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Security and convenience by SMS

The TX-SMS unit is the ultimate in home automation security and convenience. Designed to empower end users in multiple ways, it can send messages as well as execute functions such as activating and deactivating alarms, switching lights and irrigation systems on and off and even monitor electric fences. It can also unlock gates and doors by SMS or a missed call in order to grant reaction officers or visitors remote access, hence its growing following in residential complexes.

“With all the pressures of modern-day life, it is inevitable that at some point or another, people are going to forget to turn on or off geysers, or arm or disarm their burglar alarms,” says Tinus Jansen van Vuuren, regional branch manager for Elvey Security Technologies. “That is when a nifty product such as the TX-SMS will really make a difference, because all they need to do to rectify the situation is send an SMS.”

He explains: “The TX-SMS is an important security tool owing to its ability to send alarm and contact ID signals to cellphones, as well as arm and disarm alarm systems and switch on lights ahead of one’s arrival back home, in the dark.”

Aside from its security benefits, the TX-SMS also makes life a lot more convenient. “It will open the gate and garage door for you and switch on the lights ahead of you arriving home. It is a brilliant guest management system for B ‘n Bs and hotels, and it is a lifesaver for out-of-town home owners who need to be able to give their family or staff members access to their properties,” says Van Vuuren.

Popular among security system installers throughout the country, the TX-SMS represents telemetry/alarm monitoring and remote activation technology at its best. Which is why it is being increasingly deployed not only in the residential and hospitality sectors but also in the agricultural and industrial industries. “Farmers use it for controlling their irrigation systems and pumps remotely as well as opening gates. Industrialists favour the technology owing to its ability to monitor and report on applications such as tank levels.”

The TX-SMS is equipped with four hardwired inputs and two onboard relays which can be controlled remotely (switch on, switch off, pulse or toggle) by SMS, missed call or timer. Two of the inputs are optically isolated to accommodate the demands of industrial and high voltage applications such as electric fences and mains monitoring. To this end, the system boasts analogue and AC inputs for mains failure/restore and low battery reporting, notes Van Vuuren. It also boasts a tamper vibration sensor.

The unit is able to send SMSes to up to four reporting numbers while up to 500 different cell numbers can be programmed to control the relays by missed call. End users can programme it to SMS reports to them confirming and recording phone numbers as well as actions executed. They can also set special access rules limiting the relay control to a certain number of calls per time window and on specific days of the week.

User definable SMSes or Contact ID allow for monitoring and reporting on the state of inputs, he points out further, while its missed call functionality ensures cost-free opening of gates and doors.

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