Central Station
A Central Station is a facility where all the reports from your security and fire alarm systems are received and managed. Contrary to popular belief, your fire or security panel doesn't call 911 directly. Instead, it communicates with a Central Station receiver, which captures the data sent by your panel. This information is then processed and entered into automation software like SIMS III.From there, an alarm dispatcher reviews the alert and contacts the appropriate 911 dispatcher to report the burglary, fire, or other emergencies.Most security and fire systems traditionally report over phone lines, but modern systems increasingly use cellular or IP connections. Despite the technological differences, all receivers function in essentially the same way.
About My Lab Central Station
My main Central Station is built on a custom system utilizing VXML code, a Cisco VG224 Voice Gateway, SIMS III Software, and a Radionics D6500 receiver. The process begins when a panel initiates a call to the receiver’s phone number, 6821300. Upon receiving the call, my custom VXML code checks the caller ID to determine whether the number is blocked. If the caller’s number is on a blocked list, the system terminates the call immediately. However, if the number is valid, the call is routed to the Cisco VG224 Voice Gateway, and into the receiver's line card. When the Radionics D6500 receiver picks up the call, it sends a "handshake" tone to the panel. This handshake signals the panel to begin transmitting data. The panel then sends event data, such as alarm signals or trouble conditions, to the receiver. Once the receiver has processed an event, it sends the data via a serial connection to the SIMS III receiver software. This software is designed to interpret the raw data and translate it into actionable information. For example, a signal from the panel might be translated into a message like “FIRE ALARM ZONE 1!!”. Finally, a Central Station operator reviews the interpreted event in the SIMS III Client software. The operator can clear the event if it is a false alarm or take appropriate action, such as dispatching emergency services by contacting a dispatcher. Click Here To watch a video of my Central Station.
Photos
Down below are some cool photos of my receiver and the SIMS Software.
