Dual Technology Detectors can be any number of different types of detector rolled into one.
The original idea for dual technology detectors was to create a more stable detector, so that to generate an alarm both technologies have to be activated, either at the same time or within a short period.
It is generally reasoned that the chances of both types of technology generating false alarms at the same time is going to be very much smaller than a single technology.
There is a trap to avoid, however; while infrared units are looking for movement from side to side across the area of cover, Doppler units – such as microwave or ultrasonic technologies – are designed to look for movement towards and away from the detector, so there is always a possibility that a would-be thief could only trip one type of technology and miss the other.
For example, someone walking directly towards the detector may trip the Doppler but not the infrared, and someone walking across the detector may trip the infrared but not the Doppler. In both of these instances the alarm would not be triggered.
In the past manufacturers of these units may well have increased the sensitivity of each technology, thereby losing much of the saving gained by having dual technology in the first place.
But as the varying technologies have progressed, manufacturers have developed additional ingenious methods of ensuring their detectors are as effective as possible.
Here are some of the latest dual technology releases to have hit the intruder marketplace in recent times…
High quality and compact
Bosch Security Systems has launched a high-quality, compact dual-motion detector to its wireless Local Security Network range. The new wLSN Dual Motion Detector employs passive infrared and microwave technologies to provide optimal detection in residential and small business applications.
Bosch says it is especially suitable for ‘difficult’ environments that could have fault alarm sources for passive infrared detectors, such as heating, air drafts etc. The detector combines a broad coverage pattern of 11 x 11m with excellent catch performance and high immunity to false alarms. It is also able to distinguish between a signal caused by an adult human and one caused by a domestic pet weighing up to 45kg.
The detector’s First Step Processing feature provides an instant response to human targets without affecting false alarm immunity, Bosch says. “Automatic adjustment of sensitivity based on signal amplitude, polarity, slope and timing eliminates the need for sensitivity selection by the installer,” the company says. “Eight detection layers with 79 segments, plus a second ‘lookdown’ lens array, provide high-density detection. Consistent catch performance is enhanced by automatic temperature compensation that adjusts sensitivity at critical temperatures.”
RF signal strength mode is used to determine optimal mounting location – this is activated by pressing the detector’s internal tamper switch three times within 10 seconds of battery installation. A rapidly flashing LED indicates that the device is receiving signals from the wLSN hub, while a slow flash indicates no signal reception. It only communicates with devices it has discovered and confirmed as part of the system.
The design of the wLSN Dual Motion Detector decreases installation time and risk of error, Bosch says. It can be mounted at any height between 2.3 and 2.7m on flat-surface or corner locations without adjustment. Operation is up to 3.5 years using standard AA alkaline batteries.
Reader Service No 112
Detector with Prestige
Texecom has launched the Prestige AM Series, a range of Grade 3 compliant anti-masking detectors. A choice of two detectors is available. The Prestige AMQD Plus is a Grade 3 digital quad element detector, compliant to TS50131-2-2, and the Prestige AMDT Plus is a digital dual technology detector, compliant to TS50131-2-4.
The detectors feature optically enhanced active IR anti-masking technology, with double active IR LEDs to ensure 100 per cent coverage of the optical area and to provide a strong signal for effective differentiation between genuine and false masking sources. Features of the series include 15m detection range, local and remote self-testing functions, remote LED enable, creep zone mirror for enhanced crawl detection, sensitivity to both high and low velocity intruders, and wall tamper detection.
Reader Service No 113
Quad entry
Guardall has introduced its new M-4 Quad detector. This is an entry level Quad detector for applications requiring premium catch performance, but at a budget price, the company says.
Suitable for both domestic and commercial applications, Guardall claims the “well-featured detector raises the standard of conventional PIR detection devices”. Offering 15 metres of volumetric coverage, an optional lens pack provides 20m corridor and 10m curtain options.
“With installer-friendly set-up features, the Guardall M-4 is a premium quality intrusion detector,” the manufacturer says.
Reader Service No 114
Dual access
The RCR-REX from GE Security is a dual technology, request-to-exit sensor door egress and door access control.
“The sensor is immune to common attempts to defeat PIRs because both heat and physical motion are simultaneously required to trigger the device,” GE says.
“For maximum protection, adjust the radar so that the curtain is above the floor – objects slipped under the door will not activate the sensor, making it difficult to defeat.”
The sensor features two Form C output relay contacts, independent adjustment for the PIR and the Range Controlled Radar, user-programmable lock relay activation times with easy to change DIP switch settings, and LED indicator, and a tamper switch.
Reader Service No 115
Building the Piramid
Protech’s Piramid XL2 outdoor dual technology sensors now feature enhanced bird and animal immunity. All Protech sensors are based on a microwave sensor design called ‘Stereo Doppler’.
This design allows the sensors to determine the precise movement in centimetres a target has to move to activate a sensor alarm.
The movement parameter is field adjustable with an internal Sensitivity Control Switch.
Protech says the XL2 sensor’s most important attribute is its ‘false alarm free’ performance.
“Our third generation Piramid XL2 Series offers enhanced bird immunity and a new digital signal processing circuit. Rain, snow, sleet, fog, ice, wind, and high or low temperatures do not affect the XL2 sensors. In addition, moving vegetation, blowing debris, swinging signs, vibration, or randomly moving objects also do not affect the sensors.”
Applications include utilities, correctional facilities, remote sub-stations, maintenance storage areas, equipment rental yards, auto dealerships, VIP residences, lumber yards, power plants, military sites, etc.
Reader Service No 116
Confirmed in sequence
Risco has launched its new iWise Grade 3 detector for sequential confirmation – the iWise Quadseq. Risco says this is similar to two PIR detectors in a single housing with separate alarm outputs.
“The detector provides a reliable solution for installations that have to meet both Grade 3 and DD243 requirements for sequential confirmation in a single room,” the company says.
It has two non-overlapping coverage patterns and two independent alarm outputs. When it is mounted in the corner of a room, one detector covers the two walls (or side area), while the second detector covers the centre of the room – providing full coverage.
The detector also has the built-in Triple EOL resistors to simplify installation, and active IR anti-masking for reliable detection of masking attempts.
Reader Service No 117
