SCS-VR Version History
Updating to Java 17
In order to be compatible with Oracle’s long-term supported versions, SCS-VR 1.4.9 and later requires Java 17.
Support for OpenJDK
For SCS-VR deployments that require a non-Java solution, SCS-VR 1.4.9 and later supports OpenJDK solutions. Installers can now direct SCS-VR to a Java or OpenJDK instance.
Removal of Duplicate Events
Previously, certain systems reported duplicate events to the monitoring center automation software when receiving more than 4,000 events in one minute. This update resolves this issue, resulting in only a single message per event being sent to the monitoring center automation software from the SCS-VR.
Version 1.4.8 (10/19/23) includes several enhancements for SCS-VR™ installations including:
- Continuously listening to the group port after a database fail
- Showing the same number of groups in the database and GUI
- Windows Registry generating server UUID’s when installing a new version of SCS-VR
Version 1.4.7 (11/15/22) includes several enhancements for SCS-VR™ installations including:
- Databases with large numbers of events
- Improvements for backup databases
- Upgraded CPU efficiencies when connecting or disconnecting automation
Updates have been made to the software that replace all Log4j Version 1.2.15 utilities with Version 2.17.1 to enhance application security and further mitigate all reported vulnerabilities associated with that and other versions.
New Windows Authentication Method
With Version 1.4.7 (1/10/22), customers can set up a Windows Authentication login where a user only needs to log in to their Windows account to be able to access their SCS-VR service permissions. To learn more about this feature, see the SCS-VR Virtual Receiver Help File (LT-1327).
Improved Failover Process
When the VR cannot communicate to its primary database, it will immediately starting sending messages to the secondary database. This quick failover method ensures that the panels checkin response does not lapse. With Version 1.4.7 (1/10/22), the failover method’s speed has increased even further.
Improved Delete Panel Function
Deleting a panel in the primary database will now also delete the panel from the backup database so that no unnecessary error messages are sent to the customer.
Improved Language Feature
Version 1.4.7 (1/10/22) corrects the language issue where the SCS-VR language did not match the language on the host computer.
Expanded Threadpools
To improve communication connections, the threadpool that processes the incoming log messages has been expanded.
Improved Check-In Message Backups
When a backup database is configured, SCS-VR writes panel check-in messages to the primary database and copies them to the backup database. In previous software versions, SCS-VR attempted to copy check-in messages to the backup database even if it was down. This issue is resolved with this date code release.
CID Message Color Coding
Improvements have been made to standardize the color coding scheme of CID messages with the color coding used for Serial 3 messages.
CID Account Numbers with Leading Zeros
When a message was sent to the receiver in raw CID format and the panel account number contained a leading zero, SCS-VR would remove the leading zero. This behavior shifted the string, which could prevent automation software from translating it properly. This issue is resolved with this date code release.
International Panels—Zone Tamper (Zi) Message Sorting
This date code fixes an issue for panels with firmware Version 702 where zone tamper (Zi) messages would not be displayed at the top of the Message Log.
Previously, the SCS-VR was expecting an equipment message and the COM Series 202 would not send this equipment message, this caused the output to be incorrect. This new version resolves that problem and outputs the raw CID string whether or not an equipment message is at the end of the string.
This feature has been added to support the upcoming version 202 firmware of DMP Universal Communicators. This will allow the receiver to process Serial 3 messages received that contain CID (ContactID) event codes within the message. Upon receipt of those messages, it will process only the CID portion of the message out to the Central Station Automation.
Panels Tab Improvements
The Panels tab now includes the option to display messages for the number of Missing Panels and Substituted Panels when the respective checkboxes are selected.
To show missing and substituted panels at the bottom of the Panels tab, go to Program Files > SCS-VR > Properties. Open system.properties and add the following line: show_panel_summary=true. Save and close the properties file.
IPv6 Support for Outbound Automation
SCS-VR now supports the use of IPv6 addresses for outbound automation in Groups > Outbound.
Console Log File Rollover Improvements
Console log files are now stored separately from the service log. This feature allows the console log to roll over while the SCS-VR service is still running.
UDP Message Failover
Messages sent over UDP now fail over to a secondary database on receivers that have multiple databases configured.
Automatically Discard Unrecognized Messages
At times, you may have received unrecognized modem AT commands in the Message Log tab. Those unrecognized messages are now discarded automatically.
Check-in Tables
SCS-VR Version 1.4.4 (1/29/19) addresses an issue with Check-in Tables. When a panel went missing in SCS-VR, only the primary database was updated. If SCS-VR switched to the secondary database before the panel restored, SCS-VR would generate additional S16 messages. This issue has been resolved.
Server ID and UUID Mismatch
SCS-VR Version 1.4.4 (1/29/19) addresses an issue that would occur with mismatched Server IDs and the UUID. If the primary and secondary databases had different Server IDs for the UUID, the groups in the secondary database were disabled. This issue has been resolved.
Message Types
SCS-VR Version 1.4.4 (1/29/19) addresses an issue with “Panel IP Change” and “Unrecognizable Message” types. These messages were not being removed from the Messages window after the message expiration time, causing a backlog of messages in the SCS-VR database. This issue has been resolved.
There have been several updates made to increase operational efficiency.
Panel Version 181 Support
SCS-VR 1.4.3 now supports panel Version 181 for XR150/XR550 Series panels and XT30/XT50, XTLplusTM, and XTLplus-GW Series panels.
Enhanced Lockdown Messages
SCS-VR 1.4.3 now supports and processes enhanced lockdown messages for XR150/XR550 Series panels running Version 181 firmware or higher.
Message Log Customization
Depending on your SCS-VR settings, you can now customize the message log to allow event line items to display in different colors, allowing users to easily identify events when they can associate those events with color. Follow the directions below to color-customize the message log:
- Navigate to the SCS-VR properties and select the colors.properties folder.
- Define the color by its RGB value and save the information.
- Navigate to the SCS-VR\properties\message_colors.properties file and assign the color to the alarm type.
- Restart the SCS-VR console to allow the changes to take effect.
Installing Multiple SCS-VR Components
After updating the SCS-VR software or after first-time SCS-VR installations, installers now have the option to select multiple components to install at the same time. This allows installers to simultaneously install the Service & Console as well as the Viewer, saving them time and resources during the installation process.
Version Date Code
Users can now view which Version of SCS-VR they are running. Click Help and select About to view this information.
Switching Between Users
Users can now switch between their personal user type and the default user. This allows users to easily alternate between different user levels as well as the permissions of different user types.
Message Retention
Users can now better mange SCS-VR database space by choosing how many hours SCS-VR retains particular messages. Having the ability to choose how long select message types are kept creates space for more essential messages, as well as increases performance and speed of SCS-VR. Follow the directions below to use this new feature:
- Log in to SCS-VR.
- Click the Groups tab.
- In the Communication Settings section, you will see four different message types. Enter the number of hours (no max) SCS-VR should retain each message type before SCS-VR deletes them. Enter zero (0) to keep the messages indefinitely, or until they are manually deleted. The default is eight hours.
Message Log Quantity
SCS-VR now displays the number of messages that are currently in the message log.
License Key
When updating to SCS-VR 1.4.3 and for any SCS-VR update in the future, you will not need to call DMP Customer Service to reactivate the account if you plan to use your current license key. However, if you are planning to use a different license key, you will need to call DMP Customer Service at 888.436.7832 to re-activate the account.
Improved Recovery
Ability In the event of SCS-VR losing connection to the database, SCS-VR 1.4.3 has been enhanced to better recover and process all stored messages when regaining connection to the database. A message is also sent to the automation software, making it clear to the user exactly what caused the disconnection.
Configuration Auditing
SCS-VR Virtual Receiver Software now automatically keeps records of all configuration and programming changes, giving you the ability to audit all changes made to the SCS-VR console. To view these changes, navigate to the SCS-VR directory and locate the folder labeled Changes. When a change is made, an XML file is automatically generated and saved in the Changes folder.
User Access Types
You now have the ability to create SCS-VR users and give those users access levels. This provides you a way to limit SCS-VR user’s abilities to perform certain actions in SCS-VR. The new access levels and their abilities are listed below.
Viewer
- Can view the Panels and Automation tabs
- Ability to search and sort panels
- Ability to Refresh information
- Can view and perform all functions associated with the Message Log
Limited
- Can view the Configuration, Panels, and Automation tabs
- Ability to edit the Service Code
- Ability to Delete Selected information
- Can view and perform all functions associated with the Message Log
Administrator
Ability to access all functions and all tabs.
To create a user and assign an access type, click the Users tab in the top menu. Assign a User name, Access Level, and Password and then click OK.
Database Switching Options
You now have more control over primary and secondary database switching ability. Depending on your SCS-VR settings, you have the option to manually or automatically allow SCS-VR primary and secondary databases to switch when one has failed. Enable the Auto Database Swap option to allow the databases to automatically switch when a database goes offline or leave unchecked to manually switch databases when a database goes offline.
Database Switching Message
In the event of a database fail over and depending on the SCS-VR’s settings or requirements, a series of messages will display providing a clear message regarding which database has failed and which database is coming online. These messages will prompt you to click OK until the databases have been successfully switched. To enable this feature, ensure the Auto Database Swap option is left blank.
Stop Service Options
Now, when making changes to the SCS-VR Configuration and Groups tabs, a Stop Service action is required before changes can be made. This allows SCS-VR configuration and the service it’s providing to stay in sync when configuration changes have been made. Click Stop Service to stop the SCS-VR service, make the change, and then click Start Service to start the service.
Note: If the database has failed and there is no back up database in place, you may have to stop the service from the windows service manager.
SCS-VR Setup Wizard
You now have the option to install an SCS-VR Viewer Setup Wizard, giving users the ability to easily sort the Message Log and Panels directly from the SCS-VR console or from a remote location. Use the following steps to download the SCS-VR Viewer Setup Wizard:
- Navigate to DMP.com/Dealer_Direct and open the SCS-VR Viewer .zip file.
- Right click on the SCS-VR Viewer .exe file and select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes to allow the program to make changes to the computer it’s being installed on.
- Read and then click I Accept to accept the terms and agreements of the SCS-VR Viewer.
- Click Next and then click Finish to launch the SCS-VR Viewer.
Trap Message Processing
SCS-VR now correctly processes all panel trap messages by giving all messages to the panel when the panel checks in with the SCS-VR.
Database Syncing Ability
SCS-VR has been improved to show more consistent data at a faster speed when switching from the primary database to the secondary databases, or from the secondary database to the primary database.
Consistent Message Display
With this update, the message log now consistently displays all panel messages SCS-VR receives, allowing you to view history messages
SCS-VR Virtual Receiver Software now consistently processes all primary and backup inbound automation simultaneously.
Trap Verification
You now have more control over which IP addresses and ports can be used for sending traps. On the SCS-VR Setup Console screen, navigate to the Valid Traps tab and configure which IP addresses and ports can be used for traps. See Figure 1. If no configuration is entered, SCS-VR uses the default restrictions.
Send Stored Messages (XT30/XT50 and XTLplus only)
SCS-VR Version 1.4.1 (2/6/18) supports the Send Stored Messages feature of upcoming panel firmware Version 172. If Send Stored Messages is enabled in panel programming, an XT30/XT50 or XTLplus Series panel with Version 172 firmware will store any messages that are not able to be sent while communication to the receiver is down. Once communication is restored, the panel will send all stored messages to the receiver. Each stored message provides the number of minutes ago the event occurred. If Send Stored Messages is enabled in SCS-VR, the virtual receiver will receive the panel’s messages and forward them to automation.
To enable this feature in SCS-VR, navigate to the Configuration tab on the SCS-VR Setup Console screen and check the Send Stored Messages option.
Receiver Check-In Messages (XT30/XT50 and XTLplus only)
This feature supports upcoming panel firmware Version 172. Prior to Version 172, if a panel failed to deliver a check-in message to the receiver on IP1, the panel attempted to send a check-in message on IP2.
If IP2 was programmed to communicate with a different line card, that line card would generate an S17 (communication restored) message. Depending on the programmed fail time, the line card pointed to by IP1 could also generate and S16 (communication failed) message.
If the line card pointed to by IP2 was different, then on the next successful check-in attempt to IP1, that line card would generate an extra S16 (communication failed) message.
Beginning in panel firmware Version 172, the panel sends a special check-off message to the receiver’s IP2 once communication is restored to IP1. This improvement prevents the SCS-VR from generating an extra S16 (communication failed) message after communication with IP1 is restored. Send Stored Messages must be enabled in the panel for this feature to be available.
To enable this feature in SCS-VR, navigate to the Configuration tab on the SCS-VR Setup Console screen and check the Process Check-In Zero option. Note: If you are using multiple receivers on a shared database, DMP does not recommend processing check-off messages.
Log File Size
In SCS-VR, there’s a setting that dictates how large the log file can get before it generates a new file. The max file size was previously only loaded when SCS-VR was started, now it is read once every minute.
Special Characters in User Names
With Version 1.4.1 (2/6/18), if a user name that includes a special character is assigned to a device (e.g. a keyfob), that device will now show up on the equipment list if it fails to check in with the receiver.
Deleting Panels
You can now delete panels that don’t have any current messages listed in the Panels tab on the SCS-VR Setup Console screen. This feature allows you to easily delete panels that are offline or haven’t been active recently.
Message Communication Improvement
S17 (Panel Response Restored) messages are now consistently generated when a panel checks in. Previously, the S17 message might not have been generated in the message log or sent to automation if the panel checked in at the exact same time as SCS-VR generated the S16 (Panel Not Responding) message.
Check-In Message Classification
In SCS-VR Version 1.4.0 (12/14/15), there were times when non-check-in messages were classified as check-in messages. This only occurred when a message was used to trigger a panel trap. The message would show in the SCS-VR message log as unacknowledged and would have to be manually acknowledged. In SCS-VR Version 1.4.0 (3/31/17), this has been resolved.
Language Menu
SCS-VR now supports multiple languages. Click on Language from the menu bar. Language options of English and Spanish are displayed. All menus will be displayed in the language option chosen.
Time Change
When the time zone setting of the SCS-VR or SQL database computer was changed, a System Message 16 Panel Not Responding may have been incorrectly logged for some panels.
Opening and Closing Messages
Previously, when an XT Series Control Panel sent multiple opening or closing messages, SCS-VR would only accept one message per TCP connection. SCS-VR now accepts multiple messages in a single TCP connection.
Receiver IP 1 and 2
When an XT Series Panel was programmed with two separate SCS-VR receivers as the first and second IP addresses of Receiver 1, SCS-VR would incorrectly close connections rather than waiting for the panel to close the connection. This caused the panel to unnecessarily switch between the first and second IP addresses.
SCS-VR now supports 256-bit AES encryption. Before SCS-VR can accept 256-bit encrypted messages, the following steps must be performed to properly configure Java on the SCS-VR computer:
- Download the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) Unlimited Strength Jurisdiction Policy Files compatible with your version of Java.
- The files for JRE8 can be found at http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/ downloads/jce8-download-2133166.html.
- Before downloading the files, agree to the Oracle Binary Code License Agreement for the Java SE Platform Products, which covers exporting any product that supports greater than 128- bit encryption.
- Extract the policy files to the appropriate folder in the Java directory. Typically this is located at: Program Files/Java/jre8/lib/security.
- Update SCS-VR using the SCS-VR installer.
Clear Database
The Clear Database function initiated from the SCS-VR computer now always completes successfully. Previously, when Clear Database was selected from the SCS-VR computer and the database was stored on a separate remote computer, the operation to clear and create a new database would not always complete if there were any network latency issues. This issue did not occur when Clear Database was selected and the database was on the same computer.
Delete Panel
SCS-VR now only allows panels that have failed to communicate within the programmed check-in time to be deleted from the list of panels that are currently communicating with SCS-VR and displayed in the Panels tab. Previously, SCS-VR allowed panels that had not been reported as Panel Not Responding (S16) to be deleted.
Panel Response Restored (S17)
When a panel sends a check-in message for the first time, SCS-VR now correctly sends a Panel Response Restored (S17) message to Host Automation instead of a New Panel On Line (S19).
Log Default
The SCS-VR configuration file, logging.conf, now defaults to WARN instead of ALL for logging transactions between SCS-VR and host automation.
SQL Database Supervision
If SCS-VR looses its network connection with the SQL database computer, SCS-VR now stops sending the once a minute supervision message(System Message 99) heartbeat message to the Host Automation computer to indicate the loss of operation.
Version Display
SCS-VR now displays the software version and software type (Enterprise or Professional) in the Setup Console.
SCS-VR Supervision
When SCS-VR is running on two different computers for a UL 1076 installation, the Setup Console displays a warning window to the user after 30 seconds when an SCS-VR is stopped or communication is lost between the computers.
Database Connection Supervision
When SCS-VR is running on two different computers for a UL 1076 installation and they are sending/receiving database information from a third computer, the Setup Console now informs the user with a warning window within 30 seconds when the database connection has failed.
Build Number
The build number no longer appears in the Automation tab as it was for internal use only.