Threat Detection

The metal detecting sensor is used to detect human activity. It is most effective when deployed along likely human movement routes or at natural pinch points in the landscape like water crossings.

It can be used to trigger the Camera to take images and identify what human activity is occurring, or buried and completely hidden with the Sensor Endpoint to send alerts.

When used by a number of Sensor Endpoints and Cameras in the same area the sensors can reveal the type of threat, the direction of travel and the speed of movement.

How It Works

The metal detecting sensor is continually measuring the Earth’s magnetic field. When metal moves near the sensor, this subtly changes the Earth’s magnetic field, triggering the sensor. The greater the amount of metal moving, the bigger this magnetic field disturbance, so the further away from the sensor it can be detected.

Detection Range

The metal detecting sensor has been tuned to detect low weights of metal of around 500g out to 2 metres, the equivalent of a machete or bundle of snares. A rifle of 2-5 kg will be detected between 2 – 5 metres from the sensor, and a vehicle up to 15 – 20 metres.

Low False Alerts

In comparison testing, a camera triggered with the metal detecting sensor was 7.5 times more accurate at detecting humans than a camera triggered by a PIR sensor, where the PIR camera also triggered for non-human movement (animals/foliage).

False alerts are only generated by the metal detecting sensor if something stands directly on top of the buried sensor or if lighting strikes the surrounding area.

Low Power

Developed to be extremely low power, the metal detecting sensor uses very little Camera or Sensor Endpoint battery, and is completely powered through the 8-pin connector.

Rugged Design

The metal detecting sensor is rugged and designed to be buried in waterlogged soil for years at a time. If the cable and or connector is damaged they can be repaired and replaced in the field with minimal technical experience.

Cable Lengths

The sensor can be supplied with a 15 metre cable for use with the Camera or with a 1.5 metre cable for use with the Sensor Endpoint.

Sensor Development

The low power metal detecting sensor has been developed specifically for the Instant Detect 2.0 system in partnership with ZSL by Bartington Ltd, the industry leader in developing low power magnetometers.