Project: Duress Alarm System for Community Support Offices in QLD
We were recently approached for a solution to provide a duress alarm system for multiple offices within a community support organisation.
The organisation provides community support services and hold interviews within their offices spread over multiple locations within Queensland.
Initially we proposed several solutions which included an adaptation of a wired alarm system and also using a Wi-Fi based home automation system. The customer preferred the wireless system and asked for a proof of concept system with multiple duress alarm buttons and a siren for testing.
The wireless system we utilised is designed for home and building automation and is supplied as individual components. The system has an App for management and a cloud system for remote management.
We chose an off the shelf siren strobe used in wired alarm systems and retro-fitted a wireless dual output relay module. The relay module also had an input which we connected to the siren tamper switch in case the siren was removed from the wall.
Stage 1
The platform allows multiple Wi-Fi devices to work together to perform set actions based on changes in inputs. In simple terms the original test system provided the following:
- Each Office had one Wi-Fi push button to be hidden within easy reach of the staff member
- A Strobe / Siren connected to the Wi-Fi network with a programmable relay unit for activation
- A PC / Mobile Phone App pre-programmed to allow for management of the system including logging of all actions.
The staff member in the office would activate a duress alarm by long pushing the hidden button. This is recognised as a duress alarm event and the siren strobe is activated. The PC program / App recieves a push notification to alert the user to the event i.e. “Room 1 Duress Alarm”.
The staff member can deactivate the alarm by 3 short button presses or the alarm can be disarmed by the PC / App user. The siren alarm is also time limited to 30 seconds which is adjustable as required.
The system is remotely accessible by Active Online for programming / debugging if needed.
Stage 2
The customer was happy with the test and asked for a quieter solution – siren was too loud for inside.
The next solution was to integrate with a PA System connected to a digital player that would then play specific messages over the PA system depending on the specific alert e.g “Room 1 Duress Alarm” or specific tones. There was also an option for flashing strobe lights outside each room that would activate for a quick indication of the office with the alarm. This was later dropped from the project with the option to add at a later date.
This system is adaptible and expandable due to the technology used and can be expanded to activate lighting, lock or unlock doors, activate a siren etc. The possibilities are endless and well supported through Active Online.
All parts including PA system, digital message player, and Wi-Fi components are assembled and supplied with associated instruction manual. The cloud based system is setup and configured for each client so the system is plug and play.
With this project we worked with the client IT department to preset the Wi-Fi SSID and password in the Wi-Fi devices. We also ensured the ports required for the system were open on the firewall. In other cases we can provide the Wi-Fi router specifically for this equipment only so that the system is true plug and play – plugin the router, power on the devices, add the App to mobile phone or through browser on PC.
Additional Development
The success of this system has driven us to develop further products based on the same technology. Some new products that will be offered soon:
- Home duress alarm system. This will consist of a Wi-Fi relay enabled siren / strobe, Wi-Fi or hard wired (interfaced to Wi-Fi device) buttons, and a pre-programmed 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router that will be supplied with all devices already programmed so that it just needs to be plugged in to the existing internet router as a standalone system. The system will be remotely accessible by Active Online if any issues and a pre-configured purpose built App supplied for smart phones so that the system can be remotely monitored.
- Home alarm system. This will consist of multiple alarm sensors – window / door sensors, motion sensors, duress buttons, siren / strobe, and pre-programmed 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router. This system may also include pre-programmed lighting / power controls, temperature / humidity sensor / display units, flood sensor, and basically anything that can be connected and controlled via a cable can also be retro-fitted for remote monitor and control. The App will be pre-configured to allow for total access and control of the system.
- Remote shed / facility monoring. This is similar to the other projects but designed with remote sheds / facilities in mind. Add an alarm or monitoring system to your shed and connect to the internet (4G / 5G router or Wireless Bridge back to a building with internet). The supplied Wi-Fi router will provide coverage inside the shed for doors and windows, detect motion, and activate a siren (or just a push notification if preferred). This is also expandable for lighting control and anything else you can imagine.
- Commercial control and monitoring. Anything you would like to monitor or control. Please contact us for assistance with your custom project.