The Visonic Powermax Plus offers a range of home automation options along with its security functions

What our experts say …

Not too long ago, the notion of an ‘automated home’ was confined to the realms of science fiction, and childrens’ television cartoons. In recent years, however, giant strides have been made in this area by a number of companies, with the home security system an integral part of such a set-up.

Now, Visonic has managed to convert futuristic concepts into practical reality by integrating various technologies and protocols into a single comprehensive control system – the Powermax Plus fully supervised wireless alarm control system.

The Powermax Plus system provides for intruder detection and 24 hour monitoring using wireless detectors, control of up to 15 electrical appliances using X-10 technology (home automation), and a wide range of reporting and control options via the hardwired and mobile networks to an ARC and private telephones.

So, if a customer has a particular demand which you previously thought to be difficult and expensive to provide, then the odds are that the Powermax Plus can easily fulfill that requirement.

If you’re asked: “Can I be informed, on my mobile phone, when the children arrive home?”, the answer is, “Yes – would you like voice, text or both?”. The system can also be programmed to keep a check on the movement of old folks who are left “home-alone” during the day.

The sales information initially sent described the Powermax Plus as part of an “advanced home security and management system”. It was later revealed that the system is compliant with Class 6 and DD 243 requirements and so, when installed and maintained by trained personnel, it can take advantage of the full range of ARC facilities in the UK, giving a wider appeal. It would appear that the salesmen need to catch up with the product to advertise its full potential.

Features

The Powermax Plus Control Panel has 30 zones, 28 wireless and two hardwired. Each zone is fully programmable for 13 different types, 31 names and 3 chime options. If none of the 26 fixed name options suit a particular zone, then up to a maximum of five zones can be identified by installer-recorded speech.

The rf section, operating at 869 MHz (UK), has a maximum reception range of 180m in open space. Receiver sensitivity is set, during programming, on a zone-by-zone basis. Received signal strength can be checked, at any time, by performing a diagnostic test whilst in installer mode. A maximum of eight 4-digit user codes can be programmed; four user names can be recorded in the speech section for use when reporting events via the telephone. Other control facilities include keyfob transmitters, remote telephone and local or remote computer. System status is given by a single line, backlit LCD along with four LED indicators, backed up with voice announcements and prompts, which add to the general ease of use. Alarms and trouble information are held in memory and can be reviewed simultaneously. A separate event log stores the previous 100 events, each of which is time and date stamped.

The outside Sounder Unit can be wireless or hardwired. If a conventional hardwired type is used, it must be capable of SCB operation (sounder powered by on-board battery) to avoid overloading the control panel.

The Powermax Plus has a built-in modem for direct connection via the PSTN to private telephones and Alarm Receiving Centres. We looked at the Powermax Plus Control Panel, along with a range of wireless detectors. The GSM Unit, Powerline Interface Module (for X-10) and RS 232 interface for a local computer are additional items and were not included in the test package.

The Powermax Plus Control Panel is housed in a very neat, futuristic-looking plastic enclosure which consists of a front cover, base and a separate mounting bracket.

Construction

Openings in the front cover give access to status LEDs, LCD and control keys, and also to the ‘sound section’ which comprises a built-in siren along with a microphone and speaker for voice communications. Individual hinged flaps hide the membrane-type keypad and standby battery compartment from view. The main PCB, 187mm x 183mm, carries all the electronic components, rf PCBs and aerials, as well as the connector blocks, plugs and sockets. It is also used to clamp the keypad membrane to the front cover, giving good positive key action.

Removable connector blocks are used for the hardwired connections and the control panel does not need to be opened during installation, so there is no risk of bending the rf aerials. The control panel slides onto the mounting bracket, held in place by three stout plastic dowels and locked by a single screw which is well hidden from view by the flared design of the front cover fascia. It is not necessary to open the control panel during maintenance inspections since the battery, consisting of a pack of eight Ni-MH 1.3 Ah cells, is accessed via the hinged cover and a further tampered cover. The latter is held in place by a hook at one end and a single self-tapping screw into plastic at the other end.

The Powermax Plus is supplied with 9V AC from a remote transformer, so that the overall dimensions are correspondingly smaller and internal heat generation is minimal. The PCB is protected by two electronic fuses. These are solid state devices which operate in a manner similar to slow-blow fuses. They latch to a safe high resistance state under overload conditions and automatically return to the normal state when the overload is removed. They do not need replacing.

The standard of design and construction is very good, let down only by the ‘plastic nuts’. Generally, this does not cause a problem, except where regular access is necessary, as with the battery tampered cover. The PCBs are neat and constructed to a high standard.

Installation

The prime consideration when installing wireless systems is the siting of the control panel and detector transmitters for good signal reception level. To this end, Visonic produce a pamphlet called Installing Wireless Systems - The Right Way, which gives clear illustrated guidelines.

Enrolling the wireless devices and programming can be carried out on the bench with the control panel powered with 9V AC or the standby battery. Before carrying out any hardwiring, it’s a good idea to temporarily fix the units in their intended mounting positions and carry out a diagnostic test at the control panel to establish the signal strength from each zone.

A ‘strong’ or ‘good’ response is acceptable, but a ‘poor’ response obtained with the zone sensitivity set to ‘high’ is unacceptable, and positional changes will be necessary.

As installers, we always carry out a radio survey before commencing any wireless installation work. The end result should not differ, but it does save time by quickly highlighting the most suitable locations for siting transmitters and receivers.

Cables for the AC supply, telephone lines and other optional interface units enter at the rear of the control panel either through the wall or via a downward facing channel for surface wiring.

Connecting is made easier in one respect by the provision of removable connector blocks – but removing the blocks is a bit difficult through the small base opening, and extreme care is needed to avoid damage to the pins and PCB. It could well prevent hassle if the connector blocks were supplied separately.

We connected the Powermax Plus with mains derived and standby battery power, as well as the BT line and a simulated sounder. After initial familiarisation, a range of detector transmitters and a keyfob transmitter were enrolled into the control panel and a working system programmed. We did call on ‘Visonic Man’ on a few occasions and received instant knowledeable assistance with plenty of patience included. After a bit of practice following the clear programming guidance notes, navigating the menu loops became almost second nature. We did occasionally have slight problems trying to answer questions and consider that the addition of an index in the instructions would have saved time.

What the manufacturer says ...

Powermax Plus (DD243) is the latest generation of wireless security systems from Visonic.

It is a highly diverse product, covering a range of residential and commercial applications, and is compliant with DD243, BS6799 Class 6 and EN50131-1 (latest draft).

The system offers a wide range of applications using a comprehensive and diverse range of wireless accessories, including movement detectors, personal alarms, and fire and flood detectors.

The system can be fitted in hours easily and with speed, and replaces the need for expensive and time-consuming cabling.

As a sales tool, Powermax Plus offers a competitive advantage over traditional hardwired systems.

At the centre of the product’s appeal is a simple and effective speech instruction set that makes the system very easy to use. A real voice in many areas replaces the all-too-familiar complicated menu driven LCD (liquid crystal display), but for convenience and engineer programming a display is provided as well.

The product offers a wide range of added-value benefits that can enhance the consumer experience and the potential for increased installation and service revenues.

These features include a latch key which, when used in conjunction with a mobile telephone, can alert users of when their children arrive home. Also, once communication is established, a two-way conversation can take place using the product’s in-built full-duplex speech system.

Powermax can also control lights and appliances whether at home or away. Automated routines can also be programmed, supporting the system’s intruder capabilities.

A ‘memo pad’ is included that allows users to leave messages that can be retrieved locally or via a mobile telephone.

Powermax is also today equipped with an optional GSM device that allows for diverse signalling and a Wireless Siren (requires 9V AC).

The latest DD243 compliance is offered, allowing the system to be installed and connected to a central monitoring service for onward delivery to police.

Powermax Plus builds on the success of the first version and offers a cost effective, reliable wireless solution.

Overall assessment

The Powermax Plus Control Panel is at the heart of a fully featured security, monitoring and management system. With Class 6 and DD 243 conformity it will have a wide range of applications.

The control panel is neatly designed and solidly constructed. It is a 30 zone panel, 28 of which are wireless. There is the provision for either a hardwired or wireless external sounder.

The Powermax Plus has a built-in communicator and the provision for adding a GSM unit, offering a diverse range of communication options, including remote monitoring and control. Programming and installation are straightforward after initial familiarisation.

The Powermax Plus offers a sophisticated, flexible system at reasonable cost.