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® FlexPS Fence-mounted Perimeter Intrusion Detection Sensor Product Guide G5DA0102-001 Rev G July 8, 2015...
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The information provided in this guide has been prepared by Senstar Corporation to the best of its ability. Senstar Corporation is not responsible for any damage or accidents that may occur due to errors or omissions in this guide. Senstar Corporation is not liable for any damages, or incidental consequences, arising from the use of, or the inability to use, the software and equipment described in this guide.
2.5 m (8 ft.) high. Additional passes of sensor cable are recommended for fences that are higher than 2.5 m. FlexPS can also be used on many other types of building material (e.g., brick, stone, concrete, cinder-block, stucco, wood, drywall, ceramic). However, due to the different vibration transmission characteristics of each type of fence or building material, one zone of a processor should be used on only one type of surface.
If you are not sure of the suitability of your fence for a FlexPS sensor, Senstar recommends hiring a local fencing contractor to inspect, and if required, repair the fence.
Palisade fences usually consist of vertical metal stakes that are attached to horizontal support members, which are supported by metal posts. The effectiveness of FlexPS on a palisade fence depends on the characteristics and construction of the particular fence. Palisade fences conduct vibrations well and any attempt to cut into the fence will be detected.
Figure 2: Recommended cable installation on barbed wire fence Razor ribbon FlexPS sensor cable can be installed on razor ribbon. However, due to the likelihood of the sensor cable being damaged, Armour-FLEX cable is recommended. The razor ribbon must be secured so that it does not move in the wind.
Connect the cable across the gate using quick-disconnect connectors. Other structures The FlexPS sensor can be used on other types of fences and structures. It can be deployed on wooden fences, walls, along the top of concrete or brick walls to detect climb-overs, inside conduits to protect sensitive data cables, on pipes to prevent sabotage, etc.
Site Survey Site Survey Conduct a site survey to ensure that site conditions are suitable for a FlexPS sensor system. The primary concern is the condition of the fences and gates. Note Sites that include a fence line that abuts the primary perimeter fence can be vulnerable to climb over intrusions where the two fences meet.
Alarm communication wiring (relay output or network alarm communications). Sensor cable selection rules There are two types of sensor cable available for use with the FlexPS system, MEX cable and Mark 2 cable. MEX cable uses a fixed center conductor and contains a permanent electrical charge.
Mark 2 sensor cable comes in 150 m (492 ft.) lengths. Two lengths of Mark 2 can be spliced together to provide a 300 m (984 ft.) sensor cable. Note Contact Senstar Customer Service for applications advice when ordering FlexPS sensor cable. Cable layout guidelines •...
For example, on a high quality fence, in excellent condition, you could use a single pass of cable to cover a 3 m (10 ft.) fence. However, to ensure the highest Pd, Senstar recommends the following cable spacing (see...
Figure 7: Cable pass recommendations Note Fences that use vinyl privacy slats may not be suitable for use with a FlexPS sensor system, as the privacy slats have a tendency to dampen vibrations. Fence corners and heavier gauge posts Corner posts and heavier gauge support posts tend to dampen the fence’s vibration transmission characteristics.
Gate bypass If there is a gate within a FlexPS sensor zone, you require a sufficient amount of lead-in cable to bypass the gate, even if the gate is protected by sensor cable. Bury the bypass cable in PVC conduit.
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When the relay is energized, the sensor cable is either shunted around the gate or terminated at the gate, and the bypass module’s status contacts close to signal the annunciator. If the cover is removed from the bypass housing, the tamper switch opens to signal the annunciator. Page 18 FlexPS Product Guide...
Armour-FLEX cable for your application. Processor location guidelines The FlexPS processor can be mounted outdoors on a post, either on, or separate from, the fence on which the sensor cables are installed (see Figure 10: ).
Silver Network based processors using Ethernet communications have the option of using Power over Ethernet technology to power the FlexPS processor. To use this powering option requires a PoE standard class 3 switch that is located a maximum of 100 m (328 ft.) from the processor, and Category 5 network cable.
Audio listen-in The FlexPS sensor cable is microphonic and picks up acoustic fence noise along the zone. The processor can place the audio from its two monitored zones on an audio bus. The audio system requires a single twisted shielded pair, with 35 pf/ft. or less capacitance. (Belden 8761 has a single shielded twisted pair of 22 AWG wire.) An amplifier with a 600 Ohm impedance input and a good...
- max. 150 m (492 ft.) X 2 Lead-in cable 1 bag of 1,000 pieces 2 bags of 1000 pieces Tie wraps Table 3 System component quantities for single and dual sensor zones Page 22 FlexPS Product Guide...
Fence height recommendations on page 15). Cable handling rules The FlexPS sensor cable converts minute vibrations in the fence fabric into electrical signals. Any damage to the cable from mishandling or poor installation practices will have a negative effect on the system’s performance.
(see Figure 13: 6. Apply 2 kg (4.5 lb) of pulling tension to the center conductor with the pliers while maintaining a firm grip on the cable’s black jacket. Page 24 FlexPS Product Guide...
If the center conductor does not move back and forth easily (or at all) during the flossing process, it is likely bound somewhere inside the cable. In this case, repeat waving and tapping and flossing until the center conductor moves freely and easily. FlexPS Product Guide Page 25...
Pull the cable ties until they are hand tight and the cable is snug to the fence. • Attach the cable ties to either the center of each link (one wire), or at the junctions of two wires. • DO NOT attach the sensor cable to tension wires. Page 26 FlexPS Product Guide...
The smallest allowable bend radius for Armour-FLEX sensor cable is 15 cm (6 in.). MEX sensor cable 4 cm 8 cm 15 cm 30 cm 7.5 cm 15 cm Armour-FLEX cable (MEX and Mark 2) Mark 2 sensor cable Figure 18: Smallest allowable bend radius FlexPS Product Guide Page 27...
The loop should measure 30 to 45 cm from top to bottom. Install service loops at fence posts. • For a double cable pass create two equally spaced service loops in the same manner as for a single cable pass. Page 28 FlexPS Product Guide...
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in.) Figure 21: Single cable pass service loop Sensor cable overlaps Senstar recommends creating an overlap where adjacent FlexPS zones meet (see Figure 10: start point overlaps, and Figure 22: for end point overlaps).
Install drip loops at every cable connector. Form the drip loop by raising the connector 15 cm (6 in.) above the level of the cable run before securing it, horizontally, to the fence fabric. terminator splice connector 15 cm (6 in.) Figure 24: Drip loops Page 30 FlexPS Product Guide...
The sensor cable and enclosure must remain dry during installation. FlexPS sensor cable must be properly terminated to enable processor supervision of the cable. To terminate the sensor cable, a terminal block is used to install a 1 M ...
Figure 29: Preparing Mark 2 sensor cable step 1 & 2 3. Tightly twist the separated strands of shield into a single conductor, and then carefully remove 6 mm (0.25 in.) of the insulator from the center conductor. DO NOT nick the center conductor. Page 32 FlexPS Product Guide...
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7. Snap the enclosure shut ensuring that both tabs are securely locked in the slots. 8. Attach the enclosure to the fence (see Figure 28: Note Form a 15 cm drip loop and install the enclosure horizontally to protect the cable entry points from rain and run off. FlexPS Product Guide Page 33...
The sensor cable and enclosure must remain dry during installation. Note Senstar recommends that the number of cable splices in a sensor zone be kept to the minimum requirement. Splices are required to connect lead-in cable to detecting cable, for gates and other bypasses, and to connect two 150 m lengths of Mark 2 sensor cable.
7. Snap the enclosure shut ensuring that both tabs are securely locked in the slots. 8. Attach the enclosure to the fence (see Figure 34: Note Form drip loops and install the enclosure horizontally to protect the cable entry points from rain and run off. FlexPS Product Guide Page 35...
Gate bypass cable To bypass a gate in a FlexPS zone, splice in a length of non-sensitive lead-in cable, and run it from one side of the gate to the other, underground. The gate can be protected with another technology,...
4. Run a bypass cable from one side of the gate to the other. for a single gate raise the second splice splice kit kit and continue the cable run beyond the gate sensor cable protected gates bypass cable Figure 37: Installing sensor cable on swinging gates FlexPS Product Guide Page 37...
6. Lead-in cable to sensor cable on second gate. 7. Sensor cable on second gate to lead-in cable to fence. 8. Lead-in cable from gate to sensor cable on fence. Figure 38: Sliding gate on inside of perimeter Page 38 FlexPS Product Guide...
The gate disconnect assembly protects gates that are infrequently used. The gate can be opened and closed by manually separating the connection. When the assembly is opened, a supervision alarm is generated. When the assembly is closed the gate is protected and secure. FlexPS Product Guide Page 39...
Handle Armour-FLEX cable carefully to prevent twisting, bending, kinking, jerking, or stretching the cable. Take extra care when deploying Armour-FLEX around curves and corners. Mishandling the cable can damage the jacket, and adversely affect the sensor cable. Page 40 FlexPS Product Guide...
4. At both ends of the cable, use a cable tie, or a 2.5 cm (1 in.) piece of the outer jacket, to secure the center conductor to prevent it from retracting into the cable during the conditioning procedure. FlexPS Product Guide Page 41...
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9. When the second person reaches the end of the sensor cable, the first person releases the tension on the center conductor at the other end. Page 42 FlexPS Product Guide...
(see Figure 16: The second person holds the cable firmly by the black jacket and tells the first person to stop pulling when the knot reaches the black jacket. FlexPS Product Guide Page 43...
1. Carefully deploy the entire roll of Armour-FLEX sensor cable on the ground beside the installation location. (The cable should be in place following the conditioning procedure.) 2. Secure the Armour-FLEX to the fence using cable ties, stainless steel straps or wire ties. Page 44 FlexPS Product Guide...
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Mark 2 Armour-FLEX Armour-FLEX condulet for condulet for lead-in cable terminator splice Figure 49: Armour-FLEX break-away comparison view (MEX & Mark 2) condulet to protect splice enclosure Armour-FLEX cable Figure 50: Armour-FLEX cable splice mounting FlexPS Product Guide Page 45...
Installing the sensor cable Installing cable on barbed wire Note Senstar recommends the use of Armour-FLEX sensor cable for instances where the cable is attached to barbed wire or razor ribbon. Refer to Climb-over deterrent hardware on page • Take care not to damage the sensor cable on the barbs during installation.
Installing the sensor cable Installing cable on palisade fence Note Senstar recommends Mark 2 sensor cable for palisade fences. Install and test a single, short-length zone on a section of a palisade fence before installing a complete system. • Install the sensor cable on the secure side of the fence (the side opposite the threat).
The data and power cables are attached to the top of the fence. Figure 55: illustrates the FlexPS processor features and Table 4 includes feature descriptions. Figure 55: FlexPS processor features...
CAUTION For installations in environments which include hot sunny periods, Senstar recommends that a sun shield be installed to protect the enclosure from direct sunlight, or that the enclosure be installed in a shady area. The maximum operating temperature, as measured inside the enclosure, is 70º...
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Installing the FlexPS processor data and power cables processor/enclosure B-side cable A-side cable ground rod Figure 56: FlexPS single pass dual zone fence-mounted processor FlexPS Product Guide Page 51...
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Installing the FlexPS processor 1. Attach the two mounting brackets to the enclosure. (The machine screws screw into the mounting brackets from inside the enclosure.) 4. Slide the gear clamps over 3. Position the two gear clamps 2. Place the enclosure against the post the mounting brackets and loosely over the fence post.
The earth ground connection must be stable and noise free. An improper or unstable earth ground can induce noise in the FlexPS sensor. Do not use the fence structure as an earth ground connection. Consult the local electrical code for grounding requirements. Avoid sharp bends in the ground wire.
Installing the FlexPS processor If excessive noise is present, or becomes evident after installation, check the integrity of the sensor cable installation. In particular, ensure that there is no inadvertent ground connection to the coaxial cable shield at either end of a splice connection or terminator. Verify that the center conductor and shield have not been swapped at the terminal block.
Installing the FlexPS processor Pass the sensor cable through one of the enclosure’s Separate the exposed braided shield. small cable glands. Carefully, remove 1.5 cm of the outer black jacket. Twist the shield into a single conductor, and remove Remove 5 mm of the foil covering 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) of the foil covered insulator from...
Relay outputs The FlexPS processor includes four Form C relays. Each relay has an associated LED, which indicates when the relay is active. Each relay has a common connection to either a Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) relay contact.
Senstar recommends 22 AWG shielded twisted pair for audio cable. The audio outputs are daisy chained from processor to processor and are connected to an amplified speaker in the control room.
Figure 64: Input/output wiring connections You make FlexPS processor wiring connections on removable terminal blocks. The screw terminals accept wire sizes from 12 to 24 AWG, with a 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) strip length. Remove the terminal blocks to make the wiring connections. Reinstall the blocks after the connections are complete, and verified.
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Installing the FlexPS processor Carefully remove 10 cm (4 in.) of the outer jacket. Feed the data cable through the cable gland, remove terminal blocks T8, T9, and T10 FLEX AUDIO, and Strip 6.4 mm (0.25 in.) of insulation from the wires.
2 NO Figure 67: FlexPS processor wiring diagram Silver Network wiring connections Note A network interface card must be installed on the FlexPS processor for the processor to use network communications. Silver Network specifications • Data rate - fixed 57.6 k bps •...
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Installing the FlexPS processor Note Senstar strongly recommends the use of low capacitance shielded twisted pair data cable for EIA-422, 62.5/125 multimode fiber optic cable, 9/125 singlemode fiber optic cable, and Category 5 Ethernet cable. The maximum separation distances listed require high quality transmission media and sound installation practices.
Installing the FlexPS processor expansion header T1 (on solder side) (plugs into T2 on processor) mounting hardware (X 2) PoE NIC 12 VDC output Ethernet network connection 12 VDC processor power input Ethernet NIC ground connection The PoE NIC power output must be connected to the processor’s power...
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Installing the FlexPS processor maximum 60 processors first processor second processor last processor 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5...
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Installing the FlexPS processor maximum 60 processors first processor second processor last processor 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 shield shield Network Interface Unit 1 2 3 4 5...
For power over Ethernet, a standard 48 VDC class 3 PoE switch is required. In this configuration, minimum Category 5 cable is also required and the maximum distance between the FlexPS processor and the PoE switch is 100 m (328 ft.). Use Cat-5 cable to connect the PoE switch to T1 (RJ45 jack) on the NIC.
Calibration & setup Introduction FlexPS calibration is done, using Senstar’s Universal Configuration Module (UCM). The UCM is a window-based software application that performs the calibration, setup, maintenance and diagnostic functions for Senstar’s line of intrusion detection sensors. The UCM connects directly to the FlexPS processor via USB.
This ambient signal can effectively be ignored and only the signals which are outside this ambient, consistent region, are evaluated for Cut and Climb Alarm significance. Page 68 FlexPS Product Guide...
Introduction Understanding FlexPS alarm detection The FlexPS processor constantly evaluates the input signals from the sensor cables to discriminate between Cut events, Climb events, and environmental activity. The characteristic response of a Cut event is a sharp spike with a fast rising and fast falling edge. For a climb event, the response includes the fast rising edge, which is followed by a series of peaks and valleys caused by the continued presence and changing stresses on the fence.
Intrusion simulations To setup and test the FlexPS sensor you must perform intrusion simulations for both cut and climb intrusions. The easiest method for simulating a cut intrusion is to tap the fence with the blade of a medium sized screwdriver. Hold the screwdriver lightly by the handle, and flip your wrist to bring the blade into contact with the fence.
USB radio button; USB Device = processor ID). The FlexPS Status window opens. Sensor calibration FlexPS calibration is done under the Config tab. Select the Config tab and the Cable Configuration window displays. The Calibrate tool The Calibrate tool is provided to assist you in adjusting the processor’s Gain and Filter Settings.
Threshold can be adjusted to help prevent nuisance alarms from environmental effects. If your site does not specify values for the Count and Window parameters, Senstar recommends using the default values and changing the values only if you experience a problem with nuisance alarms.
Preventing weather related nuisance alarms If your FlexPS system is having a problem with nuisance alarms during inclement weather, inspect the fence to ensure it is in good condition and there are no loose fittings that can cause metal on metal contact.
3. Select the Download button to save the configuration changes to the processor. Auxiliary (Aux) inputs The two Aux inputs on the FlexPS processor are voltage sensing inputs. The processor determines an input’s status via an internal reference voltage, and the configuration of the contact closures and supervision resistors.
7. Set the Filter Window. 8. Repeat this procedure if there is a second connected input. 9. Save the UCM configuration file. 10. Select the Download button to save the configuration changes to the processor. FlexPS Product Guide Page 75...
The new address takes effect when communications are reestablished. Network configuration For FlexPS processors that use network alarm data communications, you must define the network type under the Network Cfig tab. The network configuration can be set only by using a direct USB connection between the UCM computer and T3, the USB port on the processor.
Note The following tests can be used to verify FlexPS system operation. The tests are described in a generic manner, which does not take into account site specific details (e.g., you can test the Audio output, only if the Audio listen-in feature is setup at your site).
FAIL____ The Zone profile Senstar strongly recommends creating a zone profile for each FlexPS sensor zone at your site. To create a zone profile, connect the UCM to the processor. Open a magnitude response plot, and select the Disable Filter Reset After Alarms check box. Have a tester move along the zone, tapping each fence panel three times, while recording the plot.
Maintenance The FlexPS sensor requires minimal maintenance to ensure proper operation. However, setting up and following a maintenance schedule based on your site-specific requirements can ensure proper detection performance, prevent nuisance alarms and extend the operational lifetime of the system. The frequency at which the maintenance should be scheduled depends on your security requirements and on the installation environment.
Adjusting the Filter Settings The FlexPS processor’s frequency response range is from 100 Hz to 900 Hz. In most installations, the default setting of 300 Hz and 700 Hz should be used. However, in some instances, nearby equipment that generates noise at a specific frequency, can affect the sensor’s detection.
To counter the effects of high EMI, FlexPS includes two selectable low frequency filters that can be used to screen out 50 Hz and 60 Hz noise. The following procedure can be used to determine if such a condition exists at your site and to correct the situation if it does exist.
10. Press the backplate down until the locking tab latches. 11. Reconnect the PCB ground-strap, the tamper switch connector, and if required, the battery harness connector. 12. Reinstall the removable terminal blocks. Figure 77: Replacing the processor/battery Page 82 FlexPS Product Guide...
Program button. Once the programming is complete, select Close. Figure 78: Updating the FlexPS firmware Adjusting low sensitivity cable Occasionally, low detection sensitivity sections can occur along the installed sensor cable. Low spots can result from incorrect or incomplete cable stabilization, installation problems, loose fence fabric, or from mishandling the cable.
9. Splice the two sections of cable together using the standard splice kit and re-install the cable. 10. Test the sensor zone and recalibrate as required. Note If these methods do not correct the low spot, replace the low sensitivity cable section with a new length of sensor cable. Page 84 FlexPS Product Guide...
PC running Silver Network Manager software. The supported Silver devices include FlexPS, FlexZone, OmniTrax, XField and XField LT. Sensor alarms and supervision conditions are assigned to UltraLink I/O outputs (relay or open collector). When an alarm occurs on a connected sensor, the corresponding UltraLink I/O output is activated.
Silver Loop. A temporary break in the NM Mode Silver Loop network is also required. Figure 80: NM Mode block diagram UCM configuration To use UltraLink modular I/O system outputs to report FlexPS alarm and supervision conditions establish a UCM connection to the FlexPS processor. Note Refer to the UltraLink Modular I/O system instruction sheet and the UCM help file for additional details on NM Mode operation.
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Remote Cfig tab select the arrow and use the drop-down menu to specify the appropriate output Figure 81: Setting up the Remote Configuration outputs FlexPS Product Guide Page 93...
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