 Last WeekWe took a closer look at our monitoring system—how it works, why it works the way it does, and we dispelled a few common myths along the way. If you missed it, you can catch up here AFAM Monitoring System. This Week: Next Generation CTUA couple of weeks ago we shared that we’ve begun developing a next-generation version of our CTU monitoring device. This week, we’re excited to give you a deeper look at what’s underway. Next Generation CTUEarlier this year, we quietly kicked off a ground-up redesign of our CTU hardware. Our current CTU has served the industry for more than a decade, evolving through multiple updates and still outperforming alternatives. However, there are new features and services we want to deliver that the current design simply can’t support. This redesign lays the foundation for those capabilities—both for today and for the future. Be rest assured though, everything that the current CTU provides such as in panel installation and native IoT Detector Level information capture will be carried forward. We're not going to remove any existing functionality, we're going to add to it. A Common PlatformRight now, we manufacture two CTU variants, chosen based on whether the device will be installed inside a panel or not. The new CTU will be built as a single common platform, with an optional secondary board (added during manufacturing) to meet specific installation requirements. This gives us far more flexibility, makes future feature expansion easier, and even opens the door to potential use in new markets here and overseas. Bluetooth ConnectivityThe next-generation CTU includes built-in Bluetooth. One major use will be enabling authorised users to connect via the AFAM AlarmTech App for diagnostics and commissioning while on-site. This will mean guided commissioning prompts, clear indications of what’s correct or incorrect, and far less reliance on manuals, prior knowledge, or interpreting LEDs on the unit. Processor & MemoryThis new CTU isn’t just faster—it’s dramatically faster.
This leap in capability allows far more processing to happen directly on the device, which will be crucial for the new services we’re planning. Inputs & OutputsAs with the current CTU, the new device will include four versatile inputs. (If you missed our article on how those inputs work, you can read it here: CTU Additional Inputs) The next-gen CTU will also feature two outputs, allowing the device not just to monitor equipment but to activate it when required. Advanced Battery ManagementWe’ve designed the new CTU around a modern, commercial-grade battery management system. Battery management technology has advanced significantly since our current model was introduced, and this upgrade will improve charging, monitoring, and overall battery lifespan. When Will It Be Available?We’re still in the prototyping phase. While we’d love to release it this year, that won’t be possible. Hardware development takes time, and our best estimate is that the CTU will be ready sometime early to mid next year. What Else Could It Do?There’s plenty we haven’t revealed yet—and we’d love your input. If there’s something you’d like the new CTU to be capable of, let us know. We may already be working on it, or it might be something we can still build in. We can’t promise every idea will make it, but we’re listening. Coming Next WeekWe’ve got some news to share—and a few interesting updates you won’t want to miss.
 Last WeekWe looked at backup power options for the CTU, and what to look for when selecting a battery. If you missed it, you can catch up here Backup Power Sources. This Week: Service Agent Functionality in SolomonThis week we’re diving into key service agent features in Solomon—how to access them, what they do, and how they can make your workflow smoother and more efficient. Solomon Link & AccessWhen you click the Solomon link in state change emails, text messages, or within the AFAM AlarmTech App, you’ll land on a summary page for that PFA. To unlock full functionality and view detailed information, simply use the login button at the bottom of that page. Logging InIf you already use the AFAM AlarmTech App, your login works for Solomon too. Don’t have access or forgotten your details? Contact our support team—we’ll get you set up quickly. PFA Off NormalsWe strongly recommend all service agents use the AFAM AlarmTech App, as it gives you a consolidated view of all your PFAs—across both AFAM and competitor systems. If you’re unsure whether the app is right for you, check out AFAM AlarmTech App, and our support team can help you get started whenever you’re ready. If you don’t have the app yet, you can still view Off-Normals for all AFAM-monitored sites directly in Solomon. PFA Details ScreenThe PFA Details screen is your main hub for site-specific information. From the login page, you can search PFAs by number, address, building name, or type. To open the full details, use the action button on the right-hand side of the PFA listing. PFA State History ExportFrom the PFA Details screen, you can export the PFA’s state history between selected dates as either a PDF or CSV. You can export:
PFA State Change MessagingWant to check who was notified about a particular event? Open Agent Messages in the State History view to see everyone who received alerts, along with hold times and reminders applied by the messaging strategy. If someone is missing or needs changing, just reach out to our support team and we’ll update it with you or for you. State Change & IoT Detector Level InformationAs you would expect Solomon provides access to both high-level state changes and detailed detector-level information. You can view:
IoT Detector Level Message DecodingYou might be a ninja at decoding the cryptic messages that come out of the panels and know exactly which token represents the zone state and index but if you’re not, don’t worry, we’ve got you. For panels with structured outputs, Solomon automatically breaks down message strings into meaningful components so you don’t have to decipher them manually. Floor Plans with Live IoT Detector Level InformationAs mentioned a few newsletters ago, floor plans with live IoT detector-level data are now available in the Service Agent sections of Solomon. You can view detector locations, current states, and state history directly on the plan in real time. If you have floor plans (such as “as-built” drawings) with detector positions, it’s quick and simple to load them. Just contact our support team and we’ll guide you through it. And yes, this functionality is free to use. Coming Next WeekNext week, we’ll open the hood on our monitoring system—how it works, why it’s ultra-reliable, and some features you may not know about.
 Last Week
Getting StartedThe AlarmTech App is free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
If you’ve misplaced your login details, just reach out—we’ll help you recover them. Alarm NZ and JCA MessagingThe app supports not only AFAM messaging, but also Alarm NZ and JCA messaging. We’ve done this to benefit the wider industry. This way, service agents don’t need multiple apps—all your notifications appear in one place. To enable this:
Alarms, Notifications, and Off NormalsThe app keeps you updated on PFAs (fire alarms and sprinklers) and CTUs that are currently “off normal.” When a PFA changes state, it may:
Right now, the response depends on the event type. In the next release, you’ll be able to set your own preferences by event type.  PFA and CTU Details and HistoryFrom within the app, you can view:
For AFAM monitored PFAs, you’ll also find a one-click link into Solomon, our online portal, where you can add notes, hold messages, and access deeper system information.  DiagnosticsThe app also includes powerful tools to support CTU installations:
 SettingsIn the settings menu, you can:
In the upcoming version, you’ll also be able to fully customise your notification and alert preferences here. Coming Next WeekNext week we’ll cover CTU installation options, including:
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