The AlarmTech App is free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

1. Install the app.
2. Log in with your AFAM credentials.
3. See your messages instantly.

If you’ve misplaced your login details, just reach out—we’ll help you recover them.

The 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:

• Contact us to get an AFAM email address.
• Ask Alarm NZ or JCA to add that address to their notifications.
• Their messages will then flow directly into the app.

The app keeps you updated on PFAs (fire alarms and sprinklers) and CTUs that are currently “off normal.”

When a PFA changes state, it may:

• Alarm – triggers a sound and must be acknowledged in the app.
• Notify – plays a notification sound.
• Log silently – added to the off-normal list.

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.

From within the app, you can view:

• PFA details
• CTU details
• Keyholder contacts
• Recent event history

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.

The app also includes powerful tools to support CTU installations:

• Android & iOS – Map showing nearby One NZ, Spark, and 2Degrees towers to help decide CTU placement.
• Android only – Live cellular signal strength and quality metrics for fine-tuning aerial placement (Apple doesn’t allow access to this data).

In the settings menu, you can:

• Test alert functionality
• Review release notes
• Manage app permissions

In the upcoming version, you’ll also be able to fully customise your notification and alert preferences here.

Next week we’ll cover CTU installation options, including:

• When to choose in-panel vs. in-box installation
• Where to find guides and compatibility charts
• Tips for successful installations
• …and more!

2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G are different generations of cellular network technologies, each offering varying levels of speed, capacity, and capabilities. Here's a brief overview of each:

• 2G (2nd Generation): 2G technology introduced digital voice communication and text messaging (SMS) to mobile phones. It provided basic data services such as email and limited internet access at slow speeds. 2G networks are mainly used for voice calls and text messaging.
  
• 3G (3rd Generation): 3G networks improved data transfer rates significantly compared to 2G. They allowed for faster internet browsing, video calling, and multimedia services. 3G networks were the first to provide broadband-like speeds on mobile devices.
  
• 4G (4th Generation): 4G networks brought substantial improvements in data speeds and overall network performance. They enabled high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and other data-intensive applications. 4G was a significant step towards the mobile internet we use today.
  
• 5G (5th Generation): 5G is the latest generation of cellular technology, designed to offer even higher data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously. It promises to support advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In New Zealand all of the cellular networks have announced plans to shut down their 3G networks to free up resources for the newer technologies. There's a summary below for each network with their plans for 3G. One NZ is the only network in New Zealand currently offering 2G services.

Spark
Spark have announced that they'll be closing down the 3G network towards the end of 2025.
See details here Spark 3G shutdown.

One NZ
One NZ have announced that they'll start to shutdown their 3G network from September 2024.
See details here One NZ 3G shutdown.

2Degrees
2Degrees have also announced they will be shutting down their 3G network towards the end of 2025.
​See 2Degrees 3G shutdown.

Careful placement of aerials, also known as antennas, is of paramount importance for ensuring cellular connections perform well. This is due to several reasons:

• Signal Strength: The primary function of an antenna is to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. By positioning antennas thoughtfully, maximum signal strength can be achieved. This translates into better call quality, faster data speeds, and overall improved performance for cellular users.
• Signal Quality: The placement of antennas directly influences signal quality. For instance, when antennas are installed indoors or in areas with significant obstructions, they may lead to weaker signals and potential signal reflections, ultimately causing signal degradation.
• Avoiding Shadow Zones: Antennas must be strategically positioned to minimize the existence of "shadow zones" where the cellular signal becomes weak or non-existent. These areas are typically formed by obstacles such as tall buildings or natural features. Careful antenna placement plays a pivotal role in mitigating these issues and ensuring more consistent reception.

Consider the following when locating aerials:
Location

• External windows or near external walls are best, the less walls the signal passes through the better. Each wall degrades the signal by up to 97%. 
• Keep out of basements where possible, these are concrete and will degrade the signal, often requiring an external aerial to be fitted.
• Do not stick patch aerials on metal surfaces ie FAP

Height

• Height is everything when connecting to the cellular network. Install the aerial as high as you can to avoid interruptions.

Placement & Direction

• For Fixed & Patch aerials - Install both aerials vertical and parallel, at a distance of 150-350mm apart.

Interruptions

• People or vehicles can interrupt the cellular signal, keep the aerials high and away from high traffic areas.
• Areas with high RF can also cause interruptions, try to keep away from switchboards/data rooms etc. if possible.

Materials

• Glass is ideal for allowing the RF signal to pass through. Installing the patch aerials on a window is the best internal location.
• Steel blocks RF signal, try to keep the aerials away from steel beams, sprinkler pipes etc.