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At Ajax Systems, engineering does not chase novelty and innovations for its own sake. It is meant to improve user experience and bring meaningful change to the industry. That is why every Ajax technology is an answer to constraints or inefficiencies others overlooked or gave up on. This approach often leads Ajax engineers to solutions once considered technically impossible – like JetSparrow for video transmission or Superior Jeweller, the first-ever Grade 3-certified wireless communication technology.
In this article, let's take a look at a few Ajax devices that once seemed impossible as well. Shaped by hundreds of experiments and dozens of discarded prototypes, they solve engineering puzzles and improve user experience.
Grade 3 protection in all black
For most security products, enclosure color is a matter of aesthetics, concealment, or durability. But for Grade 3 motion detectors — equipped with both a PIR and K-band microwave sensors — it becomes a technical problem.
Color affects detection accuracy. White plastic enclosures allow for predictable infrared and microwave sensor performance. Black pigments, however, interfere with both signals. They disrupt calibration, weaken anti-masking capabilities, reduce detection range, and lower sensitivity in distant zones — all unacceptable for high-demand Grade 3 certification.
That's why black Grade 3 motion detectors were long considered impractical, and manufacturers avoided producing them altogether. For some time, Ajax Systems was one of them: Superior MotionProtect Plus G3 Fibra was available only in white. However, Ajax engineers set out to solve the problem at its root.
Their task was twofold. First of all, the engineers had to arrive at reliable infrared transmission through black optical filters while using transparent light guides within a fully black enclosure. The next step would be replicating such performance at a production scale.
Through extensive material testing, optical experiments, and microwave calibration, the goal was achieved. Both infrared and microwave sensors demonstrated stable operation in a black enclosure without sacrificing motion detection accuracy.
Today, the full range of certified Grade 3 motion detectors — including Superior MotionProtect Plus G3 Fibra and Superior MotionProtect Plus G3 Jeweller — is available in both white and all black. Now, installers have greater flexibility when adapting security systems to project needs. They can provide discrete installations and avoid compromises on aesthetics.
Security without infrastructure
Another problem Ajax Systems aimed to solve was simplifying the protection of off-grid sites. The vision was to build a hub that supported full functionality while operating entirely on batteries. Together with battery-powered wireless devices, it would enable fast and cable-free system installation at remote locations, temporary sites, vacant property, and any other environments where infrastructure is lacking.
This is how Hub BP Jeweller emerged. This control panel is designed for fully autonomous operation. Its long battery life is achieved through energy-efficient components and a Battery power saver (BPS) mode.
This mode optimizes the hub's performance while maintaining all core security functions. The system continues to transmit alarms and photos for alarm verification. At the same time, server polling is less frequent and direct connection1 to a monitoring station is limited to once every six hours. Background firmware updates, log transmission to the server, and LED backlight are disabled.
In the BPS mode, Hub BP Jeweller can operate for up to 25 months when powered by an Ajax internal battery. The version without casing delivers up to 50 months of autonomy, depending on the battery configuration.
Beyond eliminating reliance on mains power, the hub helps to handle connectivity issues. It supports up to three ExternalAntenna devices to maintain stable communication in challenging environments – facilities with metal structures or remote locations with unpredictable network conditions.
These features make Hub BP Jeweller an ideal solution for protecting vacant houses, temporary construction sites, off-grid locations, and any other sites where infrastructure is limited, unstable, or simply unavailable.
Powerful signal through metal
Outdoor devices are inherently more demanding as they operate in harsher conditions. They must withstand temperature swings, moisture, dust, UV exposure, and physical impacts — all of which influence enclosure design. In the case of KeyPad Outdoor Jeweller, a device that is installed within easy reach and used daily, the enclosure had to be particularly durable. That's why metal was the only viable choice for enclosure material.
However, the material once again posed a challenge for Ajax engineers. Metal shields radio signals and limits antenna performance — an unforgivable compromise for a wireless device. To overcome this, several antennas — for Jeweller, DESFire, and BLE communication — had to be arranged within a compact metal body, along with bulky batteries. The design had to allow for reliable sealing and maintain Ajax-level user experience.
Through trials and tests, Ajax engineers arrived at an optimal device design. Despite a fully metal enclosure, the keypad delivers reliable operation across all communication channels and achieves a range of up to 5,550 ft via Jeweller in open space. Interaction with the device is seamless: response to a card, key fob, or smartphone is instant and stable at all times. And the enclosure itself is ready to stand the test of time, weather, and daily use.
No neutral wire and no hassle
LightSwitch Jeweller was the response to the common downside of smart light switches — poor retrofitting. Most of these devices require a neutral wire: it provides power to operate communication modules, touch controls, and internal sensors even when the light is off. Ajax engineers, however, minimized power consumption to 0.2 W — 15 times lower than a typical smart switch needs. As a result, the device does not require a neutral wire and works with standard switch wiring, making retrofitting incredibly simple.
Another widespread fault of smart touch switches is unpredictable performance. Designing a panel that would respond across its entire surface to both touch and proximity and with no false activations was a genuine engineering puzzle. However, the team achieved consistent sensitivity regardless of the number of buttons the panel has. And in LightSwitch (Dimmer) Jeweller, the panel integrates side touch zones for on/off control and a central brightness slider. The device reliably distinguishes between these inputs without errors.
Through unconventional engineering decisions, the Ajax team arrived at the light switch that delivers stable performance, effortless retrofitting, and seamless lighting control for years to come.
![LightSwitch (1-gang) [120] Jeweller](/api/cdn-img/?img=%2Fupload%2Fls_120_1_gang_black_715a1a19d0%402.png&1732142073)
Engineering beyond limitations
Engineering at Ajax Systems aims to adapt devices to real-world use, not forcing users to adapt to technical constraints. Because even tough engineering challenges can be defied through extensive testing, careful material selection, or smart hardware choices.
The setting is adjustable: connection frequency can range from one to twenty-four hours.
