You have decided to purchase a Wireless Driveway & Perimeter Alarm System, you now need to decide whether to choose a system using passive infra-red detectors (PIR) or active beams, this is an important decision overlooked by many.
At Ultra Secure Direct, the most popular system incorporating the passive detectors is the Dakota 2500E systems, the most popular systems utilizing active beams are the Wireless SB Beams , therefore for this article we will concentrate on comparing these systems.
The detectors with all of these systems are battery powered & wireless, therefore need no power supplies or cables at the location of the detector installation. They also all have similar transmission range back to the receivers (normally located inside the house).
Dakota 2500E PIR Detectors
These PIR’s are constantly monitoring the environment (within the detection range of the detector) for a sudden infra-red heat signature (similar to a police helicopter tracking a suspect in the dark), which typically comes from People, Animals & Vehicles, listed below are the key features:
- Powered by a single PP3 Battery (lasts at least one year in most applications).
- One Sided Detection Beams (no reflector or secondary beam required).
- Up to 20 metre Detection Range (adjustable).
- Narrow Detection Beam to avoid detecting small ground animals (approximately 1 metre diameter at the 20 metre distance).
- Quick & Easy to Install.
- Multiple PIR’s can be used (no limit).
- Easy to Hide during installation.
- Work in the dark.
- No visible lights.
Using Wireless Passive Infra-Red Detectors (PIR)
SB Solar Powered Active Beams
These beams are sold in pairs, and are lined up (up to 100 metres apart) during installation ensuring they are constantly looking at each other, should any object block this view the alarm will be activated (very accurate), listed below are the key features:
- Solar Charged (no need to worry about batteries).
- Dual Detecting Technology (prevents false alarms from small animals, insects or debris).
- Up to an impressive 100 metre detection.
- Very fine and accurate beam pattern (ideal for narrow perimeters).
- Multiple Beams can be used with each system (over 100 sets).
- 3 different sized beams available.
- Work in the dark.
- No visible lights (after test & set up period).
Using Wireless Active Perimeter Beams
There is no right or wrong, good or bad when choosing which systems to use, it really does depend on your own particular application and need, our summary is below, but feel free to contact us for Free, No Obligation Advice
Summary:
The passive beams are:
- Easier & Quicker to Fit.
- Easier to hide during installation.
- Suitable for monitoring multiple narrow locations (around outbuildings, farms etc).
- Perfect for quick or temporary deployment.
- Easy to utilize multiple PIR’s.
- More prone to false alarms from animals.
- Slightly less successful detecting vehicles (especially during winter).
- Maximum detection range of 2o metres.
The active beams are:
- Impressive 100 metre detection range.
- Very accurate (even with vehicles).
- Less prone to false alarms.
- Up to 100 sets can be used.
- Solar Powered (can be a problem if they are needed in dark locations).
- Result in long, narrow invisible detection patterns.
- Take slightly longer to install.
What would I choose, if it was my home?
I would not be bias with or against either system, I would make the decision based solely on my application, I may even utilize both (in different parts of the property).
Please take your time to work out which type of system will best suit your needs, if you need help contact us at Ultra Secure Direct by email, telephone or live chat for Free, No Obligation Advice !!
By Mark Walter Google