Kentec K548 Syncro and Elite Instructions

Kentec K548 Syncro and Elite

Specifications

• Product Name: Kentec Syncro to Taktis Migration
• Compatibility: Syncro (EN) & Elite (UL) 2-4 Loop Panels
• Supported Panels: Syncro Focus repeater panels, K548/K548V/K548EXT/K548IP
• Processor Cards: K550ENA/H/V & K550US Main Display Processor cards

Product Usage Instructions

Stepwise Migration Approach

1. Carry and maintain critical spare parts for immediate breakdowns and repairs for Syncro in the short term.
2. Consider upgrading to Taktis panels with the help of Kentec Installation Partners (KIPs) in the short to medium term.
3. Develop a migration strategy with assistance from Kentec’s BD team for budget planning and seamless transition to Taktis.
4. Utilize the unique backwards compatibility features within
   Taktis using the bridge functionality for a simple replacement of Syncro/Elite panels.

Benefits of Migration

• Direct replacement of Syncro/Elite panel with Taktis panel.
• Protection of end customer’s investment for the next 10-15 years.
• Budget planning without the need for immediate replacement.

FAQ:
What are my options if I have a Syncro panel and a large network with graphics?
If you have a Syncro panel and a large network with graphics, Kentec recommends considering the migration path to Taktis in bridge mode of operation. This upgrade ensures compatibility and support for existing installations while providing a seamless transition to the latest technology.

Syncro to Taktis Migration
Syncro (EN) & Elite (UL) 2-4 Loop Panels & Guide Phase Out

Since our announcement in July 2017 regarding the phase out of the Kentec Syncro 2-4 loop panels (and all rebranded or OEM variants) due to a critical component shortage, we can confirm the following:

• The Kentec Syncro & Elite 2-4 loop panel including Syncro Focus repeater panels, K548/K548V/K548EXT/K548IP is no longer manufactured.
• Syncro & Elite 2-4 Loop panels will no longer be available and affects all protocols – Apollo & Hochiki (Customers using Vega protocol and OEM variants should speak with their local/regional BDM for availability and support)
• The K550ENA/H/V & K550US Main Display Processor cards are no longer available as a spare part.
• Syncro & Elite panels, Syncro Focus repeaters and all spare PCB assemblies, are obsolete end of December 2022 (Vega panels subject to local end of life agreement support)

Guide graphics package status

• Guide graphics is now superseded by AMX & Ockular/Ockular UL and is fully compatible with Syncro and Elite panels,
• From 1st October 2021, Guide is no longer available for new installations. The Guide dongle assembly is still available as spare parts for legacy projects only.
• Kentec can provide either Kentec AMX and Ockular, both works with Syncro and Taktis and can also be used in “bridge” mode
• AMX and Ockular can be easily converted to working with Taktis and is an ideal solution for migration of systems from Syncro to Taktis.

Syncro AS (1-2 Loops) including the Syncro XT+ and Elite RS and Syncro View and e-View repeaters are unaffected by the processor chip obsolescence and we expect at least a further 5 years support (subject to any unforeseen component issues)

What are your options if you have a Syncro panel and a large network with graphics?

• As a responsible manufacturer, we understand that the process of phasing out any product and making it obsolete means that we must consider all our stakeholders’ requirements and support existing installations. We believe that by providing an upgrade path from old technology to the latest which ensures the minimum downtime and inconvenience to the building occupiers is possible with Syncro to Taktis in bridge mode of operation.

• Unlike most manufacturers that end abruptly with their technology, Kentec always promised to achieve an industry first with ensuring that the latest technology would be fully backwards compatible and with Taktis we have achieved this.
  In the immediate term, we strongly advise installers and end users to carry and maintain critical spare parts on site for immediate breakdowns and urgent repairs for Syncro and in the short to medium term, we advise our customers to consider an upgrade to Taktis panels with the help of our KIPs (Kentec Installation Partners).

• Our BDM team can also assist you to develop a migration strategy and help with budget planning using Taktis but in short, a simple replacement of any Syncro/Elite panel is possible with the unique backwards compatibility features within Taktis using the bridge functionality, which is available to our KIPs.

A simple stepwise approach to migrating the system to Taktis and Ockular has the main benefits:

1. A single Syncro/Elite panel can be replaced with a Taktis panel as a direct replacement
2. Protects the end customers investment for the next 10-15 years and budgets can be planned without having to replace an entire network of panels in a single step (however we strongly recommend that the replacement of the Syncro panels to Taktis is carried out as a planned migration and not kept indefinitely in “Bridge-mode”.
3.  Provides an easy upgrade path to the latest technology and gain the full benefits of Taktis
4.  System downtime and disruption is kept to a minimum, and protection of the building and occupants is achieved with little effects on the normal operation of the system.
5. Ockular replaces Guide and can be used as a direct replacement on existing Syncro installations and allow a stepwise migration of panels to full Taktis even in “bridge” mode.

We thank our customers for their support and look forward to discussing the exciting possibilities presented by Taktis for maintaining, improving and upgrading the vast numbers of Syncro systems installed in the market.

The Sales team can be contacted on the below to discuss the options for upgrading from Syncro to Taktis and help with advising on a robust migration strategy that works for your business budget planning and continuous operations and we look forward to another 10-15 years with you as valuable customers

Head of Sales UK

• Samantha Steel
• samantha.steel@kentec.co.uk
• +44(0)7894 238948

| UK North Area BDM

• Dan Chapman
• daniel.chapman@kentec.co.uk
• +44(0)7763 989464

---|---
UK London & South East Area BDM

• Callum Blaydon
• callum.blaydon@kentec.co.uk
• +44(0)7554 400803

| UK South West BDM

• Paul Dunning
• paul.dunning@kentec.co.uk
• +44(0)7825 344133

Ireland & NI & Wireless BDM

• Johnny Martin
• Johnny.martin@kentec.co.uk
• +44(0)7554 400803

| Specification Senior BDM

• Mike Estall
• mike.estall@kentec.co.uk
• +44(0)7895 206924

Head of Sales International & RoW

• Costa Constantinides
• costas@kentec.co.uk
• +357 (99) 981 401

| ME Region BDM

• Ibrahim Ariqat
• ibrahim.ariqat@kentec.co.uk
• +971502857752

---|---
India & Sub-continent Region BDM

• Soumya Bhattacharya
• Soumya.bhattacharya@kentec.co.uk
• +91 98310 86652

| Europe Region BDM

• Eloi Del Valle Salces
• eloi.delvalle@kentec.co.uk
• +34 623 022 899

Quick Guide – Syncro or Elite to Taktis Migration

Existing Syncro or Elite network with Guide Graphics

1. Phase 1 – Existing Syncro or Elite network with Guide Graphics – Migration to Taktis or Taktis UL

2. Step 1 – Convert existing site configuration using LE2 (LE1 not to be used)

3. Step 2 – Replace 1st Syncro/Elite node with Taktis. “Bridge mode” operation

4. Step 3 – Replace Guide graphics with AMX or Ockular and connect to Taktis panel (1st node)
   If a site has Guide graphics – this will not work with Taktis panels on the network, therefore the graphics needs to be considered as the 1st step in the migration process.

5. Phase 2 – Existing Syncro or Elite network with Guide Graphics – Migration to Taktis or Taktis UL

6. Step 1 – Convert existing site configuration using LE2 and upload to each panel.

7. Step 2 – Replace each Syncro/Elite node with Taktis over time and operation in “Bridge mode”.

8. Step 3 – Eventual replacement of Syncro/Elite panels and now full Taktis network mode of operation completed with minimal downtime and disruption.

9. Step 4 – AMX or Ockular graphics now switched over to Taktis mode of operation.

Notes

• Kentec recommends that the replacement of the Syncro panels to Taktis is carried out as a planned and phased migration, it is not intended to an ad-hoc replacement of a single panel, this is to avoid any problems associated with long term compatibility problems.
• During the phased migration to Taktis, it is recommended that the entire panel network is using the same panel firmware to avoid any network compatibility issues.
• LE2 software license required with Bridge Mode enabled.
• Bridge mode only available to a KIP following training.
• Kentec can support the KIP with configuration review, file conversion and makes available its test laboratory for KIPs to evaluate the configuration.
• Before commencing any Bridge Mode project, please discuss with your local BDM and technical support team to obtain best advice and process for migration.
• Disclaimer – Kentec cannot be held responsible for any loss of functionality during the migration phase and strongly recommends that the cause & effect is fully understood before undertaking a phased migration plan.
• Certain features in Syncro regarding on-board I/O cards, and function buttons may need to be re-programmed and new hardware may be required to achieve the desired cause & effects – please consult our technical support & training department.
• Unit 25-26 Fawkes Avenue, Questor, Dartford, Kent DA1 1JQ

T: +44 (0) 1322 222121 | F: +44 (0) 1322 291794 | E: sales@kentec.co.uk | W: www.kentec.co.uk
Registered in London, UK: No 1937570

References

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