Checkpoint Systems “For Dummies” (part II)

There is the possibility of a Checkpoint security system going into alarm without someone actually stealing something. This is because Checkpoint systems are tuned and manufactured to alarm when they see 8.2 MHz. While it is a unique frequency, many things in an environment can produce, if only for a moment, the frequency the system is trying to receive. Let’s go back to the analogy of the radio in your car. Sometimes when you are driving and you pass underneath the big high voltage power lines or a semi-truck passes you, you will here static on your radio. The same is true for Checkpoint security systems. “Static” on occasion could cause a system to false alarm but instead of it being high voltage power lines it could be the vibration in the electric door.

Checkpoint labels are made up of a coil of metal specifically designed to alarm Checkpoint security systems. Any merchandise that does not have Checkpoint labels attached to them will not alarm if stolen. I know this might seem silly to some people but there is an assumption by some that an electronic article surveillance system has the ability to “know” when an item has or has not been purchased. These Checkpoint systems are not integrated directly to the point of sale or use telepathy to determine whether or not an item has been properly purchased.

Once someone has placed Checkpoint labels on the merchandise of their choosing, that item will alarm the Checkpoint security system if not deactivated. The deactivation process takes place at the point of sale. What happens is a deactivation device is placed under the counter or inside the scanner of a cash register. This device emits an RF field similar to that of the Checkpoint security systems antennas at the front door. Unlike the field at the front, this field is significantly stronger but in a more confined space. When a label passes through the invisible field, the RF energy being created causes the coil of metal inside the label to be physically altered. Once this has taken place the Checkpoint labels are no longer at 8.2 MHz and will no longer alarm a Checkpoint security system.

To be continued…

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For more information on Checkpoint security systems, Checkpoint labels or Checkpoint systems contact us at Checkpoint security system or call 1-770-426-0547