Established in 1995, to provide technical support and commissioning service to the fire, access, safety and security industries, Lark Street Investments has rapidly expanded to a position as a leader in maintenance and servicing of fire detection and firefighting, CCTV, public address, access control and mechanical systems.
The company offers a host of services and products such as CATE (cell activated terminal emulator).
The remote communicator
CATE is a 'terminal' installed at a remote site and is able to monitor, activate and control functions and collect data about the equipment installed at this remote site utilising GSM network as the communication medium.
The system uses SMS (short message service) as the means to issue commands and retrieve data.
CATE is able to monitor the status of eight digital inputs; monitor the status of four analog inputs and switch eight isolated relay contacts.
Further capabilities such as to connect remote RS232 equipment to a local terminal; down and upload data from a remote site, and image data transfer are in development.
CATE talks to you via your cellphone
The system is implemented by using a CATE-wire and connected to the equipment at the remote site to be monitored and controlled by a cellphone or other equipment to remotely issue the commands.
The commands are in the form of simple acronym-type messages, along with the prescribed five-digit access code that constitute the SMS, therefore any equipment that can implement these acronym-type SMS', and is able to dial into the GSM network can be used.
The system works on a 'handshake' basis, ie each command will get a reply from CATE at the remote site. CATE can also be controlled by a PC-based program and a GSM modem which is still under development.
Applications
* Guard control/patrol system: easy to control guards logging on and where normal radios can communicate.
* Remote access system: CATE can be linked up to basically any existing access control system. Monitor access system for any defects and report such defects to maintenance staff even before the client is aware of it.
* Remote fire system: CATE can be linked up to basically any existing system.
* Remote building management system.
* Remote container outstation: Monitor intrusion and industrial signals system for any defects and also monitor movement of containers if required.
* Remote vending machine control system: CATE can be linked up to vending machines to monitor stock and report on any low stock vandalism to the operator.
* Remote sprinkler control system.
For further details, contact Lark Street Investments, tel: (011) 744 2336, fax: (011) 740 6043, e-mail: [email protected]
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