Early warning systems are indispensable, and Bruker has developed a detection and warning system that will respond to the slightest trace of chemical threat materials in the air. Designated TIMON is designed for covert operation, and to emulate a piece of electrical switchgear. TIMON detection systems sample the air at a selected point and will send an alarm to a remote control room if a chemical weapon agent or a toxic industrial chemical substance is detected. The detection instrument can be located at the sampling point, or up to 15 metres from that point so that the sampling point can, itself, be installed covertly. Distances between the detector and the control room can range from a few metres to over 90 metres, and this can be extended significantly by fibre optic communication.