Thoroughly Modern Security

Oct. 27, 2008

Cutting edge security involves protecting the outdoors and the indoors, during the day and at night. Many commercial installs require system planning with a top down perspective, yet at the same time, design and implementation go from the bottom up. Regardless, you are going to install it one door, one opening, one area at a time to achieve the final global protection required.

Although some of you involved in security are not interested in Federal Homeland Security projects because of the labyrinth of regulations—and the fact that more often than not the contract is awarded to that “closed network” of companies whose strong presence in federal level contract administration everyone knows—for the majority of dealer integrators there are still opportunities to get in on saving the country’s assets. Many of you are winning jobs at local and regional levels. Even more dealers are contracting for facility security as companies realize the importance of securing and protecting what runs their businesses: people.

Except for isolated instances where esoteric one of a kind technology prevails for the extreme strategic situations, the experienced commercial security dealer has access to resources that put you on a level playing field technologically. Our guest vendors offer several solutions, instrumental in a recent install at an office complex.

The most important first step to securing a building is a comprehensive assessment of the entire facility from top to bottom, identifying all points of entry and exit. You put together the evaluation and then try to come up with the best solution within the client’s budget. The choices made here are for a middle tier customer; not bare bones and not off-the-wall high end either; however it provides total and comprehensive protection where the clients needs it.

OUTSIDE IN
Outdoor perimeter protection is a primary component in any alarm system and it was a top concern of this client since expensive assets (i.e company vehicles, heavy duty equipment, etc) are on the premises. Protech provides high standard intrusion sensors. They are the ideal solution and meet the security needs of this install.

In 1980, a technological breakthrough in microwave signal processing, termed “Stereo Doppler,” was developed. This technology was the basis for Protech’s high security military sensor designs. Protech now utilizes this proprietary dual-channel microwave design in all of its intrusion sensor products. Stereo Doppler Technology is the key to Protech sensors’ unique false alarm immunity.

The “LT” (Ladder and Tower) Version of PIRAMID is an Outdoor Dual Technology Motion sensor specifically designed to protect against intruders climbing up ladders and towers. The PIRAMID LT Version features Protech’s proprietary Stereo Doppler Microwave Technology combined with passive infrared. The sensor is configured so that both technologies must activate simultaneously for a sensor alarm.
The Direction Control Switch can be set to one of three detection modes:

1) Approach Mode – Sensor detects only approaching targets.
2) Recede Mode – Sensor detects only receding targets.
3) Both Mode – Sensor detects both approaching and receding targets.

For protecting ladders and towers the PIRAMID LT is generally mounted at the top of the structure looking downward. The Direction Control Switch is set in the “Approach” mode so that the sensor detects only approaching targets, i.e. someone climbing up the ladder or structure.

The XL2 version of PIRAMID provides outdoor “volumetric” protection under even the most severe environmental conditions. PIRAMID XL2 models SDI-76XL2 and SDI-77XL2 are dual technology sensors. The independent sensor modules are “AND Gated” and must activate simultaneously to create an overall sensor alarm.

The PIRAMID XL2 sensors have a very broad application range. The key to their success is the unique, dual-channel Stereo Doppler microwave detector and its ability to ignore randomly moving objects. The capability to field adjust the distance a target must move to create an alarm, enhances the sensor’s adaptability to most environmental situations.

Generally, the PIRAMID XL2 sensors are used for strategic area or specific asset protection. They are also frequently used in conjunction with outdoor perimeter systems as “gap filler.” Here are some of the features of the unit that make it perfect for this application:

• Stereo Doppler Microwave Detector - Two receiving channels with the ability to eliminate vibration and periodically moving objects as sources of false alarms.
• Dual Element Infrared Detector - Ignores normal temperature variations yet is very responsive to rapid infrared changes created by an intruder.
• Balanced Temperature Compensation - Stereo Doppler Microwave and Passive Infrared portions automatically adjust detection parameters to compensate for losses in range that occur at elevated temperatures.
• Stereo Doppler Supervision - A component failure will cause the sensor to lock-in alarm.
• Digital Range Control - Ten-position digital switch adjusts how far the sensor detects (to its maximum range).
• Digital Sensitivity Control - Ten-position digital switch adjusts the amount of movement required to initiate an alarm condition.
• Enhanced Bird/Immunity Control - Two-position switch adjusts the sensors immunity to birds and small animals.
• Master LED - Displayed on the face of the unit indicating the alarm relay status.
• Analytic LEDs - Alarm and Environmental Caution LEDs for both technologies displayed on the face of the sensor. An internal switch can disable both Master and Analytic LEDs.
• Walk-Test Sounder - Optional audible tester to assist in the walk-test and initial sensor setup. The XL-Sounder greatly simplifies the installation as it enables walk-testing and adjustment by a single installer.
• Swivel Mounting - 180° Horizontal Adjustment, 90° Vertical Adjustment.
• Tamper-Proof - Tamper switch with terminal connection.
• All Solid State Relay - User selectable Form C relay output. A solid state relay is flexible, silent and more reliable than an electromechanical relay.
• Metal Rain Tight Housing - Rugged, weatherproof housing offers maximum protection against RFI and EMI interference.
• Weather Shroud - Metal hood that routes rain from sensor’s face and also provides maximum protection from ice, snow, wind and sun loading.

SEEING WHAT YOU SENSE
As another layer of outdoor protection The MATCO IRC-490C Super Long Distance Water Proof IR Color Camera is being used. Equipped with the latest enhanced power IR LEDs, it is capable of producing the image of an object up to 500 feet in total darkness. MATCO claims this is the longest range in the industry for an IR illuminating camera.

The IRC-490 is designed with its IR LEDs at different angles to provide both long distance and wide-angle surveillance. The IR LEDs are automatically controlled by the integral adjustable CDS sensor. The IR LED array has en estimated life span of 20,000 hours (ed note: my math says that’s over 4.5 years if you figure that it’s dark 12 hours a day, and the camera is on continuously).

The IRC-490C employs a 1/3” SONY ExView CCD sensor, which allows the camera to provide high-resolution pictures at 480 TVL with a sensitivity of 0.05 lux. Therefore the CDS sensor can be adjusted so the IR LEDs do not turn on until it’s totally dark, thereby extending the life of the IR LED array.

A built-in 6~60mm vari-focal auto iris lens is driven by its 3 built-in motors and the IRC-490 can be wired for remote control of zoom and On Screen Display (OSD). This is a terrific feature for both the installer as well as the end-user.

INSIDE OUT
The TAKEX PIR-30WE wide angle PIR sensor has a detection range of 100 feet long by 100 feet wide. The TAKEX PIR-50NE vertical curtain with a range of 165 feet. Both sensors are rated for indoor or outdoor use, and were utilized accordingly here. They also offer the following features:
• N/O or N/C alarm output.
• N/C Tamper.
• Optical viewfinder for zone alignment set-up.
• PIR sensitivity adjustment.


A new single loop fire panel from Gamewell supports smaller applications. The 7100 Series of analog addressable fire alarm control panels (FACPs) provide a compact, economical solution with power and functionality. Complete with UL’s 864 9th Edition listing, the 7100 Series also ensures the highest level of protection for life and property.

Perfect for commercial, industrial and institutional applications, the 7100 Series FACPs can support up to 198 or 396 devices. With complete networking capabilities, each panel can be connected using a single pair of wires – equaling huge cost savings. As facilities grow, the 7100 Series’ compatibility with its big brother, the E3 Series, can answer the demand for an even more advanced system.

The front panel of every 7100 Series FACP includes an intuitive interface, easy for first responders to utilize. As a powerful programming tool, the front interface provides technicians another convenient device for system configuration. The 7100 Series’ sophisticated circuitry and software allow each FACP to read the specific sensitivity level of every individual sensor and compensate for changes due to age, dust and other environmental factors.
Also included for interior protection is the Honeywell Internet Connection Module (ICM) for its line of VISTA security products. It provides easy and affordable control via an IP-based web interface, enabling security, HVAC and light control to work together. The Honeywell ICM for VISTA allows customers to perform tasks remotely such as monitoring their security system, adjusting their indoor temperature and turning lights on or off to conserve energy. These functions can be performed via a web browser on a PC, web tablet, wireless PDA, cell phone or laptop. Additionally, ICM features a host of life safety benefits, e-mail notification and network video capabilities

In addition, Honeywell’s GSM GPRS products are designed to future-proof alarm communications and broaden the dealer’s services. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology products use dual and triple communication paths to ensure reliable alarm transmission and delivery. Honeywell’s radios, which use General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and the Internet as primary communication paths, are designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the future.
This “end-to-end” solution in combination with Honeywell’s established wireless alarm communication backbone AlarmNet, can help transition accounts to the latest digital technology as radios that use analog Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) networks are phased out.


Existing Honeywell analog cellular alarm radios can easily be replaced with the newest GSM GPRS technology. The dual-path technology (7845GSM) utilizes GPRS as the primary communication path with Short Message Service (SMS) as the backup communication path. GPRS is a reliable wireless communication method widely used in the cell phone market. It has a higher priority in the cellular network to minimize transmission delays and increases the amount of data that can be delivered. The GSM GPRS radio comes standard with a power supply and rechargeable battery capable of providing 24-hour backup operation.

Lastly, Honeywell’s WIN-PAK SE integrates video, access, and intrusion. The software controls and manages employee or customer access to designated or restricted areas in any business. It is ideal for areas such as office buildings, pharmacies, liquor stores, day care facilities, warehouses, restaurants, and hospitals.

WIN-PAK SE allows users to manage three separate systems through a single easy-to-use software interface, which not only saves time and money, but also improves the level of security by eliminating user code sharing. Upon placing an access card near a reader, only those users who have been granted access by the building administrator will be admitted into the facility. The same card can also be used to arm or disarm a security system. If a card is lost or stolen, it can immediately be removed from the system.
WIN-PAK SE with VISTA integration is the next generation of the WIN-PAK platform and combines industry-leading security products into a powerful, comprehensive security solution.
As a false alarm reduction tool, WIN-PAK SE with VISTA integration can prevent users from accessing a building while the system is still armed, thereby reducing false alarms. Alarms associated with intrusion and access control through the WIN-PAK SE software interface can be retrieved and reviewed. Automated reporting permits up-to-date reports on intrusion and access events hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly.