Visonic TOWER 20 AM - INSTALLER GUIDE REV Installation Instructions Manual

D-301524 1

TOWER 20 AM

Outdoor Octa-Quad™ Mirror Detector with Anti-Mask
[Grade 3]

Installation Instructions

1. INTRODUCTION

Detector's Features

• Patented 8 independent quad PIR detectors (Octa-QUAD™) operating in
true Quad configuration with true motion recognition (TMR) processing
for each of the 8 PIR detectors and central motion processing - can
distinguish between a moving intruder and moving trees and bushes.

• Advance Obsidian Black Mirror

TM

optics (patent pending).

• High protection against snow, rain, dust, wind and direct sunlight.

• Tamper protection against opening and removal from wall.

• Alarm LED is visible in sunlight.

• Low voltage detection

• Self test

• Day & night or night only setting.

•

Robust housing with recessed window.

•

Smart anti masking can distinguish
between masking spray and rain.

•

Immunity to pets weighing up to 18 Kg
(40lb), not pet alley.

• Built in swivel bracket.

LEDS

Figure 1 -

TOWER 20 AM

2. SPECIFICATIONS

OPTICAL
Black Mirror Max. Coverage: At

least 12 meters (40 ft)/90º.
Detector Technology: 8
independent quad PIR detectors
operating in true Quad
configuration.

Pet- immune: Up to 18Kg (40lb.)
ELECTRICAL
Input Power: 8-16VDC
Standby Current:

15mA@12VDC.
Supply Current: 70 mA max.
(red and yellow LEDs light
steadily)
Low Voltage Detection: If
input voltage is below 7.5 VDC

Outputs:

Alarm output: Solid State

Relay. NC, 100 mA / 30 V, 35
ohm maximum internal
resistance. (see Table 4).

SIDE VIEW OF
EACH DETECTOR

36912 m0

2.4 m
(8 ft)

10 20 30 40 ft

TOP VIEW

90°

0

3m (10ft)

6m (20ft)

9m (30ft)

36912 m0

10 20 30 40 ft

3m (10ft)

6m (20ft)

9m (30ft)

Fig. 2 - Coverage pattern

Trouble output: Solid State Relay. NC, 100 mA / 30 VDC, 35 ohm

maximum internal resistance.

(see Table 4).

Tamper output: NC switch, 50mA / 30 VDC. "Open" by opening
detector’s cover or removing it from mounting surface.

Masking detection delay: 120 sec.
Remote LED enable input (TST): High impedance input. Affects
LEDs operation only if internal LEDs selector is set to OFF.
MOUNTING
Mounting type: Wall mounting
Mounting height: 1.5 - 3.0 meters (5 – 10 ft)
Vertical adjustment: 0º to -10º, in 2.5º steps.
Horizontal adjustment: -45º to +45º, in 5º steps.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature: -35°C to 60°C (-31°F to 140°F)
Storage Temperature: -35°C to 60°C (-31°F to 140°F)
Humidity: 95% max.
White light immunity: Above 25000 lux

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (height x length x width: 157x147x124mm (6-3/16 x 5-13/16

x 4-7/8").

Weight: 600g (21 oz)
Color: White or gray

STANDARDS COMPLIANCE

(FCC) CFR 47 Part 15, EN 50130-4, EN 60950, EN 50130-5
Environmental class IV. IP 55.
US Patents: 7250605, 6818881, 5693943. Other patents pending.

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 DIP Switches Setup

Remove the 2 detector's bottom covers (see Figure 3, steps 4-8) to gain
access to the DIP switches. Set the DIP switches, according to Table 1:

Table 1 – DIP Switch Setup

DIP SW # Function Description Default

1

LEDs
OFF/ON

OFF: Motion and masking alarm LEDs
is disabled (OFF). Can be enabled by
TST input (Active "low")
ON: Motion and masking alarm LEDs
is enabled (ON).

ON

2

24H / night
only

OFF: Motion alarms are always
enabled (24 hours).
ON: Motion alarms are enabled only
at dark (night).

OFF

3

AM ON /
OFF

ON: AM on
OFF: AM off

*

ON

OFF: masking event reported to panel
as TROUBLE (Trouble relay opens).

4

Masking
event opens
Alarm relay
(EN
standard)

ON: masking event reported to panel
as TROUBLE and ALARM (EN
standard). Trouble and Alarm relay
opens at the same time.

**

OFF

* Switching from OFF to ON resets the detector for a stabilization

period of 60 sec. and causes the detector to re-adapt to its
current surroundings. Remain at a distance of at least 0.5 m (1.5
ft.) from the detector to prevent disruption of this process.

** Use ON for EN approved control panels / installations. However,

many installers prefer not to have the ALARM relay opened on a
masking event.

3.2 Installation

Bracket installation (see figure 3) – firmly fix the bracket on a stable
wall or pillar. The orientation of the fixed bracket should be as parallel
as possible to the surveyed ground surface.

3.3 Wiring

Perform wiring (see figure 3, step 8 - 10)

3.4 Adjustments

Adjust detector's horizontal and vertical angles (see Fig. 4, steps 1 - 6),
according to the surveyed ground surface and close the detector, as
shown in Fig. 3, steps 7 - 12.
The vertical angle indicator position for various installation height and
coverage distance combinations is detailed in Table 2 (the
information refers to a relatively flat surveyed area. however, in any
case the vertical adjustment should be verified by walk-test).

Table 2 - Vertical Adjustment Reference

Coverage Distance

Mounting

Height

2m / 6.7ft 4m / 13ft 6m / 20ft 8m / 26ft 10m / 33 ft 12m / 39 ft

3.0m / 9,8 ft - 1 2 2 3 3

2.5m / 8,2 ft 1 1 2 3 4 4

2.0m / 6.7 ft 1 2 3 4 5 5

1.5m / 4.9 ft 2 3 4 5 - -

3.5 Test

A. Set the detector in Walk-Test mode, by setting DIP switch 1 (LEDs

ON/OFF) to ON position (see Fig. 3, steps 10 and 11), or activate
the remote TST input by connecting it to GND.

B. Walk into the detector's field of view at the expected far edge of the

coverage area. Verify that each time your motion is detected the red
LED lights for 2 seconds and the control panel receives the alarm. If
required, perform detector's horizontal / vertical readjustments.

2 D-301524

Important! Instruct the user to perform walk test at least once a
week, to verify proper operation of the detector.

C. Place a piece of cardboard on the detector’s front side, to

deliberately mask the optical window. After 2 minutes, the yellow
LED should light (see Table 3) and the alarm control panel should
receive the masking alarm.

D. Remove the masking from the detector’s front side. The LED

should extinguish (after about 30 seconds).

Table 3 – LED Operation

Event / status Indication

Low voltage Red flashing

Warm-up (60sec.) Yellow + Red flashing alternately

Self-test failure Yellow + Red flashing simultaneously

AM detection Yellow ON

ALARM Red ON for 2 sec.

Table 4 – Relay Outputs

Relay Output

Event / status

Trouble Alarm

Complete power failure Open Open

Standby Closed Closed

Low voltage Open Closed

Self-test failure Open Closed

AM detection DIP-SW4 = ON Open Open

AM detection DIP-SW4 = OFF Open Closed

Alarm Closed Open for 2 sec.

3.6 Cover Closure (see Fig. 4, steps 7 - 10)

31 2

Tamper switch

4

9

6

Bracket fastening (3 cable routing options)

Drill

Mark

5

For wall Tamper switch

7

Note

The 2 screw holes
enable adjustment
of the bracket on
the wall, if needed
as a result of the
walk test.

Fasten

(3 long screws)

Wiring

Press firmly

to release the

bracket

(2 short
screws)

24-HOUR

TAMPE R

ZONE

12

VDC

ALARM CONTRO L PANEL

BURGLAR
ZONE N.C.

TEST

SWITCH

(OPTION)

24 HOUR

TROUBLE

ZONE N.C.

DIP switches

1

2

3

4

OFF ON

SPARE

8

10

Figure 3 - Installation

D-301524 3

Mounting on bracket

11

B

A

3 screws

12

Figure 3 – Installation (Continued)

Release locking

HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT

(-45

°

to +45°)

1 3

Lock

VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT

(0

°

to -10° in 2.5° clicks / steps)

4

5

6

Vertical

angle
steps

1

3

5

4
2

Adjust

Release locking

Lock

2

Adjust

Figure 4 – Adjustment and Cover Closure

4 D-301524

8

10

Cover closure

9

7

Turn

cover

Push slider

COVER CLOSURE

Figure 4 - Adjustment and Cover Closure (Continued)

4. MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
FCC Warning! Modifications not expressly approved by Visonic Ltd.

could void the user authority to operate the equipment under FCC
rules.

WARRANTY

Visonic Limited (the “Manufacturer") warrants this product only (the "Product ") to the original purchaser
only (the “Purchaser”) against defective workmanship and materials under normal use of the Product for a
period of twelve (12) months from the date of shipment by the Manufacturer.
This Warranty is absolutely conditional upon the Product h aving been properly installed, m aintained and
operated under conditions of nor mal use in accordance with the Manufacturers recommended insta llation
and operation instructions. Products which have become defective for any other reason, according to the
Manufacturers discretion, such as im proper installation, failure to follow recom mended installation and
operational instructions, neglect, willful damage, misuse or vandalism , accidental damage, alteration or
tampering, or repair by anyone other than the manufacturer, are not covered b y this Warranty.
The Manufacturer does not represent that th is Product may not be compromised and/or circumvented or
that the Product will prevent any death and/or personal injury and/or damage to property resulting from
burglary, robbery, fire or otherwis e, or that the Product will in all cases provide adequate warning or
protection. The Product, properly installed and maintained, only reduces the risk of s uch events without
warning and it is not a guarantee or ins urance that such events will not occur.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, WHETHER WRIT TEN, ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR
OTHERWISE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE MANUFACTURER BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS W ARRANTY OR ANY OTHER
WARRAN TIES WH ATSO EVER, AS AFORES AID.

THE MANUFACTURER SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE,
INCLUDING LOSS OF USE, PROFITS, REVENUE, OR GOODWILL, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
ARISING FROM PURCHASER’S USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, OR FOR LO SS OR
DESTRUCTION OF OTHER PROPERTY OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE, EVEN IF MANUFACTURER
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
THE MANUFACTURER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DEATH, PERSONAL AND/OR BODILY
INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR OTHER LOSS WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE, BASED ON A CLAIM THAT THE PRODUCT
FAILED TO FUNCTION.

However, if the Manufacturer is held liable, whether directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage arising
under this limited warranty, THE MANUFACTURER'S M AXIMUM LIABILITY (IF ANY) SHALL NOT IN
ANY CASE EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PROD UCT, which shall be fixed as liquidate d
damages and not as a penalty, and shal l be the complete and exclusive remedy against the Manufacturer.
When accepting the delivery of the Prod uct, the Purchaser agrees to the said conditions of sale and
warranty and he recognizes having been informed of.
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or c onsequential damages, so these
limitations may not apply under certa in circumstances.
The Manufacturer shall be under no liabilit y whatsoever arising out of the corruption and/ or malfunctioning
of any telecommunication or electronic equipment or any programs.
The Manufacturers obligations under this W arranty are limited solely to repair and/or replace at the
Manufacturer’s discretion any Product or part thereof that may prove defective. A ny repair and/or
replacement shall not extend the original Warranty period. The Manufac turer shall not be responsible for
dismantling and/or reinstallation cos ts. To exercise this Warranty the Product must be returned to the
Manufacturer freight pre-paid and insured. All freight and insura nce costs are the responsibilit y of the
Purchaser and are not included in this W arranty.
This warranty shall not be modified, varied or extended, and the Manufacturer does not authorize any
person to act on its behalf in the modification, variation or extension of this warranty. This warranty shall
apply to the Product only. All products, accessories or attachments of others used in conjunction with the
Product, including batteries, shall be covered s olely by their own warranty, if any. The Manufacturer shall
not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, whether directly, indirectly, incidentally, consequentiall y
or otherwise, caused by the malfunction of the Product due to products, accessories, or attachments of
others, including batteries, used in conjunct ion with the Products. This Warranty is exclusive to the original
Purchaser and is not assignable.
This Warranty is in addition to and d oes not affect your legal rights. Any provision in this warranty which is
contrary to the Law in the state or countr y were the Product is supplied shall not apply.

Warning:

The user must follow the Manufacturer’s i nstallation and operational instructions including testing
the Product and its whole system at least once a week and to take all necessar y precautions for his/her
safety and the protection of his/her prop erty.

1/08

W.E.E.E. Product Recycling Declaration
For information regarding the recycling of this product you must contact the company from which you orignially purchased it. If you are discarding this product and not
returning it for repair then you must ensure that it is returned as identified by your supplier. This product is not to be thrown away with everyday waste.
Directive 2002/96/EC Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

The technical documentation as required by the European Conformity Assessment procedure is kept at:
UNIT 6 MADINGLEY COURT CHIPPENHAM DRIVE KINGSTON MILTON KEYNES MK10 0BZ. Telephone number: 0870 7300800, Fax number: 0870 7300801

VISONIC LTD. (ISRAEL): P.O.B 22020 TEL-AVIV 61220 ISRAEL. PHONE: [phone], FAX: [phone]
VISONIC INC. (U.S.A.): 65 WEST DUDLEY TOWN ROAD, BLOOMFIELD CT. 06002-1376. PHONE: [phone]. FAX: [phone]
VISONIC LTD. (UK): UNIT 6 MADINGLEY COURT CHIPPENHAM DRIVE KINGSTON MILTON KEYNES MK10 0BZ. TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
PRODUCT SUPPORT: [phone]
VISONIC GmbH (D-A-CH): KIRCHFELDSTR. 118, D-40215 DÜSSELDORF, TEL.: [phone], FAX: [phone]
VISONIC IBERICA: ISLA DE PALMA, 32 NAVE 7, POLÍGONO INDUSTRIAL NORTE, 28700 SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LOS REYES, (MADRID), ESPAÑA. TEL (34)

91659-3120, FAX [phone]. www.visonic-iberica.es
INTERNET: www.visonic.com
©VISONIC LTD. 2010 TOWER 20 AM D-301524 (Rev 1, 6/10)

D-302845 1

TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM MCW

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ADDENDUM

12345 6789101112 Meters

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3

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8

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8

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12345 6789101112 Meters

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2

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5

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8

9

10

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7

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Figure 1 – Correct Movement Detection

Correct Detection of Movement

Attention!

The TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM MCW is designed to
detect motion of a human intruder that crosses through at
least 2 adjacent detection zones out of 8 detection zones of
the coverage area – see figure 1.
For example: Crossing detection zones 5 & 4 or 7 & 6 etc.
For this reason, the detector must be installed so that the
expected motion pattern of an intruder would cross at least
two adjacent detection zones of the detector.

1

Balcony – NOT OK
TOWER-20 is not designed to protect narrow areas such as
a corridor or a narrow balcony or passage. In example 1,
the far end of the balcony is not covered well by the two
detection zones 1 & 2 so that movement at that location
may not be detected.

2

Terrace - OK
In example 2, the direction of movement is excellent for
effective detection since 2 zones (zones 4 and 5) are
crossed.

3

Yard – NOT OK
In Example 3 the person will not be detected since the
pattern of motion does not cross two adjacent detection
zones.

4

Yard – OK
In example 4, the person will be detected since the pattern
of motion crosses two adjacent detection zones 6 and 7.

2 D-302845

Street

Neighbor’s

premises

House

premises

1

OK

4

Street

3

Neighbor’s

premises

2

⌧

House

premises

NO

Figure 2 – House and Yard Protection

Protecting the House and Yard

1

- OK
Example 1 illustrates optimal installation. The detector does
not "look" into the neighbor's premises or street where
people or vehicles may move and be detected.

2

- NOT OK
Example 2 illustrates poor installation. The detector "looks"
into the neighbor's premises and into the street and may
detect objects moving outside of the protected area.
However, measures can be taken so that the detector does
not "look" outside the protected area. For example,
installing the detector opposite a high wall instead of
opposite a low fence ensures correct installation.

3 4

The motion of a person walking outside of the desired
protected area may be detected and cause an unwanted
alarm (false alarm).

D-302845 3

Correct Adjustment of Detector When Installed on Flat and Sloped Surfaces

For optimum performance, the detector must be vertically adjusted so that the upper "detection beams" are directed
toward the upper part of a person moving at the far end of the protected area. The adjustment process and a
reference vertical adjustment table are provided in sections 3.4 and 3.5 of the TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM
MCW Installation Instructions. This table is suitable when the detector is mounted on a straight vertical wall
perpendicular to a horizontally flat ground only. However, in reality, the ground surface may have some inclines
which requires some corrections to be done to the vertical adjustment.

Correct Installation

Upper beams directed towards the upper part of the

moving person

Flat ground

Adjust the detector according to the vertical adjustment
scale (see section 3.4 of the Installation Instructions).

Downward sloped ground

On downward sloped surfaces, you may need to
compensate for the slope by adding

1 or more steps to
the numbers provided in Table 2 of section 3.4 of the
Installation Instructions.

Upward sloped ground

On upward sloped surfaces, you may need to
compensate for the slope by deducting

1 or more steps
from the numbers provided in Table 2 of section 3.4 of
the Installation Instructions.

Bracket Mounting

When mounting the bracket, the bracket must be positioned so that it runs parallel to the ground surface (see
examples below).

Ground surface

In both examples, the detector is
mounted parallel to the ground
surface.

2 D-302845

TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM MCW

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ADDENDUM

123456789101112 Meters

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Meters

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

1

NO



12345 6789101112 Meter

s

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Meters

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

2

OK

123456789101112 Meters

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Meters

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

4

3

OK

NO



Figure 1 – Correct Movement Detection

Correct Detection of Movement

Attention!

The TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM MCW is designed to
detect motion of a human intruder that crosses through at
least 2 adjacent detection zones out of 8 detection zones of
the coverage area – see figure 1.
For example: Crossing detection zones 5 & 4 or 7 & 6 etc.
For this reason, the detector must be installed so that the
expected motion pattern of an intruder would cross at least
two adjacent detection zones of the detector.

1

Balcony – NOT OK
TOWER-20 is not designed to protect narrow areas such as
a corridor or a narrow balcony or passage. In example 1,
the far end of the balcony is not covered well by the two
detection zones 1 & 2 so that movement at that location
may not be detected.

2

Terrace - OK
In example 2, the direction of movement is excellent for
effective detection since 2 zones (zones 4 and 5) are
crossed.

3

Yard – NOT OK
In Example 3 the person will not be detected since the
pattern of motion does not cross two adjacent detection
zones.

4

Yard – OK
In example 4, the person will be detected since the pattern
of motion crosses two adjacent detection zones 6 and 7.

D-302845 3

Street

Neighbor’s

premises

House

premises

1

OK

4

Street

3

Neighbor’s

premises

2



House

premises

NO

Figure 2 – House and Yard Protection

Protecting the House and Yard

1

- OK
Example 1 illustrates optimal installation. The detector does
not "look" into the neighbor's premises or street where
people or vehicles may move and be detected.

2

- NOT OK
Example 2 illustrates poor installation. The detector "looks"
into the neighbor's premises and into the street and may
detect objects moving outside of the protected area.
However, measures can be taken so that the detector does
not "look" outside the protected area. For example,
installing the detector opposite a high wall instead of
opposite a low fence ensures correct installation.

3 4

The motion of a person walking outside of the desired
protected area may be detected and cause an unwanted
alarm (false alarm).

4 D-302845

Correct Adjustment of Detector When Installed on Flat and Sloped Surfaces

For optimum performance, the detector must be vertically adjusted so that the upper "detection beams" are directed
toward the upper part of a person moving at the far end of the protected area. The adjustment process and a
reference vertical adjustment table are provided in sections 3.4 and 3.5 of the TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM
MCW Installation Instructions. This table is suitable when the detector is mounted on a straight vertical wall
perpendicular to a horizontally flat ground only. However, in reality, the ground surface may have some inclines
which requires some corrections to be done to the vertical adjustment.

Correct Installation

Upper beams directed towards the upper part of the

moving person

Flat ground

Adjust the detector according to the vertical adjustment
scale (see section 3.4 of the Installation Instructions).

Downward sloped ground

On downward sloped surfaces, you may need to
compensate for the slope by adding

1 or more steps to
the numbers provided in Table 2 of section 3.4 of the
Installation Instructions.

Upward sloped ground

On upward sloped surfaces, you may need to
compensate for the slope by deducting

1 or more steps
from the numbers provided in Table 2 of section 3.4 of
the Installation Instructions.

Bracket Mounting

When mounting the bracket, the bracket must be positioned so that it runs parallel to the ground surface (see
examples below).

Ground surface

In both examples, the detector is
mounted parallel to the ground
surface.

©VISONIC LTD. 2010 TOWER-20 AM / TOWER-20 AM MCW INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ADDENDUM D-302845 (REV. 0, 9/10)