There has been much innovation on the security side of the local electronics industry as for many years, crime has been pervasive in our country.
We also experience many new trends (such as car theft) earlier than First World countries. One of these innovators is Pretoria-based CellSecure, which aims to become a world leader in the development and supply of advanced wireless and GSM-based security products.
CellSecure began as Eagle Wireless in 1986, its business being the manufacturing and supply of wireless remote controls and security systems. With the arrival of GSM-based mobile phones in this country, the use of this communications technology for security applications was realised and the company's name was changed to CellSecure. During 2003, CellSecure became part of the Trellidor Group of companies.
With a strong focus on innovation and design, CellSecure has an R&D department with six engineers. In terms of production, the company has three state-of-the-art SMD pick-and-place machines (4000 cph) together with all the required peripherals including infrared ovens (100 boards per hour). The production department is manned by some 40 technicians and operators. A comprehensive workshop facility supports device repair while a fully-equipped 'Learning Academy' provides both basic and advanced training for dealers and installers.
Besides having full representation throughout South Africa, the company has more than 20 representatives that deal with the rest of Africa and the world, and exports have been made to over 30 countries. CellSecure Australia was established during 2000.
The company offers a range of products which includes traditional wireless alarm systems, but with SMS connectivity, also GSM wireless alarms, again using SMS communications, and mobile security and tracking systems, the latter using GSM, GPS and RF.
An example of a wireless solution is its Eagle 8 system that is designed to complement a client's existing wired or wireless alarm monitoring system. The unit has four outputs making it possible to switch between different security devices (such as lights, electric gates, etc). Eight inputs allow monitoring of wired devices and sensors (electric fences, temperature, etc) and it has a built-in microphone so that one can listen in to activity at the home or workplace. The major innovation is that the user has full control over all the installed security features using a cellphone from any GSM network worldwide. If any security breach occurs, the system will automatically send SMS text messages to up to five selected cell numbers. These could include a neighbour, the security company and/or relatives. Naturally, CellSecure will also provides both indoor and outdoor passive infrared detectors. The Eagle Wireless (non GSM) range includes other products ranging in coverage from two to 12 zones.
In terms of GSM-based products, the Eagle E6 SMS Communicator is a typical example and is used to monitor homes, businesses, warehouses and even holiday homes 24 hours a day. The E6 features a six zone control panel and can be activated or deactivated using a cellphone or a three-channel remote control. All sensors and detectors make use of the robust rolling code encryption. The E6 will accommodate up to 30 wireless devices and outputs can be provided to activate sirens or the cellphone or remote can be used to activate lights or electric gates, for example. An external output port is also available to activate pepper gas. Full zone ID and user ID information is available to the cellphone and all alarm information can be sent to four other cell numbers as well as a PC monitor in a control room. Once again, the user has full control of the system from anywhere that GSM is available.
The company has a number of other more and less sophisticated products available in the GSM SMS alarm range. The latest product to be released is the E45 Calista Alarm Panel where up to 45 sensors and 12 key ring remotes can be programmed into the system.
A third area of focus for CellSecure is vehicle-tracking and once again, a number of options with differing features is offered. For example, the FindIT is a microprocessor-controlled GSM-, GPS- and RF-based vehicle tracking unit. Unlike other tracking units FindIT was specifically developed to report via SMS to the owner of the vehicle, giving them complete control. Only in the case of a hijack or theft will FindIT report to the recovery company. FindIT can be operated and monitored via a normal cellphone or a computer with maps. Each SMS sent by the system will provide general information (such as speed), general position and direction. A 'Geo Fence' can be created, which is an area into which the vehicle should not move without warning. FindIT is also unique in that the vehicle can be tracked by three technologies: GSM triangulation - accurate to about ±400 m in urban areas; once the approximate GSM position is determined, an RF beacon can be switched on and used for tracking; and GPS - accurate to within 10 m, but this could be ineffective if the aerial cannot detect satellites, for example in underground parking. CellSecure also offer a system called Eagle CargoSure for the transport industry and the tracking mechanism here is based on GSM and RF technology.
The CellSecure Tracee is another vehicle security, management and tracking device (also using RF, GSM and GPS) that can be used to track vehicles throughout South Africa and even neighbouring countries. A major advantage of the system is that the owner has complete control and unlike other tracking devices the Tracee carries out a daily self-test and reports to a selected cellphone number. Another benefit is that if the owner forgets to arm the system through using his remote control he can arm it remotely using his mobile phone - the unit reports back confirming that it has been activated. Only the owner and designated users are given access to control and monitor the vehicle. Passwords or PIN codes are used and the Tracee will send an SMS message to all the authorised users should any unauthorised number attempt to access the system, also displaying the illegal cellphone number used.
CellSecure believes that its products are only totally effective if the distributors and installers really understand the products. Because of this, it operates its own Training Academy that offers a two-day course once a month covering the entire product range, installation and the SAIDSA regulations. Official certification is required before distributors are appointed and to qualify for the appropriate trade discount structure.
Local customers of CellSecure include government, the SANDF, the SAPS, banks, embassies, municipalities, security customers and the GSM network providers.
CellSecure prides itself on continually developing new innovative products and the details of these and manuals can be found at its extensive website www.cellsecure.co.za
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