iLAS/Lockdown System Design & Operation

iLAS is designed to not only be easy to design and deploy, but also highly reliable and without the inherent weknesses of other systems.

Firstly, Siren Horns are supplied in pairs for redundancy. Each set of two siren horns is connected to a local Siren Station (via twisted pair cable, supplied with the system) that contains a back-up battery, an antenna and a wireless repeater. 

Siren Stations are connected to a 240VAC power supply via a plug pack. Siren Horns are mounted externally using a J-Bar mounting bracket (also supplied) on an external wall and angled to deliver best audio coverage. Each Siren Station is 'keyed' to a site-specific (unique) security code, which is programmed into every Siren Station as well as every Remote Control handset, when you order your system.

Every system includes both Operator Remote Controls (x3 as standard) and one (x1) Master Remote Control. The Master is used to program additional Siren Stations or Remote Controls that you might require in the future, either to replace units or expand an existing system.

System layout is initially done using a site map; or if not available, Google Earth images. Any competent site handyperson, or a licenced electrician can install the system. Emergency Alert Systems staff can help with your initial design, but the site installer can optimise the design through trial and error by relocating sirens if requried.

The system can be as small or large as required, to deliver the alerts required. Because the control 'backbone' is a wireless (radio) network, that automatically establishes itself once Sirens Control Stations in range are powered up, it's easy to design a new system and upgrade an existing one.

Siren Stations are located such that any siren is within 200-300 metres of at least one other Siren Station. Once installed, a test of the system wil confirm wireless coverage is appropriate. A system pre-test can be conducted before Sirens are permanently mounted. However, because of the compact, modular nature of the system, sirens can be readily relocated.

Once activated by a wireless Remote Control, the siren closest that operator will activate, in turn activating all other sirens with the wireless network. Remote control range and the effective hearing distance of the siren are dependant on a number of factors, including the size and structure of your site, so it is important for us to conduct a site evaluation to determine which system is best for you. 

The schematic below shows siren base stations distributed around a campus site. The grey circles indicate wireless network coverage around each base station. Note the overlapping coverage. This is in essence the key design issue of an iLAS installation: ensuring that any one station is within wireless network range of at least one other base station.