The ARMAC fire defence system is usually operated from its Control Dashboard which can be accessed on any iphone, ipad or computer either from a web browser or from an app. You will be supplied with access details when you become an authorised user.''' The main page of that Dashboard is shown below.
Explanations of all controls, sensor outputs, and companion apps are also provided in the Help page accessed on the left sidebar of the Main Controls dashboard. But here is an explanation of each control:
- Autonomous Mode: when turned ON puts the system into a “set and forget” mode where the system responds automatically to ember detection, rising temperature, tank water levels, and battery voltage. Clicking OFF returns the system to manual control.
- Enable Controls (OFF-Locked): when set to “OFF-Locked,” all controls are disabled except for the Shed Sprinkler Control. Setting this to “ON-Enabled” allows all controls to be used.
- Pump (OFF) / ON: is a toggle to manually turn the pump ON or OFF.
- Flow High/Reduced: reduces water flow to the sprinklers from approximately (maximum) to about (minimum required for operation).
- Shed Cool Cycle: turns on sprinklers to cool the shed, utilising gravity feed water if the pump is not active. It typically lowers shed temperature by ~10°C. If ON/OFF times are set to zero, it enters “thermostat mode” to keep the shed below 47°C.
- Sprinkler Cycle: activates intermittent spraying based on user-defined “on” and “off” sliders. The Recirc/Pump switch determines if “off” time uses water recirculation or shuts the pump down (subject to battery and time constraints).
- AR1 Development Mode: is used for system maintenance and should normally stay OFF. When ON, the system reboots to default valve settings; when OFF (production mode), it restores previous settings upon reboot.
- ARMAC Alerts / Master Enable: is the master switch to enable system alerts. Specific alerts can be selected in the adjacent panel, and a test alert can be sent using the “Send Test Alert” button.
Sensors
The sensor outputs shown above help you monitor the system. Temperature sensors report the temperature inside and the shed battery and the water remaining in the tank are also shown.
Finally the pump’s oil and water pressure is shown OFF or HIGH. If HIGH then this confirms that the pump is actually running and pumping water. Ember detection is intended to determine if the wind is carrying embers (designed but still under development).
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