Video Overview: The Right Tools for the Job

Most commercial end-users have more sophisticated access control requirements, and are busy enough already to not want to experience the lost productivity and jeopardize their site's security by attempting a D.I.Y.

Electronic security has proven to be the answer for many locksmiths whose futures looked bleak. Access control and complimentary video surveillance are excellent systems for the locksmith looking to expand his business into the future.

However, just adding the words “Access Control” and “Video Surveillance” to your yellow page ad might not be enough for you to realize a significant surge in business. There are many others already providing these products. Locksmiths have the skill sets and specialties that make them ideal access control and video suppliers.

I frequently get to clean up punch lists left behind by contractors who were aggressive and smart enough to win a bid, but who did not possess the skills nor were motivated to do a good installation. I see poorly installed and inoperable hardware, and wonder what makes these guys tick.

The good locksmith shops and security companies hold customer satisfaction and quality workmanship as their most important objectives.

So you got to be alert to project opportunities, and bid on them before someone else eats your lunch. Even though competitive bidding is price driven, many experienced contractors and end-users realize that getting the job done right the first time is the best way to do business. Often the access control and video is a subcontract, and if you're good, the prime will see to it that you get tucked under someone's wing.

FLUKE NETWORKS TS90

The best way for you to do business is to use quality products and familiarize yourself with the labor-saving techniques and tools which will make you most productive.

One of my favorite tools continues to be my Fluke Networks TS90. I use it on all types of cabling work. This device is three tools in one. The Smart Tone analog tone generator generates five different tones, identifying a specific pair is quick and easy. Shorts or opens in a cable can be identified, and I can quickly measure wire pulls or remaining cable on rolls.

The TS90 connects to the cable you want to trace. The TS90 has a built-in BNC connector for testing coax, and an adapter with alligator clips. Send the tone down the line. At the other end you use an inductive speaker probe. You will probably hear a test tone. If you have a large number of wires, or the pair you are trying to identify is part of a multiconductor cable, take the pair you think are it and touch them together. The TS90 will change tone to another pattern if you have the right pair isolated. If no change in tone happens, keep looking.

The bright large LED screen and simple menu is easy to read, even in low light conditions. When clipping on to an unidentified pair at a job site, with voltage up to 250V AC, the unit will immediately sound an alarm.

Information: 800-283-5853, www.flukenetworks.com.

Nuvico Dome & Bullet Cameras

No doubt there are lots of video cameras out there. NUVICO is a favorite for many installers because of the high quality, features and competitive pricing. We recently needed to add cameras to an existing installation, and I quoted Nuvico CV-SD21N/P Dome & CB-SD21N/P-L Bullet Cameras. These cameras offer:

• 1/3” CCD Sensors

• 550 Line Resolution

• Day/Night vision with ICR

• 2.8-10mm DC auto-iris

• 36 IR LEDs

• A convenient Service Monitor output

• 12VDC/24VAC operation

The service monitor output allows the technician to adjust the camera after it has been mounted. The IR LEDs make this a truly day/night performer. Check with NUVICO because model numbers and options are subject to change as the product line rapidly evolves.

Information: 866-523-1700, www.nuvico.com.

Paladin PowerPlay