Diablo Controls DSP-14-100 3-Axis Magnetometer Vehicle Detection Details
The Diablo Controls DSP-14-100 is a 3-axis magnetometer vehicle detection system based on the DSP-14M master and DSP-14S buried sensor with a 100 ft lead configuration. The system is designed for automatic gates, parking controls, access-control entrances, and other applications where reliable vehicle detection is needed without installing a conventional large inductive roadway loop.
The DSP-14 provides selectable Presence or Pulse operation. In Presence mode, the detector can maintain its relay output indefinitely while a vehicle remains in the detection zone. In Pulse mode, it can generate a short output for applications such as automatic free exit.
DSP-14-100 100 ft Configuration
Diablo's July 2023 manufacturer cut sheet directly lists DSP-14-50 and DSP-14-75 and states that additional sensor lead lengths are available as custom orders. Current Diablo Controls distributors identify DSP-14-100 as the DSP-14 vehicle detector with a 100 ft sensor lead.
For the DSP-14-100 configuration, the package should be treated as:
- 1 DSP-14M master detector
- 1 DSP-14S 3-axis magnetometer sensor
- 100 ft sensor lead-in configuration
Because the 100 ft version is not directly listed in the manufacturer's July 2023 standard ordering table, confirm the current Diablo Controls or distributor package before ordering if the exact factory lead length is critical.
3-Axis Magnetometer Sensor
The DSP-14S measures magnetic-field changes in three axes. This allows the sensor to detect vehicles without requiring a specific directional sensing orientation during installation.
The sensor can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in another appropriate orientation as long as it is secured against movement and installed according to the current Diablo Controls instructions.
Although orientation is flexible, location is still critical. Large moving metal objects, including slide and swing gates, can affect a magnetometer if the sensor is installed too close to them.
True Indefinite Vehicle Presence
With DIP switch 1 set for Presence mode, the DSP-14 output remains active for the entire time a properly detected vehicle remains in the sensing zone. Diablo describes this as indefinite vehicle presence detection.
This capability makes the DSP-14 materially different from pulse-only free-exit probes. It can be used where the gate, parking, or access controller needs a continuous vehicle-occupancy signal, provided the equipment manufacturer approves that detector input and function.
Vehicle Detection Through a Power Interruption
In its normal stored-reference configuration, the DSP-14 saves the vehicle-detection reference when power is removed. When power is restored, the system can compare the sensor condition with the stored reference and recognize that a vehicle is now in the detection zone.
DIP switch 4 changes the power-up behavior. The normal OFF setting reuses stored values. The Power On Reset setting is intended for special applications and should not be changed without understanding its effect on vehicles already positioned over the sensor.
Selectable Pulse Operation
The DSP-14 can also be configured for Pulse mode. This is commonly used for an automatic gate free-exit input or another control input that requires a momentary vehicle-detection command.
- Short Pulse: Approximately 250 ms
- Long Pulse: Approximately 1 second
After producing a pulse, the detector internally resets after approximately 2 seconds. New vehicle movement in the sensing zone can then generate another pulse.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Diablo Controls |
| Product Designation | DSP-14-100 |
| Master | DSP-14M |
| Sensor | DSP-14S |
| Sensor Technology | 3-axis magnetometer |
| Lead Configuration | 100 ft |
| Channels | 1 |
| Operating Voltage | 8 to 50VDC |
| Operating Modes | Presence or Pulse |
| Presence Duration | Indefinite while vehicle remains detected |
| Pulse Length | Selectable approximately 250 ms or 1 second |
| Pulse Reset | Approximately 2 seconds before another movement-generated pulse |
| Sensitivity | 9 selectable normal levels, 1 through 9 |
| Diagnostic Setting | Sensitivity position 0 |
| Presence Failure Mode | Selectable Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure |
| Pulse Failure Mode | Fail-Secure |
| Relay Contacts | Normally Open, Common, and Normally Closed |
| Relay Rating at 30VDC | 1.0A |
| Relay Rating at 60VDC | 0.3A |
| Relay Rating at 120VAC | 0.5A |
| Response Time | Approximately 200 ms activation and 200 ms deactivation |
| Operating Temperature | -35 F to 165 F |
| Fault History | Most recent fault within 7 days or since last detector reset, whichever is shorter |
DSP-14 Power Consumption
| Supply Voltage | No Detect | In Detect |
| 8VDC | 22 mA | 46 mA |
| 12VDC | 15 mA | 30 mA |
| 24VDC | 8 mA | 16 mA |
| 32VDC | 7 mA | 13 mA |
Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Operation
When the DSP-14 is operating in Presence mode, DIP switch 3 determines how the relay responds to a sensor failure.
- Fail-Safe: The output activates during a detected sensor failure.
- Fail-Secure: The output remains deactivated during a detected sensor failure.
Pulse mode is always Fail-Secure. Select the failure behavior required by the gate operator or access-control system rather than changing the setting without confirming the assigned detector function.
Nine Sensitivity Levels
The DSP-14 provides nine normal vehicle-detection sensitivity settings. Level 1 is the least sensitive and level 9 is the most sensitive. Sensitivity position 0 selects diagnostic mode and should not be counted as a tenth normal sensitivity setting.
Changing the sensitivity causes the detector to reset. Make sure the sensing area is clear of vehicles when changing detector settings.
Sensor Monitoring and Fault Memory
The DSP-14M monitors communication with the DSP-14S sensor. The detector provides fault indication when sensor communication or operation is abnormal and can also indicate that a fault previously occurred but has since cleared.
Diagnostic mode can display the most recent fault occurring within the previous seven days or since the detector was last reset, whichever period is shorter.
DSP-14M Connection Reference
| Terminal | Function |
| NC | Relay Normally Closed |
| COM | Relay Common |
| NO | Relay Normally Open |
| - | DC Voltage Common |
| + | DC Voltage Positive - 8 to 50VDC |
| GRN | Sensor Communications Negative |
| RED | Sensor Communications Positive |
| WHT | Sensor Voltage Common |
| BLK | Sensor Voltage Positive |
Test the Sensor Location Before Drilling
A magnetometer can respond to movement of a large metal gate if the sensor is installed too close to it. Diablo recommends temporarily positioning the DSP-14S at the proposed detection point and cycling the gate several times before permanently installing the sensor.
The current installation instructions describe approximately 12 ft from the moving gate as a useful starting distance where possible. This is not a guaranteed minimum. Gate construction, gate size, swing or slide movement, sensor sensitivity, and site geometry all affect the final location.
If the sensor detects the moving gate, move the sensor farther away. If additional distance is not possible, sensitivity may need to be reduced and vehicle detection retested.
Test Different Vehicle Sizes
Larger vehicles can generally be detected farther from a magnetometer sensor than smaller vehicles. Diablo recommends testing the intended detection area with representative vehicles and checking vehicles positioned toward both sides of the driveway.
If sensitivity must be increased to reliably detect smaller vehicles, cycle the gate again to make sure the higher setting has not caused the moving gate to become detectable.
DSP-14S Roadway Installation
For a typical existing roadway installation, Diablo's current procedure uses a 1 to 2 in core hole approximately 6 in deep. The sensor must be at least 4 in below the driving surface and must be secured so it cannot move.
A single approximately 1/4 in wide saw cut at least 2 in deep is used to route the lead-in cable from the sensor hole to the roadway edge. The hole and cable slot are then filled and sealed according to the roadway and manufacturer's installation requirements.
Do not install the DSP-14S directly in the narrow saw slot. Follow the current Diablo installation instructions for sensor placement and sealing.
Optional Non-Metallic Conduit Installation
The DSP-14S can also be installed horizontally in capped non-metallic conduit beneath the roadway. This can make future sensor adjustment or replacement easier.
Do not use metallic conduit around the sensing location because metal around a magnetometer sensor can interfere with proper vehicle detection.
Why Choose the 100 ft Version
The DSP-14-100 provides additional lead length for sites where the optimum vehicle detection point is farther from the gate operator cabinet or where the cable route must travel around landscaping, walls, islands, drainage, or other site features.
Measure the complete cable route rather than the straight-line distance from the gate to the sensor. The cable must travel from the detection point to the roadway edge, through the protected routing path, and into the operator or control enclosure with enough service slack for proper installation.
DSP-14-100 vs. DSP-14-75
- DSP-14-100: 100 ft sensor lead configuration currently identified by Diablo Controls distributors.
- DSP-14-75: Manufacturer-listed standard kit with DSP-14M master, DSP-14S sensor, and 75 ft lead.
- DSP-14-50: Manufacturer-listed standard kit with DSP-14M master, DSP-14S sensor, and 50 ft lead.
The detector and sensor technology are the same DSP-14M and DSP-14S platform. The primary ordering difference is the sensor lead length. The July 2023 Diablo cut sheet treats lengths other than 50 ft and 75 ft as custom configurations, so confirm current availability of the 100 ft version.
DSP-14 vs. Diablo Free Exit Probe Kits
The DSP-14S is not the same sensor used in Diablo DML-9LP or DSP-10 Free Exit Probe kits.
- DSP-14: 3-axis magnetometer with selectable indefinite Presence or Pulse operation.
- DML-9LP Free Exit Probe: Very low-power pulse-only system intended primarily for free exit.
- DSP-10 Free Exit Probe configuration: Full-featured detector platform, but Free Exit Probe mode is intended as an entry-pulse application rather than indefinite presence.
Do not substitute between these systems based only on the fact that each uses a small buried vehicle sensor.
Typical Applications
- Automatic gate vehicle presence detection
- Automatic gate free exit in Pulse mode
- Commercial driveway vehicle detection
- Parking access systems
- Gated community vehicle detection
- Locations where a compact buried sensor is preferred over a large saw-cut loop
- Applications requiring long-term vehicle presence detection
Package and Installation Checks
The DSP-14-100 should be treated as the DSP-14M master and DSP-14S sensor system with a 100 ft lead configuration. Conduit, sealant, external power supply, gate operator, junction boxes, safety devices, and installation tools should not be assumed included.
Because Diablo's current standard ordering table directly lists only 50 ft and 75 ft versions, confirm that current inventory is physically labeled or supplied as the DSP-14-100 100 ft configuration before publishing package contents as guaranteed.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required product is DSP-14-100.
- Verify that the actual package includes the 100 ft DSP-14S lead configuration.
- Measure the complete sensor-to-master cable route.
- Confirm 8 to 50VDC power is available.
- Determine whether the application requires Presence or Pulse operation.
- Confirm the gate or access controller accepts the DSP-14 relay output.
- Determine whether Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure operation is required in Presence mode.
- Test the proposed sensor location with the gate moving before drilling.
- Test representative small and large vehicles at the planned sensitivity.
- Confirm the sensor can be installed at least 4 in below the roadway and secured against movement.
- Do not substitute a DML-9LP, DSP-10, or other probe system without comparing sensor type, output behavior, voltage, and application requirements.
Technician Note
The DSP-14 is especially useful when a small buried sensor is needed but the controller still requires a true continuous vehicle-presence signal. Make sure the detector is configured for Presence mode when the output must remain active while a vehicle is stopped in the sensing zone.
For the 100 ft version, confirm lead length before permanent roadway work. Extra cable routing around the lane edge, conduit, enclosure entry, and service slack can consume a significant portion of the nominal 100 ft lead.
Installation and Safety Notes
Connect the DSP-14 only to the gate, parking, or access-control input specified by the equipment manufacturer. The correct Presence, Pulse, Fail-Safe, and Fail-Secure settings depend on the function assigned to that input.
The DSP-14 is a vehicle detector and does not replace required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, emergency access devices, fire-access equipment, or other gate entrapment-protection systems. Never bypass required safety circuits to make a vehicle detector input operate.
Product Questions and Answers
What is included with the Diablo DSP-14-100?
The DSP-14-100 is currently sold by Diablo Controls distributors as the DSP-14 vehicle detection system with a 100 ft sensor lead. The DSP-14 system uses one DSP-14M master and one DSP-14S 3-axis sensor. Diablo's July 2023 cut sheet treats lead lengths other than 50 ft and 75 ft as custom configurations, so confirm current package labeling before ordering.
Can the DSP-14-100 provide continuous vehicle presence?
Yes. In Presence mode the DSP-14 provides indefinite vehicle detection and keeps the relay active while the vehicle remains in the sensing zone.
Can the DSP-14-100 also be used for automatic gate free exit?
Yes. Pulse mode can provide either an approximately 250 ms or 1-second output for a compatible free-exit or control input. Verify the gate operator input before installation.
Does the DSP-14S sensor need to face a specific direction?
No. The DSP-14S uses 3-axis magnetometer technology, so a specific sensing orientation is not required. The sensor still needs to be securely installed at the proper roadway depth.
What voltage does the DSP-14-100 require?
The current Diablo Controls DSP-14 cut sheet specifies 8 to 50VDC for the DSP-14M master and connected DSP-14S sensor.
Can the DSP-14 sensor detect movement of the gate itself?
Yes, if the sensor is too close to a large moving metal gate or sensitivity is set too high. Diablo recommends testing the proposed sensor location with the gate cycling before permanently drilling or cutting the roadway.
What is the difference between DSP-14-100 and DSP-14-75?
Both use the DSP-14M master and DSP-14S 3-axis sensor platform. The DSP-14-100 uses a 100 ft lead configuration, while the manufacturer-listed DSP-14-75 includes a 75 ft lead. Verify current availability because Diablo's July 2023 cut sheet categorizes additional lead lengths as custom orders.
Can the DSP-14-100 replace gate photo eyes or safety edges?
No. The DSP-14 provides vehicle detection only. Required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, and other gate entrapment-protection devices must remain properly installed and operational.
