FAQs
The control panel Master Security Code is unknown and unobtainable, thus disallowing entry into the control panel Dealer Program Mode. Which Gemini control panels allow their EPROM chips to be replaced, thereby assigning a new Master Security Code?
The GEM-P3200, GEM-P9600 and GEM-X255 control panels (firmware version 60 and earlier) allow for a new EPROM chip to provide a new Master Security Code. Each GEM-P3200, GEM-P9600 and GEM-X255 control panel PC board contains a replaceable EPROM chip; stored within each chip is a unique Master Security Code. Therefore, use of a new EPROM chip allows the use of its new Master Security Code. This new Master Security Code can be used to enter Dealer Program Mode. To obtain the latest EPROM for a GEM-P3200, GEM-P9600 or GEM-X255, contact NAPCO Customer Service to order p/n: SE-GEM32-255, suitable for any version GEM-X255 or any GEM-P3200/P9600 control panel running V20 or greater firmware. For any control panel running V11 or prior, order p/n: SE-3200-1 or SE9600-1.
However, the Master Security Code of the GEM-P816, GEM-P1632 and GEM-P1664 control panels is not changed when the EPROM chip is replaced. With each new GEM-P816, GEM-P1632 and GEM-P1664 control panel, "the factory default" Master Security Code of "4 5 6 7 8 9" is programmed into its EPROM chip. This "4 5 6 7 8 9" factory Code is used to allow entry into Dealer Program Mode to allow the programming of a new "custom" Master Security Code, replacing the factory default Code of "4 5 6 7 8 9".
With the GEM-P816, GEM-P1632 and GEM-P1664 control panels, the Master Security Code is stored within a second EEPROM chip that is permanently soldered on the surface of the PC board. Even when the default Master Security Code is changed, the Code is stored in the soldered EEPROM chip. Changing to a new Master Security Code always requires use of the existing Master Security Code (default or otherwise). If the Master Security Code is unknown, a new EPROM will not change the Master Security Code within the EEPROM. Therefore, with these control panels, if the Master Security Code is unknown, the entire control panel must be replaced, or the ability to enter Dealer Program Mode will be nearly impossible.