Xtra-Sense Ltd

Signalling via the mains wiring has a reputation for being a less-than-perfect solution to communicating information around a building, especially in the extremely electrically noisy environment of modern mains power wiring. However, a reliable mains signalling system has several key benefits:

• No new wiring is required, making it a wireless signalling system
• The mains is a hard-wired medium providing fail-safe circuits due to the use of ring-main wiring.
• The data path is entirely predictable, and not subject to unknown interference and propagation reflections.
• Installation can be as simple as plugging in the system components
• No aerial installation is required
• No frequency variation from country to country or licensing issues.

We have been working for several years in this field and have developed our proprietary Merlin technology to provide reliable, long range signalling in large multi-storey, three-phase buildings in the presence of significant amounts of electrical noise.

The Merlin technology effectively offers a long range wireless signalling system inside buildings and small complexes of buildings. It is designed for simple data such as alarm and control signals and the communication of readings from sensors or monitoring equipment.

Based upon the strengths of the technique, we have developed the following range of Merlin based products and welcome the opportunity to work with customers in applying our technology to new areas.

Merlin Trio Help Call System -a highly portable, simple to use, panic alarm / help call system for personnel and lone worker safety in buildings.

Merlin Eco Remote Switching / Power Saving System -a power saving system allowing the switching of equipment and control circuits throughout a building from a central location

Merlin Eco Data Signalling – a communication system for sending simple data through a building’s mains power wiring network

Merlin 8 Mains Signalling System – designed to create a virtual eight pair signal cable on the mains wiring capable of BS-EN50131 Security Grade 3 

We seek to apply our proprietary technology to develop new sensors and detectors to solve specific customer problems in specialist applications.

Examples are the development of the Xtra-Sense LFS Stress Detector for detecting physical attacks on safes and ATMs and the Vending Machine Detector system.

The LFS Detector for safes and ATMs can detect malicious activity at an early stage to help prevent loss of any contents and expensive damage to the safe or ATM. At the same time it also provides a high level of immunity to false alarms, making it ideal as a trigger unit for cash protection systems, such as dye staining.

The product range has subsequently been expanded to use in detecting attacks on secure doors, building walls and ceilings.

The product will be of interest to Security Managers of Banks and manufacturers, owners, and Operation Managers of safes and ATMs.

The Vending Machine Alarm Detector system was designed to identify physical attacks on ticket vending machines in remote and vulnerable locations. Despite machines being exposed to changing weather conditions and variable working environments, the system provides reliable detection of attacks whilst minimising false alarms. Ticket Vending Machine Attack Detector

This sytem will be of interest to owners and operators of many types of vending machines.

For more information on these products, please contact Ian Perkins at Crosspath Services Ltd

The Xtra-Sense Display Alarm product range is a unique and patented security system, developed specifically to help prevent theft, damage and shoplifting of valuable items on display. Ideally suited for use in applications such as museum alarm systems and retail security systems.

These security and alarm systems provide flexible, cost effective solutions for managers responsible for security in museums, art galleries, historic houses, heritage properties, shops and retail outlets, corporate offices, libraries, churches and exhibitions.

Products are available in four main types:

Plinth Alarms
– self-contained pressure pad alarms, ideal for alarming items on open display, such as figurines, bronzes, clocks, vases etc.

Kit Alarm Systems
– highly flexible alarms and detectors for a wide range of displays, such as shelves, table tops and mantelpieces.

Sensor Pad Alarms
– pressure pad alarms made up of a sensor pad linked with wiring to an alarm box – a hybrid of the Plinth and Kit Alarms for applications where either the pure Plinth or Kit are not the best solution.

Painting Alarms
– detectors and alarms for wall hanging objects, such as pictures and paintings, that do not need to be attached to the painting.

Systems operate by detecting very small changes in weight, even when heavily loaded, and offer a number of key benefits:

• Unobtrusive – no unsightly wires or chains are attached to the products being protected. Displays highlight the item not the security system.
• 24 Hour Protection – the Xtra-Sense systems can operate during public viewing times when many other security systems are switched off.
• Protection of multiple items on one surface or stand – multiple items can be placed on a display surface or stand fitted with the Xtra-Sense system, and each item is individually protected irrespective of the variety of item weights*.
• Proven reliability – Xtra-Sense does not employ moving parts with their inherent reliability problems. It is tamper proof, and designed to minimise the potential for false alarms. Maintenance is limited to changing the battery, or checking the power supply.
• Simple to operate and install by staff – no special skills are required to install or set up the system and can be a DIY security solution. Once powered up, the system is self-adjusting. It is equally simple to dismantle and re-assemble in a new configuration.
• Clear audible signal alarm – soft or loud alarm options are available for stand-alone systems to attract the attention of staff when an item is removed from its display position.
• Options available – Xtra-Sense can be used to trigger larger security networks such as, CCTV cameras, voice message, pagers, or in-store lighting, as part of an integrated alarm system. These links can be made both via hard-wiring, and through commonly available wireless transmission systems

* subject to maximum loading and minimum sensitivity specifications