Vehicle detection sensor

Banner Engineering has announced its M-Gage S18M vehicle detection sensor.

Using magnetoresistive-based passive sensing technology, the M-Gage S18M detects 3D changes in the Earth's natural magnetic field when the presence of a large metal (ferromagnetic) object such as a car, truck or railcar is introduced - causing the sensor's outputs to switch.

Unlike existing inductive loop technologies, the sensor features a completely self-contained design, functioning as the receiver and using the Earth's own magnetic field as its signal source.

The sensor can automatically 'learn' its own environment, determining ambient background characteristics and storing them in the sensor's onboard non-volatile memory.

The M-Gage is suitable for vehicle sensing applications such as detection of a vehicle at a car wash entry/exit or at a fast food drive-up kiosk, a tractor trailer at a loading dock or a forklift passing through an automatic overhead door.

The M-Gage has no external controller, installs easily above or below grade and with its completely self-contained design, the M-Gage S18M makes sensor replacement quick and easy with no disruption of traffic or damaging cuts to the roadway.

Program commands can be entered through a push-button directly on the sensor or via a portable programming box when the sensor is mounted underground or is otherwise inaccessible.

The sensor is constructed of a durable ABS/polycarbonate blend-moulded housing, operates in temperatures from -40 to +70°C and meets IP67 and NEMA 6P environmental ratings.