Abstract: Systems and methods of voice annunciation of signal strength, quality of service, and sensor status for wireless devices are provided. Some methods can include determining a signal strength or range of a radio, determining quality of service events and statistics for a wireless device, or determining a status of a sensor and then verbally annunciating information or instructions relating to the determined signal strength or range, the determined quality of service events and statistics, or the determined sensor status.

Abstract: An apparatus to set an output window includes an ambient condition detector from which non-alarm messages can be output at a pre-determined time. The ambient condition detector includes a real-time clock that can be set wirelessly by a real-time synchronizing message. A message emitting window can also be wirelessly pre-set. The non-alarm messages are emitted at respective times in the message emitting window.

Abstract: Systems and methods of voice annunciation of signal strength, quality of service, and sensor status for wireless devices are provided. Some methods can include determining a signal strength or range of a radio, determining quality of service events and statistics for a wireless device, or determining a status of a sensor and then verbally annunciating information or instructions relating to the determined signal strength or range, the determined quality of service events and statistics, or the determined sensor status.

Abstract: A fire detecting system can mix fire detectors, such as smoke, flame, or, thermal detectors on a common loop, or zone, with gas detectors. Signals indicative of gas can have one amplitude while those indicating fire can have a different amplitude. Duty cycles can be varied to indicate other conditions, such as trouble conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus to set an output window includes an ambient condition detector from which non-alarm messages can be output at a pre-determined time. The detector includes a real-time clock which can be set wirelessly by a real-time synchronizing message. A message emitting window can also be wirelessly pre-set. The non-alarm messages are emitted at times in the pre-set window.

Abstract: A system that includes, a carbon monoxide detector and first and second connectors, the carbon monoxide detector connected across the first and second conductors, the first and second conductors having a voltage imposed on the conductors that supply power to the carbon monoxide detector, the carbon monoxide detector signals detected carbon monoxide by clamping the first and second conductors to a first voltage less than the imposed voltage; and the carbon monoxide detector signaling a fault within the carbon monoxide detector by clamping the first and second conductors to a second voltage less than the imposed voltage where the second voltage is different than the second voltage and also different than the first voltage.

Abstract: A fire detecting system can mix fire detectors, such as smoke, flame, or, thermal detectors on a common loop, or zone, with gas detectors. Signals indicative of gas can have one amplitude while those indicating fire can have a different amplitude. Duty cycles can be varied to indicate other conditions, such as trouble conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for activating a carbon monoxide detector. The method includes the steps of the carbon monoxide detector measuring a current carbon monoxide level, the carbon monoxide detector comparing the current carbon monoxide level with a first threshold value, determining whether the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value, entering an alarm state upon detecting that the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value after a first predetermined time period, determining from memory whether the carbon monoxide detector had previously been in an alarm state before activation and upon detecting that the current carbon dioxide level does not exceed the first threshold and the carbon monoxide detector was previously in the alarm state, resuming the alarm state after a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for activating a carbon monoxide detector. The method includes the steps of the carbon monoxide detector measuring a current carbon monoxide level, the carbon monoxide detector comparing the current carbon monoxide level with a first threshold value, determining whether the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value, entering an alarm state upon detecting that the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value after a first predetermined time period, determining from memory whether the carbon monoxide detector had previously been in an alarm state before activation and upon detecting that the current carbon dioxide level does not exceed the first threshold and the carbon monoxide detector was previously in the alarm state, resuming the alarm state after a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system that includes, a carbon monoxide detector and first and second connectors, the carbon monoxide detector connected across the first and second conductors, the first and second conductors having a voltage imposed on the conductors that supply power to the carbon monoxide detector, the carbon monoxide detector signals detected carbon monoxide by clamping the first and second conductors to a first voltage less than the imposed voltage; and the carbon monoxide detector signaling a fault within the carbon monoxide detector by clamping the first and second conductors to a second voltage less than the imposed voltage where the second voltage is different than the second voltage and also different than the first voltage.

Abstract: A gas detector test device includes a housing which can receive the detector to be tested, at least in part. A reference gas detector is carried by the housing. The reference detector is in wireless communication with the detector under test. A gas sample can be injected into the housing. Both detectors can respond to the sample and the detector under test can communicate sensitivity indicia to the reference detector for comparison. Visual, or audible indicia can be generated, indicative of the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Regional physical information can be entered along with automatically sensed ambient condition information into regional monitoring system. Alarm decision processing can be adjusted in accordance therewith.

Abstract: Regional physical information can be entered along with automatically sensed ambient condition information into regional monitoring system. Alarm decision processing can be adjusted in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A software driven monitoring system includes a common control element coupled to a plurality of monitoring devices. The devices can indicate to the control element that a predetermined condition has been detected. Where the control element transmits a status inquiry command to the devices, those devices exhibiting the status provide the same indication to the control element as is indicative of the predetermined condition. One indication is a shunt or a short circuit of a medium between the common control element and the devices. An existing system can be upgraded by installing the control element, or upgrading an existing control program. Alternately, the devices can be installed in a system wherein the control element does not issue the status inquiry command. In those installations, the monitoring devices never issue a status reply as the required command is never received.