Bosch Finds Unique Way to Showcase Intrusion Innovation

Select security dealers, manufacturer reps and this reporter were among those invited to Bosch Security Systems’ recent Intrusion Technology Workshop, which the German-based supplier hosted at its North American headquarters in Fairport, N.Y. The daylong event focused on the company’s Conettix IP, newly introduced Commercial Wireless and Professional Series detector technologies.

Following an introduction and briefing from Gregor Schlechtriem, vice president, Global Business Intrusion Detection Systems, on Bosch from a global conglomerate pespective, Product Marketing Manager Tom Mechler and Product Managers Mike Reimer and Stephen Kovacsiss took over for the remainder of the proceedings. Kovacsiss led the Conettix IP segment of the program. Conettix IP allows alarm panels to communicate on Ethernet networks. He highlighted how easy it is to convert most standard control panels to Conettix IP using the C900V2 dialer capture network interface module, and also how it works with most central station receivers. The technology’s compatibility was demonstrated when all the attendees were brought into a room where Bosch has all the major alarm panel manufacturers’ products hooked up. Sure enough, plugging the module into any of the panels resulted in successful signal transmissions within moments.

Bosch Product Marketing Manager Tom Mechler served as the workshop’s principal presenter.

A handout was provided detailing the Conettix solution being deployed at North Carolina’s Davidson College—this application was covered by SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2008. Some of the benefits include faster communications, lower costs due to eliminating phone lines, more line supervision, alerts clients about general network problems and helps improve customer retention by resolving VoIP isues. The technology encrypts signals and uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP) rather than TCP to conserve network bandwidth. The system adjusts automatically for network inconsistencies such as latency, and the module can be programmed via any Web brower at C900V2.com.

Conettix appears to be a terrific solution that offers dealers both upgrade revenue opportunities and a way to remain on the leading edge of technology. After all, as Kovacsiss emphasized, “Phone lines are going away over time.“

The room that served as home base for the presentations featured Bosch’s various products displayed on the walls.

Mechler then embarked on the first presentation of the Commercial Wireless offerings to Bosch customers. The company has partnered with wireless technology leader Inovonics for a product line that is exclusive to Bosch dealers. The devices use the 900MHz spread spectrum frequency, which is said to be more reliable, less prone to interference or being jammed by burglars and allows for more supervision (every 10 seconds vs. once per hour using 300/433MHz). Registration of the devices can also be done wirelessly, which saves installation time, and battery life is 3-5 years depending on the device.

Bosch also has available a wireless site survey tool to help determine what distance the devices will work depending on the environment. This was effectively demonstrated when Reimer led the group throughout the large Bosch facility to show how strong the signal remained even on opposite sides of the complex, through walls, etc. There certainly are a lot of opportunities for dealers and integrators in the area of wireless and this certainly seems like a viable solution. The pendant transmitters are especially popular in commercial applications.

Bosch’s interactive ISC West exhibit booth was replicated within their Fairport, N.Y., headquarters.

That demo excursion rolled into a tour of Bosch’s exhibit booth from this year’s ISC West, which the company has set up inside its offices. Although I saw this booth in passing at the show, I was pleased to be able to experience it more thoroughly. The exhibit shows off Bosch’s intrusion, fire, video and access control products via fun, inventive hands-on displays that encourage interactivity while vividly conveying the company’s impressive technologies.

Following a lunch break, the afternoon belonged to Bosch’s detector technologies. For me, this was the most interesting segment of the program, which was ironic because I expected it to be the reverse. Reimer painstakingly detailed all the engineering, testing and technology that goes into its Professional Series PIRs. That, combined with the demonstration models with see-through casing supplied to attendees and a visit to Bosch’s onsite testing lab, added up to nothing short of a fascinating and highly convincing experience.

Product Manager Mike Reimer made it abundantly clear how much thought and effort goes into Bosch’s PIRs.

What helps set the Professional Series apart is its use of three lenses and Sensor Data Fusion to achieve intelligence resulting in both high immunity to false alarms and a high catch performance. The devices incorporate two PIR sensors, range-adaptive radar, a white

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Tagged with: Under Surveillance

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters