In article , BigWallop
writes
Hi folks,

I am trying to teach a young lad how to set up binary addressable fire alarm
systems and no matter how I explain it, or how much I write it down or draw
it for him, he just can't seem to grasp the concept. Now I know it is the
way I'm trying teach him and not the way he learns (?) so I'm looking for
any suggestions on ways to get this principle over to him.

He's bright when it comes to learning everything else, so it must be the way
I'm doing it that has him confused. What it the simplest way to describe
this numbering system. I've even given him homework to do, using the binary
system to count to one hundred, but he still gets it wrong time and time
again.

He needs to know how the DIP switches are configured in each detector to
give them a unique number on the control panel. But I'm now tearing my hair
out trying to get it through to him. HELP !!!

I design DMX disco lighting which uses dip switches, and have to deal
with DJ's, who are not well known for their mental agility.

This is the way I explain it (your switch numbering might be different).
Switch 1 counts for 1.
Switch 2 counts for 2.
Switch 3 counts for 4.
Switch 4 counts for 8.
Switch 5 counts for 16.
Switch 6 counts for 32. (repeat for all your switches).

Look at the number you need to set. What's the biggest switch number
will fit into the number? example: 19, switch 6 is too big but switch 5
will fit.
Then take off the value of that switch. Example, take off the value of
switch 5, which is 16, leaving 3.
What's the next biggest switch number which fits into the left over
number? switch 2. Take off 2, leaving 1. Switch 1 fits, and there you
are, switches 5 2 and 1 are on.

Some people just can't do it. I eventually designed a website to work it
out for those people. It may or may not work for you depending how the
dip switches relate to the number.
http://www.tega.co.uk/calc.asp
--
Tim Mitchell