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SimplexGrinnell School Applications & Solutions
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Intercom/Public Address System
School public address systems are unique in that they provide administrators with the ability to make announcements throughout the school premises, to a limited area, or to even down to an individual classroom. These systems incorporate a 'talkback' feature so that the same speakers used for overhead paging in individual areas are also microphones for two-way intercom operations. Because the speakers are large (typically 8" in diameter) they can cover a large area so that someone in the classroom can talk to the front office without being physically next to the speaker. Of course there is a call switch in each classroom to initiate either a routine or emergency call (most systems have dual priority call capability). In the front office, the administrative staff can select (via either a console with a lot of individual selection switched or a telephone-like device with a lot of speed dial routines) whether they want to initiate or respond to individual 2-way conversations, make announcements, or just play background music. These systems are designed to support multiple, simultaneous communications.
Most schools desire a 'station-to-master' intercom operation so all intercom calls go to the front office. On the other hand, some schools desire a 'station-to-station' operation whereby any classroom can select where their call would go (the front office, the school nurse, another classroom). Systems that incorporate this feature typically use telephones rather than call buttons because they support private (not overheard by everyone in the classroom) conversations and the dial (touchtone buttons) allows selection of where the call goes. Although station-to-station intercoms are available, most schools that desire this feature use the telephone system with extensions in each classroom so that teachers can also call outside.
Our recommended product designed for these applications is the Simplex 5100 series product line. The 5110 and 5120 systems are full-featured, modular school public address systems that incorporate station-to-master (with 4 selectable masters) intercom operations and remote controls to provide an Integrated Communications System. Each Master consists of an industry standard telephone (as opposed to an expensive, proprietary console) with an optional display. The 5130 system provides station-to-station intercom and uses standard telephones in classrooms. Key differentiating features are separate audio amplification for each speaker (allowing for more simultaneous audio routing and assuring the individual integrity of each classroom), LAN connectivity to computers for remote programming, and use of regular telephone cables rather than specialized shielded wiring
For the real budget driven projects, the 5105 system has a moderate feature set for a substantially lower price and for customers that prefer a console with a lot of selection switches (rather than touch-tone activation) the Bogen PI/SI-35A systems are available.
Master Time Systems
Master Time & Control Systems are typically comprised of a Master Clock that controls and synchronizes the time on peripheral clocks located throughout a school. Often, these same systems will also control other peripheral devices such as bells, lights, and anything that can be remotely turned on and off using a programmable activation/deactivation schedule. Because school public address systems utilize speakers in virtually every square foot of the premises, the industry standard is to sound pre-programmed tones for class changes rather than using additional bells. The programming of these schedules would typically reside in the master clock, which would be connected to speaker activation circuits.
The Simplex 6400 Master Time system offers all required operations and a host (widest selection in the market) of options that provide interconnectivity to any time-related system (including competitive). There is a wide variety of both analog and digital clocks along with many wall or pendant mounting options. A cost-savings alternative master clock is actually a plug-in module used with the 5100 Integrated Communications System. As an integral component, this master clock can be remotely programmed via the LAN connectivity option.
Telephone Systems
Telephone systems in schools have migrated from a few extensions for several administrative users to full-featured interchanges that can accommodate hundreds of extensions, classroom phones for both inside and outside calling, voice mail, and gateways for incoming wide area networks for both computers and telephonic communications. Many school districts have integrated individual school telephone systems into a comprehensive, district-wide telephone network.
The 5195 series (custom designed for us by Iwatsu) is a small to mid-range family of telephone systems that are modular and scalable. In addition, there are many integration options with the 5100 public address systems that can turn any telephone into an interactive intercom master. Another option is wireless phones to complement staff mobility. A key feature is the 'E911 Operation' whereby a 911 call from any phone will not only call the police directly but also indicate (at the 911 receiving station) from where in the school the call originated and notify the administrative staff that a 911 call is in process.
Sound Reinforcement Systems
Sound Reinforcement systems are typically found in school cafeterias, auditoriums, and gymnasiums. Most of these systems require customized configuration due the many different acoustical variables. A key operation in the school market is interconnection with the public address system so that the sound system can either 'reinforce' or be muted when an emergency announcement from the front office is generated.
Tyco Safety Products has strategic partnerships with over a dozen key amplifier, speaker, microphone, mixer, rack hardware, and accessory manufacturers that provide both products and application expertise.
Media Retrieval and Media Management Systems
Media Retrieval systems provide two basic functionalities: (1) A distribution of Audio-Video Signals from a central location that incorporates VCRs, Laser Disc Players, DVD Players, Computers, incoming TV signals (from cable, satellite, and antennas), and Video Production Equipment to remote TVs, Video Monitors, and Projection Equipment; and (2) Remote control (Play, Stop, Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward, etc.) of central location VCRs, Laser Disc Players, DVD Players, Computers, incoming TV signals (from cable, satellite, and antennas), and Video Production Equipment from the TVs, Video Monitors, and Projection Equipment.
Media Management systems provide an added operation of cataloging and assigning all video resources (VCR Tapes, Discs, etc.) so that their use can be managed (much the same way a library manages their book inventory) and scheduled.
The distribution of Audio-Video Signals can be accomplished using any one, or multiple of, three basic transmission schemes: (1) Broadband - using coaxial cable, which is designed to carry multiple simultaneous RF signals: (2) Baseband - using coaxial cable, fiber optics, and/or twisted pairs that can carry only one signal at a time; and (3) Digital - using network wiring.
The Simplex 5160 Media Retrieval integrates the classroom telephones (so that the touch-tone dial is used as a remote control) via the 5130 or 5195 system. Safari and Teradon are two Tyco Safety Products partner suppliers that offer full-featured Media Management solutions along with sales assistance, engineering, system initialization, and customer training.
Emergency Communications Systems
Emergency communications systems from SimplexGrinnell are ideal for use in parking, gymnasiums, or any exterior or remote area where students or staff may need to communicate with school security personnel in an emergency. Typically a wall mount or high impact tower or mini-tower installation, we recommend the vandal-resistant handsfree product line available from Trigon or Talk-a-Phone. Trigon systems can also be configured to dial to a central station after-hours.
Specialized CCTV systems
From an equipment standpoint, the K-12 school market provides unique challenges because cameras can be subjected to harsh environmental conditions as well as significant abuse from students and non-students alike. Because of this, careful consideration must be given to the type and placement of CCTV cameras. In many cases, vandal proof hardware and camera housings similar to those used in correctional facilities will need to be deployed in order to protect the customers investment and insure 24/7 operation.
In other cases, school applications require CCTV cameras with special back-lighting compensation, low- light capability, and the ability to pan/tilt/zoom the camera in order to maximize the field of view and detection. Schools are not usually staffed around the clock, and have extensive exterior grounds to protect and watch. At night this presents unique challenges which can be solved by variable light cameras which switch from color to B&W as light levels drop, or infra-red illumination which can provide crystal clear viewing, from an invisible light source.
No one CCTV supplier has a complete solution so careful consideration must be given to the school environment and the individual needs of school administrators. SimplexGrinnell has access to CCTV camera and digital recording equipment from major suppliers such as Tyco Video Systems (formally Sensormatic Video), Pelco, Philips, and Panasonic as well as niche suppliers that specialize in vandal proof and low light video such as Extreme CCTV.
Digital Video Recording systems
Another strength of CCTV is in the area of detection, and the important evidence that can be preserved on VCR tape or recorded digitally on a computer hard drive. With the cost of storage and digital recording hardware coming down, this equipment is now affordable even for the school market. Digital recorders offer some unique features not found in VCR's such as recording on motion detection, enhanced searched capability, pre-alarm recording, high resolution, and extended recording capability (depending on hard drive size & compression algorithm).
In addition to the inherent security benefits, CCTV equipment can free up manpower in surrounding public areas and school grounds thus providing opportunities for improved efficiencies and cost savings. Finally, recorded video can provide documentation to school administrators in situations where liability claims are involved.
Intrusion monitoring systems
Like CCTV, intrusion detection and access control are important elements in any schools security plan.
A typical solution sees an intrusion detection system deployed in school hallways, administrative offices, and rooms with high valued assets. Use of motion detectors, magnetic switches on doors, glass break sensors, and heat sensors are utilized to deter and detect theft and vandalism to school property. The system itself is controlled from a keypad or a series of keypads that provide programming functionality as well as arm & disarm capability. Once an alarm is detected (e.g., glass break event), an alarm signal is sent to the police, officer on campus, school principal or central station.
Adding Access Control functions
In addition to intrusion and alarm functionality, many school applications require limited access control capability (i.e., ID card access) for high security areas or locations that have expensive assets or dangerous chemicals. A standard access system is not suitable, because it isn't administered 24/7, and is usually too costly for the few doors that need access control. Examples might be card access to the administration office, computer room, or science labs. In most cases standard proximity cards are well suited for school applications with the occasional need for more sophisticated technologies such as biometric devices (e.g., fingerprint or hand geometry readers) in highly sensitive areas such as labs and PC storage areas.
The Maxsys product family from DSC has been a huge hit for SimplexGrinnell this year, primarily because of its suitability in addressing both intrusion and access control in schools. The Maxsys has add-in modules for intercom, video, lighting/HVAC control, paging & phone interface, fire alarm and Ethernet communications. In addition, the Maxsys offers both regular & control channel cellular backup capabilities and has the ability to accommodate SimplexGrinnell's 36-bit card format.
An interesting variant on intrusion & access systems especially suitable for schools is to include vandal-resistant keypads, such as those by Barantec. These have no moving parts or switches, and are virtually indestructible.
School-Specific Expertise
These are just a few of the unique solutions SimplexGrinnell offers to schools. We've delivered solutions to more than half of the educational facilities in North America, so we understand what they need, and keep working at expanding our capabilities for this important market. SimplexGrinnell is the leading school system expert.
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