MINERVA - MZX Technology Upgrade Information

The Minerva® system was introduced in 1989 and although the system is obsolescent, it will be fully supported with spares for some years yet. Many customers will, for various reasons, opt to replace the complete fire detection system. This may be part of a building refurbishment or planned system upgrade. If the Minerva® system is upgraded to an MX Technology® system, Tyco Safety Products will buy back the old equipment by crediting an agreed amount for each system component (See MS4085 Minerva® Upgrade Plan & Minerva® Product Recycling). Most, but not all Minerva® system components are included in the scheme.

There are several thousand Minerva® systems in service and many are due for replacement. The MAU provides an economical solution for upgrades that require a high level interface for the duration of the upgrade for example if the upgrade is to extend over a prolonged period of time.

A number of different upgrade strategies can be offered to the customer and the preferred solutions are:-

1. Single-stage upgrade – Suitable for smaller system upgrades
2. Simple Minerva® to MX Technology® Interface – Suitable for larger upgrades carried out over a short period of time
3. High Level Minerva® to MX Technology® Interface – Uses the MAU and is suitable for upgrades over an extended period of time
4. Repeater with High Level Minerva® to MX Technology® Interface – Similar to strategy 3 above but specifically suited to architecturally sensitive areas
5. Minerva® to MX Technology® Bridge – For all network upgrades

New Minerva® Adapter Unit

The Minerva® Adaptor Unit (MAU) is designed specifically for Minerva® to MX Technology® interfacing during an upgrade and comprises two modules that can be ordered separately. The CCU3/C-MX Bridge network interface module with enhanced firmware and the Minerva® H-Bus Communications Drive Module (CDM). The CCU3/C-MX Bridge product is now being shipped with Version 4.04 firmware which enables the direct connection of the CCU3 Bridge to an MX Technology® fire controller and direct connection to the older Minerva® range of fire controllers via the H-Bus Com Drive Module (CDM). No network cards are required in this configuration which saves cost, removes complexity and reduces installation and commissioning time.

A new “Minerva® Upgrade Plan” section of the TycoEMEA.com website is under construction which will be the focal point for all Minerva® upgrade issues including application and design guides, installation manuals, sales tools and training presentations. A Sales Information Document (SID) has been published so you can familiarise yourself with all aspects of Minerva® upgrade and the opportunities it presents.