System Sensor has done a complete redesign of its Voltage Drop Calculator. Developed as a standalone application that users download to their computers, this new, user-friendly tool enables users to quickly plan and model notification appliance circuits (NACs) using the entire line of SpectrAlert Advance notification appliances and legacy devices.

The application’s simple step-by-step format makes it easy for users to create NACs from a variety of devices to meet nearly any application requirement. The three main steps involved in creating a circuit can be done systematically or independently, and updates/changes are done as users move through the program.

In Step One, users create a panel or list of panels. The panels are generic in nature, but have defined characteristics such as DC or FWR power supplies. Step Two is where users create and name each NAC connected to the panel. In Step Three, users select the devices to add to the circuit from a series of product categories in a drop-down format.

The step-by-step process allows users to accurately calculate the voltage drops along a NAC by analyzing each device on the circuit and determining if enough operating voltage is available at each device location. This is clearly visible as changes or adjustments to the criteria are entered. The “Used Amps” bar, for example, graphically shows how much power is being used by each circuit.

The Device Listing and Device Ruler visually produce the NAC as it evolves. Users can move devices by dragging and dropping them to the preferred distance from the previous devices.

The tool calculates voltage drop based on wire resistance, circuit distance, filtered vs. unfiltered panels, device settings and distances between devices. It enables users to build a NAC that can be printed or e-mailed, for review by a co-worker, for submission to the Authority Having Jurisdiction or for the job file. The printing feature accommodates multiple types of submission forms. In fact, there are five different print options: Print the entire page, or print a particular panel or circuit with all the wire gauge possibilities or only selected wire gauges.

The new Voltage Drop Calculator is loaded with powerful and useful features. One feature of particular interest is that each project can be saved individually and shared as needed. Users decide how files are handled: They can start fresh with a New Project, or go to an Open Project (saved project). Job details and user preferences can be saved for each project, and all design work is accessible on one page.

Finally, to keep the tool up-to-date with the most current System Sensor device data, this Adobe Air-based application automatically searches for updates every time it is opened or any time users click the Check for Updates button while connected to the Internet.

The Voltage Drop Calculator can be quickly downloaded at www.systemsensor.com/volt/.

Tags: A/V Notification

Posted in Audible/Visible Notification, Commercial, Guidelines, Spring 2009

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