29 October 2020
New added features and functionality for our leading VXI-CMOD
Already available in a number of countries in EMEA, the VXI-CMOD is our Full HD 180-degree camera module that easily integrates with our VX Infinity (VXI) sensor, creating a real-time App-based visual verification solution for residential and commercial outdoor security.
With a new firmware update the VXI-CMOD is now enabled with Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), which allows the live camera view to be streamed and recorded on a third party security system, such as NVR and VMS platforms. This provides an additional option to visually verify the event and centrally record it for identification of the intruder and reporting to the security authority.
Another development is the ability for customers to purchase the VXI-CMOD together with any of the VXI hardwired models as a kit. There are three bundles available:
- VXI-ST/CMOD – the standard hardwired kit, with camera module.
- VXI-AM/CMOD – the hardwired anti-masking kit, with camera module.
- VXI-DAM/CMOD – the hardwired dual-tech sensor kit, with camera module.
Please note the kits are currently only available in certain European markets, please check with your regional OPTEX representative for availability.
The assembly of the camera module and the sensor is very simple as explained in the following video:
Step by step guide - How to install a VXI-CMOD camera module
The VXI/CMOD kit can be used for both residential and commercial applications detecting intrusions in courtyards, gardens, driveways and secured car parks. The key benefit of this visual verification solution is to be triggered by an intelligent sensor. Providing a detection range of up to 12m and a 90° field of view, the outdoor PIR is equipped with digital analysis to discriminate most causes of false alarms such as weather changes, vegetation sway, pets, birds, or insects crawling on the lens.
How does the solution work?
When the sensor detects a vehicle or a person in the protected area, the integrated camera module is activated and it starts recording the event, as well as immediately sending a notification to the owners’ or property managers paired mobile phone(s) (iOS or Android) via the ‘OPTEX Vision’ app. Notifications can be received by multiple users simultaneously. By opening the app, the recipients can access the VXI-CMOD’s live view using the warping feature to zoom in and out and see sideways to identify what has triggered the alarm. Additionally, the audio and the stored recording (two-second pre-alarm and 28-second post-alarm) of the event can be accessed for verification.
Watch the following video to learn more about this security solution.
Discover VXI-CMOD product benefits
Outdoor Retail Security
Retail outlets and stores of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to theft and vandalism. While indoor intruder sensors will alert of an intruder already inside the premises, there are clear benefits of adding outdoor sensors to the security system.
It enables the ability to detect an intrusion before it happens, triggering lights and CCTV cameras, launching an audio warning, alerting the security staff, and acting as an active deterrent to thieves or vandals.
For most retail outlets, being situated in and surrounded by public areas can present a key security challenge, so it’s important than an outdoor solution can provide a detection area very close to the building. Here we explore a few options of intrusion detection within our range of solutions that can deliver outdoor security protection for retailers.
OPTEX curtain detection sensors can protect the store façade reliably alerting even when an intruder is leaning against the wall or window screens. Curtain detectors are available for one side detection – FTN Series – or both left/right detection – BXS Series - covering up to 24m in both directions and providing independent configuration for each side.
Panoramic sensors – WXI and WXS series – provide a 180-degree detection field with independent left/right configuration, and are an ideal solution to protect open spaces and roofs. Unsecured roofs can be an easy entry point for intruders crossing from an adjoining building and accessing the store or back office via skylights, balconies or side windows. Our intrusion detection sensors have the intelligence to adapt to the environment providing reliable detection even in locations prone to weather or temperature changes and can discriminate false alarms from small to middle size animals such as birds, cats and foxes, and detect only human intrusions.
Keep your business safe with OPTEX FTN, BXS and WXI Series
Our LiDAR technology with award-winning REDSCAN RLS-2020 provides a perfect solution when a higher level of detection and accuracy is required. Not affected by lighting and weather conditions, LiDAR functions in effect like an invisible wall or plane, defining the size and speed of movement of the object detected, allowing to discern genuine intrusions.
With the flexibility to be mounted either vertically or horizontally, detection areas can be customised to protect the store façade with a virtual wall, or the roof and skylight access with a virtual ceiling. Within the detection area different zones can be created allowing for different alarm outputs, for instance enabling a pre-warning zone by the main entrance, for deliveries, or a high threat zone by the back office, where valuable goods and inventory are kept.
Unlike cameras, LiDAR does not depend on an external light source and hence its detection will not be affected by darkness or bright sunlight. One further advantage of LiDAR is how it can guide cameras, pointing accurately to the right location of the detection, feeding the X and Y coordinates so they can point to the exact location where the intruder or object is detected and track across zones, assisting in a faster response by the security staff.
Benefits and applications of LiDAR technology for outdoor retail protection
Batteries for our wireless active infrared beams
When our engineers designed our battery-operated active infrared beams, they specified what type of batteries will ensure the best performance and longevity. For all our active beams series, we recommend using the Lithium-based D size LSH-20, 3,6V batteries produced by SAFT.
Why we recommend using Lithium-based rather than Alkaline batteries?
Whilst Alkaline batteries are good for everyday electronic devices at home, they are not suited for our professional security sensors as they can’t provide a voltage high enough to power them. Additionally, Lithium based batteries last longer and they can withstand colder temperature which is a key benefit as our beams are installed in an outdoor environment. It is key not to compromise on the performance of a security system; investing in the correct batteries to ensure the functioning of the system should be part of the quality process.
What are the risks if alternative batteries are used?
If systems are installed using alternative batteries to the LSH-20, a number of issues can happen. First of all, the battery-operated infrared beams may simply not power up. Another issue is that different manufacturers of Lithium batteries will have a slightly different length of connectors meaning they will not fit correctly in the battery-holder. While the system might be working to start with, the connection would come loose, and the beams will stop working.
How many batteries are needed for each OPTEX beam model?
- For the AX-TFR series: A total of four LSH-20 batteries are required, two for the receiving beams and two for the transmitting beam. The batteries can last on average three to five years.
- For the SL-QFR and SL-QNR series: four batteries in each side (eight in total). There is the option to have two on each beam (four in total) the battery life will be between three to five years. The other option is to have four batteries on each side, which increases the battery life of eight to ten years.
- For the SL-TNR: Two batteries on each side to expect three to five years battery life.
Low battery signal
To ensure the alarm system gets notified when batteries need replacing, please connect the low battery output to the wireless transmitter.
For any question, please feel free to contact us here.