Optex VXI-AM Wired Outdoor Dual‑PIR Anti‑Mask Motion Detector, 12.0m, VXI-AM

Introduction: Optex VXI-AM at a glance

Optex VXI-AM — Wired outdoor low-mount dual‑PIR motion detector with Active IR anti‑masking.Designed for reliable perimeter and approach detection, the VXI‑AM combines dual passive infrared sensing, advanced digital logic and active anti‑masking to deliver accurate detection with low false‑alarm rates. With adjustable range up to 12.0 m, 90° coverage in 16 zones and a weather‑resistant IP55 housing, the VXI‑AM is built for outdoor installations such as gates, fences and building approaches where consistent performance and anti‑tamper protection matter.

Key features

• Dual PIR with double‑layer coincidence:Upper and lower PIR elements require coincidence, improving detection reliability and reducing spurious alarms from small animals and transient heat sources.
• Active IR anti‑masking (VXI‑AM):Detects attempts to cover or mask the lens, sending a tamper/mask alarm to the control panel and preserving perimeter integrity.
• SMDA digital logic:Super Multi‑Dimensional Analysis processes multiple signal features to distinguish genuine human motion from environmental noise and temperature shifts.
• Adjustable detection distance:Five range steps (12.0 / 8.5 / 6.0 / 3.5 / 2.5 m) let installers tailor coverage to site geometry and mounting height.
• Outdoor rated:IP55 and UV‑resistant housing provide reliable performance in exposed locations.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The VXI‑AM’s specifications translate directly into practical benefits for security installers and end users. Below is an overview of the most relevant technical details and why they matter in real‑world deployments.

• Detection method:Passive Infrared (dual PIR) with double‑layer coincidence. Benefit: dual elements with coincidence logic reduce false triggers caused by small animals, single heat spikes or localised interference.
• Coverage:90° × 12.0 m (16 zones). Benefit: wide approach coverage suitable for low‑mount protection of gates, fence lines and approach paths while maintaining focused zone segmentation for accurate detection.
• Distance settings:Five steps from 2.5 m up to 12.0 m. Benefit: flexibility to adapt to short walkway control or longer perimeter approaches without swapping hardware.
• Detectable speed:0.3–1.5 m/s. Benefit: tuned for human approach speeds so rapid environmental motion or very slow thermal drift are less likely to trigger the alarm.
• Sensitivity:2.0 °C (at 0.6 m/s). Benefit: consistent detection of human thermal signatures under varied conditions.
• Anti‑masking:Active IR. Benefit: provides a proactive defense against deliberate masking or obstruction attempts, raising a dedicated masking/tamper alert.
• Digital logic:SMDA. Benefit: sophisticated signal analysis lowers nuisance alarms triggered by insects, small animals, variable temperatures and moving foliage.

• Power supply:9.5–18 V DC. Benefit: compatible with common security panel voltages.
• Current consumption:≈24 mA (max) at 12 V DC. Benefit: low draw suitable for installations with multiple detectors on shared power circuits.
• Alarm & tamper outputs:Selectable N.C./N.O. alarm (28 V DC, 0.1 A max) and tamper (N.C., 28 V DC, 0.1 A max). Benefit: straightforward integration into many alarm panels and wired systems with tamper supervision.
• LED indicators:Red LED for warm‑up, alarm and masking indication. Benefit: quick visual confirmation during commissioning and walk‑testing.

• Operating temperature:−30 to +60 °C. Benefit: broad environmental tolerance for cold winters and hot summers.
• Humidity:≤95% RH. Benefit: handles high humidity outdoor environments.
• Ingress protection:IP55. Benefit: protection against dust and water jets—suitable for exposed outdoor mounting where full enclosure protection (IP66/67) is not required.
• Mounting height:0.8–1.2 m (low‑mount). Benefit: ideal for perimeter and approach detection while optimising the dual‑element field of view.
• Size & weight:Compact (≈181.9 × 70.9 × 64.5 mm) and light (≈500 g). Benefit: discreet low‑profile installation and easy mounting on posts, walls and gates.

Benefits in practice

• Reliable perimeter detection:Dual‑PIR coincidence and 16 zoned coverage give consistent detection across the protected arc while minimising false alarms.
• Anti‑mask protection:Active IR masks attempts to blind or cover the detector—essential for exposed sites where tampering risk is higher.
• Reduced nuisance alarms:SMDA digital logic filters environmental noise so security teams receive actionable alerts rather than repeated false alarms.
• Installer flexibility:Multiple range settings and selectable outputs simplify tuning to the site and integration into existing wired systems.
• Weather resilience:IP55 housing and UV resistance extend life and reliability in outdoor deployments.

Use cases and scenarios where the VXI‑AM excels

The VXI‑AM is built for outdoor perimeter and approach applications where reliable detection, anti‑mask capabilities and low false alarms are priorities. Typical use cases include:

• Residential perimeter protection:Low‑mount installation along garden fences, driveway approaches or gates to detect intruders approaching the property before they reach doors or windows.
• Commercial and light industrial sites:Protecting loading bays, fence lines and building approaches where tampering or masking attempts are a realistic threat.
• Gate and access control protection:Initiate lighting, CCTV recording or access control interlocks when a person approaches an entry point.
• Temporary or event security:Wired integration with portable control equipment for short‑term perimeter protection where wireless bandwidth or battery life is a concern.
• Adjunct to CCTV:Use the detector to trigger camera recording or PTZ presets when motion is detected in a defined approach corridor, improving video searchability and reducing unnecessary recordings.

Installation tips and practical considerations

• Mount at the recommended 0.8–1.2 m height for optimal coverage and reliable double‑layer detection.
• Avoid pointing the detector at heat sources (HVAC units, sunlit walls) or dense moving vegetation; these are common causes of nuisance alarms.
• Follow the Optex installation manual for correct wiring, LED checks and walk‑testing procedures; perform a full walk‑test at different times of day and in varied weather conditions.
• Ensure tamper wiring and alarm outputs are integrated per local electrical and security regulations; de‑energise circuits before wiring.
• Check local approvals (CE/UKCA) and any region‑specific requirements prior to commissioning.

How the VXI‑AM compares with similar products

When considering perimeter detectors, buyers typically weigh detector type (PIR, microwave, dual‑tech, beams), anti‑mask capabilities, environmental robustness and ease of integration. The VXI‑AM sits in a practical middle ground for many users:

• Vs single‑PIR detectors:The dual‑PIR double‑layer coincidence of the VXI‑AM markedly reduces false alarms compared with single‑element PIRs. Single PIRs are cheaper but more susceptible to pets, insects and brief thermal changes.
• Vs microwave or dual‑tech (PIR+micro):Microwave or combined technologies can be more sensitive in some cluttered environments, but they may be prone to reflection issues and often draw more power. The VXI‑AM’s SMDA logic provides improved discrimination without the complexity of microwave tuning.
• Vs curtain/beam sensors:Curtain and infrared beam systems create narrow, tamper‑resistant trip lines and are excellent for precise boundary detection. However, they require more meticulous alignment and can be tricked by objects passing between beams. The VXI‑AM offers wider area coverage and easier alignment for approach protection.
• Vs wireless detectors:Wireless perimeter sensors offer installation flexibility but rely on batteries and RF reliability. The wired VXI‑AM trades battery independence for constant power, simpler ongoing maintenance and straightforward integration with wired alarm panels—advantages for permanent installations.

Customer feedback and installer impressions

While specific customer reviews vary by site and expectations, common themes among installers and security integrators who choose detectors like the VXI‑AM include:

• "Reliable detection with fewer false alarms than older single‑PIR units" — installers appreciate the double‑layer PIR and SMDA logic for reducing callbacks.
• "Valuable anti‑mask feature" — for sites with higher tamper risk, active IR masking detection provides an important extra alarm channel.
• "Easy to tune on site" — adjustable distance steps and clear LED indicators make commissioning and walk‑testing quicker.
• "Good value for a wired outdoor detector" — installers note the balance of features, robustness and cost when specifying for perimeter duties.

Price and value

With a suggested price of £145.00 (cost price £97.49), the VXI‑AM is positioned as a professional‑grade wired outdoor detector that offers durable build quality, anti‑mask protection and advanced digital logic. For projects where long‑term reliability and reduced nuisance alarms save time and operational cost, the initial investment typically delivers measurable value over lower‑cost, less capable detectors.

Conclusion: why choose the Optex VXI‑AM?

The Optex VXI‑AM combines balanced detection performance, active anti‑mask protection and robust outdoor design to meet the needs of residential and commercial perimeter security. Its dual‑PIR double‑layer coincidence and SMDA digital logic significantly cut nuisance alarms, while active IR anti‑masking protects against deliberate tampering. Adjustable range settings, straightforward wired integration and weather resistance make the VXI‑AM a practical choice for installers seeking dependable, low‑mount perimeter detection. For sites that require reliable approach detection, anti‑mask capability and fewer false positives, the VXI‑AM is a compelling option to consider.