Q1: Is the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent a standalone security system?
A1: No, the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent is designed to integrate into existing security systems.

Q2: Will the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent damage hearing?
A2: Unless misused, the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent is not likely to damage a normal person's hearing. However, to protect safety as much as possible, do not use in any area in which a person might not be able to flee or otherwise avoid prolonged exposure. As an example, do not use around infants, small children, the elderly or other confined or limited mobility persons.

Q3: Is the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent a general-purpose speaker?
A3: No, the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent is an integrated sounder, which sounds upon application of 12 volts DC. The Dante is not capable of playing voices or other sound files.

Q4: How large of an area can a single unit protect?
A4: The range of the unit depends on room acoustics, but the deterrent effect generally extends out to 15-20 feet in front of the unit, and 7-10 feet to either side.

Q5: Can I use the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent with (whatever) security system?
A5: The Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent can be used with any security system that provides a 12 volt siren output that is capable of supplying at least 180 mA. If the fire tone is to be used, the panel must generate temporal-3 coding.

Q6: How does the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent compare to the “Ultrasonic Pain Field Generator” kits available on some electronics websites?
A6: These devices typically emit a near-ultrasonic signal in the range of 17-20 KHz, which is well outside the peak sensitivity band of human hearing, and are often derivatives of animal repellent devices. For this reason, such devices often require significantly more input power than Dante, and are known to produce an effect which is best described as annoying rather than acutely debilitating (similar to ultrasonic anti-loitering devices). In addition, many of these devices claim to generate output levels in excess of 130 decibels, which is unlikely to be possible with the transducers shown on the vendors’ websites (typically piezoelectric tweeters of the type used in PA systems). Even if such extreme sound levels could be generated, the potential for hearing damage would be unacceptably high. This is in contrast with Dante, which achieves a strong deterrent effect with minimal acoustic power by using a signal in the 2-4 KHz sensitivity band of the human ear.

Q7: How does the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent compare with the acoustic barrier devices sold as accessories to commercially-available security “fog cannons”?
A7: Practically all of such devices (especially those in a long, thin metallic housing with a curved metal screen across the front) are derivatives of the very expensive industrial acoustic deterrent with which the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent already competes. Such devices still require special power wiring and periodic battery replacement, and none are known to properly handle fire alarm signals emitted by dual-purpose panels, and all devices of this type are, to our knowledge, still more expensive than the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent.

Q8: If the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent can be wired to any existing 12v security system siren output, can I use it with a 12v battery outside of a security system and control it with a switch for a temporary barrier?
A8: Absolutely. Any 12v DC source (car, lawnmower or motorcycle batteries, or even the battery from a UPS) will drive the Stronghold Acoustic Deterrent. Just make sure that if the battery is being charged that the voltage doesn't exceed 14 volts. The average current while sounding is about 180 mA, so it will run for a long time on even a small battery.