“It’s all part of the engineered design,” he says. “We had high quality, high frame rate, and tuned the camera’s field of view to a specific pixel density to obtain forensics quality images. The cameras were selected for their low light performance. They’re one of the first with a really efficient compression capability of H.264 high profile level 5.”

Bjoern Weber, product manager at Basler, explains how bandwidth challenges were handled. “With the Fluidmesh system, the transit authority can take full advantage of our IP cameras’ capabilities,” he says. “Even with efficient compression formats, you need a reliable network able to handle the large amount of data that 5-megapixel cameras deliver.”

The capability to continuously push through large data streams weighed heavily in the system design process and is one of the qualities Spellman appreciates most about Fluidmesh’s offerings.

“I chose Fluidmesh because of its proven reliability and compact form factor,” he says. “It’s easy to install, easy to integrate with a router or switch as needed, and it’s a PoE-operated radio. One of the receivers has 10 cameras from multiple radios pointed at it, all hitting at the same time, and it’s impressive to see it operate flawlessly. This solution handles clusters of megapixel cameras, plus multiple radios at substantial range and differing angles.”

Ty Miller, the Kratos | HBE integrator on the project, notes that both the manufacturers and distributor played key roles in ensuring timely delivery of quality products, and that ultimately the IP video surveillance system deployment was a success. “All of the video components were expertly calculated a
nd fine-tuned to provide the customer with a quality and efficient video system,” he says.

End User Enjoys Impressive Features

The true testament to a project’s absolute success is a happy and repeat customer. CCRTA Facilities Manager Matt Kolva is exceedingly pleased with the integrator’s professionalism and skill. “Kratos | HBE’s strict adherence to the engineered design during the commissioning and their ongoing engineered managed service capability get high marks,” he says.

Kolva is also enamored with the system’s performance and finds it very easy to use: “We have two separate radio networks made up of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint across the CCRTA grounds. These radios deliver a dozen or more 5-megapixel cameras at high frame rates for live and recorded images. The quality and reliability day and night and in all weather conditions has been remarkable. In fact, since the installation was completed we have not had a single site service call. We work frequently with law enforcement agencies, and the image quality and system-wide reliability are proving to be superior to anything we have used in the past.”

Kratos | HBE reports that the video system has been a vital tool in assisting local law enforcement with combating criminal activities, and has resulted in arrests on a few occasions. In addition, the safety and security of the general public at the CCRTA Hyannis terminal has been greatly improved.

“When CCRTA held an initial bid, we were one of 10 integrators in the running,” says Miller adds. “We had a fully engineered end-to-end solution that they accepted and are very happy with. They’ve asked us for a similar bid for another location in South Dennis and, based on this installation, we are now a sole source for this customer.”

CCRTA System Technical Specs

• Access Control: Schlage SMS access control system, with 16 card reader doors throughout facility, electric strikes at doors, high secure key cylinders. Building elevator video intercom integrated with card access at elevator for verification before engaging the elevator controls. Access system also integrated with intrusion devices.
• Intrusion Detection: Glass-break detectors are monitored through the alarm monitor in the Schlage SMS access control system.
• Video Surveillance: IP video system featuring Basler 3- and 5-megapixel cameras covering both interior and exterior of CCRTA facility, surrounding parking lot and bus terminal. Fluidmesh wireless network is deployed throughout the parking lot. There are approximately 36 fixed cameras, with two video monitoring workstations and one rack-mount display in the telecom/data room’s equipment cabinet.
• Other: Telecom, data, fiber optics, etc.
• Project Cost: Approximately $190,000

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