EMX LRS-DB-50-K Direct Burial Vehicle Sensor Kit Technical Details
The EMX LRS-DB-50-K is a complete Loop Replacement System vehicle detection kit designed for automatic gates, parking barriers, commercial doors, drive-thru lanes, car washes, loading areas, and other vehicle detection applications. EMX manufacturer number EMX-2301-K includes the LRS-DB-50 direct burial sensor with a 50 ft lead-in cable and the LRS-C1 single-sensor controller.
The LRS uses 3-axis magnetoresistive technology rather than a conventional inductive wire loop. The sensor measures 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 relay or NPN output for compatible gate operators, access-control systems, doors, barriers, and other control equipment.
What Is Included in the LRS-DB-50-K Kit?
- EMX LRS-DB-50 direct burial magnetoresistive sensor
- 50 ft sensor lead-in cable
- EMX LRS-C1 single-sensor controller
This is the complete sensor-and-controller kit. Do not confuse LRS-DB-50-K with LRS-DB-50, which is the direct burial sensor with 50 ft lead only and does not include the LRS-C1 controller.
Direct Burial Sensor Design
The LRS-DB uses a cylindrical PVC housing designed for direct burial installations. EMX specifies the direct burial sensor at approximately 4.0 inches long by 1.0 inch in diameter with an IP69K environmental rating.
For a typical vertical pavement installation, current EMX instructions call for a sensor hole approximately 7 inches deep by 1.5 inches in diameter, along with a saw cut for the communication and power cable. The sensor cavity and cable path must be sealed according to current EMX instructions so the sensor remains completely stationary.
How the LRS Vehicle Detection System Works
The LRS sensor monitors the magnetic environment surrounding the installation. When ferrous material in a vehicle enters the detection area, the magnetic field changes. Three sensing elements measure changes along the X, Y, and Z axes to improve detection flexibility.
The sensor stores its background magnetic information and settings in non-volatile memory. The included LRS-C1 controller is required to program and recalibrate the sensor and provides the control output used by the connected equipment.
Detect-On-Stop for Cross-Traffic Applications
EMX Detect-On-Stop allows the system to wait until a vehicle has stopped near the sensor before activating the output. Current EMX documentation specifies approximately 1-2 seconds of stopped vehicle presence when this function is enabled.
This feature can be useful where vehicles pass near the sensor but only a vehicle stopping in the intended detection zone should activate the gate, door, or access-control input. EMX advises against using Detect-On-Stop for reversing-loop applications.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | EMX Industries |
| Part Number | LRS-DB-50-K |
| EMX Manufacturer Number | EMX-2301-K |
| Product Type | Loop Replacement System vehicle detection kit |
| Sensor | LRS-DB-50 direct burial sensor |
| Sensor Lead Length | 50 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 radius, installation dependent |
| Response Time | 125 ms |
| Sensitivity | 10 levels, 0 through 9 |
| Controller Power | 12-30 VDC or 24 VAC |
| Sensor Power | 12-30 VDC |
| Controller Current Draw | 40 mA maximum |
| Sensor Current Draw | 10 mA maximum |
| Controller Output | SPDT relay and NPN open collector |
| Sensor Output | NPN open collector |
| Output Modes | Pulse or presence |
| Detect-On-Stop | Yes - approximately 1-2 second stopped vehicle requirement when enabled |
| Controller Connection | 10-position screw terminal |
| Sensor Cable | 5-conductor direct burial |
| 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 vs LRS-FP Sensor
- LRS-DB: Cylindrical PVC direct burial sensor designed for a drilled vertical sensor cavity and cable saw cut.
- LRS-FP: Thin flat-pack sensor designed for a shallow pavement sensor cavity and saw-cut installation.
Both sensor styles use the LRS magnetoresistive technology and can work with the LRS-C1 controller, but their physical dimensions and installation methods are different. Select the sensor style according to the pavement, mounting method, available depth, and existing installation.
50 ft vs 100 ft Direct Burial Kits
- 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.
Confirm the distance between the proposed sensor location and controller before ordering. Do not assume that the sensor lead should be extended or modified in the field without checking current EMX installation requirements.
Kit vs Sensor-Only Part Numbers
- LRS-DB-50-K / EMX-2301-K: 50 ft direct burial sensor and LRS-C1 controller kit.
- LRS-DB-50 / EMX-2301-2: 50 ft direct burial sensor only.
- LRS-C1 / EMX-2303-2: Single-sensor controller only.
- LRS-LC / EMX-2322-2: Optional logic controller for A-B directionality or an increased detection zone.
The -K suffix is important when a complete sensor-and-controller kit is required.
Rebar and Nearby Metal Warning
The LRS responds to changes in the magnetic field, so nearby iron and steel can affect detection. EMX states that permanent metal within approximately 5 ft may reduce sensitivity depending on the size and location of the object.
The sensor must not be installed beneath roadway rebar where the reinforcing steel is between the sensor and the vehicle. EMX also specifies keeping the sensor at least 6 ft from moving metal whenever practical. Barrier-arm counterweights, moving gates, industrial machinery, steel structures, and similar objects should be considered when choosing the sensor location.
Electrical and Magnetic Interference
Power lines, transformers, underground electrical conductors, and other electrical equipment can disturb the magnetic field surrounding the sensor and cause false detections. The sensor cable shield should be connected to earth ground according to current EMX instructions to help reduce electromagnetic interference.
The proposed sensor location should be evaluated before permanent installation. If false detection occurs, check calibration, sensor movement, sensitivity, grounding, nearby moving metal, and electrical noise before replacing the controller or sensor.
Sensor Must Remain Motionless
The LRS calibrates itself to the local magnetic environment. Any movement of the sensor after calibration can cause unwanted detection or leave the system continuously activated.
For pavement installation, EMX specifies a hard epoxy pavement sealant and warns against allowing sealant to extend above the roadway. Vehicle weight pressing on raised sealant can move the sensor and change its calibration.
Above-Ground Installation
The LRS-DB may also be used in suitable above-ground applications. When mounted above grade, the sensor must be secured so it cannot move and should remain less than approximately 5 ft from the vehicles being detected.
Do not mount the sensor directly against moving ferrous metal. Non-ferrous mounting materials such as suitable plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum structures may be used where appropriate and according to current EMX instructions.
ULTRAMETER Sensitivity Display
The LRS-C1 includes the EMX ULTRAMETER display to help evaluate magnetic disturbance and select an appropriate sensitivity level. Sensitivity is adjustable from 0 through 9.
Use only enough sensitivity to detect the intended vehicles reliably. Excessive sensitivity can allow vehicles or moving metal outside the desired detection zone to activate the system.
Common Applications
- Automatic gate vehicle detection
- Parking barrier control
- Drive-thru vehicle detection
- Car wash vehicle positioning
- Commercial overhead door applications
- Loading docks
- Parking and traffic monitoring
- Locations where a conventional inductive loop is difficult or costly to install
Similar Parts That Are Not Automatically Interchangeable
- EMX LRS-DB-50 direct burial sensor only
- EMX LRS-DB-100-K direct burial kit with 100 ft lead
- EMX LRS-FP-50-K flat pack kit with 50 ft lead
- EMX LRS-FP-100-K flat pack kit with 100 ft lead
- EMX LRS-C1 controller only
- EMX LRS-LC logic controller
- Traditional inductive loop detectors
- Preformed induction loops and loop wire
- Free-exit probe systems
A magnetoresistive LRS system is not electrically or functionally identical to every inductive loop detector or exit probe. Verify the required operator input, output logic, vehicle detection purpose, power supply, and installation conditions before changing detection technologies.
Technician Note
If the LRS-C1 displays E1, EMX identifies this as a communication problem between the sensor and controller. E2 indicates insufficient supply voltage or a related power problem. A recurring E3 indicates sensor damage.
If the system false-triggers or remains continuously in detection, verify that the sensor has not moved, clear vehicles and movable metal from the area, recalibrate the sensor, check sensitivity, confirm the shield is properly grounded, and inspect for nearby electrical or magnetic interference.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the exact part number is LRS-DB-50-K / EMX-2301-K.
- Confirm a complete sensor-and-controller kit is required.
- Confirm the cylindrical direct burial sensor is appropriate for the installation.
- Verify that the 50 ft lead reaches the controller location.
- Confirm suitable power is available for the LRS-C1.
- Verify the gate operator or controller accepts the intended relay or NPN output.
- Inspect the proposed sensor location for roadway rebar.
- Check for nearby moving gates, barrier counterweights, steel structures, and other ferrous objects.
- Check for transformers, underground power lines, or other possible electromagnetic interference.
- Determine whether pulse, presence, delay, or Detect-On-Stop operation is appropriate.
Installation and Service Notes
The sensor should be tested in the proposed location before the pavement is drilled or cut. EMX instructs installers to recalibrate the LRS whenever the sensor is moved or controller settings are changed.
Locate underground utilities and reinforcing steel before drilling or cutting pavement. Follow current EMX instructions for the direct burial sensor cavity, cable saw cut, backer rod, hard epoxy pavement sealant, cable protection, earth grounding, controller wiring, and programming.
Professional Advisory
The LRS-DB-50-K is a vehicle detection system. Connect its outputs only to gate, barrier, door, or access-control inputs appropriate for the intended function.
Do not use this detector to bypass required photo eyes, monitored safety edges, entrapment-protection devices, emergency access, fire access, or other required operator safety circuits. If the intended gate input or safety function is unclear, have the installation evaluated by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Product Questions and Answers
What comes in the EMX LRS-DB-50-K kit?
The LRS-DB-50-K includes an LRS-DB-50 direct burial magnetoresistive vehicle sensor with a 50 ft lead-in cable and an LRS-C1 single-sensor controller.
What is the difference between LRS-DB-50-K and LRS-DB-50?
LRS-DB-50-K is the complete kit with the 50 ft direct burial sensor and LRS-C1 controller. LRS-DB-50 is the sensor-only version. Confirm whether an LRS-C1 controller is already installed before ordering the sensor by itself.
How is LRS-DB-50-K different from LRS-FP-50-K?
Both kits include a 50 ft sensor lead and LRS-C1 controller, but the sensor bodies and installation methods differ. LRS-DB-50-K uses a cylindrical PVC direct burial sensor, while LRS-FP-50-K uses a thin flat-pack sensor.
How far can the LRS-DB-50-K detect a vehicle?
EMX specifies a detection range of up to approximately 5 ft radius. Actual performance depends on vehicle ferrous mass, sensitivity, sensor location, selected sensing axes, nearby metal, electrical interference, and other site conditions.
Can the LRS-DB sensor be installed below roadway rebar?
No. EMX specifically warns against installing the sensor below rebar when the steel would be positioned between the sensor and the vehicle. The proposed installation location should be checked for reinforcing steel before drilling or cutting.
Can the LRS-DB-50 be installed above ground?
Yes. EMX allows suitable above-ground installations when the sensor is securely mounted, kept close enough to the vehicle for reliable detection, and protected from movement and nearby moving ferrous metal.
What power does the included LRS-C1 controller require?
Current EMX specifications list the LRS-C1 for 12-30 VDC or 24 VAC operation. Confirm the available power source and current wiring diagram before connecting the controller.
Can the LRS-DB-50-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 input and safety requirements before installation.
