Optex
Outdoor PIR and LiDAR detectors for KNX perimeter security automation
Optex (Otsu, Shiga, Japan — founded 1979) is a specialist manufacturer of outdoor intrusion detection sensors — passive infrared (PIR) detectors and REDSCAN LiDAR (laser area detection scanner) for perimeter security in villas, commercial buildings, industrial sites, and heritage properties. Optex outdoor PIR detectors are found in EN 50131 Grade 2 and Grade 3 security systems across Europe. Integration with KNX automation is achieved via the dry-contact relay alarm output present on all Optex detectors, wired to a KNX binary input module in the electrical panel.
Role in our panels
How we use Optex
The Optex REDSCAN RLS-3060V LiDAR scanner creates a flat horizontal detection plane up to 60 metres long and 3 metres wide — ideal for fence-line detection, driveway crossing points, and perimeter wall monitoring. Unlike PIR which detects body heat and can false-trigger on animals, REDSCAN uses time-of-flight laser measurement to detect physical objects crossing the scan plane, dramatically reducing false alarm rates. The RLS-3060V has a dry-contact relay output (NO, rated 1A/30V DC) that closes on detection — wire this relay directly to a KNX binary input module (MDT SCN-8V.01, channel set to 24V DC input mode). ETS6 assigns this channel a KNX group address (GA 5/0/0, DPT 1.005, zone 0 perimeter alarm). The Optex BX-80N dual-element outdoor PIR detector (12-metre range, 100° coverage) is IP54 rated for wall or pole mounting at driveway entrances, garden perimeters, and car park entries. The relay output (NO contact, momentary or latching mode selectable by internal DIP switch) connects to an MDT SCN-8V.01 KNX binary input channel. For reliable operation, set the BX-80N relay to latching mode — the relay closes on detection and only opens when the Optex timer resets (adjustable 2–120 seconds). The KNX binary input reads the latched state, ensuring the KNX group address stays active for the full detection period even if the KNX polling cycle misses a momentary pulse. KNX security scene integration: when a perimeter alarm GA (DPT 1.005) receives telegram = 1 (alarm), the KNX logic block triggers DALI scene 8 (all outdoor floodlights to 100%), sends CCTV recording trigger (KNX group address mapped to Milestone XProtect or Synology Surveillance Station HTTP trigger via Home Assistant), and activates KNX alarm horn output (MDT relay actuator channel driving 12V siren). A night-arming weekly time channel (ETS6 timer block) enables the security scene processing only outside business hours or after the KNX presence system reports the building as vacant — preventing false alarms during occupied hours. The Optex SL-350QFR solar-powered wireless PIR (365-day battery life, 12m range, IP55) provides off-grid perimeter detection at remote fence points, gates, and outbuildings beyond the main cable infrastructure. While the SL-350QFR transmits wirelessly to a Optex RF base station rather than directly to KNX, the base station provides a wired dry-contact relay output — the same MDT SCN-8V.01 integration path applies. This makes it practical to extend KNX perimeter security to points where running 24V KNX cable would be impractical.
Optex detectors connect to KNX via their dry-contact relay alarm outputs. Each Optex PIR or LiDAR has one NO relay output (momentary or latching). Wire to MDT SCN-8V.01 (8-channel 24V binary input module). KNX GA assignment: GA 5/0/x (alarm zone x, DPT 1.005). KNX reaction: alarm GA = 1 → DALI scene 8 (full outdoor lighting), CCTV recording trigger via Modbus/HTTP, KNX alarm horn output. Night arming: KNX weekly schedule enables alarm processing only after business hours.
Used in these project types
Optex products
Key components we install
REDSCAN RLS-3060V
Time-of-flight LiDAR scanner creating a 60m × 3m flat detection zone. Wall or pedestal mount. Dry-contact relay output (NO, 1A/30V DC) wired to MDT SCN-8V.01 KNX binary input. Very low false alarm rate vs PIR — no heat-based detection, unaffected by wind-blown foliage or small animals. Ideal for fence-line and driveway perimeter detection.
BX-80N PIR
Dual-element outdoor PIR detector, 12m range, 100° wide-angle coverage. IP54. Adjustable detection timer (2–120 seconds). NO relay output (momentary or latching via DIP switch). Wire to MDT SCN-8V.01 KNX binary input. Use latching relay mode for KNX binary input integration to prevent missed pulses on short detection events.
SL-350QFR Solar
Solar/battery wireless PIR for remote perimeter points off the main cable infrastructure. 12m range, IP55, 365-day operation from solar panel and lithium battery. Transmits to Optex RF receiver base station (wired); base station relay output connects to MDT SCN-8V.01 KNX input. Extends KNX perimeter security to outbuildings and remote gates.
AX-100PLUS
Long-range 30m outdoor PIR detector, 100° coverage, dual element. Anti-masking detection, IP55, temperature compensation. NO relay output for KNX binary input integration. Used at main building entrances, large driveways, and wide outdoor zones requiring reliable long-range detection.
VXI-ST Grade-2
EN 50131 Grade 2 compliant PIR detector for indoor/outdoor use. Dual-element technology, tamper protection, temperature compensation. NO/NC selectable relay output. For Grade 2 security systems requiring KNX alarm zone integration. Suitable for covered outdoor areas (carports, terraces) and internal perimeter zones.
Optex FAQ
How does an Optex PIR relay output connect to KNX?
Wire the Optex PIR NO relay output to one channel of an MDT SCN-8V.01 KNX binary input module (8-channel, 24V DC). In ETS6, configure the channel as binary input (contact type: NO), group address DPT 1.005 (alarm). When the Optex relay closes (detection), the MDT module sends a KNX telegram (value 1) to the assigned group address. KNX logic reacts: outdoor DALI zone to full brightness, CCTV recording trigger, alarm notification. Set Optex relay to latching mode (DIP switch) and MDT channel polling interval to 100ms for reliable detection of short events.
What is the advantage of Optex REDSCAN LiDAR over outdoor PIR for KNX security?
REDSCAN uses time-of-flight laser distance measurement, not heat detection — it detects any physical object crossing the scan plane regardless of temperature. This eliminates the main outdoor PIR false alarm causes: wind-blown foliage (PIR reads thermal change), cats and foxes (PIR reads small heat sources), rain and insects. REDSCAN false alarm rate is typically 90% lower than outdoor PIR in comparable installations. For KNX security automation where false alarms cause unnecessary lighting and siren activation, REDSCAN is strongly preferred for premium perimeter applications. REDSCAN is more expensive (approx. 3x outdoor PIR cost) but dramatically reduces false alarm fatigue.
How is night-only KNX perimeter alarm arming configured?
In ETS6: create a binary group object 'Perimeter Armed' (DPT 1.001, GA 5/1/0). A KNX weekly timer block (or KNX presence system output) writes 1 to this GA at the arming time (e.g. 22:00) and 0 at disarm time (07:00). The perimeter alarm processing logic (KNX AND gate or logic block): output only if (Optex alarm GA = 1) AND (Perimeter Armed GA = 1). This prevents daytime false alarms when the garden is in use. For more granular control, individual zone arming (GA per zone) allows, for example, the driveway zone to be armed whenever the main gate is closed (gate sensor binary input → KNX zone arm GA), independent of the time schedule.
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