Abstract: A system includes a two dimensional display device coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry establishes a two dimensional representation of at least first and second floors of a building. Responsive to a selected input, closed boundaries are established that surround the two dimensional representations of each floor. Responsive to at least one other input, first and second coordinate systems are established with one coordinate system associated with each boundary. Three dimensional information can be established relative to the various devices installed on each floor, and simulations of operation can be carried out. An installer can move various ones of the devices and re-run the simulation to evaluate which configuration provides a better communication result.

Abstract: A wireless communications system includes both a primary communications path, wherein a gateway can communicate with each member of a plurality of ambient condition detectors, and a secondary back-up path available in the event of a failure on part of the primary path. Required power for the network can be minimized by path selection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining gas transport time from an input port to first and second ultrasonic detectors in a flow conduit for an aspirated smoke detector are provided. The method includes first measuring a transit time of ambient air between the detectors. Then, a different gas is injected into the conduit, and the time of injection is stored. The transit time is measured at least intermittently between the two ultrasonic detectors until a change therein is detected. A time of detected change is subtracted from the time of injection to establish a transport time for the aspirated smoke detector.

Abstract: A wireless communications system includes both a primary communications path wherein a gateway can communicate with each member of a plurality of ambient condition detectors, and a secondary back-up path available in the event of a failure on part of the primary path. Required power for the network can be minimized by path selection.

Abstract: An aspirated detecting system includes a multi-channel aspirated smoke detector with each channel including an air moving element, such as a fan, first and second sets of substantially identical air flow pipes where each set defines a plurality of spaced apart inflow ports. Control circuits activate a first element and then a second element to establish a transport time associated with at least one inflow port in response to the detector sensing a predetermined smoke condition. The control circuits include a storage unit which includes pre-stored timer values which are associated with respective transport times from an associated inflow port.

Abstract: A system includes a two dimensional display device coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry establishes a two dimensional representation of at least first and second floors of a building. Responsive to a selected input closed boundaries are established which surround the two dimensional representations of each floor. Responsive to at least one other input, first and second coordinate systems are established with one coordinate system associated with each boundary. Three dimensional information can be established relative to the various devices installed on each floor, and, simulations of operation can be carried out. An installer can move various of the devices and re-run the simulation to evaluate which configuration provides a better communication result.

Abstract: An aspirated detecting system includes a multi-channel aspirated smoke detector with each channel including an air moving element, such as a fan, first and second sets of substantially identical air flow pipes where each set defines a plurality of spaced apart inflow ports. Control circuits activate a first element and then a second element to establish a transport time associated with at least one inflow port in response to the detector sensing a predetermined smoke condition. The control circuits include a storage unit which includes pre-stored timer values which are associated with respective transport times from an associated inflow port.