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RAISING THE
Page 30
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ALARM
Even the most determined truck thief is likely to be deterred by an alarm that goes off before he even gets the door open. The Enigma alarm aims to outsmart the villains.
• Vehicle and trailer manufacturers are building an impressive array of electronics into their products to boost overall performance, but they seem less inclined to develop high-tech anti-theft systems. Possibly this is one reason why aftermarket vehicle security products are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Take the Enigma DP100 system. It has just been launched by Transport Electronics, the sister company to Southern Transport Enterprises of Cranbrook, Kent, and director Don Rogers does not mince his words when describing the technology in his product: "The Enigma is three years ahead of anything else on the market," he says, pointing out that the box of tricks was developed by a leading UK research establishment.
The main innovation claimed for the system is the use of a piezo-electronic sensor to trigger the alarm. In this application, the sensor — which converts pressure into an electronic signal — picks up the vibration in or on the vehicle.
A vibration analysis circuit then differentiates between low frequencies (generally natural disturbancies caused by wind or passing vehicles) and high frequencies (such as shocks caused by interference with the bodywork or attachments), and sounds the alarm if the vibration is above a pre-set, adjustable level.
It is this selective reaction to shocks which the makers claim to be the main advantage of the Enigma system, since the alarm will sound even before entry is gained or before an exterior fitment is removed. After this first line of defence the system immobfises the starter, and can sense if the door has been opened. In all cases, once the alarm is armed (using the ignition key) it can only be disarmed or the siren switched off by using the correct ignition key. If a thief is not deterred by the siren sounding for its first 30second period, the alarm keeps resetting itself.
The exact specification of an Enigma system will vary depending on requirements, but it can be integrated with central locking, or activated by remote control if required. Price also depends on application, but Transport Electronics is aiming at a fitted cost of under £500.
UNIVERSAL
Although the system is claimed to protect even long rigid trucks, more than one sensor would be used for articulated or drawbar combinations, probably in separate systems. The position for curtainsided bodies is less clear, since the makers have not established whether curtains flapping violently might set off the alarm.
Don Rogers is in no doubt about Enigma's potential, and hopes to set up a nationwide network of fitting agents to back up his own business. He may also expand beyond trucks, saying: "The system we have is so universal you can apply it to transport in general — we could even alarm Concorde with this device!" Ei For further information contact Transport Electronics on (0580) 713059/712482. Eby Peter Watt