When the licence is successfully loaded, click OK to log out. When you log back in, 

the main SATEON page appears. If you select System Configuration > System 

Administration > Licensing, information about the licence appears.ad 

4. At this point the licence is loaded but not verified. It will need to be verified within 30 

days for SATEON to continue to work. 



Verifying a licence 

For a new installation the licence needs to be verified within 30 days for SATEON to 

continue to work. 

Note: If you have upgraded an existing installation the licence will not need to be verified. 

To verify a licence 

1. Select System Configuration > System Administration > Licensing to show details of 

the licence. If it is unverified the status will appear as VALID (Unverified) as follows: 

2. Click the Generate Validation Code button. A pop-up will appear showing a code 

number: 

3. Contact Grosvenor Technical Support (see Technical Support on page 6). You will 

need to provide your System ID number (which appears at the top of the Licensing 

page) and the 16-digit Validation Code. 

4. Technical Support will give you a 16-digit licence Verification Code. When you receive 

the code, click the Enter Verification Code button. The following dialog appears: 



5. Enter the 16-digit Verification Number given to you and press OK. The licence is 

verified, and you will be logged out. When you log back in, Select System Settings > 

System Administration > Licensing. The licence status will appear as Verified and the 

new licence will include Simplex support: 

The maximum number of Simplex panels that the installation will support is indicated. 

Note though that if only one panel is supported the value appears as On, rather than 1. 

If you attempt to connect more Simplex panels than the licence supports, the ones that 

exceed the maximum licensed number will be ignored. For example, if your licence 

supports two panels, you can configure and view the second panel but the third will be 

ignored. 



Section 3 

How Simplex panel events are 

reported 

This section explains how Simplex panel events are reported within 

SATEON. 

• For a list of what events are reported from Simplex panels, see Simplex 

events reported in SATEON on page 22. 

• For details of how to set up event reporting for Simplex events, see 

Setting up Simplex event reporting on page 24. 

Note: We recommend that you set up event reporting before configuring 

the Simplex panel, so that events and state changes are visible immediately. 



Simplex events reported in SATEON 

Various conditions that occur on the Simplex system, such as alarms and changes of 

state, are reported to the SATEON Event Service, and can be displayed on the Control 

Centre page within the SATEON system. 

The following tables list the events that can be raised from the Simplex interface at 

panel level and at point level. For more information, see Operation of the Simplex panel 

on page 9, and consult the Simplex documentation. 

Simplex Panel events 

Simplex Events that may be raised at Panel level are as follows: 

SATEON Event Name 

Panel Busy 

Panel Cleared Alarms 

Panel Cold Start 

Panel Has Alarms 

Invalid Command 

Panel Notification 

Panel Off Line 

Panel On Line 

Panel Warm Start 

Description 

Long command is in progress, e.g. Update 

Points 

Previously raised alarms raised on the panel 

have been cleared. 

Panel has been started from a powered 

down state. 

One or more alarms have been raised on 

the panel. 

A command sent via the comms protocol 

was not recognised. 

Output of logging message. 

Panel has changed state to off line 

Panel has changed state to on line 

Panel CPU rebooted 

Consult Simplex documentation for full details of these. 

Simplex Point events 

Simplex Events that may be raised at Point level are as follows: 

Control State Off 

Control State On 


Description 

The point’s Control state has been turned 

Off. 

The point’s Control state has been turned 

Off. 




Disabled Trouble Abnormal 

Disabled Trouble Acknowledged 

Disabled Trouble Needs Acknowledge 

Disabled Trouble Normal 

Fire Abnormal 

Fire Acknowledged 

Fire Needs Acknowledge 

Fire Normal 

Priority 2 Abnormal 

Priority 2 Acknowledged 

Priority 2 Needs Acknowledge 

Priority 2 Normal 

Supervisory Abnormal 

Supervisory Acknowledged 

Supervisory Needs Acknowledge 

Supervisory Normal 

Trouble Abnormal 

Trouble Acknowledged 

Trouble Needs Acknowledge 

Description 

The point’s Disable Trouble state has 

changed to Abnormal. 

The point’s Disable Trouble state has been 

acknowledged. 

The point’s Disabled Troubled status needs 

to be acknowledged. 

The point’s Disable Trouble state has 

changed to Normal. 

The point’s Fire Alarm state has changed to 

Abnormal. 

The point’s Fire Alarm state has been 

acknowledged. 

The point’s Fire Alarm status needs to be 

acknowledged 

The point’s Fire Alarm state has changed to 

Normal. 

The point’s Priority 2 Alarm state has 


The point’s Priority 2 Alarm state has been 

acknowledged. 

The point’s Priority 2 Alarm status needs to 

be acknowledged 

The point’s Priority 2 Alarm state has 


The point’s Supervisory Warning state has 



been acknowledged. 

The point’s Supervisory Warning status 

needs to be acknowledged 



The point’s Trouble Warning state has 


The point’s Trouble Warning state has been 

acknowledged. 

The point’s Trouble Warning status needs 

to be acknowledged. 




Trouble Normal 

Utility Monitor Off 

Utility Monitor On 

Description 

The point’s Trouble Warning state has 


The point’s Utility Monitor status has 

turned Off. 

The point’s Utility Monitor status has 

turned On. 

Consult the Simplex documentation for full details of these. 

Setting up Simplex event reporting 

Various conditions that occur within the Simplex panel and its associated monitoring 

points can be reported to the Control Centre within SATEON. As for other events within 

SATEON, you can decide which events you need to view. For example, you may only 

need to know when an alarms is raised and not when an alarm is cleared and the normal 

situation is restored. 

A brief summary of setting up event reporting is given here. For full details of setting up 

the reporting of events, see the SATEON Event Configuration Guide. 

• Event Groups are an association of hardware elements of the same type that are 

associated together for the purposes of viewing events. Simplex panels and Simplex 

points both report events. 

• Event Topics are basically labels or tags that will be used to identify events you are 

interested in. 

• Event Rules define the relationship between actual events, event groups and topics. 

For example, you can set up a rule that associates all events at Simplex point level 

events with a topic called Simplex points. 

• Event Profiles define a subset of topics that are displayed when the profile is 

selected on the Control Centre page. 

• Notifications allow you to automatically send messages to certain groups or 

individuals when certain events occur. 

• Command Invokers enable you to associate events with the triggering of an action 

command to control a device. For example you could automatically unlock doors or 

change to Emergency system mode when a Simplex alarm is raised. 

You can set up all the elements of event reporting by choosing the Event Management 

option on the main Event Configuration page. 

Note: We recommend that you set up event reporting before configuring the panel, so 

that events and state changes are visible immediately. 



Setting up an event group 

You can set up event groups to group similar hardware items together. We suggest that 

you set up an event group for Simplex panels and one for Simplex points. 

To set up a new event group 

1. Choose Event Configuration > Event Management. 

2. Choose Event Groups. All existing event groups are listed. 

3. Click the Add button at the bottom of the filter pane. 

4. Enter the following information: 

Description 

Group Type 

Is Inclusive 

Name of the new group. 

Choose the type of hardware element from the 

drop-down list; in this case Simplex Panel or 

Simplex Point. 

Select this checkbox if you want all elements of this 

type to be added to this group automatically. For 

example, if the group type is Simplex Panel, all 

Simplex panels set up will be included in this event 

group. 

5. If the Is Inclusive checkbox is not selected, you can choose the individual items that 

are to be included in the event group. All configured items will be listed under 

Available Items. To include these in the current event group, select them and click 

the right-arrow button. 

6. Click Save. 

This Event Group can be used when setting up Event Rules. 

Setting up an event topic 

An event topic is basically a label or tag that will be used to identify the events you are 

interested in. A number of event topics are included in the system by default, but you 

can create any number of extra ones. You can create as many topics as you want, 

depending on your reporting needs. For example you may want a topic called Fire 

Alarms, or one called Events needing Acknowledgment. 



Since an event topic is simply a label, it is only of use once you associate it with 

particular events in an event rule. 

To set up an event topic 


2. Choose Event Topics. All current topics are listed. 


4. In the Description field, enter a name for the new event topic. 


Once you have set up the topics, you can set up event rules to define what actual 

events the topic you have just created relates to. 

Setting up an event rule 

Event Rules are used to associate actual events with topics, which are basically labels. 

Each rule defines: 

• An Event Group which defines which system elements are reported on. 

• A System Mode which defines the situation in which events are reported. 

• A Time Zone which defines when events are reported. 

For example, you could set up an event rule to associate the Simplex Fire Alarm topic 

with Fire Alarm Abnormal events. 

This rule can then be associated with an Event Group (such as All Simplex Points) a mode 

(such as Normal) and a Time Zone (such as All The Time). 

To create a new event rule 


2. Choose Event Rules. All current rules are listed. 


4. On the Basic tab, enter the following fields: 

Description 

Rule Type 

Name of the new Event Rule. 

Choose Simplex Panel or Simplex Point. 



Event Group 

System Mode 

Time Zone 

Choose a previously set up Event Group that defines 

the group of hardware objects that this rule relates 

to. 

Choose the mode that defines the circumstances 

when this rule applies. 

Choose the time zone that defines the times when 

this rule applies. 

5. On the Events tab you can choose the specific events that will trigger this rule. You 

can choose from all the events that apply to this element type. 

To include events in the current rule, select them and click the right-arrow button. 

For example: 

6. On the Topics tab you can specify which topics (i.e. labels) will be used to identify 

this rule, e.g. the Simplex Fire Alarm topic set up earlier. 

To include topics in the current rule, select them and click the right-arrow button. 



7. Click Save to save the new event rule. 

Setting up a new event profile 

An event profile defines a specific view of events; it is used when selecting the events to 

be shown on the Live View screen of the Event Monitor. 

You can direct Simplex events to an existing profile, such as Live View (All Events), but if 

you wish, you can set up a specific profile that lists only events reported from the 

Simplex panels. 

To create a new event profile 


2. Choose Event Profiles. All current profiles are listed. 


A set of blank fields appears: 




Description 

Comment 

Require that closing an Incident a 

note must be completed 

Require that closing an Incident a 

reason category must be completed 

Number of records to backfill 

Live View 

5. Select the Topics tab. 

Name of the new profile, such as Simplex 

Events. 

Additional comments about the profile. 

If this checkbox is selected, a user who 

closes an incident on the associated Live 

View event profile screen must complete a 

note. 

If this checkbox is selected, a user who 

closes an incident on the associated Live 

View event profile screen must provide a 

reason for closure. 

This setting applies when the Control 

Centre is first started. It specifies the 

number of cached previous events to 

display. The default value is 100, meaning 

that the latest 100 events are displayed. 

Setting a larger number can mean a short 

delay while the events are retrieved from 

the database. If set to 0, no earlier events 

are displayed. 

The Available Topics box lists the topics set up in the system to identify types of 

events. To include a topic in the current profile, select it and click the right-arrow 

button: 




Setting up an incident 

An incident is a type of serious event that requires further investigation. You can set up 

specific Simplex topics to be classified as incidents. The incident definition can include 

instructions for specific actions to be carried out when the incident occurs. 

Incidents are reported separately on the Live View screen, where they can be examined 

before being acknowledged and closed. 

To create a new incident 


2. Choose Incident Types. All current incident types are listed. 


A set of blank fields appears. 


Description 

Topic 

Name of the new incident type, such as 

Simplex Fire Alarm raised. 

Choose a topic that identifies the events you 

are interested in. This assumes you have 

already set up a suitable topic. 

Default Priority Set a priority for this incident type (with 1 

indicating the highest priority). 

5. On the Instruction tab, you can enter the information or instructions that relate to 

incident of this type. For example, “Fire Alarm raised by Simplex Fire panel. Follow 

evacuation procedures”. 

6. Click Save. Incidents of this type will subsequently be reported on the incidents 

section of the Control Centre page. 



Section 4 

Configuring the Simplex panel 

interface 

This section explains how to set up both the Simplex panel and the SATEON 

system to enable communication. 

• For details of setting up the Simplex panel on a network so it can 

communicate with the SATEON system, see Configuring the Simplex 

panel comms on page 32. 

• For information about setting up the SATEON system to communicate 

with the Simplex panel, see Configuring the information within SATEON 

on page 35. 

• For details of problems that may affect communication, see 

Troubleshooting on page 37. 



Configuring the Simplex panel comms 

To use a direct RS232 connection, connect the P1 port on RS232 card on the Simplex 

panel to the RS232 port on the PC (normally a 9-pin D-Type connector). 

To use the SATEON Simplex service over the IP network, you need to set up a Lantronix 

RS232 device as described below. You need to make the physical connections and then 

configure the device using the Lantronix DeviceInstaller software. 

Configuring the physical connections 

Carry out the following steps: 

1. Connect an RS232 cable from the Simplex panel to the UDS1100 Lantronix device. 

2. Connect a network cable to the Lantronix device and then to the network. 

3. Connect the power supply to the Lantronix device. 

4. Ensure the LED indicators are lit as follows: 

− 

− 

− 

− 

Power is steady green indicating power applied. 

10/100 MB Link is steady green indicating a valid network connection. 

10/100 Activity is blinking green indicating network packets being transmitted 

and received. 

Status is blinking green indicating that the serial port is connected to network. 

Configuring the Lantronix device 

First you need to install the Lantronix DeviceInstaller software from the CD which comes 

with the device. Once installed carry out the following steps: 

1. Start up the DeviceInstaller application and carry out the following steps. 

2. Navigate to the UDS1100 Lantronix device shown in the left hand pane of the main 

window. 

3. Select the node showing the device’s IP address. Make a note of this as it will be 

required when configuring a Simplex panel in SATEON. 



4. On the right hand pane, select the Web Configuration tab at the top of the pane. 

The address of the Lantronix device should be shown at the top of the pane. Click 

the Go button to the right of the address. If asked for authentication, leave these 

blank and click OK. 

The Lantronix configuration page is then displayed. 

5. Select the Network page. 

In the IP Configuration sections, select Use the following IP configuration and set 

the appropriate IP address details. Leave all other settings set to their defaults. Click 

OK at the bottom of the page. 



6. Select the Serial Settings page and ensure the following settings are as below. 

− Protocol – RS232 

− Baud Rate – 9600 

− Data Bits – 8 

− Parity – Even 

− Stop Bits – 1 

− Flow Control – None 

− Flush Input Buffer – All set to Yes 

− Flush Output Buffer – All set to Yes 

Then click OK at the bottom of the page 

7. Select the Connection page. 



Leave all settings set to their default but make a note of the Local Port setting as 

this will be used when configuring a Simplex Panel within in SATEON. 

8. Finally, click Apply Settings to submit the settings to the Lantronix device. 

Configuring the information within SATEON 

Within the SATEON user interface you need to set up details of the Simplex panels and 

establish communication. 

For this you will need the following for each Simplex panel: 

• For serial connections, the serial port used and the baud rate. 

• For IP connections, the IP address of the Lantronix device and the local port value. 

• The passcode used to access the panel: must permit Level 4 remote access. 

Setting up a panel 

You can set up details of the Simplex panels by choosing the System Integration option 

on the main Access Control page: 



The main System Integration page appears. 

To set up a new panel 

1. Choose Access Control > System Integration. 

2. Choose Simplex Panel; any existing panels are listed in the filter pane. 


A set of blank fields appears in the Selected option pane: 


Description 

Hostname 

Port Number 

Identifying name of this Simplex panel. 

For a serial connection, this identifies the serial port 

to use, e.g. COM1. 

For an IP connection, this is the IP address of the 

connected Lantronix device, which must match the 

value shown within the DeviceInstaller software. See 

Configuring the Lantronix device on page 32. 

For a serial connection, this identifies the baud rate 

required by the serial port. 

For an IP connection, this must match the Local Port 

setting displayed on the Connection page of the 

DeviceInstaller. See Configuring the Lantronix device 

on page 32. 



Pass Code 


This identifies a suitable passcode, previously 

configured on the Simplex panel, that will permit 

Level 4 access to the panel remotely. The passcode 

may comprise up to 10 digits. 

At this point, communication is established with the Simplex panel and details of 

the panel and point information from the Simplex panel are copied across to the 

SATEON system. 

Note: This process may take some time, depending on the number of points configured 

within the panel. Typically 1500 points will take approximately 30 minutes to load, and 

during this time the panel will show a state of Busy. When the process is complete the 

panel will show a state of Connected. 

Details of the panel will not be available to view in the Control Centre until all the 

configuration has been loaded. However, you can monitor the Simplex service log file 

while communication is established and the configuration is downloaded. 

Troubleshooting 

Configuration errors can prevent successful communication between the Simplex panel 

and SATEON. Therefore when the Simplex panel is first set up, and if any changes are 

made we advise that you check the Control Centre page to ensure connection is made 

correctly. 

To view panel connection status in the Event Monitor 

1. Choose Control Centre and select the Devices tab. 

2. Select Simplex Panel from the Devices list. 



When you select a panel in the Instances list, its current individually reported states 

are listed on the pane on the right. Note, however, that details of the panel are not 

available to view in the Control Centre until all the configuration has been loaded 

from the panel. 

Connection problems 

If the incorrect port number is specified or if the panel is disconnected, SATEON will be 

unable to communicate with it. The Connection State will be returned as Disconnected: 

If this occurs, check the physical connections and the Lantronix configuration to ensure 

all components are configured correctly. 

Simplex panel not licensed 

If your current SATEON licence file does not support the Simplex module, you will be 

able to set up panels in the user interface, but no communication will be possible. For 

details of licensing, see Licensing the Simplex panel interface on page 16. 

In the case of an invalid licence, no information is displayed in the user interface. Please 

contact Grosvenor Technology for a updated licence (see Technical support on page 6). 



Section 4 

Viewing and managing Simplex 

panels from SATEON 

This section explains how to view information about configured Simplex 

panels and their associated points. 

• For a summary of how Simplex panel information is displayed within 

SATEON, see Viewing configured Simplex panels on page 40. 

• For details of viewing and managing information at panel level, see 

Monitoring and managing a Simplex panel on page 41. 

• For details of viewing and managing information at point level, see 

Monitoring and managing a Simplex point on page 43. 



Viewing configured Simplex panels 

You can view and manage the Simplex panels that are set up on your system using the 

SATEON Event Monitor dashboard. 

The Event Monitor allows you to see full details of the state of each panel, and the 

separate monitoring points within it. 

You can also control selected elements of the panel, for example acknowledging an 

alarm or resetting the panel. 

For more information about the Event Monitor, see the SATEON Control Centre Guide. 

To view configured Simplex panels 

1. Choose Control Centre 

2. Select the Devices tab. 

3. Under the Devices list, Simplex Panels and Simplex Points appear as available 

devices. 

Note: These will appear whether or not you have Simplex panels configured. 

4. When you click on one of these, details of configured items are displayed under 

Instances: 



Monitoring and managing a Simplex panel 

At panel level you can view the overall alarm state, acknowledge abnormal conditions, 

reset the panel etc. 

Viewing Simplex panels 

It is possible to have multiple panels configured in the SATEON system. You can view the 

state of each panel, and where necessary manage the panel. 

To view configured Simplex panels 

1. Choose Control Centre. 

2. Select the Devices tab. 

3. Select Simplex Panel in the Devices list to view configured panels: 

Configured Simplex panels appear in the Instances list. If you have multiple panels, 

choose the appropriate one. 

Monitoring the status of a panel 

When you select a Simplex panel, its current individually reported states are listed on 

the pane on the right. The states and their possible values are as follows: 

Property Explanation Values 

Alarm State 

Indicates whether any 

alarms have been raised on 

the panel. 

Alarm 

No Alarm 



Property Explanation Values 

Connection State 

Reports the connection 

status of the panel. 

Connected 

Disconnected 

Busy 

No entry in the Condition column indicates that this particular status has not yet been 

reported (for example, because communication has not been established). 

Acknowledging an abnormal condition 

If an Alarm or Warning has been raised anywhere on the Simplex panel, you can 

acknowledge the abnormal situation by clicking the Acknowledge Next button: 

If multiple alarms or warnings have been raised, this affects the highest priority 

situation. 

Note: The Acknowledge Next command actually relates to a specific point, but the 

command is sent to the panel, and forwarded to the appropriate point. 

Updating point data 

If there have been changes in configuration, you can request a download of data from all 

Simplex points by clicking the Update Points button: 

This requests full point information from the Simplex panel and updates the database 

with all point definitions. By default, this command is only available to members of the 

Administrator and Installer SATEON user groups. 

Note: This will reload all information about points from the selected panel. This can take 

a considerable time. 



Silencing alarms 

To turn off all sounders on the Simplex panel, click the Alarm Silence button: 

This has the same effect as pressing the Alarm Silence button on the front of the 

Simplex fire panel. 

Resetting the panel 

You can reset the Simplex panel following an alarm condition by clicking the Panel Reset 

button: 

All initiating devices are reset, and the panel is cleared of any alarm conditions. If an 

initiating device is still in alarm after the panel is reset, such as a smoke detector 

continuing to sense smoke, or a manual pull station still in an activated position, another 

alarm will be initiated. A panel reset is often required to clear supervisory conditions, 

though it does not usually clear trouble conditions. 

Refreshing point status 

To request details of all abnormal points, click the Refresh Point State button: 

This updates the current status of all points. By default, this command is only available 

to members of the Administrator and Installer SATEON user groups. 

Monitoring and managing a Simplex point 

A point within the Simplex panel is any individual element of the system, such as a single 

smoke detector, a heat detector, a switch, a relay or any other element that can be 

monitored or managed separately. 

At point level you can view the state information particular to that point, and 

acknowledge any specific condition. 



Viewing Simplex points 

You can view the state of each point, and where necessary acknowledge alarms and 

warnings. 

Note that the information displayed reflects the information that is sent directly from 

the Simplex panel, which cannot be changed within SATEON. 

To view configured Simplex points 

1. Choose Control Centre. 

2. Choose the Devices tab 

3. Select Simplex Point in the Devices list to view configured points, for example: 

All points are listed under Instances. When a particular point is selected, its various 

states appear on the panel on the right. 

Note: The names of points are sent directly from the Simplex panel, and cannot be 

changed within SATEON. 

Monitoring the status of a point 

When you select a point, its current states appear on the right pane. The possible values 

are as follows: 

States Explanation Conditions 

Priority 2 

Acknowledgement State 

Indicates whether a Priority 

2 Alarm has occurred and 

needs to be acknowledged. 

Acknowledged 

Needs Acknowledgment 



States Explanation Conditions 

Trouble State 

Supervisory 


Disable Trouble State 

Disable Trouble 


Fire State 

Supervisory State 

Priority 2 State 

Utility Monitor State 

Trouble 


Fire Acknowledgement 

State 

Control State 

Indicates the current value 

of the Trouble state. 

Indicates whether a 

Supervisory Warning has 

occurred and needs to be 

acknowledged. 


of the Disable Trouble 

state. 

Indicates whether a Disable 

Trouble has occurred and 

needs to be acknowledged. 


of the Fire Alarm state. 


of the Supervisory Warning 

state. 


of the Priority 2 Alarm 

state. 

Indicates whether the 

Utility Monitor for this 

point is turned on. 

Indicates whether a 

Trouble Warning has 

occurred and needs to be 

acknowledged 

Indicates whether a Fire 

Alarm has occurred and 

needs to be acknowledged 

Indicates whether the 

Control option for this 

point is turned on. 

Normal 

Abnormal 

Acknowledged 


Normal 

Abnormal 

Acknowledged 


Normal 

Abnormal 

Normal 

Abnormal 

Normal 

Abnormal 

On 

Off 

Acknowledged 


Acknowledged 


On 

Off 

If there is no entry in the Condition column, this indicates that this particular status has 

not yet been reported (for example, because communication has not been established). 



Acknowledging alarms or warnings 

If a state needs to be acknowledged, select the appropriate point (in the Needs 

Acknowledgement state) and click the relevant button: 

Acknowledging the condition will record the time and date at which you observed the 

presence of an alarm, trouble, or supervisory condition. Data related to that condition is 

displayed on the Simplex front panel. 



Glossary of terms 

This glossary defines SATEON terms used in this guide, plus some Simplex-specific 

terminology. 

A 

Access Control Module 

The access control module in SATEON allows you to set up and maintain the access 

control system, including the management of personnel, tokens, devices, access groups, 

and so on. 

Acknowledge 

Abnormal states reported by the Simplex panel (alarm, trouble or supervisory) need to 

be acknowledged. You can acknowledge abnormal states from the SATEON user 

interface. Acknowledging the condition will record the time and date at which you 

observed the condition. 

Alarm 

The most serious incidents reported on the Simplex panel are Alarm conditions, 

indicating the possibility of fire danger. Alarm conditions are indicated on the panel by a 

flashing red LED, accompanied by sounders, and so on. 

C 

Command Invoker 

The Command Invoker tool lets you trigger a system action automatically when a certain 

event occurs. For example, when certain Simplex events occur (identified by topics), 

doors could be unlocked, outputs triggered, system modes changed and so on. 



Control Centre Module 

The Control Centre module allows you to view events and incidents occurring 

throughout the SATEON system and to monitor devices, areas and personnel. It forms 

part of the core package. 

Control State 

If a Simplex point is reported as in the control state it can be managed from the panel. 

This is applicable to certain points only, such as relays, signals etc. Acknowledgement is 

not applicable to these state changes. 

Core Package 

The basic SATEON licensed package, without any optional modules. The core package 

includes the Access Control, Control Centre, Reports, Event Configuration and System 

Configuration modules. 

D 

Disabled Trouble 

If a Simplex point is disabled, a Disabled Trouble condition occurs on that point as a 

reminder that the point is disabled. When the point is enabled again, the trouble clears. 

E 

Event 

An event is a real-time occurrence of something happening within the SATEON system 

or an external device such as the Simplex fire panel. Events are reported via the Control 

Centre module. 

Event Configuration Module 

The Event Configuration module allows you to configure the way in which events are 

displayed, reported and used in the SATEON system. It forms part of the core package. 

Event Group 

An Event Group is an association of hardware elements of the same type that are 

associated together for the purposes of reporting events. For example, you could have a 

group called Simplex Panels, containing Simplex panels in your system. 

Event Profile 

An event profile defines a specific set of events, identified by one or more event topics. It 

is used when selecting the events to view on the Control Centre page. As different users 

in different circumstances may need to view different sets of events, various event 

profiles can be set up. Some event profiles are provided by default; you can amend 

these or add to them. 



Event Rule 

Event Rules are used to associate actual events with event topics. For example, you 

could have a rule called Simplex Fire Alarm, which associates a specific group of events 

with a topic called Simplex Fire Alarms. Each rule must define an event group which 

defines which elements are reported on, a system mode which defines the situation in 

which events are reported and a time zone which defines when events are reported. 

Event Topic 

An Event Topic is basically a label or tag that will be used to identify events you are 

interested in, for the purpose of viewing events or incidents. For example, you could 

have an event topic called Simplex Events, or one called Fire Alarms. 

Since an event topic is simply a label, it is only of use once you associate it with 

particular events in an Event Rule. 

F 

Fire Alarms 

A Simplex Fire Alarm occurs when activated by an appropriate point such as a smoke 

detector, heat detector, sprinkler flow switch, manual call points etc. 

I 

Incident 

An incident is a type of event that requires further investigation. You can configure what 

events are classified as incidents, and allocate them a priority, with 1 being the highest 

priority. For example, you can set up specific Simplex events such as Fire Alarms to be 

classified as incidents. 

L 

Licence 

SATEON is licensed by means of a licence file, which defines the modules and options 

you can use. SATEON will not operate until the licence has been applied. SATEON 

licences are associated with a specific customer but they are not tied to particular 

hardware. For the Simplex module to work, the licence must include support for one or 

more Simplex panels. 

M 

Module 

A SATEON module is an application or component that is treated as a specific licensable 

option. The Access Control, Control Centre, Reports, Event Configuration and System 

Configuration modules are part of the core package. Icons for available modules appear 

at the top of the main page. 



N 

Notification 

The notification service allows you to automatically send messages when certain events 

occur, such as Simplex alarms. Messages can be sent as SMS or emails. You can 

configure the content and layout of the message and define selected groups or 

individuals that the messages are sent to. 

P 

Point 

A Simplex point refers to an individual monitored or managed element of the Simplex 

fire alarm system, such as a single smoke detector, a heat detector, a switch, a single 

pull station, etc. 

Priority 2 Alarms 

A Simplex Priority 2 Alarm, or Security Alarm, may be activated by a secondary device 

such as a security system, building management system, or another fire alarm control 

panel. 

R 

Report 

A report is a representation of data within SATEON. Reports related to device 

management, access and personnel are available as well as historical and muster 

reports. The Reports module allows the user to set parameters, generate reports, view 

and print them and export them in various formats. 

Reports Module 

The Reports module in SATEON allows you to generate and view a set of standard 

reports. The Reports module is part of the core package. 

S 

Supervisory Warning 

A Simplex Supervisory Warning indicates a problem with the building’s automatic 

sprinkler system or some other system used for the protection of life and property. This 

signal indicates that a portion of the building’s fire protection system has been disabled. 

System Administrator 

A SATEON system administrator is responsible for setting up accounts, password 

policies, the security system and other system-wide information. 



System Mode 

A system mode is a means of rapid changes to the way that SATEON operates without 

having to make substantial changes to the programming of individual tokens, access 

rights, actions or time zones. System modes can then be associated with access 

permissions. 

System Reset 

A Simplex System Reset command resets the panel after an alarm condition has 

occurred. All initiating devices are reset, and the panel is cleared of any alarm 

conditions. If an initiating device is still in alarm after the system is reset, such as a 

smoke detector continuing to sense smoke, or a manual pull station still in an activated 

position, another alarm will be initiated. 

System Configuration Module 

The System Configuration module is used by system administrators to set up system 

users, password policies, user security, custom fields and other general system-wide 

information. 

System User 

A system user is the identity of someone who can access the SATEON user interface. 

Each user is identified by an ID and a password. 

T 

Time Zone 

A time zone is a time pattern set out in a weekly format. Each day can have up to three 

on/off periods. Time zones are used with access groups to limit access to doors and also 

to automatically switch alarm monitoring on or off. 

Topic 

See Event Topic. 

Trouble Warning 

A Simplex Trouble Warning, also known as Fault or Defect, is used to indicate the 

presence of a circuit break or ground somewhere within the system. Trouble conditions 

are often activated by a contaminated smoke detector or an electrical problem within 

the system. 

U 

Utility Monitor State 

Certain types of Simplex points can be set to Utility Monitor state to permit monitoring. 

Acknowledgement is not applicable to these state changes.

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