Infrared reflectors are essential accessories used in CCTV systems. They allow to light the monitored area in the dark, using infrared light which is not visible to the human eye (it may depend on the wavelength), but is perfectly used by CCTV cameras.

The advantage of the Redbeam series is application of specially designed LED matrix (instead of a conventional set of diodes) which, together with optical lens/es, ensures desired operational angle and distance.

The IR illuminators of the series, cooperating with day/night cameras, make perfect sets for night surveillance. Their twilight sensors in combination with the high-efficiency IR LED arrays provide very good results, with relatively low power consumption.

Comparison of IR matrix with standard IR LEDs

A typical IR LED provides output power between 5 mW and 15 mW, so, even in the case of short operational distance, an IR illuminator has to employ at least several such diodes. LED matrices provide output power between 1000 and 2500 mW. This means a much longer range, in spite of the small size of the device.

Comparison of IR illuminators with similar output power

To make an IR illuminator of the same power, one would have to use a large number of typical IR LEDs and its size would be much greater. For example, an1500 mW illuminator should consist of 100 LEDs of 15 mW output power. Of course, such a solution is feasible, but the illuminator would be much bigger than a similar Redbeam device.

Redbeam illuminator allows to light the scene uniformly

The matrix of small size makes it easy to shape the beam with lenses. In the case of a traditional IR LED illuminator, the angle of the beam depends on the arrangement of LEDs, which is not a flexible solution. Using a LED matrix, virtually any angle can be achieved. The examples are the dome models M1642 and M1646, with beams of 180^o.

IR lighting from Redbeam matrix after different periods of operation

IR lighting from typical IR illuminator after different periods of operation

Another advantage of the matrices is the lifetime of the materials used. Standard heavy-duty IR diodes operate around 6000 hours. In the case of the matrices, the expected lifetime is about 50000 hours. It means that they can work for over 10 years (12/24 cycle)!

Depending on the installation point and area of operation, one can distinguish two types of illuminators: directional and omnidirectional. Both types are available in 1800 mW and 3000 mW versions. The first type is mounted next to the camera and features a narrow beam, so the range of operation is 40 m and 80 m respectively. The second type (omnidirectional) is mounted on a ceiling. Instead of the range, it is better to describe its capacity by the maximum surface that can be effectively illuminated - 60 m² or 120 m².

The IR illuminator installed next to the camera (not integrated with it) has the advantage that it does not overexpose objects that appear directly in front of the camera lens. It does not create problems with snow, rain, insects etc. in the foreground.

There are ready-to-use two models of outdoor cameras with pre-installed Redbeam illuminators. The IC40 M1130 and IC35 M1131 cameras use Sony Super HAD image sensors, well known for their high quality and often used in modern CCTV cameras. Cooperating with the unique Redbeam IR illuminators, the cameras provide clear pictures within the whole viewing angle - even in total darkness.

Názov	IR40	IR80	IRD60	IRD120
Kód	M1632	M1636	M1642	M1646
Výstupný výkon [mW]	1800	3000	1800	3000
Vlnová dĺžka [nm]	850	850	850	850
Uhol polovice moci [°]	30	15	-	-
Plný vyžarovací uhol [°]	60	30	180 (vertical plane)	180 (vertical plane)
Napájanie [VDC/VAC]	12/24	12/24	12/24	12/24
Príkon [W]	4,5	7,2	4,5	7,2
Rozsah pracovnej teploty [°C]	-20...+50	-20...+50	-20...+50	-20...+50
Rozmery [mm]	158 x 84 x 108	158 x 84 x 108	134 x 103	134 x 103
Hmotnosť [kg]	0,25	0,4	0,4	0,4