Bob Dolph: Honorable Mentions for My 2012 Top 30 Product Picks
The December issue of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION features the magazine’s annual Top 30 Technology Innovations, in this case for 2012. I selected half of them but it was challenging to cut so many worthy products down to just 15. So I thought I would use this space to share three additional offerings that just missed the cut for my 2012 list. In alphabetical order, here are those receiving honorable mention. Happy holidays!
AES-IntelliNet Wireless Alarm Communicators
Reliable alarm communications is the mainstay of our industry. In this category is the new 7650 Freedom Series wireless alarm communicators from AES-IntelliNet. Landlines are disappearing and cellular alarm transmission requires constant technology change-outs. There are no third-party fees or reliance on communication networks owned by others. The 7650 Freedom Series features a unique two-piece modular design for quick and easy installation.
The AES alarm panel interface (API) auxiliary module, included with each 7650 subscriber, installs at the alarm panel providing for easy connection of input zones (7650-EP only) and connection to the alarm panel dialer with either a modular phone cord or terminals (7650-EP only). The subscriber, which includes the radio module, comes in a relatively small and attractive plastic enclosure that installs at the alarm panel, or up to 100 feet away – assuring the best connectivity to the radio network. A bus cable (Cat-5 type) makes the connection between the AES API module and the subscriber unit.
Additionally, AES recently formed a partnership with Texas-based ipDatel to deliver integrated smartphone and Web-based Interactive Services integrated with its mesh radio communication subscribers. AES-IntelliNet will offer these Interactive Services as an option with the all-new 7650 Freedom Series subscribers, as well as provide an upgrade path for existing installed AES subscribers. As opposed to most other interactive service offerings on the market, the AES interactive services are designed to work across multiple alarm panel brands and models, beginning with select Honeywell, DSC and GE NetworX alarm panels on the initial release.
NOTIFIER Intelligent Multisensing Dectector
A company long respected for quality fire alarm systems has a new and exciting detector called Acclimate Plus. The NOTIFIER FAPT-851(A) Acclimate Plus is an intelligent, addressable, multisensing, low-profile detector designed for use with Notifier Onyx and CLIP Series fire alarm control panels (FACPs). It uses a combination of photoelectric and thermal sensing technologies to increase immunity to false alarms.
Unlike traditional intelligent detectors, Acclimate Plus has a microprocessor in the detector head that processes alarm data. As a result, the device adjusts its sensitivity automatically, without operator intervention or control panel programming. Acclimate Plus automatically adjusts its sensitivity to the environment.
The detectors use a new communication protocol called FlashScan to greatly enhance the speed of communication among analog intelligent devices and compatible systems. Intelligent devices communicate in a grouped fashion. If one of the devices within the group has new information, the panel’s CPU stops the group poll and concentrates on single points. The net effect is response speed greater than five times that of earlier designs.
SALTO Networked Locking System
If you are looking for a pretty impressive access system, the SALTO product line can deliver a great solution, tailored to your exact requirements to provide you with all the security, convenience and control you need. This state-of-the-art electronic locking system offers flexible and functional access control with a wide choice of software options. It is designed to work in a wire-free environment so there is no need to hardwire the building, allowing you to keep your original doors and locks in place. This makes installation fast, self-contained and straightforward. The system communicates wirelessly with SALTO’s PC-based programming software, which makes lock reprogramming or rekeying a thing of the past.
The SALTO GEO models offer virtual network capability thanks to SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) technology as well as a choice of ID carriers. The SALTO GEO electronic cylinder contactless range is compatible with Near-Field Communication technology to allow NFC-enabled cell phones to act as contactless data carriers to open and control SALTO access controlled doors.
Both key cards and locks can be programmed to allow or restrict access to different parts of the building. And the information stored in the key card can be transferred to a computer to provide precise audit trail information about where and when each lock has been used including the date, time and whether access was allowed or denied.
When combined with the additional functionality provided by the SVN, users can achieve 90% of the benefits of a fully online system for the cost of a standalone system. SALTO devices communicate wirelessly with Brivo ACS WebService and Aparato access control systems. Without needing to wire each door, Brivo customers can remotely control and monitor online doors within a real-time, unified management system. A great combination for today’s integrator.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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