Optex Photoelectric Beam & Motion Tower — Reference Guide
Optex Photoelectric Beam and Motion Tower reference guide covering the AX Series outdoor beam detectors and TW Series free-standing motion towers.
Full text manual (for reference)
Overview
The OPTEX Photoelectric Beam and Tower Guide is a selection guide covering OPTEX's outdoor perimeter photoelectric beam detectors and beam towers, used to secure fences, borders, substations, solar fields, industrial sites, prisons, and residential perimeters.
Part Number Guide
- SL-350QFRi — Quad Beam, detection range in feet, iSeries (Inovonics EN1941 transmitter and batteries included)
- AX-200TFR — Twin Beam, Ready for Wireless (accepts most manufacturers' wireless transmitters)
- AX-650TF — Four selectable frequencies for stacking / long distance applications
- AX-130TN — Normal (Form A relay); no selectable switch, no Form C relay
Hardwired Beam Considerations
- Distance: The longer the run, the bigger the voltage drop — drops in voltage can cause missed and false alarms. Use thicker gauge wire (max. 18 gauge) for longer runs.
- Power Supply: Choose a power supply with correct amperage to cover the beam's current consumption.
- Wiring: Choose the correct wiring conductor based on the outputs you want monitored (Tamper, Alarm, D.Q. Circuit, Power — varies by model).
- Zoning: Although photobeams can be installed in series, home runs are always recommended for easier troubleshooting and zone identification during alarms.
Quick Feature Guide
| Need to stack beams for added protection | Four-channel selectable beam frequency, stackable in an AX-TW200 Beam Tower. Models: AX-100TF, AX-200TF, AX-350TF, AX-650TF, AX-100TFR, AX-200TFR, AX-100TFRi, AX-200TFRi, SL-350QFR, SL-350QFRi |
| Trenching/power is too expensive or unavailable | Battery-operated versions, mountable in the AX-TW200 tower for a fully wireless perimeter. Models: AX-100TFR, AX-200TFR, AX-100TFRi, AX-200TFRi, SL-350QFR, SL-350QFRi |
| Fog, snow, heavy rain at the job site | D.Q. (Environmental Disqualification) output sends a trouble signal when beam strength drops below acceptable levels for 20–40 seconds. Models: AX-100TF, AX-200TF, AX-350TF, AX-650TF, AX-100TFR, AX-200TFR, AX-100TFRi, AX-200TFRi, SL-350QFR, SL-350QFRi |
| Occasional lightning storms | AX series withstands lightning surge up to 14kV (IEC801-5) without damage. All Optex AX and SL series models. |
| Changing weather causing false alarms | A.G.C. (Automatic Gain Control) continually adjusts sensitivity to maintain proper signal level as weather conditions change. All Optex AX and SL series models. |
Wireless, Battery-Powered Options
The Wireless-Ready and iSeries detector lines give a battery-powered, wireless solution — no trenching or wire runs. Wireless-Ready versions work with most manufacturers' wireless systems; iSeries versions include a pre-installed Inovonics EN1941 wireless transmitter. Batteries are included, with an average lifespan of 3–8 years depending on the detector/battery combination and frequency of use.
IP-Powered Perimeter Protection
Redbeam IP detectors offer a complete detection solution for perimeter security systems integrated with IP CCTV products. They connect via Power-over-Ethernet and exchange alarm signal information via IP protocol (through an OPTEX PIE-1 PoE switch, IP camera, network switch, and IP video management software).
| RBM60QN | 200ft range |
| RBM100QN | 350ft range |
Photoelectric Beam Towers
| AX-TW200 | 6'6" double-sided, free-standing tower (includes thermostat, tamper, and pair of TWSAX) |
| AX-TW200M | 6'6" single-sided, wall-mount tower (includes thermostat, tamper, and pair of TWSAX) |
| AX-TW100 | 3'3" double-sided, free-standing tower (includes thermostat, tamper, and TWSAX) |
| AX-TW100M | 3'3" single-sided, wall-mount tower (includes thermostat, tamper, and TWSAX) |
| AX-TW50 | 1'6" double-sided, free-standing tower (includes thermostat, tamper, and TWSAX) |
Mounting Options
All OPTEX beams (except BX-100Plus) can be wall, pole, or tower mounted. Consider site conditions, environmental exposure, and security level when choosing:
- Good — Pole mount, one beam set: Less expensive.
- Better — Tower mount, one beam set: Aesthetically pleasing, conceals beam height, protects beams from environmental elements and vandalism.
- Best — Tower mount, two beam sets: Beams double-stacked for added protection, aesthetically pleasing, conceals beam height, protects beams from environmental elements and vandalism.
Free Tower Assembly (AX-ASM)
When a site plan is provided, OPTEX will custom-build towers and pre-install photoelectric beams and accessories according to site specifications at no charge, then ship them directly to the job site, labeled for position and ready to install.
Optional Accessories
| AX-PT3104 | Replacement lens for AX-TW200, AX-TW200M |
| AX-TWAA | Anti-climb top tamper for AX-TW200 |
| AX-TWEB | Bracket for pouring concrete footing or installing on uneven ground |
| AX-TWH | Heater, 12VDC 250mA non-polarity, for the AX-TW200/M |
| AX-TWSAX | Adjustable beam mounting plate (kit for 1Tx & 1Rx), TN/TFR, PLUS |
| AX-TWSM | Wall mount bracket for AX-TW200 only |
| MP-4 | Bracket to mount TFR wireless beams to tower (set) |
| SMP-3 | Power supply and transformer (12–24VDC) |
Specification & Selection Reference
The full specification tables (battery-powered wireless models SL-350QFRi, AX-100TFR/TFRi, AX-200TFR/TFRi; and hardwired standard models AX-100TF, AX-200TF, AX-350TF, AX-650TF, AX-70TN, AX-130TN, AX-200TN, AX-250PLUS, AX-500PLUS covering outdoor/indoor detection range, beam type, blocking ratio, selectable frequencies, mounting, alignment, current consumption, power supply, alarm output, environmental protection rating, and operating temperature) are shown in the reference images below.
Notes
Specifications and design are subject to change without prior notice. These units are designed to detect an intruder and activate an alarm control panel; being only part of a complete system, OPTEX cannot accept responsibility for damages or consequences resulting from an intrusion. These products conform to the EMC Directive 89/336 ECC.