Optex FlipX FLX‑S‑DT Dual‑Tech PIR + Microwave Motion Detector FLX‑S‑DT

Introduction to the Optex FLX‑S‑DT FlipX Dual‑Tech Motion Detector

Optex FLX‑S‑DT (FlipX Standard, dual‑tech)is a hard‑wired indoor motion detector that combines a pyroelectric passive infrared (PIR) element with a microwave (MW) module. Designed for residential and light‑commercial intrusion detection, this detector pairs a human‑optimised PIR sensor with a microwave backplane and refined digital logic to reduce false alarms while maintaining reliable detection of genuine intruders. The signature FlipX lens provides rapid switching between a wide coverage pattern and a narrow corridor pattern, making the FLX‑S‑DT a flexible choice for many interior installations.

Key features at a glance

• Dual‑technology detection:PIR + Microwave — when MW is enabled, both sensors must trigger to generate an alarm.
• FlipX 180° rotatable lens:Choose between wide (85° × 12 m) and narrow/corridor (5° × 18 m) patterns; microwave is disabled in corridor mode.
• SMDA digital logic and Tough MOD 2:Smart digital processing and microwave tuning to cut down false alarms from environmental sources.
• Pet tolerant:Human‑optimised PIR element helps reduce nuisance alarms from pets.
• Alarm and tamper outputs:N.C. alarm relay and tamper relay; prominent green LED for status and alarm indication.
• Sleek wall‑mount design:Recommended mounting at 2.0–3.0 m, compact form factor for unobtrusive installation.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The FLX‑S‑DT blends practical technical specifications with installer‑focused features that translate into real‑world benefits. Below are the principal specifications and what they mean for performance and reliability.

• Detection method:PIR (pyroelectric) + Microwave (dual‑tech). Benefit: Combining two independent detection modalities reduces the chance of false alarms while keeping high detection confidence.
• Detection coverage (wide):85° × 12 m. Benefit: Broad volumetric coverage for open rooms, corridors, and living spaces.
• Detection coverage (narrow/corridor):5° × 18 m (microwave disabled). Benefit: Long, focused detection for hallways and corridors where bird‑nesting of beams would otherwise be problematic.
• Power input:9.5–16 V DC (typical 12 V DC). Benefit: Compatible with most alarm control panels and central power supplies used in residential and small commercial systems.
• Current consumption:Typical ≈ 11 mA, Max ≈ 14 mA (at 12 V). Benefit: Low quiescent current helps minimize load on backup batteries.
• Alarm output (relay):N.C., 24 V DC, 0.1 A max (resistive). Benefit: Simple, reliable wiring to alarm panels and monitoring equipment.
• Tamper output:Tamper/cover removed relay (N.C.). Benefit: Physical tamper detection protects against sabotage or removal.
• Warm‑up time:Approx. 60 s (LED blinks). Benefit: Quick start‑up after power application for faster commissioning.
• Operating environment:−20 °C to +45 °C; up to 95% RH (non‑condensing). Benefit: Suitable for most indoor conditions.
• Mounting height:2.0–3.0 m recommended. Benefit: Optimal balance between coverage and pet immunity.
• Dimensions and weight:≈ 130 × 92 × 56 mm; ≈ 135 g. Benefit: Compact and easy to accommodate on interior walls.
• Detection logic:SMDA digital logic; Tough MOD 2 microwave tuning. Benefit: Advanced processing reduces nuisance alarms from HVAC, fans, insects, and small animals.
• Standards / Grade:EN Grade 2 (as indicated by vendor pages). Benefit: Provides a recognized performance class suitable for many residential and business applications.

• FlipX lens versatility:The 180° rotatable lens allows rapid configuration of the coverage pattern without swapping lenses. Installers can quickly adapt the detector to room geometry, saving time and improving layout flexibility.
• Pet tolerance:The detector’s human‑optimised PIR element and detection logic help reduce false alarms caused by pets, making it suitable for households with animals when installed at the recommended height.
• Simple integration:Hard‑wired relay outputs and low current draw make the FLX‑S‑DT straightforward to integrate with common alarm control panels and shared power sources.
• False alarm mitigation:Dual‑tech operation (when MW enabled) requires both PIR and microwave confirmation for an alarm, reducing triggers from single‑sensor anomalies such as rapid temperature changes or localized air movement.

Use cases and scenarios where the FLX‑S‑DT excels

The FLX‑S‑DT’s blend of coverage options, false‑alarm mitigation, and pet tolerance makes it well suited to a range of environments.

• Living rooms and open‑plan areas: Use the wide 85° × 12 m pattern to cover larger spaces where a single detector can protect a significant area.
• Hallways and corridors: Switch to the 5° × 18 m corridor mode (microwave disabled) for focused, long‑range monitoring of passageways without triggering on adjacent rooms.
• Homes with pets: Benefit from the human‑optimised PIR and SMDA logic to reduce nuisance alarms while maintaining detection of human intruders.

• Small retail shops and offices: Dual‑tech operation reduces false alarms caused by HVAC systems, glass vibration, or reflective heat sources.
• Storage areas and corridors: Corridor mode can be used to monitor aisles or long storage corridors effectively.
• Server rooms and monitored interiors: Tamper relay and reliable alarm outputs allow easy integration into monitored systems.

• Rapid commissioning: The FlipX lens and simple wiring reduce installation time for integrators and technicians.
• Battery‑friendly deployments: Low current consumption helps when multiple detectors share a backup supply.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

When choosing motion detectors, buyers often compare single‑tech PIR sensors, microwave sensors, and dual‑tech detectors. The FLX‑S‑DT sits in the dual‑tech category but with features that set it apart.

• PIR only:Simpler and usually less expensive, but more susceptible to false alarms from rapid temperature changes, drafts, or moving heat sources. PIR detectors are excellent for many situations but can require careful placement to avoid nuisance triggers.
• FLX‑S‑DT advantage:By requiring both PIR and microwave signals (when MW enabled), the FLX‑S‑DT reduces false positives while maintaining robust human detection.

• Microwave only:Can detect movement through light obstructions and in low‑temperature fluctuation environments, but may be triggered by mechanical vibration, moving metal, or unexpected reflections.
• FLX‑S‑DT advantage:The PIR element adds a layer of confirmation based on thermal movement, helping to ignore disturbances that affect only the microwave channel.

• Optex offers a family of FlipX detectors; the FLX‑S‑DT is a balanced choice focused on indoor residential and light‑commercial tasks where corridor mode and pet tolerance are valuable.
• Compared with some higher‑end dual‑tech models that include adjustable microwave sensitivity or remote configuration, the FLX‑S‑DT emphasizes installer simplicity, low power draw, and proven detection logic (SMDA/Tough MOD 2).
• Against rival brands, the FLX‑S‑DT’s FlipX lens is a notable convenience: quickly switching between wide and corridor patterns without swapping parts gives the unit an edge in speed of deployment.

Customer feedback and typical reviews

Public user reviews specific to every installation vary, but common themes from technicians and homeowners who choose dual‑tech FlipX detectors typically include:

• "Reliable detection with fewer false alarms" — many installers report that dual‑tech logic noticeably reduces nuisance events compared with older PIR‑only models.
• "Quick to set up" — the FlipX lens and straightforward wiring make on‑site configuration fast, especially when switching between corridor and wide coverage.
• "Good pet immunity when mounted correctly" — properly mounted at the recommended height, the detector performs well in homes with small to medium pets.
• "Low power consumption" — small current draw is consistently noted as helpful in battery‑backed systems.

If you need precise third‑party testimonials for procurement or case studies, consult vendor pages or installer forums for region‑specific feedback and recorded installations.

Conclusion — why the Optex FLX‑S‑DT is a strong choice

The Optex FLX‑S‑DT FlipX dual‑tech motion detector offers a pragmatic mixture of flexibility, false‑alarm mitigation, and installer‑friendly features. Its FlipX rotatable lens allows on‑the‑fly switching between wide and corridor patterns, while the combined PIR and microwave detection (with SMDA and Tough MOD 2 logic) reduces nuisance alarms that can plague single‑technology sensors. Low current consumption, tamper protection, and compatibility with common alarm systems make it a practical pick for residential and light‑commercial applications.

For projects where dependable human detection, pet tolerance, and quick configuration matter, the FLX‑S‑DT is a compelling option. Always follow the official Optex installation manual, observe recommended mounting heights (2.0–3.0 m), and isolate power before installation to ensure safe, compliant, and optimal performance.