Fiber SenSys Tech Tips

Outdoor applications of fiber-optic perimeter intrusion detection systems expose the sensor cable to a wide variety of stimuli ranging from high winds, rain, and in some cases even the signals associated with trains, trucks and other vehicles.   These installations can be challenging. The proper deployment and tuning of the fence-sensors (processors and cable) is critical to meet our product specifications and customer expectations. Optimal performance of Fiber SenSys (FSI) fiber-optic...

For a fence mounted Fiber SenSys installation to achieve its highest operational potential, there are several important details ranging from fence quality to the sensor installation techniques that must be considered. This document will cover the most effective way to fasten sensing cable (in conduit) to chain link fences using stainless steel wire ties. {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/DW-SM-010 Wire Tie to Conduit and Chain Link Fence Rev A.pdf"} Some of the factors that influence how well wire ties...

Fiber SenSys Fiber Defender® Alarm Processors You can download the side-by-side comparison of our alarm processor units here: {rsfiles path="Products/Fiber Defender Family"}

Battery backup is required at many facilities to maintain protection of critical assets when power is lost. This document addresses the common questions and concerns regarding battery backup configuration. {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/PI-ENS-005 Battery Backup Tech Tip Rev A.pdf"}

To properly install the FSI sensor on a fence, simulations of actual intruders in a cut and a climb scenario are necessary.  Two technicians are required to configure the system; one must be in charge of operating the FSI AutoTune® software or making manual changes using the FSI configuration software while the other conducts actual intrusion simulations.  By default, virtual processor 1 (on-board the APU) is configured to detect climbing intrusions and virtual processor 2 is configured to...

A key ingredient to Fiber SenSys' success has been the stand-alone alarm processing unit (APU) with its intrinsically safe properties. Using non-conductive optical cable as a sensor allows the system to safely function in the midst of extreme conditions such as flammable gas or high electricity. Unless the fence and APUs have been properly grounded, there is a potential that electricity could damage the cable or processor.   Grounding is a vital element of the system design because...

Introduction Fiber SenSys intrusion detection systems offer an extremely wide range of features and customization options that allows our products to integrate well with a variety of fencing styles.  Our alarm processors are designed to be used with mesh style fences, and are capable of being implemented with many other fence styles and other applications. {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/AN-ENG-028 Installation Overview App Note Rev A.pdf"} Although the alarm processors offer numerous user...

Fiber SenSys, Inc. (FSI) has a goal to provide our customers with the best security solution available to fulfill their project requirements. Our design and engineering teams strive to build products that integrate well with other devices in the safety and security landscape. With product versatility and flexibility in mind, FSI provides a customizable and dynamic integrated perimeter security technology solution to address installation challenges located around the globe. We fulfill our...

The cleanliness of optical connectors used in conjunction with the Fiber SenSys Alarm Processor Units (APU's) is absolutely critical.  All optical connectors must be cleaned immediately prior to insertion into the ports on the alarm processor. Failure to do so may result in damage to internal components. When working with fiber optic sensor systems, cleanliness is extremely important. Optical connectors are precision machined to exacting specifications.  The alignment of the optical fibers...

A well rounded and regularly followed PM program will ensure that your Fiber SenSys system will continue to perform as designed to high industry standards for many years. {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/PI-SM-516 Periodic Preventive Maintenance Tech Tip Rev. A 2-10-16.pdf"}

One of the system calibration and tuning features that helps our engineering support team better serve customers is the recording and modeling feature.  The 300 series Alarm Processing Units (APUs) are equipped with internal storage that allows the user to record and send spectral waveforms to our technical support team for analysis and adjustment.  After receiving the data file, the support team makes accurate parameter recommendations with help from the innovative software function called...

This document outlines the processes of measuring zone lengths, calculating cable lengths, dividing the cable lengths into SC3-C spools, and assigning the spools to zones. Download Tech Tip {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/PI-SM-505 SC3-C Cable in Conduit - Measurement Process Rev B 2016-02-01.pdf"}

Since 1990, Fiber SenSys, Inc. (FSI) has installed more than 12,000 Alarm Processor Units (APUs) under the Fiber Defender® and SecurLAN® product lines.  The APU is a device that uses electronics, software and laser technology to form the dynamic core of this highly rated intrusion detection system.  In coordination with our systems integrator and distribution partners, we have learned that each location around the globe offers unique safety and security challenges.  Our products have been...

Every installation that involves field mounting Fiber SenSys Alarm Processing Units will need to run wiring for power.  Deploy the right gauge wire for the job. You can download the full Tech Tip below: {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/PI-SM-515 Selecting APU Power Wire Tech Tip Rev. A 160208.pdf"}

This brief Tech Tip addresses common questions and concerns on fusion splicing single-mode to multimode fiber. {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/PI-ENS-004 SM to MM Splicing Tech Tip Rev A.pdf"}

The successful installation of a fiber optic security system is achieved by a thorough understanding of the security needs of the site to be protected as well as proper deployment of the sensor cable. The application note and drawing schematics contained in this Tech Tip will help the reader understand proper installation techniques. Download Application Note: {rsfiles path="Tech Tips/AN-ENG-028 Installation Overview App Note Rev A.pdf"} Download Detailed Drawings: {rsfiles path="Tech...

The SecurLAN™ SL508 Alarm Processor Unit (APU) was developed specifically for use in alarmed carrier PDS systems. This APU has been evaluated and tested by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and also by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. ARMY. Each facility or campus is unique, with a unique set of characteristics and environmental conditions, FSI has created a tuning and calibration software tool for manual adjustment of the APUs. For optimal performance of the system, each FSI...

  The Fiber Defender® product line offers a diverse range of solutions for a wide scope of security applications. Our products are trusted to protect military, nuclear, industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The FD322 combines Fiber SenSys’ legacy of high-security and high-reliability with simple configuration requirements at a very competitive price. Typically applications with Fiber SenSys perimeter security products involve detection of intruders that are trying to...

One of the most useful features of the Fiber Defender Alarm Processor Unit (APU) is its ability to provide valuable diagnostics to the user.  This information can be used to document system performance, and if the system is detecting poorly or if it spontaneously generates an alarm, corrective actions can often be deduced from the diagnostics. Specifically, the STATUS function permits monitoring of current APU operating conditions including power supply voltage, sensor element optical loss and...