Diablo Controls AVI-40 Quad Code AVI Receiver Compatibility and Technical Details
The Diablo Controls AVI-40 is a compact plug-in Automatic Vehicle Identification receiver designed to recognize coded signals from compatible vehicle-mounted AVI transmitters. The receiver is used with a roadway loop installed ahead of a gate, barrier, parking entrance, or other controlled access point.
When an equipped vehicle passes over the loop, the loop receives the transmitter's coded signal and feeds it to the AVI-40. The receiver compares that code with the valid codes stored in its memory. When a matching code is recognized, the red Valid LED turns on and the receiver activates its solid-state output so the connected access-control system can perform the assigned function.
Quad Code Multiple-Code Operation
The current AVI-40 is identified by Diablo Controls as a Quad Code Receiver. It can store and accept up to four different valid AVI codes from a system with more than 19,000 possible code combinations.
Multiple-code capability is useful where different fleets, departments, emergency agencies, transit vehicles, or authorized vehicle groups need to use the same entrance without requiring every transmitter to carry the same code.
- Accepts up to 4 programmed valid codes.
- Over 19,000 AVI codes are available within the system.
- No DIP switches or code-selection switches are required.
- Front-panel Learn button supports field addition of compatible codes.
- Red LED indicates reception of a valid programmed code.
- Green LED confirms operating power.
How the AVI-40 System Works
The AVI-40 is the receiver portion of an inductively coupled Automatic Vehicle Identification system. A compatible AVI transmitter is normally mounted to the vehicle. When powered, the transmitter sends its programmed code. A roadway loop located at the entrance receives the signal and connects to the AVI-40 through the receiver's loop-input terminals.
This is different from a conventional handheld gate remote or standard RF receiver. The vehicle-mounted AVI transmitter and roadway loop are part of the identification system, so a complete installation requires more than the AVI-40 receiver alone.
Typical Applications
- Fire apparatus emergency gate access
- Police and public-safety vehicle access
- Bus and mass-transit access
- Shuttle vehicle entrances
- Commercial fleet access
- Trucking facilities
- Manufacturing facilities
- Forklift and industrial vehicle applications
- Airport vehicle access
- Rail and light-rail applications
- Private community or homeowner vehicle access
- Parking and barrier gate systems
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Diablo Controls |
| Model | AVI-40 |
| Product Type | Automatic Vehicle Identification receiver |
| Current Receiver Type | Quad Code / multiple-code |
| Stored Valid Codes | Up to 4 |
| Available AVI Code System | More than 19,000 possible codes |
| Operating Voltage | 8 to 35VDC |
| Output Type | Solid-state open collector |
| Maximum Output Current Sink | 30 mA |
| Output Protection | Transient-voltage protected |
| Connector | 10-position Molex Type 09-48-1104 |
| PCB Header Pitch | 0.156 in compatible header format |
| Programming | Factory programming plus front-panel Learn pushbutton for adding compatible codes |
| Power Indicator | Green LED |
| Valid Code Indicator | Red LED |
| Operating Temperature | -35 F to 165 F |
| Dimensions | Approximately 2.400 in H x 0.800 in W x 2.250 in D |
AVI-40 10-Pin Connector Reference
| Pin | Current AVI-40 Function |
| 1 | Loop input |
| 2 | Loop input |
| 3 | DC positive - 8 to 35VDC |
| 4 | No connection |
| 5 | No connection |
| 6 | No connection |
| 7 | No connection |
| 8 | AVI solid-state output |
| 9 | DC positive - 8 to 35VDC |
| 10 | DC common |
Diablo documentation indicates that the AVI-40 can receive DC positive power through pin 3 or pin 9. When using a rack, gate operator socket, or existing access-control cabinet, verify which pin is actually supplied by that equipment before installation.
Important Solid-State Output Warning
The current AVI-40 technical cut sheet specifies a solid-state open-collector output rated for a maximum 30 mA current sink. The receiver should not be treated as though it contains a heavy-duty dry-contact Form C relay.
If the controlled equipment requires a normally open, common, and normally closed relay contact, use a compatible relay interface or appropriate Diablo detector rack. Diablo identifies the RK-1R and RK-3R racks for use with the AVI-40 and other compatible solid-state-output modules.
Diablo RK-1R Relay Rack
The Diablo Controls RK-1R is a compact single-position detector rack that accepts the AVI-40 and converts the detector's solid-state output into a Form C SPDT relay interface. This can simplify installations where the gate or access controller requires a conventional dry-contact input.
- Accepts one compatible plug-in detector or AVI receiver.
- Compatible with the AVI-40 according to Diablo documentation.
- Provides N.O., Common, and N.C. relay terminals.
- Provides terminal-block connections for power and roadway loop wiring.
- RK-1R is a separate accessory and is not automatically included with the AVI-40.
Compatible AVI Transmitters
The AVI-40 is intended for Diablo Controls AVI transmitters and is also identified by Diablo as responding to compatible transmitters manufactured by Detector Systems, IDC, US Traffic, and Reno A&E.
Compatibility should still be verified by AVI code family and the existing system before ordering a replacement receiver. A transmitter from one of these manufacturers should not be assumed compatible merely because it is vehicle mounted.
AVI-40 Compared With AVI-222
- AVI-40: Compact single-loop, 10-pin plug-in quad-code receiver that stores up to four selected valid codes and provides a 30 mA open-collector output.
- AVI-222: Larger two-channel card-rack AVI receiver with two loop inputs, serial communications, and the ability to identify all 19,683 AVI codes individually.
The AVI-222 is not a direct plug-in replacement for the AVI-40. The connector format, number of channels, programming capability, communication interface, and cabinet requirements are different.
Current Quad Code Version vs. Older AVI-40 Documentation
Older AVI-40 instructions can still be found describing a receiver that stores only two codes and operates from 12 to 30VDC. The current Diablo AVI-40 cut sheet dated January 25, 2023 identifies the product as a Quad Code Receiver, specifies storage of up to four codes, and lists an operating range of 8 to 35VDC.
For current production, use the specification on the actual receiver label and current manufacturer documentation. When replacing an older installed AVI-40, confirm the hardware revision and programmed code requirements before assuming every programming behavior is identical.
Programming and Replacement Code Check
Current Diablo documentation states that AVI receivers can be supplied with requested code or codes programmed at the factory and that new compatible codes can be added using the front-panel Learn button.
Before replacing an existing AVI receiver, determine which transmitter codes must remain valid. Installing a new receiver without matching the existing fleet codes can prevent authorized vehicles from triggering the entrance even though the receiver, loop, and gate operator are functioning correctly.
Roadway Loop Requirements
The AVI-40 requires an appropriate roadway loop to receive the coded signal from the vehicle-mounted transmitter. The loop is part of the AVI receiving system and should not be confused with a conventional vehicle-presence loop detector by itself.
Diablo also documents applications where an AVI receiver and a separate vehicle detector use the same street loop. Exact shared-loop equipment and wiring should be confirmed from the current Diablo system diagram before installation.
Package Contents
The AVI-40 should be treated as the AVI receiver module unless the seller specifically identifies a complete system package. A vehicle transmitter, roadway loop, loop wire, detector rack, relay rack, vehicle detector, gate operator, and other access-control equipment are separate components.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required receiver is Diablo Controls AVI-40.
- Confirm the current application requires the quad-code version.
- Identify every AVI transmitter code that the receiver must accept.
- Verify the transmitter manufacturer and AVI system compatibility.
- Confirm 8 to 35VDC power is available.
- Verify the 10-position Molex plug-in connector and cabinet pinout.
- Confirm the roadway loop configuration.
- Determine whether the controller accepts a solid-state open-collector output.
- If a dry-contact relay is required, verify whether an RK-1R, RK-3R, or other approved interface is needed.
- Do not substitute an AVI-222 based only on the AVI receiver description.
- When replacing an older AVI-40, check hardware revision, programmed codes, voltage, and rack wiring before installation.
Technician Note
The most important ordering issue with an AVI-40 is not simply whether the receiver fits the 10-pin connector. The correct transmitter codes, DC supply, roadway loop, output interface, and rack configuration must all match the installation.
If the receiver powers up but does not validate known vehicles, check the programmed AVI codes, transmitter operation, roadway loop wiring, receiver Valid LED behavior, and output interface before replacing the gate operator control board.
Product Questions and Answers
How many vehicle codes can the Diablo Controls AVI-40 store?
The current AVI-40 Quad Code Receiver can store and accept up to four different valid AVI codes. Older documentation describing two-code memory should not be assumed to apply to current production.
Does the AVI-40 have a dry-contact relay output?
No. The current technical cut sheet specifies a solid-state open-collector output rated for a maximum 30 mA current sink. If the connected controller requires a Form C dry-contact relay, a compatible relay interface such as the Diablo RK-1R may be required.
What voltage does the current AVI-40 require?
The current Diablo AVI-40 cut sheet specifies 8 to 35VDC operation. Older online instructions may show 12 to 30VDC, so check the label and revision when servicing an older receiver.
What connector does the AVI-40 use?
The AVI-40 uses a 10-position Molex Type 09-48-1104 connector designed to mate with compatible 0.156-inch-pitch headers used in certain access-control devices, gate operators, and detector racks.
Can the AVI-40 work with transmitters from manufacturers other than Diablo Controls?
Diablo states that the AVI-40 responds to compatible transmitters from Detector Systems, IDC, US Traffic, and Reno A&E in addition to Diablo AVI equipment. Verify the actual AVI code system before treating a transmitter as interchangeable.
Does the AVI-40 include the roadway loop and vehicle transmitter?
No. The AVI-40 is the receiver module. The compatible vehicle transmitter, roadway loop, rack or interface, and other system components should be ordered separately unless a specific package states that they are included.
Can an RK-1R be used with the AVI-40?
Yes. Diablo specifically lists the AVI-40 as compatible with the RK-1R detector rack. The RK-1R can convert the AVI-40 solid-state output into a Form C relay output with normally open, common, and normally closed connections.
Is the Diablo AVI-222 a direct replacement for the AVI-40?
No. The AVI-222 is a different two-channel card-rack receiver with serial communications and broader code-management capability. Its connector, installation format, channel count, and programming features differ from the compact 10-pin AVI-40.
