Product Overview
The DSP-7 is part of Diablo Controls microdetector line and is used to translate a buried inductive loop signal into a relay output that the gate or access-control equipment can understand. When a vehicle enters the loop field, the detector recognizes the change in inductance and sends a detect signal to the connected control input. It is a good choice when the site needs a fail-safe detector in a small package and the operator has low-voltage power available. This detector is not a universal plug-in replacement; it must be wired to the correct terminals and matched to the original detector output. A technician should verify the loop circuit before condemning the detector because shorted loops, open loops, poor splices, and water in the lead-in are common causes of detection problems.
Compatible With
- Select gate operators, barrier operators, parking equipment, and access panels that accept relay-output loop detectors
- Low-voltage 10 to 30 VAC/DC control circuits
- Standard inductive loop applications such as exit, safety, shadow, hold-open, or vehicle presence
- Installations requiring fail-safe detector operation when supported by the control system
- Applications where terminal-block wiring is preferred over an 11-pin or plug-in detector
Features and Specifications
| Manufacturer | Diablo Controls |
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| Product Type | Fail-safe vehicle loop detector |
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| Part Number | DSP-7 |
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| Application | Vehicle loop detection for access control and parking applications |
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| Compatible Operator Type | Low-voltage control systems accepting relay detector output |
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| Voltage | 10 to 30 VAC/DC |
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| Output | Relay contacts |
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| Loop Type | Standard inductive loop |
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| Notes | Related to DSP-7LP but not identical; verify current draw and ordering number |
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Also Known As / Related Part Numbers
- DSP-7
- DSP7
- DSP-7LP
- DSP-7 LP
- Diablo DSP-7 fail-safe detector
- Diablo Controls microdetector
Technician Note
Match the detector to the original part number, voltage, connector style, loop function, and output behavior. If a detector still shows a loop fault after replacement, test the loop and lead-in wiring before assuming the new detector is defective.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the exact Diablo Controls part number on the old detector or supplier record
- Verify the control voltage available at the detector connection
- Confirm the connector style, terminal layout, or plug-in board port
- Check whether the loop function is exit, safety, shadow, arming, hold-open, or presence
- Inspect loop resistance, lead-in splices, and water intrusion if the original detector failed
Professional Advisory
Loop detectors are vehicle-detection accessories and must be installed as part of a code-compliant gate or access-control system. Do not bypass required monitored photo eyes, monitored safety edges, or other entrapment-protection devices. For high-voltage wiring, unsafe gate movement, or repeated loop faults, use a qualified gate technician.
Important Ordering Warnings
Similar Diablo detector numbers may not be interchangeable. Pay close attention to fail-safe versus fail-secure operation, low-voltage versus line-voltage power, terminal-block versus plug-in construction, and standard loop versus mini-loop/probe operation.
Product Questions and Answers
Is the DSP-7 the same as DSP-7LP?
No. They are closely related fail-safe microdetectors, but the LP version is the low-power model. Match the exact part number when replacing an installed detector.
What type of loop does the DSP-7 use?
It is used with a standard in-ground inductive vehicle loop connected to the detector loop terminals.
Can the DSP-7 be used for a free-exit loop?
Yes, when the gate operator or access-control panel has a compatible free-exit input and the relay contacts are wired correctly.
Why should the loop be tested before replacing the detector?
Many detector problems are caused by open loop wires, shorted loops, bad splices, water intrusion, or lead-in damage rather than the detector itself.
Is this a plug-in detector?
No. This product is normally a small terminal-block detector. For plug-in or 11-pin applications, compare the original detector format before ordering.