Detex ProxiPen II Review (2006) and Modern Updates

In 2006, the Detex ProxiPen II represented a significant step forward in guard tour verification technology. At a time when many patrol systems still relied on contact-based touch memory devices, ProxiPen II introduced proximity-based RFID reading with durable construction and straightforward reporting software.

The complete Detex Watchman system package included the ProxiPen II reader, TopGuard reporting software, 33 RFID station tags, serial and USB connectivity, and a one-year hardware warranty. For its time, it was considered one of the more rugged and practical guard patrol solutions available.

How the ProxiPen II Worked

The system used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags placed at control points throughout a facility. Guards carried the ProxiPen reader and simply brought it within range of a tag. No physical contact was required.

• 30mm tags: approximately 1 inch read range
• 50mm tags: up to 3 inches read range
• Visual and audible confirmation of successful reads
• Memory capacity: 4,063 readings
• Full download time: under 1 minute

The ability to read tags through nonmetallic materials—such as wallpaper, paneling, or sheetrock—made the system useful in environments where aesthetics or vandalism were concerns.

Durability and Field Performance

ProxiPen II was designed for harsh environments. Its electronics were sealed inside a polycarbonate housing rated to withstand drops of approximately 4.5 feet onto concrete. The unit was waterproof and resistant to heat, shock, and hydrocarbons.

• Powered by one 1.5V AA battery
• Typical battery life: 4–8 months depending on use
• Stored data retained in non-volatile memory
• Anti-tamper feature if battery removed for extended time

For guard companies operating in industrial settings, this level of durability was a major advantage.

TopGuard Software Capabilities

The included TopGuard software offered password-protected reporting with user and administrator access levels. Reports documented:

• Guard name and tour name
• Control points visited and missed
• Incident entries
• Time and date stamps

Reports could be printed, archived, or emailed. For larger operations, Detex also offered an enterprise-level reporting upgrade.

How Technology Has Changed Since 2006

While the ProxiPen II was innovative in 2006, guard tour technology has advanced significantly. Modern systems now combine RFID hardware with web-hosted and cloud-based reporting platforms.

• Automatic cloud synchronization reduces manual downloads.
• Mobile apps allow real-time monitoring.
• Centralized dashboards improve oversight across locations.
• Data redundancy enhances security and compliance reporting.

Today’s platforms eliminate many of the limitations of standalone data acquisition units by integrating reporting, alerts, and archival functions into secure web-based systems.

Industry Perspective

Looking back at products like the ProxiPen II highlights how far guard tour verification has progressed. Businesses with decades of experience in workforce and security systems have seen the shift from serial-cable downloads to cloud-based reporting environments.