Safe-Home.com

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

Q: "We are building a new data center. Our choices are between a national or local alarm and security company with monthly monitoring fees or a Sensaphone system. We want to monitor power, temperature and humidity. We are also concerned about possible water leaks onto the flooring and being able to lower the thermostat in the room if one of the units begins to overheat. Which system do you recommend? Thanks. Bill."

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.

Q: "I have a computer room I need to monitor for humidity, power and temperature. There is no land line in that room. Is the IMS-1000 system the best choice? What sensors will I need to add?  How does this unit mount? I have computer racks in the room. Thanks. Ed."

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 which Sensaphone monitor will closely monitor commercial and medical freezers and refrigerators in our facility.

Q: "We need to monitor 8 different refrigerators and freezers where we keep medical supplies. Which Sensaphone units will meet our needs? Thanks. Sue."

Answer: With the limited information you gave, I will do my best to offer you choices to meet your needs.

Sensaphone has two low temperature sensor models

The FGD-0107 is a unique 2.8K Temperature Sensor with Glass Bead Vial. This unit ideal for cold storage temperature monitoring. The glass bead filled vial buffers any momentary fluctuations that may cause a preliminary alarm dial out, such as defrost cycles, opening of doors, and fans circulating air. The glass beads will slow the response time of the sensor allowing normal daily operations to occur without having an alarm initiated. This is a highly recommended sensor for every cold storage application.

The Temperature Range that can be monitored depends upon which Sensaphone controller unit is being used:

• 400, 800: -20° to 150°F (-30° to 65°C)
• 1400, 1800, 2800, WEB600: -109° to 115°F (-85° to 57°C)
• 2000: -125° to 124°F (-87° to 51°C)
• Express II: -85° to 200°F (-65° to 93°C)

The IMS-4814 Ultra Low Temperature Sensor is designed to connect to the Sensaphone IMS product line (i.e. the IMS-1000 and the IMS-4000) and monitor temperatures in refrigerators or freezers. The electrical connection between the sensor and IMS unit is made via the attached RJ-45 patch cable. The package contains the 1) Ultra Low Temperature Sensor (1) Attached 7’ Patch Cable and (1) Attached 12’ of cable with weatherproof probe. The sensor probe may be secured inside equipment using the included clamp or it may be hung using tie wraps. Do not install the black plastic enclosure inside of a refrigerator or freezer. It is available with an optional NIST temperature certification. (IMS-4814-NIST) The Ultra Low Temperature Sensor comes with an attached 7’ cable with an RJ-45 plug on the end and a weatherproof probe with 12’ of cable. If the sensor installation is close to the IMS unit, you can plug it directly into an IMS environmental input. If the cable is too short you can use the included RJ-45 adaptor and a longer patch cable to extend the length. For applications where the sensor may be far from the IMS unit, you may 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 Host or Node environment input.

• Temp Range: -122° to 53°F (-86° to 12°C)
• Humidity: 5–90% RH
• Sensor type: Sealed thermistor probe
• Accuracy: ± 3°F
• Connector: 7’ Cable with RJ-45
• Housing: Black plastic
• Compatibility: IMS-4000, IMS-4000 Node, IMS-1000

So next you need to determine which IMS (Internet Monitoring System) unit you need to handle your monitoring issues. The Sensaphone IMS-1000 has 8 sensor inputs. Configuration is easy: all IMS Solution sensors are auto-configured when you plug them into the IMS-1000. The Ultra Low Temperature Sensor will identify itself as a 4-20mA transducer. On the Properties screen for this sensor you must select the sensor type: either Low Temperature (Deg F) or Low Temperature (Deg C). When a sensor is removed, or the connection is disrupted, the configuration data remains intact but the sensor will go into trouble status and generate a trouble alarm. When the sensor is plugged in again, or the connection is re-established,configuration data remains unchanged and the sensor returns to normal operating condition.

The Sensaphone IMS-4000 in combination with the IMS-4000 node can monitor up to 64 sensors.

Please look at our webpages and decide which features you need. There are cross references on the pages to most sensors and to the IMS-4000.

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

Q: What is a NEMA4X enclosure? Do I need it on a Sensaphone remote monitor for my business? I see it listed on these Sensaphone units that I saw on your website.Thanks. Steve."

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 Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems.

Q: "I need a remote monitor but am confused by what differentiates one model from another. Can you give me a simple explanation? I don't know if I want a 1400, 800, etc. for my green house needs. Thanks. Steve."

Answer: The numbers actually refer to the number of inputs available to you. If you have a small greenhouse set-up, one of the smaller, less expensive basic units would be a good choice. Also consider if you have a cell phone or land line in the building.

Here is some information about the basic units:

• Sensaphone Web600 Web-Monitor Alarm6 available zone inputs. A battery back-up unit (not included) plugs into the left side of the unit. Also there is an ethernet connection and a input for the 5V DC power adapter. There are two lights, a power and an alarm light on the top of the unit. A screwdriver is even included.
• Sensaphone Model 800 Desktop Monitoring System: 8 inputs and 1 output contact. Monitor 8 conditions, plus power failure and sound level.Notify 8 people with custom voice phone calls.Control a thermostat or other device automatically, manually, even remotely.
• Sensaphone 1400 With Solid Door has built-in Power Failure, Sound Level, Temperature Inputs 4-contact or temperature, 4-20mA Outputs 1 Relay (manual or automatic control)Notification 8 custom voice phone calls No monthly fee.
• Solid Door Sensaphone 1800 Remote Monitor Monitor up to 8 conditions, plus power failure and sound level. Notify up to 8 people with custom voice phone calls or text messages. Review alarm history and who acknowledged the alarm event. Control a device automatically, manually, even remotely. Sends a text message and alpha page alarms.
• Sensaphone 2800 Wireless Monitoring System lets you use up to four Sensaphone wireless sensors with the 2800. A variety of wireless sensors types are available to choose from, including:Temperature,Humidity,Power Failure,Motion Detector,Water on Floor.Wireless sensors. Two Wireless Interface modules. These allow you to connect to existing equipment or sensors and transmit their status back to the 2800 wirelessly. There is a Dry Contact wireless module and a 4-20mA wireless module. The 4-20mA wireless module even provides battery backed 24 VDC loop power for your transducer. Built-in Power failure, Sound level. Inputs 4 hard wired universal, 4 wirelesses inputs, Outputs 1 relay (manual or automatic control)Notification 8 custom voice phone calls.

There are numerous sensors available for the inputs. There are some larger units available that can take extra slot cards allowing a larger number of sensor inputs.

Please give us more information about your situation and we'll help you choose.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Temperature Guard VM500-3 Remote Access Monitor

Q; "We live in northern Minnesota and spend part of the winter in Arizona. We'd like to know if our furnace fails to maintain the 62 degrees F temperature we've set. How complicated is it to install a Temperature Guard VM500-3? This has been an especially brutal winter. Our son would install it for us since we are now in Arizona. Thanks. Dave

Answer: Installation is really simple. What I have done is added a list of the most frequently asked questions about this product. Not only is your home monitored but also you can phone your home or business any time of day or night and get the current temperature and power status. All this and no monthly monitoring fees!  Recently, the more popular of the Temperature Guard products have been the Temperature Guard VM500-3-30 Remote Access Monitor with a 30 hour battery back-up and the Temperature Guard w/Humidity Sensor/ Dial Out Alerts, the VM-500-3HT

These are the Most Frequently Asked Questions/Instructions about the VM-500-3 Temperature and Power Monitors

Use with DSL, i.e. you do not have a land phone line in your home.
    If your home has DSL, you must use a DSL filter with your VM500-3. This filter is included with each unit.

Use on a Digital Business Phone System: All Temperature Guard products require an analog phone line.  Most digital phone system manufacturers offer digital to analog converters that you can use to connect a Temperature Guard to your digital phone system. Temperature Guard products can share an analog fax line

How to set up the Temperature Guard
1) Locate the Temperature Guard (TG) in the area where you want the temperature monitored
2) Plug in the phone line and power pack and then turn the Temperature Guard unit on.
3) Call the Temperature Guard from another phone, or cell phone.
4) Follow the spoken instructions and the manual to program at least the following items:
    The phone number(s) where you want the TG to call you in case of emergencies.
    The upper and lower temperature limits.
5) Hang up by pressing the "0" key until the TG says "Good-bye".
6) That's it. The TG is now monitoring your home or business!

What happens when the temperature goes out of programmed limits?
1) The TG begins to make emergency phone calls starting with the primary phone number.
2) If a person or answering machine answers the phone at the primary phone number, then the TG will say, "Warning the temperature is xx degrees.  Please enter you PIN number."  xx is the temperature in degrees F.  If an answering machine answers, the TG will wait until your greeting message is over, and then it will leave the "Warning..." message. 
3) The TG will wait for a valid PIN number.
4) If a valid PIN number is entered, then the TG will stop making emergency phone calls.
5) If a valid PIN number is not entered or an answering machine answers, then the TG will continue making emergency phone calls with the second programmed phone number.
6) Once all the programmed phone numbers have been called the TG will wait twenty minutes and begin making phone calls starting with the primary number.
7) Steps 1) through 6) are repeated until someone enters a valid PIN number or the temperature goes back to within limits.
8) If a new alarm condition occurs, steps 1 through 7 are repeated again.

Can a Temperature Guard and an answering machine share the same line?
Yes, most answering machines answer the phone on the 4th ring.  To have the answering machine answer the phone, program the Temperature Guard to answer the phone on the 5th ring.   To access the Temperature Guard, call your home and let the phone ring 3 times.  Hang up and wait 20 seconds.  Call your home again and on the 2nd ring the Temperature Guard will answer.

Storage Instructions: What do I need to do to store my unit when I am not going to use it for a long time?
Make sure you turn off your unit for storage.  When you are ready to use it again, plug it in a few days before you need it to allow the battery to fully charge.

Using a Temperature Guard after storage: Charge the battery prior to leaving your home or business. Allow several days to charge after plugging the unit into AC power.

Restting the Maximum and Minimum Temperature Limits: To reset all max and min values on your unit, press 9 at the main menu.  This option is NOT spoken.  Pressing 9 will set the max and min readings to the current temperature (and current relative humidity on models equipped with humidity sensing).

Note: after pressing 9 you will be immediately returned to the main menu.  Press 1 to hear the current status of temperature, humidity (if equipped) and power.  The temperature and humidity high and low readings will be the same.

I hope this information has helped. Installing a Temperature Guard is one of the least expensive home disaster prevention devices available.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Eliminate monthly monitoring fees with the HouseEvolve home monitoring system by FreeVolve. This system improves home safety and allows you to monitor and manage your home from anywhere in the world. Other features include being able to call to check on current conditions, receive warnings of developing problems, and adjust environmental conditions at any time.

Question about the Product: FGD-0006 Magnetic Reed Switch

Q: "I own several convenience stores that accept delivery at the rear of the store. I want to install these switches on the rear doors and on the front doors into each store so that my clerks know when the doors are opened. Is this switch normally closed? Or normally open? Does the magnet hold it open? Thanks, Basil"

Answer: Yes, this switch will meet your needs for monitoring doors. In combination with a Sensaphone system, you'd have all the monitoring capabilities you'd even need without paying for an alarm monitoring service.  The magnetic reed switch may be used with all Sensaphone models to detect any unauthorized entry or intrusion. They are usually installed on doors and windows to detect their opening and closing. Several magnetic reed switches may be wired in series.

My Sensaphone sales rep sent me this response. "The magnetic reed switch monitors the opening and closing of doors. So, this sensor can be configured as normally open or normally closed dependent upon whether the customer wants to monitor the door opening or closing."

From the spec sheet, I also gleaned the following.
Description: The magnetic reed switch may be used with all Sensaphone models to detect any unauthorized entry or intrusion. They are usually installed on doors and windows to detect their opening and closing. Several magnetic reed switches may be
wired in series.

Each FGD-006 package contains:
(1) Sensor
(1) Spacer
(1) Sensor Casing
(1) Magnet
(4) Mounting Screws
(1) Installation Instructions

Dimensions:
Part w/ screw terminals: 2.5 inches x .75 inches x .5 inches
Part w/ magnet: 2.5 inches x .75 inches x about .75 inches
Housing: White plastic

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Q: "Do you have the user manual for the Photoelectric Smoke Detector 120V for Sensaphones?"

Answer: Yes. You will need to install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view the information on the Sensaphone smoke alarm and most manuals.

We do our best to include user manuals for all the products we sell, if they are available. To find the manuals, go to the page where the product is displayed. The link to the manuals is typically below the item's picture. In this case you would go to the page for the Photoelectric Smoke Detector 120V for Sensaphones and click on the manual link below the picture.

The Smoke Detector with built-in relay utilizes a photoelectric sensing method and is designed for use in commercial and residential applications. The device requires hard–wired 120VAC 60Hz power (220VAC 50 Hz optional). The detector features two sets of dry alarm contacts: one form-A SPST and one form-C SPDT. The detector has tandem interconnect capability allowing up to
6 devices to be connected together. A 90dBA audible horn is included. Also available with optional battery backup or in 220V. The detector can be used with all Sensaphone remote monitors.

Please contact us if you have other questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Q: "Is there a way to program the Home Guard Monitor 500-2 With 30 Hour Battery Backup NOT to call unless the power has been out for 6-8 hours?? The power frequently goes out for short periods of time around us and the 5 minute set up would be quite bothersome. The instructions explain how to set the temperature but not the time frame." Rick

Answer: We contacted the manufacturer for guidance. Here is the response from Microtechnologies: "I do not recommend setting the power outage time delay to 7-8 hours. How about starting with 1 hour and working your way up? Do you have the instructions for adjusting the factory default? If you do it is Option 6."

We hope this helped you. If not, please send us more questions.

Sincerely, Barbara