ConnectMe Tunstall Vi+ Installation and Programming Manual
45
Radio interference monitor
What is it?
The radio interference monitor is a feature, in accordance with EN50134-3, that
detects unusual radio blocking occurring for a continuous period longer than 30
seconds, and which may stop the radio trigger from generating an alarm. In the
unlikely event that radio interference is detected, the unit will announce ‘Warning –
Radio blocking detected’ twice and flash its status LED alternately red/green. Whilst
radio interference continues this local warning will be repeated every minute, the
cancel button can be pressed to stop the audible warning for 24 hours in which case
the visual warning (red/green LEDs flashing alternately) will persist only. The unit will
also generate a call to the monitoring centre every 24 hours (default) if interference
persists.
The call code for TT21 is ‘Radio Blocking’ and this is handled by default as
a background call therefore is logged in the database and not presented to an
operator.
Why is it there?
The use of radio spectrum around the world continues to evolve and intensify. As a
result it is essential that someone is notified should anything occur that could affect
the operation of their alarm. Providing a radio interference monitor delivers additional
protection to the user should their home unit be subjected to unusual radio
interference and also meets the requirements of EN50134-3. It also provides
reassurance to the user and service provider that the unit will continue to monitor its
local environment and will generate warning messages should an issue arise.
What should be done if a warning is received?
It must first be emphasised that the radio interference monitor is checking for
unusually high and continuous levels of interference. As a result, the number of
warnings generated is likely to be very small.
In the unlikely event that radio blocking is detected the following process should be
followed (note this is based on default settings which may be changed by service
providers):
Alert to monitoring centre
After a
‘Radio Blocking’ alert is received by the monitoring centre (background call as
default), an operator should contact the user and ask them the following questions to
help understand the home environment:
Have you obtained a new piece of electrical equipment recently? Is this
equipment close to the home unit? Has any existing equipment been re-
located closer to the home unit?
Check that the home unit is not close to any electrical devices such as
computers, television, fan, mobile phone
o
If so, turn-off or move the equipment away from the home unit and
check if this stops the warning.
o
If close-by equipment is identified as causing the problem, then
remove it to a safe distance.
Reassure the user that should the pendant not be operable the red button on
the home unit will always remain available for use.
The operator should also check the calls history for the user to ascertain if the
interference is a one off or constantly repeating. Presuming no obvious cause can be
