TESTED – Pyronix MCEXTERNAL-WE

TEST

PRODUCT TEST

What’s in the box? Mounting screws Mounting and installation manuals 3V Lithium battery This tamperproof and weatherproof contact extends perimeter protection applications to securing sheds, garages, gates etc, with remote voice push notification alerts via the smart device apps, HomeControl2.0 and ProControl+. Featuring an IP66 rating, this discreet and versatile Grade 2 device is described as easy to fit and calibrate.

This product is suitable for external use or in locations where environmental conditions would affect or alter the performance of other devices. The device would also be suitable where integration and monitoring of hard-wired devices are required – such as roller shutter contacts connected to the on-board terminals found on the reed-switch PCB.

NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result

Getting started

The instructions are in pamphlet form, but a QR code is provided on the exterior of the box. The included pamphlet provides a good picture-based guide for installation and a reasonable level of written information and specification about the product.

The QR code, however, takes you to Pyronix webpage where you a full product specification is provided giving you a straightforward information about the product, capabilities, security, and suggested installation locations.

Like all Pyronix products the set-up process if really easy with the easy-to-follow system set-up and the clearly labelled “Learn” button found on the PCB.

The device would be suitable where integration and monitoring of hard-wired devices are required – such as roller shutter contacts connected to the on-board terminals found on the reed-switch PCB

Pyronix – MCEXTERNAL-WE

Performance

During testing, the external contact was very responsive. The devices “Instant Two-way Device Control (ITDC)” meaning instant sleep and wake up of the devices allowing for continuous communication between the device and the control panel. The device was installed in two external locations – approximately 10-15m from the control panel, and the device worked flawlessly.

Pros: The Pyronix Wireless External Magnetic Contact is a quality product that feels great, is well constructed. It provides responsive detection with false alarm reduction due to the 70mm tolerance between magnet and contact, and worked seamlessly in the external environments it was tested in.

Cons: One drawback to the contact is the size. The overall finish of the contact looks great, but the plastic housing for both the magnet and reedswitch are very large and would not be suited in any area where aesthetics are to be considered.

Conclusion

The product is constructed very well. The casing is made of a hard polycarbonate with a deep grey (anthracite) finish which makes the door contact look great, with the reed switch side being double layered providing additional protection and a weatherproof seal.

Keeping in mind that the housing is very large, the finish to the contact looks good with a very good build quality compared to similar products. The overall performance of the product did not disappoint during testing as it managed to maintain a high signal strength at all times as well as being very responsive.

8.5 out of 10

TEST

PRODUCT TEST

What’s also in the box? Back fixing plate Spare rubber cable entry grommet Allen Key screwdriver

The build quality is superb. Milesight has produced a good quality product that has clear image quality and good functionality

NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result

7.5 out of 10

This IP67 and IK10 rated motorized 5MP mini dome boasts a number of features including Smart IR, which combines high beam and low beam to adjust IR intensity to suit different lighting conditions, plus functions such as HLC (highlight compensation) and defog. It has a multi-interface for easier installation, a built-in microphone, PoE and DC12v.

Getting started

Installation instructions are provided in the foldout pamphlet, including quick installation steps for mounting and connecting the camera as well as setup instructions for using Milesight’s smart tools to assign an IP address and assigning an IP address via the web browser. The installation steps are well laid out and picture based which makes for easier reading, but the IP assigning section could be explained better, especially when assigning using the web browser.

When the online user manual is accessed via the QR code things become much clearer with a lot more information detailing the process and providing product details for their range of cameras.

When the CMS and smart tools where downloaded they did not fit onto a laptop screen so the camera was set up via the web browser. Once in the camera settings setup is straight forward and is very user-friendly with easy to navigate menus. It will also integrate with most VMS software and work on most NVRs as long as they support the ONVIF protocol.

Performance

The camera could struggle to pick out detail if fitted facing out a window or an entrance where there is typically a lot of light.

The motorised lens functions are reasonably good from 2.8mm to 8.4mm which is a 3x zoom.

The picture and image quality is good when light levels are low or when fitted externally.

Pros: The camera is versatile and due to its ONVIF protocol it will integrated with most software’s and NVRs available in the UK. The image quality for the camera performs as expected, and when it is not drown by background light, it produces a good, clear image.

The camera is also fitted with a hinge on the rear base connected to the lens which allows for easy access when the camera is mounted. It allows the camera to be opened, exposing the connection points without having part of the camera suspended by a wire or being loose increasing the risk of it being damaged. It’s a great feature.

Cons: Even though it is a great addition to the camera, the hinge also causes some problems. The hinge is on the rear of the camera below the entry holes for the cabling, this is a problem as it limits where the camera can be mounted. When the camera is hinged open, the lens over hangs about 3-4 inches past the base meaning that the camera cannot be mounted close to a wall or ceiling without obstructing access to the connections.

The motorised lens capabilities work reasonably well, apart from the lag time between the camera zoom and the camera focusing, but the lack of reasonable back light compensation or a good WDR results in a distorted image when facing out a door or window.

Milesight - MS-C5375-EPC

Conclusion

The build quality is superb, the camera is well made. There are real signs of quality with this camera that include a solid casing throughout, connection points do not flex or move and all pivot points on the camera and lens move fluidly and are not flimsy. there has been a lot of thought put into its design – it’s a nice-looking camera.

That being said, it isn’t without its flaws, and there are a few. The “Smart Tools” application renders poorly not fitting a standard laptop format. However, the online configurator works well and is easy to navigate. The Motorised lens is relatively good but the 3x zoom doesn’t provide much benefit and will only allow for remote setup of the camera rather than a usable function. Milesight has produced a good quality product that has clear image quality and good functionality.