Sensor

XtraSense use computers parallel port to interface with external sensors. What it does is to monitor the input voltage of the eight data pins (starts from Pin2 to Pin 9 ) and one status pin (Pin 11for Master Control) of the parallel port. If the input voltage is different from what has been defined in the program as "Normal", the alarm will be triggered.

You can connect any type of sensor as long as their alarm output voltage is either +5 volt (High) or 0 volt (Low). Please note that not all ready made sensors have alarm output.

Enable External Sensor Input on Parallel Port

When checked, XtraSense will check parallel port data pins' status at 500ms interval. To use this feature, you need to enter a correct parallel port address in hex format. Here below are list of common addresses used:

Pin

Indicates the actual physical pin number on the parallel port. Click here to see the layout of parallel port.

Sensor Connected

If checked, the corresponding pin's input status will be checked at regular interval. Here the status means the input signals voltage, which is either 0 volt or +5 volt.

Sensor Name

Give the sensor a name you would like XtraSense to display on the main screen and visual map. Usually we name it according to the type of sensor connected.

Normal Input Status

You need to tell XtraSense what is "Normal". For example, if a smoke detector outputs +5v when smoke is detected and 0v when at standby mode, 0v or Low is "Normal". If your smoke detector outputs +5v at standby mode, then +5v or High should be your "Normal" status for this sensor. XtraSense will check all pins' input at regular interval. Any state other than "Normal" will trigger sensor alarm.

Enable Master Control Pin

A master control pin is used to arm and disarm XtraSense system by set the pin input level to High or Low. This is useful when you need to use external device (i.e. remote controller) to control the system. The Master Control Pin has the highest priority and will overwrite scheduled arm/disarm events.