Avon-ISI has developed the new Viking Z 7 that has some new features that each user must be aware of

ISI has developed the new Viking Z 7 that has some new features that has added benefits for everyone in the fire service. The new electronics uses a wireless network that communicates data between the control console and the PASS alarm assembly, eliminating a set of wires on the SCBA. Because these components are wireless, they have a discrete frequency that the control console and PASS send data to each other. Every console must be matched to an individual PASS. By using this type of wireless network, it eliminates cross communications from other SCBA’s in near proximity of each other.

ISI has chosen a proprietary wireless system to transfer this data. There are several major features that make this system beneficial for the fire service. This wireless system operates at 2.4GHz and is Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum ( DSSS). This means that it is a wide bandwidth with low noise network. This translates into the Viking DSSS system being immune to noise, resistant to other radio frequencies and no lost communications. This is the most efficient way to transmit data without loosing the signal, and it consumes less battery power. The current Viking draws 220ma of power. Using the Viking DSSS system in the same configuration only uses 100ma of power, which is a 55% drop in power consumption. This translates into greater battery life. Bluetooth technology is an excellent way to transmit voice and video, but this technology would use 75 % more power, greatly reducing battery life. The same DSSS wireless network is being used in new home construction, known as smart homes, where electronic appliances transmit data to a central location within the home and in office buildings with automated tracking devices. Each devise can be monitored from a central location. Because of this technology, in the future, a fire fighter could be tracked inside a home or building by local positioning by receiving a signal from the electronic devises. This wireless system is an extremely flexible platform, making it easy to be reconfigurable and to add addition features.

PASS: The new NFPA standard states that the alarm level must be 95 db while at 500 F temperature and ten feet from the SCBA. ISI meets this standard and protects the alarm by placing the alarm assembly inside a sealed container and then placed inside the two-piece backframe. The alarm has its own battery supply and because this system is part of the wireless network, battery life is extended. The alarm assembly also features a secondary motion sensor resetting the PASS time clock or resetting the pre-alarm from either the control console or Pass alarm assembly. Once the cylinder valve is opened, the control console will activate within three seconds and the PASS assembly will activate within another three seconds after the control console is activated. A sequence of chirps will signal activation of each assembly.

Data Logging: When the PASS assembly is activated, a time and date stamp will record this event. Events are: 1. the time PASS is turned “ON”, 2. time PASS is in pre-alarm, 3. time PASS is in full alarm, either activated manually or electronically, and 4. the time PASS is turned ‘off’. The system can store 2000 events before the first event is lost. Users can down load every event wirelessly by purchasing ISI wireless network software kit. The kit includes the software, cable and wireless card. Users must have use of a computer.

Control Console: ISI has developed a new Control Console. Over the last seven years the previous Vikings had a black box inside the backframe and a control console to operate the electronic features. The new control console now operates the complete electronic features from this console, elimination the black box inside the backframe. The only electronics inside the backframe is the PASS alarm. Six AA batteries power the control console and because this is part of the wireless network, battery life is extended. The Control Console now has a H/P hose coming from the pressure reducer and connecting into the control console with a transducer to take pneumatic pressure and converting it into an electronic signal to display pressure on the HUD inside the facemask. The Control Console has a radio communications fitting to control the user’s radio and a PTT (push to talk) button to transmit via radio. The radio must have an optional radio interface cable to use this system. The console also includes the motion sensor for the PASS. The Control Console has two L.E.D. lights; one displays battery status of the console and the other shows PASS “on” or PASS in alarm. The facemask connection is still compatible to the older Viking’s, but the connection is a solid fixture, allowing for an easier connect and disconnect feature. The new console and PASS assembly meets the new NFPA standard. The test consists of heating the two assemblies to 350º F for 15 minutes and submersing in 5 ft of water for 15 minutes. After each test, the electronics must function. The test is then repeated six times.

VAS: The voice amplification system (VAS) is a voice-activated system. The benefit of having voice activation is that delaying the activation point of the internal microphone can reduce the breathing noise. If you raise the VAS level, users must speak louder to activate the microphone. The point of activation can be set for each individual’s preference. The new ISI Control Console has two buttons on the upper part of the front cover. The S (shift key) button must be depressed, which will activate lights on the HUD showing the preset of the VAS. To change the previous setting, continue holding in on the “S” button and push the PTT (push to talk) button and the HUD light will activate another light.

The light sequence will be: red light only “on”, microphone activates with light voice level, but breathing noise will be constant.

Red and yellow light “on”, microphone activates with minor increase in voice level, but breathing noise is slightly reduced.

Red, yellow and green light “on”, microphone actives with moderate increase in voice level, but breathing noise is moderately reduced.

Red, yellow and both green lights “on”, microphone actives with a firm voice level, but breathing noise is greatly reduced.

Fire fighters now have a choice of VAS settings; presetting their personal preference and it will only take a few second to set this level.

Battery Life: Because ISI is using a wireless DSSS technology, battery life is extended by the power saving components of this system. PASS pre-alarm will be greatly reduces by having two motion sensors, one in the control console and the other inside the center section of the backframe. Any movement will be detected by either sensor or both and reset the pre-alarm clock prior to an alarm, again reducing battery consumption.

Program Features: The Control Console and the PASS assembly, even though they are a wireless assembly, are mated together. The components have a discreet frequency that they communicate on, that no other paired assembly has. If a component fails, there is a label inside the battery compartment that displays a “PAN #”. This number must be programmed into the replacement assembly by ISI for the components to recognize the other assembly. This program feature is available to ISI Service Centers and fire departments that want to have the ability to do their own repairs and electronic component replacements.

New Display (ISI SmartLink): Monitors battery status, cylinder pressure, temperature, day and time, events logged, link status to TEAMS, PASS, Display, PIN # for TEAMS, calibration values, MAC and PAN numbers.

There have been numerous upgrades to the new Viking Z 7 for the new NFPA 1981 and 1982 Standard, 2007 Edition. Below is a list of improvements or changes that have been incorporated into the new Viking Z 7 SCBA.

Proprietary wireless network.

Wireless network resistant to other radio transmissions.

Wireless network has discreet frequencies, eliminating interference from another SCBA.

Reduced battery consumption (after field testing, ISI will have some real battery life times).

Robust electronics to meet new NFPA Standards of heat and submersion test.

Wireless communications to PASS alarm, eliminating added wires.

Analog Gauge for redundant backup system.

PASS alarm protected inside backframe

Only one PASS alarm to meet the 95 db at 500º F standard , again reducing battery consumption.

Data logging of PASS status including operation time, activation of pre-alarm and full alarm.

Control Console displays low battery and PASS activation or alarm.

Preset VAS levels on Control Console.

TWO motion detectors for PASS (control console & Pass alarm)

Radio communication plug integrated into control console

Newly designed electronic and pneumatic connection below facemask for easier connection.

Newly designed cylinder band, for quick and easy adjustments to fit all cylinders.

Downloadable software to retrieve data logging and electronic upgrades wirelessly.

The Z 7 will be available in the following configurations only.

Facemask: AirSwitch with double curve only, net harness only, three sizes.

RDV with double curve facemask only, net harness only, three sizes

Second Stage Regulator: AirSwitch or RDV.

Cylinders: All available

Options: Airline with Hansen HK and CEJN

PASS, TEAMS, radio interface, VOX

Z7 Features