GE Security NetworX — 2007 Daylight Saving Time Customer Bulletin

Customer Bulletin from GE Security addressing the 2007 Daylight Saving Time (DST) rule change and its impact on NetworX security control panels.

Overview

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed the starting and ending dates for Daylight Saving Time in the United States and Canada — beginning in 2007, DST starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. This bulletin covers required changes for GE Security's NetworX line of panels to support the new DST rules.

NetworX "Version 2" Panels

Version 2 NX-4, NX-6, and NX-8 panels are not currently compliant with the new DST rules. New panels produced beginning with manufacturing date code 07057 allow the installer to specify any DST start and stop date. Panels shipped with the manual addendum have location 84 defaulted to the 2007 DST rules, requiring no further programming.

Identifying Version 2 Panels

Made after December 2004, with the long main chip soldered directly to the board.

Field Action for Installed Panels

• Starting March 11, 2007, turn off automatic DST via the keypad (location 37, segment 6, bit 4) or via DL900 (control panel/main/system 2 tab).
• Reset the time using the *97 sequence from the keypad, or via DL900 (control panel/advanced/auto test and clock tab). Time must be reset again in the fall.

Future Release

These panels can be flashed in the field with an NX-588E flash tool (available for purchase Q2 2007; flash files shipped with the 588E and posted on GESecurity.com). After the upgrade, location 84 allows DST start/stop dates to be changed — this must be programmed per addendum 466-2267A-networx-add.pdf for DST to update the time correctly. Automatic DST enable remains at location 37, segment 6, bit 4. DL900 V3.02 will allow remote DST changes (available Q2 2007). The panel does not need to be reprogrammed since the upgrade does not affect programming memory; GE Security still recommends fully testing the system after any upgrade.

NetworX NX-8E / 8E-CF Panels

Not currently DST compliant. A chip upgrade is available after 02/26/07 allowing the installer to specify any DST start and stop date. Panels shipped with the manual addendum default location 84 to the 2007 DST rules.

Identifying 8E Panels

8E-based controls have a large square chip in a socket that can be replaced in the field.

Field Action for Installed Panels

• Starting March 11, 2007, turn off automatic DST via the keypad (location 37, segment 6, bit 4) or DL900.
• Reset the time using the *97 sequence or DL900. Time must be reset again in the fall.

Future Release — Chip Replacement

• Purchase new chips from GE Security customer support or your distributor: 8E (revision 18) #600-9388; 8E-CF (revision 13) #600-9389.
• Each chip costs $10.00; one chip is required per panel.
• A PLCC chip extraction tool is required — equivalent to Radio Shack part number 276-2101 ($10.49).

Chip Replacement Procedure

1. Power down the panel completely.
2. Wear a grounding strap, or touch a grounded bare metal surface, before handling chips.
3. Note the orientation of the old chip in its socket.
4. Remove the old chip using an approved extraction tool.
5. Align the new chip in the socket and press it firmly into place.
6. Reapply power: AC first, then connect the battery.

After the upgrade, location 84 allows DST start/stop dates to be changed (program per addendum 466-2267A-networx-add.pdf). Automatic DST enable remains at location 37, segment 6, bit 4. DL900 V3.02 will allow remote DST changes (Q2 2007). Reprogramming of panel memory is not required, but full system testing after the upgrade is recommended.

NetworX "Version 1" Panels — Will Not Be Upgraded

Identifying Version 1 Panels

• NX-4, NX-6, and NX-8 panels made prior to December 2004 have the long main chip in a socket.
• All NX-8-CF Fire/Burglary combination panels have the long main chip in a socket.

Future Release

None. Panels using schedule-based events (e.g. automatic arming) must have their time changed manually, either via the keypad or DL900.

Caddx Ranger Series Panels

Do not have automatic DST. Future release: none — time must be changed manually via keypad or DL900 for panels using schedule-based events.

Contact

Technical support: 888-GESECURity (437-3287), Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time (excluding holidays). To order replacement chips, contact customer support at the same number. Email inquiries: nstechsrv@ge.com. View GE Security Recall and Technical Notifications at www.gesecurity.com/recalls.

Copyright © 2007, GE Security. All rights reserved.