Pathfinder FAQs

Pathfinder Advanced Intrusion Detection

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

Pathfinder sets itself apart with its accuracy, integration capabilities, ease of use, and cyber security. Pathfinder sensors don’t require repeaters like most competitors. Radio repeaters add cost, complexity, and time to install. Pathfinder is cyber secure without providing a gateway to connected security systems. Pathfinder can integrate with existing security systems to offer “slew to cue” with cameras and “fly to cue” with unmanned aerial systems to get eyes on an intruder instantly. Pathfinder has more than a decade of success protecting military, government, and private assets around the globe.

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

Yes. Pathfinder has a “slew to cue” capability using a software plug-in. Cameras should be IP addressable to allow for easy integration.

Can Pathfinder differentiate between humans, animals, and vehicles?

Yes. The sensor algorithms determine human footsteps vs animals when in the footstep mode and the algorithm detects off-road vehicles traveling less than 35mph. Both modes of operation have achieved >97% probability of detection and very low false alarms.

Does weather effect the accuracy of Pathfinder?

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

What is the battery life of Pathfinder sensors?

Pathfinder mini sensors have a duration of 4-6 months while Pathfinder XL sensors have a duration of 20-24 months. Battery duration 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 will reduce battery life.

What is the effective range of Pathfinder sensors?

The maximum effective range of Pathfinder sensors depends on the terrain. Typically, the effective range is 5-10km. A heavy tree canopy environment such as a jungle can reduce the range to 2km.

What makes Pathfinders cyber secure?

Pathfinder sensors use ARA’s patented long distance low frequency radio that is extremely difficult to detect within the noise spectrum. Pathfinder sensors can only transmit alerts based on geophone detection and algorithm sorting for footsteps, off-road vehicles, or power vibrations. Therefore, they do not create a gateway for cyber-attacks since it doesn’t have an on-board radio receiver like mesh network sensors do.

How many Pathfinder sensors do I need?

The number of Pathfinder sensors required depends on the size of the area you are protecting as well as the terrain. The sensors are placed in known avenues of approach and each sensor covers a radius of 25 to 50 meters. 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?

Yes. We have provided camera systems for several of our customers.

Is an FCC license required to operate Pathfinder?

Yes. An FCC license is required for operation in the continental US due to the radio frequency. ARA will support your team in acquiring the appropriate license.