The Tx, which is a small, light , robust pendant with a big push button for easy alarm triggering, provides a link to a social alarm-monitoring centre or assistance provider. Typically, when the battery runs out in a normal pendant the whole unit would have to be replaced, as Julian Kuczala of Bosch explains: “Whilst the battery usually last a few years, the cost of replacing the pendant would be around £40. However, with the design of the Tx pendant and its use of replaceable batteries at the cost of less than £1, there are considerable costs savings to be made over the lifetime of our social alarm systems.”

The negligible cost of the replacement battery, compared to a replacement pendant, also means the operation of the alarm need not be compromised, as there will be no need to delay the purchase of a replacement due to the cost. “The new format could further save the service provider time and money,” continues Julian. “Battery replacement can be factored into
scheduled visits rather than having to make unplanned trips with replacement pendants once the one in operation has reached its critical replacement stage.”

The Tx Pendant is just one element of the new Carephone 62 system, which has been developed for people who want to lead independent lives in their own homes whilst still feeling secure and safe in the knowledge that help is available when needed. The reliability of the Carephone 62 system is underpinned by the Carephone unit which receives the radio
transmitted alarm from which it is immediately transmitted to a 24-hour staffed monitoring centre.

The Carephone 62 conforms to protection class IP32 with a design that significantly reduces the risk of damage from spilled liquids, dust and dirt and complies with all relevant standards including EN 50134 and EN 300200, as well as considerably stricter national certifications. It features a highly selective, sensitive Class 1 receiver to minimise interference, providing greater security for users.

The new Tx unit is compliant with BS8521. The radio link between the social alarm unit and the Tx is automatically monitored with faults reported to the receiver. The body of the Tx is waterproof (IP67) and it can be worn as a medallion, an elastic wrist strap or clipped to clothing. Also, like the previous model, the pendant’s LED lights up when the alarm is set off and when the battery is low.