Though the option for USB does not exist in the connections tab in Security Commander 2, it is possible to connect a Challenger10 to Security Commander via USB.
Summary
The Challenger10 comes standard with a USB connection to talk to management software. Currently, only Titan will detect this method automatically. However, since the Challenger10 USB connection is identified as a USB to Serial converter by Windows, it is possible to use this method to communicate with the Challenger10 using Security Commander 2.
Procedure
In order to enable this communication to the Challenger10, you will need to do the following:
- Install (or upgrade) Security Commander 2.
- Install the Challenger10 USB drivers manually.
- Determine the Com Port that Windows 7 identifies the Challenger as.
- Configure Security Commander 2 to use that serial port.
1. Install or Upgrade Security Commander 2
Firstly, you will need Security Commander 2. This procedure is only to be performed by a qualified security technician. Refer to your Tecom supplier for pricing and licensing information.
If you already have Security Commander 1.8.5 or 1.9 installed, you will need to upgrade to Security Commander 2. Refer to this article for upgrade information.
Once Security Commander 2 is installed, you can proceed.
2. Installing the USB Drivers
It is important to note that Security Commander 2 does NOT come with the Challenger10 USB drivers. To install the current Challenger10 USB Drivers, you will need to have Titan 3.2 installed on this PC. Once that is complete, follow the driver installation instructions in this article.
Please download the latest Challenger10 firmware package and follow the upgrade instructions. This will install the required drivers and also ensure your Challenger10 is running the latest software.
3. Identify the Challenger Com Port
Once installed, Windows will recognise the Challenger10 as a serial comms port, much like the common USB to Serial adaptors. You need to find the Comm port number that has been assigned to the Challenger by viewing the Windows Device Manager.
To view this, right-click on the Computer icon (also known as My Computer in Windows XP) and then click Manage.
In the Computer Management window, select Device Manager (under System Tools). Under this list, expand the tree under Ports (COM & LPT). You should see a window similar to the following:
Note the Challenger Com Port (COM10) in this example. The 'COM10' number may be different on your system. Take note of this COM number, as we need this to configure Security Commander 2.
4. Configuring Security Commander
From this point, the setup is the same as configuring a Challenger10 for serial.
Add a new panel from the Controller Utility Form, ensuring the Type is Challenger10 and the Host Computer that the USB Challenger10 is connected to is selected. Under the Communications tab, select Serial, then choose the COM port number identified in step 3.
Providing your address and security password is correct, and the Challenger10 is correctly configured for a USB management software connection, you can set the panel online and communications should begin.