Instalments

"The move has come about in part because the increased sophistication in the transmission of CCTV signals and the importance of its integration into other complex security systems. Already a Code of Practice has been set up for CCTV surveillance systems to ensure that member companies of this section operate to acceptable quality levels.

"Providing a comprehensive and clear list of definitions for the industry, covering planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance of CCTV, the main objective is to assist customers and installers, as well as insurance companies, the police and other specifiers, in selecting the level of equipment best suited."

Blown your own trumpet
(Regular writer Arthur Snow advised installers on ways to capitalise on crime prevention , still good advice ... )

"When the 1987 crime figures were released in March, the opportunity the security industry had to publish views on them was not taken up. Nobody told the public that a major factor for the five per cent drop in domestic burglary was enhanced security. Taking public credit for it might have given your company a boost...

"Newspapers, whatever their size, get much of their copy from writen details circulated by companies and other organisations who have something they want to tell the world ... there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't provide your local news office with a handout saying that installations have passed the thousand mark or that you have taken on more staff to cope with demand.

"Neighbourhood Watch Groups may be in need of a speaker for one of their meetings or a demonstration of security devices and who better than you to make the presentation? They may need a donation to get some project off the ground and attaching your name to it may achieve more useful publicity for you than a thousand leaflets."

How small can it get?
(John Freeman looked at the most recent advances in cameras...)

"More and more companies, appear to be looking to develop the smallest camera they can as if there is some sort of competition going on without giving any great regard as to whether lenses will be available to match the miniaturisation which will be required.

"At present, the smallest commercial lenses offering full functions are for 1/2in chips. These are readily available from companies such as Cosmicar, Fujinon, Tarcus and the like, but how many companies are going to be prepared to invest millions into the development of a range of lenses to suit, say, 1/3in chips or smaller? Let's face it, can you imagine a camera the size of a box of matches holding up a 14:1 zoom lens? No, there has to be a reasonable limit to the size to which a camera for normal surveillance use can be reduced."

Burglars battle with heavyweight
(From our test on Belman's Anti Attack Bell Housing … Well, is the bell box now as common as the coach lamp?)

"The heavy weight is not a co-incidence but rather a crucial part of the design, for this bell box is intended to defeat the clever intruder who makes a habit of knocking out alarm systems before having his wicked way. Attacks on external sounders have become more common – not surprising with the growth of the installation market and the proliferation of bell boxes. One day I'm sure the bell box will be as common as the imitation coach lamp."