External detection has grown in popularity as sensors are designed to offer increased catch performance and enhanced stability. Used as trigger devices, they can assist in generating early warnings of intrusion as well as for switching tasks with other systems. OPTEX has enhanced its popular VX Shield sensor.
What is it?
OPTEX has launched an enhanced version of its popular external sensor, the VX Shield (VXS). The new model incorporates an updated housing design and includes features designed to make it easier to install.
The intrusion detector, which provides 90 degree coverage with a maximum range of 12 metres, now includes a rotation lock to simplify opening and closing the cover.
Sensor adjustment components have also been coloured blue to make it obvious which parts are used to manipulate the sensor detection area. A spirit level has also been incorporated, and an automatic walk test mode starts automatically when the cover is closed.
Which technologies?
The enhanced VX Shield range includes four models. Two make use of non-overlapping PIRs (VXS-AM and VXS-RAM) and two are dual-tech devices (VXS-DAM and VXS-RDAM). Both types are available as hardwired or wireless variants.
The sensors feature a proprietary digitally-enhanced signal recognition logic: super multi-dimensional analysis (SMDA). By analysing detection patterns and environmental conditions, SMDA is claimed to improve immunity against nuisance activations caused by changes in temperature or moving trees and vegetation. The technology can distinguish between false alarms and genuine intrusions.
The sensors feature active infrared anti-masking technology which detects objects covering or blocking the lens when monitoring the detector status.
The dual-technology VXS-DAM (wired) and VXS-RDAM (wireless) have an integrated algorithm which manages both the PIR and microwave elements to provide digital triple layer detection. The result is that the upper and lower PIR detection areas and the microwave detection area must be simultaneously activated to generate an alarm condition.
The dual technology models provide particularly high false alarm immunity in scenarios where strong sunlight or high ambient temperatures can create problems for intrusion sensors.
Anything else?
Battery life for the wireless models (assuming use of CR123A cells and the detector’s battery saving mode) is quoted as six years for the PIR model and four years for the dual tech version.
The hard-wired models can make use of plug-in EOL resistors, further simplifying installation.
The housing is rated to IP55, and the sensor has options of a black or white body, with black, white and silver covers.
