Stanley Security HALO System Manual 980 000025 000 Rev 3.0 Roam Alert User Guide 000026

User Manual: Stanley Security Roam Alert User Guide Instructions

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Stanley Security Solutions
Stanley Healthcare Solutions Division
1550 N. 20th Circle
Lincoln, NE 68503
USA:800-824-2996
Canada:866-559-6275
International:+1 (613) 592.6997
Web site:www.stanleyhealthcare.com
© 2004–2010 XMARK Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
980-000026-000 Rev 07. January 2010. Software release 1.5

Warranty
Stanley Healthcare Solutions products are warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship and shall perform in accordance with published specifications for the following
periods:
• Infrastructure components (receivers, door and elevator controllers, keypads, exciters, wireless
tag readers etc.) – 1 year
• Wrist and pendant pulse tags, asset and inter tags, and pull cords – 1 year
• Wrist and Securaband tags without pulse technology – 3 years.
Stanley Healthcare Solutions warranty is limited solely to the repair or replacement of the
defective part or product. Stanley Healthcare Solutions reserves the right to change product
specifications without notice.
Limitation of Liability
This Product has been designed for use to: a) assist personnel in summoning help when they are
under personal duress, b) locate assets c) assist in the prevention of the loss of assets and/or d)
reduce the risk of resident wandering through remote detection.
The range, accuracy, function and performance of this Product may vary from the published
specifications due to many factors, including, without limitation, site impairments from
structural effects, metal objects in the vicinity, placement of the receiver and transmitter,
interference from other electrical devices, atmospheric effects, installation, and maintenance.
There may be other factors, which also affect performance of this Product.
Stanley Healthcare Solutions does not guarantee that this Product will: a) detect 100% of the
calls for personal assistance, b) locate all assets 100% of the time, c) prevent the loss of assets and/
or d) detect 100% of resident wanderings. Stanley Healthcare Solutions does not guarantee that
this Product will not return false reports of: a) calls for personal assistance, b) location of assets, c)
loss of assets and/or d) false reports of resident wandering.
Monthly testing and maintenance of this Product, as described in the Product documentation, is
essential to verify the system is operating correctly and to ensure that the probability of detecting
an alarm and/or locating the transmitter are maximized.
The failure to undertake regular testing and maintenance will increase the risk of system failure
and: a) failure to report personal duress calls, b) failure to locate assets, c) failure to prevent the
loss of assets and/or d) failure to detect resident wandering. The failure to undertake regular
testing and maintenance will increase the risk of false reports of: a) calls for personal assistance, b)
location of assets, c) loss of assets and/or d) resident wandering.
Stanley Healthcare Solutions hereby disclaims all warranties, express or implied, arising out of or
in connection with any of its Products of the use or performance thereof, including but not
limited to, where allowable by law, all other implied warranties or conditions of merchantable
quality and fitness for a particular purpose and those arising by statute or otherwise in law or
from a course of dealing or usage of trade.
RoamAlert User Guide

iii

Stanley Healthcare Solutions's liability to you or anyone claiming through or on behalf of you
with respect to any claim or loss arising out of the use or misuse of Stanley Healthcare Solutions's
Product, defective products or materials, improper installation or maintenance of Stanley
Healthcare Solutions's Product or products or the system in which they are incorporated, or
alleged to have resulted from an act or omission of Stanley Healthcare Solutions or any person,
negligent or otherwise, shall be limited to:
A) the repair or replacement of defective Product or materials supplied by Stanley Healthcare
Solutions during the warranty period as set out in the Product documentation; or, at the option
of Stanley Healthcare Solutions,
B) a refund of the purchase price of the Product supplied by Stanley Healthcare Solutions.
In no event shall Stanley Healthcare Solutions be liable for general, specific, indirect,
consequential, incidental, exemplary or punitive damages or any losses or expenses suffered by
you or anyone else, whether or not Stanley Healthcare Solutions, or its employees, officers,
agents, resellers or installers has been informed of the risk of such loss or expense and whether or
not such losses or expenses were foreseeable.
UL Listing
This system is listed as an Access Control System by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Standard for
Safety.

Warnings
• Do not operate other software programs at the same time as the RoamAlert system software—
do not use these or other software:
• Disk compression—do not use compressed disk drives.
• Back up programs —back up programs, including the Microsoft® Windows® back up

program, warn of problems when continuing to use the system during a backup. Also, the
system does not support the use of a tape drive. Exit the server or workstations software
before starting a back up session.
• Turn off power management and screen savers for all computers used in the RoamAlert®
system – power management can interfere with the proper operation of the RoamAlert system
software.
• Cell phones, walkie talkies and other similar RF devices transmit at a considerably higher
power than the tags used with the RoamAlert system. If these types of transmitters are used in
close proximity they may compromise tag transmissions.

RoamAlert User Guide

Environmental Information – European Union
The equipment used in this system has required the extraction and use of natural resources for its
production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.
In order to avoid the dissemination of these substances in the environment and to diminish the
pressure on the world’s natural resources, Stanley Healthcare Solutions encourages you to use the
appropriate local or regional take-back systems. Those systems will reuse or recycle most of the
materials of your equipment once it has reached the end of its service life.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use those systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recycling systems, please contact your
local or regional waste administration.
You can also contact Stanley Healthcare Solutions for more information on the environmental
performances of our products.

RoamAlert User Guide

Contents

Chapter 0

List of Procedures ......................................................................... xi
1 – Introduction
What is the RoamAlert System?.........................................................................1-2
Using This Guide .....................................................................................................1-2
Terms and Conventions Used ..................................................................................... 1-2
What’s In This Guide ....................................................................................................... 1-3

Using Windows........................................................................................................1-3

2 – RoamAlert System Overview
A Typical RoamAlert Installation .......................................................................2-2
RoamAlert System Components .......................................................................2-4
Tags....................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Tag Reader ......................................................................................................................... 2-5
Receiver............................................................................................................................... 2-5
Controller Hardware....................................................................................................... 2-6
Computers ......................................................................................................................... 2-7

RoamAlert Software ...............................................................................................2-8
User Security Levels ........................................................................................................ 2-8
User Screen and Functions.........................................................................................2-11
Supervisor Mode Screen and Panels ......................................................................2-13
Administrator Mode Screen and Panels................................................................2-14

System Icons .......................................................................................................... 2-17

3 – Basic Procedures
Logging On to Wizards .........................................................................................3-2
Assigning a Tag to a Resident.............................................................................3-3
Attaching and Storing Tags.................................................................................3-8
Attaching Wrist Tags ...................................................................................................... 3-8
Storing Tags....................................................................................................................... 3-9

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vii

Editing Resident Information ...........................................................................3-10
Transporting a Resident.....................................................................................3-13
Returning a Transported Tag ...........................................................................3-16
Displaying the Tag Census................................................................................3-18
Bypassing A Door or Elevator...........................................................................3-19
Locating Tags.........................................................................................................3-22
Locating Tags in a Facility .......................................................................................... 3-22

Unassigning a Tag................................................................................................3-25
Switching Modes ..................................................................................................3-27
Printing Lists...........................................................................................................3-29

4 – Responding to Alarms
About Tag Alarms................................................................................................... 4-2
Responding to Alarms .......................................................................................... 4-4
Accepting Alarms at a Workstation or Server ........................................................4-4
Accepting TIF Alarms at a Mode 1 Access Keypad...............................................4-5
Muting Alarm Sounds.....................................................................................................4-6
Handling Low Battery Alarms......................................................................................4-6
About System Alarms .....................................................................................................4-6
Alarm Reminders..............................................................................................................4-6

5 – Activity Logs
Viewing the Activity Log...................................................................................... 5-2
Annotate a Log Entry ............................................................................................ 5-4
Search for Specific Log Entries........................................................................... 5-5

6 – Managing Users
Viewing the User List............................................................................................. 6-2
Adding a New User ................................................................................................ 6-3
Editing User Properties......................................................................................... 6-6
Deleting a User ........................................................................................................ 6-7

7 – Managing Tags
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RoamAlert User Guide

Viewing the Tag List...............................................................................................7-2
Adding New Tags to Inventory ..........................................................................7-4
Deleting Tags from Inventory ......................................................................... 7-10
Testing and Cleaning Tags ............................................................................... 7-11
About Pendants.................................................................................................... 7-14
Editing Tag Properties........................................................................................ 7-15

8 – RoamAlert System Configuration
Defining and Managing Annotations..............................................................8-2
Defining and Managing Tag Categories.........................................................8-6
Defining and Managing Messaging Devices ............................................. 8-12
Specifying Global Software Settings............................................................. 8-17
Managing Alarm Sound Configurations...................................................... 8-20
Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons ............................................... 8-24
Adding, Editing and Deleting Floor Plans ............................................................8-26
Placing, Moving and Removing Node Icons........................................................8-30

Defining and Managing Workstations ......................................................... 8-32

9 – Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert Network
System Testing.........................................................................................................9-2
Performing Backups...............................................................................................9-3
Shutting Down and Restarting the System ...................................................9-4
Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks..............................................9-5
Configuring and Managing Nodes ................................................................ 9-10
Defining and Managing Links ......................................................................... 9-20

A – Managing Asset Tags
Asset Tag Categories and Alarm Sounds....................................................... A-2
Adding and Removing Asset Tags................................................................... A-2
Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item................................................................... A-6
Attaching, Removing and Storing Asset Tags ............................................. A-8
Editing Asset Tag Properties .............................................................................. A-9
RoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms ......................................................................A-9

B – Tag Testing Form
Record of Tag Test Results .................................................................................. B-2

I – Index

RoamAlert User Guide

List of Procedures

Chapter 0

Start a Wizard...................................................................................................3-2
Assign a Tag to a Resident ..............................................................................3-3
Attach a Tag To A Resident .............................................................................3-8
Edit a Resident’s Information..........................................................................3-10
Transport a Resident ......................................................................................3-13
Return a Tag Using the Wizard ......................................................................3-16
Display the Tag Census .................................................................................3-18
Take a Tagged Resident Through a Controlled Exit Door..............................3-20
Take a Tagged Resident Into a Controlled Elevator.......................................3-21
Locate Tags in a Facility.................................................................................3-22
Unassign a Tag ..............................................................................................3-25
Log In to Supervisor Mode .............................................................................3-27
Log In to Administrator Mode .........................................................................3-28
Print a List.......................................................................................................3-29
Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation ..............................................4-4
Accept an Alarm at a Mode 1 Access Keypad .................................................4-5
Mute an Alarm ..................................................................................................4-6
View the Activity Log ........................................................................................5-2
Annotate a Log Entry........................................................................................5-4
Search the Activity Log for Specific Entries......................................................5-5
View the User List.............................................................................................6-2
Add a New User ...............................................................................................6-3
Edit a User’s Information ..................................................................................6-6
Delete a User....................................................................................................6-7
View the Tag List ..............................................................................................7-2
Add a Tag to Inventory Manually......................................................................7-4
Add Multiple Tags at Once to Inventory ...........................................................7-7
Delete a Tag from Inventory ...........................................................................7-10
How to Test a Tag With the Tag Reader ........................................................7-12
How to Test a Tag at a Door or Protected Exit...............................................7-12
Clean Wrist Tags ............................................................................................7-13
Edit the Properties of a Tag............................................................................7-15
RoamAlert User Guide

Unassign a Tag ............................................................................................. 7-17
Assign a Tag.................................................................................................. 7-17
Change the Expiry Date of a Tag .................................................................. 7-19
Edit the Information and Configuration of a Tag............................................ 7-20
Return a Transported Tag ............................................................................. 7-22
View the Annotation List .................................................................................. 8-2
Add a New Annotation..................................................................................... 8-3
Edit an Annotation ........................................................................................... 8-4
Delete an Annotation ....................................................................................... 8-5
View the Tag Categories List........................................................................... 8-6
Add a New Category ....................................................................................... 8-7
Edit a Category .............................................................................................. 8-10
Delete a Category.......................................................................................... 8-10
View the Messaging Device List.................................................................... 8-12
Add a New Messaging Device....................................................................... 8-13
Edit a Messaging Device ............................................................................... 8-15
Delete a Device ............................................................................................. 8-16
Modify RoamAlert Software Settings ............................................................. 8-17
View the Alarm Sounds List........................................................................... 8-20
Change a Defined Alarm Sound.................................................................... 8-21
View Floor Plans............................................................................................ 8-24
Add a New Floor............................................................................................ 8-26
Edit a Floor Plan ............................................................................................ 8-28
Delete a Floor Plan........................................................................................ 8-29
Place a Node Icon on a Floor Plan................................................................ 8-30
Move a Node Icon on a Floor Plan ................................................................ 8-31
Remove a Node Icon from a Floor Plan ........................................................ 8-31
View the Console List .................................................................................... 8-32
Add a New Console....................................................................................... 8-33
Edit a Console ............................................................................................... 8-37
Delete a Console ........................................................................................... 8-38
Perform a Manual Backup ............................................................................... 9-3
Shut Down the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation ........................................ 9-4
Restart the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation .............................................. 9-4
View the RS-485 Network Panel ..................................................................... 9-5
Add an RS-485 Network.................................................................................. 9-6

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RoamAlert User Guide

Edit the Baud Rate of an RS-485 Network .......................................................9-8
Delete an RS-485 Network...............................................................................9-8
View the Nodes Panel ....................................................................................9-10
Add a Node.....................................................................................................9-11
Edit A Node’s Properties ................................................................................9-17
Delete a Node.................................................................................................9-19
View the Links List..........................................................................................9-20
Add A New Link ..............................................................................................9-21
Edit a Link’s Properties...................................................................................9-25
Delete a Link...................................................................................................9-26
Add an Asset Tag to Inventory ........................................................................ A-2
Delete an Asset Tag from Inventory ................................................................ A-5
Assign an Asset Tag to an Item....................................................................... A-6
Attach an Asset Tag to an Item ....................................................................... A-8
Remove an Asset Tag from an Item................................................................ A-8
Clean and Store an Asset Tag ........................................................................ A-8

RoamAlert User Guide

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xiv

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 0

Welcome to the RoamAlert® resident safety system, and thank you for
choosing a Stanley Healthcare Solutions product.
This document is your guide to using the RoamAlert system and software. It is
intended for facility staff who are responsible for using, administering and
maintaining the system. Although this document contains sections on
configuring devices and software settings, the general assumption is that your
system has been installed, configured and commissioned by your Authorized
RoamAlert Dealer.

RoamAlert User Guide

1–1

What is the RoamAlert System?

What is the RoamAlert System?
The RoamAlert system is designed to create, in conjunction with staff diligence,
a secure perimeter that helps deter residents and assets from leaving the
protected area of a facility. Residents and assets are tagged with a Stanley
Healthcare Solutions transponder (or Tag) that generates an alarm when the tag
approaches a protected exit. Also available are fixed-location pull cords for
resident duress applications and inter tags that interconnect with the Stanley
Healthcare Solutions TABS® fall management system.
RoamAlert implements a three-level password-protected security access level
system for user interaction with the software. Your RoamAlert administrator
should have provided you with a password and security level.

Using This Guide
Terms and Conventions Used
Term

1–2

Usage

TIF

Tag In Field or exit alarm

TIC

Tag Initiated Communication

TLM

Tag Location Message or tag pulse

BLM

Battery Low Message

Press

Press a key or key combination on the keyboard

Click

Click the left mouse button once

Double-click

Quickly click the left mouse button twice

Select

Position the mouse cursor on a field or row in a list and
highlight it by clicking once

Admit, Edit, Transport
Enter, Shift, etc.

Names of keys, fields, dialog boxes, buttons, and other
system components are in bold and in a different font.
For example: In the Day Range field, type a value, then
press Enter.

RoamAlert User Guide

Using Windows

What’s In This Guide
This guide includes an overview of the system and detailed instructions for the
procedures that are used daily while working with the system.
Also included are detailed discussions of tag management, configuration
options and system maintenance tasks. The software functions available to you
are defined by your access level: User, Supervisor or Administrator.

For the User
If you are a user, you should read the “RoamAlert System Overview” chapter to
become familiar with the system, the “Basic Procedures” chapter to learn about
the tasks you perform on a daily basis, and the “Responding to Alarms” chapter
to learn about dealing with warnings and alarms.
Procedures to transport tags, however, can only be performed by staff with
Supervisor or Administrator access.

For the Supervisor
If you are a Supervisor, you can perform all the procedures available to the User.
Therefore, you should become familiar with the same material. Since you have
access to several other RoamAlert functions, you should read the chapters
“Activity Logs”, “Managing Tags” and “Managing Users”. As well, in the
chapter “RoamAlert System Configuration”, you should read the sections
“Defining and Managing Annotations”, “Defining and Managing Tag
Categories” and, if your facility uses RoamAlert messaging functions, “Defining
and Managing Messaging Devices”.

For the Administrator
If you are an Administrator, you can perform all procedures available to the
User and Supervisor, and you should be familiar with all aspects of the
RoamAlert system. Chapters in this guide specific to administrative tasks
include “RoamAlert System Configuration” and “Configuring and Managing
the RoamAlert Network”.

Using Windows
This guide assumes that you are familiar with, and capable of using, the
Microsoft Windows XP operating system. If you are new to Windows or
require a refresher on its features, please refer to the many available sources
including the Windows manuals and online tutorials.
RoamAlert User Guide

1–3

Using Windows

1–4

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 2
ROAMALERT SYSTEM
OVERVIEW

CHAPTER 0

The RoamAlert resident safety system is a hardware and software system
designed to deter residents and assets from leaving a department or facility. The
system can also be used to locate residents and provide emergency call functions
within the RoamAlert perimeter.
This chapter describes:
• A typical RoamAlert installation
• The individual components of the system such as tags, controllers,

receivers and computers
• User security levels
• The software interface

RoamAlert User Guide

2–1

A Typical RoamAlert Installation

2–2

RoamAlert User Guide

A Typical RoamAlert Installation
In a typical RoamAlert resident safety system installation, a section of a facility
is defined as a “safe (or protected) area.” Residents may move around freely
within this area. Exits from the safe area are equipped with exciters mounted
beside the exit doors. As a resident approaches a protected door, the exciter’s RF
(radio frequency) field causes the resident’s tag to send a special identifying
signal to the exciter’s controller. The controller passes this information over the
network to the RoamAlert server, which automatically displays a warning or an
alarm and optionally, locks the door, or activates a CCTV or paging system,
among other possible functions.
Keypads are installed at exit points so that staff members can bypass the door
controller and transport a resident outside the safe area without triggering an
alarm.
If your facility is large, one or more workstations (called consoles in the
software) may also be installed. As the server receives alarms, it directs them to
the closest workstations, which then display the alarm. At a workstation, an
alarm can be accepted, and resident tags can be assigned, transported and
unassigned.
Wrist tags are worn by residents. These are available with or without Tag Pulse
technology. A pulse tag, which is green, emits an identifying signal (pulse) every
16 seconds. Receivers located throughout the safe area pick up these pulses and
transmit the information to the RoamAlert server. If the server does not receive
these pulses, a warning or alarm can be displayed.
Residents can be authorized to leave the safe area for testing and other
legitimate purposes. This is accomplished by completing a software procedure
that “transports” the tag out of the area for a specified length of time. If the tag
is not detected by the system after the transport time has expired, an alarm can
be automatically generated.
The RoamAlert system employs a network based on the RS-485 protocol. All
devices in the system are connected through this network and they are
continually supervised by the server software. Alarms are automatically
generated if communication with any RoamAlert device is lost or
compromised.
If the safe area of your facility occupies more than one floor, special controllers
and repeaters are used to monitor elevators. In a large facility, repeaters are also
used to extend the coverage area.
Typically, the RoamAlert system will have its own central power supply with
battery backup, so that the system will continue to operate without interruption
in the event of power problems.

RoamAlert User Guide

2–3

RoamAlert System Components

RoamAlert System Components
Your facility may not have installed all of the components described here. For
example, if your facility does not include elevators within the RoamAlert
perimeter or does not provide location or emergency call, then the elevator
components and receivers are not installed.

Tags
Tag Type

2–4

Usage

Wrist/Securaband

The wrist and Securaband tags provide wander
prevention for residents. Each tag can be configured
(authorized) to allow the wearer free access (called
bypass) to specific exits. Otherwise, the system issues
an exit alarm if an unauthorized tag approaches an open
protected exit. The tag is usually worn on the resident’s
wrist and is attached using a tear-resistant band.
The Securaband may also be attached with a special
tamper-resistant band.
The blue wrist tag and the Securaband tag can only
generate an exit alarm. The green wrist tag also emits a
location signal every 16 seconds. If your facility has
receivers installed, residents wearing the green tag can
be located at any time within the protected area.

Pendant

The pendant incorporates three functions: bypass,
location and emergency call (duress). Like wrist tags,
pendants can be configured so that the system
automatically unlocks doors when the tag enters a door
controller’s detection zone (auto bypass).
The location and emergency call functions only work in
facilities that have receivers installed.

Asset

The asset tag is used to protect equipment. Like the wrist
and pendants, the asset tag can be authorized to pass
through specific exits, and if your facility has receivers
installed, the asset can be located at any time. See
Appendix A, “Managing Asset Tags” for details.

RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert System Components
Tag Type

Usage

Pull Cord

The Pull Cord is an emergency call tag. The pull cord is
typically mounted at the head of a bed or in a washroom,
within easy reach of the resident. When the cord is
pulled, the tag inside sends a signal to the nearest
receiver or wireless tag reader.

All Tags

A unique electronic serial number identifies each tag,
and a battery monitoring circuit informs RoamAlert when
the tag battery is nearing the end of its life if the tag is
within communication range of a controller or receiver.

Tag Reader
The tag reader is a hand-held device used to test and
program tags without removing them from the resident.
In user mode, the reader can determine a tag’s serial
number, warranty expiry date, battery status and whether
the tag supports location messages (TLM). The reader
can also test a controller’s field and check for RF noise.
In technician mode, the reader can read, test and
configure TLM tags. The reader also has its own internal
low battery indicator.

Receiver
The receiver monitors and receives tag messages such
as emergency calls and tag location messages. The
receiver is a compact, unobtrusive device usually
mounted out of sight in areas such as drop ceilings.
Enough receivers are placed throughout the secure area
to ensure complete coverage.

RoamAlert User Guide

2–5

RoamAlert System Components

Controller Hardware
Item

2–6

Usage

Door Controller

The controller is the heart of the RoamAlert perimeter
system. It generates an exciter field (through an attached
exciter antenna), which defines the area within which a
tag causes an exit alarm. If a tag is detected, the
controller can activate a maglock to hold the door shut.

Exciter

The exciter antenna creates a radio frequency (RF) field
at an exit that activates tags entering the field. The
exciter antenna is typically mounted above the drop
ceiling or inside the wall at a doorway. Two antennas
may be used with a controller to provide coverage for
exits up to 20 feet wide.

Maglock

The Maglock holds a closed door securely shut when a
tag enters the controller’s exciter field.

Access Keypad

The access keypad is installed near a door or elevator
controller. You enter a code to temporarily bypass the
controller, allowing a tag to enter the exciter field without
generating an alarm. The keypad provides an audible
and visual indication of alarm conditions as well as
standby, bypass, and power-on conditions.

Elevator Controller

The elevator system controls the operation of a facility's
elevators. Instead of lobby coverage on every floor, the
elevator system travels with each elevator car,
containing the detection field within that car.
The elevator controller initiates a pre-alarm in an attempt
to clear unauthorized people from the elevator car
without staff intervention. If the keypad mounted on the
elevator control panel is activated before the pre-alarm
has ended, the elevator enters bypass mode, which
allows normal operation. Otherwise, the system
generates an alarm, holding the elevator doors open until
the tag is removed form the car.

RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert System Components

Computers
RoamAlert Server and Workstations
The server and workstations are the computers that
control your RoamAlert system. The application software
and central database resides on the server, which
receives status information from the door controllers,
elevator controllers, receivers and other components via
an RS-485 network. The server can be connected to one
or more workstations over a standard local area network
(LAN), so that system activity can be monitored from
several different locations in your facility. At a
workstation, you can access all non-administrative
software functions.
Although the server is used to initially configure the
system, it can also be used on a day-to-day basis since
all workstation functions are available at the server.

RoamAlert User Guide

2–7

RoamAlert Software

RoamAlert Software
RoamAlert is an event-driven system. That is, the RoamAlert software responds
to user and system events as they occur.
A user event occurs when you click a button on the interface, or press a specific
key combination, to perform a function. For example, to assign a tag to a
resident, you click the Assign button at a RoamAlert workstation. The Assign
Tag Wizard starts and guides you through the procedure.
A system event occurs when RoamAlert responds to activity within the
protected perimeter of your facility, or an event is triggered by a setting. For
example:
• When a tag approaches a controlled door, the tag emits a unique Tag In

Field (TIF) message. This message is received by the controller, and if the
tag is not authorized to be at that door, the RoamAlert software generates a
warning if the door is closed or an alarm if the door is open, and displays
these on any workstation configured to receive alarms from that controller.
• In a receiver-based system, when the button is pressed on the pendant or

the cord is pulled on the pull cord unit or an asset tag is removed from an
item, the tag emits a Tag Initiated Communication (TIC) message.

User Security Levels
The RoamAlert software functions are organized by security level. Each function
has an associated user security level. The three user levels are:
• User
• Supervisor
• Administrator

Each type of user can access specific RoamAlert functions as described in the
following table:

2–8

RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software
Table 2.1

RoamAlert User Access by Procedure
User Access Level

RoamAlert Procedures

User

Supervisor

Administrator

Assign Tag to Resident



Edit Resident Information



Unassign Tag



Mute Alarm Sounds



Accept Alarm



Select a Floor Plan



Locate a Tag



Show all Assigned Tags (Census)



(and where to find them in this manual)
Chapter 3 – Basic Procedures and
Chapter 4 – Responding to Alarms



Transport a Tag



Return a Transported Tag



View/Print Activity Logs



Annotate Log Entry



Search Log for Data



Chapter 5 – Activity Logs



Back Up System Files
Chapter 6 – Managing Users
View/Print User List



Add, Delete and Edit Users



Disable or Activate a User



Assign and Change User Passwords



Assign and Change User PINs



RoamAlert User Guide

2–9

RoamAlert Software
Table 2.1

RoamAlert User Access by Procedure
RoamAlert Procedures

User Access Level
Supervisor

Administrator

View/Print Tag List



Add, Delete and Edit Tags



Assign/Unassign a Tag



Assign and Unassign a Pendant



Change Tag Expiry Date



Add/Delete/Assign/Unassign/Edit an Asset
Tag (Appendix A)



Add, Delete and Edit Alarm Annotations



Add, Delete and Edit Tag Categories



Add, Delete, and Manage Messaging
Devices



(and where to find them in this manual)

User

Chapter 7 – Managing Tags

Chapter 8 – RoamAlert System
Configuration

Specify Global Software Settings



Add, Delete and Manage Workstations



Manage Alarm and Sound Configuration



Manage Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons



Chapter 9 – Configuring and Managing
the RoamAlert Network

2–10

Add, Delete and Manage RS-485 Networks



Add, Delete and Manage Nodes



Manage Controllers, Receivers and
Elevators



Add, Delete and Manage Links



Set up Network Communication Parameters



View System Logs



RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

User Screen and Functions
The RoamAlert user mode screen is divided into four main sections:
• a central area that displays the floor plans of your facility with icons for

system components, and tabs at the upper left for each floor in a multifloor installation,
• an alarm panel, which displays specific information, and opens above the

floor plans whenever RoamAlert issues an alarm. When there are no
current alarms, this panel closes.
• a vertical button bar at the left with a button for each RoamAlert user

function, and
• a status line at the bottom displaying basic information about the system,

including the Mode (User, Supervisor, or Administrator), # of active
alarms, # of assigned and unassigned tags, and the date and time.

Alarm Panel
Floor Tabs
Button Bar

Plan

About RoamAlert

RoamAlert User Guide

Status Line

2–11

RoamAlert Software
On the left side of the screen, the functions available to users are displayed in the
vertical button bar. The Transport function requires Supervisor access.
Accept Alarm

If there is a current alarm, the button icon blinks red. Click the button to accept
the alarm. See “Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4.
Mute

If there is a current alarm, and your facility allows muting, click this button to
mute the sound. See “Muting Alarm Sounds” on page 4-6.
Print

If there are one or more current alarms, you can use this button to make a hard
copy of the alarms. See “Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation” on
page 4-4.
Assign

Click this button to assign a tag to a new resident. See “Assigning a Tag to a
Resident” on page 3-3
Unassign

Click this button to unassign a tag. See “Unassigning a Tag” on page 3-25
Edit

Click this button to change a resident’s information. See “Editing Resident
Information” on page 3-10.
Census

If the function is enabled, click this button to display all currently assigned tags.
See “Displaying the Tag Census” on page 3-18
Transport

Click this button when you need to transport the resident outside the
RoamAlert perimeter. See “Transporting a Resident” on page 3-13.
Locate

Click this button when you want to locate a tag within the RoamAlert
perimeter. See “Locating Tags” on page 3-22.
Help

Click this button to open an on-line PDF version of this guide.
About

Click the RoamAlert icon to view licensing and software version information
about this installation.

2–12

RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

Supervisor Mode Screen and Panels
If you are a Supervisor or Administrator, you can access Supervisor mode by
pressing the ALT-L key combination, then entering your user name and
password.
In the Supervisor mode screen, the central floor plan area is replaced by the
Activity Log panel, with a set of 6 panel tabs at the bottom and a panel toolbar
above that contains buttons specific to the currently open panel.

Panel Toolbar

Panel Tabs

Activity Log

The Activity Log panel lists the system and user events for a configurable time
period, usually the last 31 days. You can navigate through the list, search for
specific events, and print the list by day or by several other criteria. See the
chapter “Activity Logs” on page 5-1 for details.
Tags

The Tags panel lists all assigned and unassigned tags in the system. Here you
can add new tags to inventory, delete expired tags, edit tag information and
print tag lists. See the chapter “Managing Tags” on page 7-1 for details.

RoamAlert User Guide

2–13

RoamAlert Software
Users

The Users panel lists all RoamAlert users. As a Supervisor, you can add, edit and
delete users in the User, and Supervisor access groups. You can only view the
properties of Administrators. See the chapter “Managing Users” on page 6-1 for
details.
Annotations

The Annotations panel lists the annotations that are available as notes when
accepting an alarm. See “Defining and Managing Annotations” on page 8-2 in
the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details.
Categories

The Categories panel lists the access categories that are available to which tags
are associated. See “Defining and Managing Tag Categories” on page 8-6 in the
“RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details. Tag category
functionality is supported only by controllers that have firmware version 1.4 or
newer installed.
Messaging

The Messaging panel lists the messaging devices, such as pagers or wireless
handsets, that are configured to receive alarm notifications. You can add, edit,
and delete devices from this panel. See “Defining and Managing Messaging
Devices” on page 8-12 in the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter.

Administrator Mode Screen and Panels
If you are an Administrator, you can access Administrator mode by pressing the
ALT-D key combination, then entering your user name and password.
Note:

Administrator mode is available only at the RoamAlert server. As well, all
communications to workstations are suspended while the server is in this mode.
In the Administrator mode screen, the central floor plan area is replaced by the
Settings panel, with a set of 13 panel tabs at the bottom and a panel toolbar
above that contains buttons specific to the currently open panel.
The Activity Log, Tags, Users, Annotations, Categories, and Messaging panels
are the same panels available in Supervisor mode. For basic information about
those panels, see the section “Supervisor Mode Screen and Panels” on page 2-13.
The other seven panels are available only to Administrators at the server.

2–14

RoamAlert User Guide

RoamAlert Software

Panel Toolbar

Panel Tabs

Settings

The Settings panel displays software configuration options. Use this panel to
adjust the RoamAlert configuration to reflect the policies in effect at your
facility. See “Specifying Global Software Settings” on page 8-17 in the
“RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details.
Floors

The Floors panel displays the floor plans for your facility. You can update the
plans, specify which plan is displayed by default, and place icons for the various
system components (controllers, receivers, workstations, etc.) in their correct
locations on the plans. See “Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons” on
page 8-24 in the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter for details.
Consoles

The Consoles panel lists the workstations currently configured as part of your
RoamAlert installation. You can add and remove workstations, and edit
configuration options for each workstation. See “Defining and Managing
Workstations” on page 8-32 in the “RoamAlert System Configuration” chapter
for details.

RoamAlert User Guide

2–15

RoamAlert Software
Nodes

The Nodes panel lists all nodes (controllers, receivers, I/O modules, etc.)
connected to the RoamAlert network. You can add and remove nodes, and
specify configuration options for each node. See“Configuring and Managing
Nodes” on page 9-10 in the “Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert
Network” chapter for details.
Links

The Links panel lists the links currently configured for your installation. A Link
is an association between the occurrence of a predefined condition (link trigger)
and an operation (link action) that RoamAlert carries out in response to the
trigger. See “Defining and Managing Links” on page 9-20 in the “Configuring
and Managing the RoamAlert Network” chapter for details on setting up links.
RS-485 Network

The RS-485 Network panel lists the individual networks that make up the
RoamAlert installation. See “Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks” on
page 9-5 in the “Configuring and Managing the RoamAlert Network” chapter
for details.
Sounds

The Sounds panel lists the sounds specified for each tag type. You can configure
RoamAlert to issue a different alarm sound for each tag type. See “Managing
Alarm Sound Configurations” on page 8-20 in the “RoamAlert System
Configuration” chapter for details.

2–16

RoamAlert User Guide

System Icons

System Icons
All installed components and any events that occur are represented on screen by
icons. For clarity, the icons are grouped here in three categories: warnings and
alarms, system events, and components. Icons used in the Activity Log to
represent events are illustrated in “Viewing the Activity Log” on page 5-2.
Table 2.2

Icon

Table 2.3

Icon

RoamAlert User Guide

Warning and Alarm Event Icons
Name

Description

Exit Warning

Door controller – Alternates with the controller icon
when an assigned tag approaches a closed exit door.
Elevator controller – Alternates with the elevator icon
when an assigned tag enters the elevator before a
bypass code is entered at the keypad.

RoamAlert
Alarm

Alternates with the tag icon when an alarm is
triggered:
Wrist or asset tags – exit or tamper alarm,
Pendants – tag button pressed or non-bypass tag
attempts to exit.

System Event Icons
Name

Description

Receiver Noise
Warning

Overlays the receiver icon when extraneous RF noise
is detected at that receiver. Indicates that the receiver
may not detect tag messages accurately.

Node Failure
Alarm

Alternates with a component icon to indicate that the
device (controller, receiver, etc.) is not communicating
correctly with the RoamAlert server.

Console Not
Communicating

Indicates that the workstation is not communicating
with the server. Usually means that the workstation
has been turned off or the RoamAlert software is not
running on the workstation.

2–17

System Icons

Table 2.4

Icon

2–18

Component Icons
Name

Description

Door Controller

Shows a door or exit point. Displays exit and tamper
alarms when they occur at that exit.

Receiver

Shows the location of receivers throughout the secure
area. Displays tamper alarms and tag location
messages.

Elevator
Controller

Shows the location of elevators. Displays exit and
tamper alarms when they occur at that elevator.

Console or
Server

Shows the location of the server and any installed
workstations.

I/O 8 Module

Shows the location of I/O 8 modules and displays any
communication failures with the module.

Wireless Tag
Reader

Shows the location of WTRs and displays any
communication failures with the reader.

Wrist or
Securaband
Tag

Shows the location of a resident.

Pendant

Displayed alternately with the alarm icon when the
button is pressed or a non-bypass tag attempts an
exit.

Asset Tag

Shows the location of a tagged asset item.

Pull Cord

Shows the location of an emergency pull cord.

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 3
BASIC PROCEDURES

CHAPTER 0

RoamAlert basic procedures include:
• Logging on to wizards
• Assigning tags to residents
• Attaching and storing tags
• Editing resident information
• Transporting a resident out of the RoamAlert perimeter
• Returning a transported resident
• Displaying the tag census
• Using the access keypad
• Locating tags
• Unassigning tags
• Switching modes and printing lists

Each facility will devise its own policies for these actions, and will identify the
users who are responsible for carrying out the procedures.
The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software and
components are used to carry out these procedures.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–1

Logging On to Wizards

Logging On to Wizards
Normally, RoamAlert should always be running on the workstations and server.
If this is not the case, see “Shutting Down and Restarting the System” on
page 9-4 or contact the RoamAlert administrator.
Each time you start a user-mode wizard, you must first provide your user name
and password to the system for authentication.
Procedure:

Start a Wizard
Note:

At the server or a workstation, click the icon (on the left side of the screen)
for the wizard you are starting. The wizard’s logon window opens.
Note:

2
3
4

During a wizard procedure, you can click the Cancel button at any
window to stop the procedure and close the wizard, or you can click the
Back button (in most cases) to return to a previous window if you need
to change or correct an entry.

Type in your User Name, then press Tab or Enter.
Type in your Password. The Next button is now enabled.
Click Next or press Enter. The next window of the wizard opens.
Note:

3–2

This procedure uses the Assign Tag Wizard as the example; all usermode wizards are started in the same way.

If you do not complete the logon procedure within 4 minutes, the window
closes and you must start again.

RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

Assigning a Tag to a Resident
This procedure is controlled by the Assign Tag Wizard, which guides you
through the steps required to assign the tag. Following this procedure, you
physically attach the assigned tag to the resident (see “Attach a Tag To A
Resident” on page 3-8).
Note:

Only wrist and Securaband tags may be assigned using the Assign Tag Wizard.
When assigning a tag, you can also associate an image with the resident. The
resident’s image is displayed on screen whenever the tag generates an alarm.
This image may only be in one of the following three formats:
Format

Description

.gif

Graphics Interchange Format

.bmp

Windows Bitmap

.jpg, .jpeg

Joint Photographic Effects Group image

A tag can be assigned from any workstation or the server; any user can perform
this procedure. Although pendants can be assigned to residents for emergency
call usage, they cannot be assigned using the Assign Tag Wizard. See the
procedure “Assign a Tag” on page 7-17 to assign a pendant.
Procedure:

Assign a Tag to a Resident

Select an unassigned wrist (or Securaband) tag in inventory from storage.
Select tags in rotation to ensure that all tags are used more or less equally.

At a RoamAlert workstation or server, click Assign. The Assign Tag Wizard
logon window opens.
Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for
details), then click Next or press Enter. The Tag Selection window opens.
In the Tag Selection window, the Tag list: displays all unassigned wrist tags
in inventory.

3
4

RoamAlert User Guide

3–3

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the
desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Information window
opens.

In the Resident Information window, enter the information for this resident.
The Last Name, Category and Room fields are mandatory. If the correct
category is unknown at this time, select Unspecified. The Next button is not
enabled until these three fields are entered. The other fields should be
entered according to the policies in effect at your facility.
Note:

Categories are used to allow a tag free access to specific doors or
elevators (automatic bypass) without raising warnings or alarms, or to
prevent free access to specific or all doors or elevators. See “Defining
and Managing Tag Categories” on page 8-6.
When you are satisfied with the information you have entered, click Next.
The Add Resident Image window opens.

3–4

RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

If your facility does not associate images with residents or you do not have
an image at this time, click Next. The Escort window opens. Proceed to
Step 8.
7-1

Otherwise, in the Add Resident Image window, click Browse. A
standard Windows File Open dialog box opens at the My
Documents folder and displays the available graphic files.

7-2

Select one of the displayed graphic files or look in other folders where
you may have stored your resident images, select one, then click
Open. The File Open dialog box closes and RoamAlert displays the
resident’s image in the Add Resident Image window.

Note:

The image you select is copied to the RoamAlert Images folder and
given a name that consists of the resident’s last name plus the date and
time that the image was selected, for example:
Smith_Aug 04 2009_14 44 01.bmp.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–5

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

7-3
8

Click Next. The Escort window opens.
If your facility does not assign escorts to residents or you do not wish to do
so at this time, click Next. The Completing the Assign Tag Wizard window
opens. Proceed to Step 9.
8-1

Otherwise, in the Escort window, select a staff member or visitor from
the list. Note that only one escort can be selected.

8-2
9

3–6

Click Next. The Completing the Assign Tag Wizard window opens.
In the Completing the Assign Tag Wizard window, verify that the Resident
Info: is correct and complete.

RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning a Tag to a Resident

If any of the information is not correct:
• click Back to return to previous windows for corrections, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without assigning the tag.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to assign this tag and close the Assign Tag Wizard, or
• click Next to assign this tag and begin assigning another tag.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–7

Attaching and Storing Tags

Attaching and Storing Tags
Attaching Wrist Tags
Wrist tags are attached to the resident using plastic straps, with pins secured by a
locking clamp or securing flap.
Bottom of
Wrist Tag
Tag
Arms

Note:
Procedure:

To attach Securaband tags, see the Securaband Tag User Guide (Part #980000323-000).
Attach a Tag To A Resident

Gather the required items: a vinyl strap with securing grommet, and the
assigned tag.

Hold the tag with the bottom uppermost and thread the strap through one
tag arm, across the bottom of the tag, and through the other tag arm.
Note:

3–8

Tag Serial Number
and Expiration Date

Ensure that the soft side of the strap rests against the resident’s skin
and is not facing the tag bottom.

Place the strap around the resident’s wrist or ankle and lock the grommet at
an appropriate position on the strap, making sure the strap is not tight that it
may restrict circulation or cause chafing, or so loose that it slips off.

RoamAlert User Guide

Attaching and Storing Tags

Storing Tags
Tags should be stored at room temperature.
A rotation procedure should be developed so that stored tags are assigned
evenly. This avoids the battery drain that can result from using one tag more
frequently than others. We suggest that you use the FIFO (First In, First Out)
method.
Using the Tag Rack
A tag rack is a lockable metal box that can hold up to 42 tags. The metal rack
helps prevent the generation of tag location messages. Locate the tag rack away
from door controllers. The tag rack also helps ensure that tags are rotated and
used evenly to prolong battery life.

Using the Storage Bag
New tags are delivered in a special foil bag closed with a rubber band. Each bag
has a label identifying the tag’s number and warranty expiry date. If you do not
have a tag rack, do not throw this bag out or puncture it in any way. For
example, do not staple it closed; use the provided rubber band.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–9

Editing Resident Information

Editing Resident Information
Occasionally, you may need to modify resident information. For example, a
resident has moved to a different room, an escort is being assigned or changed,
or an image is now available for the resident.
Procedure:

Edit a Resident’s Information

At a RoamAlert workstation or server, click Edit. The Edit Information
logon window opens.
Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for
details), then click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window
opens.

Wizard

3–10

Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the
desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Information window
opens.
In the Resident Information window, make the necessary changes to the
data for this resident.

RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Resident Information

Note:

Click
5

The Last Name and Room information can be changed but not deleted.
If either field is deleted, the Next button becomes unavailable. Also, the
Category cannot be changed at all. If you need to associate the
resident with a different Category, you must Unassign the tag (see
“Unassigning a Tag” on page 3-25) and then Assign it again.
Next. The Resident Image window opens.

In the Resident Image window, click Clear to remove the image, or click
Browse to select a different image.
Note:

After you select a different image, you can click Delete replaced image
file to remove the previous image from the disk. Only the RoamAlertnamed image in the Images folder is deleted, not the original file.

Click Next. The Escort window opens.
6

In the Escort window, make the necessary changes to the escort.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–11

Editing Resident Information

Click Next. The Completing the Edit Tag Information Wizard window opens.
7

In the Completing the Edit Tag Information Wizard, verify that the
Resident Info: is correct and complete.

If any of the information is not correct:
• click Back to return to previous windows for corrections, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without saving the edited information.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to save the edited information for this resident and close the
Edit Information Wizard, or
• click Next to save the edited information for this resident and begin
editing another resident.

3–12

RoamAlert User Guide

Transporting a Resident

Transporting a Resident
You may need to move a resident out of the protected RoamAlert perimeter, for
example, to take the resident to another part of the facility for tests or for the
resident to go home for the weekend.
Using the Transport Wizard, you can log the tag out of the system (transport
the tag) for up to 72 hours. During this period, RoamAlert will not respond to
Exit alarms (TIFs) or the absence of Tag Location messages (TLMs).
A tag can be transported from any workstation, however, you must have at least
Supervisor access to the RoamAlert software to perform this procedure.
Procedure:

Transport a Resident

1
2

At any RoamAlert screen, click Transport. The Transport Tag Wizard logon
window opens.
Enter your User Name and Password (see “Start a Wizard” on page 3-2 for
details), then click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window
opens.

Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the
desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Return Time window
opens.
In the Resident Return Time window, use the large down arrow to select a
return date from the pop-up calendar, and then the spinner arrows to select
a time. The maximum return time is 72 hours and the minimum is 1/2
hour, calculated from the current time.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–13

Transporting a Resident

Each click of the Up arrow increases the return time by 5 minutes and each
click of the Down arrow decreases the return time by 5 minutes.
5
6
7

Click in the Reason: field and type a reason for this transport. The Next
button is not enabled until a reason has been entered.
Click Next when you are satisfied with the return time and reason. The
Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window opens.
In the Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window, verify that the tag
information is correct.

If any of the information is not correct:
• click Back to change the information in previous windows, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without transporting the tag.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:

3–14

RoamAlert User Guide

Transporting a Resident
•

click Finish to transport this tag and close the wizard, or
• click Next to transport this tag and begin transporting another tag.
The tag is transported and RoamAlert ignores all alarms until the specified
return time. You can now take the resident through an exit door.
Notes:
Return
Warnings and
Alarms

• A warning is issued at the RoamAlert workstation 15 minutes before the

Extending
Transport Time

• If you require more time outside the RoamAlert perimeter than specified,

transport time period ends. If the tag has still not returned by the specified
return time, an alarm is issued.
you can contact an authorized user to extend the transport time by
repeating the above procedure.
Anti-Piggybacking
Normally, when a transported tag enters the field of a door controller, the
controller does not lock the door or generate an alarm, and the tag can pass
through the door. Similarly, at an elevator, the controller does not lock the cab
door open or generate an alarm and the tag can travel off the floor.
The RoamAlert Anti-Piggybacking feature prevents non-transported tags from
passing through an exit immediately after a transported tag (piggybacking). If a
controller detects an additional non-transported tag, bypass is terminated, the
door is locked (open at an elevator), and an alarm is generated.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–15

Returning a Transported Tag

Returning a Transported Tag
Only a Supervisor or Administrator can return a transported tag, either using the
Transport Wizard or using the tag’s property sheet in the Tags panel. See
“Editing Tag Properties” on page 7-15 for property sheet information.
Procedure:

Return a Tag Using the Wizard

1
2

3–16

RoamAlert User Guide

Returning a Transported Tag

5
6

Click Next. The Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window opens.
In the Completing the Transport Tag Wizard window, verify that the tag
information is correct.

If you returned the incorrect tag:
• click Back to change the information in previous windows, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without returning the tag.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to return this tag and close the Transport Tag Wizard, or
• click Next to return this tag and begin transporting or returning
another tag.
The tag is returned and RoamAlert immediately re-activates it.
RoamAlert User Guide

3–17

Displaying the Tag Census

Displaying the Tag Census
If this function has been enabled by the RoamAlert administrator, you can
display a census of all active resident pendants and wrist and Securaband tags.
Procedure:

3–18

Display the Tag Census

At any RoamAlert screen, click Census. The Tag Census panel opens to the
left of the floor plan displaying the Tag ID, current Status, Last Location and
Resident Information.

To close the Tag Census panel, click Census again.

RoamAlert User Guide

Bypassing A Door or Elevator

Bypassing A Door or Elevator
Access keypads may be located at controlled exits and in controlled elevators.
They are used by authorized personnel to stop door or elevator alarms (bypass)
and take a tagged resident out of the protected area.
At doors, the keypad is usually located outside the controller’s detection field so
that bypass can be initiated without generating an alarm. In elevators, a time
delay allows bypass within the elevator detection field.
The keypad consists of a number pad, Power, Bypass and Alarm LEDs, and a
speaker mounted on the back of the keypad. The speaker volume is configured
at installation with one of 5 loudness settings, or no sound at all.
Bypass
Power

Alarm

The keypad provides four basic functions:
• Audible and visual alarms from the controller
• Controller bypass
• Aarm and bypass reset
• Controller status indication (via the keypad LEDs)
Code Modes
The keypad is configured in one of two PIN modes. Mode 1 requires one PIN
code for both bypass and alarm reset. The keypad is configured in Mode 1 if
you are assigned a unique PIN number by the RoamAlert administrator. The
Mode 1 PIN codes are stored in the controller to which the keypad is
connected. Mode 2 uses codes programmed into the keypad itself, two for
bypass and two for reset. Mode 2 PIN codes are shared by all users.
RoamAlert User Guide

3–19

Bypassing A Door or Elevator
Keys, LEDs and Tones
The
key is used to complete an action (Enter), and the
key is used to
cancel or exit an action. The number keys are used to enter the bypass and reset
PIN codes. The LEDs display the keypad and controller status and the current
alarm condition.
LED

Color

Status

Description

Power

Yellow

On or Off

On - receiving power; ready
Off - not operating.

Bypass

Red and
Green

Flashing alternately
+ beeping tone

Bypass mode, a valid PIN has
been entered

Alarm

Red

Flashing + beeping
tone

Alarm mode

The keypad emits tones through the speaker according to the actions you take or
alarm conditions.

Procedure:

Tone

Cause

A single short Beep

A keypad key is pressed.

A single long Beep

Valid PIN code entered and

4 Short Beeps

Invalid PIN code entered and

pressed.

Take a Tagged Resident Through a Controlled Exit Door

Before entering the controller detection field at the door, enter your PIN
code followed by the # button at the access keypad protecting that exit.
The Bypass and Alarm LEDs flash alternately on the keypad and, if there is a
Maglock on the door, it is released.
Note:

3–20

pressed.

You have 90 seconds after entering your PIN code to pass the resident
through and close the door, or an exit alarm is triggered. If the tag is still
in the field 55 seconds after bypass is completed and the door is closed,
a loiter alarm is triggered. Also, if a tag is not brought into the field within
10 seconds after entering your PIN code, bypass terminates. See
“Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4 for detailed information.

Take the resident through the door. Bypass is reset automatically as soon as
the door closes. RoamAlert records the bypass event in the Activity Log.

RoamAlert User Guide

Bypassing A Door or Elevator
Procedure:

Take a Tagged Resident Into a Controlled Elevator

2
3

As you enter the elevator with the resident, the tag is detected by the
controller, the elevator door is locked in the open position and the access
keypad emits warning beeps.
At the access keypad inside the elevator, enter your PIN code followed by
the # button within 10 seconds.
If you enter a valid PIN code, the elevator door closes, the keypad resets and
RoamAlert records the bypass event in the Activity Log.
Note:

If the PIN code is not entered within 10 seconds or it is invalid, an exit
alarm is triggered and the elevator door remains locked open. See
“Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4 for detailed information.

Pendants
If you are wearing a pendant which is associated with a Category that allows
access to a specific controller, you can move through that protected exit or
elevator without using the access keypad. Specifically:
• Maglock controlled doors will unlock when the pendant enters the
controller detection field,
• the elevator controller will not lock the door open,
• no messages appear on any workstation or server screen, but
• the bypass event is recorded in the Activity Log.
Transport Anti-Piggybacking
When a tag that has been transported is detected by a controller, the door or
elevator is automatically bypassed. However, if the controller detects a nontransported tag following immediately into the field, bypass is terminated and
an alarm is generated.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–21

Locating Tags

Locating Tags
You can locate any assigned pulse technology tag on the floor plans at the server
or a workstation in a RoamAlert facility with receivers, as long as the pulse
function on the tag is enabled. The pulse function, which causes the tag to emit
TLMs (tag location messages) at regular intervals, is configured either at the
factory or with a Pocket Tag Reader (PTR) (see document 980-000010-000 for
details). When the tag is added to inventory or later on the tag’s property sheet,
the software can be configured to look for tag pulses from the tag. See “Adding
New Tags to Inventory” on page 7-4 or “Editing Tag Properties” on page 7-15
for details.
The Locate function can be performed by any RoamAlert user at either the
server or a workstation.

Locating Tags in a Facility
In a facility with receivers, you can locate one or multiple assigned pulse tags in
several ways, including:
• system-wide – all tags in the system,
• by floor – all tags on the selected floor or floors,
• by tag type – all tags of the selected type (resident, staff, etc.),
• by category – all tags in the selected category,
• by tag description – the specific tag matching the description, or
• by a combination of the above methods, for example, all wrist tags on
the third floor.
The Locate function always displays the most recent location of the tag. If you
are a Supervisor or Administrator you can view the last 10 locations of any tag
on the Location tab of the tag’s property sheet. See “Edit the Properties of a
Tag” on page 7-15 for details. You can also view the tag’s prior location history
using the search function in the Activity Logs tab. See “Search the Activity Log
for Specific Entries” on page 5-5 for details.
Procedure:

Locate Tags in a Facility

3–22

At the RoamAlert server or workstation, click Locate. The Locate panel
opens to the left of the floor plan area of the screen, with only the highest
level, the facility, visible.

RoamAlert User Guide

Locating Tags

All floors, tag types, categories, and individual assigned pulse tags are
arranged in a tree structure under the facility name.

Each branch name is preceded at the left by a + or – symbol to expand or
contract the branch, and a check box to select the branch.
To expand any branch of the tree, click the + at its left. To contract an
expanded branch, click the – at its left.
System-wide

To locate tags system-wide, select the check box for the highest-level
branch (the facility name). All check boxes at the lower levels of the tree are
selected, and the locations of all assigned pulse tags in the system are shown
on the floor plan. In a multi floor facility, click each floor tab to see the tags
on that floor.

By Floor Plan

To locate tags by floor plan:

By Tag Type

4-1

Clear the facility name check box.

4-2

Click the + beside the facility name to expand the tree.

4-3

Select the check box for the floor or floors to locate tags on.

4-4

Click each floor tab to see the tags on that floor.

To locate tags by their tag type:
5-1

RoamAlert User Guide

Clear any selected check boxes.

3–23

Locating Tags

By Category

Individually

3–24

5-2

Click the + beside a floor to expand its tree.

5-3

Select the check box for the tag type to locate.

5-4

Click the floor’s tab to see the tags in the selected type.

To locate tags by category (if categories are associated with tags).
6-1

Clear any selected check boxes.

6-2

Click the + beside a floor and tag type to expand the tree.

6-3

Select the check box for the category to locate.

6-4

Click the floor’s tab to see the tags in the selected category.

To locate an individual tag:
7-1

Clear any selected check boxes.

7-2

Click the + beside a floor, tag type, and category to expand the tree.

7-3

Select the check box for the tag to locate.

7-4

Click the floor’s tab to see the selected tag.

RoamAlert User Guide

Unassigning a Tag

Unassigning a Tag
When you discharge a resident, you must also unassign the associated tag. Any
user can unassign a tag from any workstation or the server.
Procedure:

Unassign a Tag

1
2

At any RoamAlert screen, click Unassign. The Unassign Tag Wizard logon
window opens.
Enter your User Name and Password (“Start a Wizard” on page 3-2), then
click Next or press Enter. The Resident Selection window opens.

Type the tag’s number into the Tag ID field, or, in the list of tags, click the
desired tag to select it, then click Next. The Resident Image window opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–25

Unassigning a Tag
4

To remove the RoamAlert-created image file, select the Delete image file
check box, then click Next. The Completing the Unassign Tag Wizard
window opens.
In the Completing the Unassign Tag Wizard window, verify that the
Resident Info: is correct.

If you have not selected the correct tag:
• click Back to return to the Resident Selection window and select a
different tag, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without unassigning the tag.
Note:

If you selected Delete image file, but did not select the correct tag, the
image file is removed and you must edit the tag information to replace
the image file (see “Edit a Resident’s Information” on page 3-10).

If the information is correct:
• click Finish to unassign the tag and close the Unassign Tag Wizard, or
• click Next to unassign this tag and begin to unassign another tag.
6

3–26

Return the tag for cleaning and storage (see “Testing and Cleaning Tags” on
page 7-11).

RoamAlert User Guide

Switching Modes

Switching Modes
If you are a RoamAlert Supervisor or Administrator, you will need to switch
modes to perform certain tasks such as adding new tags to the system
(Supervisor) or configuring a newly installed receiver (Administrator). You can
log in to Supervisor mode at the server or any workstation. You can log in to
Administrator mode at the server only.
Procedure:

At the keyboard of the server or a workstation, press the Alt and L keys
simultaneously. The Supervisor Login dialog box opens.

Note:

2
3
4
5

A vertical timer displays on the right side of the dialog box. If you do not
complete the logon procedure within 1 minute, the dialog box closes
and you must start again.

Type in your User Name, then press Tab or Enter.
Type in your Password. The OK button is now enabled.
Click OK or press Enter. RoamAlert switches to Supervisor mode.
When you have completed your tasks, click the User Mode button to return
to the main RoamAlert screen.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–27

Switching Modes
Procedure:

2
3
4
5

3–28

At the keyboard of the server, press the Alt and D keys simultaneously. The
Administrator Login dialog box opens.
Note:

All communication with the workstations is suspended while the server is
in Administrator mode. The workstations do not receive alarms or
warnings, although exits are still protected locally.

Note:

A vertical timer displays on the right side of the dialog box. If you do not
complete the logon procedure within 1 minute, the dialog box closes and
you must start again.

Type in your User Name, then press Tab or Enter.
Type in your Password. The OK button is now enabled.
Click OK or press Enter. RoamAlert switches to Administrator mode.
When you have completed your tasks, click the User Mode button to return
to the main RoamAlert screen.

RoamAlert User Guide

Printing Lists

Printing Lists
In Supervisor mode, you can print the following lists:
• Activity Logs, Tags, Users, and Messaging Devices.
In Administrator mode, you can additionally print the following lists:
• Consoles, Nodes, and Links.
Procedure:

Print a List

1
2

At the RoamAlert workstation or server keyboard, log in to Supervisor or
Administrator mode.
Select the panel tab for the list you wish to print: Activity Logs, Tags, Users,
Messaging Devices (Supervisor or Administrator), Consoles, Nodes, or
Links (Administrator only).
Note:

For Activity Logs only, navigate to the day whose logs are to be
printed; if you want to print a specific group of entries instead, first
perform a search (see “Search for Specific Log Entries” on page 5-5).

Click Print on the toolbar. A standard Windows print dialog box similar to
this one opens.

Select the appropriate settings (printer, number of copies, etc.), ensure that
the printer is on and ready, then click OK.

RoamAlert User Guide

3–29

Printing Lists

3–30

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 4
RESPONDING TO ALARMS

CHAPTER 0

RoamAlert alarm response procedures include:
• Accepting alarms at the server or workstation
• Accepting alarms at an access keypad
• Muting alarm sounds

Any authorized RoamAlert user can respond to an alarm. Each facility should
devise its own policies and procedures for responding to alarms, and should
identify the users who will be responsible for carrying out the procedures.
Establishing and maintaining alarm response procedures is essential for the
security of your residents and staff. The descriptions in this chapter illustrate
how the RoamAlert software and components are used to carry out these
procedures.

RoamAlert User Guide

4–1

About Tag Alarms

About Tag Alarms
RoamAlert automatically generates alarm messages when certain events occur. In
day-to-day operations, these alarms usually relate to changes in the status of tags.
Tag alarms are generated under these conditions:
• When a tag enters the field of an open controlled door (Tag In Field or

TIF), or remains in the field longer than 55 seconds without the entry of a
valid PIN code at the access keypad
• When an unassigned or non-transported tag enters a controlled elevator

(TIF) and remains longer than 10 seconds without the entry of a valid PIN
code at the elevator’s access keypad
• When the system cannot detect the pulse signal (Tag Location Message or

TLM) of a tag (if this functionality is configured, and receivers are
installed)
• When the panic button on a pendant is pressed (Tag Initiated

Communication or TIC)
• When the cord on the pull cord unit is pulled (TIC)
• When a tag’s battery circuit sends a low-battery signal (Battery Low

Message or BLM)
The behavior of some alarms is set in the software. For example:
• pulse wrist tags (green), emit a signal (TLM) every 16 seconds. The

number of missed pulses before RoamAlert issues a warning or an alarm is
configurable, or this feature may be turned off completely.
• RoamAlert may be configured to ignore unassigned tags at exits.

Other alarms are generated for certain system events, such as the
communications failure of a controller or receiver. See “About System Alarms”
on page 4-6.
If there is more than one workstation in your facility, each workstation may be
configured to display only certain alarm types, only alarms from certain nodes,
or only alarms from a specific range of tag ID numbers. For example, on a large
floor, there may be exit doors at each end and an elevator bank and stairwell in
the central area. In such a layout, the server may be centrally located and one
workstation located near each exit door. Alarms of all types and from all nodes
may be displayed at the server, while exit alarms from the doors may be
displayed only on the closest workstation.

4–2

RoamAlert User Guide

About Tag Alarms
Note:

Your facility should have specific polices and procedures for responding to alarms
that must be followed, as well as the requirement to clear the alarms in the
RoamAlert system.
When an alarm occurs, a distinctive sound issues through the configured
workstation or server speaker and the alarm and resident’s image (if applicable)
is displayed on screen as shown here:

In an alarm panel that opens above the floor plan the date, time and description
of the alarm, including the tag number and type, the event type, resident image
(if available) and location are displayed. The tag icon on the floor plan flashes
alternately with the alarm icon over the location where the alarm was triggered.
The Accept Alarm icon blinks, the Mute icon is enabled (if your facility allows
alarm muting), and the Print Alarm icon is enabled.
In a multi-floor facility, the alarm icon also appears on the tab of the floor
where the alarm occurred and that floor plan is brought to the front of the
display.
If an alarm occurs in an I/O-8 module zone, the module icon and its zone icon
flash with the alarm icon.

RoamAlert User Guide

4–3

Responding to Alarms

Responding to Alarms
Accepting Alarms at a Workstation or Server
When an alarm occurs, the flashing alarm icon appears on the floor plan where
the alarm was triggered, the alarm panel opens to display the alarm description,
and the alarm sound is heard over the workstation speaker.
Depending on the policies in place at your facility, door controllers may be
configured in a “latching” mode that requires you to accept an alarm at the door
as well as at the PC.
Procedure:

Important:

Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation

1
2

Immediately follow your facility’s procedures for resident or staff protection
when responding to an alarm.
At the server or workstation displaying the alarm, click the description of the
alarm to select it.
Note:

Alarms can only be printed before they are accepted. If your facility requires
a printed record of alarms, click Print Alarm then, in the Print dialog, select
the printer and click OK.

Click Accept Alarm, or double-click the alarm description in the alarm
panel. The Accept Alarm Wizard logon window opens.
Enter your User Name and Password (for details, see “Start a Wizard” on
page 3-2), then click Next or press Enter. The Alarm Note window opens,
displaying the alarm or alarms you have selected.
The Finish button is not enabled until a Note is entered or selected.

4–4

If there is more than one alarm that you want to accept with the same
annotation, press and hold the Shift or Ctrl keys while selecting alarms.

RoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Alarms

6
7
8
9

In the Notes field, type in the reason for the alarm(s), or click the arrow and
select an annotation from the list.
Click Finish to accept the alarm(s) and close the wizard.
The alarm is cleared and its acceptance is recorded in the Activity Log.
If the controller is configured in latching mode, go to the door and accept
the alarm at the keypad.
If the alarm is generated by a fixed-location pull cord, go to the location and
reset the switch on the pull cord.

Accepting TIF Alarms at a Mode 1 Access Keypad
When a resident approaches an open controlled exit, an alarm is generated. If
the controller is configured in Mode 2 or Mode 4, and the access keypad for
that exit is configured as a Mode 1 keypad, and you accept the alarm at the
keypad, the alarm is cleared at the controller and at the computer.
Procedure:

Accept an Alarm at a Mode 1 Access Keypad

Important:

1
2
3

Immediately follow your facility’s procedures for resident or staff protection
when responding to an alarm.
Remove the resident from the controller’s field.
At the keypad, enter your PIN followed by the # key.
The alarm is cleared at the exit and at the computer.

RoamAlert User Guide

4–5

Responding to Alarms

Muting Alarm Sounds
When an alarm occurs, RoamAlert issues a distinctive sound through the
workstation or server speaker. This sound repeats until the alarm is accepted. If
your facility policy allows, you can mute (turn off) the sound for up to 5 minutes
by clicking the Mute button. If your facility does not allow muting, the Mute
button is unavailable (gray).
Any user can mute the alarm at the workstation or server.
Procedure:

Mute an Alarm

• At the RoamAlert workstation that generated the alarm, click Mute. The

alarm sound is turned off, and the Mute button changes to its activated
state. If the alarm is not accepted within 5 minutes, or another alarm is
received, the sound is automatically turned on again and the Mute button
reverts to its normal state.

Handling Low Battery Alarms
Each tag has an internal circuit that detects when the battery is depleted to the
point that it should be replaced. When this happens, the tag emits a low-battery
alarm signal (BLM) and, if the tag is in range of a controller or receiver, an alarm
is issued at the appropriate workstations.
RoamAlert changes the status of the tag to Disabled - Low Battery. If the tag is
unassigned at the time of the alarm, the Assign Tag Wizard will no longer allow
it to be assigned. If the tag is assigned, immediately unassign the tag and assign a
new tag to the resident or staff member. See “Assigning a Tag to a Resident” on
page 3-3 for details.
RoamAlert tags are sealed units; the battery cannot be replaced.

About System Alarms
When a controller or receiver is not communicating correctly with the server, or
a device such as an exciter has failed, the failure icon flashes on the node icon
and on the floor plan tab.

Alarm Reminders
At 09:00 (9 AM) each day, RoamAlert issues alarms for node failures or for
transport expired tags that persist after the alarms have been cleared.

4–6

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 5
ACTIVITY LOGS

CHAPTER 0

Every event (warnings, alarms, logon attempts, tag activity, communication
errors, etc.) that occurs in the RoamAlert system is stored in the Activity Log.
RoamAlert activity log procedures include:
• Viewing the activity logs
• Annotating an activity log entry
• Searching for specific activity log entries

The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software is used
to carry out these procedures.
RoamAlert Activity Log functions are available only in Supervisor or
Administrator mode, therefore you must have at least Supervisor access to use
these functions.
The Log can be viewed at the server or any workstation. RoamAlert
automatically updates the workstation logs whenever the server records any
system activity.
Also supplied on the RoamAlert CD is a software tool called the
eLinkActivityViewer that you can install and use to view activity logs. You can
export logs as .csv (Comma Separated Value) files from the Ativity Viewer for
further analysis and charting in a spreadsheet or other suitable program that can
read .csv files.

RoamAlert User Guide

5–1

Viewing the Activity Log

Viewing the Activity Log
The Activity Log records system activity and events, including:
Icon

Procedure:

Description

Alarm

Any alarm, e.g. exit, emergency call, node failure

Warning

Missed tag pulses, loitering at a door, etc.

Accept Alarm

Recorded each time an alarm is accepted

Tag Status

Whenever a tag changes status (assigned,
transported, disabled, etc.)

Gen. Info.

Detections at door, etc.

Status

Status changes, such as controller mode changes,
doors opened/closed, bypass on/off

Communication

Successful communication with a node

Node Failure

Node to server communication problems

Security

All successful and unsuccessful login attempts

Config

Any configuration change (add tag, edit user, etc.)

System

Node polling, system shutdown/startup, user/
supervisor/administrator mode changes, etc.

Annotation

User-created log entries

View the Activity Log

•

5–2

Event Type

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Activity Log tab if necessary.

RoamAlert User Guide

Viewing the Activity Log
The Activity Log panel opens, displaying today’s log entries, with the most
recent at the top.

The Activity Log panel toolbar provides these functions:
Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

First Day

Navigate to the oldest log entries (usually 31 days
ago – see “Specifying Global Software Settings” on
page 8-17 for configuration details)

Prev Day

Navigate to the log entries of the day before the
currently displayed entries

Next Day

Navigate to the log entries of the day after the
currently displayed entries

Last Day

Navigate to the most recent log entries (today)

Annotate

Add a note to the selected log entry

Display log entries based on specified search criteria

Cancel Search

Remove search criteria and display all log entries

Auto Refresh

If on (icon looks pressed down), displays new log
entries while you are viewing the log.

Print the log entries for the displayed day or for the
search results currently displayed (see “Print a List”
on page 3-29)

RoamAlert User Guide

5–3

Annotate a Log Entry

Annotate a Log Entry
Occasionally, you may need to add explanatory notes to a log entry. Annotating
a log entry creates a new time-stamped entry with your note attached.
Procedure:

Annotate a Log Entry

1
2

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Activity Log panel.
Select the log entry to be annotated. If you need help to find a specific entry,
see “Search for Specific Log Entries” on page 5-5.

Click Annotate on the toolbar or double-click the log entry. The Annotate
Log Entry dialog box opens.

Type in your note, up to about 100 characters, then click OK. A new log
entry is created, stamped with today’s date and time.

The Description column of the new log entry contains the date, time and
description of the original log entry and the Annotation column contains the
note you just added.

5–4

RoamAlert User Guide

Search for Specific Log Entries

Search for Specific Log Entries
Hundreds of log entries can accumulate in the Activity Log during the time that
entries are kept current (usually 31 days). Viewing the log one day at a time to
see specific entries can be very tedious. To avoid this, RoamAlert provides a
Search Wizard that helps you find these entries.
If, for example, you need to know what events were triggered by a particular tag
over a period of several days, you can have RoamAlert search through the entire
log and display only the matching entries.
Procedure:

Search the Activity Log for Specific Entries

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Activity Log panel.

Click Search on the toolbar. The Activity Data Search wizard opens.

Click Next to begin defining your search criteria. The Search By Date
window opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

5–5

Search for Specific Log Entries

To set start and/or end dates, select the check boxes, then click the arrow
beside the displayed date to select a different date from the calendar.

Note:

5
6

5–6

If you select a start date but no end date, RoamAlert searches for entries
from the start date to now. Conversely, if you select an end date but no
start date, RoamAlert searches for entries from the beginning of the log
to the end date. If you select no dates at all, RoamAlert searches the
entire log.
To search a period within a single day, set the same start and end date,
then set the start and end times.

To set the start and/or end times of day, select the check boxes, then click
the up or down arrows until the time you want is displayed.
Click Next to continue to the Select Events window. By default, the four
most common event types are listed in this window: Alarm, Warning,
Accept Alarm and Tag Status.

RoamAlert User Guide

Search for Specific Log Entries

To specify that only specific event types be searched, click Select this box to
specify event types (below), then click each event type you want searched.
If you do not select any types, all events are searched.
To see all the possible event types, click Select this box to view all event
types. See the table on page Chapter 5-2 for a description of each type.

Click Next to continue to the Search Criteria window.

RoamAlert User Guide

5–7

Search for Specific Log Entries
In this window, you can refine your search for events in a variety of ways. To
use a specific criteria, select the box at the left and enter the value in the field
at the right. Use commas to separate multiple entries.
For example, to search for the last names Smith and Jones, check Search by
Resident’s Name, then enter “Smith, Jones” in the field (do not enter the
quotes). Refer to the table below for other field information.
Criteria

Remarks

Separate multiple entries in the same criteria with commas.
Tag Serial #

ID of the tag or tags (e.g., D11BE5, 100672 to find
both tags)

Resident’s Name

Name of resident

Asset

ID of asset tag

Device Location(s)

Name of the node (e.g., West Exit)

User’s Name

Name of RoamAlert user (Action by column)

Console

Name of workstation (Console column)

Text

Any text in the Description column

Note:

5–8

If you enter two separate criteria, such as a Tag Serial # and a
Resident’s Name, both criteria must be true for RoamAlert to produce a
result.

Click Next to continue to the Completing the Activity Data Search window.

RoamAlert User Guide

Search for Specific Log Entries
10 Review your search criteria. Click Back to make changes (if necessary), then

click Finish to perform the search.
The window closes and RoamAlert displays the results in the Activity Log.
If the log is large, the search may take several moments. If no log entries
match your criteria, the Activity Log display is empty.
Note:

Each time you perform an Activity Data search, RoamAlert remembers
your previous settings, so you can easily adjust just some of your
criteria.

11 To cancel the search and return the Activity Log to the normal display,

click Cancel Search.

RoamAlert User Guide

5–9

Search for Specific Log Entries

5–10

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 6
MANAGING USERS

CHAPTER 0

User management procedures include:
• Viewing user lists
• Adding and deleting users
• Editing user properties (disable/enable, access, password, PIN, etc.)

The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software and
components are used to carry out these procedures.
RoamAlert user management functions are available only in Supervisor or
Administrator mode, therefore you must have at least Supervisor access to use
these functions. Also, note that:
• A Supervisor cannot add, delete, edit properties, or change the password

or PIN of an Administrator.
• A Supervisor or Administrator cannot delete or edit his or her own record,

or change his or her own password or PIN.
The user list can be viewed and managed at the server or any workstation.

RoamAlert User Guide

6–1

Viewing the User List

Viewing the User List
As users are added to the system, and their properties changed, the user list is
updated on all workstations.
Procedure:

6–2

View the User List

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Users tab. The Users panel opens, displaying the list of all
users currently enrolled in the system, sorted by the enrollment date.

To sort the list by any other column, click the column heading. Each click
changes the sort order (ascending or descending).
The Users panel toolbar provides these functions:
Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New User

Enroll a new user in the system

Properties

Modify the properties of a user (name, password,
PIN, etc.)

Delete User

Remove a user from the system

Print the user list (see “Print a List” on page 3-29)

RoamAlert User Guide

Adding a New User

Adding a New User
When a new staff member requires access to RoamAlert, you need to add them
to the user list and provide them with a password and an optional PIN code.
If you are a Supervisor, you cannot add an Administrator.
Procedure:

Add a New User

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Users panel.

Click Add New User on the toolbar. The New User Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the New User Access Rights window.
Note:

RoamAlert User Guide

If you are a Supervisor, the Administrator option is unavailable.

6–3

Adding a New User
4

Click an Access Rights button to select the level for this user (see “User
Security Levels” on page 2-8 for a complete list of tasks by user level), then
click Next to continue to the New User window.

Fill in the information for this user as follows:
User Login Name

The Login Name must be unique and should be short for
quick entry when logging in, (e.g. jsmith for John Smith)

User Full Name

The user’s full name, for ease of identification in the list.

Password

A password of at least 6 characters (do not use common
constructions such as birthday, child’s name, etc.)
Case matters: if the password is MistyMint, a login using
mistymint will be rejected.

Confirm Password

Enter the password a second time to ensure accuracy (the
password appears on screen as a series of *)

PIN Code (optional) If you want this user to be able to use a keypad in Mode 1
to bypass a door or elevator, enter a unique 4-digit PIN
(personal identification number) code.
RoamAlert supports 1,000 unique PIN codes if controller
firmware version 1.3 or newer is installed. Otherwise, only
200 PIN codes can be created.
Giving each user a unique PIN code allows the activity log
to track which user initiates a bypass at a keypad. If this is
not necessary, give all users the same PIN code.

All fields except PIN Code must be filled in before the Next button is
enabled.
6

6–4

Click Next to continue to the Completing the New User Wizard window.
RoamAlert User Guide

Adding a New User

Review the information for this new user. If any of the information is not
correct:
• click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the user.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to add this new user and close the New User Wizard, or
• click Next to add this user and begin adding another user.
The new user is added to the User List.

RoamAlert User Guide

6–5

Editing User Properties

Editing User Properties
Occasionally the information for a user will require changes. You may need to:
• Change a user’s name, password or PIN code
• Disable the login for an absent user
• Change a user’s access rights
Procedure:

Edit a User’s Information

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Users panel.

In the list, double-click the user whose information needs to be changed, or
click Properties on the toolbar.
Note:

The

If you are a Supervisor, and you select an Administrator, you can view
the properties but not change them.
User Properties sheet opens.

Note:

If you are a Supervisor, the Administrator option in the Access Rights
group cannot be selected.

Make the necessary changes. To prevent the user from logging in to the
system, select the Login Disabled box. To re-enable a user, clear this check
box.
3

6–6

Click OK to save your changes and exit the User Properties sheet.

RoamAlert User Guide

Deleting a User

Deleting a User
If a staff member no longer requires access to RoamAlert, you should remove
them from the list as soon as possible.
Procedure:

Delete a User

1
2

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Users panel.
In the list, select the user whose record needs to be removed.
Note:

The Delete User button is not enabled for your own record, or for an
Administrator’s record if you are a Supervisor.

Click Delete User on the toolbar. The Delete User Wizard opens.

Review the user information presented. If this is not the correct user, click
Cancel. The wizard closes without deleting the user.
If this is the correct user, click Finish. The wizard closes and the user is
deleted from the User List.

RoamAlert User Guide

6–7

Deleting a User

6–8

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 7
MANAGING TAGS

CHAPTER 0

Tag management procedures encompass:
• Viewing the tag list
• Adding new tags to inventory
• Deleting tags from inventory
• Testing and cleaning tags
• Determining pendant type
• Editing tag properties, which may include:
•

Assigning and unassigning tags
• Enabling and disabling tags
• Changing a tag’s expiry date
• Editing resident or staff information
• Returning transported tags
The descriptions in this chapter illustrate how the RoamAlert software and
components are used to carry out these procedures.
RoamAlert tag management functions are available only in Supervisor or
Administrator mode, therefore you must have at least Supervisor access to use
these functions.
The tag list can be viewed and managed at the server or any workstation.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–1

Viewing the Tag List

Viewing the Tag List
Tags are at the heart of the RoamAlert resident safety system. There are four
main types:
• Wrist tags with (green) or without (blue) location functions, and

Securaband tags
• Pendant, with or without TIF (Tag In Field) turned on (see “About

Pendants” on page 7-14)
• Pull cord for fixed-location or mobile (e.g. attached to a wheelchair)

emergency call applications
• Asset (see Appendix A – Managing Asset Tags)

As tags are added to inventory, assigned and unassigned, transported and
returned, or deleted from inventory, the tag list is updated on the server and all
workstations.
Procedure:

7–2

View the Tag List

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags tab. The Tags panel opens, displaying the list of all tags
currently in inventory, sorted by the Tag ID column.

To sort the list by any other column, click the column heading. Each click
changes the sort order (ascending or descending).

RoamAlert User Guide

Viewing the Tag List
The Status column contains one of the following possible entries:
Status

Description

Unassigned

The tag is not assigned.

Active

The tag has been assigned using the Admit icon in
the main RoamAlert window or the Assign button in
the tag’s property sheet.

Transported

The wrist or asset tag’s exit alarm (TIF) has been
disabled using the Transport icon in the main
RoamAlert window.

The Tags panel toolbar provides these functions:
Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Tag

Add a new tag to inventory

Properties

Modify the properties of a tag

Delete Tag

Remove a tag from the system

Print the tag list (see “Print a List” on page 3-29)

RoamAlert User Guide

7–3

Adding New Tags to Inventory

Adding New Tags to Inventory
Tags must be added to the system and their properties set before they can be
used, and they should be deleted from the system when their battery life is over.
You can add a tag from either the RoamAlert server or a workstation, but the
procedure is different depending on the tag type and your hardware setup.
If you are adding a tag from the server, you have two options:
• Add the tag manually
• Read the tag from a controller or receiver (wrist and pendants)

If you are adding a tag from a workstation, you can only add it manually.
Tags can be added to the system by either a Supervisor or Administrator. The
following procedures describe the tasks in detail.
Procedure:

7–4

Add a Tag to Inventory Manually

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

Click Add New Tag on the toolbar. The New Tag Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the Add Tag(s) window. (If you are at a
RoamAlert workstation, this window does not appear. Skip to Step 5.)

RoamAlert User Guide

Adding New Tags to Inventory

Make sure that To add tag(s) manually or reading in by TagLink is selected,
then click Next to continue to the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By
TagLink window.

In the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By TagLink window, enter the tag
ID (found on the foil bag), or the bottom of the tag, then click Next to
continue to the Tag’s Expiration Date window.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–5

Adding New Tags to Inventory

7–6

Select the month and year of tag expiry using the arrows. The exiry date
should be 1 year from the shipping date of TLM tags, or 3 years from the
shipping date of non-TLM tags. If the shipping date is unknown, the
manufacturing date can be used as a rough guide. The manufacturing date
can be found on the bottom of wrist tags or on the foil bag of wrist and
pendants. If you do not have the foil bag handy, you can use a tag reader to
read the manufacturing date from the tag itself.
Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Tag Wizard window.

Review the information for this tag. If the ID or expiry date are not correct:
• click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the tag.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to add this new tag and close the New Tag Wizard, or
• click Next to add this tag and begin adding another tag.
The new tag is added to the Tag List.
RoamAlert User Guide

Adding New Tags to Inventory

Procedure:

Add Multiple Tags at Once to Inventory

At the RoamAlert server only, log in to Supervisor mode and select the Tags
panel.

Click Add New Tag on the toolbar. The New Tag Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the Add Tag(s) window.

Make sure that To add tag(s) by reading in from the selected Node in the
list is selected, then select the controller or receiver from the list.
Make sure the tags you want to add are placed within the range of the
selected node, then click Next to continue to the Detected Tag(s) window.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–7

Adding New Tags to Inventory
For pendants, press the button on the tag once.
For asset tags, release the tamper pin, wait for the tag to be detected, then
reset the tamper pin.
For pull cords, slide the switch on, wait for the tag to be detected, then slide
the switch off.

When all tags have been detected, click Next to continue to the Tag’s
window.

Expiration Date

7–8

Set an expiration date, usually 1 year from now. This date is applied to all
detected tags. Later, you can adjust the date for individual tags (see “Change
the Expiry Date of a Tag” on page 7-19 for details). Click Next to continue
to the Completing the New Tag Wizard window.

RoamAlert User Guide

Adding New Tags to Inventory

Review the information for these tags. If the ID or expiry date are not
correct:
• click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the tag.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to add these new tags and close the New Tag Wizard, or
• click Next to add these tags and begin adding other tags.
The new tags are added to the Tag List.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–9

Deleting Tags from Inventory

Deleting Tags from Inventory
When a tag can no longer be used because a low battery alarm has been issued or
the tag has expired, become damaged or lost, the tag should be removed from
inventory.
Procedure:

Delete a Tag from Inventory

At either the RoamAlert server or a workstation, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

Select the tag you wish to delete. The Delete Tag button is enabled only for
tags with a status of Unassigned.
Click Delete Tag on the toolbar. The Delete Tag Wizard window opens.

4
5

7–10

Review the information to ensure that this is the tag you wish to delete.
Click Cancel to keep the tag and return to the Tags panel, or click Finish to
delete the tag and return to the Tags panel.
The tag is deleted from the Tag List. However, any activity for that tag has
been recorded in the Activity log and is not removed.
Make sure that the tag is physically removed from inventory and disposed of
according to the policies at your facility.

RoamAlert User Guide

Testing and Cleaning Tags

Testing and Cleaning Tags
Tags should be checked and tested periodically to ensure that they are operating
correctly. Your facility may have specific policies in place for this purpose. Tags
should also be cleaned after each use.
When a tag is added to inventory, its warranty expiry date is recorded (see
“Adding New Tags to Inventory” on page 7-4). Approximately one month
before the expiry date, RoamAlert generates an expiry alarm. The tag can still be
used, but it should be tested more frequently.
Tag Testing Guidelines
Tags should be checked and tested at least monthly to ensure that they are
operating correctly. In non-receiver environments, you may wish to test more
frequently.
• Test each tag for correct operation before it is attached to a resident.
• Pendants should be tested before each assignment or every month.
• Re-test all tags at least once a month.
• Keep records of all tag testing.

We strongly recommend that you use the handheld Pocket Tag Reader to
perform tag tests.
To help ensure that tag testing takes place in a clean and controlled
environment, also follow these guidelines:
• Remove other tags from the vicinity when testing a specific tag.
• Do not test tags with the tag reader near protected exits (exciter fields).
• Locate the tag reader away from RF noise sources. These interfering

sources may include laptop computers, monitors, door controllers, or
other electrical or electronic equipment that may be emitting stray radio
frequency signals.
• If a low battery reading is received from either the tag reader or the

application, immediately take the tag out of use and return it (if under
warranty) or replace the tag.
• Orientation of the tag may cause apparent failure of the test. Change the

tag’s position relative to the reader or tester if at first you do not get a
result. The tag should be tested at a minimum distance of 12 inches (30
cm) from the tag reader.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–11

Testing and Cleaning Tags
Procedure:

How to Test a Tag With the Tag Reader

Follow these steps to test a tag:
1 Bring the tag reader and the tag into an environment as free of RF noise as
possible.
2 Make sure only the tag being tested is in the vicinity of the tag reader.
3 Press and hold the ACCEPT (ON) button for a second or two to turn the
tag reader on.
4 Press the UP button once to navigate to TAG TEST MODE.
5 Hold the tag at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the reader. For asset tags, make
sure the tamper pin is depressed; for other tags, hold your thumb on the
bottom of the tag if the tag is not on the resident or patient.
6 Press the ACCEPT button to begin the test. The tag reader reads the tag and
displays its serial number and the message “TAG OK!”. The test is complete.
Proceed to Step 9.
7 If, after about 20 seconds, the message “NO TAG DETECTED” is
displayed, press ACCEPT again and then rotate the tag in relation to the tag
reader. Keep the tag at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the reader.
8 If the message “NO TAG DETECTED” is displayed again, set the tag aside
and do not use it. Return it if under warranty or replace it if not.
9 Record the test, including at a minimum the test date, tag serial # or resident
name, and result (see Appendix B).
Procedure:

How to Test a Tag at a Door or Protected Exit

If you do not have a tag reader or tester available, follow these steps to test a tag
at a door or protected exit:
1 Take the resident, patient or the tag itself to a protected exit.
2 Ensure that the tag is detected according to the configuration of the
controller, e.g. the door locks or the alarm sounds.
3 Record the test, including at a minimum the test date, tag serial # or resident
name, and result (see Appendix B).
Cleaning the Tags
•

Tags are incompatible with disinfectants containing Glycol Ether.
• Tag straps are single-use. Do not clean or re-use. Upon discharge, cut
them with scissors and discard.

7–12

RoamAlert User Guide

Testing and Cleaning Tags
Procedure:

Clean Wrist Tags

Important:

Use a mild soap and water to remove any apparent debris.
2 Disinfect tags by wiping with an alcohol sanitizer or germicidal cleaner for
no more than 60 seconds.
3 Dry with a soft, clean cloth.
4 Check the tag visually for physical damage.
Do not autoclave tags.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–13

About Pendants

About Pendants
A pendant can issue three different signals:
• Tag In Field (TIF) – when the tag enters a controller’s exciter field,
• Tag Location Message (TLM) – continuously at 16-second intervals,
• Tag Initiated Communication (TIC) – when the tag button is pressed.
A pendant is used to provide a controller bypass function for staff members. The
tag can also be used to provide emergency call and location functions for staff
and residents.
The controller will lock the door or issue an alarm if the tag approaches the field
unless the category associated with the tag allows free access to that controller, in
which case the tag is invisible to that controller, and can pass without causing an
alarm.
If you want to provide wander prevention to a resident who also requires
emergency call, the resident must be assigned a wrist tag as well. If the resident is
free to enter and exit the facility, only the pendant is required.

7–14

RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

Editing Tag Properties
The Assign wizard (see “Assigning a Tag to a Resident” on page 3-3) can only
be used to assign wrist and Securaband tags to residents. There will be times,
however, when you need to change the information, such as the expiry date, tag
pulse supervision settings or associations, for a wrist tag. You may also assign or
unassign a wrist tag using the tag’s property sheet.
You may also want to assign or unassign a pendant or pull cord, or view a tag’s
location history. The tag’s property sheet is where you perform these tasks.
For asset tags, see Appendix A – Managing Asset Tags.
These tasks can be performed by a Supervisor or Administrator at either a
workstation or the server.
Procedure:

Edit the Properties of a Tag

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Tags panel.

In the tag list, double-click the tag to be edited, or select the tag and click
Properties on the toolbar. The Tag Properties sheet opens at the General
tab. The Properties sheet and available options are somewhat different for
each tag type and the current status of the tag.
There are four standard buttons at the bottom of every property sheet:
Button

Usage

Save any changes and close the properties sheet.

Cancel

Cancel any changes and close the properties sheet.

Apply

Apply any changes but do not close the properties sheet.
Enabled only when a change has been made.

Help

Open the online help file.

There are four buttons at the right in each General tab window, one of
which has different labels according to the status of the tag:
Button

Usage

Assign/Unassign

Assign or unassign the tag.

Change Expiry

Switches the Expire on: field to selectable month
and year boxes.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–15

Editing Tag Properties
Button

Usage

Edit

Enabled only for an assigned tag. Used to change
the resident or staff information for the tag.

Transport Rtn

Enabled only for a transported wrist or asset tag.
Immediately returns the tag (re-enables the exit
alarms and tag location messages).

Wrist Tags

Shown here are the General tabs for assigned and unassigned wrist tags.

Pendants

Shown here are the General tabs for assigned and unassigned pendants.

Pull Cords

Shown here are the General tabs for assigned and unassigned pull cords.

7–16

RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

Procedure:

Unassign a Tag

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Tags panel.

In the tag list, double-click the tag to be unassigned, or select the tag and
click Properties on the toolbar.
Click Unassign in the General tab.
Click Apply to update the system and remain at the Tag Properties sheet or
click OK to update the system and return to the Tags panel.

3
4
Procedure:

Assign a Tag

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Tags panel.

In the tag list, double-click the tag to be assigned, or select the tag and click
Properties on the toolbar.
Click Assign in the General tab.

Wrist and
Securaband

For wrist and Securaband tags, the Resident Info dialog box opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–17

Editing Tag Properties

The Last Name, Category and Room fields are mandatory. The other fields
should be entered according to the policies in effect at your facility. Select a
Category to associate this tag with a pendant. If the correct category is
unknown at this time, select Unspecified.
Pendants

For pendants, the Staff Info dialog box opens.

The Last Name and Category fields are mandatory. The other fields should
be entered according to the policies in effect at your facility.
Important:

If you are assigning this pendant to a resident for emergency call purposes,
select Pendant from the Type field in the General tab and assign a category
that does not allow access to any controllers.

Important:

If you are assigning this pendant to a volunteer staff member or visitor who
will be an escort for a specific resident, select Volunteer from the Type field
in the General tab.

Pull Cords

For pull cords, the Asset Info dialog box opens, since a pull cord contains a
modified asset tag.

7–18

RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties

The Description, Serial No., and Category fields are mandatory. You should
develop a consistent policy for the use of the Description and Serial No.
fields in your facility. We recommend that you use the Description for the
resident’s name and the Serial No. for the resident’s room number. You can
also use the Note field to identify the specific location of the unit (e.g.
bathroom, bedroom, wheelchair, etc.). You should ignore the Next
Maintenance and Warranty Expiration fields.
4
5
Procedure:

When you have finished entering the fields, click OK. The dialog box closes
and you are returned to the Tag Properties General tab.
Click Apply to update the system and remain at the Tag Properties sheet or
click OK to update the system and return to the Tags panel.

Change the Expiry Date of a Tag

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Tags panel.

In the tag list, double-click the tag that needs the expiry date changed, or
select the tag and click Properties on the toolbar.
Click Change Expiry in the General tab, then click the arrows to adjust the
month and year. This function should be used only if the expiry date was
incorrectly entered when the tag was added to inventory.

RoamAlert User Guide

7–19

Editing Tag Properties
Procedure:

Edit the Information and Configuration of a Tag

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

In the Tag list, double-click the assigned tag that needs its information
changed, or select the tag and click Properties on the toolbar.
Click Edit in the General tab.
For wrist tags, the Resident Info dialog box opens. See Step 4.
For pendants, the Staff Info dialog box opens. See Step 5.

7–20

Pulse (green) wrist tags have four property tabs other than General: Image,
Tag Pulse Supervision, Location History, and Escort. Non-pulse (blue) tags
and Securaband tags do not have a Tag Pulse Supervision tab.

Image

Tag Pulse Supervision (green tags)

Location History

Escort

RoamAlert User Guide

Editing Tag Properties
•

In the Tag Pulse Supervision tab, you can turn supervision on or off,
but the tag pulse rate cannot be changed. To bring the statistics up to
the minute, click Refresh. To record the current counts in the Activity
Log, click Reset. This also sets the Statistics Collected Since date to
now, and sets all counts to zero.
• The Location History tab displays the last 10 locations where the tag
was detected. The information on this tab cannot be changed.
• In the Escort tab, you can select a staff member to be the escort for the
resident. This allows staff or a volunteer to escort the resident through
a door without accidently bypassing other residents in the area.
5

Pendants have three property tabs other than General: Image, Tag Pulse
Supervision, and Location History.

Image

RoamAlert User Guide

Tag Pulse Supervision

7–21

Editing Tag Properties

Location History

•

In the Tag Pulse Supervision tab, you can turn supervision on or off,
but the tag pulse rate cannot be changed. To bring the statistics up to
the minute, click Refresh. Click Reset to record the current counts in
the Activity Log, set the Statistics Collected Since date to now, and set
all counts to zero.
• The Location History tab displays the last 10 locations where the tag
was detected. The information on this tab cannot be changed.
Procedure:

Return a Transported Tag

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

In the Tag list, double-click the transported tag to be returned, or select the
tag and click Properties on the toolbar.
Click Transport Rtn in the General tab.
An assigned non-pulse tag (blue) that has been transported using the
Transport wizard must be returned manually either here in the property
sheet or using the Transport Wizard (see “Return a Tag Using the Wizard”
on page 3-16).
An assigned transported pulse tag (green) will be returned automatically by
the system when the transport time period is over. It can be manually
returned prior to the end of the transport time period either here in the
property sheet or using the Transport Wizard.

7–22

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 8
ROAMALERT SYSTEM
CONFIGURATION

CHAPTER 0

RoamAlert system configuration procedures include:
• Defining and managing alarm annotations
• Defining and managing tag categories
• Configuring and managing messaging devices (pagers, etc.)
• Specifying global software settings
• Managing alarm sound configurations
• Managing floor plans and floor plan icons
• Configuring and managing workstations

Supervisors can only perform alarm annotation, tag category and messaging
device procedures. The remaining software configuration procedures must be
carried out by an Administrator.
Supervisor mode procedures may be carried out at the server or a workstation.
Administrator mode procedures must be carried out at the server.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–1

Defining and Managing Annotations

Defining and Managing Annotations
When a RoamAlert user accepts an alarm, they must supply a reason (for details,
see “Responding to Alarms” on page 4-4). This reason, called an annotation,
may be typed in or selected from a pre-defined list. A pre-defined list makes
common reasons available so that typing is minimized and spelling is accurate.
Searching the Activity Log for specific annotations is made easier and more
accurate as well (see “Search the Activity Log for Specific Entries” on page 5-5).
You define this list in the Annotations panel.
If spelling or grammar needs to be corrected, you can edit the annotation. If an
annotation is no longer needed, it can be deleted.
Procedure:

View the Annotation List

•

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Annotations tab. The Annotations panel opens, displaying the
list of currently defined annotations, sorted by the date they were added.

The Annotations panel toolbar provides these functions:

8–2

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Annotation

Add a new annotation to the list

Properties

Change the text of the selected annotation

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Annotations

Procedure:

Function

Usage

Delete Annotation

Remove the selected annotation from the list

The Print button is unavailable

Add a New Annotation

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Annotations panel.

Click Add New Annotation on the toolbar. The New Annotation Wizard
window opens.

Click Next to continue to the Annotation Text window.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–3

Defining and Managing Annotations

Procedure:

8–4

Type in the text for this annotation, to a maximum of 120 characters, then
click Next to continue to the Completing the New Annotation Wizard
window.

Review the text for this annotation.
If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close
the wizard without adding the annotation.
If you are satisfied, click Next to save the annotation and start adding
another, or click Finish to save the annotation and close the wizard.
The annotation is added to the Annotation List.

Edit an Annotation

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Annotations panel.

In the list, double-click the annotation you wish to edit, or click Properties
on the toolbar. The Annotation window opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Annotations
3
Procedure:

Modify the text as required, then click OK to save the annotation or click
Cancel to close the window without saving the change.

Delete an Annotation

1
2
3

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Annotations panel.
In the list, select the annotation needs to be removed.
Click Delete Annotation on the toolbar. The Delete Annotation Wizard
opens.
Note:

A deleted annotation is not removed from any activity log entry in which
it appears. It is simply removed from the list of available annotations
presented when you are accepting an alarm.

Review the annotation presented. If this is not the correct annotation, click
Cancel. The wizard closes without deleting the annotation.
If this is the correct annotation, click Finish. The wizard closes and the
annotation is deleted from the Annotation List.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–5

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

Defining and Managing Tag Categories
Tag categories are used to define controller access (automatic bypass) for tags.
You can define a category that allows access to all controllers in the facility, a
category that does not allow access to any controllers, or categories that allow
access only to certain controllers. Tag category functionality is supported only by
controllers that have firmware version 1.4 or newer installed.
For example, in a multi-floor facility, you may create a category that allows
access only to elevator controllers, so that a resident wearing a wrist tag may
move freely within the facility but not be able to leave, or so that a volunteer
wearing a pendant may escort a resident within the facility only.
When a tag is assigned to a resident or staff member, the tag must be associated
with a Category. Residents at risk of wandering would be assigned wrist tags
associated with a category that, at minimum, does not allow access to perimeter
controllers. Residents requiring emergency call only would be assigned a
pendant associated with a category that allows access to all controllers, so that
they could move freely in and out of the facility.
Use these procedures to view, add, change and remove the categories.
Procedure:

View the Tag Categories List

•

8–6

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Categories tab. The Categories panel opens, displaying the
list of currently defined tag categories, sorted by the order in which they
were added.

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Tag Categories
The Categories panel toolbar provides these functions:

Procedure:

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Category

Add a new tag category to the list

Properties

Change the properties of the selected category

Delete Category

Remove the selected category from the list

The Print button is unavailable

Add a New Category

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Categories panel.

Click Add New Category on the toolbar. The New Category Wizard window
opens.

Click Next to continue to the Category Definition window.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–7

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

Fill in the information for this category as follows:
Name

The name must be unique and should be a wellunderstood definition of the group, e.g. IV Pumps for
asset tags or Day Supervisor for pendants

Beacon Signal
Monitoring

Yes: Signals (pulses) from the tags in this category will be
monitored. If this category is for staff or asset tags, also
select a beacon signal rate from the list. RoamAlert will
issue warnings and alarms for missed signals according to
the values entered in the Missed Tag Pulse Actions fields
on the Settings tab. See Table 8.1, “RoamAlert
Configuration Settings” on page Chapter 8-18. Beacon
signal monitoring requires that receivers are installed.
No: RoamAlert does not monitor beacon signals for tags
in this category. No warnings or alarms are issued if the
signal is not detected by a receiver.

Beacon Signal Rate This function is not used for new tags. All new TLM tags
are preset to a 16 second pulse.
Note:

Warning:

A Beacon Signal is the same as a TLM (tag location message) or tag
pulse. Wrist tags with tag pulse emit a signal every 16 seconds. The rate
can be configured for older pendant or asset tags.

Beacon (tag pulse) Signal monitoring settings for a category override any
supervision settings made to the tag pulse properties of an individual tag.

The Next button is enabled when the Name field is filled.
5

8–8

Click Next to continue to the Category Access Control window.

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

6
7

Select the controllers for which this Category will have Free Access
(automatic bypass authority).
Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Category Wizard
window.

Review the name for this category.
If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close
the wizard without adding the category.
If you are satisfied, click Next to save the category and start adding another,
or click Finish to save the category and close the wizard.
The new category is added to the Categories List.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–9

Defining and Managing Tag Categories
Procedure:

Warning:

Edit a Category

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Categories panel.

In the list, double-click the category you wish to edit, or click Properties on
the toolbar. The Category properties window opens at the General panel.
Open each property panel as needed to make changes (see “Add a New
Category” for details).

Changes to Beacon (tag pulse) Signal monitoring for a category will override
any supervision settings made to the tag pulse properties of an individual tag.
3

Procedure:

Note:

Delete a Category

RoamAlert does not allow you to delete a category to which tags have been associated.
Use the procedure “Unassign a Tag” on page 7-17 to disassociate any tags from this
category then try again. Alternately, if there are too many tags to be conveniently
disassociated, you can edit the category to remove access to all controllers.
1

8–10

Modify the information as required, then click OK to save the category or
click Cancel to close the window without saving the change.

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Categories panel.
In the list, select the category that needs to be removed.

Click Delete Category on the toolbar. The Delete Category Wizard opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Tag Categories

Review the category presented. If this is not the correct category, click
Cancel. The wizard closes without deleting the category.
If this is the correct category, click Finish. The wizard closes and the
category is deleted from the Categories List.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–11

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices
The Messaging panel lists the messaging devices, such as pagers or wireless
handsets, that are configured to receive alarm notifications. You can add, edit,
and delete devices from this panel. Messages to these devices are sent out
through the serial port selected on the Settings tab. See “Messaging Port
Settings” on page 8-20 for more information.
Procedure:

View the Messaging Device List

•

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Messaging tab. The Messaging Devices panel opens,
displaying the list of configured devices, sorted by the order in which they
were added.

The Messaging Devices panel toolbar provides these functions:

8–12

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Messaging
Device

Add a new messaging device to the list

Properties

Change the properties of the selected device

Delete Messaging
Device

Remove the selected messaging device from the list

Print the list of messaging devices (see “Print a List”
on page 3-29)

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices
Procedure:

Add a New Messaging Device

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Messaging panel.

Click Add New Messaging Device on
Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the Messaging Device Identification window.

RoamAlert User Guide

the toolbar. The Messaging Device

8–13

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices
4

Fill in the information for this device as follows:
ID

The Identification Number of the device, must be unique.
Usually found on the device itself.

Notes

A brief description of this device, usually the staff member
or job position that the device is assigned to, e.g. Night
Supervisor or X-ray Technician.

The Next button is enabled when the ID field is filled in.
5

Click Next to continue to the Notification Events window. This window
displays the four types of event alarms that can be sent to the device, along
with an icon for the server and each workstation in the system. The Next
button is not enabled until both an alarm and a workstation are selected.

Select the types of alarms to be sent to this device, then select the server or
workstation from which the alarms will be sent.
Note:

8–14

If a workstation’s Alarm Filter has been set to Can’t See for any node,
alarms from that node cannot be sent to the device from the workstation.
See “Add a New Console” on page 8-33 for Alarm Filter details.

Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Messaging Device Wizard
window.

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices

Procedure:

Review the information you entered for this device.
If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close
the wizard without adding the device.
If you are satisfied, click Next to save the device and start adding another, or
click Finish to save the device and close the wizard.
The new device is added to the Messaging Device List.

Edit a Messaging Device

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode and select the Messaging panel.

In the list, double-click the device you wish to edit, or click Properties on
the toolbar. The Messaging Device Properties sheet opens at the General
panel. Open each property panel as needed to make changes (see “Add a
New Messaging Device” for details).

RoamAlert User Guide

8–15

Defining and Managing Messaging Devices
Note:

3
Procedure:

Click OK to save your changes or click Cancel to close the window without
saving the changes.

Delete a Device

1
2

8–16

The ID cannot be changed to one already in the system.

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Messaging panel.
In the list, select the device that needs to be removed.

Click Delete Messaging Device on the toolbar. The Delete Messaging
Device Wizard opens.

Review the device presented. If this is not the correct device, click Cancel.
The wizard closes without deleting the device.
If this is the correct device, click Finish. The wizard closes and the device is
deleted from the Messaging Devices List.

RoamAlert User Guide

Specifying Global Software Settings

Specifying Global Software Settings
If you are an administrator, you can configure the RoamAlert software to meet
the specific needs of your facility.
Note:
Procedure:

Administrative tasks can only be performed at the RoamAlert server.
Modify RoamAlert Software Settings

At the RoamAlert server, log in to Administrator mode and select the
Settings tab if necessary. The Settings panel opens.

The Settings panel toolbar provides these functions:

Warning:

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Start

Start communications (technician only)

Pause

Pause communications (technician only)

Stop

Stop communications (technician only)

The Print button is unavailable

Start, Pause and Stop are used by technical personnel to perform system

maintenance. Clicking one of these buttons disables the system.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–17

Specifying Global Software Settings
2

Adjust the settings as required. A checkmark in the setting’s option box
enables the setting, removing the checkmark disables the setting. Table 8.1
below describes the usage of each setting in detail.
To apply (save) your adjustments while remaining at the Settings panel, click
the Apply Changes button. To leave the Settings panel, click another tab or
the User Mode button (your changes are also saved).

Table 8.1

RoamAlert Configuration Settings

Setting

Usage

General

8–18

Filter Door Events

The system ignores all door open and close activities
and does not add them to the Activity Log. This setting
is recommended, as it helps keep the log manageable,
particularly in a facility with elevators.

Show Noise Status

An overlay warning icon is displayed on the floor plan at
the node experiencing extraneous RF noise. This
warning may indicate that the node is not operating
properly. Usually used when troubleshooting.

Nurse Saver Mode

A wrist tag near a closed door gives a local alarm at the
keypad only. Otherwise, a full alarm is given when a tag
is near a closed door.
A Tag near an open door always triggers a full alarm.

Use Screen Saver

Activates a screen saver on the server and all
workstations following 5 minutes of inactivity. The
screen saver is cancelled when an alarm is received or
an activity is performed at the server.
Note: Turn off power management and Windows
screen savers on all computers running RoamAlert
software.

Enable Mute Button

Allows any user to silence an alarm before accepting it.
Otherwise the mute button is unavailable.

Alarm on Unassigned
TIF

An unassigned tag (in tag database but not admitted)
triggers an exit alarm (Tag in Field) when detected at an
exit. Helps prevent loss of tags.

Enable Census

Users can see a list (census) of all tags in the system
when enabled.

Use Small Icon Size

Floor Plan icons are displayed at a reduced size. Useful
if a floor plan is crowded with icons.

Warn on Tags Not In
Inventory/Unassigned

A tag not in inventory (not added to the tag database) or
unassigned triggers warnings and alarms.

Enable WTR logging

All activity at WTRs (Wireless Tag Readers) is logged.

RoamAlert User Guide

Specifying Global Software Settings
Table 8.1

RoamAlert Configuration Settings (continued)

Setting

Usage

Log Duplicate Alarms

Alarms that are not cleared are logged each time they
re-occur.

Activity Log
Keep Last nn Days

Use the arrows or type a value from 1 to 999 to specify
the number of days to keep logs in the Activity Log list.
After this period, the oldest log entries are discarded. A
manual backup should be performed at the end of each
period to keep logs on file.

Auto System Backup
Backup Folder every
(days) at (time)

If you wish to change the configured default backup
location, use the Browse button to select an alternate
disk/folder in which to store RoamAlert backup files. You
may also specify the backup frequency.

Missed Tag Pulse Actions
nn missed TLMs to
Warning

In the box, type the number of missed Tag Pulses (TLM)
before a warning is triggered. The value can be from 1 20, the default is 2. A typical optimal setting is 4.

nn missed TLMs to
Alarm

In the box, type the number of missed Tag Pulses
before an alarm is triggered. The value can be from 1 20, the default is 4. A typical optimal setting is 8.
Notes:
This value should be higher than the warning value to
avoid receiving alarms before warnings.
Wrist tag pulses occur at 16-second intervals.

Suppress Visual and
Audio Annunciation

Prevents the visual display, audio and logging of missed
TLMs.

User Authentication
Shutdown System,
Accept Alarm, Perform
User Functions, Enter
Supervisor Mode, Enter
Administrator Mode

RoamAlert User Guide

Enable or disable user login for each function.
Authentication should always be enabled.

8–19

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations
Table 8.1

RoamAlert Configuration Settings (continued)

Setting

Usage

Messaging Port Settings
Serial Port

If your facility has a paging interface (Messaging), this
setting identifies the serial port used by the interface.
Messages are sent out the selected port using the TAP
protocol, which is 7 bits, even parity, one stop bit (7E1).

Baud Rate

If your facility has a paging interface (Messaging), use
this setting to select the appropriate baud rate for the
interface.

System Background Color
Change Current
Selection

Click the Change button to select a different background
color for the system background.

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations
When a tag alarm is received at the server, RoamAlert issues the alarm at the
server or at the workstation designated for that particular alarm. A sound specific
to the tag type (resident, asset, unassigned) is played through the computer
speaker.
RoamAlert is pre-configured with a default sound for each tag type (alarm1.wav)
and 3 other sounds are supplied (alarm2.wav, alarm3.wav, alarm4.wav) on disk
in the RoamAlert installation folder. You can create or sample your own custom
alarm sounds using third-party audio software, store them on disk as .wav files
and use them in place of the supplied sounds.
Sounds must be managed in Administrator mode at the server.
Procedure:

View the Alarm Sounds List

•

8–20

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Sounds tab. The Alarm Sounds panel opens. The Sound Notification
column refers to the Exit alarm sound.

RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

The Alarm Sounds panel toolbar provides these functions:

Procedure:

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Properties

Change the sound properties of the selected tag type

The Print button is unavailable

Change a Defined Alarm Sound

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Sounds panel.

In the list, double-click the tag type for which you wish to change the
sound, or click Properties on the toolbar. The Alarm Sound Notification
Properties sheet opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–21

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

8–22

To change the sound for an alarm type, clear the Use Default Sound box,
then click the Browse button. A standard Windows File Open dialog box
opens at the RoamAlert installation folder and displays the available .wav
files.

Select one of the displayed .wav files or look in other folders where you may
have stored your own custom alarm sounds, select one, then click Open.
RoamAlert replaces the default sound with the selected one and returns to
the properties sheet.

RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Alarm Sound Configurations

5
6

To test the sound you selected, click Play.
To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To
save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–23

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons
Icons for each node (receivers, workstations, server, controllers, I/O 8 modules)
are displayed on the floor plans in the exact location of the node in the facility.
In a multi-floor facility, a set of tabs at the upper left of the floor plan area
controls the display of floors. The leftmost tab displays the default floor, that is,
the floor that is normally displayed when there is no alarm activity.
In User mode, alarm activity is displayed on the floor plan at the node location
closest to the alarm on the workstations set up to display alarms from that floor.
In a multi-floor facility, the floor where an alarm occurs is immediately displayed
no matter which floor is currently displayed. When the alarm is accepted, the
display reverts to the default floor.
Floor plans must be managed in Administrator mode at the server.
Procedure:

View Floor Plans

•

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors tab. The Floors panel opens. If this is a multi-floor facility, you
can display each floor using the name tabs at the upper left.
Note:

The floors displayed in this guide are strictly for demonstration purposes
and will not resemble the floors in your facility.

In a multi-floor facility, floors are displayed in tab order, left to right.
Clicking any floor tab displays that floor for 2 minutes, after which the
display reverts to the default floor.

8–24

RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Icon Dock

Floor Tabs

The Floors panel toolbar provides these functions:
Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Floor

Add a new floor plan to the RoamAlert system

Properties

Change the properties of the displayed floor plan

Delete Floor

Remove the displayed floor plan from the system

Move Floor Left

Move the floor plan towards the left (top) of the tab
order. The leftmost plan is the default.

Move Floor Right

Move the floor plan towards the right (bottom) of the
tab order

Remove Node

Remove the selected node icon from the floor plan

The Print button is unavailable

RoamAlert User Guide

8–25

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Adding, Editing and Deleting Floor Plans
If your facility grows, you may increase the size of the RoamAlert perimeter.
This may involve adding floors to the system. If your facility re-arranges its
space, you may need to remove a floor plan from the system or replace a floor
plan with an updated one. Floor plans must be in bitmap (.BMP) format.
Procedure:

8–26

Add a New Floor

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors panel.

Click Add New Floor on the toolbar. The Floor Plan Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the New Floor Plan window.

RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons
The Next button is enabled when both Name and Image file are filled in.
4
5

In the Floor Plan Name field, type a short but easily recognizable name to
appear on the floor tab.
Click the Browse button. A standard Windows File Open dialog box opens
at the RoamAlert folder and displays any available .bmp files. Select the
appropriate floor plan file or look in other folders where you may have floor
plans stored, select one and click Open.

Note:

If you have selected a floor plan from outside the RoamAlert Floors
folder, RoamAlert automatically copies the plan into the Floors folder.

Click Next to continue to the Position New Floor Plan window. The
defined floor plan names are listed, with the leftmost in tab order at the top
and rightmost at the bottom.

Select the new floor plan and click Move Up to bring it toward the top
(move the tab left in floor plan view), or Move Down to bring it toward the
bottom (move the tab right in floor plan view).
Click Next to continue to the Completing the Floor Plan Wizard window.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–27

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Procedure:

Edit a Floor Plan

1
2
3

8–28

Review the information you entered for this floor.
If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close
the wizard without adding the floor.
If you are satisfied, click Next to save the floor and start adding another, or
click Finish to save the floor and close the wizard.
The new floor is added in the defined tab order to the Floors panel.

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors panel.
Click the tab for the floor you wish to edit.
Click Properties on the toolbar. The Floor Properties sheet opens at the
General panel. Open each property panel to make changes. Change the
name or select a new floor plan file, move floor plans to new positions as
needed.

RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

4
Procedure:

Warning:

Click OK to save your changes and close the window or click Cancel to
close the window without saving the changes.

Delete a Floor Plan

Deleting a floor plan is final. There is no undo. The placed nodes are not
actually deleted, but their placements on the floor plan are lost.
1
2

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors panel.
Click the tab for the floor you wish to remove.

Click Delete Floor on the toolbar. The Delete Floor Plan dialog box opens.

Make sure that the floor plan displayed is the one you wish to delete.
To also delete the image file from the disk, select the Delete image file: box.
Click Cancel to keep the floor and return to the Floors panel, or click OK to
delete the floor (NO undo) and return to the Floors panel.

5
6

RoamAlert User Guide

8–29

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons

Placing, Moving and Removing Node Icons
Node icons (server, workstations, door and elevator controllers, receivers, WTRs
and I/O modules) are placed on the floor plans at the location of the device. As
your facility grows, new nodes may be installed and existing nodes moved or
removed. If renovations are made or equipment that interferes with RF signals is
added or moved, nodes may also be moved, removed or added.
In these cases, you will need to place, move and remove the node icons on the
floor plans.
If your floor plans become crowded with node icons, you can reduce their sizes.
See “Modify RoamAlert Software Settings” on page 8-17 for details.
Note:

Nodes not placed on a floor plan still respond to alarms and other system activity,
although the activity will not display on the floor plans.
The Floors panel includes an Icon Dock at the left which holds the icons for all
currently defined nodes in the system (see “Configuring and Managing Nodes”
on page 9-10 for details).

Above the Icon Dock, a toolbar contains small buttons used to display or hide
the icons for a specific node type. This makes icon selection easier when there are
many nodes to choose from.
Procedure:

Place a Node Icon on a Floor Plan

1
2
3

8–30

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors panel.
Select the floor plan on which you will place nodes.
If necessary, click a button on the Icon Dock toolbar to display the node
type you want to place on the floor plan.
If there are more node icons than can be displayed in the dock, you can use
the scroll bar, or you can type the ID of the node into the box below the
toolbar to bring that node into view.
RoamAlert User Guide

Managing Floor Plans and Floor Plan Icons
4

Click the node icon and, while holding down the left mouse button, drag
the node to the appropriate location on the floor plan, then release the
mouse button. The node is added to the floor plan.
Note:

Procedure:

Move a Node Icon on a Floor Plan

1
2

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors panel.
Select the floor plan which has the node you need to move.
Note:

Procedure:

For I/O 8 modules, module input zones are represented by blue
(enabled) or purple (disabled) diamonds. The zone icons can also be
dragged and dropped to their correct locations.

If you need to move a node icon to another floor in a multi-floor facility,
you must first remove the node from the floor plan it is on and then
place it on the other floor.

On the floor plan, click the node icon and, while holding down the left
mouse button, drag the node to its new location, then release the mouse
button.

Remove a Node Icon from a Floor Plan

1
2
3
4

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Floors panel.
Select the floor plan which has the node you need to remove.
On the floor plan, click the node icon to highlight it. The Remove Node
button on the Floors panel toolbar is enabled.

Click Remove Node on the Floors panel toolbar.
Review the information presented in the Removing the Node dialog box to
make sure that you are removing the correct node.

Click No or Cancel to keep the node icon, or click Yes to remove it.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–31

Defining and Managing Workstations

Defining and Managing Workstations
As your facility grows or is renovated, the size of the RoamAlert perimeter may
change, so workstations may need to be added, moved, or removed. You must
update the workstation list to reflect these changes. Make sure that your current
license allows for the additional workstations.
Procedure:

View the Console List

•

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Consoles tab. The Consoles panel opens.

The Consoles panel toolbar provides these functions:

8–32

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Console

Add a new workstation to the list

Properties

Change the properties of the selected workstation

Delete Console

Remove the selected workstation from the list

Print the list of workstations (see “Print a List” on
page 3-29)

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations
Procedure:

Add a New Console

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Consoles panel.

Click Add New Console on the toolbar. The New Console Wizard window
opens.

Click Next to continue to the New Console window.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–33

Defining and Managing Workstations
4

Fill in the information for this new workstation as follows:
Console Name

The name must be exactly the same as the name given to
the workstation when the RoamAlert software was
installed on that workstation.

Tag Filters

Specify up to 3 tag ID ranges for which alarms will be
received by this workstation, all others are ignored. Leave
these filters blank to receive alarms from all tags.

Tag Types

Select the tag types for which this workstation will receive
alarms. Clear the tag types to be ignored.

The Next button is enabled when the Name field is filled.
5

Click Next to continue to the Alarm Filter window. A node list is displayed
with check boxes for each alarm filter setting. By default, the workstation
can see, hear, and accept alarms from all door and elevator controllers,
receivers, and I/O-8 modules in the RoamAlert system.

For each node listed in the Controller column, select the filter settings for
this workstation:
• Can See – this workstation displays alarms on the floor plan,
• Can Hear – this workstation sounds alarms on its speaker,
• Can Accept – this workstation can accept alarms.
Uncheck Can See to prevent this workstation from receiving alarms from
that specific node.
6

8–34

Click Next to continue to the External Alarm Output window.

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations
In the previous step, you identified the controllers from which this
workstation can receive alarms. In this step, you define whether or not this
workstation can pass these alarms on to external equipment either through
an alarm output module that is physically connected to this PC or another
device connected to the selected serial port.

Fill in the information for alarm output as follows:
Notify through port If an alarm output module or other serial device such as
an interface to a nurse call system is connected to this
workstation, select the COM port number for the module
or serial device.
Leave at None if no module is connected to this
workstation.

Baud rate

From the drop-down list, select the baud (bits per second)
rate for the port.

Notify on TIF

Select this box to send notifications for Tag In Field
messages

Notify on TIC

Select this box to send notifications for Tag Initiated
Communication messages (panic alarms)

Click Next to continue to the Input Device window.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–35

Defining and Managing Workstations

If a card reader is connected to this workstation, select the COM port that
the device is connected to. (You may need to refer to the device settings in
the Windows Control Panel to retrieve these port numbers.) Only serial card
readers are compatible with RoamAlert software. Ignore TagLinks, which
are not used with the RoamAlert system.
10 Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Console Wizard window.

11 Review the name and tag ranges (if specified) you entered for this

workstation.
If you are not satisfied, click Back to make changes, or click Cancel to close
the wizard without adding the workstation.
If you are satisfied, click Next to save the workstation and start adding
another, or click Finish to save the workstation and close the wizard.
The new workstation is added to the workstation list.

8–36

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Workstations
Procedure:

Edit a Console

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Consoles panel.

In the list, double-click the workstation you wish to edit, or click Properties
on the toolbar. The Console Properties sheet opens at the General panel.
Open each property panel as needed to make changes (see “Add a New
Console” for field details).

Step 4, page 8-34

Step 5, page 8-34

Step 6, page 8-34

Step 7, page 8-35

To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To
save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

RoamAlert User Guide

8–37

Defining and Managing Workstations
Procedure:

Delete a Console

1
2

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Consoles panel.
Click the workstation you wish to remove.
Note:

Click Delete Console on the toolbar. The Delete Console Wizard opens.

Review the information to ensure that this is the workstation you wish to
delete.
Click Cancel to keep the workstation and return to the Consoles panel, or
click Finish to delete the workstation and return to the Consoles panel.

8–38

The RoamAlert server cannot be deleted.

RoamAlert User Guide

Chapter 9
CONFIGURING AND
MANAGING THE ROAMALERT
NETWORK
CHAPTER 0

RoamAlert network management procedures include:
• Performing system testing and backups
• Shutting down and restarting the system
• Viewing the system log
• Managing the network, nodes and links

RoamAlert network configuration procedures include:
• Configuring RS-485 networks
• Configuring nodes (controllers, receivers, I/O-8 modules, WTRs)
• Configuring links

Network configuration procedures (RS-485 network, node, and link tasks) are
normally performed by the RoamAlert installation team. Since you have access
to the configuration tools in Administrator mode, and you may be required to
perform them, these procedures are documented here for your information.
All network procedures (except shutting down and restarting workstations) can
only be performed by an Administrator at the RoamAlert server.
Note:

This information is offered for reference only. If you have any questions about
installing devices or setting up the system, please consult your dealer or Stanley
Healthcare Solutions. A complete discussion of these issues is contained in the
RoamAlert Installation Manual.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–1

System Testing

System Testing
You should perform regular tests on the system to ensure that the controllers,
receivers, and tags are operating properly.
Controllers
Check the operation of controllers at least once a month:
• walk into the detection field at a door with a working tag, which should
lock the door (if so configured) and start an audible warning (TIF) at
the local keypad.
• complete a bypass at each keypad to ensure correct operation.
Receivers
Check the operation of receivers at least once a month.
Tags
See “Testing and Cleaning Tags” on page 7-11 for details.

9–2

RoamAlert User Guide

Performing Backups

Performing Backups
You should back up all RoamAlert system files on a regular basis. Your facility
will most likely have a data protection policy in place that you should refer to.
When the RoamAlert software is configured (see “Specifying Global Software
Settings” on page 8-17), two options are set that relate to system backups:
• Backup folder – specifies the disk folder where backup files are stored.
• Backup schedule – specifies the backup frequency and time of day.

Each time you perform a manual backup or the system performs a scheduled
backup, a separate archive is created within the specified Backup folder. As the
maximum length of an Activity Log is 31 days, an archive ensures that you can
retrieve log entries from an earlier time.
All system data is stored on the server; backups are not necessary at
workstations.
Manual backups can be made by either the Supervisor or Administrator and the
server must be in Supervisor or Administrator mode.
Procedure:

Perform a Manual Backup

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor
mode.

To start the backup, press Alt-B on the keyboard.
RoamAlert performs the backup and displays a message like this:

Each time you perform the backup a new folder is created within the
backup folder. The name of the new folder is created in the form
yyyymmddhhmmss, where: yyyy = year, mm = month, dd = day, hh =
hour, mm = minute, and ss = second.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–3

Shutting Down and Restarting the System

Shutting Down and Restarting the System
If the server or a workstation requires maintenance, it can be shut down by a
Supervisor or Administrator.
Warning:

When the server has been shut down, events are no longer logged, although
door controllers remain active. Further, all workstations are disconnected and
no longer receive alarms or any other communications from the network.

Procedure:

Shut Down the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation

At the keyboard of the server or workstation, press Alt-Q to begin shutting
down RoamAlert. The System Shutdown dialog opens.

The OK button is not enabled until a User Name and Password are entered.
2

Procedure:

Type in your User Name and press Tab or Enter, then type in your
Password and press Enter or click OK.
If your User Name and Password are entered correctly, the RoamAlert
system shuts down, otherwise an error message is displayed.

Restart the RoamAlert Server or a Workstation

If the server or workstation has been configured to launch RoamAlert at start-up:
1 Turn on the computer.
2 Windows starts and then RoamAlert starts automatically.
Otherwise:
1 Turn on the computer.
2 When Windows starts, double-click the RoamAlert icon on the desktop or
select Start, All Programs, RoamAlert, RoamAlert.

9–4

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks
If your facility uses network managers, this section does not apply.
RoamAlert uses an RS-485 network infrastructure to communicate between the
system devices and the server either through an RS-485 card in the server or
through a network manager. If your facility uses RS-485 cards and expands the
RoamAlert perimeter or adds devices such as receivers, it may become necessary
to add another RS-485 network to the system.
Warning:

This information is offered for reference only, since network configuration is
normally performed by the RoamAlert installation team. Attempting to edit these
settings may result in the loss of all network communications.
These tasks can be performed only by an Administrator at the RoamAlert
server.

Procedure:

View the RS-485 Network Panel

•

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the RS-485 Network tab. The RS-485 Network panel opens.

The RS-485 Network panel toolbar provides these functions:
Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New RS-485
Network

Add a new network to the panel

RoamAlert User Guide

9–5

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

Procedure:

9–6

Function

Usage

Properties

Change the properties of the selected network

Delete RS-485
Network

Remove the selected network from the panel

Start

Enabled if the network is paused or stopped.
Restarts network communications. (technician only)

Pause

Pauses network communication (technician only)

Stop

Stops all network activity (technician only)

The Print button is unavailable

Add an RS-485 Network

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the RS-485 Network panel.

Click Add New RS-485 Network on the toolbar. The New RS-485 Network
Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the RS-485 Network window. The next available
COM port and the default baud rate of 57,600 are pre-selected. Unless
specifically directed by the dealer or Stanley Healthcare Solutions, do not
change these settings.

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

Click Next to continue to the Completing the New RS-485 Network
window.

Review the information for this new network. If any of the information is
not correct:
• click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the network.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to add this new network and close the New RS-485
Network Wizard, or
• click Next to add this network and begin adding another network.
The new network is added to the RS-485 Network panel.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–7

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks
Procedure:

Edit the Baud Rate of an RS-485 Network

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the RS-485 Network panel.

Double-click the RS-485 Network that is to be edited, or select the network
and click Properties on the toolbar. The RS-485 Network Properties sheet
opens. The COM port setting cannot be changed.

Use the down arrow to select a different Baud Rate.
To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To
save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK. To immediately
update the system and keep the window open, click Apply.

Procedure:

Delete an RS-485 Network

1
2
3

9–8

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the RS-485 Network panel.
Click the network you wish to remove.
Click Delete RS-485 Network on the toolbar. The Delete RS-485 Network
Wizard opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing RS-485 Networks

4
5

Review the information to ensure that this is the network you wish to
delete.
Click Cancel to keep the network and return to the RS-485 Network panel,
or click Finish to delete the network and return to the RS-485 Network
panel.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–9

Configuring and Managing Nodes

Configuring and Managing Nodes
If your facility grows, you may increase the size of the RoamAlert perimeter.
This may involve adding nodes to the system. If your facility re-arranges the
space you may need to move, add, or remove nodes.
Nodes that can be added to the system include:
Door Controllers
Elevator Controllers
Receivers
I/O 8 Modules
Wireless Tag Readers
The serial numbers for each node follow a pattern. The starting digit identifies
the node type:
• 0 or 1 – Door or Elevator Controller
• 2 or 6 – Receiver
• 4 – I/O 8 Module
• 8 – Wireless Tag Reader (WTR)
Each node type has specific properties that are defined when the node is added.
Nodes can be added only by an Administrator at the RoamAlert server.
Procedure:

View the Nodes Panel

•

9–10

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Nodes tab. The Nodes panel opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

The Nodes panel toolbar provides these functions:

Procedure:

Note:

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Node

Add a new node to the node list

Properties

Change the properties of the selected node

Delete Node

Remove the selected node from the node list

Print the node list

Add a Node

When you have completed this procedure, ensure that you place the icon for the new
node on the floor plan. See “Place a Node Icon on a Floor Plan” on page 8-30.
1

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Nodes panel.

Click Add New Node on the toolbar. The New Node Wizard window opens.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–11

Configuring and Managing Nodes

Click Next to continue to the New Node window.

Enter the Serial Number for the node. As you type the first digit, RoamAlert
enables one or more Node Type options.
Type in a Node Name for this new node. Provide a name that clearly reflects
the location of the node. For example, a receiver in a resident room might be
called Room 204, or a door controller might be called West Stairway.
If this node is a WTR, enter the Address of the device. This is the number
(from 0-255) that was previously programmed into the WTR when it was
physically installed.

9–12

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes

7
8

Make sure to select the correct Node Type.
Click Next and, according to the node type you selected, continue
configuration as follows:
• For receivers, elevator controllers or WTRs, there is no further

configuration. The Completing the New Node Wizard window opens.
Proceed to Step 11.
• For door controllers, proceed to Step 9.
• For I/O-8 modules, proceed to Step 10.
9

Configuring the door controller:
1

The Controller Operation Modes window opens.

To set a Door Ajar Alarm activation time for the full 24-hour period,
select either check box and use the arrows to select, in 1 second
increments, the length of time after which a door left ajar will activate
the alarm. To set two separate activation times, select both check boxes
and select an increment. For example, the screen above specifies a 20-

RoamAlert User Guide

9–13

Configuring and Managing Nodes
second delay from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and a 2-second delay from 8:00
PM to 8:00 AM.
3

To prevent this controller from issuing loiter alarms to the software,
click the Suppress Loiter check box.

To prevent the Override Symbol from being displayed on the controller
icon in the floor plan during override periods, click the Override Symbol
check box.

To prevent this controller from issuing Tag In Field warnings, click the
Tag In Field Warning check box.

To specify up to three periods during which RoamAlert ignores Tag In
Field warnings, select an Override Time Period check box and select a
from and to time.

Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Node Wizard
window. Go to Step 11.

10 Configuring the I/O-8 module:
1

The Configure I/O-8 Zone Settings window opens. Up to 8 zones can be
assigned to an I/O-8 module. Each zone can be either an output or an
input zone.

Use the up and down arrows to select a zone number (1-8) from the
Zone box, then click Assign.

Note:

9–14

If the zone you select has already been assigned, the Assign button is
labelled Unassign.

Type in a logical Name for this zone, for example Corridor 3.

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes
4

Click the Enable check box to activate this zone immediately upon
completion of the New Node wizard. Otherwise, you can enable the
zone later by editing its properties.

Select either Output or Input to activate the appropriate option group
for the zone.

Select the Output or Input options as follows:

Output State

Input Type

Default Input
State

Supervision

RoamAlert User Guide

Non-Active

The output is normally OFF.

Active

The output is normally ON.

Latch

The host controller will report an alarm when the
zone is in alarm (i.e., not in the default state), and
will continue to repeat the alarm until the zone
input returns to the normal/default state and the
user accepts the alarm.

Non-Latch

The host controller will report the alarm as long as
the zone is in alarm and will automatically
acknowledge the alarm when the input condition
returns to normal/default state.

Normally Closed – zone contact is closed and an
alarm is generated when the zone contact opens.

Normally Open – zone contact is open and an
alarm is generated when the zone contact closes.

Depending on whether an end-of-line termination resistor is
installed at the input zone, it can be categorized as a Supervised
or Non-Supervised zone. Configuring the input zone as a
Supervised zone will help to detect whether the input switch is
being tampered with, i.e. if the switch is hard-wired or open
circuited. Normally open contacts require an EOL termination
resistor in parallel with the switch contacts for Supervised
operation. Normally closed contacts require an EOL
termination resistor in series with the switch contacts for
Supervised operation.

9–15

Configuring and Managing Nodes
7

Repeat Steps 9.2 to 9.6 for each zone being configured.

Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Node Wizard
window.
11 Review the information for this new node. If any of the information is not
correct:

•

click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the node.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Finish to add this new node and close the New RS-485 Network
Wizard, or
• click Next to add this node and begin adding another node.
The new node is added to the Nodes panel.

9–16

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes
Procedure:

Edit A Node’s Properties

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Nodes panel.

In the list, double-click the node that is to be edited, or select the node and
click Properties on the toolbar. The Node Properties sheet opens at the
General tab. The Properties sheet and available options are different for
each node type. Open each property panel to make changes (see “Add a
Node” on page 9-11 for field details).
Note:

•

The Serial Number for any node cannot be changed.

Door and elevator controllers have two property tabs, General and
Controller Operation Modes. However, the Controller Operation
Modes tab is not enabled for elevator controllers.

Step 9, page 9-13

RoamAlert User Guide

Step 1, page 9-13

9–17

Configuring and Managing Nodes
•

I/O-8 modules have two property tabs, General and I/O-8 Zone
Settings. Options cannot be changed for a zone that is associated with
an active link.

Step 10, page 9-14

•

9–18

Step 1, page 9-14

Receivers have one property tab, General. The only change you can
make here is to the Node Name.

To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To
save your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

RoamAlert User Guide

Configuring and Managing Nodes
Procedure:

Delete a Node

1
2

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Nodes panel.
Click the node you wish to remove.

Click Delete Node on the toolbar. The Delete Node Wizard opens.

Review the information to ensure that this is the node you wish to delete.
Note:

If the node you are deleting is an I/O-8 module and it is associated with
an active Link, it cannot be deleted. The association must be removed
on the link’s property sheet (see “Edit a Link’s Properties” on page 9-25
for details).

Click Cancel to keep the node and return to the Nodes panel, or click
Finish to delete the node and return to the Nodes panel.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–19

Defining and Managing Links

Defining and Managing Links
A Link is the association between the occurrence of a predefined condition (link
trigger) and an operation (link action) that RoamAlert carries out in response.
There are two kinds of triggers that can be defined:
• a time trigger causes the system to perform an action at specified times
during a day. For example, a time trigger can be defined that keeps
certain doors locked from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am every day.
• a system trigger causes the system to perform an action when an event
happens. For example, a link trigger can monitor the area at an exit
when an event occurs, such as the door being opened.
Links require an I/O-8 module with at least one defined input zone and at least
one defined output zone.
Procedure:

View the Links List

•

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Links tab. The Links panel opens.

The Links panel toolbar provides these functions:

9–20

Function

Usage

User Mode

Return to User Mode (floor plan view)

Add New Link

Add a new link to the list

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links

Procedure:

Function

Usage

Properties

Change the properties of the selected link

Delete Link

Remove the selected link from the list

Print the list of links (see “Print a List” on page 3-29)

Add A New Link

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Links panel.

Click Add New Link on the toolbar. The New Link Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the New Link window.

Type in a Link Name for this link. If you do not want this link to be
activated immediately after completing the wizard, check the Disable Link

RoamAlert User Guide

9–21

Defining and Managing Links
box (the link can be activated later in the Property sheet). Click Next to
continue to the Time Trigger window.

If the link action will not be time triggered, click Next to continue to the
System Trigger window. Proceed to Step 6. Otherwise, to trigger the link
action during a specific time period on one or more days of the week:
1

Check the Set Time Trigger box.

Select a Start Time and an End Time for the trigger. Click the hour,
minutes, or seconds and use the arrows to increase or decrease the value.
The End Time must be later than the Start Time.

Select a day or day range from the Day Selection list. You can set the
trigger to occur any day of the week (Mon-Sun), just weekdays (MonFri), just weekends (Sat-Sun), or only on a specific day of the week.

4
6

9–22

When you are satisfied with the time trigger setting, click Next to
continue to the System Trigger window.
In the System Trigger window, you can set up one or more system events
that trigger the link action.
RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links

If the link action is time triggered only, click Next to continue to the Link
Action window. Otherwise, to set a system trigger:
1

Select a controller and then select one or more of the system events that
will trigger the action.

Select an I/O-8 module and then select the input zone or zones that will
trigger the action.

If two or more events are used to trigger the link action, select the Logic
Type. The AND type triggers the link action when all the defined
events occur, the OR type when any of the events occurs.

4
7

Click Next to continue to the Link Action window.
In the Link Action window, you can specify the I/O-8 module output zone
that will be activated when the trigger conditions are met.

RoamAlert User Guide

9–23

Defining and Managing Links

Select the I/O-8 Module and then check the output zones to be activated.
9 Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Link Wizard window.
10 In the Completing the New Link Wizard window, review the information
you entered for this link.

•

click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the link.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Next to add this link and begin adding another link, or
• click Finish to add this new link and close the New Link Wizard.
The new link is added to the Link List.

9–24

RoamAlert User Guide

Defining and Managing Links
Procedure:

Note:

Edit a Link’s Properties

If you are attempting to delete an I/O-8 module that is associated with a link, it
must be removed from the link before it can be deleted. Either remove the association
on the Link Trigger property sheet, or delete the link, then delete the I/O-8 module
(see “Delete a Node” on page 9-19).
1

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Links panel.

In the list, double-click the link that is to be edited, or select the link and
click Properties on the toolbar. The Link Properties sheet opens at the
General tab. Open each property panel to make changes (see “Add A New
Link” on page 9-21 for field details).
Note:

The Link ID for any link cannot be changed.

Step 4, page 9-21

Step 5, page 9-22

Step 6, page 9-22

Step 7, page 9-23

RoamAlert User Guide

9–25

Defining and Managing Links
3

Procedure:

Delete a Link

1
2

At the RoamAlert server keyboard, log in to Administrator mode and select
the Links panel.
Click the link you wish to remove.

Click Delete Link on the toolbar. The Delete Link Wizard opens.

Review the information to ensure that this is the link you wish to delete.
Click Cancel to keep the link and return to the Links panel, or click Finish
to delete the link and return to the Links panel.

9–26

To close the properties sheet without saving your changes, click Cancel. To
save your changes and remain at the properties sheet, click Apply. To save
your changes and close the properties sheet, click OK.

RoamAlert User Guide

Appendix A
MANAGING ASSET TAGS

CHAPTER 0

Asset tags can be attached to laptop computers, emergency carts, IV pumps and
other mobile devices. Asset tags trigger exit alarms if the tagged item is taken
through a protected exit without authorization. In a facility outfitted with
receivers, a tamper alarm is recognized if the tag is removed, and tags can also be
configured to emit a regular pulse so that the item can be located on the floor
plan within the protected area. Without receivers, the system will not respond
to tampered tags, but tags will still cause a door controller to react.
This appendix describes the following tasks:
• Developing categories for asset tags
• Configuring alarms sounds for asset tags
• Adding and removing tags to and from inventory
• Assigning a tag to an item
• Physically attaching a tag to an item
• Removing, cleaning, and storing tags
• Editing tag properties
• Transporting tags
• Responding to tag alarms

RoamAlert User Guide

A–1

Asset Tag Categories and Alarm Sounds

Asset Tag Categories and Alarm Sounds
When an asset tag is assigned to an item, a category must be specified. Categories
are a way of grouping together items of a similar type. Examples of categories
may include laptops, IV pumps, emergency carts, etc. To create and edit
categories for assets in RoamAlert, see “Defining and Managing Tag Categories”
on page 8-6.
Asset tags can trigger exit (TIF) alarms, and tamper (TIC), and missed tag pulse
(TLM) alarms in a facility equipped with receivers. A distinct sound can be
associated with each of these alarm types. To specify custom sounds for asset
tags, see “Managing Alarm Sound Configurations” on page 8-20.

Adding and Removing Asset Tags
Like other tags in the system, asset tags must be added to inventory before they
can be assigned to an item, and they should be removed from inventory when
they are no longer needed.
Procedure:

A–2

Add an Asset Tag to Inventory

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

Click Add New Tag on the toolbar. The New Tag Wizard window opens.

Click Next to continue to the Add Tag(s) window. (If you are at a
RoamAlert workstation, this window does not appear. Skip to Step 5.)

RoamAlert User Guide

Adding and Removing Asset Tags

Make sure that To add tag(s) manually or reading in by TagLink is selected,
then click Next to continue to the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By
TagLink window.

In the Add Tag Manually or Reading In By TagLink window, enter the tag
ID, then click Next to continue to the Tag’s Expiration Date window.
Note:

RoamAlert User Guide

On the top of the tag, a sticker contains a 10-character sequence below
the bar code. The first four (4) characters are the expiry date and the
last six (6) characters are the tag ID.

A–3

Adding and Removing Asset Tags

A–4

Select the month and year of tag expiry using the arrows. The expiry date
can be found on the top of the tag or on the foil bag. If you do not have the
foil bag handy, you can use the pocket tag reader to read the expiry date
from the tag itself.
Click Next to continue to the Completing the New Tag Wizard window.

Review the information for this tag. If the ID or expiry date are not correct:
• click Back to make changes, or
• click Cancel to close the Wizard without adding the tag.
If you are satisfied with the displayed information:
• click Next to add this tag and begin adding another tag, or
• click Finish to add this new tag and close the New Tag Wizard.
The new tag is added to the Tag List.

RoamAlert User Guide

Adding and Removing Asset Tags
Procedure:

Delete an Asset Tag from Inventory

At either the RoamAlert server or a workstation, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

Select the tag you wish to delete. The Delete Tag button is enabled only for
tags with a status of Unassigned.
Click Delete Tag on the toolbar. The Delete Tag Wizard window opens.

4
5

RoamAlert User Guide

A–5

Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item

Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item
Asset tags cannot be assigned using the Assign Tag Wizard; they can only be
assigned through the tag’s property sheet.
Procedure:

Assign an Asset Tag to an Item

At the RoamAlert server or workstation keyboard, log in to Supervisor mode
and select the Tags panel.

In the tag list, double-click the tag to be assigned, or select the tag and click
Properties on the toolbar. The Tag Properties sheet opens at the General
tab.

Click Assign. The Asset Info dialog box opens.

A–6

The Description, Serial No., and Category fields are mandatory. The OK
button is not enabled until these fields are filled in.

RoamAlert User Guide

Assigning an Asset Tag to an Item
2
4

Fill in the remainder of the fields according to the policies at your
facility, then click OK to return to the property sheet.
In the Tag Pulse Supervision panel, select Yes or No to specify whether or
not tag pulse supervision is required for this item.

If you select Yes, the Tag Pulse rate field is enabled. Select a rate in the list,
from 16 seconds up to 24 hours.
Note:

Make sure that the tag is configured to the pulse rate you select. Use
the Tag Reader to query and set the rate.

When you are satisfied with the properties of this tag, click Apply to save
the tag assignment and remain in the property sheet, click OK to save the
tag assignment and return to the Tags list, or click Cancel to return to the
Tags list without saving the tag assignment.

RoamAlert User Guide

A–7

Attaching, Removing and Storing Asset Tags

Attaching, Removing and Storing Asset Tags
Asset Tags are fastened using an adhesive strip. A properly fastened Asset Tag
should keep the bottom of the Asset Tag secure against the asset so that the
tamper pin is pushed in. Proper tagging will reduce the risk of nuisance alarms.

Expiry Date/Serial Number

Tamper Pin

Asset Tag Top

Asset Tag Bottom

Asset Tags can be attached only to flat, hard and even surfaces. The material to
which the tag is attached should not bend, flex or stretch. Material such as
textiles, fabrics, rubber or material sensitive to the adhesive may not be suitable
for tag application. Asset Tags are shipped with an adhesive strip covered by a
protective film. For subsequent applications, order extra adhesives.
Procedure:

Attach an Asset Tag to an Item

1
2
3
4

Procedure:

Remove an Asset Tag from an Item

1
2

Procedure:

Unassign the tag in the tag property sheet before removing the tag. See
“Unassign a Tag” on page 7-17 for details.
Carefully remove the tag from the item. If residue from the adhesive remains
on the item, try rubbing it off with your finger. Alternatively, use alcohol to
remove the residue.

Clean and Store an Asset Tag

A–8

Ensure that the surface of the item is clean and dry. If necessary, clean the
area where the tag is to be attached.
Remove the protective plastic piece that keeps the tamper pin pushed in.
Remove the adhesive backing from the tag.
Firmly press the tag onto the item.

Clean the tag with alcohol or an aerosol disinfectant spray.
• Do not use Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) or acetone.
RoamAlert User Guide

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms
•

Ensure that no fluid enters the tamper pin opening. This will damage
the electronic components.
• Do not submerge the tag in water or any other liquid.
2

Store the tag in its individual shielded bag. Store only one tag per bag.

Editing Asset Tag Properties
The properties of an asset tag are modified in the same manner as any other tag.
See “Editing Tag Properties” on page 7-15 for details.
However, note that an assigned tag cannot have its category changed. The tag
must be unassigned and then reassigned in order to change the category. See
“Unassign a Tag” on page 7-17 and “Assign an Asset Tag to an Item” on
page A-6 for details.

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms
An asset tag triggers alarms under these conditions:
• an exit alarm (TIF) when the tag approaches a protected door without
either being transported or in the presence of an associated pendant,
• a tamper alarm (TIC) when the tag is removed from the item within
the RoamAlert perimeter (if receivers are installed), or
• a missed tag pulse alarm when RoamAlert no longer receives TLMs
(tag location messages) from the tag (if receivers are installed).
You respond to these alarms in the same manner as you do with any other tag.
See “Accept an Alarm at the Server or a Workstation” on page 4-4 for details.

RoamAlert User Guide

A–9

Responding to Asset Tag Alarms

A–10

RoamAlert User Guide

Appendix B
TAG TESTING FORM

CHAPTER 0

On the next page, we have provided a sample Test Result Record sheet. You
can make photocopies for distribution or, using this template as an example,
create your own form or spreadsheet.

RoamAlert User Guide

B–1

Record of Tag Test Results
Test Method
Tag
Type

Tag Serial # or
Resident Name

Test Date
(yyyy/mm/dd)

Reader

Door

Test Result
OK

Not
Detected

Tester

Initials

Tag Types: W = Wrist, S = Securaband, Pe = Pendant, A = Asset, I = Inter, PC = Pull Cord, T = TABS

Index

Assign tag, 3-3

Backups, 9-3

Activity Logs, 5-1
annotating, 5-4
searching for entries, 5-5
viewing, 5-2

Bypassing a door or elevator, 3-19

Alarm Sounds, 8-20
changing defaults, 8-21
viewing, 8-20

Consoles
adding, 8-33
configuring and managing, 8-32
deleting, 8-38
editing, 8-37
viewing the console list, 8-32

Alarms
about, 4-2
accept at mode 1 keypad, 4-5
accept at server or console, 4-4
asset tags, A-9
low battery, 4-6
muting, 4-6
system, 4-6
Annotations
adding, 8-3
deleting, 8-5
editing, 8-4
viewing, 8-2
Anti-piggybacking, 3-15
Asset Tags
adding to inventory, A-2
alarm sounds, A-2
assigning, A-6
attaching to an item, A-8
categories, A-2
cleaning and storing, A-8
deleting from inventory, A-5
editing properties, A-9
managing, A-1
removing, A-8
responding to alarms, A-9

RoamAlert User Guide

C
Census, display tag census, 3-18

E
Editing, patient information, 3-10

F
Floor Plans
adding new floor, 8-26
deleting, 8-29
editing, 8-28
managing, 8-24
moving node icons, 8-31
placing node icons, 8-30
removing node icons, 8-31
viewing, 8-24

G
Global Settings, 8-17

K
Keypad
bypassing a door or elevator, 3-19
keys, LEDs and tones, 3-20

L
Links
adding, 9-21
configuring and managing, 9-20

I–1

deleting, 9-26
editing, 9-25
triggers, 9-20
viewing links list, 9-20
Logging on to Wizards, 3-2

M
Manual
audience, 1-3
terms and conventions, 1-2
Messaging Devices
deleting, 8-16
editing, 8-15
viewing, 8-12, 8-13

N
Network Configuration, 9-1
Node Icons, see Floor Plans

system configuration, 8-1
system testing, 9-2
typical installation, 2-3
RS485 Network
adding, 9-6
deleting, 9-8
editing baud rate, 9-8
viewing the network panel, 9-5

S
Screen
administrator mode, 2-14
supervisor mode, 2-13
user mode, 2-11
Security levels, 2-8
Shutting Down RoamAlert, 9-4
Software Settings, 8-17
modifying, 8-17

Nodes
adding, 9-11
configuring and managing, 9-10
deleting, 9-19
editing, 9-17
viewing nodes panel, 9-10

Switching Modes
log in to Adminstrator, 3-28
log in to Supervisor, 3-27

System Configuration, 8-1

Pagers, see Messaging Devices
Printing Lists, 3-29

System Icons
components, 2-17
sytem events, 2-17
warnings and alarms, 2-17

Restarting RoamAlert, 9-4

Tag
display Census, 3-18
editing information, 3-10
return from transport, 3-16
taking into controlled elevator, 3-21
taking through controlled door, 3-20
transporting, 3-13
unassigning, 3-25

PIN Codes, assiging to users, 6-4

RoamAlert
network configuration, 9-1
performing backups, 9-3
restarting, 9-4
shutting down, 9-4
software, 2-8
system components, 2-4

I–2

Sound Configuration, see Alarm Sounds
Staff Tags, 3-21

RoamAlert User Guide

Tag Categories
adding, 8-7
deleting, 8-10
editing, 8-10
viewing, 8-6
Tags
see also Asset Tags
adding multiple tags to inventory, 7-7
adding to inventory manually, 7-4
asset, A-1
assigning and unassigning, 7-17
attaching wrist tags, 3-8
change expiry date, 7-19
deleting from inventory, 7-10
edit information and configuration, 7-20
managing, 7-1
return transported (property sheet), 7-22
storing, 3-9

RoamAlert User Guide

testing and cleaning, 7-11
Triggers, see Links

U
Users
assigning PIN codes, 6-4
deleting, 6-7
editing user information, 6-6
managing, 6-1
viewing the user list, 6-2

W
Warnings
see Front Matter
system icons, 2-17
Warranty, see Front Matter
Wizards, starting, 3-2

I–3

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