How to Build Visonic PowerMaster Wireless Alarm Systems Related Articles PowerMaster System Review PowerMaster FAQs PowerMaster Remote Monitoring Introduction The Visonic PowerMaster Wireless Alarm System is an extremely versatile system. It can be installed as a relatively simple system with say a couple of PIRs, door contact and external sounder through to a very sophisticated system with Cameras, Smoke and Heat detectors, GSM dialling and internet connectivity. The system is a true 2-way system the control panel talks to devices on the system as opposed to just listening to them in a 1-way system. The main advantages of this 2-way system are the ability to alter device settings directly from the control panel, the ability to put devices to sleep when they are not required, for example when the alarm is not set. The latter results in an extended battery life - typically 5 to 8 years, depending on the device and its settings. The PowerMaster system also benefits from an extended wireless range up to 2000 metres line-of-sight. As with all alarms, the basic system comprises a Control Panel, Keypads, Detectors and Other devices and a signalling method. Choosing each of these elements is described below. In general, the easiest and most economical way to build your required system is to start from a kit and add extra devices as required. Choosing the Control Panel The PowerMaster range comprises three control panels: PowerMaster 10 PowerMaster 30 PowerMaster 33
All the control panels have the following common features: Feature Part Set Partitions PSTN Dialler Customisable zone names Optional GSM/GPRS module Optional IP Broadband module Value Home and Away Settings, on each partition if enabled. 3, effectively provides up to 3 distinct alarm systems. Yes, connects to landline telephone Up to 5 zones can be given customised names Yes, GSM-350, can connect to PowerManage server via GPRS Yes, Powerlink3, can connect to PowerManage server via internet connection. CAM-PIR detectors Yes, up to 10 Internal Power supply unit Yes, should be connected into a fused spur The following are the main differences between the three models: Feature PowerMaster 10 PowerMaster 30 PowerMaster 33* Dimensions (mm) w x h x d 195 x 180 x 60 265 x 200 x 65 265 x 200 x 45 RKP: 155 x 103 x 33 On-board Keypad Yes Yes No, requires KP-250 Remote Keypads Up to 8 Up to 32 Up to 32 Remote Key-fobs Up to 8 Up to 32 Up to 32 (KF235) Wireless Zones 30 64 64 Wired Zones 1 1, (2 with expander) 1 User Codes 8 32 32 Wireless sirens Up to 2 Up to 8 Up to 8 Internal Siren Yes Yes No Log events 250 1000 1000 Voice prompts No Yes No Proximity Reader No of Tags No** 8 Yes 32 Yes 32 *Note that the PowerMaster 33 must have the KP250 wirelessly connected. **In order to enrol tags, the PowerMaster 10 must be connected to KP-141, KP-160 or KP- 250. Choosing Keypads and/or Keyfobs
All the control panels can be operated using their on-board keypad or the KP-250 for the 33. However it is usually more convenient to use a remote device to operate the alarm system. Also note that the system can be operated from the mobile Visonic-go App if the system is connected to the PowerManage server see under signalling below. There are four remote devices available which can be used to control the system with various degrees of functionality. KF-235 - This is a basic 4- button keyfob designed to be carried. The buttons are Disarm, Arm Home, Arm Away, and AUX (*) which can be programmed for various functions. If partitions are enabled on the system, the keyfob can be programmed to only operate on certain partitions. The keyfob can also initiate a panic alarm by pressing the Arm Home and Arm Away buttons simultaneously. KP-140/141 - The KP-141 is the same as the KP-140 PG2 but also includes a built-in proximity tag reader. Both keypads enable most common everyday user functions: Arm and Disarm the alarm system. Initiate Emergency, Fire and Panic alarms. Control X-10 devices and PGM output. Perform one of the AUX (auxiliary) predefined functions. Review system Status. When authorization is required, for example, to arm or disarm the system, the user can enter their PIN Code via the built-in numerical keypad or alternatively present a valid proximity tag to the built-in tag reader (only with KP-141). In addition, the KP-140 PG2/KP-141 PG2 keypad supports panels featuring Partitions. Partitioning allows you to have up to three controllable areas; each partition can be armed and disarmed independently regardless of the status of the other two partitions by the same or different user. The keypads can be wall mounted using the supplied bracket or be used as portable units. For compliance with various international standards, the keypads are equipped with two tamper switches that can be configured to detect when the cover of the battery compartment is removed or when the unit is removed from its mounting bracket. Other features of the KP-140 PG2/KP-141 PG2 keypad include: Status, alarm memory, trouble and Ready / Not-Ready indications. Automatic reporting of low battery voltage. Keypad back lighting. Exit/entry beeps Tag reader (KP141 only) can also be used to enrol proximity tags into the panel. Long-life 4-5 year battery life expectancy (for typical use), 3 VDC lithium battery.
KP-160 A touch screen panel, easy and intuitive operation. The keypad can be wall mounted or used on a desktop. Used for arming/disarming, initiating emergency, fire and panic alarms, controlling PGM outputs and reviewing system status. Provides feedback on commands. Status, alarm memory, trouble and Ready / Not-Ready indications. Automatic reporting of low battery voltage. Keypad back lighting. Exit/entry beeps Tag reader can also be used to enrol proximity tags into the panel. Long-life 4-5 years battery life expectancy (for typical use), 3 VDC lithium battery. Partition support KP-250 This keypad has all the functions of an on-board keypad and allows all user and installer functions to be accessed. The keypad also incorporates a proximity reader. Choosing Detectors There are quite lot of detectors available for the PowerMaster system. All the detectors Labelled PG2, PowerG or PowerMaster we supply are UK compatible with any of the UK PowerMaster control panels. Note that if CAM-PIRs are used then the system needs to be connected to a PowerManage server in order to view images from the cameras. The list below shows the current range of available detectors Internal External Next PG2 PIR a standard PIR with a 12 metre detection range Next K9 PG2 PIR Pet Tolerant a pet friendly version of the above Tower 32 PG2 Dual Technology (DT) PIR Tower 32 PG2 Dual Technology (DT) PIR Pet Tolerant Tower 30AM PG2 PIR Anti-Masking Clip PG2 PIR Curtain CAM-PIR PG2 CAM-PIR K9 PG2 Pet Tolerant Vanishing Magnetic Contact slim-line profile MC302E Magnetic Contact (White or Brown) with hard-wired input SD304 Shock sensor with magnetic contact Tower 20 PG2 PIR Tower 20 CAM PIR Safety devices
SMD-426 PG2 Smoke Detector SMD-427 PG2 Smoke & Heat Detector GSD-442 PG2 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector PB-101 One-Button Panic Device PB-102 Two-Button Panic Device Which detectors you choose will depend on the layout of your property and your desired level of protection. Bear in mind that there are two basic settings for the alarm Home and Away which allows perimeter detectors such as shock sensors, external PIRs, and contacts on external doors to be armed while the property is occupied. But also bear in mind that wireless detectors are relatively expensive and the numbers can soon mount up. Choosing the Signalling Once an alarm has occurred it needs to notify someone that there is some sort of alarm. The simplest form of signalling is usually in audible form using internal and/or external sounders. Although it is still recommended that the audible devices are used both as a deterrent and as a means of disorientation to someone inside the property, personal notification is a better method. There are several ways to send notifications to specific people. PSTN Dialler - All the panels have a PSTN (land-line) dialler which will dial up to four telephone numbers and notify the receiver of an alarm situation. This can then be verified by a visit to the property. The PSTN method does have the drawback in that it uses the landline which can easily be cut to prevent outgoing calls. The control panel can be dialled into and controlled using the remote telephone. GSM - In addition to or instead of the PSTN dialler, the GSM module can be fitted internally which uses the mobile phone network and requires a SIM card. The control panel can be dialled into and controlled using the remote telephone. In addition, the GSM can connect to the PowerManage server and the alarm viewed and controlled using the Visonic-go App. Note that if the GSM module is used to connect to the PowerManage server it will incur data costs on the SIM card used. PowerLink3 The PowerLink3 is a broadband module fitted internally and connected to the internet via a router. The PowerLink3 allows connection to the PowerManage server. Refer to the article PowerMaster Remote Monitoring for more information about selfmonitoring the PowerMaster system. Conclusion Armed with the above information, you should be able to design a sophisticated wireless alarm system. Installation of the system is relatively easy and well within the capability of a DIY installer.