JNALARM is a program written in QuickBasic for DOS (e.g. MS-DOS, PC-DOS, FreeDos), which basically turns your computer into an alarm panel. The inputs from the Contacts/PIRs/Sensors are wired directly into the computers Parallel port, while the outputs to relays which can be connected to bell-boxes etc are also connected to the Parallel Port. Version 1 of JNALARM was not released, as it had lots of serious bugs, very basic features and was basically rubbish. Version 2 is being developed now and is planned or does have the following features:

• Support for different user groups/levels (for example User and Engineer)
• File encryption to help prevent the config file from being compromised
• Serial modem support - to allow alarm company to dial in and change settings or run tests. Also, the system will be able to dial-out to the forthcoming JNALARM-Server (at Alarm company's premises/monitoring centre) to report errors or alarms.
• TCP/IP Support - to allow alarm company to connect in and change settings or run tests via the Internet or over a network. Also, the system will be able to connect out to the forthcoming JNALARM-Server (at Alarm company's premises/monitoring centre) to report errors or alarms.
• System Voice - The end-user no longer has to read the panel, it "speaks" to them
• Good stability and reliability over Version 1
• Full event logging
• Support for Honeywell Galaxy RIOs (Probably unlikely in Version 2)
• And more

File encryption and decryption routines are already up and working, which encrypt/decrypt files by using a simple method of changing the ASCII values of each character according to a pre-defined encryption key. Serial modem initiation routines are working, but full support is still in progress. TCP/IP support uses the Trumpet TCP Stack for communication, TCP/IP support is still in progress. The system voice is partially done, with several pre-recorded messages, and the ability to read out the vendor's pre-defined telephone number in the event of an error. Full logging is already incorporated.

If the Alarm Company wanted to connect to the end-user's panel, they could either use their modem, and a terminal program (e.g. HyperTerminal) or their Internet connection and a Telnet client (e.g. HyperTerminal or Windows Telnet Client). The reason behind allowing generic software to be used as the client, is so that the alarm system can be accessed from any operating system that supports either/or TCP/IP or the Serial ports on the computer (I would imagine it very difficult to find an operating system that doesn't support either of the two). Also it saves me having to write clients for the major operating systems.

Connection Scenarios

Support for the Honeywell Galaxy RIOs may not be finished in time for Version 2. From what i gather, the RIOs communicate on an RS485 serial line. A RS232C to RS485 converter will be needed for the computer to communicate with the RIOs, however, as Honeywell do not release any information on how to communicate with the RIOs, it will be mainly trial and error to develop working communication routines.

Security on the TCP/IP connection is going to be an issue, as passwords and data are sent in plain text, anyone in the world using a packet sniffer such as Tcpdump or Wireshark could easily eavesdrop on the connection and steal the system passwords/PINs. Therefore, using TCP/IP won't be recommended for use in a serious situation (I doubt this software would be anyway). A later version of JNALARM may include encryption, but this will require special client software to be made, so the choice of operating systems will be limited. Data on the Modem connection, like the TCP/IP connection, is also send in plain text, but this is not such as a problem, as telephone eavesdropping is rare.

System Requirements

JNALARM is a DOS based program, and so only requires a system with limited capabilities. Rough minimum specs are as follows:

• MS-DOS 5.0
• Standard IBM compatible PC
• CGA Graphics Card
• Standard Parallel Port
• Ethernet Card supported by a packet driver
• SoundBlaster compatible soundcard

JNALARM has been tested on the following system:

• Toshiba Libretto 110CT
• MS-DOS 7.1 (Windows 98)
• NeoMagic NM-2160 Graphics Card
• Yamaha OPL3 SA3 Sound Card (SoundBlaster compatible)
• 64MB RAM
• Xircom CreditCard Ethernet 10/100
• Intel Pentium MMX 233MHZ Processor
• ACPI Compliant System

Beta download coming soon