Alarm Systems

What is an alarm system? An alarm system is a group of components to detect various conditions and alert you to abnormal or undesired conditions based on the detection of changes and the type of condition being monitored by the detection devices.   Now that sounds all cerebral (over thought) but its probably the most accurate description.   For example, laying a bunch of light dry brush and the ground all aorund your camp in the woods or the desert might alert you to somebody approaching your camp by the sound of the twigs breaking when somebody st4eps on them  That is probably one of the first alarm systems ever developed.  It work... most of the time.
What does a modern alarm system do? The control panel watches the condition of a number of circuits and then acts on them based on its armed state, the type of condition, and the current status of the alarm.,  Maybe even based on the time of day or the condition of other devices or ciircuits.   It can activate a siren or voice message system or even a voice siren.   It can send messages to a central station.  (Its most important feature) It can light warning lights.   It can activate or deactive many types of devices.
How do alarm systems communicate with the Alarm Central Station?  (How are they monitored?) Most alarms are designed with a dialer to use a regular POTS (plane old telephone service) line.   IP communicators can transmit alarm signals to the central station over the internet.   Cellular communicators send signals using a part of the cellular network designed for data.   Some types of radio systems may be available in some areas.
What kind of devices can an alarm activate?   Basically anything that can be activated electrically.  The most common things are. A Central Station Communicator Sirens Strobe Light Some other things that are sometimes controlled by alarms: Voice warning system Gate or door lock or lock release. Door holders Garage door openers Valves Lights Intercoms Video recording equipment
What can an alarm system detect? Well, almost anything that is measureable to some degree.  However for practical reasons and to avoid false alarms some things may be a little more difficult to detect than others.  Some of the conditions detecable are lised below. Water Moisture Water Level Flowing Water Pressure Fire Smoke Motion Infrarred Changes Microwave Echo Photo Beams Pressure Weight Strain Shock Open Doors & Windows Magnetic Contacts Plungers Proximity Sensors Breaking Glass Shock Sensors Acoustic Sensors Moved Equipment Sensor Loops Contacts Magnetometers Moving Vehicles Underground Vehicle probes, Detection Loops Photo Beams Temperature Heat Cold Rapid Changes
How do I control my alarm system? The most common things are:  Keypads, Remotes, Key Switches Some other ways are with: Card readers, Computers, oe even your Cell Phone