Odyssey XL Manual

Overview
General - Odyssey XL is a program designed for monitoring and control of up to 64 Fire
Alarm Control Panels. It is constructed using the Toolbook Instructor v11.5
program. Drawings may be entered when the system is set up, and alarm devices
placed on these drawings. Thus in an alarm condition, the exact position of the
alarm can be displayed graphically.

Display - Odyssey XL may be displayed in two different modes, depending on the display
New Feature characteristics of the computer in use. For display resolutions above 1280 X 800
and below 1920 X 1080, Odyssey XL will work in 'small' mode. At 1920 X 1080
and above, it will work in 'large' mode. The program will adapt automatically to the
resolution. At resolutions above 2084 X 1274 there will be a border around the
Odyssey window as that is its maximum resolution. The program will not display
correctly at resolutions below 1280 X 800.

IMPORTANT: User data entered in 'small' mode will not display in 'large'
mode and vice versa.

Files - The program comprises several files. Files used will depend on the current display
resolution. The main program file is ‘odysXL_xx.exe’. The file containing the
setup information and drawings is ‘dataXL.sbk’ or 'dataXL_small.sbk'. Blank
versions of these file called ‘datacopyXL.sbk' and 'datacopyXL_small.sbk’ are
installed initially, and new files are created when the system is first run. A backup
file is updated each time the program is terminated. There is a language
translation called ‘languagesXL.sbk’, and two panel facia display files,
'largePanels.sbk', and 'smallPanels.sbk'.

Protection - The program is protected from unauthorised use by a USB program key or
‘dongle’. This key must be fitted to the computer for the program to run. Once the
program is running, the system can only be configured after a password has been
entered. The password can be changed by the engineer if required.

Computer - Recommended minimum system requirements are a PC with Windows7™ or

Installation- IMPORTANT! Install the software before fitting the program key to the
computer. If the software has been supplied as a .zip file, extract all the files to a
temporary directory or to the Desktop. Run the installation program
‘odXL_xx_setup.exe’, following the default suggestions as far as possible. Leave
the box ’Launch Program File’ ticked as this will install the program key software.
Now fit the program key and allow Windows to find the correct driver.

Odyssey XL is now ready to use, and can be launched from the icon installed on
the Desktop.

Manual - This manual describes the operation of the Odyssey XL system, and also
describes the programming procedure for setting up a new system.

-1-
 Odyssey XL Manual

System Operation
Startup - As with any Windows program, Odyssey 3 can be configured to start up automatically when the
computer is switched on. Otherwise the program can be started by double clicking on the desktop
icon.

Normal - When the program starts it will attempt to communicate with the panels which have been selected.
The front screen will be displayed, and the status bar will be green and show the message
‘NORMAL’.

Fire - If a fire signal is received, the computer will beep, the status bar colour will change to red, and the
message displayed will be ‘FIRE’. The appropriate building on the site plan will change to red, and
an alarm message box will be displayed, showing details of the alarm.

Acknowledge - If the ‘Acknowledge’ button below the status bar is pressed, the beep will stop and if a drawing has
been programmed for the detector in alarm, that drawing will be displayed. Initially the zone area
will be shown, outlined in red, and if this zone is clicked on, the enlarged zone area showing the
individual detectors will be displayed.

Fault - A fault signal from a panel will cause the computer to beep, the status bar will turn yellow and
display the message ‘FAULT’. The appropriate building drawing will turn yellow. If the fault involves
a detector or other trigger device, the user can navigate to the graphics pages in the same way as
if there was a fire, but system faults will only be displayed in the message box.

Pre-Alarm - A pre-alarm signal from a panel will operate in the same way as a fault signal, except that the
status bar will show ‘PRE-ALARM’. The user will be able to navigate to a graphics drawing if one
has been generated for the device in alarm. The total number of alarms of each type will appear on
the appropriate boxes on the front page.

Controls - The panel in alarm can be silenced, reset or the alarms operated (evacuated) from the graphics
screens using the buttons provided. In addition, if the user clicks on the ‘Panel List’ button, a
screen is displayed showing the status of all panels on the system. The panel controls on this page
operate ALL panels simultaneously, and should therefore be used with care.

Panels - To display a picture of a panel on the system, go to the ‘Panel List’ page and click on a panel
button. The panel can then be controlled and programmed as if the user was actually at the panel,
using the on-screen buttons and the computer keyboard.

Options - On the Front Page, click on the button labelled ‘Options’. A new box will appear, with several
buttons. From here, the user can view drawings, view current alarm details, view the Historic Log,
view disablements, enter important telephone numbers, and leave messages for other users to
view.

-2-
 Odyssey XL Manual

Programming
Password The system can be configured by an engineer, but is protected from unauthorised alteration by a
set entry procedure and a password. The following procedure should be followed to gain entry to
the programming features:-

1. Navigate to the panel list page using the ‘Panel List’ button on the front page or graphics pages.

2. Press and hold the ‘Ctrl’ key and press and release the ‘P’ key (i.e. Ctrl+P’). This will cause a
button (‘Setup’) to appear at the bottom left of the screen. If you do nothing else, the button will
disappear after 10 seconds, but can be recalled by pressing ‘Ctrl+P’ again.

3. Click on the ’Setup’ button, and a password dialogue box will appear. You have a further 15
seconds to enter the correct password and click on the ‘OK’ button or press the ‘enter’ key. The
default password is ‘odyssey’, but this can and should be changed once the configuration mode
has been entered.

4. If the system is running, a red box will appear explaining that the program will cease to run if you
proceed beyond this point. To continue, click on the ‘Program’ button. You have 15 seconds to
perform this action. If the system was not running, this step will be omitted.

Select If the above procedure is completed successfully, a new box will appear, giving several choices.
Option Each of these will now be described in turn.

First click on the button labelled ‘Password’. From this page the password to enter configuration
mode can be changed from the default ‘odyssey’ password to a unique password.

IMPORTANT! A note should be kept in a secure location of the password entered, as you will not
be able to enter configuration mode without it.

Setup The system must first be set up to accommodate the number of panels fitted, and their details
entered. Click on the ‘Setup’ button, and a new page will be displayed.

First enter a name for the system in the ‘System Heading’ box. This will be displayed at the top of
each page when the system is in operation.

Then click on a numbered line in the ‘Panel List’ box.Enter a name for the panel in the
‘Panel Name’ box, and click on the ‘On/Off’ box to enable the panel.

If the panel is connected to the system via the serial port of the computer, either individually with
RS232, or as part of a network with RS485, then click on the ‘Hard Wired’ button.

If the panel is connected to the system via an ethernet network or Internet, click on the
‘Networked’ button. Then enter the dot-separated IP number for ethernet connections, or click on
‘Domain’ and enter a valid domain address. Also enter a port number for the panel network
interface.

If the panel is to have I/Os connected to conventional panels, click on the ‘I/O Master’ button. Note
that only one panel on a system can be an I/O Master.

If the panel is a conventional panel connected via an I/O on the I/O Master panel, click on the
‘I/O Unit’ button. Then enter the loop and device number of the I/O.

When the selections have been made for that panel, click on the ‘OK’ button at the bottom, and
select the next panel. If the ‘OK’ button is not clicked, the information will not be saved.

-3-
 Odyssey XL Manual

When all the panels have been set up, the Serial Port can be changed if required. If all panels are
connected via an ethernet network or the Internet, the serial port may be selected to ‘None’.

Action on 1st Alarm can be selected to stay on the Front Page, to go to the Zone Page, or to go
straight to the Detector Page.

The Network delay can be set from 1 to 10 seconds. This is the time the system will wait for a
reply from a panel on an ethernet network or Internet connection. The delay should be set as low
as possible, and the default is 1 second.

A Printer can be selected and set up if required. The default is no printer. If a printer is selected, a
dot-matrix continuous feed type should be used, such as the Epson LX-300. The ‘lines per page’
can be adjusted to suit the paper size.

A Screen Saver can be selected, together with a time delay before its operation. Note that the
standard Windows screen saver and Sleep modes should be disabled, as these will slow
down or stop operation of the system.

When all selections have been made, click on the ‘Done’ button to return to the ‘Select Option’
screen.

-4-
 Odyssey XL Manual
Multi-Zone When the 'Multi-Zone Pages' button is clicked, an empty zone page will be displayed. To create a
Pages new page, simply press the 'New Page' button at the top left of the screen. Enter a name for the
page and select the panel it is to be linked to.

New Feature The background colour of the page can be selected by clicking on the appropriate coloured box.
This should be selected to best suit the drawings which will be imported later

Alternatively, if you wish to modify a previously created page, simply click on the 'Existing Page'
button and select the panel then select the page from the list.

The page name and colour can be changed later by clicking on ‘Modify Page’ or the page can be
deleted with the ‘Delete Page’ button.

Placing The easiest way to place drawings in Odyssey XL is to have the drawings ready as graphics files
Drawings on the computer you are using. You can import files in .bmp, .jpg, .png, or .tif formats.

Click on the ‘Drawings’ button near the bottom left of the screen. A tool box will be displayed with
various options. Click on the ‘Import Graphic’ button and select the file you want to import. You
can click and drag the drawing to the desired position on the screen.

New Feature To resize the drawing, click on the drawing with the + or – keys pressed. The drawing will then
become bigger or smaller.

Using CAD Alternatively you can then place a drawing on the page using a previously drawn ‘Autocad’
drawing. You will need to have a copy of the ‘Autocad’ or ‘Autocad LT’ or similar program loaded
onto the system you are using, as well as the required drawing files.

Click on ‘Start CAD’ and enter the correct filename. Autocad should now start up, and you will
automatically change over to Autocad.

The required drawing should now be opened in Autocad, and zoomed to approximately the correct
size to fill the Odyssey window. Any necessary modifications to the drawing should be made in
Autocad before the drawing is captured and transferred to Odyssey.

To transfer the drawing, in Autocad, select ‘Edit’ then ’Copy’, and click the top left and bottom right
boundaries of the part of the drawing required, then press ‘enter’. This will save a bitmap image of
the drawing to the Windows clipboard. Press ‘Alt+Tab’ to return to Odyssey, and click on ‘Import
Clipboard’. The drawing should now be displayed on the Zone Page. Click and drag to drawing to
the correct position. If the result is not as required, click on ‘Erase’ and start the procedure again.
Remember you can move between Autocad and Odyssey by pressing ‘Alt+Tab’.

New Feature To resize the drawing, click on the drawing with the + or – keys pressed. The drawing will then
become bigger or smaller.

When you have finished with Autocad, go to Autocad with the ‘Alt + Tab’ keys and click on ‘file’ then
‘Exit’. You will then automatically return to Odyssey.

-5-
 Odyssey XL Manual
Placing Zones can now be placed on the drawing. Click on the ‘Zones’ button near the bottom left of the
Zones screen. A new tool box will be displayed. Select the number of the first zone required by clicking on
the zone number box and then clicking the up/down arrows. As the zones are placed, the numbers
will increment automatically, but this can be overridden if required.

If only square or rectangular zones are required, click on the left hand zone symbol and simply
click in the approximate position of the zone. Once placed, the zones can then be moved, resized,
and erased or simply hidden using the appropriate buttons.

Hint: Note that when using the ‘Move’ button, if the ‘Ctrl’ key is held down, only the zone number
will be moved.

If polygonal zones are required, click on the right hand zone symbol. Then click on the starting
point of the zone shape, and click on each corner of the zone shape.

Hint: Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key while clicking, to make the corners square. To complete the last side
of the zone, click on the RIGHT mouse button, again using ‘Ctrl’ to square this side if required.

IMPORTANT – left click once more in the centre of the zone to place the zone number.

Polygonal zones can be moved, resized, erased and hidden in the same way as rectangular zones.

Note that more than one zone of the same number can be placed, but you will be asked if you
really want to do this. This feature may be required if a zone is split into two areas.

After placing all the zones, they should be hidden using the ‘Hide/Show’ button. This will make a
less confusing display in an alarm condition.

To return to the original options page, click on the 'Panel List’ button at the lower left of the screen.

Changes to the configuration file are saved automatically. When Odyssey is next exited the file is
automatically backed up and compacted.

-6-
 Odyssey XL Manual
Analogue When the ‘Analogue Zone Pages’ button is clicked, an empty detector page will be displayed. To
Zones create a new page, simply press the 'New Page' button at the top left of the screen. Enter a name
for the page and select the Zone Page and Zone Number it is to be linked to.

Note: The background colour of the page will be the same as the background colour of the Zone
page it is linked to.

Alternatively, if you wish to modify a previously created page, simply click on the 'Existing Page'
button and select the zone page and drawing name from the list.

The page name can be changed later by clicking on ‘Modify Page’ or the page can be deleted with
the ‘Delete Page’ button.

Placing As with the Multi-Zone Pages, the easiest way to place drawings is to have the drawings ready as
Drawings graphics files on the computer you are using. You can import files in .bmp, .jpg, .png, or .tif formats.

Click on the ‘Drawings’ button near the bottom left of the screen. A tool box will be displayed with
various options. Click on the ‘Import Graphic’ button and select the file you want to import. You
can click and drag the drawing to the desired position on the screen.

New Feature To resize the drawing, click on the drawing with the + or – keys pressed. The drawing will then
become bigger or smaller.

Using CAD Alternatively you can then place a drawing on the page using a previously drawn ‘Autocad’
drawing.You will need to have a copy of the ‘Autocad’ or ‘Autocad LT’ or similar program loaded
onto the system you are using, as well as the required drawing files.

Click on ‘Start CAD’ and enter the correct filename. Autocad should now start up, and you will
automatically change over to Autocad.

The required drawing should now be opened in Autocad, and zoomed to approximately the correct
size to fill the Odyssey window. Any necessary modifications to the drawing should be made in
Autocad before the drawing is captured and transferred to Odyssey.

To transfer the drawing, in Autocad, select ‘Edit’ then ’Copy’, and click the top left and bottom right
boundaries of the part of the drawing required, then press ‘enter’. This will save a bitmap image of
the drawing to the Windows clipboard. Press ‘Alt+Tab’ to return to Odyssey, and click on ‘Import
Clipboard’. The drawing should now be displayed on the Zone Page. Click and drag to drawing to
the correct position. If the result is not as required, click on ‘Erase’ and start the procedure again.
Remember you can move between Autocad and Odyssey by pressing ‘Alt+Tab’.

New Feature To resize the drawing, click on the drawing with the + or – keys pressed. The drawing will then
become bigger or smaller.

When you have finished with Autocad, go to Autocad with the ‘Alt + Tab’ keys and click on ‘file’ then
‘Exit’. You will then automatically return to Odyssey.

Lines The outline of the zone can now be drawn. Click on the ‘Line’ button in the tool box, and then click
on each corner of the zone. Hint: Hold the ‘Ctrl’ key down to make corners square. Click the
RIGHT mouse button to finish.

Text Descriptive text can be placed on the drawing if required, by clicking on the ‘Text’ button in the tool
box, and entering the required text. Then click at the position of the text.

Move To move the drawing or text, click on the ‘Move’ button to select it, then click and drag the drawing
or text to the new position.

Erase To erase the drawing or text, click on the ‘Erase’ button to select it, then click
the drawing or text to erase it.

-7-
 Odyssey XL Manual
Devices To place detectors, call points etc., click on the ‘Device’ button near the bottom left of the page. A
new tool box will appear. Select the loop and number of the first device to be placed by clicking on
the number box and then clicking the up/down arrows. As the devices are placed, the numbers will
increment automatically, but this can be overridden if required.

Click on the required type of device in the tool box, then click on the position of the device on the
drawing. Devices can be moved or erased using the appropriate buttons in the toolbox.

To return to the original options page, click on the 'Panel List’ button at the Lower left of the
screen.

Changes to the configuration file are saved automatically. When Odyssey is next exited the file is
automatically backed up and compacted.

-8-
 Odyssey XL Manual
Front Page When the ‘Front Page' button is clicked, the Front Page will be displayed to allow drawings to be
placed and linked to Multi-Zone Pages and panels. A dialogue box will appear which will allow the
import of drawings onto the central display area. An overall site drawing can be imported, for
example, and each part of that drawing can be made ‘active’ and linked to other drawings or
panels.

Placing As with the Multi-Zone and Analogue Zone Pages, the easiest way to place drawings is to have the
Drawings drawings ready as graphics files on the computer you are using. You can import files in .bmp,
.jpg, .png, or .tif formats.

Click on the ‘Import Graphic’ button in the dialogue box and select the file you want to import. You
can click and drag the drawing to the desired position on the screen.

New Feature To resize the drawing, click on the drawing with the + or – keys pressed. The drawing will then
become bigger or smaller.

Using CAD Alternatively you can then place a drawing on the page using a previously drawn ‘Autocad’
drawing. You will need to have a copy of the ‘Autocad’ or ‘Autocad LT’ or similar program loaded
onto the system you are using, as well as the required drawing files.

Click on ‘Start CAD’ and enter the correct filename. Autocad should now start up, and you will
automatically change over to Autocad.

The required drawing should now be opened in Autocad, and zoomed to approximately the correct
size to fill the Odyssey window. Any necessary modifications to the drawing should be made in
Autocad before the drawing is captured and transferred to Odyssey.

To transfer the drawing, in Autocad, select ‘Edit’ then ’Copy’, and click the top left and bottom right
boundaries of the part of the drawing required, then press ‘enter’. This will save a bitmap image of
the drawing to the Windows clipboard. Press ‘Alt+Tab’ to return to Odyssey, and click on ‘Import
Clipboard’. The drawing should now be displayed on the Zone Page. Click and drag to drawing to
the correct position. If the result is not as required, click on ‘Erase’ and start the procedure again.
Remember you can move between Autocad and Odyssey by pressing ‘Alt+Tab’.

New Feature To resize the drawing, click on the drawing with the + or – keys pressed. The drawing will then
become bigger or smaller.

When you have finished with Autocad, go to Autocad with the ‘Alt + Tab’ keys and click on ‘file’ then
‘Exit’. You will then automatically return to Odyssey.

Link Now click on the ‘Link’ button at the bottom right of the screen. A new dialogue box will be
displayed.

Draw A transparent overlay must be placed over each drawing in order to make it 'active'. The easiest
New Feature way to do this is to click on the drawing while holding the 'Ctrl' key. The transparent shape will be
placed over the drawing, following its outline automatically.

Alternatively, an overlay can be drawn manually. You can place a shape over a drawing, following
as closely as possible the outline of the drawing. Click on ‘Draw’ in the dialogue box, then click on
the starting point of the shape, and click on each corner of the shape.

Hint: Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key while clicking, to make the corners square. To complete the last side
of the zone, click on the RIGHT mouse button, using ‘Ctrl’ to square this side if required.

-9-
 Odyssey XL Manual
Text Descriptive text can be placed on the drawing if required, by clicking on the ‘Text’ button in the
dialogue box, and entering the required text. Then click at the position of the text.

To change the colour of the text, position the mouse on the required text, and RIGHT click while
holding down the ‘W’ key for white, ’R’ key for red, ’Y’ key for yellow, ‘U’ key for blue, ‘G’ key for
green, or ‘B’ key for black. Note: White and Black options are disabled for white and black
backgrounds respectively.

Text and shapes can be moved or erased by clicking on the appropriate buttons and then pointing
at the required item and clicking or dragging.

Linking Now you must decide if the drawings you have placed will be linked to Panels or to Multi-Zone
Drawings. If you have, say, a panel in a multi-storey building, you could place a drawing
representing each floor, and link these to the floor drawings showing the zones. You could also
place a block representing the control panel.

Alternatively if you have a multi-building site with several panels, you would probably place
drawings for each building and link these to the appropriate panel.

Link Drawing To link to a Multi-Zone Drawing, click on the button marked ‘Link to Zone Page’. You will then be
asked to choose a drawing to link. Click on the required drawing, and note that it turns red. You will
then be given a selection of drawings to choose from. If you have not placed any zone drawings
yet, you must go and do this first. Choose a drawing, and after confirmation of your choice, the red
drawing will return to its normal colour, and the link will be made automatically.

Link Panel To link to a control panel, click on ‘Link to Panel’. You will be asked to choose a drawing to link.
Click on the required drawing, and note that it turns red. You will then be given a selection of panels
to choose from.

Choose a panel, and after confirmation of your choice, the red drawing will return to its normal
colour, and the link will be made automatically. To return to the original options page, click on the
‘Done’ button at the lower left of the screen.

Changes to the configuration file are saved automatically. When Odyssey is next exited the file is
automatically backed up and compacted.

- 10 -
 Odyssey XL Manual
Special Odyssey is automatically configured to start up in the correct language for each country in which it
Labels is operated. However some button labels or messages may not be translated, so the ‘Special
Labels’ function is included for the user to enter their own translation of a specific label or
message. Simply search for the text on the left hand table, and enter the required text in the right
hand table. Click on ‘Done’, and the new text will be saved and will be used each time the system
starts up.

Special An alternative set of icons for smoke detectors, call points, etc. is also available if required. This
Symbols can be selected by clicking on the ‘Special Device Symbol’ button.

Save Log Odyssey creates a Historic Log of each event which occurs on the system. When the log is full, a
‘Log Full’ message will be displayed on the screen This log can be saved to a floppy disk by using
the ‘Save Log’ function. This will empty the log file and the ‘Log Full’ message will disappear
automatically.

Restart To return to normal operation, press 'Restart'. This will automatically save any changes you have
made.

Exit To exit from Odyssey, click on ‘Exit Odyssey’. You will be asked for a password before being
ODYSSEY allowed to exit. This password is ‘exit’ and cannot be changed. Changes will automatically be
saved before exit.

Additional Features
Please see the ‘readmeXL.pdf’ file for additional features not covered in this manual.

- 11 -