DCT Config Files
Overview
Any setting that can be changed through the screen is stored in a configuration file and then sent to the relevant module. There is a separate file for each module, though all files are stored on the screen. The modules themselves will also store the config, but the screen has the master config.
This means changing a module can be done without worrying about the config because the new module will immediately get its config from the screen. However, if a screen is changed it will require reconfiguration or loading a config file from a USB drive.
Files can be saved from a screen for later use (as backup) or to use in another panel.
Obtaining a Config File
If a screen is changed, the config file can come from one of these sources
- If the old screen still functions enough to use, the settings can be saved to a USB
- If the settings were previously backed up, those files can be used
- If the unit is on telematics, select the unit on the site https://data.emittechnologies.com/ and then select "Panel Configuration". There is a download config button for the Brain config backup.
- EMIT has some config files from when panels were originally produced. Email techsupportdist@emittechnologies.com to request a config file, and include the panel serial number.
USB Save / Load Config files screen
After entering the engineering password under "Access", navigate to "Settings" then on the bottom "Save / Load Settings to USB".
Loading config files
- To load config files from a USB, first copy the file(s) onto the USB using a computer
- Put the files in the main directory of the drive, not a sub-folder
- Insert the drive into the back of the DCT and navigate to the page mentioned above
- Select the module which you want to load the settings
- Note that often only the Brain/Annunciator config is loaded, since it has most of the settings for Brain I/O, gauges, etc. In this case "Brain" would be selected if there is only that one file.
- Select "Load from USB"
- After the status returns to "Ready", the new settings are now in use
Saving config files
- To save config files to a USB, insert a USB drive into the back of the screen and navigate to the page mentioned above.
- Select a module you want to save the save the file for, or "All Modules" for all files
- Select "Save to USB"
After the status returns to "Ready" the files are on the drive. They now can be copied to a computer for backup, or used on the drive for another unit.
Troubleshooting
- Make sure the USB drive has the file in the main directory
- Make sure the config file was not renamed
- If only core_retention is on the drive, make sure Brain is selected as the module
- The USB may need to be re-formatted. This can be done in the DCT with the DCT USB Format Tool. Note that after using this tool, the drive will be empty so the files will have to be copied onto the drive again.
Save / Load Settings to Disk
Alternately, the current configuration can be backed up on the screen itself. This creates a snapshot of all current settings that can be rolled back to if needed.
To use, navigate to Settings -> "Save / Load Settings to Disk". Select "Save Now..." on this page to create a new snapshot of settings with a custom name. On the left part of this page are previously stored snapshots. Select a backup to load or delete those settings.