Specifications

9
Security systems may use the same frequency as the RadioLINK but they will normally be on
a different band and/or be restricted to using the channel for 1% of the time, for a
maximum of 4 seconds at any one time. Also, the unique code used by RadioLINK units
means that interference is a very remote possibility. Car alarms and mobile phones use a
completely different frequency so interference is not possible from either of these. Television
remote controls mostly use infra-red, which cannot affect the RadioLINK system.
The radio signal can travel a very long way if there are no obstructions to block it – 250
metres or more. But, it is more relevant to consider the practical application of RadioLINK
where there will be walls, ceilings and many other obstructions to impede the radio signal
path. In the vast majority of properties, where there will be 2 or 3 alarms, the signal from a
RadioLINK unit will be more than adequate. In fact, it is quite probable that the radio signal
will transmit well beyond the limits of the property. This is a very important reason why the
alarms in a property must be ‘House Coded’ – see question 9. In very large or unusually
shaped houses, there may be a problem with signal strength to all the alarms in the system.
This can be easily overcome by making one of the units in the system into a repeater – see
question 16.
Simply House Code each separate system of alarms. In this way they cannot cause nearby
alarms to sound. ‘House Coding’ takes a matter of minutes after installation of all the
alarms in the system and can be easily undertaken by anyone following the instructions
supplied with the product.
Yes, this is a big advantage in blocks of flats and HMOs. In ordinary hard-wired installations it
is necessary to cross property boundaries with mains cable in order to interlink the alarms
(and provide the mains power). This could pose an electrical safety risk if people working in
the dwelling were unaware that there are 2 mains power supplies to the property. With
RadioLINK each alarm in the system can be connected to a local power supply, the
interconnect signal is provided by the radio signal, therefore overcoming this risk. In flats and
HMOs where interconnection between dwellings is not required, but a connection to the
communal areas is (for early warning purposes), it is easy to provide a simple, yet effective
system. Simply, ‘House Code’ the alarms in each flat separately and then ‘House Code’ the
alarms in the communal areas with say a heat alarm in the individual dwellings. In this way,
if a nuisance alarm should occur within one of the dwellings it will not affect the other
residents. However, if a real fire has occurred, the heat alarm in the dwelling will operate the
communal system – and all other dwellings – when sufficient heat has been generated.
How do you know if a hard wired cable connection has failed or not? There is a much greater
chance that damage will occur to a cable than there is that the RF signal will fail. Cables can be
disconnected, a nail can be put through them, or rodents gnaw through them. An RF
interconnect cannot be affected by any of these. The only effective method of checking that the
RF interconnect link is operating is by pressing the test button on the alarms and checking that
they all sound. This is also the only way that you can check a hard-wired interconnect.
8. How far will
the radio signal
travel?
9. If all the alarms
can interlink how
can I stop the next
door sounding the
ones in my house?
10. Can you use
RadioLINK to
interconnect
between as well
as within
properties?
11. How will I
know if the
interconnect
line has failed?
7. Will security
systems and car
alarms affect the
smoke alarm
system?