System diagnostic mode for a security central station receiver

Abstract

A system diagnostic mode is provided for a security central station receiver that monitors the operations of a large number of individual security systems over a large number of telephone lines. The system diagnostic mode provides the receiver with the capability to test itself for proper operation after it has been initially installed, or on a repeated basis thereafter, to ensure that the receiver at the security central station is fully operational. A plurality of line cards are designed to serve and interface with the large number of telephone lines. The auto test diagnostic mode tests the operation of the central station receiver, and is programmed to automatically dial into each of the plurality of line cards and to send to each line card a number of preformatted test signals using standard reporting formats that are generated by the auto test diagnostic mode. The auto test diagnostic mode is preferably provided on a test line card that generates the preformatted test signals. After the test is completed, the auto test diagnostic mode routes a report on the results of the preformatted tests to an output of the security central station receiver such as an automation system.