Sentinel & PimaGuard
Installation Guide 5
I
NTRODUCTION
PimaGuard is PIMA’s configuration application for its Sentinel receiver. The Sentinel receiver solution combines
both 4 PSTN lines with 2 radio channels per device; up to 4 devices can be mounted in one PC.
The application can be used as a receiver and as a repeater; the PimaGuard can handle all communication
requirements for both functions.
PimaGuard is a sophisticated and multiple-function application that includes the following programmable
variables:
• Channel formats configurations;
• Central Monitoring Station format modification;
• Logs management;
• Sophisticated programmable Repeater;
• Advanced debug mode and failure mechanism;
• Sophisticated event filters;
The Sentinel contains radio & telephone receiver. The receiver and the smart Repeater differ only in the
PimaGuard settings.
Main Features
• Expandability: the PimaGuard is an expandable product, allowing customers to start with a single PSTN line
or Radio channel and purchase more as business grows. A PC can have up to 4 Sentinel cards, enabling up
to 16 PSTN lines and 8 Radio channels;
• Each Sentinel card is driven by PIMA's proprietary technology, that enables upgrading and expanding the
number of inputs without any hardware changes;
• Supports multiple formats for each channel: PAF, CID, SIA, KP, DESK, ELL and more;
• Automatic testing of the card and the input channel. Failures and status are reported to the Central
Monitoring Station management application;
• Up to 4 Sentinels;
• Each PSTN line supports up to 4 different ACKs ans 8 formats per ACK;
• Eight communication channels with switching option upon failure;
• Sophisticated debugging mode for failure diagnostics;
• Password protection;
• Time flexible buffer;
• Optional Caller-ID (where supported);
• High Radio signal sensitivity;
• Built-in scope utility for easy tuning of Radio amplifier;
Benefits
• With PimaGuard technology, each card can be expanded to 4 telephone lines and 2 radio-receivers;
• Live monitor of the last 1024 events;
• Bi-directional channel (Repeater to CMS) saves more than 90% of transmission air-time occupancy;
Smart Repeater
The smart repeater utilizes bi-directional communication with the Central Monitoring Station, for sending events
efficiently. The repeater requires no external software for its operation. It operates in dual-mode as a multi-
channel repeater, i.e., it can receive the event in one channel (e.g. Radio) and transmit it via a various media (e.g.
telephone) and vice versa. The most common application is Radio-to-Radio repeater with a telephone or the
network as a backup.
The CMS acknowledges each event sent by the Repeater. Messages are re-sent if an '500 events or event timeout
limit, until 'Acknowledge' is received from the CMS. This sequence guarantees the following: