PIR detectors

	DIY Kits such as Capital Prospect's AM-100 Home Smart Center will continue to be the main offering of Hong Kong suppliers in 2008.

Non-professional users discover the benefits of intruder alarms through consumer-oriented models and sales channels.

Heightened crime awareness is driving global demand for intruder alarms. Citizens get their daily dose of crime reports from all over the world, thanks to new information sources such as the Internet and mobile phones, not to mention traditional media such as newspapers, television and radio.

Hong Kong’s intruder alarm and sensor industry is looking forward to another year of steady, albeit not-too-spectacular, growth. The small supplier base of less than 20 companies expects tougher competition, especially
with the glut of low-cost products from mainland China. However, firmly established sales channels, niche focus, solid after-sales support and adaptability put Hong Kong suppliers’ a step ahead of their Asian rivals.

Hong Kong’s exports of intruder alarm products in 2007 are on track to reach at least $117 million, surpassing the $115 million recorded in 2006. More than 17 million units of alarms and sensors are shipped by suppliers every year, mostly as re-exports of products made in mainland China.

Developed regions like North America and Western Europe, where information dissemination networks are most mature, are the main export markets for Hong Kong-made intruder alarms. Some suppliers also ship to Japan, South Korea and Australia. Others are eyeing increased shipments to emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia and India.

Prices are expected to remain stable throughout 2008, despite the introduction of new features and value add-ons.

	The SD-001R emergency dialer from Capital Prospect has a built-in speakerphone for two-way conversation.

Greater consumer awareness of the ease of installation, reliability and low maintenance costs of intruder alarms and sensors is expanding the market for starter sets and do-it-yourself(DIY)kits. Affordable basic kits are introducing motion detection technology to new users, who may eventually upgrade to more sophisticated systems providing higher levels of security.

Sales outlets for these products are no longer limited to security and hardware stores, and now include electronics and houseware retail shops. The majority of Hong Kong suppliers continue to target the non-professional, non-technical small businesses, homeowners and apartment renters, while some plan to offer a few professional-grade intruder alarms and sensors that can be integrated into central security systems.

Integration and home automation will be dominant themes in the coming year. As sophisticated designs surface and false alarm rates further improve, consumers will most likely prefer deterrent products such as intruder alarms and sensors over pricier devices such as surveillance cameras.

PIR units will continue to dominate the supply of motion sensors in the region in 2008. Most suppliers view PIR sensing technology as mature enough for intrusion detection and affordable enough for budget-conscious buyers. A motion sensor functions primarily as a trigger for the warning device positioned in another location or, in most DIY units, integrated into the sensor. Due to its small form factor, motion sensors may be integrated into more security devices in 2008.

Floodlights, traditionally used to deter intruders around a building’s perimeter, are more useful with a built-in motion sensor. Halogen floodlights from Ansen Electronics Co. come with built-in PIR motion sensors. Model 5681, for instance, is an IP44-rated, motion-activated 500W halogen floodlight. The sensor has a range of 180º and 15m, and features 5s to 18min delay control, manual override, aluminum parabolic reflector and powder-coated aluminum body.

A lower-power model, the 5677 150W halogen floodlight, has a PIR sensor with 15m range and adjustable 90 degrees to 180 degrees angle. It measures 195x145x150mm and supports 300W maximum loading.

Motion sensors are also emerging as popular add-ons to night lights. Power View Industrial Ltd’s SH988L is a motion sensor that can be set to either alarm mode or light mode. In light mode, it turns on while motion is detected and turns off when the motion stops. In alarm mode, SH988L sounds out a siren when motion is detected. The product features a 90º angle 6m range and has a built-in 110dB siren.

Model 117 from Lelux Electronics Ltd is a portable LED light with 5m, 100 degrees angle motion detector and built-in photocell sensor. It has a lamp/chime switch and its wall-mount base includes a swivel. The unit has six LED lights.

Aside from motion sensors, more makers will be releasing specialized detectors. Buyers can expect the release of new models of vibration detectors for windows, glass walls and other stationary items. VS-433 from Capital Prospect Ltd runs on a 9V alkaline battery and has a 60m range.

Once vibration is detected, it sends a signal to Capital Prospect’s SC-001 control panel or AD-433S emergency dialer.

Model 708 from Lelux is a window lock with vibration detector and 105dB alarm. It comes with a sliding lock for easy installation and on/off switch. It runs on a 12V battery or three button cell batteries.

Model 708S, meanwhile, is a miniature, high-sensitivity sensor attached inside a safe. Activated by any slight vibration, the battery-powered 708S triggers a 100dB siren.

Motion detectors in the form of door chimes will be another development focus of suppliers in the coming year, as these devices become widely used in retail stores, beauty salons, restaurants, and other public and commercial establishments. Ansen’s model 0704 is a wireless door chime with a 90 degrees angle and 10m PIR motion sensor. The water-resistant sensor includes an LED transmission indicator. Two chime melodies are used for front and back doors.

Power View’s PV-1000 is a variation of Ansen’s product. It allows a 20s message high-quality recording that is played back whenever an intruder is detected within a 6m, 90º range. The unit comes with a wall-mount bracket and runs on four AA batteries or 6V DC 600mA external adapter.

Although flood sensors are not generally a part of intrusion prevention or detection, they may be used to alert homeowners of possible water overflows resulting from forced entry. Some companies are expected to add flood sensors to their array of intruder detectors in 2008. Lelux has already released model 760, a water overflow-activated 105dB alarm with alarm/off/music switch. It includes a 2m connection sensor wire.

Capital Prospect’s GM-433R water sensor set can support up to four of its FS-101 sensors. The set has a 90m operating range and comes with audio and visual indicators. A suction cap keeps the sensor secure on slippery surfaces such as near a bathtub, water heater or washing machine.

Audio detection is one of the latest sensing methods in security. Some suppliers are likely to check out this technology in the coming year to complement existing products.

Capital Prospect’s AS-101 is a wireless audio sensor that detects an alarm sound and alerts the control panel. It is powered by a 9V alkaline battery and is compatible with Capital Prospect’s AM-001.

Power View’s PV900 is a sound-activated light that automatically shuts off after 20s. Powered by four AA batteries or a 6V DC external adapter, it contains a 4.8V 0.5A krypton bulb with built-in light sensor, to ensure that it is always off at daytime. It is suitable for installation in hallways, bedrooms, stairs, corridors and basements.

A few Hong Kong suppliers are still offering wired intruder alarm systems, but new models will be sparse in 2008. The production cost difference between wired and wireless systems has narrowed significantly in the past two years, with wired models proving to be more complicated to install than wireless systems. Wired intruder alarms are now marketed exclusively to professional buyers.

Suppliers with wired intruder alarm systems, however, will continue to manufacture on a per-order basis. Ansen’s 0438, for instance, is a five-zone wired alarm system consisting of a control panel, PIR motion detector, two magnetic contact sensors, external siren, connection box and adapter.

The motion detector supports a 110 degrees angle, 18m range and includes an LED indicator. The control panel features a keypad for adjusting settings. It includes a tamper switch and built-in 95dB siren. Connection cables for external siren, strobe light or auto dialer are provided, as well as a 9V backup battery.

Model 603ARSK from Lelux is a mixed wired and wireless system. It comes with six pairs of wired magnetic sensors, 50ft wire, transmitter with 105dB siren, wireless 120dB outdoor siren and remote control.

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Wireless systems are currently the mainstream products and will continue to be the focus of R&D activities in 2008. Basic kits that include a sensor and external siren will dominate the entry-level segment. Midrange selections, on the other hand, will comprise multiple detectors, controller and siren. High-end systems will provide greater scalability and controller options, and may include an auto PSTN/GSM dialer and Internet monitoring function.

Wireless transmission via 433MHz RF is deemed mature. Cost considerations are likely to discourage suppliers from utilizing other wireless technologies in the coming year. More new models may integrate home automation functions.

Capital Prospect continues to expand the accessories for its wireless intruder alarm systems. The company’s products are secured by in-house-developed rolling code technology that periodically changes the codes used by the control panel and the sensors. Its ML-100 AAA+ Home Smart Center consists of a control panel, keychain remote control, two door/window sensors and motion sensor. Other accessories available for this series are audio alarm, emergency dialer, keypad control, alarm sensor, flood sensor, temperature monitor, garage door sensor and repeater.

SC-1000 from Capital Prospect includes a control panel, two door/window sensors, keychain transmitter and emergency dialer. It is scalable up to 30 different sensors, while the emergency dialer saves users from paying monthly fees to a monitoring center.

Model T016RSK from Lelux comprises an auto dialer with integrated keypad and adjustable motion detector, wireless motion sensor, a wireless magnetic door/window sensor with alarm, and remote control. The auto dialer features a 14-digit display with date and time. It supports programmable security code, entry delay timing, five emergency telephone numbers, programmable auto dialing cycle, and built-in flash memory to protect data against power failure. It has a built-in 105dB alarm, while its chime can be turned on or off.

Lelux’s T048RSK consists of an auto dialer, wireless outdoor motion detector, wireless slim magnetic door/window sensor and remote control. The dialer has a 16-digit, large number display with date, time and function icons. Nine zone icons are displayed for identifying intruder location. It features remote monitoring, and arming and disarming via the telephone. It has a built-in 105dB alarm and flash memory. The system can be expanded to cover up to 16 wireless motion detectors, window/door sensors, or remote control.

In 2007, the portable intruder alarm industry in China, including Hong Kong, saw the rise of products with microcomputer technology for better transmission and lower false alarm rates. An increasing number of units also provide both audio and visual alarm indicators, usually in the form of flashing LED lights and sirens. Vibration alert will continue to be part of product development in the coming year, as will compact and lightweight structure, novelty designs and cosmetic improvements.

Some portable security alarm systems will also feature independent zone activation/de-activation, four maximum independent zones, expandable zones and intelligent microprocessors.

The GM-434 wireless garage door monitor set from Capital Prospect is a portable intruder alarm system with LED indicator and supervised sensors. It has a 90m operating range, and audio and visual indicators. When the garage door is open, the monitor set notifies the owner through a beeping sound and LED indicator.

Another portable intruder alarm from the company, HA-434, is an IR indoor/outdoor motion detector system. The system alerts the owner when motion is detected in the areas surrounding his home or business establishment. It offers both audio and visual indicators, specifically a beeping alarm sound and flashing of LED. Motion detection is effective within 40ft and a 110 degrees arc. Operating range is 90m.