EMX MRD-1P Radar Presence Vehicle Sensor

Single-Sided Radar Detection for Barrier Arms, Gates, and Access Lanes

The EMX MRD-1P Radar Presence Sensor is a single-sided 61 GHz radar detector for automated gates, doors, barrier arms, and controlled access lanes. It detects vehicles and pedestrians within a defined detection zone and sends presence or pulse signals through relay outputs to the connected operator or controller.

Unlike buried induction loops, the MRD-1P does not require saw-cutting, trenching, loop wire, or pavement work. Unlike a through-beam photo eye setup, it does not require a transmitter and receiver mounted across the lane from each other. The radar beam projects forward from the sensor face, allowing it to monitor a programmed zone from one side of the lane when installed and aimed correctly.

The MRD-1P is commonly used for barrier arm presence detection, vehicle approach detection, pulse-on-entry, pulse-on-exit, and keep-arm-up applications. The Presence output can be used to help prevent an arm from lowering or to reverse it when an obstruction is detected, while the Pulse output can be configured for entry or exit signaling.

Detection distance is adjustable from 1 to 30 feet, and the sensor ignores objects beyond the programmed range. A 3-digit onboard display and pushbutton menu provide access to settings such as detection distance, pulse mode, pulse time, presence hold time, fail safe / fail secure behavior, threshold, transmit power, and off delay.

The MRD-1P is an access control and presence detection sensor. It is not a universal substitute for required monitored gate photo eyes, monitored edges, or other code-required entrapment protection devices unless the operator manufacturer, system design, and applicable code allow that use.

Key Features

• Single-sided radar presence sensor for access control lanes
• EMX model MRD-1P
• EMX part number EMX-1200-1
• Detects vehicles and pedestrians within a defined zone
• 61 GHz radar detection technology
• Adjustable detection range from 1 ft. to 30 ft.
• Does not require buried loop wire or pavement saw-cutting
• Does not require equipment on the opposite side of the lane
• Useful alternative to traditional loops or opposing photo eyes in approved presence-detection applications
• Presence output for obstruction detection, keep-arm-up, or reverse input functions
• Pulse output configurable for pulse-on-entry or pulse-on-exit
• Dual relay output design for presence and pulse signaling
• 3-digit display for setup and programming
• Pushbutton configuration menu
• Adjustable presence hold time, pulse time, threshold, transmit power, and off delay
• Fail open or fail closed configuration
• Microwave beam is not affected by rain, snow, ice, fog, or sunlight
• Detachable screw terminal block for wiring
• Ball and socket mounting bracket for aiming the detection zone
• 1/2 in. NPT conduit connection
• NEMA 4X environmental rating
• Made in USA

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: EMX Industries
• Model: MRD-1P
• Part Number: EMX-1200-1
• Product Type: Radar presence sensor
• Application: Automated gates, doors, barrier arms, and access control lanes
• Detection Technology: Radar presence detection
• Operating Frequency: 61 GHz
• Detected Targets: Vehicles and pedestrians
• Target Discrimination: Does not discriminate between people and vehicles
• Operating Range: 1 ft. to 30 ft., 0.3 m to 9.1 m
• Programmable Detection Distance: Adjustable up to 30 ft.
• Default Detection Distance: 10 ft.
• Detection Distance Adjustment: 0.5 ft. increments through onboard pushbuttons
• Minimum Detection Note: Objects closer than 1 ft. may interfere with proper operation
• Distance Accuracy Reference: Measures distance to within 0.04 in., 1 mm
• Beam Pattern: Forward-projecting conical detection field
• Beam Width Reference: Approximately 2.5 ft. wide at 15 ft. and 4.75 ft. wide at 30 ft. for person detection
• Car Detection Beam Reference: Approximately 5.0 ft. wide at 15 ft. and 9.5 ft. wide at 30 ft. for car detection
• Relay 1 Output: Presence output
• Relay 1 Operation: Close on presence or open on presence
• Relay 1 Contacts: NC, COM, and NO
• Relay 1 Rating: 2.0A max
• Relay 2 Output: Pulse output
• Relay 2 Operation: Pulse on entry, pulse on exit, or off
• Relay 2 Contacts: NC, COM, and NO
• Relay 2 Rating: 0.7A max
• Pulse Time: 0.5 seconds or 1 second
• Presence Hold Time: Infinite or 4 minutes
• Fail Safe Mode: Fail open or fail closed
• Stealth Mode: On or off
• Transmit Power: Adjustable from 1 to 31
• Threshold: Adjustable from 30 to 45 dB
• Off Delay: Adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 seconds
• Update Rate: 30 ms
• Response Time From Power-Up: Less than 250 ms
• Power Input: 6 to 40VDC or 12 to 24VAC
• Maximum Current at 24VDC: 40 mA RMS
• Maximum Current at 24VAC: 150 mA RMS
• Surge Protection: Thermal fuse and MOV
• User Interface: 3-digit display and onboard pushbuttons
• Status LEDs: Presence, Pulse, Power, Chirp, and Error indicators
• Terminal Block: Detachable screw terminal block
• Mounting Bracket: Ball and socket bracket
• Optional Bracket: HRD-288-1 universal mounting bracket
• Conduit Connection: 1/2 in. NPT
• Recommended Barrier Arm Mounting Height: 22 in. to 28 in.
• Installation Positions: Under the arm, before the arm, or after the arm depending on presence, entry, or exit application
• Operating Temperature: -40°F to 140°F, -40°C to 60°C
• Environmental Rating: NEMA 4X
• Dimensions: 5.1 in. L x 3.15 in. W x 5.5 in. H
• Weight: 1.75 lb.
• Wiring Note: Do not wire with power applied
• Installation Note: Install according to the barrier arm, gate, or door operator manufacturer’s instructions
• Application Note: This sensor is an accessory or part of a larger access control system
• Safety Note: Not a universal replacement for required monitored gate entrapment protection devices
• Warranty: 2 years

Conclusion

The EMX MRD-1P provides radar-based presence and pulse detection for access control lanes, barrier arms, gates, and doors. Its single-sided design can reduce the need for buried loops or opposing photo eye-style lane detection in approved applications, while the adjustable range, relay outputs, 3-digit programming display, NEMA 4X enclosure, and 61 GHz radar sensing make it useful for many vehicle and pedestrian detection layouts. Required monitored safety devices must still be selected according to the operator, site layout, and applicable code.