EMX PROBE-150 CarSense 101 Vehicle Sensing Probe Technical Details
The EMX PROBE-150 is a direct burial magnetic vehicle sensing probe designed for use with the EMX CarSense 101 vehicle motion detector system. Manufacturer part number EMX-1815-1 identifies the probe configuration with approximately 150 ft of shielded direct burial lead-in cable.
This is a replacement or installation probe only. It does not include the CarSense 101 control module and cannot provide a gate activation output by itself. The probe must be connected to a compatible CarSense 101 controller, which processes changes in the magnetic field and provides the appropriate relay output to compatible gate operators, parking barriers, overhead doors, security systems, or other control equipment.
Compatible With
- EMX CarSense 101 / CS-101 vehicle motion detector systems
- Compatible CarSense 101 control modules designed for the separate sensing probe
- Existing CS-101 installations requiring an OEM probe with approximately 150 ft of lead
Confirm the exact controller model before ordering. The PROBE-150 should not be assumed compatible with VMD202, LRS, inductive loop detector, or other EMX vehicle detection systems simply because those products also use magnetic or vehicle sensing technology.
What the PROBE-150 Does
The CarSense 101 probe is a passive magnetic sensor. It responds to changes in the Earth's magnetic field caused by moving ferrous metal, such as a vehicle passing through the sensing area.
The probe sends this change to the CarSense 101 controller. The controller handles sensitivity adjustment, off-delay timing, indication, and the DPDT relay output used by the connected gate, door, barrier, alarm, or access-control system.
Motion Detection - Not Vehicle Presence Detection
The CarSense 101 is designed primarily as a vehicle motion detector. It should not be selected when the application requires reliable continuous presence detection of a stopped vehicle.
This distinction is especially important when choosing a detector for automatic gate applications. Free-exit activation and vehicle movement detection are different functions from monitored entrapment protection or dependable vehicle presence detection.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | EMX Industries |
| Part Number | PROBE-150 |
| Manufacturer Number | EMX-1815-1 |
| Product Type | Passive magnetic vehicle sensing probe |
| Product Family | CarSense 101 |
| Primary Compatibility | EMX CarSense 101 control module |
| Lead Length | 150 ft |
| Lead Type | Shielded direct burial lead-in cable |
| Probe Housing | Watertight PVC housing |
| Published Probe Size | Approximately 17 in. long x 1 in. diameter |
| Detection Method | Changes in magnetic field caused by moving ferrous metal |
| Motion or Presence | Motion detection |
| Probe Temperature Range | -40 F to 170 F |
| Controller Included | No |
| Socket Base Included | No |
PROBE-150 vs Complete CarSense 101 System
The PROBE-150 is only the buried sensing component. A complete CarSense 101 installation also requires the compatible CS-101 control module and appropriate wiring and mounting components.
- PROBE-150: Sensing probe with 150 ft lead only.
- CarSense 101 controller: Processes the probe signal and provides sensitivity, timing, indicators, and relay output.
- LD-11B: Narrow-profile 11-pin DIN rail socket currently associated with the CarSense 101 controller.
- LD-11: Wider 11-pin socket option listed by EMX.
- HAR-11: Separate 11-position wired harness option.
PROBE-50, PROBE-100, PROBE-150 and Other Lead Lengths
CarSense probes have been offered with different factory lead lengths. The lead length should be selected according to the distance between the buried probe and the protected controller location.
- PROBE-50: Approximately 50 ft lead
- PROBE-100: Approximately 100 ft lead
- PROBE-150: Approximately 150 ft lead
- PROBE-200 and other lengths: Other CarSense probe lengths have also been offered
Do not order by probe appearance alone. Confirm the required lead length and existing CarSense controller before purchasing.
Installation Location Matters
The probe must remain completely motionless after installation. Movement or vibration can change the magnetic field seen by the probe and create false vehicle detections.
For soil installations, EMX documentation calls for burying the probe parallel to the direction of traffic and at least approximately 6 inches below grade. Installations beneath asphalt or concrete may use a different depth and method according to the current CarSense installation instructions.
Keep the Probe Away from Electrical Interference
Power wiring, transformers, motors, and other sources of electromagnetic interference can cause false activation. Do not route the probe lead in the same conduit as electrical power wiring.
The probe cable is shielded and intended for direct burial, but it should still be protected from physical damage to the outer insulation during installation.
Moving Metal Can Cause False Detection
The CarSense probe responds to moving ferrous metal, not specifically to automobiles. A moving steel gate, barrier counterweight, machinery, metal door, or other large ferrous object near the probe may create a detection signal.
Choose the probe location so normal gate movement and other nearby equipment do not enter the probe's sensing field.
Not Intended For
- Standalone operation without a compatible CarSense 101 controller
- Continuous presence detection of a stopped vehicle
- Replacement for an inductive loop without verifying the required detection function
- Direct connection to a gate operator input without the required CarSense controller
- Replacement for an EMX VMD202 detector
- Replacement for an EMX LRS magnetoresistive sensor
- Pedestrian detection
- Required monitored gate entrapment protection
Package Contents
- One EMX PROBE-150 CarSense 101 sensing probe
- Attached approximately 150 ft shielded direct burial lead-in cable
The CarSense 101 controller, LD-11 or LD-11B socket, HAR-11 harness, conduit, junction hardware, gate operator, power supply, and other installation equipment are not automatically included.
Technician Note
If an existing CarSense 101 installation begins false-triggering, do not automatically replace the probe. Check for probe movement, damaged lead insulation, water-damaged connections, electrical interference, nearby moving steel, controller sensitivity, noisy power, and grounding or shielding issues.
If the controller operates normally but does not respond to vehicles, inspect the probe cable and connections before replacing components. Damage to buried lead wire is a common service concern and should be ruled out.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required part number is EMX PROBE-150.
- Confirm manufacturer number EMX-1815-1 where applicable.
- Confirm the existing system uses an EMX CarSense 101 controller.
- Verify that a 150 ft lead is the correct length.
- Confirm that a sensing probe only is required rather than a complete CarSense 101 system.
- Check the installation area for nearby power wiring and transformers.
- Check for moving gates, steel doors, barrier hardware, or machinery near the proposed sensing area.
- Confirm the application requires moving-vehicle detection rather than continuous vehicle presence detection.
Installation and Service Notes
Install the probe so it remains completely stationary and follow current EMX instructions for orientation, burial depth, cable routing, and connection to the CarSense controller. Do not install the probe lead in conduit containing power wiring.
Before excavating, trenching, or cutting pavement, locate underground utilities, electrical conductors, irrigation, reinforcing steel, and other buried services. When existing wiring or controller connections cannot be positively identified, installation should be performed by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Professional Advisory
The PROBE-150 is part of a vehicle motion detection system. It is commonly used for free-exit and vehicle activation functions but is not a monitored entrapment-protection device.
Do not use the CarSense probe to bypass required photo eyes, monitored safety edges, obstruction protection, emergency access, fire access, or other required gate operator safety circuits.
Product Questions and Answers
What is the EMX PROBE-150 used for?
The PROBE-150 is a direct burial magnetic vehicle sensing probe for the EMX CarSense 101 vehicle motion detector system. It includes approximately 150 ft of lead and requires a compatible CarSense 101 controller.
Does the EMX PROBE-150 include the CarSense 101 controller?
No. PROBE-150 is the sensing probe and attached lead only. The compatible CarSense 101 control module, socket or harness, and other installation components are separate unless specifically included in another package.
What is the difference between PROBE-100 and PROBE-150?
The primary difference is lead length. PROBE-100 uses approximately 100 ft of lead, while PROBE-150 uses approximately 150 ft. Confirm the distance to the controller location before ordering.
Can PROBE-150 detect a vehicle that stops over the sensor?
The CarSense 101 is primarily a vehicle motion detector rather than a continuous presence detector. Do not rely on it to maintain dependable detection of a stopped vehicle when the application specifically requires presence detection.
Can PROBE-150 connect directly to a gate operator?
No. The sensing probe is designed to work with a compatible CarSense 101 control module. The controller processes the probe signal and provides the relay output used by compatible gate, door, barrier, or access-control equipment.
Why can a CarSense PROBE-150 false-trigger when no vehicle is present?
Possible causes include movement of the buried probe, nearby moving ferrous metal, damaged lead wire, power-line interference, noisy controller power, excessive sensitivity, or routing the sensor cable near electrical wiring. Inspect the installation before replacing the probe.
Can PROBE-150 be used with an EMX VMD202 or LRS controller?
Do not assume compatibility. PROBE-150 is associated with the CarSense 101 system. VMD202 and LRS products use different detector designs and should not be substituted without exact manufacturer documentation confirming compatibility.
Can the EMX PROBE-150 replace required gate photo eyes or safety edges?
No. PROBE-150 is part of a vehicle motion detection system and must not replace required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, entrapment protection, or other gate operator safety devices.
