Diablo Controls XLP-8-100 Extreme Low Power Mini Loop Kit Technical Details
The Diablo Controls XLP-8-100 combines the XLP-8 extreme low-power vehicle detector with a Diablo Free Exit Probe / Mini-Loop and 100 ft of factory lead-in cable. The kit is intended primarily for automatic gate free-exit applications where low standby current, longer sensor-to-control-cabinet reach, and minimal pavement cutting are important.
The XLP-8 can operate with either a conventional inductive roadway loop or a Diablo magnetometer probe. In the XLP-8-100 kit, the supplied Free Exit Probe is used in magnetometer mode to generate a momentary vehicle-detection pulse for a compatible gate operator free-exit or open input.
What Is Included With the XLP-8-100
- Diablo Controls XLP-8 extreme low-power vehicle detector
- Diablo Controls Free Exit Probe / Mini-Loop magnetometer sensor
- 100 ft factory probe lead-in cable
The XLP-8-100 is different from the detector-only XLP-8 and the XLP-8-75 kit with a shorter 75 ft sensor lead.
Extreme Low-Power Operation
The XLP-8 is designed for low-current applications such as solar-powered, battery-backed, and remote automatic gate systems. It operates from 8 to 40VDC or 8 to 28VAC.
- Sensitivity settings 1 through 6: 0.85 mA maximum with no vehicle detected
- Sensitivity settings 7 through 9: 1.60 mA maximum with no vehicle detected
- Vehicle detected: 30 mA maximum
Accessory current is only one part of solar-system sizing. Battery capacity, solar panel output, operator current, gate cycles, other accessories, temperature, and site conditions must also be considered.
Free Exit Probe Pulse Operation
DIP switch 2 selects between a conventional inductive loop and the Diablo magnetometer probe. For the Free Exit Probe supplied with this kit, DIP switch 2 must be set to Probe / Magnetometer mode.
In magnetometer mode, the relay is always configured for Pulse On Entry. The output pulse is approximately 250 milliseconds long and is intended to provide one momentary command as a vehicle enters the sensing area.
If a vehicle remains over the probe longer than approximately two seconds, the XLP-8 may generate an additional pulse when the vehicle leaves the sensing area. This behavior should be considered if the output is being connected to vehicle-counting or other equipment where multiple pulses could affect operation.
Important Presence and Safety Warning
The Free Exit Probe does not provide continuous vehicle-presence detection. Probe mode must not be used as an obstruction detector, safety loop, shadow loop, or substitute for required gate entrapment protection.
The XLP-8 can provide presence operation when correctly configured with a conventional inductive roadway loop, but that does not change the limitations of the magnetometer probe supplied with this XLP-8-100 kit.
Required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, emergency access equipment, fire-access equipment, and other required operator safety devices must remain properly installed and operational.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Diablo Controls |
| Kit Part Number | XLP-8-100 |
| Detector Model | XLP-8 |
| Product Type | Extreme low-power detector and Free Exit Probe kit |
| Sensor | Diablo magnetometer Free Exit Probe / Mini-Loop |
| Probe Size | Approximately 4-1/2 in x 1 in |
| Probe Lead Length | 100 ft |
| Channels | 1 |
| Operating Voltage | 8 to 40VDC or 8 to 28VAC |
| No-Detect Current - Sensitivity 1-6 | 0.85 mA maximum |
| No-Detect Current - Sensitivity 7-9 | 1.60 mA maximum |
| Detect Current | 30 mA maximum |
| Probe Operating Mode | Pulse On Entry |
| Probe Output Pulse | Approximately 250 ms |
| Probe Presence Detection | Not available |
| Probe Failure Mode | Always Fail-Secure |
| Relay Output | Normally Closed, Common, and Normally Open |
| AC Relay Rating | 1A at 125VAC |
| DC Relay Rating | 1A at 60VDC |
| Sensitivity | 9 normal levels plus Diagnostic mode |
| Factory Sensitivity | Setting 5 |
| Frequency Selection | High or Low |
| Conventional Loop Range | 20 to 1500 microHenries including lead-in |
| Connector | 7-position, 5 mm spacing pluggable connector |
| Operating Temperature | -35 F to 165 F |
| Detector Dimensions | Approximately 2.362 in H x 2.008 in W x 0.866 in D |
XLP-8 Connector Pin Reference
| Pin | Function |
| 1 | Relay Normally Closed |
| 2 | Relay Common |
| 3 | Relay Normally Open |
| 4 | DC Negative or AC Neutral |
| 5 | DC Positive or AC Power |
| 6 | Sensor - Loop or Probe |
| 7 | Sensor - Loop or Probe |
Nine Sensitivity Levels
| Setting | Published Sensitivity |
| 0 | Diagnostic Mode |
| 1 | 0.32 percent delta L/L |
| 2 | 0.24 percent delta L/L |
| 3 | 0.16 percent delta L/L |
| 4 | 0.12 percent delta L/L |
| 5 | 0.08 percent delta L/L - factory setting |
| 6 | 0.06 percent delta L/L |
| 7 | 0.04 percent delta L/L |
| 8 | 0.03 percent delta L/L |
| 9 | 0.02 percent delta L/L |
Setting 5 is the factory starting point. Adjust sensitivity one level at a time and verify operation with the smallest expected vehicle rather than automatically selecting maximum sensitivity.
Diagnostic Mode and Fault Memory
Rotary-switch position 0 selects Diagnostic mode. The detector continues operating using its previously selected sensitivity while the green Power LED reports the most recently stored sensor fault.
- Low Voltage: Rapid repeating green LED indication
- Open Sensor Circuit: One green flash approximately every two seconds
- Shorted Sensor Circuit: Two green flashes approximately every two seconds
- Recent Recovered Fault: Stored for approximately seven days unless detector reset clears the memory
Fault memory is useful when a cable or buried sensor problem occurs intermittently and has recovered before a technician reaches the site.
High and Low Frequency Selection
DIP switch 1 selects High or Low operating frequency. Frequency selection is mainly useful when the XLP-8 is operating with a conventional inductive loop and nearby loops are electrically interacting.
Current Diablo cut-sheet and detailed switch documentation specify two frequency settings. Use High or Low for current product specifications.
Sensitivity Boost
DIP switch 3 enables Sensitivity Boost for conventional inductive-loop operation. After a vehicle is initially detected, the detector increases sensitivity to help maintain detection of high-bed vehicles and tractor-trailer combinations.
Sensitivity Boost has no effect when the XLP-8 is configured for the Free Exit Probe supplied with this kit.
Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Operation
When using a conventional inductive loop, DIP switch 4 selects Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure loop-fault behavior.
- Fail-Safe: The relay output activates when a failed loop circuit is detected.
- Fail-Secure: The relay remains inactive when a failed loop circuit is detected.
Free Exit Probe / magnetometer operation is always Fail-Secure regardless of the conventional loop failure setting.
Why Choose the 100 ft Kit
The XLP-8-100 provides 25 ft more factory lead-in cable than the XLP-8-75. The additional cable is useful when the optimum vehicle detection point is farther from the gate operator cabinet or when the cable must follow a longer protected route around landscaping, walls, drainage, islands, or other site features.
Measure the full cable route before ordering. The 100 ft rating does not mean the sensor can always be located a full 100 ft from the gate operator. Cable is also required from the center of the travel lane to the roadway edge, through conduit or protected routing, into the cabinet, and for normal service slack.
XLP-8-100 vs. XLP-8-75
- XLP-8-100: XLP-8 detector plus Free Exit Probe with 100 ft factory lead-in.
- XLP-8-75: XLP-8 detector plus Free Exit Probe with 75 ft factory lead-in.
- XLP-8: Detector only without the Free Exit Probe.
The detector electronics and Free Exit Probe technology are the same between the 75 ft and 100 ft kits. Select the correct version primarily by the required factory cable length.
XLP-8-100 vs. DML-9LP-100
- XLP-8-100: Adjustable extreme low-power detector that can operate with either a conventional inductive loop or Diablo Free Exit Probe. It includes nine sensitivity settings, diagnostic mode, and an isolated N.O./Common/N.C. relay.
- DML-9LP-100: Compact switchless low-power detector specifically designed for Free Exit Probe pulse operation.
These detectors use different electronics and configuration methods. Do not substitute one solely because both kits include a 100 ft Diablo Free Exit Probe.
XLP-8-100 vs. DSP-10 Probe Kits
- XLP-8: Compact extreme low-power detector with one relay output and 7-position connection.
- DSP-10: Larger full-featured 11-pin detector with two relay outputs and additional conventional-loop functions.
Verify supply voltage, connector style, relay requirements, current consumption, and controller input before changing detector families.
Free Exit Probe Location
Diablo's Free Exit Probe instructions recommend locating the sensor near the center of the vehicle travel lane. A typical free-exit location is approximately 50 to 100 ft from the gate, depending on vehicle travel speed, acceptable gate opening delay, driveway geometry, and available lead length.
The 100 ft kit is better suited than the 75 ft version when the installation is near the upper end of this range, but the complete cable route must still be measured.
Current Free Exit Probe Installation Guidance
Current dedicated Diablo Free Exit Probe instructions call for a 1-1/2 to 2 in diameter core hole at least 6 in deep. The normal installation illustration shows a typical depth of approximately 8 to 10 in.
A shallow approximately 1/4 in wide, 1 in deep saw cut is routed from the sensor hole to the roadway edge for the probe cable. For a normal installation, the probe is placed vertically in the hole, surrounded with dry sand, and the upper hole and saw slot are sealed with suitable loop sealant or another appropriate material.
Large Metal Objects Near the Probe
Diablo recommends keeping the sensor approximately 15 ft away from manhole covers and similar large metallic roadway lids when practical. Site conditions should be reviewed before drilling because large nearby metal can affect magnetometer vehicle detection.
Probe Resistance Service Check
Before completing the roadway installation, Diablo recommends measuring resistance across the two probe wires. A good sensor and lead-in circuit should measure approximately 1.5 to 7 ohms.
An out-of-range reading may indicate a damaged probe or lead cable. Final testing should still be performed using representative vehicles after the system is installed.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required kit is XLP-8-100.
- Confirm a 100 ft factory Free Exit Probe lead is required.
- Measure the complete sensor-to-detector cable route.
- Verify the intended function is automatic free exit rather than continuous vehicle presence or gate safety.
- Confirm the gate operator accepts a momentary relay pulse on the intended free-exit or open input.
- Verify 8 to 40VDC or 8 to 28VAC power is available.
- Confirm the controller uses the appropriate N.O., Common, or N.C. relay connection.
- Verify the 7-position detector connection matches the installation.
- Plan the probe location before drilling the roadway.
- Check for large metallic objects near the proposed sensing point.
- Follow the installation instructions supplied with the current physical probe.
- Keep all required monitored gate safety equipment operational.
Technician Note
The XLP-8-100 is a practical choice when a solar or battery-backed gate needs a free-exit sensor farther from the control cabinet. The longer lead does not change detector operation; it simply provides additional cable reach.
Probe mode is intentionally pulse only. If the operator needs a continuous vehicle occupancy signal, use an appropriate presence detector or configure the XLP-8 with a properly designed conventional inductive loop when that application is approved by the gate operator manufacturer.
Product Questions and Answers
What is included with the Diablo XLP-8-100 kit?
The XLP-8-100 includes the XLP-8 extreme low-power detector and a Diablo Free Exit Probe / Mini-Loop with a 100 ft factory lead-in cable.
What is the difference between XLP-8-100 and XLP-8-75?
Both kits use the same XLP-8 detector and Free Exit Probe technology. The XLP-8-100 includes a 100 ft probe lead while the XLP-8-75 includes a 75 ft lead. Select the kit based on the complete cable route from the sensing point to the detector enclosure.
What voltage does the XLP-8 require?
The XLP-8 operates from 8 to 40VDC or 8 to 28VAC. Verify the available gate operator or accessory power before connecting the detector.
How much standby current does the XLP-8 use?
No-detect current is 0.85 mA maximum at sensitivity settings 1 through 6 and 1.60 mA maximum at settings 7 through 9. Current can increase to 30 mA maximum while the detector output is active.
Can the XLP-8-100 Free Exit Probe provide continuous vehicle presence?
No. In magnetometer probe mode the XLP-8 provides an approximately 250 ms Pulse On Entry and does not provide continuous vehicle presence. The probe must not be used as a safety or obstruction sensor.
Can the XLP-8 also operate with a conventional inductive loop?
Yes. The detector can be configured for either a conventional inductive loop or the Diablo magnetometer probe. Conventional loop mode provides different presence, Sensitivity Boost, and failure-mode behavior, so DIP switch 2 must match the installed sensor.
What should I check if the XLP-8 reports an open or shorted probe fault?
Inspect the 100 ft lead, detector terminals, buried cable route, and probe for damage. Diablo specifies approximately 1.5 to 7 ohms across a good Free Exit Probe and lead-in circuit as a useful service check.
Can the XLP-8-100 replace gate photo eyes or safety edges?
No. The Free Exit Probe is intended for vehicle free-exit detection and does not replace required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, or other gate entrapment-protection devices.
