The PTI Individual door alarm system consists of 4 major components. The Falcon, Multiplexor, Switch and Magnet
set and the wiring. Starting with the door, the switch and magnet form a closed loop when the magnet is close
enough to pull in the internal reed switch in the contact. This signal in the form of voltage is then sent to an input of
the multiplexer called the channel. This information is then transformed in the mux to RS-485 information and sent to
the Falcon Controller where it is determined if the door has been opened, closed or tampered with. This method
allows us to install hundreds of doors with only 3 RS-485 communication wires coming back to the Falcon controller
from the multiplexers (Muxes).
As simple as the system is it can become very confusing when trying to troubleshoot a door that is not reporting.
There can be many different elements that can cause a problem. This guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and
repair some of the most common problems with an individual door alarm system. It is necessary to have the proper
knowledge of reading a Digital Volt Meter (DVM) for this process. With a DVM you will be able to pinpoint any issues
that may occur.
The following is a list of possible problems and solutions. Please read everyone thoroughly to ensure the problem has
been identified.
Symptom:
When a door is opened the Falcon Controller does not register an alarm.
Possible Cause:
Previous alarms have not been cleared in the software.
Solution:
Clear Alarms
From Falcon Keypad:
Type the
command *12#. The Falcon display should read “Clearing Alarms” .
From Falcon 2000 Software:
Click on the Icon that looks like a siren with a circle around it and a line through it. You should get a quick splash
screen that indicates “Clearing Alarms”.
Special Note: This feature was designed to keep the frequency of false alarms to a minimum and force the manager
to constantly monitor the system and interact with the alarms as they occur. There has been a feature added the 24
Function Falcon to help troubleshoot and eliminate this issue called Swinger Shutdown. It is advisable to go into the
Falcons *1000# function (if possible) and turn Swinger Shutdown OFF when testing. This will allow the door to report
an alarm and close each and every time the door is o
pened. Don’t forget to change it back on before leaving the
property if the manager wants it on. This is a very common mistake and is the easiest to fix.
If the Falcon is setup under the *1000# function with swinger shut down ON any alarm received EVER will only alarm
ONCE and not alarm again until Clear Alarms have been processed (this advanced feature is only available on the 24
function Falcons).
Possible Cause: Alarm System has been turned OFF
Solution: Turn on Alarm System
From Falcon Keypad:
Type *13#. The first prompt will display alarm system or . press the * on the Falcon keypad until it displays. Do this for
every option (Vacant, Remote comm., Tamper and Unknown Channels. This will ensure that all types of the alarms
are on including any unknown channels (see Falcon user manual for more information on these features).
From the Falcon 2000 Software:
Go to the Protected Site Setup, choose Falcon Settings and check the box for all alarms. Send changes to the Falcon
to take effect.
Special Note: It is possible that the Falcon alarm system has been turned off under the *1000# function. If so enter
this function and turn the alarm system ON (see Falcon manual for this procedure).
Possible Cause: Alarm for that particular unit is OFF.
