User`s guide
6 DL-WINDOWS™ V4.0 USER'S GUIDE
Overview
Why use User Codes?
With ordinary door locks, the need to make physical copies of metal keys and distributing them can be a huge organizational and
financial task -- and what will you do if someone causes a security breach by accidentally losing their key?
The answer lies in the advantage of "firmware". The firmware can be programmed (and re-programmed again and again) to suit
your changing requirements. No more metal keys to distribute...instead, distribute User Codes -- and delete them from the firm-
ware when needed. A User Code is the firmware equivalent of a metal key--it is a series of numeric button-presses at the keypad
to allow (for example) passage through a door. (Note: Not all door locks have keypads; the PL3000 and other "PL" series locks
do not have keypads, instead they have proximity card /fob readers only. See www.alarmlock.com for more information).
Preparing to Program your Lock
There are two ways to make changes to the software inside your lock--either by using the lock keypad (if equipped) or by using DL-
Windows. Although using DL-Windows makes programming faster and easier, we recommend you familiarize yourself with the
general concepts of keypad programming as well. The first step to programming your lock without DL-Windows requires that you
use the keypad to enter something called "Program Mode".
What is Program Mode?
The software inside the lock has only two "modes"--Normal Mode and Program Mode. When you want to make changes to the
lock program, you enter Program Mode. When you finish programming and wish to put the lock into use, you exit Program Mode
to enter Normal Mode.
Use the keypad to enter Program Mode by pressing the Master Code of the lock that was set at the factory (see the Programming
Instructions of the individual lock for more information). The Master Code is like a secret password that allows you to enter Pro-
gram Mode. But since all locks are identical and leave the factory with the same Master Code, the factory Master Code is not very
secret and should be changed to your own personal Master Code. This way, only YOU can enter Program Mode and make
changes to the lock programming.
With most locks, changes to the lock are organized by their Function Number. Want to change the date inside the lock? Use
Function Number 38. Want to add a User Code? Use Function Number 2.
With DL-Windows, you first use the various DL-Windows computer screens to make the programming selections, then later you
send the programming selections from your computer to the lock's memory. You do this by clicking the Comm button in DL-
Windows and selecting Send to Lock (see image at right). You can also use DL-Windows to receive program-
ming from a lock, allowing you to observe the lock programming inside DL-Windows. Because your lock can be
programmed using DL-Windows, and then using the keypad, DL-Windows will detect changes made by the key-
pad, and will alert you to these discrepancies in a screen named Lock Differences. See page 23 for more infor-
mation. For wireless programming using the Networx™ door locks and devices, see OI352.
The Global Users Screen
Perhaps the most significant part of DL-Windows is the Global Users screen and the concept of an "Account". An Account can be
thought of as simply a building in which Alarm Lock locks are installed. If there are 55 locks in this building, and one person needs
access to all of those locked doors, it would be convenient to assign that person one User Code to remember, and to enter their
name in the computer only once---rather than having to enter their name 55 times. The Global Users screen was developed for
this very reason--to support the concept of an Account, allowing a User Name to be entered only once, and to allow you--the per-
son in charge of the locks--to sit back and assign this User to all locks in an Account using DL-Windows.
Turn the page and learn the special terminology used with your lock, then use the Quick Start checklist on page 11 to help you get
started.
DL-Windows System Requirements
This application has been tested and approved for an IBM-compatible P4 1.6
GHz computer with 256MB RAM and a minimum of 100MB of hard drive
space running Microsoft Windows 98, 2000 or XP with one unused RS-232
Serial Communications port (COM 1-4) required. If a COM port is unavailable,
please contact customer support for one of our USB adapters (MX1130 or
ALPCI2-U). Depending on your system demands, a slower PC may function
properly but with significant user interface problems, including long intervals for
the system to respond.
Important: DL-Windows is not a server application and is not designed for
server use; the program and its database must be installed and maintained on
a local PC, not a server machine.
Global Users Screen