Introduction to Ajax MotionProtect+ Dual‑Tech Motion Detector
Ajax MotionProtect+ (Black) AJA-22944is a wireless indoor motion detector that combines a passive infrared (PIR) sensor with a K‑band microwave module to deliver more reliable intrusion detection and dramatically reduce false alarms from environmental and thermal noise. Designed to work seamlessly with Ajax hubs (and with third‑party panels via Ajax bridges), MotionProtect+ targets homes, offices and small commercial spaces where accurate motion detection, quick alarm transmission and low maintenance are priorities. The unit ships with a pre‑installed CR123A battery and a SmartBracket mounting panel to make installation quick and straightforward.
Key features at a glance
- Dual‑technology detection(PIR + K‑band microwave) for superior false‑alarm filtering.
- Up to 12 m detection rangewith wide horizontal and vertical coverage.
- Adjustable sensitivity(three levels) and pet immunity for environments with small animals.
- Fast alarm delivery— approximately 0.15 seconds via the Jeweller two‑way radio protocol.
- Long battery life— pre‑installed CR123A battery with typical life up to 5 years (dependent on polling interval).
- Robust communications & security— encrypted radio, tamper protection and jamming detection.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Type: Wireless dual‑technology motion detector (PIR + microwave)
- Detection distance: Up to 12 m
- Horizontal angle: 88.5°
- Vertical angle: 80°
- Target speed: 0.3–2 m/s
- Sensitivity: Adjustable, 3 levels
- Pet immunity: Up to 20 kg and 50 cm height (when installed correctly)
- Power: CR123A battery, 3 V (pre‑installed)
- Battery life: Up to 5 years (typical; depends on polling interval)
- Radio protocol: Jeweller, two‑way
- Radio range: Up to 1,200 m (open space, region dependent)
- Encryption: AES
- RF output: Up to 20 mW
- Polling interval: 12–300 s
- Alarm transmission: Approx. 0.15 s
Dual‑technology detection is the headline benefit: the PIR sensor detects changes in infrared energy (body heat), while the microwave module senses movement in the detector’s coverage area by emitting and receiving microwave signals. When both sensors register motion, the system triggers an alarm. This cross‑verification reduces false triggers caused by falling temperatures, drafts, sudden light changes, or insects and other small disturbances that might fool a PIR‑only detector.
The 12 m detection distance and wide horizontal (≈88.5°) and vertical (≈80°) angles make MotionProtect+ suitable for covering rooms, corridors and open areas without multiple devices. Adjustable sensitivity levels let you tune detection to your environment: high sensitivity for maximum coverage, or lower sensitivity to ignore minor disturbances.
Pet immunity is practical for households with dogs or cats. Installed at the recommended height and angle, MotionProtect+ can ignore pets up to roughly 20 kg and 50 cm tall, reducing nuisance alarms while still protecting spaces from human intruders.
Communications are handled by Ajax’s Jeweller protocol, which offers two‑way encrypted communication and a long open‑space range (up to ~1,200 m, region dependent). Alarm delivery is very fast — roughly 0.15 seconds — so alerts reach the hub and monitoring services quickly. Built‑in tamper detection and jamming alerts improve security against sabotage.
The pre‑installed CR123A battery and optimized power-saving design mean minimal maintenance: typical battery life is up to five years depending on settings and environment, which reduces the lifetime cost and inconvenience of frequent battery changes.
Use cases and scenarios where MotionProtect+ excels
- Residential homes with pets:If you want volumetric coverage but want to avoid false alarms triggered by family pets, MotionProtect+ balances sensitivity with pet immunity when mounted and configured correctly.
- Small offices and retail spaces:Open‑plan office areas, retail shop floors and corridors can be reliably monitored with fewer devices thanks to the 12 m range, and the dual sensors reduce false activations from HVAC systems or staff movement outside the coverage area.
- Rooms with environmental variability:Locations with drafts, temperature fluctuations or reflective surfaces are often problematic for PIR‑only sensors. The microwave element helps filter out triggers that are not corroborated by PIR readings.
- DIY installations and professional fit‑outs:SmartBracket mounting, pre‑installed battery and Ajax’s apps for remote configuration make this suitable for both DIY installers and professional security integrators.
- Monitored systems requiring fast response:With ~0.15 s alarm transmission, this detector is well suited to systems where rapid alerting to a hub or monitoring station matters.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
PIR‑only devices are simple, energy‑efficient and cost effective, but they can be more prone to false alarms in challenging environments (e.g., direct sunlight, air vents, or rapidly changing temperatures). MotionProtect+ improves reliability by requiring corroboration between PIR and microwave sensors before triggering an alarm, reducing unnecessary alerts and the risk of alarm fatigue.
Microwave‑only detectors are sensitive to movement through electromagnetic sensing and can penetrate some thin obstructions, but they are also susceptible to interference from metallic objects, complex layouts or competing RF sources. By combining microwave with PIR, MotionProtect+ leverages two independent sensing principles to increase accuracy and lower false positives.
Camera systems provide visual verification and are excellent for forensics, but they consume more bandwidth, require lighting or IR illumination at night, and may raise privacy concerns. MotionProtect+ is a privacy‑preserving sensor that focuses on reliable alarm generation with low power consumption and simple installation. In many setups, detectors like MotionProtect+ are used alongside cameras to provide both rapid alarms and visual confirmation.
Not all dual‑technology detectors are created equal. Key differentiators include the quality of sensor fusion (how the device combines inputs), radio reliability and security, battery life and ease of installation. MotionProtect+ stands out with Ajax’s Jeweller encrypted radio, long battery life, tamper detection, and an emphasis on tuning (sensitivity and pet immunity) to match different environments. When comparing dual‑tech models, consider detection algorithms, installation flexibility and ecosystem compatibility — MotionProtect+ performs strongly across these dimensions.
Customer feedback and reviews (representative)
While individual experiences vary, common themes emerge from users who choose dual‑tech detectors like MotionProtect+:
- Positive:Many customers praise the reduced false alarms compared with PIR‑only sensors, the long battery life, and the ease of mounting and configuration via Ajax apps. Installers appreciate the pre‑installed battery and SmartBracket for faster deployments.
- Practical notes:Users often highlight the importance of correct placement and alignment for pet immunity and optimal coverage; mounting height and orientation make a real difference to performance.
- Constructive feedback:A few users note that, as with any sensitive detection device, tuning sensitivity and selecting the right installation location are necessary steps. In high‑RF environments, careful placement and proper hub positioning improve reliability.
If you are considering MotionProtect+, read the official datasheet and user manual for installation guidelines and test the sensor after mounting to confirm pet immunity and coverage are working as expected.
Conclusion: Why choose Ajax MotionProtect+?
Ajax MotionProtect+ is a compelling choice if you need dependable indoor motion detection with low false alarms, long battery life and fast alarm delivery. Its dual‑technology approach pairs the strengths of PIR and microwave sensing to reduce nuisance activations while maintaining accurate human motion detection. The device is designed for quick installation, remote configuration via Ajax apps, and secure, encrypted communications to Ajax hubs or third‑party systems through bridges.
For homeowners with pets, small business owners needing robust perimeter coverage inside premises, and integrators seeking a low‑maintenance, reliable detector, MotionProtect+ strikes a strong balance between performance and ease of use. At its suggested price point of approximately 84.99 (check local retailers and regional pricing), it represents a feature‑rich option for modern security systems.
Before purchase and installation, consult the official datasheet and local regulations, and consider professional installation if required. With proper placement and tuning, MotionProtect+ can reduce false alarms, deliver rapid alerts, and give you greater confidence in your indoor intrusion protection.
