FAQs
Why is Test Timer an important feature?
The Test Timer feature is an automatic test report sent to the central station at the same time, either daily, weekly, or monthly. A feature of all fire or burglary control panels, the Test Timer feature tests the ability of the control panel (and StarLink communicator, if installed) to correctly communicate with the central station.
If the Test Timer is not programmed and signals are not being received from the control panel, it is very difficult to know if the issue is with the communicator (if installed) or the control panel.
We recommend programming a Test Timer report on every account as it not only makes troubleshooting issues easier but will quickly alert you of possible communication or system issues.
We recommend setting a Test Timer schedule to start during the day, and NOT between 1 AM and 4 AM as these early morning hours are very popular --and thus very busy-- times for Test Timer signals. In addition, if a system misses a Test Timer signal, your sleepy customer may receive a telephone call in the middle of the night alerting them of the missed test.
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INPUT COMMUNICATIONS (STARLINK ONLY)
If your control panel does not have a dialer and is using the inputs on a StarLink communicator to communicate signals to a central station, you can set a Test Timer from the NAPCO NOC "StarLink Radio Management Center" (telephone number receiver only!)
To set this Test Timer, navigate to the CS Test Timer tab and set the Start Time and other selections as needed.