Product Description

The system is intelligent self-meshing; so that it can be re-configured as necessary by the user, without the need for re-start. The control unit and warning beacons communicate with encrypted data streams, insuring both internal security for the data as well as immunity from communications overlap from other networks operating in the vicinity. All system components contain on-board microprocessor control, so that the system is able to continually self-check for proper operation and configuration. This creates the capability for constant system status confirmation, as well as making the initial system deployment as easy as place and power. As an example, a ****0 StormBeacon array around a Control Unit on a community college campus can be operational in less than one hour! 
In basic system configuration, each AWS Control Unit (either StormBase or FieldBase) serves as the point of storm detection, and can effectively control up to twenty remote warning beacons that can be placed anywhere in a radius of four miles from the control unit. Coverage of a larger area can be accomplished by linking Control Base Units at distance of up to four miles (*2 kilometers) and then building extended warning networks of StormBeacons around each Control Unit. (See Diagram 1) With this method, areas of unlimited size can be covered, and all data can be collected, channeled and sent via USB to any designated management location. 
Each AWS Control Unit includes the option for direct cell-phone text messaging, as well as data transfer via USB connection to a host system. Each Control Unit configured with cell-phone option also contains GPS location data, so that the Control Unit location can serve as the node for precise data-plotting of lightning and storm activity. This feature allows the AWS system to provide real-time data-plotting of lightning activity around any ground location, no matter how remote. Unmanned locations can be monitored in real-time, and remote activation or de-activation of systems performed through external control functions, or the connect/disconnect options of the AWS system itself. 





  Comes in two packages for either permanent desk-top applications (StormBase), or installed into a self-contained Pelican case (FieldBase) for mobile deployment. Both versions include a built-in *2V 1.3A battery for reserve power operation, which is continually trickle-charged in the StormBase unit. StormBase and FieldBase can be configured with either the low-power 2.4GHz communication system, giving an operational range of approximately ***0 meters, or the higher-power **0MHz system with a range up to *0,**0 meters. Both systems use power output less than *3mW to minimize external interference, and are FCC approved. Regulatory approvals have also been obtained in Canada (IC), Europe (ETSI), Australia (C-TICK), and Japan (Telec). 

Each StormBeacon is a self-contained warning unit that meshes automatically with the Control Unit and all other StormBeacon units within communication range that share encryption addresses. The StormBeacon comes housed in a weather-proof, polycarbonate enclosure with international Ingress Protection (IP) rating of *6 and NEMA ratings 4, 4X, *2, and *3.  
The StormBeacon has two warning modes- visual and audible. The visual mode includes three color options- a six-point array of high-brightness RED LEDs; a two-point array of high-brightness yellow LEDs, and a single-point array of a high-brightness BLUE LED. All three arrays can be triggered manually from the Control Unit. The red LED array is directly controlled by the user's threshold settings of the storm and lightning detection software. 
Each StormBeacon also includes an **0dB audible alarm that can be turned off as necessary by a manual switch on the unit.This alarm level is used in fire alarm systems and is intended to penetrate ambient noise even in industrial applications. Deployed outdoors, it has a typical audible range of **0 meters. 
The StormBeacon can be equipped with either the short-range or long-range communication chips referenced above. This allows a network to be configures necessary based on area dimensions or application requirements and both short and long-range StormBeacons can be used in the same network. In addition a Repeater Beacon can be used to bridge distances where no visual or audible warning is required.    ePods are pager-sized pods to supply to personnel.