FAQs
How do I update the firmware in the GEM-P3200, GEM-P9600 or GEM-X255 control panels using PCD-Windows Quickloader download software?
1. Visit the Napco Technical Library (http://tech.napcosecurity.com/) and download the latest .hex firmware file for the control panel to be updated.
2. Back up the control panel program: Launch PCD-Windows Quickloader software and perform a full upload of the control panel program. Select Upload from Panel and also place a check in User Program Area, Dealer Program Area and Description Area. Perform the upload either locally, remotely, through the Internet or through the radio; always perform an upload in order to have a safe copy of the latest control panel program securely stored within Quickloader.
3. Cold Start* the control panel:
a. Verify no other Areas in the system are armed and that the control panel is not in an alarm condition.
b. At keypad number 1, press the Master Security Code (printed inside the control panel enclosure on a motherboard label) then press FUNCTION (or MENU).
c. Enter Dealer Program Mode by pressing BYPASS repeatedly until ACTIVATE PROGRAM Y/N appears on the keypad display, than press YES. Press RESET to enter the Address Program Mode (address "0000" will display).
d. Press the numbers 4 0 9 3 and press ON/OFF (or ENTER).
e. Press RESET to exit Dealer Program Mode. A SYSTEM TROUBLE/E09-00 SERVICE trouble will occur; press RESET to silence the keypad.
4. In PCD-Windows Quickloader download software, click Tools > Firmware Download.
5. In the screen that appears, browse for the .hex firmware file and click Open.
6. Check the checkbox next to the Browse button to enable the Download button, then click Download to send the new firmware to the control panel.
7. When the firmware installation completes, restore the previous control panel operation by performing a full download of the control panel program from Quickloader back to the control panel. Perform the download either locally, remotely, through the Internet or through the radio. Select Download to Panel and also place a check in User Program Area, Dealer Program Area and Description Area.
8. Once again, back up the control panel program (repeat step 2 above). When the upload completes, click Help > About Current Account and ensure that the control panel firmware has been updated.
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*Cold Start: Before performing the above firmware update process, we recommend performing a Cold Start of the control panel to ensure the panel programming is completely free of old data. Performing a Cold Start erases all programmed data, including the Dealer Program, Zone Description Data and Schedules, and resets the control panel back to its "out-of-box" factory default condition (an installer must be physically on site to perform a Cold Start).