VersAlarm-Z: The Dual-Path Alarm System Designed to Eliminate Downtime and Maximize Safety

Every facility has equipment that's critical to its operations. This can include fire panels, security systems, or power supplies.

These systems demand reliable alarm reporting. After all, fires, intrusions, power failures, or other emergencies don't give you a courtesy warning beforehand. In the event these emergencies happen, you need to have fast, accurate notifications so you can take action.

Historically, many organizations - such as those in transportation, municipal services, military, and industrial operations - have relied on single-path Ethernet-only alarm reporting.

That was effective for a while. Unfortunately, as soon as that one Ethernet path goes down - possibly from an IT equipment failure or some other cause - you're left in the dark.

That single point of failure can be catastrophic if it prevents emergency alarms from reaching you.

The VersAlarm-Z Protects You From Single-Point Failures

Fortunately, you can avoid that disaster with the VersAlarm-Z. Building on the success of the original VersAlarm, it's been engineered to add a second layer of defense for your mission-critical monitoring.

If you're seeking a modern, dual-path solution - or just want to retire outdated single-path systems - this is the upgrade you need. Let's review how the VersAlarm-Z can help you avoid single points of failure and keep your monitoring online - even when your primary connection isn't.

Older Monitoring Systems Aren't Always Enough Today

Consider all the areas where things can go wrong in your facility:

• Equipment can fail (fire panels, tamper switches, or AC power).
• Communication links can drop (one "small" IT issue can damage your entire reporting chain).
• Compliance deadlines can be missed because your system didn't send the required alarms.

With older models, you'd have to rely solely on Ethernet to send alarm signals to your central station or head-end. If that network path fails, you simply don't hear about the alarms. Your team might only discover the outage hours later, or (worse!) after an actual emergency.

Older systems may have checked a box for "internet-based monitoring," but they leave you vulnerable to "silent failures." That's a risk you just can't afford to take with critical fire safety or site security systems.

The good news is there's a strong alternative.

Reimagine Reliability with the VersAlarm-Z

VersAlarm-Z is your step up from single-path IP monitoring. It maintains everything you liked about the original VersAlarm - like easy web-based setup and modular zone expansion - while increasing reliability by featuring dual-path reporting.

The VersAlarm-Z makes your life easier with:

Dual-Path Communication (Ethernet + POTS)

Even if your network goes down, VersAlarm-Z can revert to dial-up modem reporting to make sure alarms continue to get logged by your System 3505 Prism LX master. You won't have to worry about a single communication hiccup derailing your entire monitoring operation.

• Primary: Fully supervised Ethernet over LAN or fiber.
• Backup: Built-in modem for Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

Automatic Link Supervision

When a communication path isn't working, you'll know immediately. This prevents "false confidence" where you believe everything is up and running when it's not. The process works like this:

1. The VersAlarm-Z continuously supervises both Ethernet and POTS.
2. If either fails, the unit triggers a local buzzer and a Form C relay to alert staff.

Daily POTS Testing

Don't leave your backup channel untested until an actual emergency. With daily checks, you'll know that dial-up reporting will work when you need it most.

VersAlarm-Z takes a proactive approach to backup communication. It automatically tests the phone line daily to confirm it's functioning correctly.

Get Built-In I/O and Q-Mux Expansion

Each VersAlarm-Z starts with eight supervised zones (three dedicated to AC Fault, Battery Fault, and Door Tamper). For many sites, that's enough. However, for those of you managing large facilities, expansions are pretty much mandatory.

The VersAlarm-Z offers:

Q-Mux Node Expansion

That's over 3,000 total I/O points from a single VersAlarm-Z. If you're dealing with a big industrial campus, multiple municipal buildings, or wide-spread military installations, you won't reach the maximum anytime soon. This means there are 32 Q-Mux Nodes, each adding up to 99 inputs/outputs (I/O).

Octal RS-485 Driver Board

The driver board has 8 isolated RS-485 connections for remote Q-Mux nodes. This allows you to mount remote nodes far from the main panel while retaining strong communication.

This means you can have physically distant devices - like sensors in a separate building or kiosk - and still easily integrate them under one system.

Real-World Use Cases: Where VersAlarm-Z Truly Shines

Sometimes, a bullet-point list of features is great, but you want to know, "Does this really solve my problems?" Let's look at a few real-world scenarios.

Transportation Hubs (Subway Systems)

Transit authorities can use the VersAlarm-Z to supervise critical fire panels in high-traffic transit environments. Even if local networks hiccup, your alarms are still routed over POTS. This is important for any environment with strict uptime demands.

Municipal and Government Buildings

Having legacy networks or partial coverage can often plague city offices, water treatment plants, or schools. VersAlarm-Z's fallback phone line keeps alarms online even when your system is down. This allows you to remain compliant and safe for residents.

Military and Secure Installations

When security is more than important, the steel enclosure and local tamper monitoring help protect your monitoring chain from sabotage or intrusion. Plus, the dual-path supervision means you'll never miss an important alarm.

Anywhere you need consistent, trustworthy alarm communication, the VersAlarm-Z is a great fit.

Choose Gear That's Built Tough & Smart

No matter how good your monitoring logic is, a flimsy enclosure or a weak power supply can undermine everything. Digitize designed the VersAlarm-Z for real-world environments:

• Steel enclosure (16" x 16.5" x 5") with a lockable door and built-in tamper switch.
• 72-hour battery backup (48-hour recharge).
• Operating range of 0 C to 49 C, with 93% humidity tolerance.
• MicroSD card for storing config data and logs.
• RS-232 interface for optional integration with fire panels.
• Local buzzer and Form C relay for immediate audible/visual alerts.

If you're using the VersAlarm-Z and find yourself working in a calm environment, that just means you're well protected.

Easily Integrate with the Prism LX Ecosystem

One primary advantage of VersAlarm-Z is its strong integration with the System 3505 Prism LX. Within this integrated system, you can receive dual-path data, monitor communication health, and trigger escalations when an event calls for it.

You can also use the AlarmLAN server with this system. It ensures secure, structured communication between VersAlarm-Z field panels and the head end. The device supports up to 10 VersAlarm-Z units per Prism LX, but we can make options that scale even higher upon request.

With this compatible system, you gain consolidated, central command without losing local control.

Data You Can Trust: Built-In Logging and Transparency

You want your system to do more than just send alarms. Sometimes you need proof that those alarms were indeed sent and received. VersAlarm-Z takes care of that with on-board logging to a 1 GB microSD card. This offers complete traceability.

• Logs all communications and events locally.
• Useful for post-incident reviews, maintenance audits, and compliance documentation.

If there's ever a question about whether an alarm triggered (or whether the daily POTS tests happened), you'll have the cold, hard data to back it up.

Use Flexible Deployments for Custom Installations

You need an alarm system that satisfies your exact needs. The VersAlarm-Z delivers built-in flexibility. Despite having flexible features, further customization from Digitize is available if needed:

• Wall-Mount Steel Enclosure
  Simplifies installation in indoor environments, from telecom closets to equipment rooms.
• Remote Programming
  Configure from anywhere. Save time and travel costs.
• Relay Outputs for Local Alerts
  Trigger strobes, sirens, or door releases. These are perfect for environment-specific triggers.
• Q-Mux Node Options for I/O
  DIN-rail or custom mounting solutions. You can mix, match, and expand in whatever way suits your building layout.

If you have complex needs involving serial links, fiber connectivity, or specialized sensors, Digitize offers interface boards and custom configurations. We'll give you a solution that actually works in your environment, not a one-size-fits-all box.

Use Built-In Tools for Maintenance and Diagnostics

Nothing's more frustrating than a "black box" you can't troubleshoot. That's why VersAlarm-Z includes:

• Front-Panel LEDs: Instantly see power status, POTS line state, and Ethernet connectivity.
• Web Interface Diagnostics: Check link statuses, trigger a test dial-up, or toggle a relay - all in a few clicks.
• Local Audible/Visual Alerts: If a communication path fails, the built-in buzzer and a dedicated relay let on-site personnel know immediately.

For further peace of mind, it flags all issues to the Prism LX central station so that you can dispatch your technicians before small problems become big ones.

Prepare for Future Monitoring Needs with VersAlarm-Z

When it comes to mission-critical alarm reporting, you can't afford to gamble on a single point of failure. That's why the VersAlarm-Z was designed: to take the best of IP-based monitoring and combine it with a rock-solid backup path.

Key Takeaways

• Dual-Path Supervision (Ethernet + POTS) - Eliminates single points of failure, increasing reliability.
• Web-Based Setup - Configure and diagnose from anywhere.
• Expandable I/O - From 8 zones to thousands with Q-Mux expansions.
• Daily POTS Testing - No more illusions of a "healthy" backup line.
• Simple Prism LX Integration - Get central command and easy scaling.
• Secure, Locked Enclosure - Keep local tampering at bay.
• Local Buzzer and Relay - Instant alerts for immediate action.

VersAlarm-Z gives you redundancy for your critical alarm reporting path. If you're managing older infrastructure, or looking for a new solution, it's time for an upgrade.

Don't Wait to Strengthen Your Monitoring

Don't let a single point of failure put your organization at risk. With VersAlarm-Z, you can make sure your alarm system works just as hard as you do.

Contact Digitize now to discuss your project and get a quote:

Call: 973-663-1011
Email: info@digitize-inc.com