As PIR detectors continue to cross technological frontiers, we look at some models with advanced features…
Let's get digital
From Optex Europe's all-digital MX Series comes the MX-40PT. The 12m pet immune model is a dual technology unit combining PIR and microwave in one compact, attractive and easy-to-install range. All the models have 78 detection zones and spherical lens focused optics giving coverage of 85 degrees.

The MX Series also comprises patented technologies such as Quad Zone Logic, Advanced Digital Filtering and Microwave Area Shaping to keep false alarms to a minimum.

An Anti-Crosstalk system has also been incorporated allowing the PIR to avoid interference from other microwaves in the vicinity.

Three into one
Video Domain's MemoCam is a compact, PIR detector, standalone camera and smart VCR all-in-one device that is being distributed by Sure Vision.

It needs just one mains cable to be set up and is aimed at sites where quick installations are required.

Events are recorded on an internal memory card when activated by the built-in PIR alarm. The device is covert, discreet and powerful, and ideal for recording activities in a number of different locations.

Ignores animals
Electronics Line's Mercury EL-5200 provides a range of 11m and ignores animals weighing up to 45kg. It has a dual element pyroelectric sensor and is fitted with a volumetric lens. A pulse count of one or two can be selected. It also has temperature compensation.

Security Installer's Bench Testers came to the conclusion that it performed well during stability testing, and that the standard of design and manufacture respresented very good value for money. The model comes with a 10 year guarantee.

Beastly intelligence
Cooper Security, manufacturer of the Scantronic 430 PIR, says it is one of the most intelligent pet tolerant detectors on the market. It uses Target Specific Imaging TM technology to differentiate between humans and animals up to 38kg, helping to avoid pet-generated false alarms without compromising security.

The 430 covers a distance of 12 meters using its revolutionary cylindrical lens technology. The digital detector can also determine between electrical spikes and genuine destructions, helping to prevent false alarms.

This detector shares the same hou-sing as Scantronic's 420 Digital PIR and 460 Domestic Twintec and has been designed to match any décor.

Intelligent profiler
NAPCO's IQ Profiler is a pet-smart PIR that profiles false alarm sources and installs in under a minute. It comprises advanced microprocessor-based circuitry with built-in profiles of common false and real alarm sources, rejecting profiles of dogs, cats, birds, heaters and blinds.

With 50lbs pet immunity, "superior" false alarm rejection and dual focus lenses in a bi-optic case for exceptional distance profiling, the IQ Profiler is suitable for either residential or commercial security.

The unit embeds itself in any corner with self-projecting, fast anchoring wall pins with just a quarter turn of a screwdriver in the back housing's mounting disk. Wiring is also easy with snap-down terminal strips. Other features include look down/creep zones, a sensor chamber that prevents interference from insects, drafts and dust and vertical aiming capabilities.

Short range PIRs
Vision Fire and Security has added two new PIR units designed for use in short-range security applications to its Adpro product range.

The PRO18W and PRO45 complement the existing long-range detectors and provides a comprehensive, cost-effective and high performance solution for surveillance based protection.

The PRO18W offers a wide-angle field view, suited to monitoring the front of a building with continuous detection coverage from one metre in front of the mounting pole to a distance of 18 metres.

The PRO45 offers a defined narrow sensing curtain and protects perimeters, with continuous detection coverage from one metre in front of the mounting pole to 45 metres.

The Adpro PIRs can be mounted at heights of up to 4.5 metres. They feature Adaptive Threshold Decoding which alters the sensitivity levels to compensate for changes in the prevailing environmental conditions, maximising detection performance and reducing the incidence of false alarms.

Blending in
Alarmcom's new IR110 PIR motion detector is housed in an elegantly designed housing that comes packed with sophisticated, state of the art technology allowing it to be used in residential, office or small business applications.

The IR110 PIR has 52-zone triplex mirror optics guaranteeing ultrasensitive detection with multi-criteria signal evaluation that allows immunity to pets up to 20kg. The triplex zone mirror covers a 12m wide angle with an 18m curtain.

The Amasic full digital signal processing also helps eliminate false alarms from draughts, temperature fluctuations, insects and white light.

Faster detection next
Greater reliability and a reduction in false alarms without compromising detection capabilities is offered from Visonic's NEXT generation.

Using digital technology and its "unique" optical system, the NEXT products give comprehensive all-round coverage with faster detection and no dead spots.

The new 3D lenses also need less adjustment than conventional lenses, so installation time is kept to a minimum. The Next detectors are all in the same compact and stylish housing so that they can all be interchanged.

The K9-85 is pet tolerant and allows free movement for animals up to 85lbs, the Advanced PIR provides superior detection coverage and singular false alarm immunity and the QES (Quad Element Sensor) gives reliable protection for commercial applications.

When Kudos counts
Pryonix's Kudos PIR detector offers curtain, corridor and volumetric detection in a complete package. It has three interchangeable lenses and has been designed to make commercial installations as flexible as possible.

Its specifications include a 20m volumetric lens, 25m curtain lens and 45m long range lens. It has a dual element pyroelectric sensor, new patented digital self-test feature, patented independent floating thresholds, digital signal processing, digital temperature compensation and interlocking PIR lens.

Distinctively shaped

Bosch Security Systems (which changed its name from Detection Systems in October) has a ceiling mount detector that transcends the boundaries set by other detectors. We bench tested the three-cornered DS939 PIR last month and found it unmatched in its capability of giving 360 degree coverage over a wide area of 70 feet (21.3m) in diameter, when mounted at a maximum height of 25 feet (7.6m). It features three independent 120-degree PIRs, which can be individually adjusted for customised coverage. You can provide standard floor coverage or monitor the main floor plus an elevated loft area at the same time. The detector can give pinpoint coverage of areas such as cash registers and jewellery counters, with first step processing which helps to reduce false alarms from background environmental sources. The manufacturer recommends mounting on a solid, vibration-free ceiling, using a reinforcing backing plate behind removable tiles in dropped ceilings. After securing the mounting base, the PIR unit clips onto hinge pins, wiring is connected and the lens vertical adjusters are set.

Very technical

Pyronix has hit upon the idea of using an air pressure change sensor followed by microprocessor signal processing to reliably respond to intrusion detection. The Veritec P2 comprises an air pressure change detector and a PIR detector housed in the same enclosure. The pressure sensor generates a first alarm when a forced entry occurs, followed by PIR technology, which generates a confirmation signal when movement is detected within the covered zone, thus enabling installers to comply with ACPO regulations. It is housed in a two-part plastic case, the cover being held in place by two plastic hooks. It should be mounted on a solid wall, avoiding close proximity to sources of heat. It is intended for domestic and commercial use.

Source

Security Installer