Reliable perimeter protection with undeniable proof: first curtain-type Ajax motion detector with a camera built in

Outdoor security isn't always about seeing everything — sometimes it's about focusing on one specific spot. When the priority is to protect a doorway, a window, or a narrow passage, broad-angle detectors may generate unnecessary alarms caused by nearby activity. CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller solves this problem. The first Ajax curtain detector with a built-in camera delivers accurate narrow-zone motion detection enhanced with instant photo verification. Let's explore what makes this product so precise and reliable.

New type of protection

CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller is the first Ajax curtain-type detector with a built-in camera, designed for installation at a height of6.6–13.1 feet. Positioned high above the ground, it stays out of reach of people and machinery while creating a narrow detection zone to protect gates, facades, or balconies.

This approach proves effective across diverse environments:

• In warehouses, the device covers narrow aisles and does not respond to equipment operating nearby. 
• In office complexes, it secures long glass facades and corridors between buildings. 
• On construction sites, it defines a clear boundary around valuable equipment stored outdoors. 
• In private residences, it discreetly guards space along fences or ground-floor windows.

By offering built-in photo verification, the new device enables security staff, monitoring stations, and end users to make fast, informed decisions. They receive clear visual evidence of what triggered the event, so there is no need to dispatch a guard for no reason. No more wondering whether the alarm was real.

How does the detector ensure its camera captures the right moment? The answer lies in accurate motion detection technology.

Precise threat detection with intelligent alarm filtering

The new detector features two PIR sensors and a K-band microwave sensor that work together to verify motion. The PIR sensors have a narrow 7° horizontal viewing angle. They register changes in thermal radiation and identify motion by sensing objects with temperatures close to human body temperature. The microwave sensor, in turn, performs radio frequency scanning to verify the event and filter out false alarms caused by thermal interference.

A key feature of the detector is the pre-alarm. When motion is detected in the wider microwave sensor-controlled zone, the system does not activate an alarm immediately, but activates the camera in advance. If the object proceeds into the PIR-sensor-controlled narrow zone, it triggers an alarm and the detector instantly takes a photo. This algorithm ensures that the camera is ready to capture the intrusion at the exact moment it occurs, providing users and monitoring stations with timely visual evidence.

Pre-alarm for early alarm detection

To reduce false alarms, the detector employs additional filtering technologies, such as the SmartDetect algorithm. It analyzes thermal spot intensity, size, and movement speed to recognize people and filter out IR interference. Additionally, the temperature compensation mechanism ensures accurate detection even when the ambient temperature is close to human body temperature.

For added flexibility, CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller features three sensitivity levels, allowing installers to adapt the detector to different environments — from busy commercial sites to quiet residential neighborhoods.

Sabotage protection 

Precision alone isn't enough for outdoor security. The detector must also withstand sabotage attempts. Thanks to the anti-masking system, the device identifies when the PIR sensor's sensitive area is obstructed — whether by covering it with an object, painting over it, or taping. In such cases, the detector not only activates an alarm but also automatically takes photos, giving operators and users visual confirmation of the masking attempt.

The device also features a tamper button that triggers instantly if the detector is detached from the surface or its enclosure is opened. Meanwhile, an integrated magnetometer monitors the magnetic field. Any change — such as someone repositioning the detector — activates an immediate alarm. 

Beyond these features, the new detector uses traditional Ajax methods to prevent sabotage. All stored and transmitted data is protected by block encryption with a dynamic key. The device regularly exchanges data with the hub to detect malfunctions. Device authentication protects against spoofing attempts, and any connection loss is detected within seconds. Together, these measures guarantee that the detector remains trustworthy even under direct sabotage attempts.

Photo verification made simple and effective

Once an alarm is triggered, visual confirmation becomes crucial to make fast and informed security decisions. The new device supports up to eight types of photo verification:

• Photo by alarm
• Photo on demand
• Photo by schedule
• Photo by scenario
• Photo by masking attempt
• Photo by tamper alarm
• Photo by arming/disarming
• Photo by magnetometer alarm 

The detector can also take photos at the user's request from the Ajax app, regardless of the security mode.  Such a range of preconfigured scenarios ensures that users and monitoring stations do not have to guess what happened on site — the detector provides a clear visual context for each situation.

Built-in camera helps quickly assess the situation on site

When an event occurs, the device can send a series of up to five images, with the first photo arriving¹ in less than nine seconds. These images are combined into GIF or MP4 format to show how the situation unfolds. HDR technology provides clear pictures, while IR illumination ensures visibility even in low light.

Reliable wireless communication

CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller communicates with the hub at a distance² of up to 5,550 ft, ensuring stable performance even at large or complex sites. If more coverage is needed, the ReX 2 Jeweller range extender can be used to double the communication range. The detector uses two encrypted proprietary radio protocols: Jeweller for alarm and event transmission, and Wings for photo transmission and firmware updates.

Easy installation and flexible setup

Proper installation is essential to maximizing the device's capabilities. Traditionally for all Ajax devices, CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller is designed for straightforward installation and quick integration into the security system. The device comes with an upgraded swivel mount that rotates up to 87° horizontally. This flexibility makes it possible to install the detector directly near walls and adjust the field of view to cover the intended area. With a mounting height of 6.6–13.1 ft, the device ensures extended coverage and remains safely out of reach.

New configuration options simplify setup even further. Depending on which side the detector is adjacent to a wall, the IR illumination can be adjusted to prevent overexposed photos, ensuring clear images. Installers also benefit from the Motion detection area feature, which allows them to fine-tune the zone in which the detector responds to motion, avoiding unnecessary triggers.

Integration into the system remains straightforward: the device is added to the hub by scanning a QR code and can be configured through Ajax mobile and desktop apps. Installers can remotely check the camera's field of view, adjust detection parameters, and optimize performance, reducing both setup time and potential errors.

Bringing all features together, CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller is a compact yet powerful solution for outdoor perimeter security. By combining a narrow detection zone with photo verification, it provides accuracy where it matters most and delivers clear visual evidence of alarms.

The detector suits industrial sites, office complexes, warehouses, and private residences, offering reliable protection where wide-angle devices prove impractical. With fast installation and flexible setup options, the device allows professionals to deploy the system quickly and adapt it to any perimeter.

Learn more about CurtainCam Outdoor HighMount (PhOD) Jeweller