AlphaSense® Unattended Monitoring & Messaging Products With Network Connectivity

...works with linux, too!


..in a hurry? here is a pdf cut-sheet

Our current AlphaSense monitoring and messaging products include support for delivering message data using network email, instant messaging, and SNMP as well as via dialout modem. We call them "AlphaSense for Networks" (AFN), though they do not "have to" be connected to a network if dialout modem features are used for delivery of text message data.

These are the latest generation of AlphaSense unattended monitoring and wireless messaging products manufactured by Compuquest, Inc., which are widely deployed in diverse applications for over 15 years. AFN message delivery formats and many features retain compatibility with existing older AlphaSense installations, while adding a broad array of additional features and capabilities.

Product Highlights & Applications Overview

How Does AlphaSense Get The Data It Monitors?

AlphaSense Model & Feature Package Details

AlphaSense Model & Feature Comparison Table

Using AFN - A quick & easy Getting Started Guide

AFN FAQ and Tips

Firmware Changelog

Product Highlights & Applications Overview

The mission of AFN is to bring you important information about your equipment, machines, premises, processes, or property - no matter where you are. AFN obtains realtime data from whatever you connect it to, and applies your rules to scan, parse, and analyze that data. If your rules are met, AFN delivers text or SMS messages (and/or forwards the data it received) to your chosen destinations, such as wireless devices like cell phones, pagers, Blackberry, smartphone, PDA, iPhone, etc., and/or to email addresses, twitter, instant message clients, other computing systems, and more. It's operating modes and the user rules may be remotely changed at any time using a simple browser-based interface, or optional modem access, both of which are protected by secure access. Money and time saving information - alerts, advance warnings, status, access control, security, PBX monitoring, data forwarding, and much more - can be yours when you put AFN to work for you.

The AlphaSense (and its close cousin, PBXaminer) monitoring and messaging product line has evolved significantly since its initial introduction in the early 1990's. Thousands of their various models are in use, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new AFN provides extended functionality, and includes expandable network connectivity features, as compared to legacy AlphaSense models. New outbound message delivery via direct ethernet network interface provides information to one or more email addresses, pagers, digital cellphones, PDA's, SMS, and any other destinations reachable via email. The capability for message delivery using dialout modem to wireless and other devices is available by adding an optional Feature Package to the Express model, or to the more powerful AFN-100 platform. Modem message delivery may also be used as a "fail-over" message delivery method if network connectivity becomes unavailable. (model & feature package details)

How Does AFN Get The Data It Monitors?

AlphaSense has 4 primary sources for the data it monitors:

1) A "host" data port (defaults to RS232 serial or optional wireless bluetooth, but also may be connected to devices having USB, RS485, RS422, current loop, parallel port or printer, etc. using common adapters). This facilitates data connections to virtually any "host" equipment where data is available for sending to AlphaSense.

2) An additional "virtual host port" using the optional AFN_VP1 Virtual Serial Port Module . Provides seamless connection to other "host" devices or I/O Modules located nearby or anywhere in the world - with the same feature support as the AFN "host" connection.

3) Incoming SNMP traps from any device capable of reaching AFN via LAN or internet. Adds rule-based immediate anytime - anywhere notification to existing SNMP management systems. AFN will also create and send SNMP PDU in the form of traps, notifications, and informs from any source of data which AFN is monitoring. The inform PDU is monitored for the required response from the SNMP manager, and if not received within a timeout, additional backup messaging is processed.

4) Dry contact digital inputs and/or TTL outputs using the optional AFN_I14 Digital I/O Module which connects to the AFN host (or virtual) serial port. Provides the interface to relays, sensors, alarm panels, factory automation, environmental recorders, lab instruments, generators, and more.

Model & Feature Package Details

Below are highlights of the feature and capability differences between the current models within the AlphaSense product family. Capabilities are added to the AFN-100 by including "Feature Packages" or external hardware modules, and any model can be upgraded at any time. Please also refer to our AFN Comparison Chart for more specific details.

...for cost-sensitive applications where a limited set of simple AFN data scanning and network message delivery features are needed. Supports 5 rulesets. Modem dialout message delivery may be added with the optional +DFP Feature Package. Includes network cable, RS232 host interface cable, and power supply.

...the standard AlphaSense base platform, providing network email messaging features and powerful Regular Expression data scanning and rule-based text pattern detection. Supports 20 rulesets. Includes network cable, RS232 host interface cable, and power supply.

...the Dialout Feature Package adds firmware and modem to the Express or AFN-100 which provides dialout messaging to wireless devices (wireless protocol) such as cellphones, PDA's, SMS, pagers, Blackberry, etc. On AFN-100 platforms, adds realtime network monitoring and fail-over modem message delivery if network connectivity becomes unavailable. Includes additional firmware, modem, network cable, RS232 host interface cable, and power supply.

...the Direct-Connect Feature Package adds firmware and configuration features to AFN-100 which support direct-connection to on-site paging or other messaging transmitters. The DCP features are the same as for DFP (see above), except that "dialout" messaging to wireless devices is replaced by the direct cable connection to the messaging transmitter. This allows the AFN-100 +DCP to easily integrate into hospital, hotel, assisted living, restaurant, healthcare, and many other situations where in-house or on-site messaging is installed. Includes additional firmware, network cable, RS232 host interface cable, and transmitter interface cable.

...the PBXaminer Feature Package is named in recognition of all our legacy PBXaminer product installations, as many of those features are included. Includes all the DFP features, expanded support for 50 rulesets, and modem dialout delivery in 4 different protocol formats. Also, a remote management capability via secure modem access to add, delete, or change rulesets (in addition to using a standard web browser over network). This secure modem access also enables remote connection to the equipment which AFN is monitoring - used for remote 2-way interactive tele-servicing of PBX equipment, remote configuration or control of access control systems, building management, HVAC, factory automation equipment, and much more. Includes additional firmware, modem, network cable, RS232 host interface cable, and power supply.

One of the four PFP modem dialout modes is compatibile with the Host Mode of Compuquest, Inc. Remote Support Software (RSS), for seamless integration with existing PBXaminer and legacy AlphaSense sites. Also, an expanded RSS is available to OEM's for applications where larger-scale centralized message reporting, TAC/NOC Center remote site management, and audit-trail messaging history is desired.

Trade-In Program

Your legacy AlphaSense and PBXaminer units originally purchased 2002 or later may be eligible for our trade-in program. Existing users of these older products may receive discounts on purchases of AFN-100 with any Feature Package in exchange for trading old units in. Units eligible for trade-in should preferably be in active service currently, not be damaged physically, and be in good working order. If you are interested, please use our Comments Form and we will handle everything. You get the discount, and a new AFN too!