No, PIR sensors detect the temperature difference between the detection goal and the bottom inside the detector’s field of view both when the difference is positive or negative. During the day the flat temperature can reach 122-140 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the human body maintains it at 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit. This 20-degree difference is more than enough to detect intruder’s presence.

The following detectors can use our PEU EOL modules: FMX, CDX, VXI, VXS, BXS and WXI.

OPTEX provides a wireless series of products called iSeries. These products come with pre-installed Inovonics transmitters that can connect to your alarm panel. You can also choose any transmitter and a receiver and install them into any sensor that has a 'WF' in the model number.

The key success of a reliable active infrared intrusion system relies on the accuracy of the beam or beam tower alignment. If the transmitting ‘beams’ and the receiving ‘beams’ are not well aligned, there is a risk of severe environmental interference from fog and sunlight, even more so if the beams are 350 feet or 650 feet apart.

When installing beam towers around a perimeter there is the tendency to think that the towers should be at a 90 degree angle from each other. Actually, a 90 degree angle can restrict the view for the signal due to the tower extrusion lip. Our technical team recommends mounting the beam towers at a 45 degree angle on the ground, this allows the beam mounted inside the tower a clear view and gives the installer some flexibility for alignment.

If you are using a floor mount enclosure, the same principle applies: you should dig a 45 degree angled square in the ground to install the ground bracket. For a more efficient method, our tech team highly recommends using theTW SSL (Included in our beam enclosure) an adjustable mounting plate specifically designed for our Smart Line Beam series. The Smart Line beam can be fixed on to the TW SSL then the plate can be clipped in to the beam tower. Using this method, alignment can be easily facilitated by simply adjusting the plate up or down in the grooves to set it at the right height.

OPTEX also recommends using a voltmeter during the beam alignment process. Please refer to the owner's manual for the proper voltage needed for beam alignment.

The beams can operate between 10.5vDC to 30vDC. When connecting to an intruder system, 12vDC will be sufficient. If however, you’re using a heater unit (HU-3) you will need a 24vDC supply. Our wireless beams will need 2 or 4 3.6v lithium batteries.

No, BX-80NR does not include a communication transmitter even though it is compatible with most of the brands. BX-80NR has a rear compartment where to hold a wireless transmitter.

The BX80NR is a wireless device which is powered by 3-9V CC batteries.

The installation height is 2.6 ft to 3.9 ft. This is applicable to all of the BX series units. In order to get the best result, install the detector from 0.30 to 3.2 ft. high.

Yes, it can be adjusted by modifying each lens’ position.

Adding our outdoor PIRs onto a wireless intrusion alarm system is simple. Our battery-operated sensors have enough space to accommodate most universal transmitters. As our sensors are very low current, the transmitter and sensor can be powered by the same batteries. A video was created to show you how to install the wireless transmitter. Watch our video tutorial.

Masking strips are supplied with the QXI in the box. You can mask individual sections of the detection area by placing the corresponding strip to the lens. The latches that hold the lens in place can be found at the top, bottom, left and right of the lens. The lens can be removed easily by unlocking each latch with your thumb or screwdriver and gently push the lens out. Please ensure that you place the masking strips on the inside of the lens, not on the outside.

Anti-blocking is a feature for the QXI-DT in multi-level mode only. Anti-blocking is used when the detector suspects that it is being blocked by a person or object and will trigger the trouble output. The logic steps are as follows:

  1. PIR detects first
  2. Microwave then receives strong signal within 10-30 seconds of the first PIR detection
  3. No PIR detection within 10-30 seconds
  4. Trouble signal is generated

The QXI is in multi-level mode by default which accommodates mounting heights between 7 ft. – 9 ft. Low mount is for the pet alley function which can be achieved by removing the main unit from the backbox and gently flipping the mirror into the horizontal position. Be aware to not touch the mirror face, only the sides. The mounting height for the pet alley pattern is 2.6 ft – 3.9 ft. If the QXI is mounted higher than this and is in the pet alley pattern, that human detection may be compromised. Please note, anti-blocking feature is not available when the QXI is in pet alley mode.

The battery-operated models of the QXI (QXI-R, QXI-RDT) have back-boxes that are large enough to accommodate most transmitters. The maximum size of the transmitters should be: 90mm (length) x 50mm (width) x 30mm (depth). The backbox of the QXI have sticking mounting pads inside to secure the transmitter in place.

Power up the sensor as normal and close the cover. When the cover is on, an automatic walk-test function is enabled. After 3 minutes, the sensor will flash quickly for 5 seconds to indicate that the walk test is going to expire.

The detection length can be adjusted to 40 ft, 28 ft, 20 ft., 18 ft. or 8 ft. The VXI will also come with pre-cut masking templates to focus on a particular section of the detection area.

It is important to make sure the VXI is mounted correctly between 2.6 ft and 3.9 ft because if it is mounted lower or higher than this, it will not detect reliably or accurately. When the mounting process is complete, the lower pyro can then be adjusted between settings 1 to 5 in order to match the required detection area. The sensor range can be adjusted between 8 and 40 feet.

It is important to note that each installation is unique, so when you install a detector you need to walk test it to confirm it is detecting where it is supposed to be. Remember to replace the lens before walk testing or you will not achieve the full range.

The maximum detection area of the VXI is a 90 degree detection angle covering 40 feet. The VXI detector comes complete with a set of masking seals, each of which have pre-configured templates. The masking seals work well in tight environments where the standard detection area is too large. By selecting and fixing the correct seal for the environment, the VXI will no longer alarm on areas which could cause nuisance alarms such as public walkways.

The Redscan RLS-3060L and RLS-3060SH both require PoE+.

The Redscan RLS-2020I and RLS-2020S both require PoE, but will work with PoE+.

The Redscan series generate a Redwall Event Code. This is a simple ASCII character code which can be sent via TCP/IP (for example to a VMS). The Redscan Event Code communication can be set as follows:

  • UDP Broadcast
  • UDP Unicast
  • UDP Broadcast & TCP
  • UDP Unicast & TCP

In addition to the above, with the RLS-2020 there is also an HTTPS integration.

If you are interested in getting Installation training and certification for Redscan, please email certifications@optexamerica.com with the following information:

  1. First & Last Name
  2. Job Title
  3. Company Name
  4. Telephone Number
  5. Email
  6. Project Name

Optex will send invite to online training for each technician provided (training is free, no limit on number of people getting trained)

A large selection of our intrusion detection sensors can be custom painted, including our LiDAR range, our short range outdoor PIRs and dual tech sensors such as the BX, VX and WX series. Some of our sensors though, like our IR beams and beam towers cannot be customized as the housing has been treated with special UV resistant material and the properties of the material would be affected by any coating. It is recommended that you check with your distributor or directly with OPTEX whether your sensor is suitable for customized painting.

What do we mean by customized painting ?

Customizing the sensor means the body of the detector will be coated with either a single color or with a pattern simulating the background surface where the sensor will be installed. Any color variation and many design options can be achieved: the coating can replicate a wood texture, foliage, marble or natural stone, metal, carbon fiber and many more.

Can all the parts of the sensors be coated?

The plastic housing can, but some parts might not be suitable for custom paint, usually the parts next to the lens which are made of a different material

When can a customization be done?

The customization is only available to newly purchased sensors and requires on average 10 working days. Once you have selected the right sensors suitable for your protection needs you should analyze the precise locations where they will be installed in order to establish what will be the background like. At this stage share with our team the RAL code for the color or a high res image of the background where the sensor will be installed. The process of customization is arranged by OPTEX.

Don’ts

We strongly recommend that you don’t try customizing the sensors yourself; applying spray paint will not work, it will damage the sensor and it will invalidate the warranty. The cost for the customization of the sensor varies based on order and type of sensor. Contact OPTEX sales to find out more and discuss your needs.

The following video presents the key features and differences of RLS-3060 firmware v8 vs v7.

The detection will be less accurate. Ensure that the SIP is not installed higher than the recommended height which is 13 feet.

Once the Redwall SIP unit is mounted on the wall or a pole, ideally at a height of 13 feet – or at least above 7 feet, the View Finder should be plugged onto the sensor using the two holes to secure it. The correct viewing plate should be inserted – each SIP model has a corresponding viewing plate. Looking through the plate, the sensor should be adjusted to ensure that it is grounded at the maximum detection distance. For instance, for a SIP-3020, the sensor should be grounded (not directed towards the sky) at 100 feet. Additionally, it is best to avoid having the detection area right at the edge of the security area, rather it is best practice to leave 3 feet either side. If the detection area is 65 feet wide, it is better to center the view at 36 feet from the edge on either side. If required, masking sticks can be used to mask part of the detection area. Watch our video tutorial