Jacques Vaarre

OPTEX, a manufacturer of detection solutions, is to launch a new series of highly reliable and very easy to install vehicle sensors in Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Intertraffic – the world’s leading trade show for traffic solutions – held between 20th and 23rd March in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The ViiK vehicle sensor series will comprise two models: the OVS-01GT, designed for gate, barrier or industrial door activation and the OVS-01CC as a moving vehicle counter. Both sensors are centred around frequency-modulated-continuous-wave (FMCW) technology. The above ground ViiK vehicle detectors are an ideal solution for sites where ground loops cannot be installed, such as where the road surface is damaged or unsealed, paved with cobblestones, or above drains or pipes. The OVS-01GT detects small or large stationary or moving vehicles within 5.5 meters while ignoring human traffic One-button calibration for operating gates The ViiK OVS-01GT model, which combines microwave with ultrasonic technology to sense both a vehicle’s movement and presence, is especially suited to sites where induction loops may have previously been considered, but the customer does not want disruptive ground works. The OVS-01GT detects the presence of small or large stationary or moving vehicles within 5.5 meters while ignoring human traffic. It is easy to install; unlike ground loops, no civil works are required as the device is mounted at circa 500mm from the ground. The OVS-01GT connects to an automatic gate, barrier or industrial door operator, and includes menu programming, five sensitivity settings and five human cancelling selections, all with one-button calibration. It suits simple gate activation applications as well as being part of state of the art parking systems. The OVS-01CC is suited for counting cars in open retail parks, or monitoring traffic in high streets Efficient traffic monitoring The OVS-01CC can detect and count small or large moving vehicles up to 60km/h in single lane applications. The vehicle counter can similarly be mounted quickly and easily on a pole or wall at 90 degrees. Its detection area (up to eight metres) can be customised with eight range settings, five sensitivity settings and one-touch calibration. Perfectly suited for counting cars in open retail parks, or monitoring traffic in high streets. Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director for OPTEX EMEA, says that after having successfully launched the new range of vehicle detectors and counters in Japan and in North America, we are delighted to introduce the ViiK range to the EMEA market at Intertraffic. “It gives users a viable choice over ‘traditional’ ground loop sensors; both models are highly reliable and very easy to install. By choosing an OPTEX detector, you are losing none of the performance, but gaining all of the benefits by not having to dig up the roads or disrupt traffic.” “Step by our booth at Intertraffic to learn more about the vehicle sensor applications and to get acquainted with these new sensors in the Optex sensor product range.”

OPTEX, a sensor manufacturer, will be demonstrating its whole product portfolio at Sicur for the first time and introducing its newly created Iberia team. Mark Cosgrave, Western Europe Divisional Manager for OPTEX EMEA, said “Spain and the Iberian Peninsula is an important region for OPTEX and there is a clear demand for highly reliable, high-quality sensor technologies. To meet this exciting challenge, we have created a dedicated team of native speakers to support our network of approved and certified partners in the region. Sicur will be an excellent opportunity to introduce the new team to our customers as well as the complete range of our security products.” OPTEX’s New IBERIA sales team The new team consists of Milton Acosta, Regional Sales Manager, and Tony Singh, Technical Sales Manager. Milton joined OPTEX in September 2017 and has been working in the security sector since 1996. He has more than 20 years’ experience in Video management, IP CCTV, access control, automation, intrusion sensors, video analytics, fire detection and integration. Tony has been working for OPTEX as part of the EMEA sales & technical support team for 17 years and is now based in Madrid to bring greater training support to the region. He has worked in most security sectors and provides training on all of OPTEX’s sensor technologies. He also supports ‘proof of concept’ for projects that include long range PIRs, laser and fibre optics sensors. New Short-range Sensors to be showcased at SICUR Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director for OPTEX EMEA, says that the company will use Sicur to launch a new series of products: “We will be showcasing our new series of short range sensor – the VX and BX Shield – which are ideal for protecting residential and commercial buildings,” he says. “For high security applications, our laser sensors, fibre optic perimeter intrusion sensors and tailgating sensor will be demonstrated live at the show. “ OPTEX’s sister company Raytec, a world leader in LED lighting for security and safety, will also be showing its IP variable lighting (Vario-IP) on the stand.

Sensor manufacturer OPTEX will be demonstrating its multi-layered approach to protecting critical infrastructure – from the initial outer perimeter to the inner areas, including detection of unauthorised access. “In the Middle East region,” says Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director for OPTEX EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa), “we are focusing on the high security element of our intrusion detection portfolio that protects critical infrastructure as there is the requirement to increase security provisions for oil and gas, utilities, and government buildings. Multi-layered intrusion detection “We are working very closely with our sister company FiberSensys – co-exhibiting at Intersec – and a number of Video Management Software (VMS) and PSIM partners to provide customers with high-end, multi-layered perimeter and intrusion detection solutions so any intruder can be apprehended immediately. The PSIM provider, ela-soft, will be showcasing its overall security system using the Gemos platform that can handle over 500,000 data points in one command and control platform, on our stand. “The fact that our fibre optic sensors, laser sensors, infrared beam towers and external PIRS are available as IP/PoE and integrated with all the major VMS platforms has proved a significant advantage in making security systems easier to install and more reliable in operation,” Jacques adds. Preventing everyday security threats Besides the outdoor intrusion detection systems showcased on its stand, OPTEX will also focus on its tailgating prevention system – the OPTEX Accurance 3D – that detects people gaining unauthorised access into restricted areas. Tailgating is a growing issue for companies, leading to the theft of assets and in a worse-case scenario, the threat to employee safety. Intrusion can occur during normal office hours when an unauthorised person attempts to follow an authorised employee into a controlled area. In the case of interlocks, the OPTEX Accurance 3D system prevents tailgating by detecting if more than one person is attempting to gain access at the same time, and stops the second door from opening. This will be demonstrated live on the stand. “Intersec keeps expanding every year and has become an institution for the Middle East, as well as attracting visitors from other regions such as Asia and Africa, which is why we have a major presence at the show from the wider EMEA team, including our product, technical, alliance, sales and marketing managers so visitors can take the opportunity to discuss any potential projects and new ideas with us.” Jacques concludes. OPTEX will be at Intersec between 21st-23rd January, at Stand SA-A34.

The sensor manufacturer Optex has launched the new BX Shield (BXS) series sensor in the EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa) region, a range of curtain motion sensors that are ideal for protecting windows and the immediate boundaries of a building or site. Complementing the best-selling VX Shield series launched in autumn, the new Shield concept combines great usability with versatile design. Enhanced signal recognition logic The BX Shield series includes four PIRs, two on each side, and the detection range and sensitivity can be adjusted independently for each side of the sensor. The detection area can be easily set up to 12m/40ft (24m/80ft in total). With a sleek modern look, the BX Shield sensor comes in two standard colours: Black body and white front face plate, or white body and white face plate. Optional black and silver plates are also available. The new BX Shield has four models: 2 standard, hardwired PIRs (BXS-ST) and 2 hardwired models with anti-masking (BXS-AM). There are also two battery-powered models, standard (BXS-R) and antimasking (BXS-RAM). All are equipped with digitally-enhanced signal recognition logic known as Super Multidimensional Analysis (SMDA). By analysing detection patterns and environmental information, SMDA improves immunity against changes in temperature or moving trees and vegetation, and can distinguish between the cause of nuisance false alarms and genuine intrusions. High PIR sensitivity for residential security For environments where the temperature difference between the human body and the background is very small, the extreme high detection mode increases the PIR sensitivity to prevent any missed alarms. The BX Shield includes a tamper output that is activated when the face cover or back box is removed. For ease of installation, the BXS has a walk test mode to ensure the beam field is set up correctly. It indicates when someone walks through the beam and an alarm is activated. This mode returns to normal operation after three minutes. Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director of Optex, EMEA Headquarters, says the BX Shield is an ideal choice for a variety of residential and light commercial sites. “The new BX Shield detectors are excellent multi-purpose sensors for an array of scenarios. We have designed the entire range to be easy to install with features such as a level indicator and colour-coded components. The BX Shield combines modern design with superior performance. It can be connected to an alarm panel or to a CCTV system, triggering the camera to provide visual verification when an intruder is detected.”

OPTEX Europe, a sensor manufacturer, has launched an enhanced version of its sensor across Europe, the VX Shield (VXS), with a new housing design and features that make it even easier to install. Outdoor intrusion detection The outdoor intrusion detector, which provides 12m x 90-degree detection coverage, now includes a rotation lock to make it easier to open/close the cover. Sensor adjustment Components are also identified in blue, to make it obvious which parts allow you to manipulate the sensor detection area, this makes the sensor easier to adjust. A spirit level has also been incorporated, and an automatic walk test mode starts upon closing the cover. The new VX Shield has four models: two PIRs (VXS_AM and VXS-RAM) and two dual-tech (VXS-DAM and VXS-DRAM), available as hardwired or wireless models. All are equipped with digitally-enhanced signal recognition logic, Super Multidimensional Analysis (SMDA). By analysing detection patterns and environmental information, SMDA improves immunity against changes in temperature or moving trees and vegetation, and can distinguish between the cause of nuisance false alarms and genuine intrusions. High false alarm immunity The VX Shield outdoor sensors feature active IR anti-masking which detects objects covering or blocking the lens when monitoring the detector status. The dual-technology VXS-DAM (wired model) and VXS-RDAM (battery operated model) have an integrated algorithm of both PIR and Microwave that provide Digital Triple layer detection, this means the upper and lower PIR detection areas and MW detection area must be simultaneously crossed to generate an alarm. The DAM and RDAM models provide particularly high false alarm immunity in scenarios where strong sunlight or high ambient temperature can be a problem: they bring the ultimate stability in detection performance. The VX Shield outdoor sensors feature active IR anti-masking which detects objects covering or blocking the lens There are two choices of ‘off the shelf’ colours: white body with a white front cover; and a black body with a white front cover. However, front covers in black and silver are also available providing the customers with multiple combination options. New-look VX Shield housing Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director of OPTEX, EMEA Headquarters, says OPTEX R&D department has worked hard to improve what was already a best-selling sensor: “The new-look housing for the VX Shield has made our most popular sensor even more appealing,” he said, “and customers now have the option of customising their sensors with either black, white or silver covers. “With these design options and new installation features such as the walk test mode and level indicator, we now have the all-round sensor of choice for all residential or small commercial sites.”

Optex, a sensor manufacturer, will be exhibiting a range of different products and solutions centred around five key security scenarios from perimeter protection and tailgating detection to Internet of Things (IoT) based alarm systems at IFSEC International 2017. REDSCAN RLS-3060 intrusion detection solution Within its high-security perimeter protection zone, Optex will showcase its CPNI approved fibre optic fence detection system, Fibre Sensys FD-322 series that detects intruders climbing above or cutting through a fence. Optex’s REDSCAN RLS-3060 can create another layer of security around the perimeter fence to warn if anyone or any vehicle is approaching the fence. The perimeter intrusion detection systems have been fully integrated with the GEMOS PSIM platform and can trigger video surveillance drones to fly to the point of intrusion and send a live video stream to the control centre. Accurance 3D tailgating detection system In a second zone, Optex will be showing its time of flight technology, to allow visitors to gain a better understanding of its capabilities. The technology allows a scene to be mapped in 3D and give an accurate representation of the objects present. It is used in Accurance 3D, Optex’s tailgating detection system for interlocks and could also be used for other applications such as object protection. The award-winning laser scan detector, REDSCAN RLS-2020 will be on the stand, showing its ability to protect assets and detect people jumping over turnstiles or climbing through skylights. It is already proven in identifying small objects or thrown objects being smuggled into restricted areas. Optex SL-TNR wireless infrared beam For commercial and residential security, Optex will be demonstrating its new wireless infrared beam, the SL-TNR that works with universal batteries (CR123) and can be partly hardwired; as well as its new range of pre-built beam towers. The last zone will include live demonstrations of how Optex’s wireless outdoor sensors, including its new VX Shield series, are ideally suited to IoT applications, sending alarms and other data via the cloud to a smartphone, or to a remote monitoring station. Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director of Optex, EMEA Headquarters, says key live demonstrations have been planned for IFSEC this year: “We feel that is the best way to show the range of applications that can be achieved with our sensors. In addition to exhibiting, we will also be speaking at the Borders and Infrastructure and Security Management theatres to discuss innovations to access control systems and case studies to protect critical infrastructure against intrusion.”

Outdoor, wireless passive infrared sensors (PIRs) from OPTEX have proved so successful in the field that they have changed the way an expert at Amron Security specifies and installs security equipment. OPTEX outdoor PIRs OPTEX worked with Amron Security to protect an isolated residential property in a rural location in the West Midlands (UK). Exposed on all four sides by main roads and fields, the owner was concerned that the property, including detached garages, would be a vulnerable target for intruders. Paul Bishop, Contracts Manager and Senior Installer at Amron Security, was at first sceptical when OPTEX proposed using wireless PIRs: “As an installer I feel more comfortable using outdoor sensors only when alarms can be visually verified remotely, as it is far from ideal for false or nuisance alarms to trigger with no possibility for verification,” he says. “However, I haven’t experienced any false alarm problems with OPTEX’s outdoor PIRs, which have performed flawlessly.” Low false alarm rates, high detection rates The PIRs specified by OPTEX include five of its VXI-R and two FTN-R sensors, featuring some of the lowest false alarm rates and highest detection rates in the industry. They are both battery-operated outdoor detectors that wirelessly connect to a Ricochet®-enabled alarm panel via OPTEX’s recently launched, pre-configured and pre-connected Ricochet®-enabled wireless transmitter, the BGR-01, which is fitted into the back of each sensor. The VXI-R sensors have a 12m wide angle of detection, while the FTN-R sensors provide a shorter – up to 5m – detection range in a curtain-like pattern. Combining the two variants therefore provides the optimum security defence. OPTEX analytics programming All the sensors are equipped with OPTEX’s latest analytics programming that includes small animal tolerance, vegetation detection, and enhanced weather protection to ensure false alarms are avoided. The sensors are tamper-proof and have a battery life lasting around three years. Amron Security maintains the sensors and provides a remote monitoring service; it is automatically informed if an alarm occurs. “Since the installation in 2016 there has not been a single false alarm,” Paul adds. “The technology has performed to such a high standard that my PIR concerns have been mitigated and we are specifying OPTEX’s sensors at further sites. “My concerns over battery life have also been dispelled, since it is now more than 18 months since the first detectors were installed and they continue to work without interruption.” Jacques Vaarre, Managing Director of OPTEX Europe, EMEA headquarters, says the state-of-the-art sensors are specifically manufactured to reduce false alarms: “The stability of our outdoor PIRs is paramount – and that they are so reliable to change the opinion of industry experts is very encouraging.”