30 August 2017

Active infrared beams a new AIR of popularity

Active infrared (AIR) beams have been used for decades for perimeter protection, or to detect intrusions over a wall or flat roof. The principle of the IR beam technology is simple, but efficient: one transmitting beam emits an infrared radio signal continuously to the receiving beam, which captures the signal using a photodiode. If the beam is broken, it means someone or something has interrupted the signal, and an alarm is generated.

Variable interruption time adapted to the security level

To balance the best capture performance with the minimum number of nuisance alarms, our photo beams feature a variable beam interruption time. If there is a risk of people running through the beams, for example, then the interruption time should be short; the challenge here, however, is that it can also mean that debris (such as a discarded carrier bag or paper) would also trigger an alarm. If the beams are located on top of a wall to detect intruders climbing over it, the interruption time could be set as a longer interval (see image).

Suitable for high temperatures, sun and sand

The active infrared technology relies on the interruption of the signal rather than the thermal difference between body temperature and ambient temperature. This is especially important in countries where the outside temperature is close to 37 degrees, which is not unusual in Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The sun could also affect the signal, which is why our infrared beams feature UV resistant housings. To provide extra stability, our SL-QDP and QDM models provide an additional light filter and light disturbance circuit using double modulation technology.

To protect against dust, sand and water our Smart Line beams have an IP65 rating.

Range, stackability and connectivity

Our long-range infrared beams have a detection range of over 200m, making it a very efficient way to secure perimeters around villas, hotel resorts, fields, etc. When they feature different frequency channels they can be stacked in towers.

Where most installers are familiar with both our hardwired and wireless infrared beams, they might not be aware it is also possible to connect our beams directly on the IP network using our PIE-1 module (link). This provides the significant benefit of connecting the beams directly to all the main Video Management System providers that we are already integrated with.

Find out more about the range here


VX Shield: when detection reliability meets versatile design

The VX sensors have been our highest selling series for nearly two decades with over a million of devices in the field. This is testament to its outstanding performance for outdoor intrusion detection, and its ability to adapt to a wide range of weather conditions, protecting residential and commercial premises all over the world.

The Shield series adds a clever and versatile design to the established technical performance. It has been precisely thought through to make the installation hassle free. It starts with a simple 90 degrees rotation lock to open/close the cove and a level indicator to ensure the sensor is straight. Then a straightforward method allows to adjust easily the detection area and the sensitivity level .

There are two choices of “off the shelf” colours: white housing with a white front cover; and a black body with a white front cover. However, front covers in black and silver are also available providing the customers multiple combination options.

The anti-masking feature is available in all VX Shield models. It notifies the alarm system that the sensor cannot detect as it should. The series offers four models:

VXS-AM is the hardwired outdoor PIR model

VXS-RAM is the battery-operated (wireless) PIR model

VXS-DAM is the hardwired outdoor dual-tech (PIR/MW) model

VXS-DRAM is the wireless outdoor dual-tech (PIR/MW) model


30 leading security companies at Axis Communications’ Partner Showcase in Sweden (Sept) and UK (Oct)

With the increased need for real-time video surveillance, analysis and immediate response, it is important to understand which products, network infrastructure and software work well together to deliver fit-for-purpose and future-ready security systems.

To this purpose Axis Communications is gathering 30 of its technology partners including OPTEX for two Partner Showcase days, one in Lund, Sweden, taking place on the 19th September. And one in Tatton Park, UK on the 11th of October.

OPTEX IP sensors are integrated with AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP). This integration enables detection both indoor and outdoor, in real time. Defining a predetermined target size in the settings ensures accurate detection, and instantly directs the Axis cameras to corresponding preset positions – providing visual verification of the event scene.

A free OPTEX-AXIS ACAP plugin is available to download online. It can be used for the REDWALL-SIP-IP range, the REDSCAN lasers, and our PIE-1 module can be added on any of our passive or active infrared sensors, as well as our fibre-optic perimeter intrusion detection sensors.

For more information about our AXIS ACAP integration please click here

Axis partner showcase