Wire-Free (Wireless) Alarms

In recent years the use of wirefree alarm systems has become considerably more popular than in past years and this is primarily the result of the improvement in the quality of wirefree components. Some years ago the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) gave approval for the use of wirefree systems for police response, provided these were able to carry out suitable supervison of components this required compliance with a British Standard BS6799 Class 6; the conventional and often used Class 3, (often DIY wirefree), or Class 5 would continue to be unacceptable for police response.
With the recognition by ACPO of wirefree systems came merely a trickle of such systems available to the installer, particularly of note were FM Electronics, Scantronic and couple of others. However, more recently, manufacturers have seen the available market for wirefree in the domestic sector and this has given rise to an increase in wirefree and hybrid systems, (hybrid meaning a normal wired control panel with a wireless add-on); manufacturers now include Honeywell, Texecom, Menvier, as well as the old faithfulls FM Electronics and Scantronic and a number of new rising stars from the East.

Why has wirefree become so popular?

From the customer point of view, there is an element of relief in not having the home disrupted by the lifting of carpets and floorboards which normally has to take place with the fitting of a wired system. Wirefree systems are seen as a means of avoiding disruption to the decor and of other mess that often accompanies any major installation in the home. The installation a completely wirefree system will normally take less time than a wired system although with a larger system or a hybrid system that time will of course be increased.
Many wirefree systems now have the provision of a speech dialler to contact a number of telephone contacts to alert them of an alarm activation; some sport a digital communicator and often GSM radio signalling as an optional add-on to provide connection to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) for 24-hour alarm monitoring. More advanced systems now have the built-in provision of two-way audio, voice prompting and messaging - even remote control via a mobile telephone.
Although wirefree is still available in its “lower form”, many systems are now available to comply with EN50131 PD6662 Grade 2 and so can provide a convenient system for police response.
Additional benefits for the busy installer and the user alike can be found on many wirefree systems, with the option of remote up/downloading to enable off-site diagnostics, programming (where appropriate) and system checks. This option is particularly useful when changes need to be made to the system but it is inconvenient to have to wait for an engineer to attend the premises.

Let’s take a look at a top of the range full wirefree system:
Scantronic Homelink 75

The Scantronic Homelink 75 is a very convenient system both for user and installer alike, it’s simple flowing programming menu is both easy to navigate and to understand, with optional voice prompts for the user such as “The system is now setting“. Users can leave a recorded “memo” for other members of the family … “Johnny, don’t forget your homework before you put the television on!“. With a simple menu structure the system can be accessed by a mobile telephone to switch the system on or off, listen in or talk etc, all from a remote location.
The Homelink 75 offers the option of wireless door contacts, PIR’s, shock sensors, remote keypads, prox-tags, RF fobs, (telecommanders); a wireless siren and the provision of two wired zones, should they be required or convenient to use, completes the felixibility of the Homelink 75. The provision of a wireless shock sensor is a particularly welcome addition missing in many other systems. The shock sensor detects an attach on a window or door and thereby provides a useful form of perimeter protection, ideal in bungalows for example.
The control panel in a smart silver colour with central keypad and LCD English display looks good in any environment and is particularly easy to use with a quick-set button, twin push emergency buttons for police, fire and medical services and for the elderly or infirm, a dedicated social alarm call button to allow two-way conversation with a dedicated call centre.

The specification of the Homelink 75 is quite impressive:

General

Four independent partitions, each of which can be full set or part set
Provides alarms for intruder, fire, technical, PA and social care
Built-in siren
Supplied as a kit with PIR, door contact, telecommand and prox tag
Inputs

32 fully supervised (to EN50131-3) radio input zones
2 FSL wired input zones
User Interface

Built in keypad and graphic display
Voice prompts (can be disabled)
Multi-function remote operation fobs
Integral prox reader
Remote control by telephone (mobile or land line)
Built-in microphone
Loud-speaking facility
Voice memo recording facility
Communications

Integral digital communicator offering SCANCOM, Fast-Format, SIA l, ll & lll Extended, and Contact ID formats
Plug on adaptors for Internet Protocol over Ethernet or GPRS
Plug on adaptors for GSM (mobile phone)
Integral social alarm function with Tunstall and SCANCOM Fast-Format communications and half-duplex voice communication
Integral speech dialler with one 12s home message and up to four consecutive messages each 8s long with listening-in and talk back facility
Radio

Scantronic AE2 dual diversity narrow-band 868 MHz radio receiver
Integral radio field-strength meter for accurate detector siting
Supervision and jamming detection on all detectors
Radio learning of detectors and outputs
Power

NiMH batteries giving at least 12 hours standby operation
Mains power from standard outlet (built-in power supply)
Service/Maintenance

Full upload/download and remote servicing facility
350 event log
Programmable from a PC or laptop using a built-in USB port