Southwest Microwave Launches Improved MILPAC Relocatable Sensor Line
Enhancements Speed Setup, Increase Battery Life

Southwest Microwave is proud to introduce two new relocatable microwave sensors, the MILPAC 316 Relocatable Microwave Link and the MILPAC 385 Relocatable Microwave Transceiver. These new models will replace the MILPAC 300B, MILPAC 310B and MILPAC 380 relocatable sensors.

“Due to our increased presence in the European markets, the new MILPAC 316 Relocatable Rapid Deployment Microwave Link is fully CE certified, in addition to being FCC approved,” says Bob Kirkaldie, Director of Sales and Marketing for Southwest Microwave.

Easy Setup and Adjustment
MILPAC sensitivity and range controls are now easily accessible on the rear of the units in a weatherproof fitting. This simplifies setup and enhances portability, as adjustments can now be made externally. Previous MILPAC sensors had these controls located under the radome, which had to be removed when adjustments were necessary.

“These new MILPACs are compatible with our new RM83 handheld Performance Monitor (sold separately), which can be easily plugged into the back of a unit to perform adjustments,” says Kirkaldie. “This device makes it simpler to check microwave input voltage levels, alignment and alarm thresholds.”

Versatility
Both sensors can be used at gates, portals or roadway crossings or to establish a full perimeter of volumetric detection.

“In addition to its state-of-the-art circuitry, the unmatched ease of setup and portability of these two sensors are ideal for temporary or mobile site protection,” says Kirkaldie. “They are perfect for the protection of VIPs, critical mobile assets such as trucks or aircraft, and other temporary high-security requirements.”

For quick setup, both sensors also come with heavy-duty, lightweight adjustable tripods. The MILPAC 385 has a detection range of 400 feet (122 meters), while the MILPAC 316 detects to 800 feet (244 meters).

Long Battery Life
Significant focus has been given to battery life on these new models, in response to customer requests for longer field operating times. 

“Both units now feature more robust rechargeable battery packs,” explains Kirkaldie. “The MILPAC 316 offers a 135 hour battery life and the MILPAC 385 now provides 103 hours of continuous operation on a single charge.”

MILPAC 316
The new MILPAC 316 is a fully portable T/R Link that provides high probability of detection and a low false-alarm rate in outdoor environments. “Because the MILPAC 316 operates on K-band frequency, it can operate at very long ranges and within very narrow corridors,” says Kirkaldie.

The new MILPAC 316 is less susceptible to outside interference. Its narrow band receiver design increases detection probability by alarming on partial or complete beam interruption, increase or decrease in signal level or jamming by other transmitters. The Automatic Gain Control (AGC) allows the receiver to compensate for varying site conditions.

The MILPAC 316 is also equipped with self-contained alignment circuits and LED troubleshooting indicators.

MILPAC 385
The MILPAC 385 is a fully portable microwave transceiver with high probability of detection and a low false alarm rate in an outdoor environment.

“We’ve equipped the new MILPAC 385 with a patented Range Cut-Off (RCO) Circuit that positively rejects all microwave targets beyond a pre-selected range,” explains Kirkaldie. “This makes it immune to alarms from any object outside the RCO distance, even very large microwave targets such as semi-trailers, trees, trains or overhead doors.”

The MILPAC 385 also includes a patented Zero-Range Suppression (ZRS) Circuit, which reduces the amplitude of any microwave target at very close range. This circuit dramatically reduces nuisance alarms from rain, vibration, birds and windblown objects. Neither the RCO nor the ZRS affect the detection of human intruders within the detection pattern.