Front-End Processors




PMC Primary Monitoring Console

Providing a scalable front-end for StarWatch™ security systems, the PMC (Primary Monitor Console) acts as an intelligent data center, processing and storing information collected from remote sensors and devices and sending detailed status reports to multiple operator workstations. Continuous updates, containing current and historical data, are communicated across system architecture using Microsoft® networking, an integral part of the Windows-based operating platform. The LAN facilitates reliable, high-speed communication between processors. Supporting large-scale sensor networks, the PMC provides the capacity to integrate up to 4,095 RADC network controllers into a comprehensive security solution

The PMC rack-based enclosure houses a file server, an MCU (Master Communications Unit), intelligent Poller Mux cards, and networking hardware. A connected monitor/mouse/keyboard combination can be utilized as a local workstation, offering direct access to system settings and diagnostics.

  • Powerful data processing and communications modules
  • Instantaneous updates reflecting real-time status of connected sensors and data points
  • Rack-optimized hardware components
  • LAN architecture facilitating multi-tasking, multi-user security environment

The enclosure also includes system-specific peripheral communications equipment, such as modems, fiber optics, and Data Encryption Standard (DES) modules. All CPUs incorporated in the PMC offer a powerful balance of performance, size, and expandability and are ideal for rack-dense environments that demand a high level of uptime.


PMC Overview

Description: printable .pdf data sheet for the PMC Primary Montioring Console
click to download






Poller Mux

Acting as powerful, intermediate data processing hubs in large-scale StarWatch™ security systems, DAQ Poller Mux modules collect information from multiple RADC network controllers and record selected data in local RAM for periodic polling by the MCU front end computer. This dual-tiered, distributed architecture approach eliminates the need for the MCU to poll individual RADC modules, significantly improving data flow efficiency and simplifying communication connections.

Residing with the MCU in the system PMC data center, each Poller Mux is capable of interfacing with up to eight RADC units. To accommodate large point counts, a series of Poller Mux modules, configured in any combination of audio or digital communications channels, can be connected to a single MCU. Using DAQ RPI protocol, Audio Poller Mux units continuously poll RADC channels over audio voice grade communication links, while Digital Poller Mux modules utilize RS232 or RS485 links. The communication bit rate is adjustable via on-board DIP switches.

  • Single unit can communicate with up to eight RADC network controllers
  • Extensive diagnostic LED indications
  • Two asynchronous comm ports for polling of RADC units and for polling by MCU front-end computer
  • Programmable Mux address, bit rates, and request-to-send delays
  • Diagnostic “freeze” function allows temporary polling of a specific RADC

Poller Mux units incorporate automated features to prevent system lag in the event of a fault or failure on a communications line. To ensure maximum efficiency, unresponsive lines are isolated and temporarily dropped from normal polling routines.


Poller Mux Overview

Description: printable .pdf data sheet for the Poller Mux processing hub
click to download