When I am setting up for a multiple fan test, do I use a router or a switch and how do I configure the DM32 gauges and my control computer (settings and wiring)?.

Routers and switches are different kinds of networking equipment, and are not interchangeable.    

A switch will for the most part just pass the traffic through. Switches can be used for multiplexing so you can get multiple inputs onto one output.  They can also be used as signal boosters so you can extend the length of your data connection.

A router will dynamically generate IP addresses for devices connected to it.  The router will also multiplex and boost signal.

When networking, it is important to understand what piece of equipment is in charge of generating the IP address for each device.  If there is a router anywhere in the network to which you are connecting gauges, that router will provide the IP addresses. 

Gauges

This problem is often caused by anti-virus programs. In particular we have found that using Internet Explorer and a virus protection program from Microsoft called 'Windows Smartscreen'.

Disable your anti-virus program, uninstall the earlier version and download and install the new version from the website:

https://retrotec.com/software.html

The leakage rate IS important because there is a direct correlation between leakage area and peak pressure.  If the leakage is small enough, every room will face destruction upon discharge. The reality is that most rooms are so leaky that the opposite is a problem. The agent typically leaks out so quickly that the enclosure doesn't pass the hold time requirements which means there is very little peak pressure. This is why many systems do not require venting. For most FM200 systems there is a leakage range where the enclosure is tight enough to maintain sufficient hold time but leaky enough not to require vents. You'll only know if you're in that zone by performing a door fan test according to Annex C of NFPA 2001. ISO has a near identical Annex E.

Both Standards require a peak pressure evaluation to determine whether or not the enclosure will be damaged upon discharge. Unfortunately neither standard provides the peak pressure formula. Traditionally, manufacturers of inert systems

FanTestic Integrity software  calculates hold time calculation for Enclosure Integrity for users in the fire suppression market.

1. Make sure you have the DM-2 USB driver for the operating system version that matches the one on your computer (32bit or 64bit) installed on your computer.  You can see it listed in the Control Panel.
2. Run the DM-2 Checker software that was installed with the USB driver.  There will be a shortcut to it in your Start menu of programs: 
   
   The DM2 Checker will open a window on your desktop, and continuously show the connection information about the DM-2 connected to your computer.
3. Sometimes you will have to Right click on the DM2 Checker and “Run as Administrator” in order to get the DM2 Checker to run and find the gauges.  If you have to do this to run the DM2Checker, then you will have to carry out the "Run as administrator" procedure for

There are two cases when you will see red test data in FanTestic:

1. Fan Pressure (flow pressure) is too low for the Range, which means you should change to a smaller, more restrictive, Range – During an Automatic test, the software would prompt you to change the Range in this case.
2. During data collection, there was a data point collected as zero - This is caused by an instantaneous Fan pressure dropout, and the software displays this result in red to indicate data may have been skewed and should be retaken.

If you did not receive a prompt to change Range, most likely the problem is #2. In this case, you should just click the "Clear point" button to clear that specific data point and you can re-input data back into that specific point using Semi-Automatic mode via the "Begin Semi-Automatic" button.

The big issue is exhaust getting into the house. Duct leaks from the supply side cause the house to have a negative pressure, which can cause air to get pulled in from the garage. Exhaust entering the home can be dangerous and can lead to health issues.

The first step is to find what the maximum house depressurization would be with combinations of the airhandler on, closed bedroom doors, and any exhaust fans running. Do what you can to eliminate these pressures. Check to make sure there aren't any air intakes (returns) inside the garage.

To determine how leaky the garage to house connection is test the house leakage at 50 Pa, then pressurize the garage to 50 Pa; if you see any drop in flow, there's a connection between the two.

Next, depressurize the house and use a smoke puffer to test the garage to house connection. Seal everything between these two zones. 

The leakage rate IS important because there is a direct correlation between leakage area and peak pressure.  If the leakage is small enough, every room will face destruction upon discharge. The reality is that most rooms are so leaky that the opposite is a problem. The agent typically leaks out so quickly that the enclosure doesn't pass the hold time requirements which means there is very little peak pressure which is why many systems do not require venting. For most FM200 systems there is a leakage range where the enclosure is tight enough to maintain sufficient hold time but not leaky enough to require vents. You'll only know if you're in that zone by performing a door fan test according to Annex C of NFPA 2001. ISO has a near identical Annex E.

Both Standards require a peak pressure evaluation to determine whether or not the enclosure will be damaged upon discharge. Unfortunately neither standard provides the peak pressure formula. Traditionally, manufacturers of inert systems

1. If using a USB connection, and FanTestic advises you to unplug and re-plug the USB, you must re-plug into a Different USB port.

2. If you are using USB connection from your computer to the gauge, we recommend that you try the Ethernet connection.  Instructions for directly connecting the blue Ethernet cable from your computer to the gauge are provided on the last page of the DM32 QuickGuide.  

The exterior pressure reference for the differential pressure measurement across the door panel is provided by the red tube.  The exterior pickup location must be chosen to minimize the influence of wind, sun and atmospheric pressure on the differential measurement, or measurements must be taken to allow correction for these influences.  Each standard defines what is expected in terms of the exterior reference pressure measurement.  Use Table 2 to determine where best to locate your red tube depending on the standard procedure you are following.

Table 2:  Locations for Exterior Reference Pressure Pickup as required by the various Standard Procedures