Bosch Releases Solution 16I Alarm Panel

YOU don’t expect Bosch to create electronic security products that are anything less than over-engineered and the big manufacturer never fails to deliver. With its latest Solution series Intrusion Control Panel, the 16i, Bosch is clearly looking to enhance an already capable product using that tried and true formula. The biggest change with the 16i is a spanking new code pad that’s been designed for greater simplicity and readability than ever before. The ‘i’ in Solution 16i stands for ‘Icon’ in case you were wondering, and the simplicity of the new 16i codepad, like other Bosch Solution systems before it, is the fact that operating and managing the 16i is entirely icon-based.Using these newly designed icons, system status can be determined at a glance during operation, menu locations and parameter information are displayed clearly during programming. With Solution 16i, no longer are techs expected to determine system parameters by interpretation of icons. Nor will they be left wondering exactly which memory location they are looking at. Everything is well laid out, everything is obvious.Excellent featuresThe Solution 16i includes all the standard features you’d expect from a panel in this class. Up to 48 variable length PIN codes can be assigned and each user can also be assigned an RF key fob and token if required, while schedules allow you to control who accesses the system and when. New, larger 45-degree offset terminals make cable installation easier.An enhanced version of the Solution 16i code pad incorporates a built-in proximity reader allowing users to simply present their token to the code pad to arm/disarm the system and/or unlock a door. Children and the elderly will find this feature extremely easy to use as no pin is required for normal operation. A maximum of 8 code pads in any combination (proximity enabled or not) are available per system.The Solution 16i supports up to 4 individual areas /partitions, with no restriction on the number of individual zones that can belong in an area. A common area can be configured to allow users to access a common code pad, which is especially useful in multi-tenant situations.All Solution 16i code pads are area “aware” and include area icons so you don’t need to purchase dedicated area or master code pads when partitioning. This flexibility allows a user with the appropriate authority to view and operate other areas, which they can access from any code pad.The Solution 16i can be expanded to 16 wired or wireless zones using zone expanders and / or serial radio receivers. The panel supports multi-vendor wireless devices, allowing you to select the most appropriate products for each installation. 4 state monitoring is accessible when an 8 zone expander is used with the panel. This flexibility also allows you to expand a system without the need to consider replacing the existing security equipment. Hand-held Key-fob transmitters are available to arm and disarm the system, control a garage door or security gate.CID, SIA, DOMESTIC and SMS Text Reporting formats are all standard out of the box and the dual reporting feature allows you to select which reports are sent to which route and in what format.Open/close reporting can be selected individually for each user and area on the panel, allowing the owner to monitor cleaner access, children returning home from school, or access to a particular restricted area – all via mobile phone with SMS text reports, or via email on your PC. All messages clearly detail the specific event.The Solution 16i includes an integrated high efficiency 1-Amp power supply with battery pulse charge which provides ample ancillary power from a standard plug pack transformer. There are 3 Hi-Current, fault tolerant programmable outputs and a form-C relay output provided as standard with the ability to expand outputs to a maximum of 4 in total if required.All power terminals are protected with maintenance free resetting fuses, and all LAN based modules have integrated voltage and temperature diagnostic capability, which can also be remotely interrogated for optimum convenience. Service and test interval timers are included allowing you to set appropriate time intervals for walk testing and service call reminders.System and comms reliability are well taken care of with the 16i. The CLI Intelli-Connect function virtually eliminates end user call pick-up while establishing a remote programming session by answering the incoming call immediately if the installers CLI number is recognised by the panel.A telephone line fault will register when the system detects that the telephone line has been disconnected from the control panel. The system can be programmed to sound if the telephone line is cut whilst the panel is armed.System programmingYou can program the Solution 16i either via the code pad or using a PC loaded with SolutionLink software. Built around SQL database technology, the Windows-based SolutionLink software offers single and multi-user operation, with the ability to control functions each operator can perform via programmable authority levels. All programming options and parameters are organised to closely reflect the panel’s menu structure, which reduces learning time and improves efficiency. Reports generated in SolutionLink can be sent directly to any Windows printer, or to industry standard PDF format, making it easy to send reports to your customers or the control room.SolutionLink provides both a summary and a detailed view of all of the main programming options. In the detailed view, focus is applied to a specific input, user, area or output. The summary view provides an overview of the programming for all inputs, users, areas and outputs in a spreadsheet style, making it easy to see programming configuration across the entire system.The code pad emulator makes remote support simple and easy providing a live and interactive interface directly to the code pad display.The Bosch Solution 16i is manufactured in Australia using AS/NZS ISO9001 Quality management systems to ensure long term performance and reliability. Like all Bosch’s electronic security products, Solution 16i’s are 100 per cent tested and covered by a 3-Year warranty.