Gamewell-FCI Introduces Second LOC Emergency Communications Console

Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell has expanded its emergency communications systems capabilities with a second version of its Local Operator Console (LOC) used to remotely control emergency messaging and system operation. As major components of mass notification systems, LOCs are required by the Department of Defense (DoD) on all U.S. military installations, and prescribed by NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code for commercial facilities.

The company’s original LOC comprises a microphone for live announcements and 16 programmable switches to enable authorized users to choose specific pre-recorded messages to broadcast or disseminate messages to particular zones within a facility. A third LOC component is a network graphic annunciator (NGA), designed to provide remote access to information on an entire fire alarm and ECS network, plus distribute text messages to all LOC units on the network. The NGA includes a bright, touchscreen display and intuitive layered menu structure for easy human interface.

The new LOC-TEL version offers a lower-cost alternative that also meets the mass notification requirements of Local Operating Consoles as mandated by the DoD in its Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) document 4-021-1. A telephone and 16 programmable switches allow this LOC-TEL to direct pre-recorded and live voice messages to any designated area within a facility.

"We designed these units to the UFC's exact specifications," said Bob Gomersall, product manager for Gamewell-FCI. "Pretty much all military posts are required to install LOCs every 100 feet in every building, but in many areas the functionality of this lower-cost version is really all that's needed."

According to Gomersall, the company's LOCs are also being sought after by more than military facilities.

"With NFPA's emergency communications codes being so similar to the UFC requirements, schools, hospitals and a lot of local government facilities are beginning to understand the advantages of integrated fire alarm and emergency communications systems such as ours," Gomersall said.

As a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule No. 84 supplier, Gamewell-FCI has noted a huge increase in the number of federal agencies and local governments considering an update of their current fire alarm systems with plans to phase-in emergency communications capabilities over a few years time. Under GSA contract number GS-07F-0087X, Gamewell-FCI's nationwide network of Platinum Engineered Systems Distributors can supply federal and local government entities with the latest fire protection and emergency communications systems under the GSA Co-op Purchasing Program.

Featured

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

  • DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.