MAP offers the combination of a unique technology with broader applications, safety for the asset and better economics than other object-specific security solutions, including CCTV and motion or vibration sensors, either on RFID or standard security systems. MAP is the only object-specific security system that is capable of protecting very small objects, since what is placed on the asset is a tiny magnet as opposed to the sensor. This offers enormous flexibility in application to almost any stationary object. MAP is safer for the object since batteries don’t come in contact with and can’t endanger the fabric of the asset. The initial expenditure and life cycle costs are significantly lower than, in particular, RFID systems. Further, a MAP sensor can be used to protect multiple small-seated objects when grouped together on a surface.

The comprehensive nature of MAP makes it ideal for protecting most stationary art and objects, both hanging and seated. Besides works of art, other valuable assets include antiques, wine, jewelry, tapestry, guns, collectibles, specie, memorabilia and equipment.

Generally the working distance in a building is 400 ft. and can be increased with the aid of inexpensive repeaters. However, distances will depend largely on the construction and configuration of a building.

Rare earth magnets come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from a tiny 2 mm disk to a large cube, which allows for discreet placement on anything from a piece of jewelry to an outdoor sculpture and varying distances between magnet and sensor. For instance, magnets can be sewn to a fabric or tapestry with a single thread. Or large magnets can be placed as much as 2 ft. from the sensor.

We thoroughly review your entire installation with you and supply multiple magnets that are most appropriate for each particular asset.

There are a number of adhesives that can be employed for safe attachment of the magnet to the protected object, as well as the sensor to a supporting surface. Normally securing the magnet with museum wax and the sensor with double-sided pH neutral tape is sufficient. In cases where there is concern about adhering the magnet to a delicate surface, fresh wheat or rice paste can be employed. Art Guard’s staff is well versed in options and sensitive to delicate applications.

MAP is a safe and effective security solution with no risk of damage to objects from the magnet, sensor or Art Guard-approved adhesives. Neodymium magnets are nickel-coated. There is no chemical reaction between the surface of a protected object and the magnet. Conservation adhesive, discussed above, further separates the magnet from the fabric of the object. Another major distinction of MAP is that the battery-powered sensor does not touch the protected object, eliminating concerns about battery leakage. Conventional motion/vibration sensors containing batteries are attached directly to the protected object. Art Guard is committed to the protection and preservation of fine objects. The entire MAP system has undergone extensive testing and review by qualified experts to insure that the integrity of objects is maintained.

No, once the sensor recognizes a particular magnet a logarithmic relationship is established with that magnet. Moving another magnet into the sensor’s capture field will trigger an alert.

The loss of magnetism over many years is almost negligible and not enough to change the relationship with the sensor. 

MAP sensors can be used indefinitely. They operate with two replaceable coin cell batteries with 4-5 years of life and a low battery alert. Continuous movement during set up or after, for cleaning or re-installation, should be avoided since this causes transmission and can accelerate a drain on the batteries.

MAP is designed to meet the security needs of any facility displaying art or valuable objects, from private collections, i.e. residences, to institutional settings, e.g. museums, galleries, corporations, religious institutions, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and government facilities, in short, any facilities displaying art or objects.

As long as the MAP sensor can be installed out of sight and the magnet can be placed within an operating distance of the sensor, MAP can be used to protect objects out of doors. The MAP sensor can be placed in a waterproof plastic bag if exposed to the weather. The transmission distance of the MAP sensor to an indoor panel is 400 ft. without the aid of a repeater.

The entire system can be disarmed and re-armed or individual sensors can be temporarily bypassed and re-activated by entering a user code. The security installer should include these in his operation instructions.

Art Guard is working with the major providers of policies for art and other valuable assets toward reduced premiums. Many are already advising their clients on use of MAP to protect their assets.

Art Guard wants to ensure that every consideration is given to choosing the correct system and magnets for any given application. Therefore we encourage a conversation to answer questions and cover certain details before shipping.

There is no limit on the number of sensors that can be employed. The quantity will determine the specific panel or whether panels are installed in series.

Any number of additional sensors can be installed at any time and may only require additional panel capacity.

The biggest distinction is that the MAP System is a plug-and-play system. Sensors are shipped pre-enrolled in the panel, which can simply be plugged into a power outlet and connected to a router for primary IP communication with cellular as back-up or as the primary communications. A Wi-Fi card is optional. No security installer is necessary. And the MAP System must be monitored. The MAP System is intended largely for private residences, galleries and small institutional facilities where the convenience of a self-managed system is preferred. It’s also ideal for traveling shows with the only change being the monitoring address.

No, there is no connection. The MAP System is dedicated to protecting art and assets, so it stands alone in case of failure or compromise of the main system. Most art security consultants will advise that serious art protection be separate and discrete.

At a minimum, emails and texts can be generated and sent to any number of people through data only monitoring. Phone calls to multiple parties, including the police or a security responder, can be added to this. The panel can be set to beep and or sound an alarm, or these features can be turned off. Up to eight wireless alarms can also be plugged into wall sockets at various locations.

MAP’s RF signal is converted to a 128 bit encrypted signal making it unequivocally safe.

The Art Guard/Helix panel has a GSM cellular card, enabling immediate and complete back-up communication. A Wi-Fi card can also be installed but its effectiveness depends on specifics of the location.

Convenience first. Complete management of the system can be done from a computer or mobile device through an online interface or free app. Second, safety. With three means of communication the integrity of the System is carefully maintained against hacking and failure. Third, cost. As a plug-and-play package, there is no need for a security installer or wires to be run. Fourth, flexibility. Since the System is wireless, options for locating the panel increase significantly. And last, privacy. As a plug-and-play system, fewer people are involved in the installation and fewer need to know of its existence. The MAP System operates discretely as a secondary security layer when the main security is on and the primary security when the main security is disarmed.

Safe Hook is a stand-alone, object-specific solution that provides dependable primary security for smaller facilities where the threat of theft is during daytime operation and someone can respond to the 120 decibel alarm. For larger facilities with cameras and perimeter security that is off during operating hours, Safe Hook provides back-up protection. Safe Hook is often used by major museums to protect individual hanging pieces on loan to the institution and by galleries with unsupervised traffic and during openings.

Safe Hook has no connection to other security and will not interfere with installed security
systems but will enhance the entire security program. For larger facilities with cameras and
perimeter security that are off during operating hours Safe Hook provides economical back-up
protection.

Very reliable. Safe Hook sensors are highly resistant to tampering and have never
experienced a failure. Art Guard designed Safe Hook with ease of use in mind, thus minimizing
the possibility of human error from installation through maintenance. The module has a full
year of life with 2 standard AAA batteries and two years with lithium batteries and emits a low
battery alert.

Minimal. In order to set off the alarm, the protected painting or object must be lifted, indicating a deliberate attempt to steal it. Less deliberate movement, like simply touching it or straightening the frame, will not set off the alarm, thereby mitigating the chance for false alarms.

In order to disarm Safe Hook, the pin on the end of the Safe Hook strap must be re-inserted in the bottom of the sensor. If the painting is large enough, you may be able to pull it away from the wall without lifting it and provide enough room to reach in and insert the pin. For smaller works, you will have to lift the piece and set off the alarm to quickly insert the pin.

Some of the world’s most prestigious museums make Art Guard Safe hook a staple of their security protocol. These include NYC’s Morgan Library, The National Gallery in Washington and the Fondazione Musica in Rome.

No. The Safe Hook is completely safe to use and will not compromise the integrity of the artwork. Developed with safety in mind, the contoured plastic cover prevents punctures of paper-backed frames. Importantly, the batteries never come in contact with the art.