EMX PROBE-200 CarSense 101 Vehicle Sensing Probe Technical Details
The EMX PROBE-200 is a replacement or installation sensing probe for the EMX CarSense 101 vehicle motion detector system. Manufacturer number EMX-1820-1 identifies the probe configuration with a factory 200 ft lead for installations where the sensing point is located a substantial distance from the CarSense 101 controller.
The probe uses magnetic vehicle sensing technology and is installed along a driveway, roadway, gate entrance, parking lane, or similar vehicle path. As a moving ferrous vehicle passes through the detection area, the probe senses the change in the surrounding magnetic field and sends that information to the compatible CarSense 101 control module.
Compatible With
- EMX CarSense 101 vehicle motion detector systems
- EMX CS-101 control modules designed for a separate sensing probe
- Existing CarSense 101 installations requiring a 200 ft probe lead
Do not assume compatibility with other EMX vehicle detectors simply because they also use magnetic sensing. PROBE-200 is associated with the CarSense 101 system and should not automatically be substituted for an LRS sensor, VMD202 detector, inductive loop, or another probe family.
Probe Only - Controller Required
The PROBE-200 is the sensing probe and attached lead only. It does not provide a gate activation relay by itself. A compatible CarSense 101 controller is required to power and monitor the system and provide the output connection to the gate operator, parking barrier, overhead door, security panel, warning device, or other compatible equipment.
EMX identifies the CarSense 101 controller as an 11-pin plug-in module with adjustable sensitivity, adjustable off-delay, LED indicators, and DPDT relay outputs.
Motion Detection vs Presence Detection
The CarSense 101 is designed as a vehicle motion detector. EMX specifically notes that a vehicle must be moving near the probe for reliable activation. It should not be selected as a substitute for a detector specifically required to maintain continuous detection of a stopped vehicle.
This distinction matters on automatic gate systems. Free-exit activation is different from entrapment protection, reversing-loop operation, or other applications where dependable stationary vehicle presence may be required.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | EMX Industries |
| Part Number | PROBE-200 |
| Manufacturer Number | EMX-1820-1 |
| Product Type | Vehicle motion sensing probe |
| Product Family | CarSense 101 / CS-101 |
| Lead Length | 200 ft |
| Lead Type | Shielded direct burial lead-in cable |
| Probe Housing | Watertight PVC |
| Probe Size | Approximately 17 in. long x 1 in. diameter |
| Detection Principle | Magnetic-field change from moving ferrous vehicles |
| Detection Type | Vehicle motion |
| Probe Temperature Range | -40 F to 170 F |
| Controller Included | No |
| Primary Controller | Compatible EMX CarSense 101 / CS-101 controller |
CarSense 101 Controller Specifications to Verify
The PROBE-200 connects to a compatible CarSense 101 controller. Current EMX specifications for the CarSense 101 platform include:
- 9-41 VDC or 6-29 VAC controller power
- DPDT relay output
- 1A relay rating at 24 VDC or 120 VAC
- High and low sensitivity adjustment
- Continuous sensitivity adjustment
- Adjustable 1-5 second off delay
- Green power indicator
- Red detect indicator
- Standard 11-pin controller connection
These are controller specifications, not electrical ratings for connecting the PROBE-200 directly to another device. The sensing probe should be connected only according to the CarSense 101 wiring instructions.
PROBE-200 vs Other CarSense Probe Lengths
- PROBE-50: CarSense probe with approximately 50 ft lead
- PROBE-100: CarSense probe with approximately 100 ft lead
- PROBE-150: CarSense probe with approximately 150 ft lead
- PROBE-200: CarSense probe with approximately 200 ft lead
The sensing function is associated with the same CarSense 101 family, but the factory lead length is an important ordering difference. Select the probe that reaches the controller location without assuming the buried sensor cable should be altered or extended in the field.
Related CarSense 101 Parts
- CarSense 101 controller: Processes the probe signal and provides relay outputs.
- LD-11B: Narrow-profile 11-pin DIN rail socket currently listed by EMX as included with the CarSense 101 controller.
- LD-11: Wide-profile 11-pin DIN rail socket available for select applications.
- HAR-11: Separate 11-position harness with approximately 3 ft of wire.
Free-Exit Gate Applications
One of the primary CarSense 101 applications is free-exit vehicle detection. A properly installed probe can detect an approaching moving vehicle and allow the CarSense controller to provide an activation signal to a compatible gate operator or access-control system.
The actual gate input used must match the intended control function. Do not connect the detector to a safety, obstruction, or monitored entrapment input simply because an available terminal is present.
Installation Location and Magnetic Interference
The probe responds to changes in the magnetic field, so placement is important. Moving ferrous objects other than vehicles may also affect the probe.
- Keep the probe away from moving steel gates where practical.
- Consider barrier counterweights, steel doors, machinery, and other moving metal.
- Avoid locating the probe near transformers or other strong electrical equipment.
- Check for underground or overhead power lines near the sensing area.
- Keep sensor wiring separated from power conductors.
- Install the probe so it cannot move after burial.
Shield and Grounding Check
EMX troubleshooting guidance specifically calls for the probe shield and earth ground to be properly connected at the CarSense 101 controller to help reduce unwanted electrical noise.
If a system begins false-triggering after previously operating correctly, inspect the probe lead for damage and check the shielding, grounding, nearby electrical equipment, power supply, sensitivity setting, and surrounding metal before replacing the probe.
Probe Resistance Service Check
EMX currently specifies approximately 845-1055 ohms across the red and black probe conductors when checking a CarSense 101 sensing probe. There should be an open circuit between the shield and each signal conductor.
Electrical diagnosis should be performed with the probe disconnected from the controller and system power handled safely. If the wiring or electrical conditions are unclear, have the system tested by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Similar Parts That Are Not Automatically Interchangeable
- EMX PROBE-50
- EMX PROBE-100
- EMX PROBE-150
- EMX LRS direct burial sensors
- EMX LRS flat pack sensors
- EMX VMD202 vehicle motion detectors
- Traditional inductive loops and loop detectors
- Radar vehicle detectors
Similar vehicle detection products may use different sensing technology, controllers, outputs, wiring, and detection behavior. Verify the existing system before changing sensor types.
Package Contents
- One EMX PROBE-200 CarSense 101 sensing probe
- Factory-attached approximately 200 ft shielded direct burial lead
The CarSense 101 controller, 11-pin socket, HAR-11 harness, gate operator, conduit, junction equipment, power supply, and other installation components are not automatically included.
Technician Note
If a CarSense 101 controller shows detection when nothing is moving near the probe, check for a damaged probe cable, excessive sensitivity, electrical noise, overloaded controller power, improper shield grounding, nearby power lines, transformers, or moving steel before replacing the PROBE-200.
If the controller does not detect a vehicle, verify the probe resistance and wiring and remember that EMX states the CarSense 101 requires vehicle movement near the probe. It is not designed as a stationary vehicle presence detector.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm part number PROBE-200 / EMX-1820-1.
- Confirm the existing system uses an EMX CarSense 101 / CS-101 controller.
- Verify that a 200 ft factory lead is required.
- Confirm only the sensing probe is needed and not a complete CarSense 101 system.
- Inspect the proposed probe area for power wiring and transformers.
- Check for nearby moving steel gates, doors, counterweights, or machinery.
- Confirm the application requires vehicle motion detection or free-exit activation rather than continuous stopped-vehicle presence.
- Verify the existing controller, socket, wiring, and relay interface before replacement.
Installation and Service Notes
Install the probe according to current EMX CarSense 101 instructions so it remains stationary and properly oriented relative to the vehicle path. Protect the direct burial lead from physical damage and keep it separated from power wiring.
Locate buried utilities and electrical conductors before trenching, excavating, drilling, or cutting pavement. If the existing controller wiring cannot be positively identified, have the installation serviced by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Professional Advisory
The PROBE-200 is part of a vehicle motion detection system commonly used for free-exit and activation functions. It is not a monitored entrapment-protection device and should not be used as a substitute for required safety equipment.
Never bypass required photo eyes, monitored safety edges, obstruction sensing, emergency access, fire access, or other gate operator safety circuits when installing or servicing the CarSense system.
Product Questions and Answers
What is the EMX PROBE-200 used for?
The PROBE-200 is a direct burial magnetic vehicle sensing probe with a 200 ft lead for the EMX CarSense 101 / CS-101 vehicle motion detector system. It is commonly used for free-exit gate activation and other moving-vehicle detection applications.
Does the EMX PROBE-200 include the CarSense 101 controller?
No. PROBE-200 is the sensing probe and attached 200 ft lead only. A compatible CarSense 101 controller is required to process the probe signal and provide relay outputs to the gate operator or other equipment.
What is the difference between PROBE-150 and PROBE-200?
The primary difference is factory lead length. PROBE-150 uses approximately 150 ft of lead, while PROBE-200 uses approximately 200 ft. Confirm the distance between the probe and controller before ordering.
Can the PROBE-200 detect a vehicle that stops over the probe?
The CarSense 101 is designed as a vehicle motion detector rather than a continuous presence detector. EMX states that the vehicle must be moving near the probe for detection, so it should not be relied on for applications requiring dependable stationary vehicle presence.
Can PROBE-200 connect directly to a gate operator?
No. The probe is designed to connect to a compatible CarSense 101 controller. The controller processes the probe signal and provides the relay output used by compatible gate, door, barrier, or access-control equipment.
Why can a PROBE-200 installation false-trigger with no vehicle present?
Possible causes include damaged sensor wiring, excessive sensitivity, improper shield grounding, electrical noise, overloaded controller power, nearby power lines or transformers, and moving ferrous metal such as a steel gate or barrier mechanism.
Can PROBE-200 be used with an EMX LRS or VMD202 controller?
Do not assume compatibility. PROBE-200 is associated with the CarSense 101 system. LRS and VMD202 products use different detector designs and should not be substituted without exact manufacturer documentation confirming compatibility.
Can the EMX PROBE-200 replace required gate photo eyes or safety edges?
No. PROBE-200 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.
