FAQ's
Control Panels
What systems are EN50131 compliant, and to what grades?
The RX16i & QX32i panels comply to Grade 2. The PX48i, PX80i, PX500 and PX250HS panels can be configured to comply to either Grade 2 or 3 as required.
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What firmware revisions are EN50131 compliant?
Any control panel operating V3.20 firmware or higher, operates in accordance with PD6662 and is therefore EN50131 compliant.
V3.20 firmware or higher in our control panels, will support the new 3-resistor network allowing Alarm/Tamper/Fault to be indicated on a single circuit input. In addition to this the PQ15AM, DT15+ and DT15AM detectors are all Grade 3 compliant, and provide the required EOL resistor onboard for easy installation.
Yes. Several resistor networks are available, with additional values supported in Version 4 firmware. This facility is programmable and allows all circuits to be wired to a specific "type", should our panels be used as part of a system take-over.
We design these control panels to leave the factory with only a 2% error in any voltage/resistance readings. We also provide a method of calibrating the system, so that the measurements can be more accurate, achieving <1% error in most cases. We would always recommend that the diagnostic readings are used as part of system testing, as they cover all of the vital measurements most engineers will do as part of regular maintenance.
The new V4 firmware for PX/QX control panels will support either Visonic, or Innovonics radio technology. The transmitters that are available to operate with our system are generic, with no custom design. Almost all of the individual transmitter models available will operate fully on our systems.
The PX/QX control panels are fitted with "Flash" microprocessors that contain the operating firmware of the system. This means that they can be reprogrammed with new firmware, should this be necessary. We sell a "PX/QX Programming Kit" that is used in conjunction with a Laptop PC to upgrade system firmware. Once installed and configured, specific firmware can be requested from Customer Support in the form of a "Hex" file. This is then used to upgrade the control panels, and/or any peripherals where appropriate. There is no longer any need to remove/fit physical chips (PROMs) to upgrade systems or peripherals.
Detectors
What is the angle of coverage for most of our detectors?
All Guardall's volumetric detectors provide a coverage angle of about 90'. This allows the unit to operate with wall-to-wall detection when installed in a corner. Some detectors like the Jupiter have special variants that provide either Corridor or Curtain patterns.
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Is "target speed" an important factor in the detectors, what are the operating limits?
Our detectors are designed to operate reliably when a target (intruder) is moving at a rate of 0.3m/s up to 3m/s (0.2m/s - 3m/s on Grade 3 EN compliant systems. This covers a very slow walk, up to running speed and ensures accurate and reliable detection. It also allows software in our detectors to filter out unwanted signals (heat changes, or electrical noise).
Most of our detectors operate within the range of 9v - 16v D.C. (approx.), although technical datasheets should be checked to obtain the exact levels for each model. Specifying this range allows an engineer to determine the requirement for additional power, in remote areas of an installation.
Although we supply a small number of "Pet Friendly" variants of existing products, we do not generally recommend their use. By using a detector that is "Pet Friendly/Immune" you reduce the overall security of your home, simply to accommodate a pet. The method used for most "Pet Immune" products on the market is not an exact science, It is not technically possible for an infrared detector to determine the weight of an intruder or pet. Our advice is always to adapt the pet around the security, not the other way round.
These two completely different technologies operate in a very specific manner, giving advantages in certain applications. A PIR (Infrared) detector monitors the temperature of 'zones' or areas of the room, reacting to changes that would be caused by a moving intruder. In comparison, a Microwave detector only reacts to movement and is not effected by changes in temperature in the room. With each of the detection methods however, there are considerations that must be made to eliminate false alarms. The technical documentation for each type of detector will advise when and where to install one or the other.
There are no similarities between the operation and power of a microwave oven, to that of a detector operating a similar technology. To cause harm the microwave would have to be of sufficient power, to raise the temperature of the human target. Since the power of a microwave detector is over 30,000 times less than that of an oven, there is no chance of any harm being caused.
Our dedicated Customer Support Helpline (0131 333 3802) is available from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday. During busy periods you may be directed to a voicemail system, where we invite you to leave details of your enquiry. All messages for Customer Support left as voicemail, are normally responded to within 30mins but guaranteed in the same working day, in the order that they are received.
If the documentation relates to the operation of a system (User Guides), there is no need for a password. If technical documentation is required however, a Username and Password are required. You can apply online for access to these documents, but please be aware that a password will only be issued after we verify that you are an industry professional.
To make arrangements for training on any products, contact our Customer Support Helpline where you can discuss your requirements directly.
To find out where your local distributor or supplier is, feel free to send an email to our Sales Administration office (sales@guardall.co.uk), specifying where (and which country) you operate in. Our dedicated staff will be only too glad to help you locate a supplier.
When you receive your copy of GuardStation the packing will contain a "Registration Form" that can be filled out, and returned by post. You can also register the software by sending an email to the Customer Helpline, or completing a Contact Form online. Once registered, you are entitled to free upgrades to GuardStation for the first year.
W hile we show the PC specification on the software packaging, it may be vital that you know this before ordering. We recommend that a Pentium (or compatible) machine is used with at least 64Mb of RAM. Also ensure that your graphics card (and monitor) can support 1024x768 screen resolution.
All of the GuardStation suite of products are covered by our own copyright protection. This means that it is an infringement of copyright to make a duplicate of the software, for use on another PC. Most of the variants of GuardStation are provided with a software "key" or "dongle", to unlock the enhanced features. This device is used in conjunction with a license number, to ensure that the product can be formally registered. Once registered, a user is entitled to free software upgrades for the first year after purchase.
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