Introduction - Eaton Menvier 20 Administrator's And User Manual

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1. Introduction

At the heart of an alarm systems is the control unit, its expanders and
keypads.
The control unit contains the main processing unit, the power supply and
stand-by battery. The stand-by battery can keep the alarm system going for
several hours if the mains supply fails.
Connected to the control unit by cable are the keypads and, where
applicable, expanders. The expanders provide extra connection points for
detectors, either wired or radio. The keypads each have a two line display
to show you status information, and various keys for operating the system.
The keypads also contain a speaker to give warning tones when the
system is setting or unsetting.
Users identify themselves to the system by keying in access codes at the
keypads. If they do not wish to use access codes then some types of
keypad also contain proximity tag readers, allowing users to identify
themselves by means of small electronic tags that they carry with them.
In addition to an access code or proximity tag, each user can be assigned
one portable four-button remote control and/or one two-button hold up
alarm.
To protect an area the control unit can operate a range of detectors.
Detectors can be connected to the control unit or expanders by wires, or
communicate to a radio expander using a small radio transmitter. Figure 1
shows some examples. In addition to fixed detectors the control unit can
also monitor small portable transmitters that users can employ to start
alarms remotely, for example in the case of a Hold Up Alarm. (Hold Up
Alarm (HUA) is also known as Panic Alarm or PA.) These transmitters are
called Hold Up Devices, or HUDs.
When the control unit detects an alarm, it can start an external
sounder/strobe unit by sending the appropriate radio signal. In addition the
control unit can also communicate using a variety of plug on modules.
Some modules also provides speech recording and playback facilities so
that the system can send recorded speech messages to pre-programmed
telephone numbers.
The control unit and expanders also provide sets of connectors for outputs,
which the installer can use to link the control unit to siren/strobe units or
other equipment.
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