> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-remote-arming-terminal-operati.md).

# Operate a Remote Arming Terminal

Understand Remote Arming Terminal connections, privileges, keys, screens, and communication status.

This page covers the fundamentals of operating a Remote Arming Terminal (RAT): how it connects, how privileges work, the keys and screens you use, the System Summary, and using a RAT as a keypad for a reader. The individual actions (logging on, arming, disarming, fence zones, alarms, testing) each have their own page in this section.

Everything here applies equally to the **Gallagher Security Fence Keypad**, which is the same hardware under a different name.

***

### Hardware connectivity

* Remote Arming Terminals connect to the **Gallagher Controller 6000**, **Controller 3000**, or **Controller 5000GL**.
* They can be connected to **Dial-up Controllers** provided that:
  * the Remote Arming Terminal is local to the Controller, AND
  * there are no Alarm Zones spanning over multiple Controllers.

***

### Privileges

**Operator Group privileges do NOT apply to Remote Arming Terminals.**

Operators receive privileges via the **Access Groups they belong to** (Privileges tab of the Access Group properties). These privileges apply to the Alarm Zones assigned to both the Remote Arming Terminal and the Access Group.

When you diagnose a permission issue at the RAT, check the Access Group, not the Operator Group. See [Command Centre - Access Groups](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-software/configure/command-centre-access-groups.md) for how to configure privileges, and [Command Centre - Operator Groups & Privileges](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-software/configure/command-centre-operator-groups-and-privileges.md) for the contrast.

***

### Key types

* **Soft keys.** Four keys below the LCD screen. Their function changes depending on the screen being used, and is labelled on screen each time.
* **Predefined keys.** Fixed function (numeric pad, Back, Cancel, OK).

***

### Communication status icons

The communication status icon is shown at the top-left of the LCD.

| Icon                          | Meaning                                                                   |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Rotating icon                 | Normal operation                                                          |
| Communicating icon            | Active communication with Controller                                      |
| **Flashing alternating icon** | **Fault.** Check all network cables and ensure the correct address is set |

***

### Welcome screen

* If "Backlight is always on" is **not** ticked in Command Centre, backlighting is disabled until a key is pressed.
* If the keypad is "asleep" (missing info on the screen), press any key to return to idle mode.
* If an Alarm Zone is selected on the Advanced property page of the RAT in Command Centre, the **status of that Alarm Zone displays on the Welcome screen**.

![Remote Arming Terminal key layout](https://328339335-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bM8WhlBE9BYizPWJaPN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2d27c5b8d93d80920d9b56a50aaaf3ac2ed9b457%2FSECHUB-RAT-ALARMS-01-alarm-list.png?alt=media)

***

### View the System Summary

1. Log on to the Remote Arming Terminal.
2. Press the **More** key on the "Choose Action" screen to reach the "Main Menu".
3. Scroll to **"System Summary"** and press the key. The "System Summary" screen displays.

The System Summary shows:

* Total number of outstanding alarms
* Number of Alarm Zones in secure state (armed)
* Number of Inputs or Fence Zones not shunted/isolated
* Number of Inputs or Fence Zones shunted/isolated
* Current Date and Time

Press the Back key to return to the "Main Menu" screen.

***

### Remote Arming Terminal as a reader keypad

See [Use a Remote Arming Terminal as a reader keypad](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-remote-arming-terminal-as-a-ke.md) for door-access operations and access-zone overrides.

***

🔗 **Related**

* [Keypads - Logging on](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-logging-on.md). The four ways to log on to the terminal.
* [Keypads - Arming](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-arming.md) · [Keypads - Disarming](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-disarming.md). Change alarm zone state at the terminal.
* [Keypads - Viewing and Acknowledging Alarms](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-viewing-and-acknowledging-alar.md). Handle alarms from the terminal.
* [Keypads - Viewing the System Summary](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-viewing-the-system-summary.md). The System Summary screen on its own page.
* [Keypads - Remote Arming Terminal as a keypad for a reader](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/perimeter-solutions/perimeter-keypads/configure/keypads-remote-arming-terminal-as-a-ke.md). Keypad-mode door access on its own page.


---

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