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EKHO is a new product line of wireless devices from the Hochiki corporation. The system has advanced technical specifications including 10-year battery life, 1200-meter communication range in free air, and 127 expanders in the network. One of the main features of the system, that sets it apart from competitors is "mesh network", which means that all communication paths in the system are established automatically. I've had some negative experiences with other wireless solutions. Why should I expect EKHO to be any different? The EKHO product line has been substantially re-developed and enhanced from our previous and successful Firewave range that was first introduced to the market more than 10 years ago. The developers of the system have extensive experience in wireless technology, and are highly alert to the type of problems fire alarm engineers are faced with. EKHO was developed to address and solve these problems, thus creating a wireless solution that has no compromises. Items such as communication distance, battery life, and responsiveness during an alarm were a key focus of this hardware update. These issues were successfully challenged in EKHO but are still present in a number of wireless solutions from other manufacturers.
It is really not all that complicated! The software we provide has a functional, but a simple strippeddown interface. Also, the system can be set up using the hardware menu on the translator module, which is very basic and selfexplanatory. In addition, we provide a one-of-akind service, where you can connect to a remote desktop server and interface with the software, while simultaneously observing the equipment through a live camera feed. Online training and a variety of different guides we provide should allow you to achieve a good understanding of the system in less than a day. 140,000 m2 20,000 detectors Wireless systems are often challenged to operate reliably in large buildings, but EKHO isn't! The communication protocol is designed in such a way that up to 2000 wireless devices can work in the same building. This means that you can install any number of translators and not have to worry if they are going to interfere with each other. A communication range of 1200 meters in free air ensures that even the thickest walls can be penetrated by wireless signals. Finally, the translator supports up to 127 expanders, which allows you to build a very robust and dense network.
EKHO operates in the 916 MHz range, which is mostly free of any consumer electronics. Even if a different device was working on the same frequency as EKHO, the system can automatically switch to a different channel and continue operating normally. EKHO uses well-proven wireless technology and an orthogonal antenna design to ensure the highest levels of life safety, system reliability and security. All data packages are encrypted under the AES-128 standard, which protects the communication platform from hacks and malicious attacks. The wiring in an addressable and conventional fire system can act an antenna for all types of electromagnetic interference. These signals can reach the very sensitive photodiodes and cause the detector to generate a false alarm. However, the impact of interference depends on the length of the electrical conductor. The length of an exposed conductor in a wireless device is the very short antenna and the impact of the interference will be negligible.
Channel "' '34 J' l number N.O\ In addition, EKHO uses 3-step protection from natural and technological sources of interference. •The detectors start sending their signal more frequently until one of the expanders answers. • Detectors boost up the transmission power (effective radiated power). • The detectors try using one of the s available backup frequency channels. The process of linking EKHO devices is simplified to the point where it can't get any easier! All you have to do is to press two buttons: one in the software and one on the device itself. That's it! Plus, the mesh network technology handles the issues typically associated with wireless alarms. When installing a traditional wireless alarm, you are going to have to decide which detector will be assigned to which expander. If some connections are weak you will need to reassign the detectors fr and this adjustment process can take a lot of time. The advantage of a mesh network is that you only need to position the expanders throughout the building based on their connection radius, and the network will automatically arrange itself in the most optimal way. This significantly speeds up the installation procedures. Expander -• I I - Expander -• • I - .!......
How do I know that EKHO products are reliable and good quality? The EKHO product line is manufactured in Europe, in a state of the art factory which is 1509001 approved and certified by BRE Global/ LPCB / SAI Global. All EKHO products are designed to meet and often exceed the rigorous requirements of AS7240 standards. The devices are fully tested and certified by SAI global. I've heard something about a new standard called RED. Does EKHO have it? 'Radio Equipment Directive' is a requirement for wireless devices, recently introduced within the European Union. Not all systems currently comply but we are proud to confirm that EKHO was one of the first wireless systems to receive the RED certification.
It is important to recognise and understand the 'total cost' of a fire detection system and consider the following factors: • site survey and system design • cost and installation time of fire rating cabling • current requirements of COVID-19 restrictive working practices • disruption and downtime to building operations • reparation works if an existing building • site commissioning time S Equipment &Work a Wireless No. of detectors a Wired Wireless can save considerable site visits and labour time. Wireless can be installed in areas where traditional cabling is difficult or expensive. Wireless can be preprogrammed and save considerable site time.
dBm A Battery life was one of the main priorities when developing the EKHO product line. The communication protocol was optimised so that detectors would consume as little power as possible. Specifically the effective radiated power to the device was tuned down to make the active period very brief and extend the time interval between packages to 2 minutes. This allows the EKHO products to operate for 10 years on two regular 3V batteries. Short package Long interval t EKHO is a rather new system and it utilizes all of the latest developments in the battery industry, which has been significantly boosted by the recent rise of the electric car segment. New battery technologies spread around in different industries, including wireless alarms. This gives us an advantage over older systems that were developed just 3-5 years ago.
It is believed COVID-19 will be with us for some time. This will effectively change the way we work. The installation of wireless systems will positively enable: • less installation time and engineers on the project site • reduced interfacing with other trades • more efficient working within social distancing practices Conclusion In conclusion, wireless fire alarms are not only more technologically advanced, but also much faster and easier to install than wired systems, while providing the same economic value in terms of cost effectiveness. \Nireless Dynamic Reliability a. - "" mesh network {(< () 1)) Time Days for @ one project . Complexity Minimal /.° skills Cost Equivalent \Nired Hard-wired connections - Weeks for ... one project .... . .. ·- Special llt qualification Equivalent
No wires. For further information visit www.hochikiaustralia.com/ekho.html HOCHIKI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Block Y, Unit 1 Regents Park Estate, 391 Park Road, Regents Park NSW 2143 P +61 2 9738 5566 F +61 2 9743 7133 www.hochikiaustralia.com E sales@hochikiaustralia.com
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