Five Steps To Success.
Keeping Pace With a Changing Industry.

When Ray Downs got into the security business more than twenty years ago, the industry was quite different than it is today. As a security systems integrator and business owner, Downs has seen his share of technology innovations and new products. But, the fence-tied INTREPID™ MicroPoint Cable™ perimeter security system from Southwest Microwave has become a mainstay in his security integration business.

"We set up our first INTREPID system in the late 90s and it was a rather small installation," recalls Downs. "It was only a 500-foot perimeter, but it went so well. Our customer was really impressed with the map and the pinpoint generation of alarms, so from there it kind of took off."

Since then, Downs has installed numerous INTREPID systems of various complexity, and has become an expert on integrating the INTREPID system with closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.

"Several of our systems have been over a mile now and we've even incorporated pan and tilt cameras (PTC) with a matrix switcher, so we use the Southwest Microwave relay modules to activate the pans and tilts through the software," Downs explains. "Those PTCs just automatically zoom right into the area in question if there's an alarm."

Downs has been operating a successful security integration company for more than 9 years now. Known as PACE, for Proprietary Access Control Enterprises, this Southern California company has excelled at providing customers with state-of-the-art integrated security systems. Specializing in utilities such as power and gas companies, Downs has picked up a few tips that help him provide his customers with trouble-free INTREPID systems.

"The first thing you want to do is make sure that the fence itself is of a sturdy construction and it's not weak," Ray suggests. "The fabric needs to be tight to transmit the vibrations properly."

In addition to starting with a tight fence, Downs recommends creating service loops with the INTREPID cable in the event the fence breaks.

"We take the cable run and we go up about 2.5-inches, down about 5-inches and come back up again. It basically looks like a little side-ways 'S' in the middle of the fence. That gives you the ability to cut the wrap and use the slack to provide some extra cable without having to cut a whole new piece."

Lightning protection is another suggestion Downs shares.

"It's an absolute must when working with electrical sub-stations, Southwest Microwave's JB-70s," Downs adds. "Anywhere you have big, high, steel towers out in the middle of a desert where there are thundershowers, lightning will hit it, especially if you don't have any lightning protection."

Downs also urges systems installers to locate the INTREPID relay modules in one area.

"Unless you are unable to, I would always locate your relay modules all in one enclosure and centralize those," Downs stresses. "We always centrally locate the relay modules so they are easy to get into and service."

Finally, Downs recommends Southwest Microwave's training before installing the INTREPID system.

"Definitely go for the training," Downs recommends. "There are tricks to tuning it and there are a lot of good techs over at Southwest Microwave that will help you out."

With all his experience as a security systems integrator, Ray Downs has learned what works for his operation and what doesn't. He has stuck with the INTREPID system throughout the years because of the pinpoint detection, easy operation and cost-effectiveness.

"There's really no other product out there that actually produces the type of results and flexibility that we need, and does so cost-effectively," Downs concludes. "As far as I'm concerned Southwest Microwave has the best product, period."