What is supervision and why is it important?

Supervision, or self-testing, is the term that is applied to a security system's self-diagnostics. To help ensure reliable trouble-free operation, wireless transmitters regularly send a "check-in" signal to the receiver to verify that the communications path is open and the sensor is functioning. Some wireless systems only perform a self-test once every 24 hours. Others don't even bother to verify the communications link at all. But these transmitters can send check-in signals as often as every 10 seconds, allowing you to detect a missing or malfunctioning transmitter in less than one hour. In contrast, it can take some wireless systems up to 24 hours to detect a malfunctioning transmitter.

Our servers also support supervision over your network. 

A loss of communication with a location – either intentional or otherwise – is detected and reported to a supervisory software application. This application can report such failures to multiple locations. Supervisory functions include loss of communication with wireless pushbuttons, out of range indications, and low battery supervision of all batteries. 

In addition, supervision includes the network itself – loss of communications with a wireless receiver is itself rated as a fault. 

Server Supervision is also supported internally.   Special events are logged on the Alarm group ‘LynxGuide’. 

What is the difference between 900MHz and 300MHz systems?

These products are based on advanced 900MHz spread spectrum technology. Because FCC regulations permit higher transmit power for 900MHz systems, they  offers superior in-building range and up to 10 times the open field range of other wireless security products. Wireless systems can even protect multiple buildings, parking structures, or detached garages from a central location.

Will wireless work in a commercial environment?
In many commercial environments, ambient RF signals or signals from other wireless devices can interfere with a wireless security systems ability to operate effectively. But since these  products are based on spread spectrum technology, reliability and range are maximized even in "noisy" environments. This  is the only wireless security system based on proven spread-spectrum  900MHz technology. By sending completely redundant signals on a multitude of channels across a 10MHz band, these products maximize reliability.

1. What's the range of Wireless transmitters?

Range for any wireless device depends very heavily on the environment. In general, radio signals will be absorbed into materials that contain moisture, such as concrete, water, and earth. Radio signals will bounce off of metal surfaces and penetrate fairly easily through drywall or glass. In any case, the radio signals will lose some power as they pass through or come in contact with objects. For comparison purposes the only equitable measurement is "true-line-of-sight". This is a condition where there are absolutely no obstacles between the transmitter's antenna and the receiver's antenna. 

At this writing, there are 2 types of output power used on our Wireless transmitters.

1. High Power. The line of sight range is 10,000 feet. Available only in the long range transmitter.

2. Standard Power. The line of sight range is 2,500 feet. Available in all transmitters except the long range devices.

It is rare that an installation has a true-line-of-sight condition so for a more definitive answer on range we suggest you test the environment with a Survey Kit.

In a typical building environment our 900 MHz signal propagates easily around the metal studs and concrete floors. Customers regularly tell us that they are impressed with the performance. If additional coverage is needed we offer an Intelligent Repeater. These repeaters support an unlimited number of Wireless transmitters.

2. What is the range of the Wireless repeater?

The repeater uses our High Power specification in its output. The re-transmit range is 10,000 feet line of site.

The receive coverage area is dependent on the power output of the transmitters it repeats.

3. Do I need a programmer?

If you are using a Lynx-256 or Lynx-Wave you will not need a programmer. All programming is done using the keypad or web page.

If you are using an 1 channel or 4 channel Receiver you will need  to use the Programmer. This programmer is used on the LynxNet-4I and LynxNet-16I  family if you want or need to change the factory default settings. The programmer can also be used to measure signals from the transmitters. In addition, it can be used to toggle output switches when testing the wiring installation.  

4. How many channels do I need?

The first consideration is the number of transmitters you intend to use in your system. The Wireless Frequency Agile protocol can support up to 65000  transmitters in a given system. For very large installations you need to contact us directly and be prepared to answer detailed and specific questions regarding your application. Often large systems require custom programming.

16 channel devices supports up to 64 transmitters.

6. Why do I need to supervise transmitters?

We  highly recommend that you supervise transmitters in all security and life-safety applications. Supervision is the self-testing of the transmitters for low battery, tamper, and inactive. If you are not using the built-in supervision function of our system protocol you are relying on a purely manual determination of the system's state-of-health.

All electrical devices are subject to external elements. Lightning, vandalism, power failures, and numerous other sources of destructive force can cause a device to lose its radio link with the receiver. Wireless systems provide a means to monitor themselves. Using this feature, in conjunction with periodic manual testing, will help ensure a stable and reliable system.

To determine if supervision is important, ask yourself the following question, "What is the worst possible consequence if the system fails?" If your answer is "a minor inconvenience" then perhaps supervision is not that important to you. If your answer involves loss of life, injury, or significant financial loss then supervision is CRITICAL.

Supervising portable pendants presents some unique challenges. 

7. How do you program a transmitter?

Transmitters are programmed either through the internal web server, the external keypad, or by the Programmer. 

Basically, the transmitter's ID and various operational characteristics are set. For example, using a 16 channel receiver  with a LynxNet-16I  you may assign a system ID of 183 and a point ID of 16. At the same time you will be asked to specify the contact type (N/O vs. N/C - as indicated in the transmitter's user manual), the use of an EOL resistor, the use of the reed switch on an FA210 transmitter, the check-in time (typically 60 seconds for sites with less than 200 transmitters), and the output to be tripped upon activation. After these selections are made you are prompted to connect the transmitter using the 2 wire programming cable provided and press the transmitter's reset button.

Other Wireless products program in very much the same fashion. Installer's have told us regularly that our systems are some of the easiest to work with in terms of programming.

8. What does the red decode LED/ light mean?

This LED is located on the circuit board of Wireless receivers. It is an indicator of the RF noise in the area. Every time the light blinks the receiver is attempting to decode a signal. This light shows that the unit is turned on and working. It is listening to all of the radio energy in the environment to determine if any signals are coming in on the Frequency Agile protocol. If a valid signal is received, the adjacent Valid LED will illuminate.

9. How does the programmer get power?

The programmer is powered off of the receiver that it is plugged into.

10. Does it matter what way I plug in the programming cable?

NO - As long as the 3 pins are inserted into the programming cable, polarity isn't important.

11. What transmitter can I use on a key ring?

The  pendants have holes molded into their plastic housing that can be used to attach to a standard key ring loop.

12. How can I get more range?

You can use our Intelligent Repeaters to extend the range of any Wireless system. 

13. What is the fault output on a Receiver used for?

This is a global annunciation output dedicated to low battery, tamper and inactive. This output is activated when any of the transmitters programmed to the given receiver experiences any of these conditions.

14. Why can't I program more than 1 transmitter per point?

Programming more than a single transmitter to a given point number defeats the ability of the Wireless system to supervise itself. This is a practice called "stacking points" and is discouraged in practice. Never stack points in a life-safety or security application. Some receivers like the LynxNet-256  do not allow stacking.

15. Are your transmitters weatherproof?

Our pendant transmitter is water-tight to a depth of 1 foot. In addition, we offer a  NEMA Enclosure for outdoor environments. Many installers simply seal our transmitters in PVC pipe when used in outdoor environments. Your choice of enclosures will depend on your specific needs. Be sure you keep in mind maintenance needs including battery replacement in a few years!

15. What is temperature range for good operation?

40 degrees F to 135 degrees F.

16. Can I externalize an antenna?

No. Our repeater is our external antennae.

17. Does each transmitter need a repeater?

No. Each repeater can re-transmit multiple transmitters from multiple systems and do not require programming for individual points.

18. Why should I use Supervision?

The system warns you if electronics fail in any transmitter.  It reduces dependence on testing to verify system integrity.  You will have confidence that the system will work when it's needed, and increase reliability.  Also, the system knows status of any point:

– Allows system to warn user of open doors or windows

– Permits "follower" mode rather than just momentary