If you are having problems with ComTec Software, please see this site's Bug Report first.
If you are trying to change a Reply keypad's address or channel, please see this site's Frequently Asked Questions page.
From time to time, you may experience operational difficulties with your Reply system. At those rare times, it is important to understand how the system works and how to clear a trouble quickly. In this guide, it is assumed that you know how to connect and test your hardware.
System Operation: Reply Worldwide and Standard Reply
The Reply base station contains one transmitter
and two receivers. The base station for Reply WW (CRS940) has no
external antennas whereas base stations for Standard Reply
(CRS910, CRS920, & ; CRS930) do utilize external antennas.
The transmitter interrogates each keypad sequentially on a given frequency. When the keypad "sees" its address, it transmits the digit entered on a separate frequency. The number in the keypad's window will extinguish and the base station will send an acknowledgement that it received the vote error free.
If the Number Flashes in the Keypad Window
When a user presses a key on the keypad, the number appears in the
window. Once the transmitter signals that pad, the digit is sent
and the display is extinguished. If it is not received error
free, the number will reappear. When it is that keypad's turn
again, it will re-send the vote and extinguish the display.
This results in what appears to be a slow flash (every 2-3 seconds.)
There are only three possible reasons for this. One, the keypad is in a drop-out zone. Two, the pad is too far from the base station. Or three, there is Radio Frequency Interference. In any case, the solution is the same. Get the keypad closer to the base station. Either move the base station so that is centrally located, or move keypads, or use an antenna extension kit for systems with external antennas.
If the Number Stays Solid and Does Not Extinguish
When a key is pressed on the pad, it should appear in the window
and then extinguish after 1 or 2 two seconds. If it does not,
the keypad does not "see" the transmitter at all. There are only
a few possible reasons for this. One, the keypad is much too far
from the base station. Two, power to the base station
is off. Three, the keypad and base station are set to different
channels. Or four, either the keypad or base station has
malfunctioned.
You should first, be sure the keypad is within normal range of the base station (about 100 feet for standard Reply, and 500 feet for Reply Worldwide). Then check that power is on and that those systems that use external antennas have all antennas connected. You should also be certain that the keypads and base stations are on the same channel.
If this does not clear the trouble, it is quite likely that either the keypad or base station needs repair. If only one or two keypads exhibit the problem, it is probably a keypad issue. If all or most keypads exhibit the problem, it is like a base station problem. You should always have a backup base station with you.
Preventive Measures
To avoid troubles, you should always test the entire system before its use. For large rooms, you should obtain
floor plans ahead of time, and decide on equipment placement.
Keep Reply equipment away from other radio devices, speakers,
and large metal objects.
