What our experts say …
THE VERITEC P2 HERALDS A SIGNIFICANT change in the use of intruder detection principles! Pyronix has hit on the idea of using an air pressure change sensor, followed by microprocessor signal processing, to reliably respond to violations of doors and windows.
The Veritec P2 comprises an air pressure change detector and a PIR detector housed in the same enclosure. In operation, when an intruder first enters the perimeter of the protected area, the pressure detector will operate to send a ‘first alert’ signal, followed by a confirmation signal from the PIR responding to movement within the protected area. By using two quite different detection principles, the chances of false activation of both should be minimal.
The pressure detector has been designed for use in a “fully enclosed room” no larger than 700 cubic metres in volume – for example, 15m x 15m x 3m. This implies no vents, flues, poorly fitting doors or windows, since we know from past experience that sudden gusts of wind can cause a significant change of room pressure under any of these conditions. Four different pressure sensitivity settings are provided; the setting appropriate to the installation are selected during commissioning. Pyronix would not disclose the type of pressure sensor used, but assured us that it is not of the simple microphone type.
The PIR detector is more familiar, using a dual element pyroelectric sensor followed by patented signal processing. Sequential Pattern Processing (SPP) is one of the terms used: regular Pyronix PIR installers will already be familiar with it. The fresnel lens, which incorporates a white light filter, gives a 90 degree coverage pattern out to a maximum range of 15m. A mirror creep zone is included.
The alarm and pressure outputs are given by the NC outputs of two separate solid state relays, rated at 50mA, 60v DC (42.4v AC peak). EOL resistors can be connected as shown in the Pyronix Training Disk 1.
A latch memory facility is included. When enabled, it operates on the orange pressure detector walk test LED and the green PIR detector walk test LED for identification when the system is unset, after alarm activation.
The Veritec P2 is intended for use in domestic premises, shops, offices or classroom environments. It is housed in a two-part plastic case, the cover being held in place by two plastic hooks at the top and a bolt at the bottom. The bolt is long enough to be held in place in the metal nut, even with the cover removed, so there should be no more fumbling for a dropped nut or bolt during installation! The screw head locates into a countersunk recess on the cover for positive lens location. The lens is secured on the back of the cover by a shroud which encloses the pyro sensor and lens, preventing the ingress of dust or insects. The shroud also includes the optics for displaying the walk test LED outputs.
The base has knockouts for wall or corner mounting; a vertical external cable channel has been moulded into the base in order to allow the widest range of options for neat cable entry.
A single PCB, 56 x 91mm, carries all the components for both detectors and is secured to the base by a single screw through a keyhole slot. This allows for PIR range adjustment to give fuller coverage in confined spaces. Surface mount electronic components are used, resulting in very high quality construction.
Outwardly, the Veritec P2 is very neat and stylish; it has been well designed with ease of installation in mind.
Installation
Siting of the Veritec P2 is largely governed by the usual PIR recommendations: mount on a solid wall; avoid close proximity to sources of heat; avoid routing alarm cables near mains and telephone cabling. The number of cores of alarm cable needed will depend on whether the alarm latch memory and EOL termination is to be used. Standard alarm cable can be used.
On initial ‘power up’, a self-test routine is indicated by the pressure LED (orange) flashing for approximately 15 seconds and the PIR LED (green) for one minute. Walk testing can then be carried out on the PIR along with the SPP (pulse count) setting (a process very familiar to most installers) and on the pressure detector to determine the pressure sensitivity setting appropriate to the premises. This is more unfamiliar territory.
Pyronix suggests starting with the lowest sensitivity setting and trying simulated forced entries, starting at the furthest point of entry, increasing the setting only as far as necessary to obtain an output from the pressure detector. Presumably, if too high a setting is used, then there will be an increased possibility of false activation in practical installations where the “fully enclosed room” concept cannot always be achieved.
In installations where more than one Veritec P2 is used, a forced entry in one zone may operate the pressure sensor not only in the zone entered, but also in a nearby zone (a process termed “over-lapping”) no doubt occurring where internal connecting doors are not a close fit, for example.
This can be checked out during walk testing and if it does occur, the manufacturer recommends that all the pressure detector relay outputs be connected in series to a single zone in the control panel. This will ensure that the confirmation signal is generated by a PIR, rather than a second pressure detector. Changes to the EOL resistor arrangements will then be necessary.
Furthermore, it is recommended that any pressure zones which are likely to be activated during normal entry/exit should be programmed as entry route zones.
Performance
We mounted the Veritec P2 at a height of 2m in order to carry out walk tests and to assess stability. When our usual range of tests was applied, at an ambient temperature of 18 deg C, the PIR performed exceedingly well. All tests were carried out with the SPP+ (pulse count 2) setting.
The pressure sensitivity was set, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and the detector worked as expected. This was repeated in a room containing a gas boiler vented to the room and to the outside atmosphere.
At the time, the weatherman was treating us with gusts of wind in the region of 35 – 45 mph (allegedly). The Veritec P2 did not respond over the following hour. So with the pressure sensitivity correctly set in our premises, the pressure detector was stable under less than ideal conditions.
We tried checking the operation of the latch memory with no initial success. It all became clear and rational after we found out from the manufacturer that there is a two-minute delay after setting the system before the memory becomes operative; also a pressure/PIR actuation is delayed by two minutes before being stored. The idea is that any pressure actuations occurring during the exit or entry period do not operate the latch memory.
The instructions are contained on a single sheet which includes installation, diagrams and specifications with heavy reliance on the clear well-annotated diagrams. This is no bad thing, since pictures can tell at a glance what often takes many words to convey.
We consider that a bit more detailed written guidance on the pressure sensitivity setting would be very helpful. But to be fair, Pyronix has produced an excellent training CD (available free of charge) which covers most of the shortcomings.
A summary of the CD, diagrams and text – added to the existing instructions – would be appreciated by the “on the job” installer for easy access reference purposes.
What the manufacturer says …
A truly unique product, the Veritec P2 provides a simple solution to a complex issue. It has been specifically designed to help installers comply with ACPO 2000. Pyronix has prided itself on producing the right product at the right price at the right time. This sequential confirmation detector combines two completely separate technologies within one housing; PIR and pressure wave detection, with completely independent outputs. The detector can be wired with one standard alarm cable and therefore provides a cost-effective solution to confirmed detection, ideal for use on new or existing systems. The pressure wave technology will differentiate between a forced entry and normal pressure fluctuations and is immune to thunderstorms and air conditioning. The P2 can be installed in enclosed areas of up to 540 cubic metres, making it ideal for domestic applications, shops, offices and schools. A comprehensive, free, training CD-Rom has been produced, call 0800 0858730. The P2 enables the professional installer to comply effortlessly with ACPO requirements without compromising security or incurring higher costs.
ADDENDUM: Since this article was written the UK has experienced the worst winds for a decade. Winds reached in excess of 100 mph in some parts. False alarm rates rocketed. Conventional detectors suffered and the P2 was no different, having several false alarms in areas where the wind was at its worst. We have therefore enhanced the product. New software has been built in to filter out false activations from high winds, even of the strength experienced a few weeks ago. Next time the UK is battered by severe gales, trees will be up-rooted, lorries will be blown over but we are confident Veritec will stand firm.
Overall assessment
The Veritec P2 is a sequential confirmation detector which uses pressure sensing technology to generate first alarm when a forced entry occurs, followed by PIR technology to generate a confirmation signal when movement is detected within the covered zone – all in an attractively styled, very neat enclosure. Installation is straight-forward, using standard alarm cable.
The PIR performed very well during stability testing, carried out on the lowest pulse count setting. The pressure detector was stable in operation in our premises, even during adverse outside weather conditions.
The standard of design and manufacture is very good and represents very good value for money. A two-year warranty is included.
