Abstract: A user interface is provided having a display for displaying information about a system, wherein said system is comprised of a plurality of elements. The user interface is provided with a plurality of modes of user operation, including an installment mode which allows the user to configure the user interface to perform in a desired manner while the element is being installed.

Abstract: A user interface for controlling and displaying information about devices in a system is disclosed. The user interface is designed to meet the needs for different types of users. A user with no familiarity with the system is provided with a customized message on the display of the user interface. A user with limited experience using the interface may be provided with one or more dedicated input devices for obtaining further information about the system. For a more experienced user, a touch screen is provided allowing the user to control devices from the user interface.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprising a control panel comprised of one or more controllers for controlling a plurality of devices. A pair of lines are operably connected to the control panel and the devices for communicating signals between said control panel and said devices. A circuit for providing a polarity sensing power and signal interface is provided between the control panel and devices to reduce to reduce system maintenance. The circuit includes a rectifier circuit operably connected the pair of lines wherein the rectifier circuit is comprised of at least two transistors for providing the circuit with a low-impedance path to ground and providing the circuit with a polarity insensitive output. Capacitors may be operably connected to the transistors in the rectifier circuit to keep the transistors turned on when a low voltage is applied to the rectifier circuit.

Abstract: A user interface for controlling and displaying information about devices in a system is disclosed. The user interface is designed to meet the needs for different types of users. A user with no familiarity with the system is provided with a customized message on the display of the user interface. A user with limited experience using the interface may be provided with one or more dedicated input devices for obtaining further information about the system. For a more experienced user, a touch screen is provided allowing the user to control devices from the user interface.

Abstract: A user interface is provided having a display for displaying information about a system, wherein said system is comprised of a plurality of elements. The user interface is provided with a plurality of modes of user operation, including an installment mode which allows the user to configure the user interface to perform in a desired manner while the element is being installed.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprising a control panel comprised of one or more controllers for controlling a plurality of devices. A pair of lines are operably connected to the control panel and the devices for communicating signals between said control panel and said devices. A circuit for providing a polarity sensing power and signal interface is provided between the control panel and devices to reduce to reduce system maintenance. The circuit includes a rectifier circuit operably connected the pair of lines wherein the rectifier circuit is comprised of at least two transistors for providing the circuit with a low-impedance path to ground and providing the circuit with a polarity insensitive output. Capacitors may be operably connected to the transistors in the rectifier circuit to keep the transistors turned on when a low voltage is applied to the rectifier circuit.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a polarity sensing power and signal interface. The circuit includes a rectifier circuit operably connected a two line system wherein the rectifier circuit is comprised of at least two transistors for providing the circuit with a low-impedance path to ground and providing the circuit with a polarity insensitive output. Capacitors may be operably connected to transistors in the rectifier circuit to keep the transistors turned on when a low voltage is applied to the rectifier circuit.