How we helped DeterTech turn a strong concept into a robust, manufacturable security product.
A close, transparent working relationship with DeterTech allowed us to take responsibility for the full stack – electronics, comms, firmware, and the user interface – aligning field performance with manufacturing reality. Our approach combines rigorous engineering with rapid iteration and collaborative problem-solving, producing a product that works not just in the lab, but on muddy, windswept sites at 3 a.m.
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DeterTech had a compelling idea: a self-contained security unit that could be dropped onto construction sites and other high-value locations to deter intruders and capture incidents without human guards. Early manufacturing attempts elsewhere fell short – design flaws undermined reliability and made the product unworkable in the field. TAD electronics was engaged to take the PID360 from promising concept to a dependable, manufacturable system that could live outdoors, operate year-round, and integrate with a professional monitoring workflow.
We re-engineered the device as a rugged, rapid-reployment platform with 360-degree coverage, engineered specifically for unmanned operation 365 days a year. The solution combines sensing, illumination, audio challenge and connectivity in an armoured steel enclosure with integrated long-life power – purpose-built to survive weather, vandalism and heavy site activity.
Off-the-shelf PIRs in early iterations often produced frequent false triggers (e.g., wind-moved foliage, insects, or small animals). We designed a custom detection approach and tuned the sensitivity through extensive bench and field testing to deliver false alarm-free performance across 2-12 metres (model-dependent). The result is actionable alerts rather than noise – vital for an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to respond quickly and confidently.
Three 120-degree wide-angle HD cameras provide overlapping coverage, while high-efficiency white-light arrays can flood intruders with up to 4,000 lumens per face, aiding identification and acting as an immediate deterrent. A 25-watt audio amplifier drives configurable voice warnings and site H&S messages for a consistent response day or night.
A 4G uplink ties the unit to a dedicated ARC for rapid triage and escalation. This ensures alerts are filtered by trained operators before actions are taken, reducing site disruption while maintaining strong deterrence.
With no guaranteed mains supply, PID360 units must run for extended periods without intervention. We optimised both hardware and firmware for ultra-low power operation and specified an integrated battery pack capable of operating for many months – and in the right duty cycle, up to multiple years – depending on usage profile.
Sites are unforgiving – machines, weather, and people all pose risks. We specified an armoured enclosure, anti-tamper sensing (rotational/angle/vibration), and robust mounting to keep the unit online and capture evidence when it matters most.
The core challenge was turning a bold concept into a dependable, year-round field device. Early iterations suffered from false triggers in variable site conditions, heavy power draw that limited off-grid endurance, and enclosure vulnerabilities on rough, high-risk sites. At the same time, the system had to deliver 360-degree detection and deterrence without overwhelming the ARC with nuisance alarms, maintain reliable 4G connectivity, and remain
The PID360 transitioned from a stalled concept to a field-proven product that can be deployed quickly, operate autonomously, and integrate cleanly into professional monitoring workflows. Customers benefit from wide-area coverage, rapid incident triage by a custom ARC, and a measurable deterrent effect – sites with PID360 units experience major reductions in opportunistic crime and trespass, up to an 80% reduction recorded by DeterTech. The combination of tuned detection, strong illumination, audio challenge, and dependable 4G comms delivers reliable, incident-driven alerts instead of nuisance alarms.
Beyond performance, TAD’s redesign addressed manufacturability and longevity: clear documentation, repeatable assembly, and component choice aligned to lifecycle and serviceability. The system now represents a best-in-class alternative to manned guarding – more consistent, more scalable, and significantly more cost-effective.