Altronix Demonstrates Security ‘Nuts and Bolts’

• By Ronnie Rittenberry
• Sep 13, 2012

The ASIS expo is, annually, a world-class cornucopia of all manner imaginable of security-related products and services. On display at the hundreds of booths are all varieties of high-tech surveillance cameras, high-tech software, high-tech card printers and high-tech you name it. Security professionals walk, browse and plod through aisle after aisle of these multifaceted wares to see and sometimes actually hold the industry’s very latest developments. Some products, such as the cameras with their recorded images displayed in real time on giant, high-definition screens right in front of the recordee, have impressiveness built in. Other products, the “nuts and bolts” of the industry, might require more explanation to be appreciated. Their impressiveness is more subtle. The goods on display at the Altronix booth (#3523) are a good example of the latter.

Altronix Corp., a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based designer and manufacturer of quality low-voltage electronics for the video surveillance, security, fire, access control and automation markets, brought to the show a healthy mix of its products—many of which are new or recently improved—along with experts who are good at explaining those improvements and how they help the industry.

For example, the company’s eBridge Ethernet Adapters on display here this week make it possible to deploy IP devices over legacy coax cable without the cost of installing or removing any cable. Adding to their efficiency, the adapters extend transmission distances over 2,000 feet without repeaters over existing coax cable.

“IP security systems offer users a wide range of operational benefits that are simply not obtainable with legacy analog systems. With Altronix eBridge Ethernet Adapters, coax infrastructure can be upgraded both easily and cost-efficiently with IP devices without sacrificing performance,” said Altronix President Alan Forman. “eBridge is an extremely cost-efficient solution for end users looking to migrate to IP functionality without having to rebuild and possibly remove their existing infrastructure.”

With eBridge, each coaxial cable can support an IP camera and provide composite video and data simultaneously, or multiple IP cameras with an Ethernet switch. eBridge receivers are available with 1, 4, 8 or 16 ports.

Another product Altronix showcased this week -- and actually it is the first product in the company’s new series of eFlow™ power supplies—is the new eFlow3N, which is made to operate with security, fire and access control systems. Features of the UL-listed unit include a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) interface with supervised disconnect, over-voltage protection (OVP), and low-power shutdown, which prevents standby batteries from deep discharge. The eFlow3N also features one continuous auxiliary power output (unswitched) and one interruptible power output (switched), which is affected by a trigger input that provides 12VDC or 24VDC at 2 amps.

The first in yet another new series of products, the FireSwitch™ 108 NAC Power Extender on display is designed to make it possible for users to easily customize fire alarm power features The unit, which features up to eight Class B or four Class A Notification Appliance Circuits that can all be programmed as continuous auxiliary outputs, facilitates local programming and status monitoring via a front-panel LCD display. An Ethernet port facilitates remote status monitoring. The FireSwitch 108 is compatible with Cooper Wheelock, System Sensor and Gentex Sync protocols. Outputs may be programmed for steady Temporal Code 3 or input to output follower mode. Designed for use with 12VDC and 24VDC fire panels, the unit provides 24VDC at 10 amps.

Making something of a splash in the security “nuts and bolts” world this year -- and certainly at the Altronix booth -- was the company’s NetWayM managed midspan. IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) compliant, the NetWayM supports non-PoE 12VDC IP cameras. NetWay8M features eight ports with 150W total output, and NetWay16M offers 16 ports with 300W total output. Each port provides up to 30W.

“NetWayM provides an intelligent, cost efficient and highly effective way to manage PoE power distribution for today’s advanced IP security systems,” Forman said. “As we continue to deliver new solutions that deliver more than just power, our customers can rest assured that these products deliver the same levels of reliability and integrity they have trusted from Altronix over the years.”

NetWayM managed midspans automatically provide the precise power various PoE cameras and edge devices need. In the event a non-PoE device is connected without an appropriate adapter, NetWayM automatically disconnects to avoid damage.

In addition, the midspan features PoE shutdown, which is selectable by port to easily reset and maintain individual IP devices. Unused ports can also be shutdown to prevent unauthorized or accidental network connections. To facilitate programming and status monitoring, NetWayM provides Ethernet connectivity for fast and easy onsite and remote access.