Banner SureCross DX80 Wireless M-GAGE Node - Manual (Page 2)

Banner Engineering Corp. • Minneapolis, MN U.S.A
www.bannerengineering.com • Tel: 763.544.3164 2
P/N 131598 rev. F
SureCross™ DX80 M-GAGE™ Node with Integrated Battery
Overview
The M-GAGE™ sensor uses a passive sensing technology to detect large ferrous objects.
The sensor measures the change in the Earth’s natural magnetic field (ambient magnetic field)
caused by the introduction of a ferromagnetic object.
The M-GAGE provides a direct replacement for inductive loop systems and needs no
external frequency box. Its unique design allows quick installation within a core hole. For best
performance, mount the sensor below-grade, in the center of the traffic lane. The M-GAGE
also may be mounted above-ground.
Because the M-GAGE uses an internal battery, the device ships from the factory turned off.
To turn on the M-GAGE, press and hold down button one for about three seconds. When the
device powers up, the LEDs flash. Please refer to the DX80 Wireless I/O Network product
manual, Banner document p/n 132607, for more information regarding the LEDs.
Theory of Operation
The sensor uses three mutually perpendicular magnetoresistive transducers, with each
transducer detecting magnetic field changes along one axis. Incorporating three sensing
elements produces maximum sensor sensitivity.
A ferrous object alters the local (ambient) magnetic field surrounding the object, as shown
in Figure 1. The magnitude of this magnetic field change depends both on the object (size,
shape, orientation, and composition) and on the ambient magnetic field strength and
orientation.
During a simple programming procedure, the M-GAGE sensor measures the ambient
magnetic field. When a large ferrous object alters that magnetic field, the sensor detects the
magnetic field changes (anomalies). When the degree of magnetic field change reaches the
sensor’s threshold, the device reports a change of state.
Sensor Field of View and Range
The sensor range depends upon three variables:
The local magnetic environment (including nearby ferrous material) •
The magnetic properties of the object to be sensed •
Sensor settings •
The sensor detects changes in the ambient magnetic field in all directions. As with other
sensors, the range depends upon the target. The strong disturbance of a large ferrous object
decreases as distance from the sensor increases; the magnitude and shape of the disturbance
depends upon the object’s shape and content.
The sensor can be programmed to react to magnetic field disturbances of greater or lesser
intensity, using three adjustments: baseline, threshold, and hysteresis.
NOTE: The sensor continues to sense a vehicle in its sensing field even when the vehicle is
stopped.
DX80 Gateway Devices
The M-GAGE Node works with the M-GAGE Gateway (model DX80G*M6*6P6Z, data sheet
p/n 134303), the DIP switch M-GAGE Gateway (model DX80G*M6*6P6ZP, data sheet p/n
139075), and any standard Gateway, including the Gateway Pro.
Figure 1. Magnetic Detection Overview
Field A: Baseline magnetic field with slight
disturbances caused by permanent ferrous-
metal objects within or near the sensor.
Field B: After a large object is introduced,
the magnetic field changes. The sensor
detects the changes in the field’s strength
and orientation between the ambient field
and Field B. If the differential is greater than
the sensitivity threshold, the device reports
a change of state.