McQ OWL Intelligent Camera
Covert micro-radar-triggered day/night camera that pushes encrypted images and 1080p video over cellular, mesh or Iridium satellite.
The McQ OWL is a radar-triggered intelligent camera for covert, unattended perimeter surveillance. An integrated 23.5-26 GHz micro radar continuously scans the scene and detects people beyond 50 m and vehicles beyond 100 m; on detection it wakes a 2 MP colour camera with a 48-degree horizontal field of view to capture high-resolution stills or 1080p video, with 940 nm infrared illumination imaging targets beyond 45 m at night. Radar triggering rather than passive motion detection cuts false alarms and keeps typical power draw to 4.26 W, so battery-plus-solar deployments run near-indefinitely in remote locations. Imagery is compressed with real-time, user-variable compression tuned for low-data-rate links and delivered encrypted to distributed users over configurable communications: 3G/4G LTE cellular (FirstNet configuration available), McQ 900 MHz TNet mesh, Ethernet, or Iridium Certus satellite via the McQ CONNECT add-on. A cloud-based server option provides storage, replay and distribution with a standalone IoT mode and cloud user interface. The system expands with 900 MHz McQ RANGER TNet trigger sensors, letting buried UGS cue the camera across a wider virtual perimeter. The 1 kg unit operates from -25 to +60 C and ships in kit forms with battery box and Iridium options, in custom colours and camouflage patterns. Power options suit long unattended missions: battery operation with solar charging gives near-indefinite lifetime, or the AC-1951.4 external AC adapter powers the camera indefinitely; the 940 nm illuminator draws 15 W only momentarily while imaging night targets. A weatherproof battery case (190.5 x 171.5 x 101.6 mm, 2 kg including battery) supports extended field deployments. Three published kit configurations - OW-K9001 Camera Kit, OW-K9020 with Battery Box and OW-K9101 with Iridium and Battery Box - expand with the AC-1993 high-capacity rechargeable battery, AC power cable, McQ RANGER sensor kit (RA-K1001) and McQ CONNECT Iridium terminal kit (CNT-K1004). McQ Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015-registered company based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA.
Technical specifications.
| Radar frequency range | 23.5 to 26 GHz |
| Radar transmit power (EIRP) | 6 to 22 dBm |
| Detection range - people | beyond 50 m |
| Detection range - vehicles | beyond 100 m |
| Camera | 2 MP colour, 48 deg horizontal FOV |
| Max still/video resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Max video frame rate | 8 fps |
| Night illumination | 940 nm IR, typical max night range 45 m |
| IR illuminator power (momentary, while imaging targets) | 15 W |
| Cellular communications | 3G, 4G LTE (GSM, CDMA bands); FirstNet configuration available |
| RF communications (TNet) | 902-928 MHz, 1 W transmit |
| Satellite option | Iridium Certus via McQ CONNECT add-on (CNT-K1004 terminal kit) |
| Input voltage | 12.5 to 18 V |
| Typical power consumption | 4.26 W |
| Power options | Battery; solar for near-indefinite lifetime; external AC adapter (AC-1951.4) for indefinite lifetime |
| Dimensions | 205 x 125 x 100 mm |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Battery case dimensions | 190.5 x 171.5 x 101.6 mm |
| Battery case weight (including battery) | 2 kg |
| Operating temperature | -25 to +60 deg C |
| Kit part numbers | OW-K9001 Camera Kit; OW-K9020 Kit with Battery Box; OW-K9101 Kit with Iridium and Battery Box |
| Accessories | AC-1993 high-capacity rechargeable battery; AC-1951.4 AC power cable; RA-K1001 McQ RANGER sensor kit; CNT-K1004 McQ CONNECT Iridium terminal kit |
| Manufacturer quality system | ISO 9001:2015 registered company |
Available variants.
Use cases.
- ›covert perimeter security camera
- ›remote site surveillance over cellular and satellite
- ›radar-triggered intrusion verification
- ›border and critical infrastructure monitoring
Replacements & compatible alternatives.
Comparable products from other suppliers. Cross-shop on specs — confirm exact fit and compatibility with the supplier before specifying.
