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 Security
and monitoring devices are fairly common, but few products offer much
in terms of features. Cross Point Industries has introduced a clever new
product that uses voice recordings to alert users of movement detected
by remote sensors. This wireless system is designed such that any number
of transmitting sensors can be used, with up to six unique zones identified
by the base unit. The system can be set up in a variety of applications
where wiring a sensor may be difficult. The base unit has a built-in microphone
for recording a six-second message for each of the six unique zones identified
by the user. There's also a missed message indicator in the event the
user was not present when the corresponding sensor detected motion. Four
form "C" type relays are built into the unit for triggering
other devices, including alarm systems.
Setup
and Performance
 The
Voice Alert system does require that the user set up the sensor (aside
from installing the battery), but this is largely dependent on the user's
preferences. The cover is simple to remove with only a locking tab at
the base of the unit. A gasket around the perimeter makes contact with
the cover to seal out moisture from the sensor electronics. Aside from
installing the (included) battery, each of the transmitting sensors can
be configured using the internal switches. The factory default settings
will work without modifying the internal switch settings. However, it
is recommended that the user turn off the LED switch (W1) to preserve
battery life once the setup is tested. The W1 switch is used to control
the illumination of the detection LED on the front of the unit. This LED
turns on when the unit detects motion. This helps during installation
by letting the user know when motion has been detected by the sensor.
Using the bank of eight DIP switches, the user can uniquely identify the
transmitting sensor. Having eight binary switches allows the user to have
any one of 256 unique codes. This may seem like overkill for a six-zone
system, but if neighbors also have this system, you will be able to set
your codes differently to reduce any chance of false detections.
The user
can also set the beam pattern sensitivity of the IR sensor using the Flexible
Pattern adjusting inserts that are provided. Either horizontal or vertical
fan patterns can be used to limit the beam pattern. This works well in
places that may have areas that can falsely trigger the detector. We installed
the all-weather PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor above our garage facing
downward to detect the arrival of guests. The sensing unit mounts with
just two screws on the top and bottom of the mounting plate. Cross Point
includes a mounting template to help during installation. The largest
detection pattern is achieved (40 feet x 40 feet) when the unit is mounted
7-1/2 feet above the ground according to the literature. Once mounted,
the user can adjust the position of the multiple-beam-pattern sensor for
optimal detection of motion. If the voice alert feature is used, the user
must record a message for each zone being used.
 The
base unit has useful features that include the ability to learn sensor
codes, recording up to six alert messages, and an indicator for missed
messages. The top of the unit has a power switch, microphone, and indicator
lights (Power/Message, Setup and Low Battery). The front panel has a Playback
button, Volume control, three-position slider switch (Run/Record/Program)
and six individual buttons for each of the monitored zones. To record
a message the user simply slides the switch to Record and holds
the corresponding zone button while speaking into the microphone. To hear
any of the recorded messages, the user simply slides the switch back to
Run and presses the corresponding zone button.
The unit
comes factory set with the current sensor code preprogrammed to Zone #1.
However, it is easy to change this or add another zone to the base unit.
To program a new code into the base, slide the switch to Program
and set the sensor LED to On; Trigger the sensor (watch for the
LED to come on) and push the corresponding zone button on the base unit;
The Setup LED on the base unit will flash indicating that it has
learned the new code. Now the base station is setup to properly respond
to that zone. It's that easy.
When motion
is detected from one of the PIR sensors, an RF signal that uniquely identifies
the zone is received by the base unit. The corresponding zone message
is then played back. Due to the design of this system it's possible to
have multiple sensors in a given zone with the same code settings. For
example, if you have a large area to cover or if the area is difficult
to cover with just a single sensor, two or more can be used for full coverage.
Each sensor (using the same DIP switch setting) will send the same message
to the base unit when motion is detected. This gives the user flexibility
in configuring the system. The signal is said to work up to 1000 feet
in open space or up to 300 feet through walls. We cannot verify these
claims, but our system that is located through several walls at a distance
of about 100 feet worked just fine. The system can also use a single transmitting/sensor
to trigger mutiple base units. For example, one might be in the kitchen
while the other is in the master bedroom. Since each transmitter and receiver
can be independently programmed, each base unit can be configured to respond
to a different set of sensors installed in the overall system.
The base
unit also includes four form "C" type relays (SPDT), making
it compatible with security systems and other devices. In addition, each
of the four relays, which correspond to the first four zones, can be individually
programmed (Off, 1 sec, 5 sec, 30 sec, 60 sec, or continuous). Some may
not use this feature, but it's a very powerful one should they decide
to incorporate it into their system.
Conclusion
The Voice Alert System-6 System is a powerful wireless monitoring system
that works as a stand-alone unit for home owners that want an affordable
and user-friendly security/alert monitor. The product is easy to install
and includes all the necessary hardware to start monitoring a single zone.
Additional sensor/transmitters are available based on the user's needs.
The instructions were better than average and also included a Quick
Start Guide for those who can't wait to understand all the details
of this powerful unit. We were quite impressed with the performance and
reliability of the review system we received. The signal strength of the
transmitters exceeded our expectations based on other similar wireless
devices we've seen in the past. In addition, the flexibility of the base
unit makes it attractive for not only stand-alone setups, but for more
sophisticated alarm systems that take full advantage of the built-in relays.
We have yet to see any product similar to this in terms of features and
flexibility.
-
Kevin Nakano
References:http://www.laaudiofile.com
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Surveillance
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