A method for activating an alarm based on a series of error counts generated by a monitoring device, including an integrator, an accumulator, and an alarm. The integrator adjusts the error count and produces an adjusted count, which it then sends to the accumulator. The accumulator keeps a running total of the adjusted counts and can activate the alarm when the running total exceeds a predetermined alarm level. The adjustment of the error count by the integrator is accomplished by a set of formulas that use a set of variables. The values for these variables can be derived through a series of calculations or can be chosen by a user. The ability to adjust the error counts allows the user to better control the circumstances that cause activation of an alarm.