Cooper Menvier SD1+ speech dialler
Getting the right message across
What our experts say ...
As the latest version of the ACPO Policy comes into force, and police response to intruder alarm activations becomes subject to ever more rigorous legislation, it is timely to revisit an alternative form of alarm transmission. Our old friend the Menvier SD1 speech dialler has been through a period of intensive training, and has emerged from the camp a brighter and fitter piece of equipment, ready to take on the world (subject to telecom approvals, of course). The SD1+ now boasts a few new features, and shares the latest remote keypad housing used by Cooper Menvier. The SD1+ relies on the associated intruder alarm for its power requirement, which is a minimum of 100mA at 11.5 to 14v DC. It features a non-volatile memory, which was lacking on the earlier version, plus the ability to transmit a standard message over the PSTN to up to four different telephone numbers, plus up to four additional message suffixes dependent on which input has been triggered.

The most obvious use for these is to distinguish between fire, intruder and personal attack on a standard system, although the unit is versatile enough to be used in many different situations. The output may be aborted in one of three different ways: by the restoral of the input, a user-entered code, or by a dedicated abort input.

It is possible to programme the unit to send a numeric alert to a pager. The SD1+ also features a programmable output, which can be used to signal confirmation of transmission or failure to communicate.

The unit has pan-European approval, conforming to the 1995/5/EC R&TTE Directive.

The SD1+ may also be fitted with a four-way DIP-switch, enabling it to be configured for different European countries, and for either fire or security mode. The unit bench tested by the team was not fitted with this switch, but it may be ordered from Cooper Menvier as required.

The installation instruction manual gives the DIP-switch settings for both mode and country as needed.

A tamper switch is fitted to the PCB, enabling the requirements of BS 4737 to be met where the unit is being used in a security system installation.

The dialler is mounted in Cooper Menvier's standard cream ABS plastic remote keypad housing, measuring 150mm long x 104 high x 30 deep, designed for surface mounting. It features a hinged drop down cover, which conceals the standard keypad buttons, but leaves the starburst text LCD display on view. The PCB is attached to the front portion of the casing, and contains the connection terminals for both SELV and TNV.

The rear portion of the casing has push-out buttons to conceal the mounting screws (where used). Incidentally the front part of the unit may be flush-mounted onto a standard UK double socket electrical box by means of the two screw holes. Some form of block would need to be fitted to the back box in this instance to allow the tamper switch to operate.

The SD1+ is supplied with a lead fitted with a BT standard plug, plus a short flying lead with a smaller RJ 45 type socket, allowing a modem type lead to be used.

Operation & performance
We bench tested the unit, supplying it from a bench mounted PSU, and connected by a standard BT RJ11 plug to the PSTN. The team found the instructions simple to understand, and the unit easy to programme. We feel that most customers could re-programme the SD1+ without reference to their alarm company if the need should arise.

Despite the built-in microphone being directed towards the wall when the unit is mounted up, the quality of the speech recorded is passable when played through the BT network.

Two instruction booklets are included; one covering installation, and the other covering programming and operation. Each is written in plain English, with helpful diagrams where appropriate, plus a quick reference flow chart on the back page for those with short tolerance of lengthy explanations (i.e. most of us!).

Acknowledging the transmission is achieved by the recipient pressing the number 8 button on a tone telephone. As with previous versions of this device, the exact length of time for the press is crucial, and requires some practice, if the unit is not to ignore it and carry on with its pre-programmed dialling. However it is now possible to programme the unit to not require acknowledgement, which may be the easiest option! Perhaps, for the benefit of less experienced installers, we should mention that it is not permissable (in the UK) to programme the SD1+ to dial the emergency services using the 999 system. It may only be used to alert key-holders, neighbours or other authorised personnel.

What the manufacturer says...
The Menvier Security SD1+ Speech dialler from Cooper Security is an update to the triple award-winning SD1 speech dialler. The speech dialler is an ancillary device, which can be simply and cost effectively installed to any existing intruder alarm control panel. Users can programme the speech dialler with up to four telephone numbers of friends, neighbours or relatives.

When the alarm is activated, the SD1+ speech dialler dials up to four telephone numbers in a pre-determined order of priority until it receives an acknowledge-ment that the message has been received.

The benefits of the Menvier SD1+ speech dialler are:

  • The user can re-record the messages as often as required
  • The messages recorded can notify of various situations such as fire, personal attack, or medical
  • Up to 40 seconds of recording time per message
  • Call acknowledgement facility
  • The SD1+ is simple for the end user with clear on-screen instructions to guide them through recording the messages
  • New eight-character Starburst LCD display
  • BABT approved.

Overall assessment

The new Cooper Menvier SD1+ addresses the shortcomings of its previous version by having a non-volatile memory. However it still appears to be lacking in BT line over-voltage protection, leaving it susceptible to lightning strikes. It is easy to install and programme, and provides a level of comfort to customers who do not wish, or are unable to comply with the ACPO requirements, to have police response. It is also a versatile unit that has many other uses, such as essential machin-ery failure or over-temperature alerts.