Motion Detection · Installer Guide
The right wireless motion detector for an alarm panel is a pet-immune PIR matched to the panel's frequency — and one Versa SKU covers both bands.
A professional wireless motion detector has to do three things: ride your panel's frequency (319.5 MHz for Qolsys and GE/Interlogix, 345 MHz for 2GIG and Honeywell/Resideo), report on a fully supervised zone, and reject the dog. Versa makes two that do all three — the PIR-319 for 319.5 MHz systems and the dual-frequency PIR-DUAL that covers both 319.5 and 345 MHz from a single SKU. Both are pet-immune up to 55 lb. This guide maps which detector fits which panel, how the pet immunity and false-alarm rejection actually work, and how to commission them.
Which Versa motion detector for which panel
Motion detectors are frequency-specific: a 345 MHz panel will not hear a 319.5 MHz transmitter, and vice versa. Match the detector to the receiver in the panel, not just the brand name.
| Panel ecosystem | Frequency | Versa motion detector | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qolsys IQ Panel 4 / 5 / 2+ | 319.5 MHz | PIR-319 (or PIR-DUAL at 319.5) | Needs the 319.5 MHz SRF card on the IQ4/IQ5 |
| GE / Interlogix, Alula Connect+ | 319.5 MHz | PIR-319 | Direct-fit replacement for legacy GE/Interlogix motions |
| Elk M1 Gold | 319.5 MHz | PIR-319 | Requires the ELK-M1XRF319 receiver on the bus |
| 2GIG GC2 / GC3 / EDGE / GC Touch | 345 MHz | PIR-DUAL (set to 345) | Built-in 345 MHz receiver, no module |
| Honeywell VISTA | 345 MHz | PIR-DUAL (set to 345) | Native 5800-series 345 MHz |
| Honeywell Lyric | 345 MHz | PIR-DUAL (set to 345) | Built-in 345 MHz receiver |
| Resideo PROA7 / PROA7PLUS | 345 MHz | PIR-DUAL (set to 345) | Requires the PROTAKEOVER module (rotary 0) |
For the full sensor-to-panel breakdown (contacts, shock, and the receiver/module requirements for each platform), see the Versa panel compatibility guide. Replacing a Honeywell motion detector specifically? The Honeywell 5800PIR alternative guide walks through the 345 MHz swap on VISTA, Lyric, PROA7 and 2GIG.
What makes a motion detector "professional"
The difference between a DIY motion and a professional one isn't the lens — it's supervision, pet immunity, and how it rejects false alarms before they reach the panel.
Fully supervised
The panel checks in with the detector on a schedule and flags a trouble if it goes silent — so a dead or removed motion is caught, not assumed working.
Pet-immune to 55 lb
A dual-element pyroelectric sensor tells a human-sized heat signature from a pet, so the dog or cat doesn't trip the alarm.
Digital false-alarm rejection
A digital signal-processing engine evaluates the infrared signal to confirm genuine movement while rejecting drafts, sunlight and other nuisance sources — fewer 2 a.m. callbacks.
How the pet immunity works
Both the PIR-319 and the PIR-DUAL use a dual-element pyroelectric detector with pet immunity up to 55 lb. A precision multi-zone Fresnel lens divides the protected area into alternating detection zones, and the two pyroelectric elements alternate in polarity — a qualified sequence of polarity changes is required before an alarm is declared. A pet moving low and small through the pattern does not produce that sequence, so it is ignored. Mount the detector in a corner at the recommended height, aim it across the room rather than at a pet's usual path, and the false-trip rate on animals drops to near zero without sacrificing catch performance on an intruder.
Coverage and placement
The PIR-DUAL covers 40 ft in the sensor-facing direction and 40 ft at 45 degrees. Mount either detector 7.5 ft or 10 ft above the floor, on a flat vertical wall or in a corner, with a clear line of sight to the protected area — glass blocks the sensor's view. An optional aim bracket lets you fine-tune the aim after mounting. Position the detector so a likely intruder path crosses its coverage: people are detected best moving across the field of view rather than straight toward it, which is the geometry that maximizes catch on a walking intruder while minimizing nuisance trips.
Sensitivity is a jumper, not a guess. At normal sensitivity an alarm occurs after about 3 to 5 steps; at high sensitivity, after about 2 to 4. Normal suits most installations — use high where an intruder may cross only a short distance inside the field of view.
PIR-319 — 319.5 MHz
Pet-immune to 55 lb, fixed 319.5 MHz. For Qolsys IQ, GE/Interlogix, Alula, and Elk M1 (with the M1XRF319). LED walk-test, tamper, CR123A 3+ yr.
PIR-DUAL — 319.5 / 345 MHz
Pet-immune to 55 lb, 40 ft facing and 40 ft at 45 degrees. One switch-selectable SKU for Qolsys/GE-Interlogix (319.5) or 2GIG/Honeywell/Resideo (345). LED walk-test, cover and wall tamper, CR123A 3+ yr.
Commissioning: enroll and walk-test
Both detectors enroll as standard supervised motion zones on their target panel. The exact keystrokes vary by panel (see the panel compatibility guide for per-platform enrollment), but the flow is the same.
Set the frequency before the battery goes in (PIR-DUAL only)
Set the PIR-DUAL's frequency switch to match the panel before installing the battery: 319.5 MHz for Qolsys/GE-Interlogix/Alula/Elk, or 345 MHz for 2GIG/Honeywell/Resideo. To change bands after the battery is in, remove the battery first, move the switch, then reinstall it. The PIR-319 is fixed at 319.5 MHz.
Enroll the zone
Put the panel in its sensor/zone learn mode, then insert the battery — or open and close the cover tamper — to send a signal the panel can capture. Each detector transmits a unique ID. Assign an interior-follower or interior zone type, name it, and save.
Walk-test inside the five-minute window
The detector is fully operational about one minute after power-up, and stays in walk-test mode for 5 minutes after the cover closes. During that window the LED lights for about 2 seconds on each detection. Walk the room, wait for the LED to go out, then wait about 12 seconds before the next pass. After 5 minutes the LED disables itself and the detector enters normal operation — there is nothing to switch off on the way out. Re-test at least once a year.
Where the Versa motion line fits
The PIR-319 and PIR-DUAL cover the 319.5 MHz and 345 MHz ecosystems, which together account for the large majority of North American residential and light-commercial panels — Qolsys, GE/Interlogix, Alula, Elk, 2GIG, Honeywell VISTA and Lyric, and Resideo PROA7. On DSC PowerSeries, Versa's 433 MHz part is the MINI-433 door and window contact, which drops into 433 MHz reed zones on the PC1832, PC1864, Impassa and Alexor — see the 433 MHz guide for DSC PowerSeries for the enrollment detail.
The dual-frequency PIR-DUAL is available to dealers through WAVE Electronics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wireless motion detector for an alarm panel?
The best wireless motion detector for a professional alarm panel is a fully supervised, pet-immune PIR on the panel's own frequency. For 319.5 MHz panels (Qolsys IQ, GE/Interlogix, Alula, Elk M1) that's the Versa PIR-319; for 345 MHz panels (2GIG, Honeywell VISTA/Lyric, Resideo PROA7) it's the Versa PIR-DUAL set to 345 MHz. Both are pet-immune to 55 lb with digital false-alarm rejection.
Are Versa wireless motion detectors pet immune?
Yes. Both the PIR-319 and the PIR-DUAL are pet-immune up to 55 lb using a dual-element pyroelectric sensor that distinguishes a human-sized target from a pet. Dual elements alternate in polarity and a qualified sequence of polarity changes is required before an alarm is declared, while a digital signal-processing engine rejects drafts, sunlight and other nuisance sources.
Which panels does the Versa PIR-DUAL work with?
The PIR-DUAL is switch-selectable between 319.5 MHz and 345 MHz. Set to 319.5 it works with Qolsys IQ (with the 319.5 SRF card), GE/Interlogix, Alula, and Elk M1 (with the M1XRF319); set to 345 it works with 2GIG GC2/GC3/EDGE/GC Touch, Honeywell VISTA, Honeywell Lyric, and Resideo PROA7 (with the PROTAKEOVER module on rotary 0). One SKU covers a mixed panel base. Set the switch before installing the battery.
What is the difference between the PIR-319 and the PIR-DUAL?
The PIR-319 is fixed at 319.5 MHz. The PIR-DUAL adds a selectable 345 MHz mode, so a single SKU covers both the 319.5 and 345 MHz ecosystems. If you only install Qolsys or GE/Interlogix, the PIR-319 is the lower-cost pick; if you work across panel brands, the PIR-DUAL reduces what you stock.
What is the detection range of the Versa PIR-DUAL?
40 ft in the sensor-facing direction and 40 ft at 45 degrees. Mount the detector 7.5 ft or 10 ft above the floor on a flat vertical wall or in a corner, with a clear line of sight to the protected area. Position it so a likely intruder path crosses the coverage, because people are detected best moving across the field of view rather than straight toward it.
What Versa sensors work with DSC PowerSeries panels?
Versa's 433 MHz product for DSC PowerSeries is the MINI-433 door and window contact, which drops into 433 MHz reed zones on the PC1832, PC1864, Impassa and Alexor. Note that DSC PowerSeries NEO and PRO use 915 MHz PowerG rather than 433 MHz. Versa's motion line, the PIR-319 and PIR-DUAL, covers the 319.5 MHz and 345 MHz ecosystems.
What is the best motion sensor for a Qolsys IQ Panel?
The best motion sensor for a Qolsys IQ Panel 4, 5, or 2+ is a fully supervised, pet-immune 319.5 MHz PIR — the Versa PIR-319, or the PIR-DUAL set to 319.5 MHz. This Qolsys motion sensor enrolls as a standard supervised motion zone once the 319.5 MHz SRF card is installed, is pet-immune to 55 lb, and runs on one CR123A for 3+ years. Everyone in the trade calls it a motion detector, but whether you search for a Qolsys motion sensor or a Qolsys motion detector, it is the same device — and if you also service 2GIG or Honeywell panels, the dual-frequency PIR-DUAL is the one motion sensor that covers both 319.5 and 345 MHz. As a passive infrared PIR motion sensor, it uses a wide field of view to tell people from pets, giving dependable home security without false alarms from the dog.
