Wireless ... Where are you?

Ask an installer for his view on wireless products ten years ago and you would have received an array of reasons for not wishing to "give it a try".

Thankfully, the products have progressed significantly over the years, bringing a much wider range of offerings. With the introduction of 868 in addition to 433 MHz we have seen much improved battery life and an assurance of improved stability.

Following requests from the market place for a wider range of ancillary items, gas detectors, flood detectors, shock detectors and wireless bell boxes are now readily available.

Although many other European countries have grasped wireless technology with both hands, having recognised the benefits and cost saving it offers, the UK is still a little cautious around the product ranges available.

It is clear that many installers are happy to use hybrid products – giving them the comfort that cable appears to offer along with the flexibility of wireless coverage in more difficult areas. However, until recently, only a small percentage of installation companies appeared to have recognised the options wireless can offer – not the least of which is that installation time is halved.

Gone are the days of unsightly products which appeared larger than life. Aesthetics now play an important part in product selection.

As end users become more aware of the wide range of products available, due to the DIY market, it becomes more important for both manufacturers and distributors to ensure the installer has access to the products available and, of course, to product training.

Many manufacturers, in conjunction with distributors, are offering a programme of training to all installers in order to allow them to make informed decisions when specifying an installation … and installers should bear in mind that with the introduction of the new EN regulations in conjunction with PD6662, the requirement for Class 6 products no longer exists.

As many of these courses are most informative and free to all professional installers, we have experienced a sharp increase in their demand from companies that recognise the potential custom that wireless offers.

* The scope of the following products – all of which we have heard about within the last month – shows just how wide ranging wireless technology is …

User friendly security Straightforward wireless domestic installation is offered with the Smart security system from Sentico.

"The Smart security system includes all the tools you need to convert alarm enquiries into alarm sales, including product, training, marketing and technical support" says the company, a division of Supra UK.

The product is said to be easy to use with a clear voice talking the user through the operation of the panel and, by adding components to the panel, a system can be tailored to customer needs – from a studio flat to the largest detached property.

An alarmed keysafe allows homeowners to control access without issuing keys and remote control allows easy setting and unsetting for users. The system can be accessed by phone and a simple text messaging service notifies users if their children are not home by a certain time.

Features include 24 wireless zones including two hard-wired options, six user access codes, three programmable emergency buttons, 'no activity' reporting, built in siren, 72 hour back up battery. Radio range is 240m in open air and frequency is 433.92 MHz.

Reader Service No 149

Just switch frequency

The ORCA digital video transmission system is said to be the only system on the market that offers two frequency ranges – 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz – in one system.

"If you are facing disturbances, no problem anymore. Just switch over to the other frequency band," says the manufacturer VTQ Videotronik GmbH.

The product is said to be suitable for applications where the transmission environment is changing all the time.

The 2- and 8-antenna systems feature intelligent electronic analysis. Signals of each antenna are combined to finally obtain a "top quality video signal".

Typical installations are security surveillance systems, traffic and city surveillance.

It is suitable for use in harsh environments where an undisturbed transmission was previously impossible – such as industrial or factory sites, mountainous areas or tunnels.

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Surveillance at the door

A wireless video intercom doorbell is offered by YouJin Electronic of ShenZhen, China.

The system can also be extended as a wireless surveillance system.

The company says all it needs for set up is to insert the plug at the end of the supplied 12V AC adaptor into the DC In jack at the rear of the indoor receiver, plug the AC adaptor into the AC outlet then fit the camera on the outside doorway.

It can also be used as a wireless surveillance system by connecting up to three extra wireless cameras in separate places – such as baby room or carport – and monitoring the images on the indoor receiver.

The installation position of the indoor receiver can be changed easily according to the user's needs, says YouJin.

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Priced for home use

Friedland has launched the AlertGARD, a "cost effective" wire free add-on to domestic fire and security.

AlertGARD is a listening device that can be programmed to dial up to four pre-selected phone numbers in the event of any home protection systems being triggered in a property.

This includes fire detectors and anti-theft devices, but can extend to other services with an audible, repetitive alarm, such as smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide alerts, being capable of distinguishing up to four individual alarm sounds.

AlertGARD is said to be simple to install, requiring nothing more than a telephone line and mains connection, and will wirelessly integrate with pre-installed protection devices. This means no physical connection to existing safety systems, "providing simple, yet intelligent, protection usually reserved for far more expensive systems".

The phone numbers to inform the home owner are sequenced four times, with pre-recorded messages and voice prompts ensuring the user gains the required information quickly.

After it has been triggered there is no need for manual interaction with the system to reset after activation. It will return to its default 'listen' mode.

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I spy a 'fly'

MEL Secure Systems has launched a modular covert surveillance solution to catch out fly tippers. The device is said to make it cheaper and easier to produce video evidence that will secure convictions for anti-social behaviour.

The covert camera and video transmitter – with infrared illumination for all light conditions – are mounted inside a weather resistant moulded housing resembling a discarded lump of concrete.

The receiver and mini DVR are mounted inside a further moulding that can be installed up to 100 metres away and concealed in a hedgerow or similar. A pair of motion sensors housed inside a piece of scrap timber sends a trigger to the camera when movement is detected.

The system has been specially designed for sites where there is no electrical power or lighting. It eliminates the use of heavy batteries usually required in such installations. A small lithium Ion pack gives up to 14 day operational life.

Reader Service No 152