Diablo Controls DSP-14-75 3-Axis Magnetometer Vehicle Detection Details
The Diablo Controls DSP-14-75 is a complete magnetometer vehicle detection system consisting of one DSP-14M master detector and one DSP-14S 3-axis sensor with 75 ft of factory lead-in cable. The system is designed for automatic gates, parking controls, access-control entrances, and other vehicle detection applications where a compact buried sensor is preferred over a conventional large inductive roadway loop.
The DSP-14 is different from a basic free-exit probe because it can operate in either true vehicle Presence mode or Pulse mode. In Presence mode, the output can remain active indefinitely while a vehicle remains in the detection zone. In Pulse mode, the system provides a short output when vehicle movement is first detected.
DSP-14-75 Kit Contents
- 1 Diablo Controls DSP-14M master detector
- 1 Diablo Controls DSP-14S 3-axis magnetometer sensor
- 75 ft sensor lead-in cable
Conduit, roadway sealant, gate operator, external power supply, monitored safety devices, and other installation materials should not be assumed included unless specifically packaged with the product.
3-Axis Magnetometer Sensor
The DSP-14S uses a three-axis magnetometer to detect changes in the local magnetic field caused by a vehicle. Because all three axes are monitored, Diablo states that sensor orientation is not critical during installation.
This is an important difference from magnetometer sensors that require a particular directional alignment. The DSP-14S can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in another suitable orientation as long as it is secured against movement and installed according to the manufacturer's current instructions.
Selectable Presence or Pulse Operation
The DSP-14M provides two primary operating modes.
- Presence Mode: The relay remains activated as long as a properly detected vehicle remains in the detection zone.
- Pulse Mode: The relay activates for a selected short period when vehicle movement is first detected.
DIP switch 1 selects the operating mode. Presence is selected with switch 1 OFF, while Pulse is selected with switch 1 ON.
Indefinite Vehicle Presence Detection
In Presence mode, the DSP-14 is designed to maintain vehicle detection indefinitely rather than timing out after a fixed presence period. The system can also retain its detection reference through a power interruption when the normal stored-reference power-up configuration is used.
If a vehicle remains in the sensing area during a power outage, or arrives while power is removed, the DSP-14 can recognize that changed vehicle condition when power returns. This behavior is one of the major functional differences between the DSP-14 and simple pulse-only free-exit detectors.
Selectable Pulse Length
When Pulse mode is selected, DIP switch 2 determines the output duration:
- Short Pulse: Approximately 250 milliseconds
- Long Pulse: Approximately 1 second
After generating a pulse, the detector internally resets after approximately two seconds. New vehicle movement within the detection zone can then produce another pulse. Pulse mode is commonly used for free-exit applications.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Diablo Controls |
| Kit Part Number | DSP-14-75 |
| Master Unit | DSP-14M |
| Sensor | DSP-14S |
| Sensor Type | 3-axis magnetometer |
| Lead-In Length | 75 ft |
| Channels | 1 |
| Operating Voltage | 8 to 50VDC |
| Operating Modes | Presence or Pulse |
| Presence Duration | Indefinite while vehicle remains detected |
| Pulse Length | Selectable 250 ms or 1 second |
| Sensitivity Settings | 9 selectable levels |
| 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 in normal detection operation |
| Operating Temperature | -35 F to 165 F |
| Fault Memory | Diagnostic history for prior fault within 7 days or since last reset, whichever is shorter |
DSP-14 Current Consumption
| Applied 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 Presence Operation
DIP switch 3 controls how the relay behaves if a sensor failure occurs while the detector is operating in Presence mode.
- Fail-Safe: Relay output activates during a sensor failure.
- Fail-Secure: Relay output remains deactivated during a sensor failure.
In Pulse mode, detector operation is always Fail-Secure.
The correct failure setting depends on the function assigned to the vehicle detector input. Follow the gate operator, parking controller, or access-control manufacturer's requirements rather than selecting a mode only by preference.
Power Interruption Memory
DIP switch 4 controls power-up behavior. The normal OFF position allows the DSP-14 to reuse the detection reference saved when power was lost. This supports the system's ability to recognize vehicle presence through a power interruption.
The Power On Reset setting is intended for special applications. Diablo warns that if this reset mode is used and the detector powers up with a vehicle already over the sensor, vehicle detection may not operate correctly until the sensing area is cleared and the system is reset properly.
Nine Sensitivity Settings
The DSP-14 provides nine sensitivity levels:
- Setting 1 is the least sensitive.
- Setting 9 is the most sensitive.
- Setting 0 selects diagnostic mode rather than normal vehicle detection.
Changing the sensitivity automatically resets the detector. The detection zone should be clear of vehicles whenever sensitivity or DIP-switch configuration is changed.
Sensor Monitoring and Fault Memory
The DSP-14 monitors communication with the DSP-14S sensor and provides diagnostic indication if the sensor is no longer functioning correctly. The green Power LED also indicates recovered faults.
Diagnostic mode can display the most recent fault occurring within the previous seven days or since the detector was last reset, whichever interval is shorter.
DSP-14M Terminal Connections
| Connection | 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 |
Sensor Location Must Be Tested Before Installation
A magnetometer can respond to the moving metal in an automatic gate if the sensor is installed too close to the gate. Diablo recommends temporarily placing the DSP-14S at the planned location and cycling the gate several times before drilling the roadway.
If gate movement causes a detection, move the sensor farther from the gate or reduce sensitivity if relocation is not possible. After gate testing, drive representative vehicles through the lane and verify the desired detection area. Larger vehicles may be detected farther away than smaller vehicles.
Current Diablo installation instructions identify approximately 12 ft from the moving gate as a useful starting point when site geometry permits. This is not a guaranteed minimum distance. Gate material, gate size, slide or swing movement, vehicle size, and sensitivity all affect final placement.
DSP-14S Roadway Installation
For a typical vertical installation in an existing roadway, current Diablo instructions call for a 1 to 2 in core hole approximately 6 in deep and a single 1/4 in saw cut at least 2 in deep for the sensor cable.
The sensor must be installed at least 4 in below the roadway surface and secured so it cannot move. Sensor movement after installation can cause false calls or unstable operation.
The sensor is placed at the bottom of the hole, the area above it is filled according to the installation instructions, and the roadway opening and lead-in slot are sealed with an appropriate material.
Optional Non-Metallic Conduit Installation
The DSP-14S can also be installed horizontally in capped non-metallic conduit beneath the roadway. This arrangement can make future sensor repositioning or replacement easier.
Do not use metallic conduit around the sensing location. Current Diablo instructions specifically show non-metallic conduit for the horizontal installation.
DSP-14-75 vs. DSP-14-100 and Other Probe Kits
- DSP-14-75: DSP-14M master plus DSP-14S 3-axis sensor with 75 ft lead.
- DSP-14-100: Current distributor and Diablo support information identify a related 100 ft probe-kit configuration.
- DML-9LP Kits: Low-power pulse-only Free Exit Probe systems without DSP-14 indefinite presence operation.
- DSP-10 Probe Kits: Use a different detector and Free Exit Probe design with different wiring, outputs, and operating characteristics.
Do not substitute another Diablo probe kit simply because the products are all used for vehicle detection. Verify sensor technology, master detector, supply voltage, output mode, cable length, and required vehicle-detection function.
Typical Applications
- Automatic gate vehicle presence detection
- Automatic gate free-exit detection in Pulse mode
- Parking access vehicle detection
- Commercial driveway vehicle detection
- Locations where a compact buried sensor is preferred over a large inductive loop
- Installations where true long-term vehicle presence is required by the controller design
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required kit number is DSP-14-75.
- Confirm that 75 ft of factory sensor lead is sufficient for the complete route.
- Verify the system requires a DSP-14S 3-axis magnetometer rather than a conventional inductive loop.
- Confirm 8 to 50VDC power is available.
- Determine whether the application requires Presence or Pulse operation.
- Confirm the connected controller can use the DSP-14 relay output.
- Determine whether Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure behavior is required in Presence mode.
- Test the proposed sensor location with the gate moving before permanent installation.
- Test the smallest and largest expected vehicles at the planned sensitivity.
- Confirm the sensor can be installed at least 4 in below the roadway surface and secured against movement.
- Do not substitute a DML-9LP, DSP-10, or other probe system without comparing its operating mode and wiring.
Technician Note
The DSP-14's biggest advantage is true vehicle presence from a small buried magnetometer sensor. If the application needs the output to remain active while a vehicle is stopped in the detection zone, make sure DIP switch 1 is configured for Presence rather than Pulse.
Sensor location is just as important as sensitivity. Before drilling, temporarily test the DSP-14S with the actual gate moving and with several vehicle sizes. A sensor installed too close to a steel slide or swing gate may respond to the gate itself, while a sensor installed too far from the normal vehicle path may miss smaller vehicles.
Installation and Safety Notes
Connect the DSP-14 only to the gate, parking, or access-control input intended by the equipment manufacturer. Presence and Fail-Safe capability do not make the sensor a universal replacement for required entrapment protection.
Required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, emergency access devices, fire-access equipment, and other gate safety circuits must remain properly installed and operational. Never bypass required safety equipment to make a vehicle detector input operate.
Product Questions and Answers
What is included with the Diablo DSP-14-75 kit?
The DSP-14-75 includes one DSP-14M master detector and one DSP-14S 3-axis magnetometer sensor with 75 ft of lead-in cable.
Can the DSP-14-75 hold a vehicle detection continuously?
Yes. In Presence mode the DSP-14 is designed for indefinite vehicle presence and keeps the relay activated while the vehicle remains in the detection zone.
Does the DSP-14-75 also work as a free-exit pulse detector?
Yes. Pulse mode can provide either an approximately 250 ms or 1-second relay output. Pulse mode is commonly used for free-exit applications, but the connected gate operator must accept that type of command.
Does the DSP-14S sensor have to face a particular direction?
No specific sensing orientation is required because the DSP-14S uses a 3-axis magnetometer. The sensor must still be installed securely and at the proper roadway depth so it cannot move after installation.
What voltage does the DSP-14-75 require?
The current Diablo Controls cut sheet specifies 8 to 50VDC for the DSP-14M master and connected DSP-14S sensor. Verify the operator accessory supply before connecting the detector.
Can the DSP-14 detect the moving gate itself?
It can if the sensor is installed too close to a large moving metal gate or sensitivity is set too high. Diablo recommends testing the proposed sensor location by cycling the gate before permanently installing the sensor.
What is the difference between the DSP-14-75 and a DML-9LP-75 kit?
The DSP-14-75 provides selectable indefinite Presence or Pulse operation using a 3-axis sensor. The DML-9LP-75 is a very low-power Free Exit Probe system designed for pulse-only operation and does not provide continuous vehicle presence.
Can the DSP-14-75 replace required photo eyes or safety edges?
No. The DSP-14 provides vehicle detection, but required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, and other gate entrapment-protection devices must remain properly installed and operational.
