Frequently Asked Questions IRONCLAD Fence Sensor

Demo About the IRONCLAD Fence Mounted Sensor

Detection Algorithm Demonstration

Where to do I connect the IRONCLAD system?

Each LPU analyzer/processor has 2 or 4 dry contact relay alarm outputs NO/NC, one per zone. Those outputs can be connected to ANY alarm system, CCTV system, access control, or any other system that can accept dry contact relay input, such as sirens, strobe lights, and even fire alarms.

What length of fences can i protect with the IRONCLAD?

The IRONCLAD sensor cable is sold in spools/rolls of 250ft (75m), 500ft (150m), and 1000ft (300m).
Each processor can monitor up to 2 zones/spools, which means the largest perimeter that can be covered with one kit is 2000ft (600m).
To cover a larger perimeter, multiple kits can be combined. Using various systems allows for covering the whole fence line.
Below is a diagram of multiple 2-zone standalone kits combined to cover a larger perimeter.

4 Zone Layout

Can I adjust the sensitivity of the IRONCLAD Fence Alarm System?

Absolutely. The system’s sensitivity can be adjusted manually on the LPU (Local Processor Unit) for 20 sensitivity levels and through the calibration software for 500 sensitivity levels. This ensures that the system is finely tuned to your specific security needs. There is no need for special tools or any knowledge.

Does the system need any calibration before I can use it?

No, the IRONCLAD system self-calibrates a baseline. Once that’s set, only sensitivity adjustment is needed. The system is a plug-and-play system that requires power, sensor inputs, and relay outputs and works!

Does wind or rain can cause false alarms?

The IRONCLAD system works: It detects only sharp frequency vibrations generated by cutting, climbing, or jumping the fence. Vibrations caused by wind, rain, and small animals are usually long-wave, low-frequency vibrations that the system would not pick up.

 

It’s the difference between tapping or climbing the fence, which will get detected, vs. pushing on the fence like the wind that won’t.

 

On top of that, we have an optional weather station that can feed the analyzer with real-time information about the weather around it and compensate for the wind and rain to give an even higher level of assurance of filtering out false alarms.

What type of fences is the IRONCLAD compatible with?

The IRONCLAD can be installed on most fence types, including chain link, welded mesh, and palisade. The fence should be in good condition, fully intact, straight, under tension, and free of obstructions for optimal performance. For Rigid metal fences, see the MICALERT Microphonic Rigid Fence Sensor Cable

What should I do if I encounter false alarms or system noise?

First, ensure the sensor cable is installed correctly with no slack or air gaps. Check for loose connections, ensure the fence is free from external noise sources, and add ground to the negative of the DC power. You can adjust the system’s sensitivity or seek professional assistance if issues persist.

Where can I buy the IRONCLAD Fence Mounted Sensor and How do i choose the right parts?

To download the code tables or other materials you can see more at our download page:


Site & System Design Manual

 

Where to buy?

Can the cable be installed on Sliding gate or Swing gate?

Option 1 - Swing gate with NO conduit

Protection of an emergency gate or rarely used can be done by using the gate connector (sold separately), the connector will be connected to the cable at the opening point of the gate to allow the gate to be opened or closed. It’s not recommended to use this connection on often used gates.

Gate connector drawing
Option 2 - Swing gate with WITH conduit

A single or double swing gate is protected in the same method.
The sensor cable is looped on the gate, then connected to a junction box RB-RBMCTXT and spliced with an RG6 direct burial to go under the gate, on the other end, it is spliced back to a sensor cable and looped on the other side of the gate.
On the hinges, enough sensors need to be left to allow it to move freely with the gate opening and closing so the cable won’t stretch or bend sharply.

Gate protection drawing
Option 3 - Sliding gate with WITH conduit

Sliding gates can be treated in 2 ways

1. Bypass the gate and put a motion sensor across the gate to protect the crossing.
2. Use the RBtec sliding gate kit. A sliding gate is designed for light to medium traffic gates. Heavily used gates with hundreds of openings a day must be protected with another technology, such as a camera or motion sensor.

Video showing the Operation of the Sliding Gate Kit

How long does it take to install the IRONCLAD on a fence?

Typically, attaching the sensor cable takes about 1 hour per 300 feet (100 meters). It’s crucial to follow the detailed installation guide for proper setup. Please log in to download the IRONCLAD Installation Manual

Can the cable be shortened/cut/spliced?

Yes! The cable can be cut to fit the fence size. Although the fence sensor cable is sold in fixed sizes it can be cut into any desired length. The cable is a 2 conductor copper wire.

Do we need to change to another cable to bypass a gate?

If you would like to bypass the gate entirely and not use the RBtec gate connector, then using direct burial RG6 as a non-sensitive conduit is recommended.

If the cable got cut can it repaired?

Yes! Repairing the cable is a 30 second process. RBtec offers a repair kit (RB-RBMCTXT) that bridges the cut in a weatherproof method to maintain the system’s performance.
The repair box is installed at the cut point, the sensor cable connects to screw terminals on both sides of the repair box, and the system is back up and running.

If the cable got cut can it repaired?

Yes! Repairing the cable is a 30 second process. RBtec offers a repair kit (RB-RBMCTXT) that bridges the cut in a weatherproof method to maintain the system’s performance.
The repair box is installed at the cut point, the sensor cable connects to screw terminals on both sides of the repair box, and the system is back up and running.

Basic Guide to Troubleshooting False Alarms in IRONCLAD Security Systems

Many times, false alarms in security systems like IRONCLAD are not merely due to sensitivity settings but are often caused by technical issues with the system or its surroundings. Lowering the sensitivity frequently doesn’t solve the underlying issue but merely masks it. Therefore, it’s crucial to systematically investigate and address potential technical and environmental factors contributing to false alarms.

  1. Check Fence Condition: Ensure the fence is in good condition – fully intact, straight, under tension, and free of obstructions. Loose signs or debris can cause false alarms.
  2. Inspect Sensor Cable Installation: Verify the sensor cable is properly installed – it should be attached mid-height, run parallel to the ground, and have no slack. Ensure ties are secure but not over-tightened.
  3. Examine Cable and Connections: Look for any damaged or loosely connected sections of the sensor cable. Ensure all end-of-line terminations are correctly installed as per the manual.
  4. Measure Sensor Wire Resistance: Disconnect the sensor wire from the LPU and measure its resistance. The proper resistance should match the end-of-line resistor, which is typically 1M ohm. A discrepancy indicates issues with the sensor wire or connections.
  5. Review Sensor Calibration: Check if the sensor sensitivity is set appropriately. Overly sensitive settings can lead to false alarms. Use the LPU-400 calibration software to adjust if necessary.
  6. Test Power Source: Check the power source for noise. Ground the negative of the DC voltage to eliminate noise from the power source. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, test the system with a 12V DC battery. If using a battery solves the problem, consider permanently grounding or replacing the power supply.
  7. Environmental Factors: Assess the fence’s surroundings for elements that could trigger false alarms, such as loose signs, items hitting the fence during windy conditions, metal-to-metal rattling, heavy branches slapping the fence, loose barb wires, cables, or any other items hung on or near the fence. These factors can physically interact with the fence and contribute to false alarms, especially in adverse weather conditions.
  8. Periodic System Testing: Conduct regular system tests to ensure proper operation and adjust sensitivity levels as needed.

This comprehensive approach should effectively help you identify and address the source of false alarms in your IRONCLAD system.

Have any other questions? please contact us at [email protected]
For tech support call +1-480-442-3411

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