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Add beam sensor

Set up your BRNKL system to monitor intrusion by installing a beam sensor that detects when a target crosses the beam path.

What you need:

  • The Beam Sensor (sender + receiver pair)

  • A 12-24 V DC unswitched power supply

  • Suitable wiring (marine-grade if extended)

  • A wired input channel on your BRNKL device (Blue/Black series or 5G series)

  1. Connect the beam sensor

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Connect the unit as follows:

  • Red wire → 12-24 V DC supply (unswitched)

  • Black wire → Ground

  • White wire → BRNKL Input channel

    • For BRNKL Blue/Black: any wired input channel

    • For BRNKL 5G: Pin 9, 11, 12 or 13

Tip: If you need to extend the wiring, you may cut the wires and use marine-grade 18 AWG (or larger) wire. Ensure all splices are sealed and rated for your marine environment.

  1. Mount the sender & receiver

  • Align the sender and receiver so they face each other directly and maintain a clear line of sight.

  • Max separation distance: 90 ft (≈ 30 m)

  • Secure each unit to prevent misalignment from vibration, movement or environmental factors.

  • During installation and alignment, monitor the small LED on the sensor enclosure:

    • LED not blinking → beam is intact and aligned

    • LED blinking → beam is broken (trigger condition)

Sensor connection settings

To configure the beam sensor in the BRNKL system:

A. Open Channel Settings

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  1. On your BRNKL-connected local network, go to Device Manager → Settings

  2. Navigate to Inputs

  3. Identify the input channel you connected the white wire to

  4. Select that channel to open its settings

B. Name Channel

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  1. Replace the default channel name with a descriptive name (e.g., “Beam Sensor”)

    • Keep it to 12 characters or fewer for consistency

  2. Save changes

C. Set Input Type

  1. In the channel settings, set Input type to “Laser Sensor”

  2. Save changes

D. Enable Monitoring, Alerts & Recording

  • Monitor: Turn on to see real-time beam status and event logs on the dashboard.

  • Alert: Enable to receive immediate notifications when the beam is broken while the system is Armed.

  • Critical Alert: Optionally enable to get alerts even if the system is Disarmed.

  • Record: Enable to log the events for auditing or playback.

  • Save changes once all desired options are configured.

Quick Test Procedure

  1. Align sender and receiver units facing each other.

  2. Observe the LED on the beam sensor enclosure.

    • With the beam unobstructed: LED should not blink.

    • Interrupt the beam (pass someone or an object through the path): LED should blink to indicate a trigger.

  3. Confirm that the BRNKL input channel registers the event.

  4. Fine-tune alignment if the LED behavior is inconsistent.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the LED stays blinking constantly, check alignment and ensure no obstructions or reflective surfaces are interfering with the beam path.

  • If the LED never blinks (even when obstructed), verify wiring (power, ground, input) and correct channel configuration in BRNKL.

  • For long-run installations, ensure the wiring remains dry, clean, and well-sealed against corrosion and marine conditions.