What is the difference between Pathfinder and other intrusion detection systems?

Pathfinder sets itself apart with its accuracy, integration capabilities, and ease of use. Pathfinder sensors don’t require repeaters like most competitors. Radio repeaters add cost, complexity, and time to install. Pathfinder can support “slew to cue” with cameras and “fly to cue” with unmanned aerial systems to get eyes on an intruder instantly. This makes Pathfinder perfect for truly remote, long-haul operations. Unlike sensors that require large external batteries and wires, Pathfinder’s battery is integrated into the sensor, making the Pathfinder’s footprint very small. Design efficiency allows Pathfinder to offer a lower cost solution than other intrusion detection systems.

Can Pathfinder communicate with existing security systems to offer autonomous “slew to cue”?

Yes. ARA provides an interface control document (ICD) to support integration with cameras.

Can Pathfinder differentiate between humans, animals, and vehicles?

Pathfinder’s algorithms specifically detect footsteps and all-terrain vehicles with high probability of detection and low false alarms rates. The footstep algorithms have proven to discriminate against small animals (dogs, groundhogs, etc.) with occasional false alarms for large quadrupeds (horse, cows, etc.).

Does rain affect the performance of Pathfinder?

Pathfinder’s algorithms are specifically designed to filter out rain from footstep or vehicle detections.

What is the battery life of Pathfinder sensors?

Pathfinder mini sensors have a duration up to 6 months while Pathfinder XL sensors have a duration up to 24 months. Battery life is based on no more than 50 alerts per day and operations in moderate temperatures. As with any battery-operated technology, high and low temperatures may reduce battery life.

What is the wireless transmission range of Pathfinder sensors?

The maximum transmission range of Pathfinder sensors depends on the terrain. Typically, the effective range is up to 10km. Elevating the receiver antenna can greatly increase the effective range. Placement of a sensor under heavy tree foliage such as a jungle or within a few feet of a building or other obstruction will reduce the transmission range. Contact ARA for coverage maps, if a deployment location’s GPS coordinates are known. 

How many Pathfinder sensors do I need?

The number of Pathfinder sensors required depends on the size of the area you are protecting and avenues of approach. A Pathfinder specialist will work with your team to determine the number of sensors, as well as the placement of the sensors.

Can ARA provide cameras?

ARA can integrate with video management systems. Please contact us for more information.

Is an FCC license required to operate Pathfinder?

ARA offers two versions of the Pathfinder sensor: a low-power FCC-approved radio for short range operation up to 1km and a high-power radio for operation up to 10km. ARA can help you acquire the appropriate license. For use outside of the U.S., it is recommended to check with the appropriate regulating agency. 

What frequencies are available?

For operation in the U.S. and Canada, the European Union, Africa, India, South Korea and South America, ARA offers Pathfinder systems that operate with one of six possible frequencies; the operating frequency and radio power are factory set based on the deployment location provided at the time of order.

What is the seismic detection range of Pathfinder sensors?

The detection range for the Pathfinder sensor depends on the soil, sensor emplacement, and the local background noise from roads, railroad tracks, and machinery. In seismically quiet environments with proper emplacement of the sensor, the range for detection of human footsteps is up to a radius of 10m from the sensor and up to a radius of 20m for lightweight off-road vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.).