NAPCO GEM-GB User Manual

NAPCONAPCO

GEM-GBGEM-GB

Wireless Glass-BreakWireless Glass-Break

DetectorDetector

© NAPCO 1996 WI816A 3/96

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONGENERAL DESCRIPTION

The GEM-GB is an advanced wireless acoustic glass-break detector for
use with all Gemini-Series control panels and receivers. Each transmitter
has a unique RF ID code (printed on the sensor module and on the rear
case) that distinguishes itself to the receiver. Refer to control-panel instruc­tions for entering this code and its checksum digit into the panel. Be sure
to enter all numbers and/or letters, including leading zeros, if any.

The detector is powered by two type DL123A 3-volt lithium batteries,
which are factory installed. To energize the unit, simply install the supplied
Power-Up Jumper across pins JP1 near the positive terminals of the
batteries.

• within 4’ (1.2m) of noise sources such as televisions, speakers, sinks,
doors, etc.

• on ceilings higher than 15’ (4.5m), if mounting on ceiling;

• on 24-hour loop applications (perimeter loop okay);

• where white noise (such as air compressor noise) is present. (May cause

false alarms by saturating glass-break frequency spectrum.)

Wall MountingWall Mounting

Since the sound of breaking glass travels outward from the source, the
best location for the GEM-GB detector is on the wall opposite the windows
being protected (assuming, of course, that the wall is within the sensor’s
range). Detection is reduced with same-wall mounting since such detection
is partially dependent upon sound reflected off the opposite wall.

Fig. 2. Typical coverage pattern for wall-mounted units.Fig. 2. Typical coverage pattern for wall-mounted units.

Ceiling MountingCeiling Mounting

Similarly, a ceiling-mounted sensor will detect better if mounted 6’ to 10’
(2--3m) away from the glass, rather than directly above it. Mount the
detector on any type of ceiling in direct line of sight of the windows being
protected, at least 1’ (0.3m) and preferably 3’ (1m) from the glass.

Fig. 1. GEM-GB detector, cover removed.Fig. 1. GEM-GB detector, cover removed.

SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS

Microphone:Microphone: Electret, omnidirectional
Temperature Range:Temperature Range: 32°F to 120°F (0°C to +50°C)
Range of Coverage Range of Coverage (radius distance from sensor)::

Plate Glass, 25’ (7.6m)
Tempered, Wired, or Laminated Glass, 20’ (6m)

Note:Note: (1) Use 20’ (6m) radius if unsure of glass type. (2) If not using a
Sentrol 5709-C Tester to verify range, reduce range to 15’ (4.5m) for
windows with blinds or unlined drapes. (3) Reduce coverage 50% for
armor-coated glass.

Glass Thickness:Glass Thickness:

Plate Glass, 3⁄32 to 1⁄4’’ (2.4 to 6.4mm)

Tempered Glass, 1⁄8 to 1⁄4’’ (3.2 to 6.4mm)

Wired Glass, 1⁄4’’ (6.4mm)

Laminated Glass, 1⁄8 to 1⁄4’’ (3.2 to 6.4mm)

Dimensions:Dimensions: 3.13 x 4.24 x 1.7’’ (8.0 x 10.8 x 4.3cm) (h x w x d)
Shipping Weight:Shipping Weight: 7.5oz (213gm)

FEATURESFEATURES

• Superior immunity to false alarms

• Excellent detection, even through blinds and light drapes

• 25’ radius

• Automatic test for easy installation

• ‘‘Hand-clap’’ test for sensor verification

• Includes lithium batteries

MOUNTINGMOUNTING

Note:Note: The GEM-GB may be mounted in any position with no degradation

in performance. However, for reference purposes in this text, the unit will
be considered oriented with the antenna at the right, as shown above.

The detector mounts with two #6 screws (supplied). The rear case may
be used as a template to mark mounting holes on the wall.

The sensor must be in direct line of sight of all windows being protected.
Reliable detection cannot be expected around corners, in other rooms, etc.

For optimum false-alarm immunity, avoid installing the unit

• in rooms with lined, insulating, or sound-deadening drapes;

• in rooms with closed wooden window shutters inside;

• in rooms smaller than 10’ x 10’ (3m x 3m), and in rooms with multiple

sounds, such as kitchens, glass booths, noisy areas, garages, etc.

Fig. 3. Typical coverage pattern for ceiling-mounted units.Fig. 3. Typical coverage pattern for ceiling-mounted units.

Installation NotesInstallation Notes

1. The GEM-GB is designed to detect the shattering of framed glass
mounted in an outside wall. Testing the sensor with unframed glass,
broken bottles, etc. may not trip the sensor. The GEM-GB typically does
not trip to glass-break tests in the middle of a room, as such breaks are
false alarms.

2. False alarms are most likely to occur when installed on a 24-hour loop
in glass airlocks and glass vestibule areas, when mounted above sinks,
when used in residential car garages, and in other small, acoustically live
rooms and rooms where multiple sound can reflect and eventually dupli­cate the glass-break frequency pattern. For occupied-area glass-break
protection in such applications, the use of shock sensors is recommended.

3. Installing the GEM-GB on 24-hour loops will increase false alarms. The
GEM-GB is recommended for perimeter loops and is designed to function
without false alarms in occupied areas. On a 24-hour loop, which is armed
all day, all night, every day, the false alarm technology will be pushed to
its limit since some sounds in some conditions can duplicate the points on
the glass-break pattern that the GEM-GB detects. Install the GEM-GB on a
perimeter loop, which is armed whenever the door and window contacts
are armed. For occupied-area installations, the GEM-GB’s false-alarm
immunity is best in rooms with only moderate noise.

4. The GEM-GB detects the shattering of glass. As with all glass-break
detectors, it may not consistently detect cracks in glass or bullets that break
through the glass or break out the glass. Glass-break detectors should
always be backed up by interior protection.

TESTINGTESTING
PreliminaryPreliminary

Use a Sentrol Model 5709-C hand-held tester (available separately) to

place the GEM-GB detector into its test mode and for all functional testing.

Set the tester for tempered glass. Holding the tester speaker directly over

the sensor, activate the tester. The detector will go into alarm (LED will
come on for about 4 seconds), then go into the test mode for one minute.
While in the test mode, the detector’s LED will blink continuously. Extend
test-mode time by firing the tester at least once a minute.

Testing the SensorTesting the Sensor

The 5709-C tester has a setting for each type of glass. The tester should
always be set for Tempered or Laminated glass (either is correct and both
have the same range) unless the installer is certain that the glass to be
protected is plate glass.

Holding the tester near the surface of the glass, aim the tester at the
detector and hold down test button. If drapes or blinds are present, test
with the hand-held tester behind the closed drapes or blinds (do not use
detector with heavy or lined drapes). If the detector is mounted on the same
wall as the glass, point the tester at the opposite wall.

If the LED on the detector comes on for about 4 seconds when the tester
is triggered, the glass is within detection range. If the LED does not come
on but just continues to blink, reposition the detector closer to the windows
and retest. This may require the use of additional detectors in order to
achieve the desired coverage. In the unlikely event that the detector does
not respond within its stated range of coverage, check the battery in the
tester; a new battery will likely restore range.

The GEM-GB detector will automatically revert to its normal operating
mode approximately 1 minute after the last test.

Note:Note: Room acoustics can artificially extend the range of a glass-break
sensor. The specified range of the GEM-GB detector has been established
for worst-case conditions. While the sensor will likely function at additional
range, it may miss a minimum output break, or room acoustics may be
changed at some future time, bringing sensor range back into normal 20’
(6m) conditions. Do not exceed the rated range of the sensor, regardless
of what the tester shows.

Test-Mode OperationTest-Mode Operation

The GEM-GB ignores most false alarm sounds, including glass-break
testers. In order to test the GEM-GB detector, a test mode is used. In its
test mode, sensor processing of the glass-break pattern in the upper and
lower frequencies is disabled, thus the sensor is listening only for the
midrange frequencies, which the tester produces. It is the midrange

Fig. 4. Testing the sensor.Fig. 4. Testing the sensor.

frequencies that determine sensor range.

In the normal operating mode, the LED does not blink unless the sensor
hears a loud sound. In normal operation, the GEM-GB detector will not be
tripped by the tester unless the tester is held right up against the sensor.

Note:Note: Each time the detector goes into alarm, it also goes into the test
mode for one minute.

Hand-Clap TestHand-Clap Test

The GEM-GB can be tested by the installer or the end user while in its
normal mode simply by clapping loudly under the sensor. The LED will
blink twice, but the detector will not trip. This verifies visually that there is
power to the detector and that the microphone and circuit board are
functioning. The hand-clap activation is momentary so there is no appre­ciable effect on battery life.

NAPCO LIMITED WARRANTYNAPCO LIMITED WARRANTY

NAPCO SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. (NAPCO) warrants its products to
be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for
thirty-six months following the date of manufacture. NAPCO will, within
said period, at its option, repair or replace any product failing to operate
correctly without charge to the original purchaser or user.

This warranty shall not apply to any equipment, or any part thereof,
which has been repaired by others, improperly installed, improperly
used, abused, altered, damaged, subjected to acts of God, or on which
any serial numbers have been altered, defaced or removed. Seller will
not be responsible for any dismantling or reinstallation charges.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHICH EX­TEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. THERE IS
NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR A
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. ADDITION­ALLY, THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR
LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF NAPCO.

Any action for breach of warranty, including but not limited to any
implied warranty of merchantability, must be brought within the six
months following the end of the warranty period. IN NO CASE SHALL
NAPCO BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCI­DENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WAR­RANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EVEN IF THE LOSS OR DAMAGE IS
CAUSED BY THE SELLER’S OWN NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT.

In case of defect, contact the security professional who installed and
maintains your security system. In order to exercise the warranty, the

product must be returned by the security professional, shipping costs
prepaid and insured to NAPCO. After repair or replacement, NAPCO
assumes the cost of returning products under warranty. NAPCO shall
have no obligation under this warranty, or otherwise, if the product has
been repaired by others, improperly installed, improperly used, abused,
altered, damaged, subjected to accident, nuisance, flood, fire or acts of
God, or on which any serial numbers have been altered, defaced or
removed. NAPCO will not be responsible for any dismantling, reassem­bly or reinstallation charges.

This warranty contains the entire warranty. It is the sole warranty and
any prior agreements or representations, whether oral or written, are
either merged herein or are expressly cancelled. NAPCO neither as­sumes, nor authorizes any other person purporting to act on its behalf
to modify, to change, or to assume for it, any other warranty or liability
concerning its products.

In no event shall NAPCO be liable for an amount in excess of
NAPCO’s original selling price of the product, for any loss or damage,
whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or otherwise arising
out of any failure of the product. Seller’s warranty, as hereinabove set
forth, shall not be enlarged, diminished or affected by and no obligation
or liability shall arise or grow out of Seller’s rendering of technical advice
or service in connection with Buyer’s order of the goods furnished
hereunder.

NAPCO RECOMMENDS THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM BE COM­PLETELY TESTED WEEKLY.

NAPCO SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC., 333 BAYVIEW AVENUE, AMITYVILLE, NEW YORK 11701NAPCO SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC., 333 BAYVIEW AVENUE, AMITYVILLE, NEW YORK 11701

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