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Access control distributor, Encon Electronics held a Universal Wireless seminar at its training facility in Hayward, California on February 28th and March 1st.
Encon Electronics Seminar: It's not magic, it's wireless
No wires, no trenching and no conduit is a new concept for most dealers in the access control industry, so it was no surprise that over seventy dealers attended Encon's latest seminar in an effort to learn more about the emerging world of wireless products.
Ed Sullivan, Product Manager - Universal Wireless Solutions, conducted the two day event. He provided an extensive overview of the entire Oracle line and introduced several new and exciting Universal products including the Phantom and Missing Link.
Sullivan opened the seminar with his catch phrase, "It's not magic; it's wireless". According to Sullivan, "Installing wireless products can save you labor costs of up to 70% and decrease your installation costs by 75%."
Sullivan then provided an explanation of the primary Oracle devices: The Gate Access Panel (GAP) and the Basic Access Control System. "Both the GAP and the Basic Access Control System can speak to the Gate Controller Unit (GCU) and an unlimited number of communication devices, but the Basic Access Control System can not be used with transmitters or keypads."
 Sullivan discussed the requirements for installing these devices in conjunction with other access control products. According to Sullivan, "Control and digital identity is always through the primary devices. You can install up to four primary devices and you can mix and match these as well. Regardless of how many primary devices are installed, there is always one master identity. The other equipment remains passive."
Sullivan went on to describe exactly how the primary devices communicate effectively with other components. "For wireless products to work there must be a clear line of site." Unfortunately, most job sites have potential interference obstacles such as stucco walls, stone, trees, etc. "Oracle repeater sets can be installed to compensate for line of site problems, dead spots and other potential interference issues," Sullivan explained. "Depending on the installation specifications, repeaters can create an extended range of up to 1000 feet. They also allow you to develop a new line of site." For example, when a tree is obstructing the distance between the GAP and an intercom, use repeaters to go around the tree.
Sullivan reiterated the value of repeaters throughout the seminar especially their ability to transfer data when interference issues exist. He also discussed the installation requirements for repeaters. "They must always be used in pairs and they must be installed at least fifteen feet apart and between four and twenty feet above the ground." This distance prevents crosstalk and potential ground interference. "You can use a maximum of two sets of repeaters when installing an intercom and a maximum of one set of repeaters with a telephone entry unit."
Next he outlined the wireless components that can be installed including portable, flush mount and outdoor intercoms, telephone  interference units, transmitters, repeater sets and GCU's. The telephone interference unit (TIU) has all the unique features of most telephone services built in, such as caller ID, call forwarding, call waiting, party mode, etc. "The GCU is strictly a transceiver device. The new GCU2 has the ability to work with normally closed contacts like maglocks or strikes."
There are an overwhelming number of products to consider when designing an Oracle wireless network. The Oracle starter kits take the guess work out of what products you need to install. The GAP starter kit includes (1) GAP, (1) GCU, (3) four-button transmitters, (1) TIU, (1) portable intercom and (1) flush mount intercom. The Mini-GAP kit includes everything listed above with a Basic Access Unit instead of the GAP.
The second half of the seminar Sullivan focused on the latest Universal Wireless products. According to Sullivan, "Everything works within the same concept so adding any of the new products is relatively simple."
"The Oracle wireless keypad works like the GAP and can be used when communication isn't required. This wireless push-to-exit button is one of a kind. "It offers up to 1000 feet of range and can be programmed as a remote unit in conjunction with the GAP or the Mini-GAP."
"The multi-home GAP has the ability to work with an unlimited number of devices and is an ideal application for apartment complexes. It can accommodate up to 250 remotes or 250 buttons. The Ultra RX Receiver is a 900 megahertz device and thus, allows for an unlimited number of remote controls. "The wireless three-button station is a never before seen product. It offers up to 1000 feet of range and a five year battery life."
The Phantom and Missing Link are two new products that have no relationship to the Oracle line or network. The Phantom is a push button relay radio that can act as a transmitter or receiver. Sullivan explained, "It has up to a half mile of relay output distance." The Phantom also has broadcast capability which allows one transmitter to speak to an unlimited number of other units.
The Missing Link is a wireless weigand component that offers up to a half mile line of site and accepts ANY weigand data protocol. According to Sullivan, "All you need to do is make sure you have parity. After that, it just works." The Missing Link also has broadcast capability.
The final portion of the seminar was devoted to technical training. Sullivan provided step by step programming instructions for all the major Universal products. He demonstrated how to input and delete user codes, master codes, etc. "Once you've trained one unit, you can easily clone additional units."
Universal offered all the attendees a half-priced demonstration kit. According to Sullivan, "Testing each component as you build your installation helps determine how many products you will need." Oracle products have a built-in test feature which makes testing distance and wireless capability much easier. Using a 1-10 scale, you can determine whether there is any interference with your wireless transmission. "You should test each component at least five times with a measure of four or above to guarantee range and transmission," Sullivan stressed. "If the test number fluctuates, there is interference and the equipment should be rerouted."
In addition to the demo kits, attendees received an Oracle training certificate for attending the seminar. Encon also raffled off products to several lucky dealers throughout the seminar.
The wireless world may seem intimidating or just foreign, but it is definitely the future of the access control industry. Encon continues to educate its dealers on the latest technology and trends by offering seminars like this one. Call Encon at 800-782-5598 to learn more about Universal Wireless products or future Encon seminars.
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