What our experts say …
Is it a biblical reference, or does it imply some knowledge of one of the biggest prog groups of the 70s? Genesis is an interesting name for a security product, but you have to hope it’s more Peter Gabriel-vintage than anything to do with the period after that muppet stepped out from behind the drums and inflicted himself on us all.
Designed specifically for the CCTV market, the Genesis movement detection system from Luminite is a high-end suite of products with the capability to expand from a single PIR up to 64 individual areas of detection, whilst communicating over great distances using wireless technology.
A very useful battery operated hand-held remote testing tool, the LGWT434, is available to receive diagnostic wireless information from each transmission device.
Operating at 434 MHz, the system requires a 12 volt supply to power each of the receiving devices, while two 1.5 volt C type batteries are used to power each PIR detector. Genesis is suitable when used in a system designed to be compliant with BS8418, the recently revised British Standard governing the requirements for integrated CCTV detection systems that need to achieve a Police response.
The kit is available throughout the UK from the usual intruder and CCTV equipment suppliers, together with selected electrical wholesale outlets, and is guaranteed for two years.
Construction and design
The Genesis PIR is available with three different lenses to achieve different patterns of spatial coverage. We tested the long range type, LGWP4004, with a 40m narrow beam of detection at a trade price of around GB pound 136 + VAT. The other lens types are LGWP1520 and LGWP12HC, giving a 15m wide angle and a horizontal curtain type of detection respectively. (NB: Installers must order the correct PIR model for the task, these lenses are pre fitted and are not interchangeable.)
The recommended installation height is 2.5m, but the integral wall mounting bracket allows the head to be tipped almost vertically downwards, and horizontally it can be panned through 180 degrees, giving a very flexible range of mounting positions.
The PIR construction material is a tough ABS plastic in a cream colour, and the shape is very much in keeping with a CCTV feel that would complement most camera housings. This is accentuated by the optional sun shield that to the untrained eye makes it look like a camera.
The bracket itself is located on a wall plate that is fixed to the mounting material, and all the locating and alignment screws are tightened using the supplied Allen key to afford some degree of anti tampering.
The programming functions of the detector are accessed inside the unit by removing the rear section with the Allen key, and selecting the individual DIP switches to be found inside. These switches select the site code, PIR number and pulse counting functions. The site code and device numbers need to be similarly programmed into the receiving equipment to enable each part of the system to talk to itself. The PIR radio transmission obviously needs an antenna, and this is screw fixed by hand from the outside into the housing on top. Unfortunately this part is not tamper proof, and to those in the know the removable antenna is an obvious weakness in security terms – no antenna means no transmission signal followed by no intruder detection.
However, in order to comply with BS8418, the internal components and programming functions are protected by an anti tamper switch that separately triggers back to the receiver unit. Furthermore, the unit is protected by an integral shock sensor and a lens anti mask feature that also send warnings back to the wireless receiver.
Though the Genesis PIR could not be said to be aesthetically pleasing, the very fact that it looks like a traditional CCTV camera housing in shape and colour, means it does look suitably industrial and fit for its purpose.
Performance
The overall catch distance was found to be slightly greater than the specified 40m, and not surprisingly the corridor of detection became wider as the distance from the PIR increased. We tested the detection pattern using the pulse count set to 1, and the catch was effective and swift.
The pulse counter can be set up to four, which we tried briefly, only to confirm the expectation that the catch performance became much more variable given the nature of the long distance, narrow beamed lens in use.
During the walk testing, the usefulness of the hand-held LGWT434 became quickly apparent. The portable walk tester receives radio information from any or all PIRs in the site coded system, showing the signal strength, lens type, and real time alarm conditions including alarm, tamper, shock, anti masking and general faults.
Although expensive (we were quoted GB pound 200+VAT) the walk tester would be worth its weight in gold in a big system with dozens of detectors, and not only at the commissioning stage. It can furthermore be used to read the output from the receiving interface, called the masthead, that gives up eight single pole relay outputs in various configurations. This gives a whole of system test that is a boon when using wireless equipment.
Technical literature and support
Each item of equipment in the Genesis system has its own installation manual that is written in native English – not surprising as Luminite manufacture and operate from North London. The instructions are good though a little confusing in places.
We called the company during office hours to seek clarification on how the anti masking signal presents itself at the masthead. Unfortunately the only technician able to help was out of the office for the day so we were left none the wiser.
What the manufacturer says …
The Genesis wireless PIR has an improved detection range with a choice of four different lenses to meet most installation applications. In addition, it can transmit signals far beyond 1km depending on environmental conditions and, with the use of repeaters, will achieve more than ten kilometres.
Using wireless PIR detectors enables installations to easily conform with BS8418 standards, which requires all PIRs to be installed in view of cameras and looking inwards. The unit is battery operated with an operational life of up to two years before they need changing.
Genesis features a new algorithm that increases sensitivity whilst reducing incidences of false alarms from events such as moving trees, sunlight reflection, flapping tarpaulins and plastic bags. There is also an anti-cloaking feature as well as shock sensing and anti-tamper.
Genesis is ideal for larger deployments, as up to 64 PIRs can be connected on a single system for maximum coverage. In addition to event detection and tamper alerts, each unit transmits a wide range of data including battery condition, unit ID and pulse count setting, which enables the sensitivity of each PIR to be tailored to local conditions.
This data can also be received using an optional handheld instrument enabling systems to be quickly and easily walk tested or configured by a single person. Genesis is one of the strongest PIRs currently available, with a waterproof casing constructed throughout from 3mm polycarbonate, offering greater robustness and resistance to cracking.
Genesis does not use any metal ball joints to eliminate the fatigue and fracturing that often occurs as a result of corrosion on traditional units. In addition, build quality is maintained to the highest standard using the latest SMT techniques and gold plated circuitry for greater reliability.