Allow no compromise
Scantronic (Cooper Security) claims its new range of detectors is "the best we have ever put our name to". The domestic/small commercial 420 and 460 digital PIRs have self-check diagnostics, "allowing for no compromise between detection and reliability, and eliminating false alarms".
They are fitted with a new, patented cylindrical lens technology. "Unlike conventional lenses, cylindrical lenses mean no dead spots and provide significant improvements in close-in detection," says Scantronic. And because they require less tuning, it means much less installer training.
There is also a new commercial range: the 440 commercial true quad PIR, the 480 twintec with dual cylindrical and Fresnel lens technology and the 450 ceiling mounted twintec. All of them are described as extremely reliable, slim, sleek, attractively packaged and competitively priced.
Designed to fit with any decor, the range uses common housings, which are stylish and compact, robust and discreet.
Something Veri different
The Veritec P2 confirmed detector from Pyronix is an industry first. It combines two separate technologies – PIR and pressure wave detection with completely separate outputs – in one elegant housing, wired with one standard alarm cable.
Pyronix designed the Veritec specifically to help installers comply with the ACPO 2000 policy. The company said it provides the ultimate in confirmed detection within one housing, and stressed that this is not a dual detector when two technologies send one signal.
Each of the technologies in the Veritec sets off its own signal and the single unit provides confirmation technology from a single sensor housing.
The product is priced "around the GB pound 30 mark" but only one detector is needed to protect an enclosed space.
At the official launch, Jim Hill, whose company BAT was involved in the field trials, commented: "This very exciting new British device has been superbly timed in giving to installation companies a piece of equipment which fits like a glove with the ACPO Policy."
Fully steerable
Saturn, the fully steerable PIR from Guardall, has been recently improved and modernised to take into account new technology and manufacturing processes. Based around an adjustable head and bracket, Saturn Elite can easily be rotated through 180 degrees (90 deg left or right of centre) and 20 deg vertically (5 deg up or 15 deg down) to provide optimum coverage of the protected area.
Full orientation in the horizontal and vertical planes can be achieved simultaneously, and Saturn incorporates automatic temperature compensation to ensure consistently reliable performance at high temperatures.
Three product variants are available: 12m volumetric coverage with 18 zones; 25m long range coverage with four zones; and 12m curtain coverage.
Saturn is designed for ease of installation, with all wiring going to the back of the bracket. Once installed, the cover can be securely fixed in place. The walk test LED helps to locate sensitive zones and avoid potential false alarm sources.
The NEXT step
The NEXT series from Visonic has a sleek, ultra modern design, attractive in any home. Visonic says it has unmatched simplicity and reliability, using the latest in digital technology, and boasts a million-per-second sampling rate.
Installation is simple and Visonic’s new 3D cylindrical lens technology ensures adjustment-free installation.
In addition to the benefits of the advanced PIR, NEXT QES detectors feature Quad Element Sensor technology, delivering comprehensive protection and reliability. And the NEXT K9-85 adds pet tolerance detection, allowing pets to move freely anywhere in the home.
This features Visonic’s patented TSI (target specific imaging), multiple vertical curtains and creep zone sensitivity ensuring no dead spots. K9-85 detectors are suited for both residential and commercial applications.
Variety of applications
The Meteor from Rokonet is described as "the PIR for a variety of applications". Due to its novel lens and spacious internal design, it provides enhanced detection performance with easy installation.
It is said to be ideal for:
Pet immune
The Digital Bravo 3P from DSC features Vertical Beam Shaping, an innovative lens design developed to provide effective pet immunity while still offering good catch performance, especially in the area close to the PIR. Coupled with DSC’s pet recognition software, developed specifically for this detector, it ensures more complete and uniform detection throughout the detection range.
The Digital Bravo 3P can be set to a variety of environmental conditions. When configured to provide high catch performance, the detector will ignore a single pet weighing up to 13.6 kg.
Where multiple pets are involved, or a higher level of pet immunity is required, it can be set to ignore single or multiple pets with a combined weight of up to 27.3 kg.
Other features include high temperature stability and protection against all false alarm sources – lightning, power surges, radio interference, car headlights, fluorescent lights, insects and dust.
ADD to security
The Spectrum Quad 15 from Ademco-Microtech uses a process called Advanced Digital Detection (ADD) to reduce interference and increase reliability through digital signal processing.
The unit has a quad element pyro-electric sensor that can detect in either real quad or dual-dual mode, and features a pulse count option and LED enable link.
It offers a 15m range and can be wall, corner or ceiling mounted, with the bracket supplied.
Anti-mask
The 3D Anti-Mask PIR from Maximum Electronics is designed to provide reliable detection while at the same time ensuring protection against any attempt to disable or blind the detector lens when the system is not armed. Features include:
‘It does its stuff!’
The FX-50 range of detectors from Optex (Europe) were developed to build on the already successful RX-40QZ, which were the first Optex detectors to incorporate Quad Zone Logic.
The FX-50SQ Super Quad offers 15m range and improved sensitivity, and also the benefit of high white light immunity and RFI protection.
This prompted Optex to ask: "Why fit a poor quality dual technology detector when you can fit a better performance, high quality PIR that will save you money as well?"
And our Bench Testers concurred: "Everything the detector does, it does well. It did its stuff in the oppressive heat of a loft space during a sunny afternoon."
Confirmation circuitry
The Rf650 from Texecom is said to offer exceptional pick-up with ultra-high false alarm immunity from all sources, including lightning, RF and mobile phones.
Intruder Confirmation Circuitry combined with the adjustable adaptive pulse count analyses the IR signature to reject unwanted signals, for maximum reliability.The Rf650 is suited to all commercial, industrial and monitored domestic alarm systems.
