EMX LRS-DB-100-K Direct Burial Vehicle Sensor Kit Technical Details
The EMX LRS-DB-100-K is a complete Loop Replacement System vehicle detection kit for automatic gates, parking barriers, commercial doors, drive-thru lanes, car washes, parking facilities, and other vehicle detection applications. EMX manufacturer number EMX-2311-K includes the LRS-DB-100 direct burial sensor with a 100 ft lead and the LRS-C1 single-sensor controller.
The LRS uses 3-axis magnetoresistive technology rather than a traditional inductive wire loop. The sensor monitors changes in the Earth's magnetic field caused by ferrous vehicle mass across the X, Y, and Z axes. The LRS-C1 processes the sensor signal and provides a compatible control output for the gate operator, barrier, door controller, or access-control equipment.
What Is Included in the LRS-DB-100-K Kit?
- EMX LRS-DB-100 direct burial magnetoresistive vehicle sensor
- 100 ft direct burial sensor lead
- EMX LRS-C1 single-sensor controller
This is the complete sensor-and-controller kit. Do not confuse LRS-DB-100-K with LRS-DB-100, which is the 100 ft direct burial sensor only and does not include the LRS-C1 controller.
100 ft Direct Burial Sensor Configuration
The LRS-DB-100 uses a compact cylindrical PVC sensor housing with a 100 ft lead. This version is useful when the vehicle detection point is located farther from the gate operator cabinet, equipment enclosure, or protected controller location.
The 100 ft lead is an important part-number distinction. The LRS-DB-50-K uses a 50 ft lead, while LRS-DB-100-K uses a 100 ft lead. Confirm the required distance before ordering.
How the LRS Vehicle Detection System Works
The LRS sensor measures disturbances in the surrounding magnetic field caused by ferrous material in a vehicle. Three sensing elements monitor the X, Y, and Z axes to improve detection flexibility and sensitivity.
The LRS-C1 is used to program, calibrate, and interface the sensor with compatible control equipment. Sensor background information and settings are stored in non-volatile memory.
Detect-On-Stop for Cross-Traffic Areas
EMX Detect-On-Stop allows the system to require a vehicle to stop before the detection output activates. EMX specifies a minimum stop period of approximately 1 second, with 1-2 seconds typical.
This feature can help reduce unwanted activation from cross traffic passing close to the detection area. Detect-On-Stop should not be selected simply because the feature is available. The required operator input and vehicle detection function should be confirmed first.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | EMX Industries |
| Part Number | LRS-DB-100-K |
| EMX Manufacturer Number | EMX-2311-K |
| Product Type | Loop Replacement System vehicle detection kit |
| Sensor | LRS-DB-100 direct burial sensor |
| Sensor Lead Length | 100 ft |
| Controller | LRS-C1 single-sensor controller included |
| Sensing Technology | 3-axis magnetoresistive - X, Y, and Z |
| Published Detection Range | Up to approximately 5 ft, installation dependent |
| Sensitivity | 10 levels - 0 through 9 |
| Controller Power | 12-30 VDC or 24 VAC |
| Sensor Power | 12-30 VDC |
| Controller Outputs | SPDT relay and NPN open collector |
| Relay Rating | 1A at 24 VDC or 120 VAC |
| NPN Output Rating | 50 mA maximum |
| Output Modes | Pulse or presence |
| Detect-On-Stop | Yes |
| Sensor Connection | 5-conductor direct burial cable |
| Sensor Housing | PVC |
| Sensor Environmental Rating | IP69K |
| Controller Environmental Rating | IP30 |
| Direct Burial Sensor Dimensions | Approximately 4.0 x 1.0 in. |
| Operating Environment | -40 F to 180 F (-40 C to 82 C) |
| Supply Protection | Reverse-polarity and fuse protected |
LRS-DB-100-K vs LRS-DB-50-K
- LRS-DB-50-K / EMX-2301-K: Direct burial sensor with 50 ft lead and LRS controller.
- LRS-DB-100-K / EMX-2311-K: Direct burial sensor with 100 ft lead and LRS controller.
The primary package difference is the sensor lead length. Both are direct burial LRS sensor kits with an included controller. Select the lead length that reaches the intended controller location without assuming the sensor cable should be modified in the field.
Direct Burial vs Flat Pack LRS Sensors
- LRS-DB: Cylindrical PVC direct burial sensor.
- LRS-FP: Thin flat pack sensor using a different physical installation arrangement.
Both use EMX 3-axis magnetoresistive sensing technology, but the sensor housings and installation methods are different. Verify the pavement construction, available installation depth, existing sensor style, and replacement requirements before changing from DB to FP or from FP to DB.
Kit vs Sensor-Only Part Numbers
- LRS-DB-100-K / EMX-2311-K: 100 ft direct burial sensor plus LRS controller kit.
- LRS-DB-100 / EMX-2311-2: 100 ft direct burial sensor only.
- LRS-C1 / EMX-2303-2: Controller for one LRS sensor.
- LRS-LC / EMX-2322-2: Logic controller for supported A-B directionality or increased detection-zone applications.
The -K suffix is important when the complete sensor-and-controller package is required.
Rebar and Permanent Metal Warning
Because the LRS responds to changes in the magnetic field, iron and steel near the sensor can reduce detection performance. Permanent metal within approximately 5 ft may affect available sensitivity depending on the size, position, and amount of metal.
Do not place the LRS sensor beneath roadway rebar when the steel would be positioned between the sensor and the vehicle. EMX identifies this as a major magnetic interference condition. The direct burial sensor should also not be installed directly against an iron or steel structure.
Moving Metal and Electrical Interference
Moving gates, barrier counterweights, steel machinery, and other changing ferrous objects can affect a magnetoresistive detector. Select the sensor location so the intended vehicle creates the dominant magnetic change in the detection zone.
Underground power wiring, transformers, and other electrical equipment can also create unwanted magnetic disturbances. EMX recommends properly grounding the sensor cable shield and evaluating nearby sources of interference when false detections occur.
Sensor Calibration and Movement
The LRS stores the ambient magnetic background at the installation location. Vehicles, steel tools, or other movable ferrous objects should not remain near the sensor during calibration unless they will permanently remain there.
The sensor must stay in the same physical position after calibration. Movement can change the magnetic reference and result in false detection or a continuously active output.
ULTRAMETER Sensitivity Display
The LRS-C1 uses the EMX ULTRAMETER display to help evaluate the magnetic disturbance near the sensor and select an appropriate sensitivity setting. Ten sensitivity levels from 0 through 9 are available.
Do not automatically use maximum sensitivity. Set the detector only high enough to reliably detect the intended vehicles while minimizing unwanted response from traffic or metal outside the desired area.
Common Applications
- Automatic gate vehicle detection
- Parking barrier activation or presence detection
- Drive-thru lanes
- Car wash vehicle detection
- Commercial overhead door applications
- Parking facilities
- Traffic-control applications
- Locations where installing a conventional inductive loop is difficult
- Installations requiring a longer 100 ft run between sensor and controller
Similar Parts That Are Not Automatically Interchangeable
- EMX LRS-DB-100 sensor only
- EMX LRS-DB-50-K with shorter 50 ft lead
- EMX LRS-FP-100-K flat pack 100 ft kit
- EMX LRS-FP-50-K flat pack 50 ft kit
- EMX LRS-C1 controller only
- EMX LRS-LC logic controller
- Traditional inductive loop detectors
- Preformed inductive loops and loop wire
- Free-exit probe systems
A magnetoresistive vehicle detector should not automatically be treated as electrically or functionally interchangeable with an inductive loop detector, exit probe, radar sensor, or other vehicle detection technology. Verify the required operator input and detection purpose before changing systems.
Technician Note
If an LRS system begins false-triggering after previously operating correctly, check sensor movement, calibration, sensitivity, nearby moving metal, electrical interference, sensor wiring, shield grounding, and supply voltage before replacing the sensor or controller.
EMX identifies E1 as a communication problem between the sensor and controller, E2 as an insufficient supply-voltage condition, and a recurring E3 as an indication of sensor damage.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the exact part number is LRS-DB-100-K / EMX-2311-K.
- Confirm a complete sensor-and-controller kit is required.
- Confirm the cylindrical direct burial sensor is correct for the installation.
- Verify that the 100 ft lead reaches the LRS-C1 controller location.
- Do not substitute LRS-DB-50-K if the longer lead is required.
- Verify suitable power is available for the LRS-C1.
- Confirm the gate operator or control panel accepts the intended relay or NPN output.
- Check the proposed sensor location for roadway rebar and permanent steel.
- Check for moving gates, barrier counterweights, machinery, or other moving ferrous objects.
- Check for transformers, underground power wiring, or other sources of magnetic interference.
- Determine whether pulse, presence, or Detect-On-Stop operation is appropriate for the application.
Installation and Service Notes
Test the proposed sensor location before permanent installation whenever possible. The sensing area should be clear of temporary vehicles, tools, and movable ferrous objects during calibration.
Locate buried utilities and reinforcing steel before drilling or cutting pavement. Follow current EMX instructions for sensor placement, cable routing, sealing, grounding, controller wiring, sensitivity adjustment, and calibration.
Professional Advisory
The LRS-DB-100-K is a vehicle detection system. Its outputs should only be connected to gate, barrier, door, or access-control inputs appropriate for the intended function.
Do not use this detector to bypass required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, entrapment-protection devices, emergency access, fire access, or other required gate operator safety circuits. If the intended input or safety function is unclear, have the system evaluated by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Product Questions and Answers
What comes in the EMX LRS-DB-100-K kit?
The LRS-DB-100-K includes an LRS-DB-100 direct burial magnetoresistive vehicle sensor with a 100 ft lead and an LRS-C1 single-sensor controller.
What is the difference between LRS-DB-100-K and LRS-DB-100?
LRS-DB-100-K is the complete kit containing the 100 ft direct burial sensor and LRS-C1 controller. LRS-DB-100 is the sensor-only version. Confirm whether a compatible controller is already installed before ordering the sensor by itself.
How is LRS-DB-100-K different from LRS-DB-50-K?
The main package difference is lead length. LRS-DB-100-K includes a 100 ft sensor lead, while LRS-DB-50-K uses a 50 ft lead. Both are direct burial LRS kits with a controller.
How is LRS-DB-100-K different from LRS-FP-100-K?
Both use a 100 ft sensor lead and LRS controller, but the sensor styles are different. LRS-DB-100-K uses a cylindrical PVC direct burial sensor, while LRS-FP-100-K uses a thin flat pack sensor. Confirm the required installation style before ordering.
How far can the LRS-DB-100-K detect a vehicle?
EMX publishes a detection range of up to approximately 5 ft. Actual performance depends on vehicle ferrous mass, sensitivity, sensor position, surrounding metal, electrical interference, and other site conditions.
Can the LRS-DB-100 sensor be installed underneath roadway rebar?
No. EMX warns against positioning the sensor beneath rebar when the reinforcing steel would be located between the sensor and the vehicle because this can create major magnetic interference.
What power does the LRS-C1 controller require?
EMX specifies the LRS-C1 for 12-30 VDC or 24 VAC operation. Verify the available power supply and current wiring diagram before connecting the controller.
Can the LRS-DB-100-K replace required gate photo eyes or safety edges?
No. The LRS is a vehicle detection system and must not be used to bypass required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, entrapment protection, or other gate operator safety circuits. Confirm the intended operator input and safety requirements before installation.
