The Hub forms the central device in the mesh network. All communications pass to and from the Hub, hich can be located at any physical point on the network i.e. it can be at the edge of the network as it does not need to be at the physical centre.

A Hub display shows alarm messages in a similar way to a 2-Way Pager. For configuration, a PC running a web browser is connected via ethernet to the webserver running on the Hub.

Other connections on the Hub are for an alarm relay, external paging systems and power. Internal rechargeable batteries allow the Hub to function for several hours should the AC power fail.

At ID Warehouse, we understand the importance of providing identification solutions that not only increase the security of an organisation, but also ensures the occupational health and safety of the wearer. The following range has been specifically designed for particular applications and industries that may require added safety precautions.

The Call Fob allows assistance calls to be raised, using the location signals from Repeaters for accurate location determining.

Dead-man and man-down features are supported by the Call Fob. Configuration of the Call Fob is downloaded from the Hub when the Call Fob is powered up.

The Call Fob allows assistance calls to be raised, using the location signals from Repeaters for accurate location determining. An AAA battery powers the Call Fob. Either rechargeable NiMh or disposable alkaline batteries may be used.

Repeaters form the backbone of the self-organising radio mesh network. Each Repeater automatically forms links to nearby Repeaters to allow messages to pass across the backbone.
Two screws hold the Repeater on a ceiling or a wall. Two internal alkaline D cell batteries power the Repeater, the voltage of which is monitored and reported to the Hub and/or Pagers should the
voltage fall, requiring that the Repeater batteries be replaced.

Repeaters also transmit location beacon signals, which are used by mobile devices to determine location, which is sent when assistance messages are generated. Repeaters form the mesh network in 3 dimensions, with Repeater-Repeater radio links passing via walls and ceilings if necessary.

All Repeaters operate on the same radio channel as the Hub by default. This is the configuration used by most systems and it is not normally necessary to change the configuration from the default. However, where there is a need to force Repeaters to make links to other specific Repeaters e.g. when a building-building link is required and this is specifically designed to be above the height of passing vehicles, Repeaters can be configured at the Hub to only operate on specific channels.

Battery replacement is quickly achieved by sliding the Repeater from the backing plate and lifting out the old batteries. No tools are required for this. An optional locking screw can be inserted where necessary to help prevent tampering with the Repeater e.g. where the Repeater is installed in a public environment within reach of passers by.

Repeaters continually test links to adjacent Repeaters, detecting link failure and automatically searching for and establishing a new link should a link fail. Network moves and/or expansion is achieved by moving or adding new Repeaters where required, making network changes rapid and cost effective.

EkoTek’s 2-Way Pagers have the following key functions:

• Display of and response to assistance calls from other 2-way devices
• Display of paging messages created by using the Hub webserver
• Display of paging messages coming from an external system via the Hub serial input
• Generation of personal security assistance calls (same as a Call Fob)

Display of and Response to Assistance Calls
EkoTek’s 2-way radio network provides message interchange between devices. For example, when a Call Fob raises an assistance message, this is displayed on Pagers and the Hub. A Pager/Hub user can then accept the call, which is then signalled back to the Call Fob and indicated, to the user by a change in the LED/beep pattern being emitted by the Call Fob during the assistance call.

Display of Web server Paging Messages
A 2-Way paging application runs on the Hub with paging messages being created via a page on the Web server using an attached PC and web browser such as Internet Explorer. The web server paging display shows when paging messages have been delivered to the Pager and also the response “Yes/No” that the Pager user is able to send in response to the message by pressing the appropriate button on the Pager. With this 2-way paging function, simple task management systems can be easily created.

Personal Security Calls
In a similar way Call Fobs, Pagers are able to generate assistance calls using the red assistance button on the Pager or the in-built man-down or dead-man functions. A Pager can therefore function as both an alarm unit and a display, eliminating the need for certain users to carry both types of units as necessary with other systems.

Powering
An AAA battery powers the Pager. Either rechargeable NiMh or disposable alkaline batteries may be used. Charging contacts on the Pager are used when the Pager is inserted into a charging rack for rechargeable battery charging.