Plan safe, clear nighttime construction surveillance coverage. Adjust wavelength, beam spread, transmission, and safety margin. Export results for procurement, installation, and inspection reports quickly.
The calculator estimates optical power required to achieve a target infrared irradiance on the scene, then scales for losses and coverage tiling.
| Distance (m) | Coverage (W×H m) | Beam (°) | Irradiance (µW/cm²) | Losses (Lens/Window) | Safety | Recommended Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 12 × 8 | 30 | 3.0 | 92% / 90% | 1.30 | Auto-calculated after you submit |
| 35 | 18 × 10 | 40 | 4.5 | 90% / 88% | 1.40 | Auto-calculated after you submit |
| 12 | 8 × 6 | 25 | 2.0 | 94% / 92% | 1.25 | Auto-calculated after you submit |
Start by mapping camera sightlines, entry points, and high value storage. Record mounting heights, obstructions, and reflective surfaces like wet concrete or metal cladding. Note nearby cranes, light poles, and temporary fences that could block or shadow the beam. Use distance and coverage dimensions from the survey so the illuminator footprint matches the monitored zone without wasting spill light.
Choose a target irradiance based on acceptable motion blur and noise. Higher shutter speed and lower gain improve identification, but demand more infrared power. Confirm whether the camera switches to monochrome and disables its internal emitter. Validate by night testing: capture a short clip, then adjust the irradiance input until faces, badges, or vehicle plates are readable at the required distance.
Construction sites add dust, vibration, and temporary barriers. Model lens and window transmission to represent housings, domes, or protective covers. Add atmospheric attenuation for fog or heavy dust, and apply a safety factor for LED aging, dirty optics, and aiming error during repositioning or scaffold movement. Plan routine cleaning intervals and verify fasteners so alignment does not drift between inspections.
Beam angle sets beam diameter at the target and drives how many fixtures are needed to tile the rectangle. Narrow beams increase range but require more units for wide areas. For corridors, orient beams along the long axis to reduce overlap. Auto sizing is useful when coverage changes frequently; otherwise, pick a beam that slightly exceeds the largest dimension to reduce seam lines.
Convert required optical power to electrical load using emitter efficiency. Check driver and cable losses, then confirm thermal limits, especially in sealed enclosures. Ensure power supplies meet ingress and surge requirements for temporary power. Use the unit optical rating field to estimate quantity and per unit output, supporting procurement, generator sizing, and preventative maintenance schedules. Document settings in commissioning notes for future audits.
Start with 2 to 5 µW/cm² for general detection at moderate distances. Increase for identification tasks, fast shutter speeds, or dark lenses. Use night test footage to tune the value until details meet your security objective.
850 nm typically delivers longer range because many sensors are more sensitive there, but it can show a faint red glow. 940 nm is less visible to people, yet may require more power for the same image brightness.
Real beams are not perfectly uniform. Utilization estimates how much of the beam effectively contributes to your usable exposure after hotspots and falloff. Lower utilization increases required optical power and can reduce the risk of dark edges.
Use 0 to 1 dB/km for clear air, 1 to 3 dB/km for light haze or dust, and higher for fog or heavy dust. If conditions change often, raise the safety factor and consider adjustable, higher output fixtures.
The tool sizes units two ways: coverage tiling based on beam diameter, and intensity sizing based on total optical power versus per unit rating. It recommends the larger value, helping avoid gaps and underexposure.
Yes. The calculator outputs estimated electrical load from optical power and efficiency. Add driver losses, cable voltage drop, and generator derating. For sealed housings, verify heat dissipation and follow manufacturer limits.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.