OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR) Light Gray Virtual Loop 2.0 Vehicle Sensor Technical Details
The OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR) Virtual Loop 2.0 is a light gray above-ground vehicle presence sensor used for select automatic gate, barrier arm, and industrial door applications. It is designed to provide vehicle detection without cutting the pavement for a traditional in-ground loop.
This sensor uses FMCW microwave radar technology to detect small and large vehicles within a programmable detection area. It is commonly used where a saw-cut loop is not practical, such as damaged pavement, decorative pavers, cobblestone, gravel, concrete that cannot be cut, or areas with underground pipes, drains, or utilities. Always confirm the gate operator input, mounting location, output wiring, and required safety devices before ordering.
What This Sensor Does
The OVS-02GT detects vehicle presence from an above-ground mounted sensor location and sends an output signal to a compatible gate operator, barrier operator, or industrial door control circuit. It can be configured through the OPTEX Virtual Loop smartphone app for different gate and barrier applications.
- Provides above-ground vehicle presence detection without a saw-cut loop
- Uses FMCW microwave radar sensing technology
- Detects stationary or moving vehicles within the programmed detection zone
- Can be used for select activation, pre-detection, protection, and masking applications
- Includes settings for barrier, slide gate, swing gate, and industrial door applications
- Allows setup and adjustment through a smartphone app
- Helps reduce pavement cutting, loop wire failure, and loop sealant issues when properly installed
Compatible With
The OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR) may be used with select automatic gate operators, barrier arms, and industrial door controls that accept the sensor output type and support the intended vehicle detection function. Compatibility should be verified by the operator wiring diagram and the jobsite layout.
- Select automatic slide gate operators
- Select automatic swing gate operators
- Select barrier arm operators
- Select industrial door control applications
- Select vehicle activation and vehicle presence applications
- Sites where an in-ground inductive loop is not practical or not allowed
- Applications requiring above-ground vehicle detection with adjustable range and output behavior
Important Compatibility Warning
Do not treat the OVS-02GT as a direct one-for-one replacement for every loop detector, photo eye, safety edge, exit probe, or monitored safety device. It is a radar-based vehicle presence sensor. The gate or door operator must be checked to confirm the correct output wiring, N.O. or N.C. setting, relay logic, activation mode, protection mode, and any monitored safety requirements.
If the existing system uses a loop detector module connected to an inductive ground loop, the OVS-02GT may be an alternative vehicle detection solution, but it does not reuse the in-ground loop wire. If the operator requires monitored UL 325 external entrapment protection, separate monitored photo eyes, safety edges, or other required devices may still be needed.
Light Gray Color and Part Number Note
This listing is for the light gray / gray version commonly shown as OPTEX-OVS-02GT(GR) in the Gate Openers Unlimited product record. Some manufacturer specification tables may list the general model as OVS-02GT or show a color suffix differently. Confirm the supplied color before publishing or ordering if the installation requires a light gray housing.
Similar Products That Are Not Automatically Interchangeable
- OPTEX OVS-02GT black version: Same general Virtual Loop 2.0 sensor family, but different housing color. Order the black version only if that color is needed.
- OPTEX OVS-01GT: Earlier Virtual Loop vehicle presence sensor. Similar purpose, but not the same as the OVS-02GT Virtual Loop 2.0.
- OPTEX OVS-01CC: Vehicle presence / counting sensor application. Not the same configuration as the OVS-02GT gate and barrier presence sensor.
- Inductive loop detector modules: These work with saw-cut loop wire in the pavement. The OVS-02GT is an above-ground radar sensor instead.
- Loop wire and loop sealant: Used for traditional in-ground loops. They are not used the same way as this above-ground Virtual Loop sensor.
- Photo eyes: Non-contact entrapment protection sensors. A photo eye is not the same as a radar vehicle presence sensor.
- Safety edges: Contact-type safety devices mounted to a gate or door. They are not replaced by the OVS-02GT unless the operator and code requirements specifically allow the application.
Not Intended For
- Replacing required monitored photo eyes or monitored safety edges without checking the operator requirements
- Use as a pedestrian safety sensor
- Replacing a standard garage door opener safety sensor
- Replacing an in-ground loop detector module without reviewing the control wiring
- Applications where the sensor cannot be mounted at the proper height and angle
- Sites where moving gates, vehicles, pedestrians, fencing, or nearby objects create an unsuitable detection area
- Use as a fire access device, emergency access device, keypad, radio receiver, or access credential reader
- Bypassing safety loops, photo eyes, safety edges, gate operator safety inputs, or UL 325 entrapment protection
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | OPTEX |
| Model | OVS-02GT |
| Gate Openers Unlimited Part Number | OPTEX-OVS-02GT(GR) |
| Product Series | Virtual Loop 2.0 |
| Product Type | Above-ground vehicle presence sensor |
| Color | Light gray / gray, verify supplied housing color |
| Detection Method | Microwave FMCW radar |
| Microwave Frequency | 24GHz |
| App Communication | BLE 2.4GHz communication for Virtual Loop app setup |
| Supply Voltage | 12-24V AC/DC |
| Power Consumption | Up to 300mA with heater enabled; up to 90mA at 24V with heater disabled |
| Response | Minimum 500 msec |
| Detection Range | Adjustable from approximately 1.5 m to 8.0 m / 7 ft to 26 ft, depending on setup and site conditions |
| Detectable Vehicle Speed | Approximately 2 to 35 km/h / 1.2 to 22 mph |
| Recommended Mounting Height | Approximately 500 mm / 20 in from ground to bottom of sensor |
| Output 1 | Non-voltage solid state relay output, 30VDC 0.3A or less, N.O. / N.C. |
| Output 2 | Non-voltage mechanical relay output, 30VDC 1A or less, N.O. / N.C. |
| Delay Settings | Off, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 seconds |
| Hold Timer | Off, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 10, 30, or 60 seconds |
| Detection Modes | Detection, pre-detection, or mask depending on application setup |
| Output Types | Holding, Pulse IN, or Pulse OUT with adjustable pulse duration |
| Environmental Rating | IP66 / NEMA 4 |
| Installation Location | Indoor or outdoor, when properly mounted and wired |
| Ambient Temperature | -30 to 50 degrees C / -22 to 122 degrees F |
| Operating Humidity | 95 percent maximum, no condensation |
| Approximate Weight | 21 oz including accessories |
Package Contents
Package contents should be verified before publishing, picking, or shipping. Manufacturer information commonly references mounting screws and a quick reference guide with the OVS-02GT sensor, but accessory brackets and posts are usually separate unless specifically listed.
- OPTEX OVS-02GT light gray / gray vehicle presence sensor
- Mounting screws as supplied with the sensor package
- Quick reference guide as supplied with the sensor package
- Mini post, telescoping bracket, single gang adapter, conduit, wire, power supply, and operator accessories only if specifically included
Also Known As / Related Product Names
- OPTEX OVS-02GT
- OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR)
- OPTEX-OVS-02GT(GR)
- OVS-02GT light gray
- OVS-02GT Virtual Loop 2.0
- OPTEX Virtual Loop vehicle presence sensor
- OPTEX no in-ground loop vehicle sensor
- OPTEX above-ground loop replacement sensor
- OPTEX radar vehicle detector
Related Accessories and Service Checks
Before replacing an in-ground loop with an OVS-02GT, review the gate or barrier system as a whole. A radar sensor will not correct a failed operator input, bad relay wiring, poor gate timing, missing photo eyes, incorrect safety settings, or a gate that is mechanically unsafe.
- Confirm whether the sensor will be used for activation, pre-detection, protection, or masking.
- Confirm the operator input accepts the selected N.O. or N.C. output.
- Verify the mounting height is approximately 20 in from the ground to the bottom of the sensor.
- Check whether the sensor needs a wall mount, post mount, mini post, telescoping bracket, or single gang adapter.
- Confirm the detection area does not unintentionally include pedestrian paths, moving gates, side traffic, parked vehicles, or nearby metal objects.
- Check whether black or light gray housing is preferred for the installation.
- Confirm that required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, warning signs, and other safety devices remain installed and functional.
Technician Note
The OVS-02GT can save a lot of work when cutting a loop is not possible, but placement and setup are critical. Mounting height, sensor angle, detection direction, app settings, vehicle approach path, and gate movement all affect performance. A sensor mounted too high, too low, too close to moving metal, or aimed at the wrong part of the lane may give poor results.
For safety or reverse applications, confirm how the gate operator interprets the relay output. Do not assume a virtual loop should be wired exactly like the old loop detector without checking N.O. / N.C. logic, hold time, relay behavior, and the operator's safety input requirements.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the needed product is OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR) light gray / gray.
- Verify the operator can use an above-ground vehicle presence sensor for the intended function.
- Confirm whether the application is exit, activation, safety, reverse, protection, pre-detection, or presence.
- Check whether the operator input requires N.O. or N.C. output.
- Confirm available power is 12-24V AC/DC.
- Verify the mounting height, angle, and location are practical for the lane.
- Check whether a mini post, telescoping bracket, single gang adapter, conduit, or additional wiring is needed.
- Confirm the sensor will not replace required monitored photo eyes, safety edges, or other entrapment protection.
- Confirm the final package includes the correct color before shipping.
Installation and Service Notes
This sensor should be installed and programmed by a qualified gate, barrier, door, access control, or low-voltage technician familiar with vehicle detection and operator safety inputs. Wiring should follow the OPTEX instructions and the connected operator manual. Use weather-rated conduit and proper low-voltage wiring practices where required by the site.
Do not bypass photo eyes, safety edges, monitored inputs, loop inputs, fire access, warning devices, or entrapment protection to make a gate or door run. If the operator does not respond correctly after installation, diagnose the sensor setup, relay output, wiring, operator input, app configuration, and safety-device status instead of defeating the safety circuit.
Professional Advisory
A Virtual Loop sensor is part of the vehicle detection layout, not just a replacement part. The final performance depends on lane geometry, mounting surface, vehicle speed, gate type, nearby objects, gate travel, operator settings, and safety-device layout. For high-use or public access points, the sensor should be tested with multiple vehicle sizes and through the full gate or barrier cycle.
For South Florida customers, local pickup in the Hialeah Gardens area may be available when inventory allows. Confirm color, part number, stock, and accessory needs before coming in for pickup.
Product Questions and Answers
What is the OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR) used for?
The OPTEX OVS-02GT(GR) is a light gray Virtual Loop 2.0 vehicle presence sensor used for select automatic gates, barrier arms, and industrial doors where above-ground vehicle detection is preferred over an in-ground loop.
Does the OVS-02GT require an in-ground loop?
No. The OVS-02GT is an above-ground radar vehicle presence sensor. It does not require saw-cut loop wire, loop sealant, or an inductive loop in the pavement.
Is this the light gray version of the OVS-02GT?
Yes. This product record is for the light gray / gray version commonly listed as OPTEX-OVS-02GT(GR). Confirm the supplied housing color before ordering if color match is important.
What power does the OVS-02GT use?
The OVS-02GT operates on 12-24V AC/DC. Confirm the operator or power supply can provide the correct low-voltage power before installation.
How far can the OVS-02GT detect vehicles?
The detection range is adjustable up to approximately 8 m / 26 ft depending on setup, mounting height, sensor angle, vehicle approach, and site conditions.
Can the OVS-02GT replace a safety photo eye?
Not automatically. The OVS-02GT is a vehicle presence sensor, not a direct replacement for a monitored safety photo eye or safety edge. Required UL 325 entrapment protection must still be verified for the operator and site.
How is the OVS-02GT programmed?
The OVS-02GT is configured through the OPTEX Virtual Loop smartphone app. Setup can include detection range, sensitivity, output behavior, application mode, hold time, delay, and other site-specific adjustments.
What should be checked before ordering the OVS-02GT(GR)?
Confirm the light gray color, OVS-02GT model, 12-24V AC/DC power, operator input type, N.O. or N.C. output requirement, mounting height, detection area, accessory bracket needs, and whether separate monitored safety devices are required.
