Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked a multitude of questions in our training classes, which we appreciate. But a few questions pop up almost every time. Here are some of our most common questions and answers.

ATD FAQ

What is Acoustic Threat Detection?

Acoustic Threat Detection (ATD) uses artificial intelligence to detect and localize threats to public safety. Using a sensor in conjunction with a PTZ surveillance camera, ATD let’s you hear and see threats through your VMS or access control system  as soon as they happen.

What can the ATD sensor detect?

Threats can include gunshots, elevated voices, fireworks, explosions, shattering glass, and more.

How does ATD detect a threat?

In short, ATD listens for spikes in noise frequencies. As soon as ATD is installed, it begins listening to learn what constitutes a normal noise frequency wherever it is placed. This helps to ensure accuracy whether you are monitoring a busy city street or a quiet campus. When a gunshot or other detectable danger with a higher-than-normal noise frequency is heard by the sensor, you’ll be alerted in real-time.

Does the sensor detect human voices?

The sensor can detect elevated human voices (yelling, screaming, etc.) that are loud enough to fall outside of the noise frequency detected during normal times.

Does the sensor ‘listen’ all of the time?

Sensors listen to the sound of their environment continuously so they can identify anomalies in the expected noise frequency. However, they do not record all of the time. This preserves people’s right to privacy.

How many sensors do I need?

It depends on the layout and size of the area being covered. We’ll customize a solution to meet your needs.

Is there a minimum number of sensors required for installation?

There are no minimums! We work with establishments of all sizes. Use as many or as few ATD sensors as needed to ensure no threat on your premises goes undetected.

Has AcoustiSense technology been tested?

Our AcoustiSense technology that fuels ATD has been used to protect global military troops in combat for the last 25 years. The technology has evolved through the years, and now we are introducing it to the civilian arena.

What does it cost?

Packages are customized to meet your needs. Connect with us to get a quote.

Where do you put it?

ATD can be mounted just about anywhere. Walls and light poles are a couple of common examples, but ATD can adapt to any location thanks to flexible mounting options.

Reliability FAQ

Where can I find Fixturlaser Dials app?

The app is available free of charge from both App Store and Google Play. It works on full size tablets as well as iPhone and Android phones. There are currently no version available for Windows Mobile phones.

I have a different fixture setup, can I use the app?

  • The app can be used if you are using the reversed rim method. As the app is currently designed it only supports the setup where both dials are on the same side of the shaft.
  • If you have a setup where the dials are on the opposite side of the shaft, you can still use the app to help you with the calculations BUT you will need to reverse the sign of the numbers you read off the dial sitting on the opposite side from what the app is showing you. I.e. if the M dial is positioned at 6 o’clock, while the app shows it to be at 12 o’clock, and the dial is pointing at 30 you will need to enter -30 in the app.

I get the an offset error of 4.5 – Is that in Inch??

  • When you work with the app set in imperial measures (inch) we express the angular error as mils/inch, or thousands of an inch/inch and the offset error as mils, or thousands of and inch.
  • 1 mils, or 1 thou = 0.001 inch
  • This can be confusing, especially if you are in a company where you have a mix of imperial and metric dimensions. Using the therm ‘mils’ can easily be perceived as an abbreviation for millimeter. This can cause major problems. So be careful how you express yourself. ?

What does the angular error mean?

  • The angular error is expressed as mm/100mm. We call it a measure of slope or rise-over-run. (Check out this video)
  • You can also see it as a measure of coupling gap.
    • Example: If you have an angular result of -0.4mm/100mm you can see it as a coupling gap of 0,4mm if the coupling diameter is 100mm. The minus (-) sign means that the gap is on the top of the coupling, at the 12 o’clock position.

My measurement data is not saved

  • As default, the app will automatically try to save the measurement result as an image to your camera roll on your device. On iOS you must allow the app to access your photos. this question comes up on your screen the first time you use the app.
  • There is also a check box in the app’s tools menu (checked by default) that needs to be checked to automatically save the measurement.
  • If your data isn’t saved; make sure the checkbox is marked in the app’s tools menu and check that the app has access to your photos in your device’s Settings screen.

Sometimes on small machines, I don’t have enough room on the shaft to mount the laser. Can I mount it on the coupling hub instead?

Yes. As opposed to using rim and face measurements on dials, lasers measure the center of each shaft’s rotational centerline, so it doesn’t matter if one or both laser heads are on the shafts or the coupling hubs. As long as the beams are in the target, you can take the measurement. But make sure you are not mounted to the elastomer or the coupling covers.

Should I get the sensors as close to each other as possible?

No. Actually, the more distance between the sensors, the more sensitive to small movements they are. But in reality, most laser alignment tools can measure very small movements, so it really doesn’t matter.

When aligning a spacer shaft, do I input the middle of the spacer shaft as the center of the coupling?

No. With the NXA Professional, you can input each coupling center. The result will give you the angularity at each coupling. This is best when you need to know the alignment tolerance for each one. But if your laser doesn’t have a spacer shaft function, you can still achieve a good alignment. Instead of making the center of the spacer shaft the center measurement, choose one coupling or the other, and keep your angularity small.

The numbers on the screen-are they inches, or thousandths, or what?

They are mils. 1 mil=0.001” inches. Displaying in mils means you can show the values without so many character places. As an example:

-3.5 mil takes 4 characters. -0.0035” takes 8 characters.
Unless you are measuring in metric-then it’s millimeters.

Should I fix soft foot before I start, or last thing?

Yes! Fix it before you begin the process of precision alignment, but always be aware it could come back any time during the alignment process. All it takes is one bad shim, one small piece of grit, or one incorrect shim choice.

This machine has coupling hubs that taper from front to back. Will that affect the laser?

No. Just like when mounting one sensor on the hub, as long as the lasers can target each other, they can measure.

You teach that we should use a torquing pattern each time. Which foot is foot #1?

It does not matter, as long as you begin tightening with the SAME one each time. An easy way to remember this is to use a marker and write the numbers on foot bolt heads.

Is it best to check soft foot with the laser, with a dial indicator, or with a feeler gauge?

It’s a bit of a personal choice, but for me, I think using a feeler gauge, or shim, is the most accurate. If a 3 mil shim will go, but a 4 mil shim won’t, you can correct a soft foot within 1 mil. A dial indicator is good, but often the indicator and the wrench need to be in the same place. While using the soft foot program on a laser is a great way to find out if you have a soft foot, it may not give you the exact amount of shim needed, especially if the soft foot is angled. But it is the best way to find out if any residual soft food is going to cause a non-repeatability problem.

I have a problem but cannot find the answer here.

If you cannot find an answer to your shaft alignment related question in our FAQ, please contact us and we will respond to you as soon as we can.

Would you like to…?