Tecom Discovery – First Production Version Released!
Tecom Discovery First Production Version – SEN got a look at the first full production Australian-made Tecom Discovery access control and alarm system recently — release is in a couple of weeks.
This is the first full production version of the new Tecom Discovery hot off the production line in special launch edition packaging that highlights Australian-made. This full production version is ready to go – distributors will get the product on shelves at the end of August, early September.
We’ve had a run-through of Tecom Discovery a couple of times over the last 18 months, and it’s great to see this new Australian-made controller emerging from beta testing. This is Aritech’s most powerful Tecom panel ever, with new architecture, a more powerful processor and a web-driven interface delivering fast installations, faster performance diagnoses and enhanced integrations.
This controller features 4 relays, 16 inputs, support for 4G/5G/Wi-Fi and a 2nd NIC via USB, support for self-addressing devices, electronic LAN balancing, and installers can connect existing Challenger input and relay expansion modules.
There’s also a web browser for all apps and config options, Ethernet P2P to all hardware, built-in LAN RS-485 converter, general purpose relays for doors, LEDs that indicate status for all I/Os, power for devices adjacent to inputs, and support for Weigand, clock & data, and OSDP readers.
While I’m opening the packaging to reveal the very tidy hardware, complete with matt and polished surfaces, Aaron Cargill unpacks the new 12/24V DC power supply. He shows me how Discovery slots into legacy Challenger panel housings using a DIN rail that slots into cable tie points and locks into place with an integrated lever.
You’ve obviously been working on Discovery for a couple of years now, with layers of beta testing closer to release – have the beta test sites been happy with the system’s function and stability? I ask.
“We’ve had great feedback,” Cargill says. “The issues we’ve needed to address have primarily been small things – labelling corrections, issues with protective packaging. Alongside the little fixes there has been a mountain of good feedback and much of that has been incorporated into this production version of Discovery our distributors will get their hands on in a couple of weeks.”
And the hardware and software engineers are happy?
“The engineers have done a stellar job – Discovery works beautifully, is very stable and has enormous power for future developments,” says Cargill. “A lot of hard work went into getting the product to this stage, and we’re sufficiently advanced at release that we are now working hard on the next round of firmware updates that will further enhance functionality.”
At this point, Cargill plugs Discovery in so we can get a sense of how the controller will look when powered up. As well as plugging in a couple of preloaded connectors, he hooks up a familiar looking Tecom RAS.
“What you notice straight away when the panel is powered up is the updated LED scheme,” Cargill explains. “There are dual LED’s on most functions — these are designed to allow very fast initial diagnostics of system operation around links, data, and power when the installer is in the field.”
The idea is that red signifies a fault and blue says that all is well, giving techs a starting point when troubleshooting. Cargill tweaks the plug-in connectors to show active input, fault, and unsealed – with LED’s signalling different states. Next, he uses a connector to drive a relay and points out the strong sound indicating relay activity.
Another feature he points out is the QR code on the outside of the controller housing, which takes installers to an online manuals page, simplifying troubleshooting further. In terms of system management and reporting, the latest WMSPro, CTPlus and UltraSync software versions are compatible with Tecom Discovery.
“Something that is important to us is recognising how many legacy Tecom Challenger sites there are out there – there are tens of thousands of sites running Challenger,” Cargill said.
“Installers and end users should note that we still support all existing Tecom controllers and expanders. At the same time, there are some big users with thousands of panels that are champing at the bit to make the switch to Discovery.”
According to Cargill, there’s a lot of power in Discovery, and this new production release only scratches the surface.
“Discovery has a rich feature-set which expands on the functionality available in ChallengerPlus, and this allows customers to take on a powerful controller that works with our current existing equipment yet will get better and better very quickly over time.
“Over the next 12 months and beyond there will be firmware upgrades such as a new DGP, considerable expansion of the web interface and programming capability, as well as significant changes to key pieces of access control functionality – we want to take customers on that journey from a familiar place.”
You can learn more about Tecom access controllers here or read more SEN news here – you can also see new Discovery at the DAS reveal at Security & Integrate this week.
“Tecom Discovery First Production Version Released!”
