The Silent Knight Software Suite (SKSS) is a tool for communicating with IntelliKnight
addressable fire panels, SK-5208 fire panel, and 5000-Series e ntry systems. This software
makes it is easy to program panels from a remote location, like the central station service
center or locally when directly connected to the panel. SKSS allows you to upload (receive)
data from a panel to a PC. For example, you can upload event history from a p anel so that
the history can be sorted and viewed on screen or printed as a re port. You can also upload
programming changes that have been made at the installation site to a PC.
Features
• Compatible with IntelliKnight 5820XL, 5808, 5700, 5104B (UL 9th Edition) and SK-5208
fire panels and 5000-Series entry systems
• Easily program panels from a remote location or on-site
• Upload panel account information to your PC
• Quick access to panel event history
• Upload detector status from IntelliKnight fire panels
• Forward and backward compatible with panel software
• Reduce the time it takes to reprogram an upgraded panel with the built-in Translate
option
• Free software upgrades downloadable from the Silent Knight web site
(www.silentknight.com)
About This Manual
This manual will help you get started using SKSS and is future reference for operations that
you don’t frequently perform. The menus and screens in the softwa re are your main source
of information for the more commonly performed operations. You can also get help from
the software’s comprehensive online help system by pressing the [F1] key at any time. For
information on general concepts such as, mapping and points, that appear in SKSS
programming views, refer to the panel’s Installation and Oper ations Manual.
System Requirements
To operate SKSS software you must have a PC with the following minimum requirements:
• Windows
®
98, 2000, 7, ME, NT®, XP, or Vista
• 64 megabytes RAM
• 32 megabytes of free hard disk space
• VGA color or compatible monitor
• A Bell 212A/103 Hayes
®
compatible Plug and Play modem to connect to remote panels.
You can also connect directly to all compatible FACPs using a 9-pin serial cable or
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connect directly to 5820XL and 5808 using an AB male USB cable.
Mouse Versus Keyboard
SKSS is designed to be used with a mouse. Using a mouse is the fastest and easiest
way to operate the software. However, a mouse is not a requirement; all operations can
be performed from the keyboard. See your Windows documenta tion for information on
navigating in a Windows environment.
Online Help
You can press the [F1] key when you have SKSS running to bring up the online help
system (not available during beta testing). The he lp scr eens de scr ibe ea ch d ata entry
area on the view and explain how to select options.
Backing Up Your Data
Protect your valuable data by frequently backi ng up files using the ba ckup tool of your
choice. Files with extensions.[Panel Type]Account, .[Panel Type]History and .[Panel Type]Detector contain your data. For example, a file with the extension .5820Account
contains the account information on a 5820XL panel and a file with the extension
.5808History contains the history information from a 5808 panel. Back up these files
whenever you make changes. (See Table 1 on page 9 for more information about
types of files and extensions.).
Technical Support
Silent Knight provides 7/24 technical support from our Web site at
www.silentknight.com. Print installation and operations manuals, get answers to
frequently asked questions, download the latest software revisions, e-mail questions to
technical support are just a few of the things you can do on our Web site. Sile nt Knight
also offers free technical support.
How to Reach Us
Web site:
www.silentknight.com
Technical support:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST
800-446-6444
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Installation and Operations Manual
Installing SKSS
SKSS walks you through the installation process and can be installed and configured
to work with Silent Knight control panels in less than ten minutes.
Installing SKSS
If you are a new user of Silent Knight software, go to the installation procedu re below.
If you have a version of Silent Knight’s SK Analog Fire System Editor installed on your
PC, the new software will not overwrite the directory or accounts you’ve already set up.
Once you’ve installed SKSS, upload information from each panel to populate the
software with your existing accounts. The files created in SK Analog Fire System Editor
are not compatible with SKSS. For assistance with SK Analog Fire System Editor files,
call Silent Knight Technical Support.
To install SKSS:
1.Go to Silent Knight website. www.silentknight.com
2.Click on downloads, Download the SKSS software.
Note: The CD Key is located on the inside of this manual’s the front cover.
3.Follow the instructions on the screen to continue installation.
If an error occurs during installation, make sure you have sufficient memory and disk space
on your PC (see page 1). If you have sufficient system resources and the software still will
not install or run, contact Silent Knight Technical Support at 800-446-6444.
Starting SKSS
To start SKSS:
1.From Start, select Programs, Silent Knight and then click on Silent Knight Software Suite.
The login dialog box appears.
2.When logging on for the first time, select Master from the User Name dropdown list.
3.Press Tab to move to the Password text box and enter pass.
4.Click
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OK. The SKSS window appears.
Note: If you’ve used the SK Analog Fire System Editor, note that the Communications
Queue is no longer a separate application. The Communications Queue is integrated into
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5660 Silent Knight Software Suite
Information on
communications
between the panel
and the PC will
appear here.
SKSS as shown below.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Click here to
disable password
protection.
Using Password Protection
Through the password system, you can make sure that only qualified users have
access to SKSS. Or, if you prefer, you can disable password protection so that anyone
in your facility can have access to SKSS.
Initial Password
SKSS comes with a Master User and Password. When logging on for the first time,
select Master for the user and enter pass as the password. You can then change the
password, add new users or disable password protection.
Adding/Editing/Deleting Users and Passwords
You can add up to 100 users to SKSS, in addition to the Master User. All users can
perform all software operations. The Master User cannot be deleted.
To add a user:
1.From the Options menu, select
Users & Passwords.
2.From the Users and passwords
dialog box, click on
3.Enter up to 20 alphanumeric
characters for the user and 20
alphanumeric characters for the
user’s password.
4.Click
OK.
Add User.
To delete a user:
1.From the Options menu, select
Users & Passwords.
2.At the dialog box that displays, select the user you want to delete, then select Delete User.
3.Click
Turning Password Protection On/Off
OK. The user will be deleted.
If you don’t want to require users to enter
passwords when they operate the
software, you can permanently disable
the dialog box for entering a password.
1.From the Options menu, select Users &
Passwords.
2.From the Users and passwords dialog
box, click on the Enable login dialog box
check box to turn protection on or off. If there is a check mark in the box password
protection is on. If there is no check mark in the box, password protection is off.
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Setting Up Communications with the Panel
Before you can use SKSS to communicate with a panel, you must configure a
communication device. To connect to a remote panel, you’ll need to use your PC’s
modem. To connect directly to an FACP, you can use a serial cable, or with 5820XL
and 5808 panels you can use a USB cable.
PC Modem Connection
To communicate remotely with a panel, you will need to have a Hayes® compatible
modem installed on your PC. Follow the instructions in your PC and modem manuals
for connecting a modem to your PC.
Serial & USB Cable Direct Connection to the FACPs
To communicate locally with a panel, you can connect a 9-pin serial cable to the FACP
serial port or an AB male USB cable to the USB port (on all FACPs except the 5700).
See the figure below.
Note: The panel will go into ground fault trouble if you are connected to a PC powered
by AC while the cable is connected. The trouble will clear when you disconnect the
serial cable.
Figure 1: Direct Connection Ports on Silent Knight FACPs.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Configuring Communications Between the PC and Panel
To communicate with the panel, you will need to select the PC’s modem or if
connecting directly to the panel with a serial or USB cable, select the com port to which
the cable is connected.
To configure the communications device:
1.Select Options from the menu, then Communications.
2.Select the PC’s installed modem for modem communications or the com port to which the
serial or USB cable is connected for direct connection to a FACP from the Line/Port dropdown list.
Note: When communicating with some panels, communications speed is
improved by adding the S10=255 AT command. SKSS will automatically
check to see that the S10=255 AT command is set in the Windows
Advanced Connections Setting of your modem when dialing certain panels.
If not, SKSS will attempt to send the command. To configure the modem
with this command, see the following paragraph.
Adding/Removing the S10=255 AT Command Setting
The S10=255 AT command ensures the most efficient operation for modem to panel
communications. This command will improve communications reliability between the
modem and compatible Silent Knight fire panels.
The S10=255 setting may not be useful for other communications applications. During
these times you can disable the S10=255 AT command. The next time you use SKSS,
you will be reminded that the S10=255 command is not set.
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To add the S10=255 AT Command Setting:
1.Click on Configure Line in the Communication Configuration dialog box.
2.Click on the Connection tab, then Advanced from the modem settings dialog box.
3.Type S10=255 in the Extra settings text box.
To remove the S10=255 AT Command Setting:
1.Click on the Windows Start button, then Settings, and finally Control Panel.
2.Double click on Modems. The Modems Properties dialog box appears.
3.Select the modem from the modem list and click on Properties.
4.Click on the Connection tab, then
5.Delete S10=255 in the Extra settings text box and click
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Advanced.
OK.
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Installation and Operations Manual
SKSS File Types and Naming Conventions
SKSS has three file types. Each file type stores different information about a specific
panel or account. File types are identified by their file extension as shown in the table
below. When you are working with the files, a unique icon will display in the upper left
corner.
Table 1: Types of Files
IconFile TypeContainsExtensionPanels
AccountViews for programming
a panel and other
account information.
.[Panel
No.]Account
All
Event
History
Detector
Status
Events that occurred at
the panel. This file type
is uploaded from the
panel.
Status of detectors. This
file type is uploaded
from the panel.
.[Panel No.]HistoryAll
.[Panel
No.]Detector
5820XL,
5808
File Menu
The file menu contains options that apply to all Windows applications (such as Open,
Save, and Save As), as well as some options that are unique to SKSS. The chart below
describes SKSS specific options.
Table 2: File Menu Options
OptionDescription
NewSelect New to create a new account file for uploading and/or downloading
panel programming information.
Open
Account
Open Event
History
Open
Detector
Status
Open an account file that is already stored on the PC.
Open an event history file that has been uploaded from a panel to the PC.
Open a detector status file that has been uploaded from a panel. This
option is for 5820XL Rev. 1.2 and later, 5808, and 5700 panels.
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Table 2: File Menu Options
OptionDescription
TranslateWhen there is more than one version of panel software, you can use the
Translate feature to save programming time when upgrading a panel to a
newer version of software. The new (translated) version of the account
provides access to new programming options and previous programming
will not be overwritten when you configure the new options.
When you open an account, the Panel version number appears on the
Account Info view. The translate option is available only if the account is
not already saved in the latest version. if you create a new account or
open an account that is already in the latest version, the Translate option
will be dimmed on the menu.
1.From the File Menu, select Translate.
2.Click on
3.Save the account or use the Save As to save the ol d and new file.
OK in the Message Translated dialog box.
Upload
Account
Download
Account
Upload Event
History
Upload
Detector
Status
Upload ClockY ou may never need to use this feature, but if you ever need to upload the
Download
Clock
PrintYou can print any of the file types from SKSS. When the file you want a
Upload an account from a panel. (Data stored at the panel is sent to the
PC.)
Download an account to a panel. (Data store on the PC is sent to the
panel.)
Upload event history from IntelliKnight or SK-5208 panels to the PC.
Once the event history has been uploaded it can be viewed on screen
and printed.
Upload detector status from IntelliKnight panels to the PC.
clock setting from a FACP, this command allows you to do so. This
feature is primarily for troubleshooting and verifying that the panel is
operating properly. If the system clock should ever reset, you or Silent
Knight technical support staff may want to know the current time at the
panel.
This feature synchronizes a FACP clock with the PC’ s cur rent time
setting. This feature is only used for panels connected to via a modem.
report from is open, select Print from the File Menu. Prior to printing you
can select Print Preview from the File menu to view the report onscreen.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Programming
The programming views for the different panels are briefly discussed below. For
complete information about the individual fields (or data entry areas), refe r to the online
help (not available in the beta version). For an overview of basic concepts about a
panel refer to the panel’s Installation and Operations Manual.
Views for IntelliKnight Panels
The figure below shows the General Parameters view, the view (or screen) for
programming options that affect the general op eration of the panel. Table 3 describes
the purpose of each programming view for the FACPs.
Figure 2: General Parameters View for Panel Programming.
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Table 3: Programming Views for IntelliKnight Panels
View NameUse This View To
Account Info.Program subscriber data, including account phone number,
contact person name.
General Params.Program options that affect general operation of the software,
including system clock options.
DialerChange options for the dialer. This includes such options as
account number, reporting format, and other options related to
reporting to a central station.
SystemAdd and delete modules and select options for input and output
points.
Input ZonesAdd, delete or modify options for input zones.
Output GroupsSelect options for output groups, including adding and deleting
groups.
TemplatesWhen an IntelliKnight installation requires that zones be mapped to
more than 8 output groups, you can use templates. With output group
templates you can combine one or all output groups into one template,
which can be used when the same combination of outputs are used for
several zones.
MappingAssign output groups to zones.
Output PatternCreate customized output patterns, patterns that sounding
devices (or other output devices) will use.
User ProfilesCreate custom up to 20 users code with customized profiles for
each user.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Views for the SK-5208
The Zones screen below is one of several screens used to set programming options
for the SK-5208.
Figure 3: Zones View for Panel Programming
Table 4: Programming Views for the SK-5208
View NameUse This View To
ZonesAdd, delete or modify zones.
NAC/RelayEstablish or modify zone NAC/output patterns such as silence,
fire, prealarm, etc.
NAC/Output PatternsCreate custom output patterns for sounding devices and other
output devices.
DialerChange options for the dialer. This includes such options as
account number, reporting format, and other options related to
reporting to a central station.
MiscellaneousAdd and modify 3 to 6 digit installer and operator user codes,
alarm responses, such as NAC automatic silence time and
prealarm time, and banner display settings.
ExpanderSelect options for output groups, including adding and deleting
groups.
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Views for the 5000-Series
The System screen is one of three screens used for the 5000-Series panels used to
set general programming data, including system message, clock format and installer
code.
Table 5: Programming Views for the 5000-Series
View NameUse This View To
SystemSet general programming data, such as the system message,
clock format and installers code.
UsersProgram, edit and delete up to 1000 tenants. You can add user
names in the SKSS, in addition to numbers. The user names are
only stored in the SKSS and cannot be downloaded to the panel.
Aux. RelayProgram and modify auxiliary relay settings.
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Installation and Operations Manual
This panel is
connected directly
to the PC so no
phone number
appears.
Describes the type
of job that has
been completed or
is scheduled to
occur.
This panel is
connected directly
to the PC so no
phone number
appears.
File name
assigned on the
PC where the
information is
downloaded from
The status of these
jobs is Waiting
because they have
been scheduled to
happen at a later
time.
Scheduling Jobs
The panel and a PC can communicate with each other by downloading (computer
sends data to the panel) and uploading (panel sends data to the computer). This
section of the manual describes communication operations.
The Communications Queue
The Queue is a list of completed and scheduled tasks between panels and SKSS.
When a task appears in the Queue window, its status and other information will display
next to the account number.
Figure 4: Communications Queue Example
Delete Jobs from the Queue
All jobs remain in the queue until you delete them. You can delete jobs that are finished
and jobs that are scheduled.
To delete a job from the Queue window:
1.Highlight the job you want to delete by clicking on it.
2.Press on the [Delete] key or right click to select from the menu that appears, then click
Delete. This action cannot be undone.
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Job Status
Jobs or accounts listed in the Queue window are assigned a status. The chart below
describes all possible status types.
Table 6: Queue Job Status
StatusDescription
WaitingThe job is waiting for processing. Another job is currently being
processed or the job is timed to execute at a later time.
ErrorAn error occurred during processing. No data was transferred. See
page 22 for more information.
ProcessingThe job is currently processing, for example, sending or receiving
data.
CompleteThe job has completed successfully. Completed jobs remain on the
queue until an operator deletes them.
Aborted by
User
Timed OutThe job was not completed because communication was not
Security Not
Granted
No Carrier or
No Dialtone
Modem ErrorThe job was not processed because the software detected a problem
Busy SignalThe job was not processed because the communication device
No AnswerThe job was not processed because the initiating communication
Detector
Status Not
Supported
The job was cancelled during processing by an operator. Aborted by
User jobs remain on the queue until an operator deletes them.
established during the programmed timeframe.
The panel did not answer the call because an incorrect password was
used by the operator who attempted to process the call.
The job was not processed because communication was not
established. This message can indicate several problems. See
page 22 for more information.
with the modem. This message could indicate that modem is not
turned on, needs to be initialized, or another problem. See page 22
for more information.
encountered a busy signal when attempting to call.
device did not receive an ACK signal.
The detector status feature is not available for Rev. 1.1 panels;
Revision 1.2 and later support the feature. If you attempt to run the
Upload Detector Status feature on a Rev. 1.1 5820XL panel, you will
receive this message.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Downloading and Uploading
You can download and upload various options, depending on the panel you are
working with, such as panel programming settings and event history as sh own in Table
7. When downloading, you are sending data (options that have been programmed
using the SKSS programming views) to the panel. When uploading, you are sending
data from the panel to the computer.
Table 7: Download and Upload Option s by Panel
OptionIntelliKnightSK-52085000-Series
Panel Programming
Event History
Clock Settings
Detector Status*
* The option for uploading detector status that appears on the file menu is
available for Rev. 1.2 and later panels only.
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•• •
••
••
•
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5660 Silent Knight Software Suite
To download or upload panel information:
1.From the File Menu, select the download or upload menu item you want to schedule.
2.In the appropriate locations in the dialog box, enter your selections for the following
options:
File Name:To download, select the file that you want to download. To
upload assign a name to the file that will be uploaded from the
panel. You can use the Browse option to select from the list of
available files. If you do not select a name for the file, it will be
automatically named with the panel model and the date and
time of the download.
For downloads, the latest saved version of the file will be sent.
This means if the file you want to send is currently open and has
been changed, save it before you attempt to download.
Account Number: Enter the panel account number.
The default value for each control panel is listed in the
installation manual for that control pan els . Th e bo x rem a ins
blank for a 5000-Series panel.
Computer Code: Enter the code that allows access to the panel from a PC. The
default value for each control panel is listed in the installation
manual for that control panels.
Phone Number:If you are using a modem for communication, enter the panel
phone number.
Call Option:Select how often and when the call should be placed.
Answering:Select the preferred options if the phone line used by the PC’s
modem has an answering machine installed. This feature is not
used when connecting directly to a panel.
3.Click OK to begin downloading/uploading or to post the job to the Queue.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Display events that
occurred during a
specific time.
Select order in
which events
Select the types of
events to display.
Working with Event History Data
You can upload event history from IntelliKnight and SK-5208 panels. When uploading
a file from the panel’s event history buffer, you will have all of the most recent events
that have occurred at the panel. Not all the events may be of interest to you at any given
time. You can use the software to select only events that meet particular criteria, sort
events, print and combine files of events.
Note: The 5000-Series panels do no t store events, so this procedure does not apply to
the
5000-Series panels.
1.Once event history has been uploaded, select Open History from the File Menu.
2.Select a file to open. You can scroll through the list of available files or enter the file name in
the File Name area in the dialog box.
3.From the next dialog box that displays, select options for controlling how the history is
displayed on screen and printed.
Refer to the online help for more details about these options (not available during beta
testing). If you want a printed report of the data, select Print from the File Menu.
Figure 5: Event History Window.
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Combining Event History Files (Append History)
The IntelliKnight panels can store up to 1000 events and SK-5208 panels can store up
to 150 events. When a panel reaches its 1000 event capaci ty, it begins deleting events
starting with the oldest. When you save an upload, you create a file that you can save
permanently or for as long as you need it. You can also append (or add) events from
another file so that uploaded event files will be combined, saving you from having to
search through multiple files.
For example, suppose a panel reported 1000 events every two weeks, but you wanted
to retain files of events by month. Since the panel would start deleting events as more
were added, the panel’s buffer would never contain an entire month of data. You could
compensate for this by uploading event history twice per month, once for the first half
of the month and once for the second half. You could then Append the events from the
second half of the month to the file for the first month. Your file would then contain
events for an entire month.
To add history events from one file to another:
1.Open the primary history file by selecting Open Event History from the File Menu.
2.With a history file open, click on Append History File.
3.Select the file that you want to add to the primary history file. You can scroll through the list
of available files or enter the file name in the File Name area in the dialog box. Event
history files have the extension .[Panel Type]History.
4.The file now contains event data from both files. When you save the file, you may want to
use the Save As feature to give the combined file a unique name.
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Installation and Operations Manual
Detector Status Data
When you upload detector status from an IntelliKnight panel, you will have a file
containing the status of all detectors in the system. Not all the detectors may be of
interest to you at any given time. You can use SKSS to select only detectors that meet
particular criteria, such as, detectors that ar e ou t of complia nce or that need
maintenance. You can also sort the file by var ious criteria and print the in formation that
you need.
1.Once detector status has been uploaded, select Open Detector Status from the File Menu.
2.Select a file to open. You can scroll through the list of available files or enter the file name in
the File Name area in the dialog box. Detector status files have the extension:
.[Panel Type]Detector.
3.The Detector Status V iew will display. Select options for controlling how the detector status
is displayed on screen and printed. A dialog box similar to the one below will display. Refer
to the options on the help screen for complete information about how to select these
options. If you want a printed report of the data, select Print from the File Menu.
Figure 6: Detector Status Dialog Box
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5660 Silent Knight Software Suite
Communication Error Messages
The chart below describes communication error messages that could occur during
processing. These messages indicate that transfer of data did not occur. If you receive
one of these messages and do not know what caused it, see Troubleshooting
Communications problems below. If the problem persists, contact Silent Knight
Technical Support.
Table 8: Communication Error Messages
MessageExplanation
ErrorAn error occurred during processing of the call. No data was transferred.
This message can indicate a wide variety of problems, including a problem
with the modem or noise on the telephone lines.
Timed OutThe job was not completed because communication was not established
during the programmed timeframe.
No CarrierThe job was not completed because the communication device could not
establish communication.
Modem ErrorThe job was not completed because the software detected a problem with
the modem. Make sure the modem is turned on. Try reinitializing the
modem.
Busy SignalThe communication device encou ntered a busy signal when attempting to
communication. Try again later.
No AnswerThe communication device did not receive an ACK signal.
No DialtoneA dialtone could not be detected by the communication device. Check that
the receiving device is turned on and is connected to the phone line.
Troubleshooting Communication Problems
Troubleshooting communication problems can be comp lex because the problem could
be at either end of the connection. If communication did not occur or was incomplete,
here are some things to try.
When using a modem, make sure the communi cation device is connected to the phone
line and that dial tone is present. If you suspect that noise on the telephone line is
causing a problem, try any or all of the following:
• Hang up and try again.
• Initialize hardware. This will happen any time you close the queue and reopen it. You
may need to reset the modem, especially if you receive the “Modem Error ” message.
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Silent Knight
12 Clintonville Road
Northford, CT 06472-1610
www.silentknight.com
203-484-7161
Fax: 203-484-7118
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