Safety and security simplified

September 2012 Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection, Products & Solutions

We live in an era where our every whim is catered for at the press of a button, thanks to the myriad automated systems that have been designed with the sole purpose of making our lives easier. We are in the midst of an automation revolution, one that has seen a new world of convenience opened up for us.

Our entrance gates and garage doors happily come to life and grant us access when we invoke the appropriate frequencies; in this way, at least, we have mastered the craft of commanding the airwaves.

However, by its very definition an automated system consists of moving parts and as such it calls attention to the omnipresent issue of safety. While automatic gates and doors are beneficial, it must be remembered that any mechanical system carries with it risks against which users must be safeguarded.

Yet, research into the matter has shown that a disconcertingly large percentage of installers do not specify infrared gate safety beams – devices that can be considered the very apotheosis of gate safety – when fitting gate motors, and the majority of homeowners do not insist upon them. Why is this?

It all comes down to wiring, it seems. Most homeowners do not fancy having their beautiful cobblestone driveways defaced for the sake of installing infrared beams and the cost of the labour involved is usually of such a nature that they’d rather take their chances with the gate. It is a sad state of affairs, and one that until recently offered precious little by way of resolution.

Centurion Systems designed Photon infrared beams with a fully wireless transmitter. Photon beams make superior, cost-effective gate safety possible without the need for digging and tunnelling and routing cables. The transmitter is powered via two AA alkaline batteries offering a minimum of two years functional life.

The receiver provides an onboard relay which can be connected to an automated system such as a gate motor or garage door operator, and will cause the device to halt operation or reverse direction (depending on the configuration) should the infrared beam be interrupted.

In addition, a new feature known as Installer Mode facilitates easy alignment of the beams by emitting a continuous 4 kHz tone when optimum alignment is obtained, saving the installer time. It is worth noting that alignment is a remarkably hassle-free process to begin with, since Photon casts a wide 1-square-metre beam at a distance of 10 m.

Even the Photon’s physical design has been optimised for quick and easy installation, with a hole being provided approximately in the centre of the circuit board that is concentric with a hole at the back of the plastic enclosure; this allows the installer to simply mark and drill the fixing hole without having to remove the circuit board.

Finally, Photon beams can be used for basic perimeter security and are compatible with the intruder-detection alarm feature-set found on certain Centurion operators. This feature-set – consisting of the break-in and ambush alarms – can be configured to activate an onboard buzzer (which can in turn be relayed to a third-party alarm system) whenever the beams are interrupted, or remain interrupted for a predefined period of time.

For more information contact Centurion Systems, +27 (0)11 699 2467, Adam.Butchart@centurionsystems.co.za, www.centsys.co.za



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Effective access control
Flow Systems Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
Flow Systems has introduced its new Extra Heavy Duty Industrial Rising Vehicle Barrier, which provides a high level of protection. It is a traditional-looking control barrier with the benefits of high-level physical protection.

Read more...
Protect remote sites with volumetric thermal detectors
OPTEX Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Remote sites have always been more vulnerable to opportunistic intrusion, but over the last two years in particular, sites such as solar farms or industrial parks have become more common targets for criminals.

Read more...
Texecom launches latest SmartCom 4G Communicator
Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Texecom announced the upgraded and enhanced version of its SmartCom 4G communicator. Signal sensitivity on all the main bands has also been improved, increasing the usable range from masts, in some instances, by up to four times.

Read more...
SafeQuip introduces lithium fire extinguishers
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions
With the use of Lithium batteries increasing in many types of portable devices and battery storage solutions, SafeQuip, in partnership with AVD Lithex, is introducing a fire extinguisher aimed at suppressing and extinguishing, and also preventing re-ignition of lithium fires.

Read more...
New generation of cyber-focused controllers
Gallagher News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
The C7000 gives users an opportunity to leverage their hardware and firmware to build a platform designed to catapult their organisation into the future, with cybersecurity baked in from inception.

Read more...
Nextivity CEL-FI ROAM R41 boosts your cell signal
IoT & Automation Products & Solutions
Designed for cars, trucks, and boats, it is the industry’s most powerful cellular coverage solution for on-the-go applications. It features the 4th generation IntelliBoost chip to deliver channelised coverage for mobile network operator (MNO) signals.

Read more...
Olarm advances smart security with Texecom integration
Olarm News & Events Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Products & Solutions
Following Olarm’s achievement as the OSPA 2023 winner of ‘Outstanding Security Integrator’, it has taken another significant step in its innovation journey with the announcement of its integration with Texecom Premier Elite.

Read more...
Enhanced security at Xanadu Nature Estate
Turnstar Systems Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
Turnstar Systems recently installed two bicycle turnstiles at the 240-hectare Xanadu Nature Estate, set in the Magaliesberg, the perfect location for secure communal living catering to the lifestyle of residents.

Read more...
BMS for smaller businesses
Security Services & Risk Management Products & Solutions Risk Management & Resilience
Small businesses can also benefit from tailored energy management solutions just like large corporations. Effective energy management is essential for more sustainable and efficient operations.

Read more...
Mobile access to multiple locations
Suprema Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
A central security network was used to link multiple sites across VPN connections to allow the Suprema CoreStations installed at various locations to talk to the remote server.

Read more...