CASE STUDIES

Case Study 1: Alarm and Lighting Integration

In this case, a customer asked for a link to be provided between an intruder alarm system and a lighting controller. This was to ensure that any human movement sensed by existing motion sensors (PIRs) whilst the alarm was armed would turn on the lights in the appropriate room and allow capture of video images using regular IP cameras.

Alpha Touch installed a DSC alarm system and linked this to a Control4 lighting solution. This allowed motion-sensing activation of lights in certain areas (e.g. reception and hallways) when daylight levels are low and automatic activation of lights in any areas where motion is sensed whilst the alarm is armed.

The new arrangement provides both energy saving measures and additional security and scope for additional PIRs, contact sensors, break-glass detectors etc.

Some custom lighting scenes and protective measures have since been added to this project to further improve the level of security.

Case Study 2: Multi-Room Audio and Computer Networking

Here the requirement from the customer was to install a network to link some computers with a Sonos multi-room audio system. The property was a large Manor house comprising 3 floors, a basement, a swimming pool area and separate gymnasium.

In order to achieve the required solution, Alpha Touch installed a dedicated rack of high specification networking equipment in the basement, complete with broadband Internet access. Sufficient data outlets were installed for both existing and future hard-wired network devices. After carrying out a wireless survey around the property 6 wireless access points were identified as necessary to provide full wireless coverage for mobile devices such as laptops and PDAs.

A number of discrete network points were placed behind walls and into utility spaces where the Sonos players were located. This provided the customer with a means to play audio from anywhere around the property, including streamed digital music from the Internet. In addition, because there were a number of laptops with wireless connections, data and media file sharing facilities were configured, allowing audio files to be played to a Sonos device straight from the laptops.

Case Study 3: Private Telephone Exchange

This customer came to Alpha Touch with a requirement to install a telephone in every room - including the swimming pool area - and asked that particular handsets should ring when there was an incoming call on the main number. In addition, the fax line was to be used (when available), for outgoing calls from any handset in the house but to divert incoming faxes to the fax machine extension. The property had an existing telephone exchange which was old and unreliable and needed replacing.

Alpha Touch specified a Panasonic Central Control Unit with 16 Panasonic DECT handsets. The Central Control Unit allows the customer to increase the capacity to 24 extensions. The use of DECT handsets also means that the customer can now roam freely around the property during a call.

The new exchange now handles all of the customer's current requirements and there is considerable scope for expansion and enhanced call-handling functions.