Sentinel Marine Alarm System

The Sentinel Marine Alarm System is an effective and easy to install theft deterrent system. Designed specifically for marine use, it combines proven security system components with novel technical advances to provide a system which is well suited for the harsh environment experienced at sea. Particular care has been paid to construction the system of non corrosive materials wherever possible.

Typical security systems for marine use are based on either car alarm systems or systems intended for household use. The marine environment it too harsh for automotive alarm systems. The high humidity and salt air will quickly corrode metal enclosures, switches will become intermittent and the systems will in general become unreliable. Automobile alarms also lack the sophistication required for an effective marine installation. Top quality household alarm systems can be adapted for marine use but tend to be expensive and perhaps overkill for most applications. Unless specifically selected, they will also exhibit difficulties due to the salt environment.

The Sentinel System was created to fill the need for a small, effective and reliable alarm system for cruising boaters. The original system has had over 2 years of continuous use and is currently making its second trip in the Caribbean aboard a Freedom 35. About 15 other systems have been installed on vessels ranging from a 27 feet to 45 feet, presently located from the Caribbean to New England.

So what is it anyway? What's Included?

The standard Sentinel System consists of a control console, a PIR-type motion detector, a proprietary DinkLink monitor, a control switch box, and siren. The system can be installed as a standalone system, requiring only vessel power or additionally wired into the ship's lighting system as a additional indicator of alarm. A fused wiring harness and cable sufficient for a normal installation is included. All components are prewired and are ready to use. Special wiring and other options are available. Installation typically takes only a few hours.

The Brain

The control box is mounted below deck in a secure location. This console is the brain of the system and should be installed in a location that has easy access to the ship's electrical system.

All wires from the system terminate in a set of clearly labeled terminal strips beneath the console's removable cover. An indicator light shows that the system is alive and a test switch allows the system to be periodically tested.

System Control

The system is controlled via a simple on/off switch that is designed to be concealed below decks. Some users have chosen to located this switch in a cockpit locker, others within the vessel's cabinetry below deck. This switch controls the arming and disarming of the system in its various modes of operation.

The Eye

A commercial household type passive infrared (PIR) motion detector has been selected as a below decks sensor. This offers an esthetically pleasing and effective intrusion detector with minimal installation requirements. Certain care must to taken when selecting sensor placement to minimize the likelihood of false alarms that can be caused by direct sunlight crossing the sensor face. In all instances, locations where the sensor both protect the vessel cabin and is highly immune to false alarms has been achieved.

DinkLink

Perhaps one of the most exciting features of the Sentinel System is the DinkLink. This novel sensor maintains watch over the dinghy and outboard - indeed any on-deck equipment that a cable can be passed through.

The DinkLink monitors the integrity of a cable which is looped through the dinghy and outboard. The cable is tolerant of movement yet if the link is broken the system is triggered. A typical application runs the cable through the dinghy and outboard when they are tied astern of the mother vessel.

The DinkLink electronics are mounted at the vessel stern. While mounting within a locker or in some other protected location is preferred, the electronics are epoxy potted and can be located in somewhat more exposed locations. All electrical terminations are made prior to potting - the only connections made onsite are to connect and disconnect the cable. All connections are made of plastic (including the cable itself) and are rugged and non-corrosive.

The special cable is an plastic optical fiber overjacketed with a black sleeve. We have twisted, bent, and crushed it, and indeed, it can be made to fail. Even so, it is capable of withstanding a fair level of abuse. A repair kit (requiring only a sharp knife) is included should the cable be damaged and made unusable. Spare cable is also available either as part of the spares kit or in bulk.

Siren

A solid state piezoelectric siren is included. It can be mounted either in a cockpit locker or below decks. It is not weather proof and should not be mounted where directly exposed to the elements. If mounted in the cabin it makes being there rather uncomfortable - certainly a reason to vacate if there was no other.

How is the System used?

The Sentinel System can be programmed to operate in several modes. In an instance where the owner might be leaving the boat taking the dink to town, the system can be armed to monitor for intrusion into the vessel cabin. Should the cabin mounted motion sensor detect an intrusion, the alarm will sound. After returning from town, the owner might elect to arm only the DinkLink allowing freedom of movement below decks while still protecting the dinghy. Before retiring for the evening, the system can be armed to respond to both the motion sensor and the DinkLink.

So what happens anyway?

Regardless of what mode for which the system is armed, the Sentinel provides a 60 second exit delay. An audible beeper indicates which mode the system has been armed. After the exit delay, the system constantly monitors the appropriate sensors. Once any sensor link is interrupted, the system enters a 15 second prealarm delay. A different beeper sequence reminds the owner to disarm the system. Should the system not be disarmed during the allotted 15 seconds, the siren is activated. If the system wired into the ships lighting system, the selected light circuit (spreader or deck lights recommended) is flashed at a once per second interval. After a 4 minute alarm period the system shuts down and rearms to protect against subsequent intrusions.

Anything Else?

All wiring supplied is suitable for marine use (fully tinned stranded copper). The system has solid state fuses internal to the control box to protect elements in the system. Should these fuses open due to a short circuit, they automatically reset after the short is removed. The remaining main system fuse is a standard 1/4 inch body fuse mounted in an inline fuse holder at the main power connection.

If desired a separate normally open switch (not included) can be installed as a panic switch. It can be used in two fashions, should the system be triggered, pressing the switch silences the alarm (the light circuit continues to flash and the system is still armed for subsequent triggers); alternatively, this switch can be used as a panic alarm. The siren will sound irrespective of the system arming state as long as the switch is depressed. If the system is armed, the light flashing circuit will continue to flash for 1 minute.

How hard is it to install?

The Sentinel System is intended to be installed in a matter of a few hours. The arm/disarm switch, siren, motion detector and DinkLink come prewired. It is necessary only to locate the respective units and then run the wires to the control box location. Two terminal strips (10 and 4 position) within the control box are used to make all system connections. If the user elects to connect to the ship's lighting circuits, a few more connections at the ship breaker panel are required.

I'm not an electrician - What should I do?

The installation instructions included with the Sentinel System are complete and verbose. They include wiring diagrams and complete troubleshooting instructions. Installing the Sentinel System is no more difficult than any regular piece of marine electronics. It does however, require direct connections to the ship's electrical system. If you are not comfortable with this kind of installation, we recommend that you find someone, that you trust, who is.

What else do I need to buy?

Every attempt has been made to make the Sentinel System complete. In addition to the basic electronic components, all wire harnessing, mounting screws, cable ties, solderless connectors - even spare fuses - are included in the regular kit. Should your installation require special harnessing, let us know in advance and longer harnesses can be provided.

Tell me again - What is included?

The Standard Sentinel System consists of: One Control Box with visual and audible indicators, One Passive Infrared Motion Detector with 25 feet of cable, One DinkLink Sensor with 25 feet of electrical cable and 50 feet of optical cable, One Siren with 20 feet of cable, One Arm/Disarm Switch with 10 feet of cable, One Lighting Harness with 10 feet of cable, One fused Battery Harness with 10 feet of cable, One Parts Kit containing a spare fuse, IR sensor data sheet, a cable repair kit with instructions, mounting screws, and cable ties. One Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

What about Warranty?

The Sentinel System is warranted for one year - almost no questions asked. Should a failure occur, we may request that the damaged component be returned so that we might understand what failed and why. Replacement components will be sent via UPS ground at our cost. Should you require faster shipping we ask that you pick up the shipping costs and any applicable customs duties if abroad.

What about spares?

A spare parts kit is available consisting of an additional 50 foot length of the optical cable with connectors. Other spares are also available.

Can I expand the system?

Certainly. It is possible to add any standard security-type sensor (magnetic relays, etc.). The system can be thought of as an alarm system having two zones. Additional motion sensors can be added to the primary zone. We do not recommend that sensors, other than motion sensors, be installed in the primary zone. This is because motion sensors automatically reset themselves. We want to maintain system readiness for subsequent intrusions should the system be triggered. A switched contact may not reset itself and would therefore mask the motion sensors ability to detect a subsequent intrusion. Switched contacts can be added to the secondary zone in series with the DinkLink sensor. This zone is automatically tested every time the system rearms itself. If the zone is open, it no longer is monitored until the system is reset. We will be happy to provide additional sensors or to instruct you on how to wire additional sensors into the system.

So the Sentinel System will keep me from getting ripped off, right?

Sorry, we can't guarantee that. What the Sentinel System can do though is help alert you to the fact that someone is trying to rip you off. Diligence and common sense are required on your part, just as always, to keep your belongings secure. Additionally you must maintain and use the Sentinel System in order for it to be effective. Maintenance requires that you occasionally test the sensors, the controller, the siren and be sure that they are indeed performing as intended. The DinkLink cable while rugged, must be cared for. Should it be crushed, the cable can be damaged. A cable repair kit is included in the system should this be necessary.

Oh yeah, how much?

The Sentinel System sells complete for $399 (USD) plus shipping and handling.

How can I get more information or order a system?

We can be contacted via telephone at (800) 828-5331 or (508) 420-4292 (8AM to 9PM, Eastern time, 7 days a week or leave message) or fax at (508) 420-3494 or write to: Marine Sentinel Systems, PO Box 1020, Cotuit, MA 02635, or, send email to bhersey@sentinel-systems.com. We accept VISA, Mastercard, and American Express.