MotionCam Outdoor user manual

Functional elements

1. Hood for protecting camera and anti-masking sensors from rain and snow.
2. Camera.
3. LED indicator.
4. Motion detector lens.
5. Masking sensors.
6. IR backlight for night photos and low light conditions.
7. SmartBracket mounting panel. To remove the panel, slide it down.
8. Perforated part of the mounting panel. Necessary for tamper triggering in case of any attempt to detach the detectors from the surface. Do not break it off.
9. The hole for attaching the SmartBracket mounting panel with a screw.
10. Power button.
11. Tamper button. Triggers when an attempt is made to detach the detector from the surface or remove the mounting panel.
12. Detector’s QR code / identifier. Used to connect MotionCam Outdoor to the Ajax system.
13. Scrollbar for adjusting the detection range.

Compatible hubs and range extenders

Operating principle

MotionCam Outdoor is an outdoor motion detector with a camera. IR sensors of the detector identify intrusions by detecting moving objects with temperatures close to that of the human body. Visual verification helps you instantly assess the situation, relieving users of unnecessary anxiety, and security companies — from false calls of patrols.

In the armed mode, the detector constantly reads signals from infrared (IR) sensors. When motion is detected, MotionCam Outdoor transmits an alarm to the hub and signals it by flashing the LED indicator (if indication is enabled).

An alarm is detected if both IR sensors detect a movement. The detector takes 1 to 5 photos at a time (depending on the settings) and transmits them to the hub. You can enable the Send Photo in Case of Alarm function in the detector settings.

When triggered, the hub activates sirens, starts scenarios, and notifies users and the security company. In case of an alarm, photos are transmitted to the monitoring station of the security company and to all users of the system who have access to the hub’s event feed. All alarms, photos, and events of MotionCam Outdoor are recorded in the event feed of the Ajax app.

The detector doesn’t go into the armed mode instantly. The time for switching to armed mode depends on two factors: exit delays (specified in the detector settings) and the hub – detector ping interval (Jeweller settings, the default value is 36 seconds). In the first case, the delay is set by the user. In the second case, the delay is caused by the fact that the hub notifies the detector about the transition to the armed mode not instantly, but within one ping interval.

The range of motion detection is set manually — with a scrollbar on the detector body — and is from 3 to 15 meters. This allows you to accurately set the detection area and avoid false triggerings on bushes, trees, or other objects.

Users know exactly where motion is detected. The notifications contain the name of the hub (name of the guarded object), the name of the device, and the virtual room to which the detector is assigned.

Photo verification of alarms

A version of the detector with Photo on Demand, Photo by Scenario, and Photo by Schedule features is also available. In addition to the Photo by Alarm feature, the PhOD version can take photos on user demand at any time and automatically take photos in case of alarms from other Ajax devices and at a specified time.

A series of photos are played back in the app as animation, which allows you to evaluate the incident in dynamics. Photos are available both in Ajax apps and in the monitoring station software of the security company. MotionCam Outdoor uses the Wings radio protocol to transmit photos.

Photo delivery time

The photo delivery time to Ajax apps depends on the selected resolution, detector connection method (detector connects to the hub directly or via the range extender), Wings signal strength, and the Internet connection speed. The alarm messages are delivered immediately.

Temperature compensation

The detector perceives a person and other objects as heat spots. The device monitors these heat spots and, if they move, signals an alarm. MotionCam Outdoor reacts to the movement of heat spots with the temperature close to that of the human body.

In the case where the ambient temperature is about the temperature of the human body, the correct operation of the detector is not guaranteed unless temperature compensation is applied. Owing to it, the detector identifies movement over the entire operating temperature range.

Pet immunity

When set up and installed correctly, MotionCam Outdoor ignores animals up to 80 centimeters tall. The detector has two IR sensors and raises an alarm only when movement is detected by both sensors.

If installed correctly, animals will only enter the detection zone of one of the detector’s sensors. This way, MotionCam Outdoor eliminates false alarms. And for additional protection against false alarms, the detector uses the LISA software algorithm.

Anti-masking system

Masking is an attempt to block the view of the detector by painting over it, covering it, placing an obstacle in front of the detector’s lens, or otherwise.

MotionCam Outdoor detects the following types of masking:

1. Obstacle in front of the detector’s lens at a distance of up to 10 centimetres (the limit distance depends on the type of material).
2. Painting over the detector lens.
3. Sticking over the detector lens.

The system informs the users and the monitoring station of the security company about masking. For additional protection and notification, enable the reaction of sirens to masking (you can do this in the detector Settings).

The maximum time of masking detection is 180 seconds (depends on the type of obstacle and the distance to it).

Note that the anti-masking system is always active and works regardless of the detector or system security mode.

For additional protection of the camera or the masking detection system from false alarms on heavy rain or snow, a Hood visor is provided.

Protection against false triggering

MotionCam Outdoor features two independent IR sensors, the signals of which are analyzed by a two-stage LISA algorithm. As soon as both IR sensors detect movement, LISA performs correlation and spectral analysis of the signals, which allows you to instantly distinguish between real threats and interference.

Correlation analysis

Each time a motion is detected, the LISA algorithm analyses and compares the waveforms of two signals in real-time. If the waveforms are similar, the detector triggers an alarm.

Spectral analysis

When both sensors detect motion, but correlation analysis does not reveal sufficient similarity of waveforms, LISA compares the frequency components of the signals from the two sensors.

Protection against faster battery discharging

To prevent rapid battery discharge, MotionCam Outdoor has the Notify on risk of fast battery discharge setting. Once the device detects that it is installed incorrectly, system users will receive notifications in Ajax apps, and similar information will be displayed in the device states.

This setting is available with firmware version 6.59.4.15 and later, except version 7.58.5.12.

Upon motion detection by one of the IR sensors, the detector takes photos. If the detector verifies the alarm, photos and the alarm are sent to the central monitoring station and Ajax apps; otherwise, the photos are deleted. In case of the detector’s incorrect installation and a high frequency of filtered-out triggers by the LISA algorithm, the battery life of the detector decreases. Enable the Notify on risk of fast battery discharge feature in the device settings to save the battery charge.

Consider changing the device placement if you receive a notification about incorrect installation.

Sending events to the monitoring station

The Ajax system can transmit alarms to the central monitoring station (CMS) in such protocol formats as SurGard (Contact ID), SIA (DC-09), ADEMCO 685, and other proprietary protocols. A complete list of supported protocols is available here.

The device ID and the loop (zone) number can be found in its states. Note that photos are sent to the monitoring station of the security company only if the CMS software supports the transmission of photo verifications. The list of CMSs that support Ajax photo verification is available here.

Photo verifications are available in the Ajax PRO Desktop CMS without additional setup.

Adding to the system

The detector is incompatible with Hub and Hub Plus hubs, ReX radio signal range extender, third-party security central units, as well as ocBridge Plus and uartBridge integration modules.

Before adding a device

Only a user or PRO with administrator rights can add a device to the hub.

Types of accounts and their rights

How to add MotionCam Outdoor to the system

1. Open the Ajax app. If your account has access to multiple hubs, select the one to which you want to add MotionCam Outdoor.
2. Go to the Devices tab and click Add Device.
3. Name the detector, scan or type in the QR code (placed on the detector body and the packaging), select a room and a group (if group mode is enabled).
   

   

4. Click Add; the countdown will begin.
5. Switch on the device by holding the power button for 3 seconds.

To make sure MotionCam Outdoor is connected to the hub, the detector must be located at the same secured facility as the system (within the range of ​​the hub’s radio network).

The detector connected to the hub will appear in the list of hub devices in the Ajax app. Updating the statuses of devices in the list depends on the Jeweller settings; the default value is 36 seconds.

If the connection fails, try again in 5 seconds. Note that if the maximum number of devices has already been added to the hub (depending on the hub model), you will be notified when you try to add a new one.

MotionCam Outdoor only works with one hub. When connected to a new hub, the detector stops sending commands to the old hub. Once added to a new hub, MotionCam Outdoor is not removed from the device list of the old hub. This must be done through the Ajax app.

Malfunctions

When a device detects a malfunction (e.g., there is no connection with the hub via the Jeweller protocol), the Ajax app displays a malfunction counter in the device field. All malfunctions are shown in the detector states. Fields with malfunctions are highlighted in red.

A malfunction is displayed if:

• The detector temperature is out with the acceptable limits: below –25°C and above +60°C.
• The detector enclosure is open (tamper is triggered).
• No connection with the hub or radio signal range extender via Jeweller.
• No connection with the hub or radio signal range extender via Wings.
• The detector battery is low.

Icons

The icons represent some of MotionCam Outdoor statuses. You can see them in the Devices tab in the Ajax app.

Icon	Value
	Jeweller signal strength — displays the signal strength between the hub and the detector.
	MotionCam Outdoor battery level.
	Malfunction detected. A list and description are available in the detector states.
	Device installation issues, consider changing the device placement. The description is available in the detector states. Available only for the detector with firmware version 6.59.4.15 and later, except version 7.58.5.12.
	The detector operates in Always Active mode. Learn more
	Entry and/or exit delay is enabled. Learn more
	MotionCam Outdoor will work when Night Mode is enabled. Learn more
	MotionCam Outdoor has detected motion.
	MotionCam Outdoor is permanently deactivated. Learn more
	MotionCam Outdoor has been disabled due to the exceeding of the number of alarms. Learn more
	MotionCam Outdoor has disabled tamper triggering events. Learn more
	MotionCam Outdoor is deactivated until the first event of disarming the system. Learn more
	MotionCam Outdoor has tamper alarms deactivated until the first event of disarming the system. Learn more
	The device was not transferred to the new hub. Learn more

States

The states display information about the device and its operating parameters. MotionCam Outdoor states are available in the Ajax apps. To view them:

1. Sign in to the Ajax app.
2. Select the hub if you have several of them or using a PRO app.
3. Go to the Devices menu.
4. Select MotionCam Outdoor from the list.

Settings

Note that the motion detection range is set using a switch on the detector body.

To change the detector settings in the Ajax app:

1. Go to the Devices tab.
2. Select MotionCam Outdoor from the list.
3. Go to Settings by clicking on the gear icon .
4. Set the parameters.
5. Click Back to save the new settings.

Photo verification of alarms in Ajax apps

If the Send photo in case of alarm option is enabled for MotionCam Outdoor, alarms in Ajax apps will be accompanied by a series of photos (the number depends on the settings). To view the photos, click on the alarm notification in the events feed.

A series of photos are played back in the application as animation, so the user is able to evaluate the unfolding of the incident over time.

To save a series of photos, click on the button highlighted in the screenshot. You can save each frame individually (in JPEG format) or the entire series (in GIF or MP4 format).

Indication

The MotionCam Outdoor LED indicator may light up red or green, depending on the status of the detector.

Indication when pressing the power button

Active detector indication

Functionality testing

The Ajax system has several tests for choosing the right installation place for the devices. MotionCam Outdoor tests do not start straight away but not later than over a single hub-detector ping period (36 seconds under default settings of the hub). You can change the ping period of devices in the Jeweller menu of the hub settings.

There are 4 tests available for MotionCam Outdoor:

To run a test, in an Ajax app:

1. Select the hub if you have several of them or if you are using a PRO app.
2. Go to the Devices menu.
3. Select MotionCam Outdoor.
4. Go to Settings .

Detector placement

MotionCam Outdoor is suitable for the protection of the area around the secured site. It may guard a courtyard of a private house, a parking, unheated premises, and other sites. The detector can be installed both outdoors and indoors.

The detector is placed 0.8 – 1.3 meters above ground level. This height is a prerequisite for the effective work of the pet immunity function. Placement at a different height can lead to false alarms due to pets or to poor detection of human movement.

The detector should be installed on a flat and stable surface, for example on the wall of a house or on a fence. If the detector is installed on an unstable surface, this may lead to false alarms.

MotionCam Outdoor with firmware version 6.59.4.15 and later, except version 7.58.5.12, has the Notify on risk of fast battery discharge. Once the device detects that it is installed incorrectly, system users will receive notifications in Ajax apps, and similar information will be displayed in the device states. If you receive a notification about incorrect installation, change the device placement to save the battery charge.

The axis of the lens must be parallel to the ground level. The intended path of the intruder must be perpendicular to the axis of the detector’s lens. If the area is uneven, the installation height is calculated from the area’s highest point monitored by the detector.

The detector can be placed 0.5 meters above ground level to protect the facility from crawling burglars. In this case of installation, the pet immunity function is not available. This mounting height of the detector is recommended for installation in industrial facilities and warehouses.

In the case of placing the detector 0.5 meters above ground level, animals mustn’t have access to the territory of these facilities as they will provoke false alarms.

The detector should be placed in a corner in case of installation at 0.5 m height. In this case, MotionCam Outdoor will not have blind spots, and it will be more difficult for burglars to bypass it.

If MotionCam Outdoor cannot be installed in a corner, it can be installed on a flat vertical surface such as a wall or fence. In this case, install another detector that will cover the blind spots of the first MotionCam Outdoor detector.

When choosing a location, consider 2 main factors: signal strength and detection zone.

Signal strength

Locate MotionCam Outdoor in a place with stable Jeweller and Wings signal strength (2-3 bars in the Ajax app). When choosing a place for installation, consider the distance between the detector and the hub and the presence of any obstacles between the devices hindering the radio signal passage: walls, intermediate floors, or large-size objects located in the room.

Be sure to check the Jeweller and Wings signal strength at the installation site. If the signal strength is low (a single bar), we cannot guarantee stable operation of the security system. At the very least, relocate the device as repositioning even by 20 cm can significantly improve the signal reception.

If after moving the device still has a low or unstable signal strength, use a ReX 2 radio signal range extender. Note that MotionCam Outdoor does not work with the ReX radio signal range extenders, so connect it directly to the hub.

Detection zone

The detection distance is adjusted using the Detection Distance scrollbar on the rear panel of the detector. When choosing the installation location, consider the maximum detection range of the detector. It depends on the sensitivity, the position of the Detection Distance scrollbar, the type and speed of the person’s movement (running, walking), and the ambient temperature.

The detection distance for 0.8–1.3 installation height was tested at the medium sensitivity level, the ambient temperature of +23°C, and clear weather. Motion type — walking. Other conditions may produce different results.

The detection distance for 0.5 installation height was tested at the medium sensitivity level, the ambient temperature of +30°C, and clear weather. Motion type — walking. Other conditions may produce different results.

When choosing where to place the detector, be sure to use the Detection Zone Test to determine the sector in which the detector recognizes motion as accurately as possible.

Make sure that no obstacles block the view of the detector. Note that MotionCam Outdoor does not detect movement behind the glass. Therefore, do not install the detector in locations where an open window or door can obstruct its view.

When installing, also consider the width of the detection zone. Incorrect detector placement can lead to false alarms.

Avoid the situations where the detector identifies movement at a greater distance than required. To do this, adjust and set the desired detection distance. This will reduce the likelihood of false alarms in response to external factors.

If you set the scrollbar to the fifth bar, which corresponds to the far inscription on the detector body, make sure that a wall or fence limits the view of the detector. This will reduce the possibility of false alarms due to external factors: passing cars or other sources of false alarms.

Do not install the detector

• Near the metal objects and mirrors. They can shield and attenuate the radio signal.
• Opposite the trees with leaves in the detection zone of both IR sensors of the detector. This can lead to false alarms in warm weather.
• In places where the detection zone of the detector might include bushes 80 centimetres high or above. This can lead to false alarms in warm weather.
• In places with low or unstable signal strength.
• Closer than 1 meter to the hub.

Detector installation

Before installing MotionCam Outdoor, be sure to select the optimal location following the requirements of this manual. Before installation, be sure to set up the desired detection distance of the detector (Detection Distance scrollbar).

To install MotionCam Outdoor:

1. Temporarily attach the SmartBracket panel with the bundled ties (or other temporary fasteners, such as double-sided adhesive tape). Installation height is 0.8 – 1.3 meters from the ground.
   

   The detector should be installed at the recommended height to ensure the correct operation of the pet immunity function. To install the SmartBracket mount on ties, first make holes in it.

2. Install the detector on the SmartBracket panel.
3. Leave the detector detection zone (horizontal angle of view — 90°) and make sure there is no movement within the detector field of view. This is necessary for correct calibration of the masking sensors. During the calibration, the detector will flash green around once per second. Calibration takes up to 2 minutes.
   

   The masking sensors calibration starts automatically as soon as the detector body is attached to SmartBracket.

4. Perform Signal Strength and Attenuation tests. If the signal strength is unstable or one bar is displayed, move the detector or hub.
5. Run detection zone tests, first for the lower sensors and then for the upper ones. This will help determine and set the required maximum detection distance of the detector (determined by the lower sensor). Then, run the detection zone test for both sensors simultaneously, as well as the masking sensors test. If there is no response to movement, select the appropriate sensitivity level, detection distance (Detection Distance scrollbar), and check the tilt angle of the detector.
6. Attach the SmartBracket mounting panel to the surface using the bundled screws. When attaching, use at least two fixing points. To make the tamper react to attempts to detach the device, be sure to fix the perforated corner of SmartBracket.
   

   Ties or double-sided adhesive tape should be used for temporary attachment only. The device attached by adhesive tape may come unstuck from the surface and fall at any time. In addition, the device may fail if hit. Note that while the device is secured with ties or adhesive tape, the tamper will not trigger if the detector is detached from the surface.

7. Attach MotionCam Outdoor to the mounting plate, wait for the calibration to complete, and tighten the screw at the bottom of the body. The screw is needed for more reliable fastening and protection of the detector from quick dismantling.
8. Once the detector is attached firmly to SmartBracket, the LED will flash to indicate that the tamper has been triggered. If the LED does not light up after the device is attached to SmartBracket, check the tamper status in the Ajax app and then make sure the panel is firmly attached.

The Hood visor is used to protect the camera and to avoid false alarms of the masking detection system in heavy rain or snow.

Maintenance

Check the functioning of the detector on a regular basis. The optimal frequency of checks is once every three months. Clean the detector body from dust, cobwebs, and other contaminants as they emerge. Use a soft dry cloth suitable for equipment care.

Do not use substances that contain alcohol, acetone, gasoline or other active solvents to clean the detector. Wipe the lens gently as scratches may impair the detector sensitivity.

The pre-installed batteries provide up to 3 years of battery life at the rate of 1 alarm per day with the standard Jeweller settings (ping period — 36 seconds). If the detector batteries are nearly depleted, the security system will send an appropriate notification, and the LED will light up and go out gradually when the detector detects any movement or if the tamper triggers.

MotionCam Outdoor can work up to 2 months after the low battery signal. However, we recommend that you replace the batteries immediately upon notification. It is advisable to use lithium batteries. They have a large capacity and are less affected by temperatures.

Technical specifications

Warranty

The warranty for the Limited Liability Company “Ajax Systems Manufacturing” products is valid for 2 years after purchase and does not apply to the bundled batteries.

If the device does not function correctly, please contact the Support Service first. In half of the cases, technical issues can be solved remotely.

Technical support: [email protected]