6 minute read
Aritech – Advisor Advanced
TEST
PRODUCT TEST
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What’s in the box? Panel – ATS3500A-IP-MM
Additional items Keypad – ATS1135 8-way input expander plug-in – ATS1202 8-way input expander plugon – ATS608 16-way output expander plug-on – ATS626 8-way input expander in housing – ATS1210LE 10 x proximity tokens –ATS1477 Aritech is the intrusion and video brand for Carrier. The Advisor Advanced alarm system comprises a range of devices to provide Grade 2 or 3 intrusion detection with the optional benefits of video support, access control and smoke detection notification. It is ideally suited to provide upgrades to legacy alarm system through its bus based wired device connections and wireless device support. In addition to Grade 3 compliance, the system has been CPNI, and ‘Secured by Design’ approved. The ATS3500 panel can support up to 128 zones (8 on board), 128 outputs (5 on board), 8 Areas, 16 keypads, 8 doors and up to 2000 users. For larger system requirements, the ATS4500 panel offers up to 512 zones.
Getting started
The main panel is enclosed in a sturdy metal box with plenty of room for cable termination and clearly identified full size terminal connectors. Keypads and peripheral devices are connected by a 4-wire bus comprising a 2-wire RS485 data link with 12v and 0v for power. The RS485 bus has a maximum run of 1.5km if the specified 4-core FTP screened cable is used, but this should be restricted to 800 metres if using legacy wiring. The data bus can be extended to 4.5km using ATS1740 active repeater / extenders.
The ATS1135 keypad has a tightly fitted cover so after removing the retaining screw, care must be taken when removing the top cover to avoid damaging the casing.
The bus connector is mounted into the rear panel and makes contact only when the case is closed. It is a 6-way terminal block as it also includes input and output terminals for optional Request to Exit and Door Lock control use.
Within the main panel, a fused terminal block is provided for the mains input which must be wired into a suitable secure supply.
An accessory pack includes 16 x 4.7KΩ resistors for terminating the 8 alarm input devices, a further 4.7KΩ for the Siren tamper circuit, 3 x 1KΩ for the internal and external sounder circuits, battery connection leads and the case tamper actuator with wall fixing.
The panel has keyhole slots at the top for ease of mounting and the door is arranged to hinge down when opened or can be easily removed for access. Additional slots and holes in the rear plate are available for mounting pillars supplied with various optional expansion modules.
Aritech Advisor Advanced Alarm System
Menu options
Once the input and sounder termination resistors are connected, at first power-up the keypad runs through its start-up routine and then a series of settings to establish the Installer and Supervisor pin codes. A range of UK and international alarm standards is offered as defaults to simplify the initial setup.
While the Aritech grade 2 default standard is for 4.7k / 4.7k termination resistors for each of the detectors, a wide range of alternative connection types and resistance values can be configured.
The system provides a nested menu structure based on nine main Installer menu options: 1. Service Menu, 2. Device Menu, 3. User Menu, 4. Zones and Areas, 5. Door Menu, 6. Output & Filters, 7. Calendar, 8. System Options, 9. Communication.
A detailed programming map is included in the 440-page Installation and Programming manual.
Additionally, the Aritech ATS8500-2 software can be used to program the panel. This has the advantage of uploading and downloading the configuration and can be used remotely.
TEST
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Alternative software options are available for central station and licensed end-user software with mapping.
For simplified remote connectivity, Aritech provide the ‘Ultrasync’ secure solution for remote connection by encrypted data over VPN without the need for port forwarding. The Ultrasync can operate in a Basic mode or a monthly charged Portal Cloud Server mode that provides cybersecure connectivity for multiple sites and services.
Hardware
Control Panel - The control panel model number donates that this is an IP supported version in a medium metal case. The mains transformer has shrouded connections and its secondary feeds 28v AC into the main pcb. The chassis has a space of 169 x 185 x 76mm (h x w x d) for a backup battery, but no maximum capacity was identified in the specification sheets. A 7Ah battery was used for system testing. Around 200 x 180mm is available for expansion boards to be added with a range of pillar mounting holes and cable entry points to suit.
Full size microswitches with push-on terminals are used for tamper monitoring allowing simple override during setup and test.
Keypad - The keypad has a clear 2 line by 16character LCD display. The buttons are all reasonable sized, approximately 14 x 6mm mostly oval shaped and have a good travel when pressed. Individual settings for display and key illumination are available through the menu settings or through a shortcut key arrangement using the cursor and numeric keys. The keypad volume and tone can be similarly adjusted.
The ATS1135 includes a reader for Hitag II proximity cards and tokens, the alternative ATS1136 works with Mifare DESfire EV2 cards and tokens.
Expansion boards - The plug-on expander boards for zone input and function outputs are designed to fit directly onto the main pcb with 8-way dual in line standoff connectors linking data and power to the main board. Supplied pillars are used to support the pcb. Once installed, the connection terminals are aligned close to the main board’s input and output connectors.
The output board provides eight open-collector outputs, with the first seven having a 50mA rating and the eighth being a 1A high current source. The additional eight outputs are available through optional relay boards linked from a 10-way connector.
The plastic housing of the 8-way input expander has space for an additional pcb and plenty of room for cable termination.
Dual in line switches on the pcbs’ are used for addressing with either a further switch or jumper link for end of data bus termination.
Each of the expansion boards includes any necessary mounting pillars and termination resistors.
Performance
The keypad has a clearly laid out set of buttons and once familiar with the entry sequence is straightforward to program and easy for user to operate. The inbuilt token reader is easily programmed and responsive.
The programming manual includes details on the requirements to meet the EN50131 Grade 2 and 3 standards along with information on meeting ACPO and CPNI policy. Aritech components that meet the Grade 3 standard are also listed.
Comprehensive documentation and training material is available, and it is advised that installers should attend the two days of hands-on training covering the setup and configuration of the system.
A user app is available for iOS and Android devices allowing remote user management of the system for up to 16 users. When coupled with the system’s access control and home management features, geofencing can be used to automate functionality.
Conclusion
A comprehensive EN50131 grade 3 alarm system with a wide range of expansion capabilities and features. CPNI and ‘Secured by Design’ approval support use on high-risk national infrastructure sites.
