Southwest Microwave Introduces the Advanced Model 420 Passive Infrared Sensor

  • Jun 25, 2015

Southwest Microwave is pleased to announce the introduction of the advanced Model 420 Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensor for specialized outdoor intrusion detection applications.

With detection capability to 122 m (400 ft), Model 420 provides a four-zone, continuous and gap-free curtain sensing pattern that detects intruders by identifying the temperature (heat radiation) difference between background scene and intruder. The pattern includes long, medium and short range detection segments, plus a controllable Creep Field that protects the area surrounding the mounting pole.

“This unique feature eliminates the detection ‘dead zone’ characteristic of traditional passive infrared sensors,” explained Bob Kirkaldie, Southwest Microwave’s director of sales. “Furthermore, minimal clear zone requirements for the detection pattern make this sensor ideal for intrusion detection in very narrow corridors.”

The latest in detector and signal processing technology plus precision mirror optics enable Model 420 to operate in broad-ranging environmental conditions. The sensor offers Double Optical Filtering, Digital Signal Processing, Signal Shape Analysis and Adaptive Threshold Decoding, each of which contributes to ensuring reliable operation under changing climatic conditions.

“Nuisance alarms from rain, snow, wind, and fog are virtually eliminated due to this product’s highly sophisticated feature set,” said Kirkaldie.

Reinforcing Model 420’s performance reliability is the sensor’s ease of operation. Set-up and adjustment are achieved via user-friendly installation software with flexible controls to simplify alignment, signal check and routine maintenance.

Model 420 electronics and optics are housed in a rugged IP65 heavy-duty plastic enclosure. An internally regulated heater connected to sensor electronics and operating from the supply voltage prevents the unit’s optical surface from fogging or frosting in cold weather. A universal mounting bracket allows mounting to flat surfaces or 100 mm (4 in) O.D. posts.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.