Systems integrators have been buzzing for months about the discontinuation of the old Casi-Rusco Picture Perfect access control system. The product line had been acquired by UTC Climate, Controls & Security. This system has a broad end user base among many Fortune 500 companies, and its discontinuation stood to cause upheaval among its integrators and end users. It is a complex problem that is being addressed not only by UTC Climate, Controls & Security, but by other access control manufacturers, as well.

Recently, Lenel Systems Int’l, Pittsford, N.Y., announced flexible migration programs for users of legacy Casi and Infographics systems to immediately migrate to Lenel’s flagship OnGuard® solution. Existing systems parts of the migration program include Picture Perfect, Facility Commander Wnx, Diamond II, Sapphire, Topaz and Summit. Lenel is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

“Lenel believes in offering ‘open’ systems to customers through hardware that is also supported by more than 20 access control software companies and through software that integrates with more than 100 third-party partners and more than 200 products,” said Joe Kirmser, president and general manager, Lenel Systems. “We’re excited to bring these benefits to Casi and Infographics’ customers through a hardware replacement option that can, in many cases, be deployed without using a screwdriver.”

Alternatively, a cost-effective option to re-flash the firmware to allow existing hardware to talk to OnGuard is also available for PXNplus and ACUXLplus customers. 

Lenel recently announced what it described as simplification and consolidation of its product portfolio “to continue to evolve world-class products via a single, feature-rich, open platform.”

Lenel focuses on four key benefits that the company’s transition paths offer:

• A cost-effective switch — including free equivalent OnGuard software for customers with a current service agreement and hardware discounts.
• A simple transition  — via firmware and open hardware migration options and a single tech support contact.
• “Minimal risk — because only Lenel knows every inch of your current system and OnGuard platform,” the company said.
• “Industry leadership — as the No. 1 choice worldwide, with the most robust, experienced services team in the industry,” described the company.

For information about migrating from Casi and Infographics systems to OnGuard, integrators should contact their Lenel regional sales manager or visit www.lenel.com/migrate-to-OnGuard.

Napco Security, With Its iBridge Line,  Is Now a Z-Wave Alliance Member

Napco Security is a member of Z-Wave Alliance with its iBridge line of interactive remote services — including lighting, appliance, locking and temperature controls available through the iBridge App for use on any smartphone or smart device, and uniquely remote-configurable by dealers from their smart devices, too, for No-Roll™ customer service calls and service enhancements.

NAPCO iBridge™ Online Remote Services Product is a slim line, Android-based tablet computer, Internet-enabled, and uses 802.11 WiFi; it will put security and more at the fingertips of security accounts. iBridge will provide users with the ability to interact and control their Napco security system, view live video cameras and recordings, and control thermostats and lighting — all from one easy-to-use tablet/touchscreen.

Z-Wave is a wireless ecosystem that allows home electronics communicate with each other and the end user via remote control. It uses simple, reliable, low-power radio waves that easily travel through walls, floors and cabinets. Z-Wave unifies home electronics into an integrated wireless network, with no complicated programming and no new cables to run. Any Z-Wave enabled device can be added effortlessly to this network, and many non-Z-Wave devices can be made compatible by simply plugging them into a Z-Wave accessory module. In seconds, your device gets joined to the network and can communicate wirelessly with other Z-Wave modules and controllers.

For information, visit www.napcosecurity.com.

Aspirating Smoke Detectors Are Now ModBus Ready

FAAST Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology® now comes equipped with direct ModBus connectivity, announced System Sensor, St. Charles, Ill.

“Many end users of aspirating smoke detection want to integrate these systems directly with their building management systems,” said Christa Poss, marketing manager for System Sensor’s Aspiration Business Unit. “FAAST’s built-in ModBus protocol enables seamless communication with building management systems without any additional hardware or software, making bidding, system design, and installation of FAAST systems simple and streamlined for our customers.”

FAAST’s ModBus connectivity is provided via its onboard Ethernet connection, which also can simultaneously provide direct Internet connectivity and email functionality. Like these features, ModBus connectivity comes standard on all FAAST aspirating smoke detectors at no additional cost.

For information, visit systemsensor.com/faast.

20 Years ‘in Business’ for Bosch’s REX Detectors

Bosch Security Systems Inc. said its request-to-exit detectors have opened more than 2.5 million doors across the United States, as the company celebrates the product family’s 20th anniversary. The detectors are installed in airports, office buildings, government facilities, hospitals, retail stores and in many other applications, the company said.

The DS150i and DS160 request-to-exit detectors detect motion in their coverage area and signal an access control system or door control device. Improvements in the design of these products made in recent years resulted in a 40 percent increase in reliability, Bosch Security Systems stated — helping to reduce service calls once the detectors are installed. These detectors now include built-in spike protection, which eliminates the need to add a separate module. This feature, along with the use of DIP switches that make configuration easier and an auto-sensing 12V to 24V voltage regulator, reduces installation complexity — improving the efficiency of technicians in the field, described Bosch Security Systems.

For information, visit www.boschsecurity.us

Total Connect Remote Services Are Now Supported on Tuxedo Touch Controller

Melville, N.Y.-based Honeywell expanded Honeywell Total Connect Remote Service capabilities to its Tuxedo Touch controller. “This advancement enables security professionals to offer a full range of local and remote home automation services, while leveraging the robust security capabilities of Honeywell’s VISTA® control panels,” the company stated.

It also provides homeowners greater control of home automation functions such as lighting, locks, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning — with security at the core.

Specifically, using Honeywell Total Connect Remote Services with a Tuxedo Touch home controller allows users to remotely control Z-Wave® thermostats, lights, door locks, shades and video via compatible wireless mobile devices. This is in addition to allowing homeowners to remotely manage their security systems for “anytime, anywhere control.”

Tuxedo Touch with Honeywell Total Connect features an intuitive touchscreen and a bright, full-color, 7-inch display that uses a built-in controller to communicate with other devices on the Z-Wave communications protocol. Low-voltage dealers and installers can grow their businesses by positioning the enhanced offering as a security system controller that also meets growing demand for connected lifestyles, Honeywell described.

“Security professionals must cater to evolving consumer expectations, and today the expectation is convenience. Tuxedo Touch paired with Honeywell Total Connect provides homeowners anywhere, anytime visibility and control of their connected home,” said Alan Stoddard, senior marketing director, Honeywell Security Products Americas.

For information, call 800-467-5875 or visit www.tuxedotouchtoolkit.com.

CEDIA Introduces Advanced Networking  & Systems Integration Boot Camp

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), Indianapolis, developed a new, intense, five-day advanced networking and integration boot camp. This comprehensive training will provide the advanced skills necessary for home technology professionals to keep up with the evolution of the connected home and the Internet of Things.

The advanced networking component of this training will cover VLAN and QoS, IP communication, wireless network design, and residential networking security for wireless and VPN applications. At the conclusion of the training attendees have the option of sitting for the Residential Networking Specialist exam. This credential is an important identifier for industry professionals who have proven mastery of the home network and is the only credential of its kind, CEDIA described.

The second advanced topic covered is systems integration control. Attendees will learn how to install, configure, and program multiple residential electronic subsystems into a unified home automation platform. Subsystems include A/V, HVAC, lighting, closed circuit cameras, shades, doorbells, and more — all using a mobile device as the system controller.

“Systems integration and control have continued to be an area of growth for our industry. Systems integration has grown from 12 percent of gross revenue in 2007 to 15 percent in 2011 according to our annual Benchmarking survey. Coupling this training with need-to-know home networking skills is a natural fit,” said Steven Rissi, EST II, CEDIA technical training manager. “Training on these topics is essential for all technology professionals working in the home. CEDIA is the only source offering training of this scope and depth.”

The inaugural boot camp will be offered July 22-26, 2013. Early bird and member pricing is available, and discounts are offered for companies sending two or more individuals for the same session.

Advanced Networking & Systems Integration Boot Camp will be offered again November 11-15, 2013. Registration is open for both training dates.

In addition to the new Advanced Networking & Systems Integration Boot Camp, CEDIA will be launching online networking courses this summer. This online training will help home technology professionals fulfill important foundational networking training and prepare them for more advanced topics covered in Advanced Networking & Systems Integration Boot Camp, CEDIA remarked. Individuals are able to register for the online courses while registering for the boot camp.

For information, visit www.cedia.net.

Tech Briefs

BCDVideo partnered with West Coast-based Premier IP Video Solutions of San Lorenzo, Calif., to represent its IP video server products. Premier IP Video Solutions is headed by 30-year industry veteran Kirk Brown, who most recently served as director of Business Development for Pivot3.

“We have been looking for the right fit for our West Coast expansion for about a year,” explained Jeff Burgess, president of BCDVideo. “While it has been one of our strongest growth regions, we also realized we needed ‘feet on the street’ to better capture more of the market. Kirk’s transition made the timing perfect.”

Brown added, “We are excited to be representing BCDVideo on the West Coast. After watching BCDVideo’s growth over the years, we are proud to be part of a great organization, and a market leader. Premier wanted only a top-shelf player in the server and storage market, and there is no one better to team up with in the industry.”

Optellios Inc., an American-owned, U.S.-based developer and manufacturer of fiber-optic sensing and security systems, announced that Repworks (www.repworks.com) was appointed as the new manufacturer representative of the company’s FiberPatrol product line. Repworks will manage the New England region of the United States, focusing on Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

“We are confident that the Repworks’ organization has the focused technical skill-set required to ensure the delivery of specialized security applications for our nation’s critical infrastructure sites,” said Kevin Bradley, senior vice president of Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

VAD LLC, along with its parent company Ingram Micro, announced that it now offers the RS-840UD and PS-840UD, two new 84-in. UltraHD monitors from JVC Professional (http://pro.jvc.com). Available exclusively through AVAD in the United States and Canada, the ISFccc certified RS-840UD allows for the calibration of advanced viewing settings with best-in-class detail, making it ideal for professional custom installers to recommend for impressive 4K resolution in a variety of viewing environments as well as high-profile commercial monitor applications, the companies described. The PS-840UD, which they described as the industry’s first large-screen 4K panel designed specifically for rigorous commercial use, will uniquely feature compatibility with the Intel Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) for digital signage devices in retail, hospitality and other business applications where high resolution is a priority.

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, recently announced a partnership with Alarm.com, a provider of interactive security and connected home services, to bring the Wiser home management system to home builders, utilities and other service providers in the energy efficiency space. Schneider Electric’s Wiser home management system leverages Alarm.com’s Connected Home platform and offers homeowners and property managers the ability to proactively track and manage electricity usage in real-time, monitor the power generated by rooftop solar panels and operate connected thermostats and load control devices more intelligently to reduce energy usage. Features can be easily accessed through the Web portal, www.wiserenergy.com, or the Wiser app, available for Android devices, in addition to iPads, iPhones and iPods. For information about Wiser, visit www.wiserenergy.com.

DMP Panels Get Canadian Compliance Approvals

DMP, Springfield, Mo., reported that it received compliance listing approvals for the following Underwriters Laboratories Canada (ULC) listings for the XR150|XR350|XR550 Series control panels:

• ULC S545 Household Fire
• ULC C1023 Household Burglar
• ULC/ORD-C1076 Proprietary  Burglar
• ULC S304 Central Station Burglar

The 32-bit processors allow the new panels to operate at 20 times the speed of the older DMP XR500 panels; with 10/100 Ethernet auto-sensing that always ensures the fastest-possible network connection, the company reported. The XR150|XR350|XR550 offers 142, 374, or 574 zones, respectively, with net/cell and dialer. The panels include built-in LX buses, so there is no need to purchase or install additional cards for panel expansion.

The optional plug-on 263HCAN Rogers AT&T cellular communicator allows for MyAccess™, the DMP App, and central station connections. DMP’s Adaptive Technology™ and the availability of up to eight communication paths provide a multi-level communication backup.

For information, visit www.dmp.com.

FDNY Approves DMP Commercial Fire  Wireless Devices

DMP announced that the City of New York Fire Department approved the use of the DMP 1100 Series wireless devices. The approval is for products manufactured by Springfield, Mo.-based DMP, including the ANSI/UL 864 listed DMP XR100 and XR500 Series control panels with wireless receivers and devices.

This approval covers the following products:

• 1100X wireless receiver
• 1100XH wireless high power receiver
• 1100R wireless repeater
• 1103 wireless transmitter
• 1165 Series wireless commercial smoke detectors
• 1181 wireless PIV
• 1182 wireless OS&Y
• 1183 Series wireless heat detectors
• 1184 wireless carbon monoxide detector

“There has been a lot of activity at DMP related to FDNY-approved technology; a few months ago they approved the use of cellular and network communicators for primary fire alarm signaling to central stations, with the XR100 and XR500 Series,” said vice president of sales, Mark NeSmith. “And now, the latest wireless certifications, allowing us to meet the growing demand for more wireless options in commercial fire installations in New York City.”

DMP listed several advantages to using the two-way supervised wireless, including up to 500 wireless zones, on-board survey LED, extended battery life, superior range, ease of programming, and compatibility with all DMP panels. “Whether the installation is new construction, an upgrade or retrofit, DMP wireless gets the job done faster with less effort,” the company stated.

 For information, visit www.dmp.com.