About Us
Sensor Technologies UK Ltd. was first incorporated in 1989.
We began manufacturing vibration detectors for the domestic security market in the UK and Europe. These were the SV1 and SV2 range of sensors, which are used to protect perimeter doors and windows from attempted break-ins. These were available in white (SV1), for uPVC windows and doors and brown (SV2) for hardwood.
A few years after the introduction of the SV range, a more sophisticated version was introduced. This was designated SXV (X for extra features). Again this sensor was available in white or brown, but was microprocessor controlled and analysed input signals using complex algorithms. The SXV range also had a new design of casing, which allowed for much easier installation.
In 1992 we diversified into the communications market with its 4 channel digital communicator designated Digicom 4. This was primarily aimed at the domestic security market and was basically an autodialler that would dial up a 24-hour monitoring station when the alarm system was triggered and would report to them digitally via the telephone line.
In 1994 the SV and SXV range was updated with a new sensing device and totally revised circuitry to bring it in line with the upcoming CE directives. We also added a new version to the range, the SV non-latching which was a more cost effective version of the existing SV. The SV would, in the event of a false alarm, display which sensor had been triggered. The non-latching version did away with this feature and consequently was cheaper to manufacture. It was an ideal product for anyone wanting a vibration detector for minimal cost.
In 1995, there was general concern in the alarm industry about false alarm activations. The police were refusing to respond to alarms that continually false activated. The Association of Chief Police Officers, ACPO, introduced a policy that the police would only respond to verified alarms. This is now coming into force more strongly. There was a need to verify such alarms in order to dispense with false activations and prioritise genuine situations.
To meet these changing requirements the Digicom AV was developed. Based on the existing Digicom 4, it provided the additional facility of audio verification. When alarm activation occurred the monitoring station could listen in at the property for evidence of a break-in and verbally challenge any unauthorised occupant. If the prearranged password was not given, the monitoring station could call the police and report a verified break-in. In false alarm situations, the monitoring station could alert a key holder, or in cases of user error, could simply verify the occupant’s identity as being the owner of the property. Thus the police would not need to be called unnecessarily. This would ensure that premises would retain police response for situations when it was genuinely required.
The Digicom AV proved very popular in the industry. Its main advantages over the old Digicom 4 were that it had this additional audio verification facility and that it could be easily reprogrammed using a standard tone-dial telephone, whereas the Digicom 4 needed a special programmer unit. Speakers and/or microphones could be added when required, however, installers seemed to be reluctant to do so because of the additional work required.
The solution was launched in 1997. It was designated the STAR unit (Sensor Technologies Audio Reporter) which is essentially a Digicom AV with a built in speaker/microphone, and it included a 240V mains adaptor and telecom lead. All that the installer has to do is attach it to the wall, plug in the phone line and mains power and the installation is complete. The system also had a remote radio panic button to be used in cases of personal attack or medical emergency. Pressing this would put you directly in touch with the monitoring station.
In 1998 the STAR unit was revised with a new outer box and a new double button remote to come in line with latest standards. Also in this year a new version of the STAR was developed to include a detector unit, making it a complete security system in one box. This was designated AV-VACS (Audio Verifiable Volumetric Alarm And Communication System).
In 1999 it was again revised, dispensing with the volumetric detector in favour of the more advanced pulsed infrasonic technology. This worked on a similar principle but was much more reliable than the old volumetric units. The AV-VACS brand name was retained for marketing reasons.
In 2000 the AV-VACS received minor upgrades to make it more user/installer friendly. There was also a new vibration detector developed to replace the existing SV and SXV range. This was intended to provide all the most useful features of the whole sensor range at the same cost as the cheapest sensor. This was designated Shoq sensor and was released in winter 2000. A number of products have also been developed using cellular technology.
We consider cellular technology to be a serious threat to landline communication for security. Redcare even resort to SMS (Short Messaging Service) as a last lifeline in the event of landline attack.
The Internet will play a large part in everyone’s future and recognising and responding to new opportunities this brings has become an important part of business. We are presently developing products that utilise this revolutionary communications medium.
CCTV is also becoming part of everyday life and as radio data communications increase in sophistication and reduce in price, it will bring CCTV within the price range of the average domestic consumer. The increased awareness and use of web cams (as used on the Big Brother TV programme) means that remote visual surveillance is becoming a practical reality. We are at present, developing new products in this field.
We began manufacturing vibration detectors for the domestic security market in the UK and Europe. These were the SV1 and SV2 range of sensors, which are used to protect perimeter doors and windows from attempted break-ins. These were available in white (SV1), for uPVC windows and doors and brown (SV2) for hardwood.
A few years after the introduction of the SV range, a more sophisticated version was introduced. This was designated SXV (X for extra features). Again this sensor was available in white or brown, but was microprocessor controlled and analysed input signals using complex algorithms. The SXV range also had a new design of casing, which allowed for much easier installation.
In 1992 we diversified into the communications market with its 4 channel digital communicator designated Digicom 4. This was primarily aimed at the domestic security market and was basically an autodialler that would dial up a 24-hour monitoring station when the alarm system was triggered and would report to them digitally via the telephone line.
In 1994 the SV and SXV range was updated with a new sensing device and totally revised circuitry to bring it in line with the upcoming CE directives. We also added a new version to the range, the SV non-latching which was a more cost effective version of the existing SV. The SV would, in the event of a false alarm, display which sensor had been triggered. The non-latching version did away with this feature and consequently was cheaper to manufacture. It was an ideal product for anyone wanting a vibration detector for minimal cost.
In 1995, there was general concern in the alarm industry about false alarm activations. The police were refusing to respond to alarms that continually false activated. The Association of Chief Police Officers, ACPO, introduced a policy that the police would only respond to verified alarms. This is now coming into force more strongly. There was a need to verify such alarms in order to dispense with false activations and prioritise genuine situations.
To meet these changing requirements the Digicom AV was developed. Based on the existing Digicom 4, it provided the additional facility of audio verification. When alarm activation occurred the monitoring station could listen in at the property for evidence of a break-in and verbally challenge any unauthorised occupant. If the prearranged password was not given, the monitoring station could call the police and report a verified break-in. In false alarm situations, the monitoring station could alert a key holder, or in cases of user error, could simply verify the occupant’s identity as being the owner of the property. Thus the police would not need to be called unnecessarily. This would ensure that premises would retain police response for situations when it was genuinely required.
The Digicom AV proved very popular in the industry. Its main advantages over the old Digicom 4 were that it had this additional audio verification facility and that it could be easily reprogrammed using a standard tone-dial telephone, whereas the Digicom 4 needed a special programmer unit. Speakers and/or microphones could be added when required, however, installers seemed to be reluctant to do so because of the additional work required.
The solution was launched in 1997. It was designated the STAR unit (Sensor Technologies Audio Reporter) which is essentially a Digicom AV with a built in speaker/microphone, and it included a 240V mains adaptor and telecom lead. All that the installer has to do is attach it to the wall, plug in the phone line and mains power and the installation is complete. The system also had a remote radio panic button to be used in cases of personal attack or medical emergency. Pressing this would put you directly in touch with the monitoring station.
In 1998 the STAR unit was revised with a new outer box and a new double button remote to come in line with latest standards. Also in this year a new version of the STAR was developed to include a detector unit, making it a complete security system in one box. This was designated AV-VACS (Audio Verifiable Volumetric Alarm And Communication System).
In 1999 it was again revised, dispensing with the volumetric detector in favour of the more advanced pulsed infrasonic technology. This worked on a similar principle but was much more reliable than the old volumetric units. The AV-VACS brand name was retained for marketing reasons.
In 2000 the AV-VACS received minor upgrades to make it more user/installer friendly. There was also a new vibration detector developed to replace the existing SV and SXV range. This was intended to provide all the most useful features of the whole sensor range at the same cost as the cheapest sensor. This was designated Shoq sensor and was released in winter 2000. A number of products have also been developed using cellular technology.
We consider cellular technology to be a serious threat to landline communication for security. Redcare even resort to SMS (Short Messaging Service) as a last lifeline in the event of landline attack.
The Internet will play a large part in everyone’s future and recognising and responding to new opportunities this brings has become an important part of business. We are presently developing products that utilise this revolutionary communications medium.
CCTV is also becoming part of everyday life and as radio data communications increase in sophistication and reduce in price, it will bring CCTV within the price range of the average domestic consumer. The increased awareness and use of web cams (as used on the Big Brother TV programme) means that remote visual surveillance is becoming a practical reality. We are at present, developing new products in this field.
