Still trying to help a customer view alarms from an old MXL panel. There is a nonfunctioning Siemens computer with what looks like an SNC RS485 card in it connected to the panel. That seems to suggest that the protocol is XNET. Does anyone have any documentation on that protocol or other thoughts or ideas for connectivity?
It is XNET or HNET, just depends on how things were configured. All the Siemens documentation is publicly available with a Google search. What you’re suggesting is a very steep jump. If that computer is an NCC, its very obsolete. I would suggest reaching out to a dealer or Siemens about getting a Cerberus DMS or Desigo CC.
If this is a nonfunctioning system, then its just not worth it. You can hook it up, but if it doesnt work just walk away.
Also, why cant they view the alarms on the MXL panel?
A few links to get you started.
https://sid.siemens.com/v/u/A6V10283733
https://sid.siemens.com/v/u/A6V10239281
Thanks for the docs. I’m hoping for the on-the-wire RS485 protocol definition. The panels work well and so there’s no particular desire to upgrade/replace everything. There’s a two line display (and a printer) on the main panel but that’s quite limiting. They’d like to be able to see the alarms remotely and also like to be able to disable audibles for testing.
We’ve just reverse engineered a building automation protocol (Staefa) for them and so they asked if we could help with another piece of archeology.
Are there any systems (a hand held programmer or something??) that I could connect to the panel to validate that it’s X/HNET connection?
i am unaware of a definition of the protocol. youre best bet is that printer tbh. i am not familiar with it, but the documentation ive read in the past recommends that serial connection used for the printer for exporting data to other systems. that is straight rs232 afaik.
there isnt any programmer you can hook up to the xnet or hnet connection.
https://forums.thefirepanel.com/uploads/short-url/4atl16VuzQsfngmo3duYPAjSKZ3.pdf
Just keep in mind if that computer, most likely a NCC, could be part of an UL listed and locally approved fire alarm system. Connecting anything other than a Siemens fire alarm system part could affect the XNET, ESPECIALLY IF THE NCC HAD ANY SORT OF CONTROL.
If you do, I can only hope that you have good insurance, as Seimens has some very deep pockets if anything goes wrong.
I worked for the Fire Alarm company the provided the union tech labor for the original WTC upgrade and we did not supply the equipment or engineering because the customer knew Seimens pockets were deeper.
Yeah, it’s a concern BUT since the system is still running fine without the PC presumably the computer was not a critical component. Mostly they just want alarm history but the current challenge is testing since they can’t silence audibles.