Wireless security systems quickly won the alarm market, at first glance, leaving no chance of survival for traditional wired solutions. Although the advantages of using communication reception modules and radio transmitters as such are reduced in their importance in relation to the reliability of a conventional disguised cable, sending information to a person who is interested in guarding the object at a remote distance can play a decisive role. And while the segment leaders continue to develop high-tech telematics protection systems with high price tags, the IPRo company is realizing the “Clock” signaling systems that are available to a wide range of owners, which, depending on the version, are suitable for protecting houses, apartments, cottages, garages, etc.
What is a GSM alarm?
For the first time, a wide consumer was given the opportunity to use similar security systems in the heyday of radio pagers, on the basis of which the first generation of electronic car alarms operated. Today, GSM cellular communication is also considered an aging way of communication, but the effectiveness of its main function of data transfer is still not disputed. In addition, it is an inexpensive means of communication, which makes IPRo's proposals even more attractive. Even the basic packages of the Smart Watch 4 family provide full coverage of communication lines between target security points and the direct owner. The entry-level system provides 4 inputs for connecting to different groups of sensors. For each of them an individual text is set for sending via SMS. The sensors are connected in series, so when you disconnect one, an alarm is automatically activated on other circuits.
Varieties of systems
The principle of interaction between the owner of the object and the security complex is only a format for the operation of such systems, but small technical and functional details can direct protective tools for different purposes. As already mentioned, the manufacturer offers several series that are intended for the home, summer house, business, etc. As for the models for the apartment and the house, they rely on monitoring several access zones, controlling water and gas leaks, fixing smoke and fire, as well as remote control with elements to maintain sufficient energy conservation. In the case of alarms for summer cottages, the main goal will be to control physical access to the facility with a reliable and secure communication channel. Also in its versions, the manufacturer offers gardeners additional control modules for irrigation and irrigation systems. In the commercial segment, they find their customers and alarms, which include listening elements: video bugs and microphones.
Heating controls
Creating an optimal microclimate is also included in the spectrum of tasks of the system under consideration. But in different versions it is embodied in individual schemes. For example, to control the operation of a single temperature sensor, the simplest modification "1MT BOX 3x4" is recommended. If you plan to base the package on a security function, then you should prefer the 1MT BOX 3x4 Kit system. You can connect 1 thermal sensor and 2 additional detectors to the device. In addition to the mandatory equipment for temperature regulation, the set of this offer includes sirens, security keys, motion sensors, etc. The most technologically advanced system of this type is the alarm system “Clock 8x8 RF BOX”, which includes 6 temperature sensors and redichannel signal sending modules . On the one hand, such complexes provide a full protective and security function, and on the other hand, they make it possible to control all modern indicators on heating boilers.
System sensors
Usually, sensory elements are classified according to the principle of action, but in this case, their target orientation is more important. The manufacturer divides the sensors into three main groups, which, respectively, are used at the turn of protection of the initial level, secondary and higher. By the way, the Smart Watch 4 line can cover all stages of protection - just pick the optimal model. Conventionally, we can say that the first frontier is mainly leakage sensors, that is, the simplest household detectors. The second level is more sophisticated equipment involved in the comprehensive regulation of the work of lighting equipment, protective blocking modules, power supply systems, etc. The third line of defense is found in enterprises and office premises where specialized tasks are required. This may relate to listening, complex detection of a specific area, as well as issues of protection from external radio frequency exposure.
Main characteristics
From the foregoing, we can conclude that the sensor is the key component of such alarms, so its operating parameters will be the main ones. So, the frequency of signal transmission by devices can vary from 18 to 60 kHz. Most sensors work in this spectrum, although modern motion sensors operate in the microwave range at 10.5 GHz. The number of sensitive elements rarely exceeds 8. On average, these are 2-3 devices that control the household needs, and as many protective devices. According to the consumption data, the GSM alarm “Sentry” is undemanding - when connected to a 220 V network, it requires only 40 mA. But the system is extremely sensitive to temperature balance - as a rule, frames are installed in the range from -30 to 60 ° C.
Component Installation
Installation work does not require special operations using complex equipment. It is enough to place and fix the functional components of the system in the most favorable areas in terms of operational efficiency. The main GSM-controller is installed in a visible and accessible place with the help of complete fasteners. Antennas are mounted accordingly, in the case of the central control unit and in the place of the best signal processing when communicating remotely. Sensors are mounted in the target zones of protection and protection - this depends on the direction of a particular set of alarm “Sentry”. The instruction for all types of sensors indicates that they should be located in areas that do not provide for direct exposure to climatic or electromagnetic equipment. Third-party waves can interfere with the performance of sensitive equipment.
Alarm Setting
First of all, it is necessary to activate a SIM-card, through which the alarm will interact with subscribers to send alarm messages. It is inserted into the corresponding slot of the central control unit. By the way, a controller without a SIM card will not allow even basic settings. Further, for convenient work with the system, it is advisable to use the company's proprietary software, specially developed for the “Clock” alarm. Setting using the software configurator will allow you to set the functioning parameters of different hardware groups and individual devices. The user, in particular, will be able to register the addresses of subscribers for the notification with the message texts. At the same time, each sensor can be adjusted in terms of sensitivity, which is especially important for motion sensors. In one zone, you will have to make a discount on the draft, lowering the susceptibility, and in the other, on the contrary, set the maximum sensitivity level, which will allow you to record the tiniest signs of an outside presence.
Positive feedback on the alarm "Sentry"
The systems of this line have a lot of fans because of its affordable price and wide functionality. Work at long distances is put on the list of the main advantages of the kit. The ability to send alarm messages without special navigation modules is perhaps the main merit of the proposal. Also noted is the ergonomics of the “Sentry” burglar alarm control, which concerns physical manipulations with sensors and direct interaction with the controller interface. The same work with settings via a computer via USB greatly simplifies the process of operating the system.
Negative reviews
Nevertheless, against the background of multifunctional alarms with GPS modules, this alarm system looks extremely poor, although the developers have worked quite seriously on individual communication capabilities. The most common aspects of criticism include the lack of a remote control key fob. For example, arming and disarming commands are implemented either by SMS, or by the “Sentry” complete alarm keys. Reviews emphasize the low quality of protection of the transmitted signal. Firstly, in any case, it will depend on the terrain conditions - on how favorable they are for communication. And secondly, GSM channels are considered very vulnerable, so they are increasingly being abandoned in favor of GPS tools.
How to choose the best alarm kit?
You should focus on the main marking of packages - for home, cottages, business, etc. The manufacturer in each set provides an optimal list of components suitable for specific purposes. Nevertheless, initially it is worth calculating the needs for different types of sensors, determining their number and location zones. For example, an alarm system for a summer residence in a minimal assembly may contain 2-3 motion sensors (for windows and doors) and have no means of fixing smoke and fire at all. On the contrary, it is recommended to provide a large private house with full-fledged groups of motion sensors, fire and gas detectors, as well as elements of intelligent control for engineering equipment.
Conclusion
The developers of IPRo, when creating the Sentry line, chose a rather popular strategy for replacing high-tech solutions with cheaper and aging analogues. So, the tasks that are now actively entrusted to navigation systems, in this case are shifted to traditional cellular communications. It was this transition that significantly reduced the cost of the Sentry signaling, which on average costs from 8 to 12 thousand rubles. For comparison, alternative options based on GPS or GLONASS are estimated at 20-30 thousand. Of course, the main difference is not in the cost, but in the direct operational capabilities, reliability and efficiency of the systems.