Safe-Home.com

Question about advantages of Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems over security systems by national or local alarm and security companies.

Answer: For a data center, we would recommend the Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 or Sensaphone IMS-4000 PowerGate2 Outlet Switcher IMS-4302IMS-4000 unit over the Sensaphone Web600 Web-Monitor Alarm, No Land Line Needed. The WEB600 is a great starter solution with accessories like a battery back up, a temperature probe, a zone water detector and a humidity transmitter.  However, when you are talking a larger computer room or data center, you are talking about tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment that keep your business operational 24/7.

Sensaphone Systems offer these advantages:

• No Monthly Monitoring Fees: you buy the product and programs it to notify directly any employee or employees you choose without the cost of a central service that runs at least several hundred dollars annually.
• Real Sensor Values: Universal inputs read actual temperature values and more.
• Battery Backup: Either included or an inexpensive option.
• Maximum Flexibility: Notifications using custom voice phone calls, emails, faxes, text messages, SNMP traps, etc. Communication is via land phone lines, cell phones, Ethernet or satellite.
• Remote Access: You can program remotely whether a phone line product, a web-based products or a satellite product.
• No Dependencies: stand alone solutions mean you get direct communication without a central service, computer or server in the middle.
• Field Proven in Sensitive Applications: Proven reliability and validity in emergency response materials, military weapons systems, medicines, Homeland security, etc.
• Innovation: In-house engineering. Three US patents for unique technologies. Constantly working to make products more powerful and easier to use.
• Easy to Use: Simple, clear set up and maintenance. You don't have to be an electronics genius! Some products like the IMS series even automatically detect the sensor you've connected and configure it for you. The owners manuals are extensive and clear to follow. Telephone technical support is there, unlimited and toll free.
• Made in the USA:  Yes! Sensaphone is made in Pennsylvania. All engineering design, manufacturing, servicing, testing and support are here in the USA.

For your data center, Safe Home recommends you choose the IMS-1002 model and then choose from the 9 sensors listed:

• The IMS-1002 Model. The Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 is a web-based single room monitoring device with a voice modem. It will monitor up to 8 external sensors that are connected via Cat-5 cable. If your computer network failed, you will get a phone call or calls via a standard land line. It is fully Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manageable.
• IMS-4811 or IMS-4813: The Sensaphone Temperature Sensor (F) for IMS-1000,4000 and the Sensaphone Room Temperature Sensor Celsius for IMS-1000,4000 are room temperature sensors with displays in F. or C.
• IMS-4812: Sensaphone Mini Temperature Sensor for IMS-1000,4000 monitors the temperature inside a cabinet or small space.
• IMS-4821: Sensaphone Humidity Sensor w/Display for IMS-1000,4000.
• IMS-4830: Sensaphone Water Detector IMS-4830 W/10 Ft Rope can be expanded by adding additional units for water detection.
• IMS-4840: Sensaphone 4840 External Power Failure Sensor for IMS-1000, 4000
• IMS-4841 or IMS-4842: Sensaphone IMS AC Current Sensor, up to 15 Amps, C13/C14 and the Sensaphone IMS AC Current Sensor, up to 20 Amps, C19/C20 are current sensors. Each reports the actual current flow in the circuit. If a generator fails to start, you know immediately.
• IMS-4860: Sensaphone Magnetic Reed Door Switch for IMS-1000,4000 monitors a door for unauthorized entry
• IMS-4861: Sensaphone IMS Passive Infrared Motion Sensor for monitoring unauthorized access into a data center
• IMS-4862: Sensaphone Smoke Detector for IMS 1000,4000. Smoke Detector functions independently from any primary fire alarm system.

If a sensor is disconnected, you will get an alert. Each sensor is continuously monitored by the IMS parent unit. Cat-5 jacks and cables make it easier to connect to remote sensors using existing structured cabling.

The data logging includes a time stamped collection of input values that can be viewed and graphed. Plus you will get a detailed event history of user logins, telephone calles, etc. It is possible to add video integration to have an image sent of the condition that tripped the alarm. This is web-based monitoring with a traditional phone line, too.

You can place the IMS-1000 or IMS-4000 into your server rack. There are no moving parts in the IMS-1000 series units: each is complately standalone with its own internal battery back up.

Please contact us if you have additional questions. Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Sensaphone IMS-1000 Remote Monitoring System.

Answer: Sensaphone designed the IMS or Infrastructure Monitoring System for situations like yours where there is no land line available. It does require an ethernet network. And you can rack mount this monitor into your computer rack. Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.75" x 14" x 7"

The IMS-1000 series of products includes the following key features:

• Eight sensor inputs to monitor environmental conditions and/or alarm contacts from other computer equipment such as UPS systems.
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port.
• Internal battery backup for uninterrupted performance.
• Compact design allows rack-mount, wall-mount, or tabletop installation.
• Embedded web page to program and manage your IMS-1000 system.

Per Sensaphone's manual for the IMS-1000:

"The system is designed to be a comprehensive method of ensuring 100% up-time of your computer systems. By monitoring all aspects of your computer room, including environmental conditions and network equipment, the system will keep you informed of the status of your infrastructure. Monitored conditions can include temperature levels, humidity levels, line voltage, leak detection, server response, UPS systems, and more. The system allows the computer professional to be notified immediately of any detected problems. Notification can occur via voice telephone call, pager, e-mail, fax or snmp trap. An internal battery backup system insures that the unit will continue to run if main power fails."

Sensaphone does caution: "Caution: The IMS sensors are not TCP/IP devices and therefore should not be connected directly to any wiring infrastructure that is connected to network equipment such as a hub, router, or switch. Sensors use RJ-45 plugs and cables similar to thoseused with Ethernet devices".

Environmental Sensors Needed for Your Computer Room Include:

• Sensaphone Temperature Sensor 4810 for IMS-1000,4000 The temperature sensor connects to the IMS-1000 via an RJ-45 cable (e.g. CAT5 cable). The connection from the sensor to the IMS-1000 can utilize your existing network wiring infrastructure. For example, the sensor may be installed in another room or another floor. Connect the sensor to your structured wiring network via an RJ-45 jack. At the other end, connect a patch cable from your structured wiring patch panel directly to the IMS-1000 environment input.
• Sensaphone Humidity Sensor 4820 for IMS-1000,4000 The IMS-4820 Room Humidity Sensor operates between 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)and Humidity ranges of 0 to 100% RH. Accuracy is ± 5%. This unit also connects with RJ-45 cable (not included).
• Sensaphone 4840 External Power Failure Sensor for IMS-1000, 4000 This will handle your worries about power outages. The range is 0 to 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz with an accuracy of ± 2%. The power connection is via a Universal IEC-320 power inlet.

There are several other options as well. These are the:

• Sensaphone Temperature Sensor (F) for IMS-1000,4000 The Sensaphone IMS-4811 with a digital display in Fahrenheit
• Sensaphone Room Temperature Sensor Celsius for IMS-1000,4000 This has a digital display in Celsius.
• Sensaphone Humidity Sensor w/Display for IMS-1000,4000. This is essentially the same as the 4820 but with a digital display.

If you have additional questions, please contact us. Sensaphone does update sensors and remote monitors periodically so product codes and specifications may change.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Sensaphone 2000 Data Log Remote Monitor, Nema-4X Enclosure, Sensaphone CELL682 Remote Monitor Control System NEMA-4X Solid Door and Sensaphone 1400 Remote Monitor NEMA4X Enclosure Clear Door

Answer: According to Nema.org, "Type 4X Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (windblown dust); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose directed water); that provides an additional level of protection against corrosion; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure."

Sensaphone offers these enclosures on most of their remote monitors because many remote monitors are located in dusty or potentially corrosive industrial settings. Sensaphone monitors can be mounted inside buildings or outside. Those mounted in greenhouses are exposed to high humidity levels and water sprays as plants are watered. So purchase one with a NEMA4X enclosure if your situation requires it.

Choose a Sensaphone remote monitor according to the number of inputs you need and the complexity of your situation. For example the Sensaphone 2000 is a data logging monitor with 8 inputs and can contact up to 32 persons while the Sensaphone 1400 can monitor only 4 sensors for humidity, temperature, etc.

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Temperature Guard VM-5003HT Remote Temperature and Humidity Monitor

Answer: Within the unit are sensors for both temperature and humidity. The programming is not automatic: you do need a telephone line to initially program the upper and lower limits and another phone to call it. Everything is done via voice prompts. It is very easily programmed by following the voice instructions.

This remote environmental monitor, made in the USA, is truly inexpensive insurance against humidity and temperature damage. The VM-500-3HT combines the VM-300 which allows you to program upper and lower temperature limits with the ability to do the same with humdiity limits. Examples for Use: Florida second homes, computer rooms and green houses. The units has a 4 hour battery back-up enclosed within the unit and a one year manufacturer's warranty. Programmable temperature limits: 35° F to 125°. Humidity sensor measures within a sensing range of 0% and 90%RH. Programmable humidity limits:  0% to 99%:accuracy 5%. Remote dial-in access: check power, temperature, and humidity any time by entering your personal code.

Worls with answering machines: Connecting the Monitor to a Phone Line which has a fax or
answering machine connected to it. Program the monitor to answer after one more ring than the other device
on the line. This allows the other device to always answer first.
To call and access the monitor
1 Dial the phone number
2 Hang up one ring before the other device answers.
3 Wait no longer than 30 seconds, then dial the number again.
4 The monitor will answer.
Example: An answering or fax machine on the same line as the monitor
and is set to answer after 4 rings.
Program the monitor to answer after 5 rings.
To access the monitor, dial the number, let it ring three times, then
hang up. Wait 30 seconds and call again. After two rings, the monitor

The Temperature Guard monitors temperature and power wherever it is located, and dials the programmed emergency phone numbers you've entered if the temperature goes out of programmed limits or if the power goes out for more than five minutes.

Programming the Temperature Guard is accomplished using a telephone. Do this only once unless changes need to be made.

Before programming, do the following:

• Connect a phone line, plug in the power pack to an outlet, and connect the power jack. Use of a phone and power line surge suppressor is strongly recommended. 
• Turn the unit on by moving the power switch from the position labeled 0 to the position labeled
• From another phone line dial the number where the Temperature Guard is located. The Temperature Guard will pick up after the first ring. 
• The Temperature Guard prompts for the 4-digit PIN number. Enter the factory default PIN number, 0000 . 
• You will hear the Main Menu options. You may enter your selection at any time.

Programming Temperature Limits Model VM500
• 1.From the Main Menu, press 2 to Set Limits
• 2 You will hear the current low limit  (i.e. “Lower limit is 45°
• 3 You will hear “Press 1 to change temperature or Press 2 to change humidity
• 4 Press 1 to make a change or any other button to skip to step 8
• 5 You will hear “Enter number then press pound
• 6 Enter the temperature (Valid limits are 35° to 125° F), press #
• 7 You will hear the value you just entered (i.e. 55°
• 8 You will hear the current upper limit (i.e. “Upper limit is 85°

Programming Humidity Limits  Model VM500-3HT:
• From the Main Menu, press 2 to Set Limits 
• You will hear "Press 1 for temperature or 2 for humidity"
• Press 2 for humidity
• You will hear the current low limit  (i.e. “Lower limit is 0%
• You will hear “Press 1 to change” 6 Press 1 to make a change or any other button to skip to step 10
• You will hear “Enter number then press pound”8 Enter the value (Valid limits are 00% to 99% RH), then press #
• You will hear the value you just entered (i.e. 15%) 10 You will hear the current upper limit (i.e. “Upper limit is 85 %
• You will hear “Press 1 to change”
• Press 1 to make a change or press any other button to return to the Main Menu 

Temperature Guard VM-500-3 with Humidity Sensor Features:
• Dial out power alerts: Be notified if power failure lasts over five (5) minutes. Stops calling after power resumes or PIN entered.
• Dial- out temperature alerts : when temperature exceeds or is below limits you set.
• Dial-out humidity alerts: when humidity levels exceed or are below levels you set.
• Thermometer range: measures temperatures within a range of 32° F to 125° F. accuracy: 2°
• Programmable temperature limits: 35° F to 125°. Note: Limit is 3° F above freezing to avoid damage due to freezing temperatures Humidity sensor measures within a sensing range of 0% and 90%RH.
• Programmable humidity limits: 0% to 99%:accuracy 5%

Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Barbara