28 September 2017
Flexible outdoor detection system: go wireless
There are many advantages to installing a wireless intrusion detection system. The convenience and flexibility it offers are most significant benefits.
Wireless motion or intrusion sensors are widely adopted for indoor use, but are surprisingly less used for outdoor applications. For decades OPTEX's product range includes battery-powered sensors that can be added to any wireless alarm panel or to any wireless receiver connected to a CCTV system. From perimeter security beams and long range PIRs to proximity sensors, we offer the full range.
What are the key benefits of our sensors?
- They are very reliable in outdoor environments
- They are extremely low current providing longer battery life (approx. 3 years on average with the recommended battery)
- The sensor can, in most cases, be powered from the transmitter batteries
- Most wireless transmitters on the market will fit inside the sensor housing
Beyond security, wireless outdoor sensors could also be used to trigger lights, warning or announcement systems when used with an appropriate interface.
Download the brochure here to find out more on our full range
We have opened a new office in Germany
Since the opening in 2014 of its EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa) headquarters, located in the UK, OPTEX has been constantly increasing its level of support to the local markets. For the last couple of years, the DACH region has been a focal point and a strong base of trained and certified channel partners. As Jacques Vaarre, our MD, says: “We felt it was vital to sustain this growth that we have a local office where system integrators and distributors can ask any questions and seek advice on any potential projects.”
The new office located in Offenbach, next to Frankfurt includes a meeting room with live demonstration products, and will be managed by Thomas Napora, Head of Business Development/Sales in the DACH region for OPTEX (security products). Thomas is expecting further business expansion in outdoor intrusion detection for the residential and commercial applications, as well as a growing number of high security perimeter protection projects in the region.
Thomas’ team will also focus on providing project assistance including planning, onsite assistance, system design, and integration support for video management software and PSIM platforms up to commissioning. It will also provide additional product and sales training for all OPTEX partners and system integrators as well as supporting its partners at key events and exhibitions in the DACH region.
For more information about our DACH channel partners, please contact Thomas here. To read the press release in German please click here
Anti-masking, this is the way we do it
If any motion or intrusion sensor is masked, it can no longer detect and the integrity of the alarm system is compromised. There are many ways to mask a sensor: the lens could be covered, blocked or sprayed on. The tampering with the sensor could happen when the sensor is armed or disarmed. If it does happen when it is disarmed, it is very important that the sensor recognises the change of operation when it is active again.
What type of antimasking is provided by OPTEX ?
For all of our sensors, from indoor motion sensors to outdoor short and long range PIRs, we use an active infrared antimasking technology. An IR transmitter LED and an IR receiver are located either side of the lens, pointing outwards. If the lens is covered or sprayed on, then the infrared beam light emitted by the transmitter will reflect back onto the IR receiver and trigger the antimasking output.
Are there other alternative antimasking technologies available?
Another relatively common way to provide antimasking is by using microwave technology. However there is the risk with this technology that the carboard or textile covering the sensor could be ignored as the microwave energy will pass through the material.
Is the active infrared antimasking part of a grading system?
The active infrared technology we are implementing in our indoor and outdoor sensors works in a similar way to the one used in Grade 3 detectors and complies to EN50131.
Which OPTEX product series feature antimasking ?
Indoor: CDX series
Outdoor short range PIRs, FTN series, VXI and VXS series, HX series, BXS series (soon to be released)
Outdoor long range REDWALL PIRs: SIP and SIP-IP-BOX series
