EMX INDUSTRIES IRB-RET2 Universal UL325 Retroreflective Photoeye Instruction Manual
- June 11, 2024
- EMX INDUSTRIES
Table of Contents
IRB-RET2 Universal UL325 Retroreflective Photoeye
Cautions and Warnings
This product is an accessory or part of a system. Install the IRB-RET2 according to instructions from the gate or door operator manufacturer. Comply with all applicable codes and safety regulations.
Specifications
- Operating Range
- Power Current (NC and 10K Monitoring Methods)
- Current (Pulse Monitoring Methods)
- Resistive Termination
- Surge Protection
- Relay Output Operation
- Response Time
- Operating Temperature
- Dimensions (L x W x H)
- Ball Joint Mount
- Conduit Thread
Ordering Information
Retroreflective photoeye kit, includes photoeye, reflector with hood and mounting bracket.
Monitoring Methods
UL325 requires continuous monitoring of all safety devices connected to gate and door operators. Consult the gate or door operator manufacturer’s instruction manual for the necessary monitoring method.
Installation
- Check the instruction manual of the gate or door operator to determine which monitoring method is required for that specific operator.
- Unscrew the four back cover screws, then remove back cover. Feed wiring through ball joint opening. MUST USE 6-40 VDC FOR PULSE MONITORING.
- The IRB-RET2 has detachable screw terminals for easier wiring. Remove them while connecting wires, then plug them back in properly and secure them. The 4-terminal connector on the right is for power, while the 5-terminal connector on the left is for control signals. Be careful not to install the connectors upside down.
- To mount the photoeye, first secure the bracket clamp base (ITEM C) to the mounting surface. The mounting for a flat surface, such as a square tube or wall is shown below.
- After mounting the bracket base, attach the photoeye andbracket clamp. Tighten the two bracket clamp screws (ITEM B) to secure the photoeye, but leave them loose enough for the photoeye to swivel using the ball joint during the alignment process.
- Sensitivity Adjustment – Adjust sensitivity using potentiometer R1 (shown to the right) at the top left of the circuit board. Use the markings as a guide based on the distance between the sensor and reflector:
Indication
- Green LED & Red LED On – Aligned with reflector, no obstruction
- Green LED On & Red LED Flashing – Partial Alignment
- Green LED On & Red LED Off – Beam obstructed or not aligned
- Green LED Off – No power
For any technical support, contact EMX Industries, Inc. at 216-518-9889 or technical@emxinc.com.
Instruction Manual
The IRB-RET2 retroreflective, infrared photoeye is an external entrapment protection device type B1, non-contact sensor for use with automatic gates and doors. The reflector directs the beam back to the photoeye, therefore wiring to the other side of the roadway is not needed. The IRB-RET2 is compatible with most operators that accommodate monitored external entrapment devices per UL325. (six monitoring methods are available) The IRB-RET2 operates up to 60 feet over a wide range of voltages (6-40 VDC and 12-24 VAC). A red alignment indicator on the receiver provides easy set-up and alignment.
Cautions and Warnings
This product is an accessory or part of a system. Install the IRB-RET2 according to instructions from the gate or door operator manufacturer. Comply with all applicable codes and safety regulations.
Specifications
Operating Range/5 ft (1.5 m) to 60 ft (18.3 m)
| Power | 6-40 VDC, 12-24 VAC |
|---|---|
| Current (NC and 10K Monitoring Methods) | 50 mA DC (relay activated) |
| Current (Pulse Monitoring Methods) | 15 mA DC |
| Resistive Termination | 10K ohm across NO contact (switch selectable) |
| Surge Protection | Thermal fuse, MOV |
| Relay Output Operation | Light ON/Dark ON |
| Response Time | 250ms |
| Operating Temperature | -30° to 140°F (-34° to 60°C) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.1” (130 mm) x 3.15” (80 mm) x 5.5” (140 mm) |
| Ball Joint Mount Conduit Thread | ½ Inch NPT |
Ordering Information
- IRB-RET2 KIT Retroreflective photoeye kit, includes photoeye, reflector with hood and mounting bracket.
Monitoring Methods
UL325 requires continuous monitoring of all safety devices connected to gate and door operators. Consult the gate or door operator manufacturer’s instruction manual for the necessary monitoring method.
• Normally Closed: Cycles power to the transmitter while monitoring the
receiver contacts for proper operation
• 10K Resistive Termination: Provides a measurable 10K ohm resistance
across the normally open (NO) contact when unobstructed
• Two-wire Pulse (2 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed,
0Hz obstructed over power supply lines
• Two-wire Pulse (3 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed,
2Hz obstructed, and 0Hz failure over power supply lines
• Four-wire Pulse (2 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed,
0Hz obstructed over separate connection
• Four-wire Pulse (3 Frequency): Provides 300Hz “heartbeat” unobstructed,
2Hz obstructed, and 0Hz failure over separate connection
Installation
• Determine the mounting location of the IRB-RET2 photoeye according to UL325
guidelines.
• Deactivate the gate or door prior to and during photoeye installation.
• The IRB-RET2 cannot be used for a detection range of less than 5 feet.
- Check the instruction manual of the gate or door operator to determine which monitoring method is required for that specific operator.
- Unscrew the four back cover screws, then remove back cover. Feed wiring through ball joint opening. The wiring to the enclosure must enter via a UL listed watertight fitting such as a strain relief or ½ inch NPT thread watertight conduit connector.
- Review the configuration table and wiring diagram on PAGE 10 that corresponds with the monitoring method required for the gate or door operator. Wire the IRB-RET2 accordingly.
MUST USE 6-40 VDC FOR PULSE MONITORING.
The IRB-RET2 has detachable screw terminals for easier wiring. Remove them while connecting wires, then plug them back in properly and secure them. The 4-terminal connector on the right is for power, while the 5-terminal connector on the left is for control signals. Be careful not to install the connectors upside down.
4. To mount the photoeye, first secure the bracket clamp base (ITEM C) to the mounting surface.
The mounting for a flat surface, such as a square tube or wall is shown below
.
Mounting Position for Gates
Mounting Position for Overhead Doors
The mounting for a curved surface, such as a pole, is shown below:
Note the different
screw locations for a flat vs. curved surface. The mounting patterns for flat
and curved surface are shown below.
BRACKET MOUNTING TEMPLATE
Use this line for levelling
- Use shaded holes for a curved mounting surface.
- Use other holes for a flat mounting surface.
- Clearance hole size: 0.283″ (7.2mm) max
- Tapped hole size: 1/4″ or M6 max
5. After mounting the bracket base, attach the photoeye and bracket clamp. Tighten the two bracket clamp screws (ITEM B) to secure the photoeye, but leave them loose enough for the photoeye to swivel using the ball joint during the alignment process.
LED Indicators
Indication| State| Safety State
Green LED & Red LED On| Aligned with reflector, no
obstruction
| Safe
Green LED On & Red LED
Flashing
| Partial Alignment| Safe
Green LED On & Red LED Off| Beam obstructed or not aligned| Not Safe
Green LED Off| No power| Not Safe
- Sensitivity Adjustment Adjust sensitivity using potentiometer R1 (shown to the right) at the top left of the circuit board. Use the markings as a guide based on the distance between the sensor and reflector:
- Point the dial at the 5-20 ft marking
- 20-30 ft: Point the dial at the 20-30 ft marking
- 30-60 ft: Point the dial at the 30-60 ft marking
- If you have trouble aligning the sensor or if you are concerned about rain, snow, or fog obstructing the IR beam, you can increase the sensitivity by adjusting the potentiometer clockwise.
- Configuration – After setting sensitivity, check DIP switches SW1 and SW2, and jumper JP1 to ensure proper setup (refer to Configuration Table on PAGE 9 and Wiring Diagrams on PAGES 10-12). Adjusting sensitivity and configurations might be harder once the photoeye is aligned, as the back cover may not be easily accessible.
- Stealth Mode – Enable Stealth Mode by turning ON Position 2 on DIP switch SW2. In Stealth Mode, LEDs turn off after 30 seconds if the sensor is aligned and unblocked, but turn on when obstructed, turning off again after 30 seconds. This mode is helpful for hiding the sensor from passers-by and vandals, especially at night. It can be used in any setup and doesn’t affect other functions.
- After final adjustments are made, replace the back cover ensuring the gasket is present, and tighten the screws.
7. Alignment: Apply Power to the photo eye and aim it at the reflector’s
planned location. Go to the reflector’s mounting spot. Move the reflector
left, right, up, and down to find the center of the detection pattern (a
typical installation will have a 2-foot diameter). The reflector should be
placed in the center of the detection pattern for best performance.
During this, watch the Red LED on the photo eye during alignment. A solid RED
LED means the best alignment. If the alignment isn’t optimal, the Red LED will
flash. Slow flashing means poor alignment, while fast flashing indicates
better alignment.If you cannot get the photo eye to align near your intended
mounting location, adjust the aim of the photoeye and repeat this Alignment
process.
Note: If Stealth Mode is on (STEP 6), LEDs turn off after 30 seconds when
the photoeye is powered and aligned. To turn LEDs back on, briefly block the
light beam with an object in front of the reflector. LEDs will turn on for 30
seconds before turning off again.
8. To ensure the integrity of the enclosure, make sure the gasket is present, the cover is properly seated, and the cover screws are tight. The wiring to the enclosure must enter via a UL listed watertight fitting such as a strain relief or ½ inch NPT thread watertight conduit connector.
9. Tighten the two bracket clamp screws (ITEM B) and the set screw (ITEM A).
(3/32″ allen wrench is required)
10. Verify that the photoeye and reflector are aligned.
11. Place an obstruction (ex. hand) between the photoeye and reflector. The
red LED will turn off. Remove the obstruction and the red LED will turn on.
12. Check the operator control board and verify that the safety input is
recognized by the operator.
Test the beam with an obstruction between transmitter and reflector at
multiple distances to confirm proper operation.
13. Follow the gate or door operator manufacturer’s installation instructions
and safety checks to verify that the photoeye is operating properly.
Configuration Settings and Wiring Diagrams
Configuration Table
Monitoring Method| Diagram| DIP Switch 1 Settings| DIP
Switch 2 Settings| Output Connections| Power Connection| JP1
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
1| 2| 3| 4| 1| 2| 3| 4
Normally Closed| A| OFF| OFF| OFF| ON| OFF| OFF| ON| ON| NC, COM| VRX| 4W
10K
Resistive Termination
| ****
B
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ON| ****
NO, COM
| ****
VRX
| ****
4W
Normally Closed: Power Cycle Transmitter Only| ****
C
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
NC, COM
| ****
VRX, VTX
| ****
4W
Two-Wire Pulse (2 Frequency: 300Hz, 0Hz)| ****
D
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
ON
| ****
VRX
| ****
VRX (DC
Only)
| ****
2W
Two-Wire Pulse (3 Frequency; 300Hz, 2Hz,
0Hz)
| ****
E
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
ON
| ****
VRX
| ****
VRX (DC
Only)
| ****
2W
Four-Wire Pulse (2 Frequency:
300Hz, 0Hz)
| ****
F
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
ON
| ****
E,C
| ****
VRX
| ****
4W
Four-Wire Pulse (3 Frequency: 300Hz, 2Hz,
0Hz)
| ****
G
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
OFF
| ****
OFF
| ****
ON
| ****
ON
| ****
E,C
| ****
VRX
| ****
4W
Table 1: PCB Configurations
- For two-wire pulse monitoring, use 6-40VDC. 2-wire pulse will not work with any AC input voltage.
- The relay contacts labeled on the terminals and the references to them in these instructions are shown in the energized state, and no obstruction. (Dark ON setting – normally open (NO) contact closes when the beam is unobstructed.)
- 2-Wire Pulse configurations require current limiting in the operator.
- 4-Wire Pulse output provides an emitter (Terminal “E”) and collector (Terminal “C”) connection to the operator. The emitter is generally connected to the circuit common (ground) and the collector is typically an open-collector output using a pull-up resistor to low-voltage DC power.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Does not detect obstruction | Signal is reflecting off another surface | Check |
area for highly reflective surfaces such as a shiny vehicle. Possible
solutions are to move the photoeye farther away from the roadway or adjust the
sensitivity counter-clockwise.
Red LED flashes continuously.| Sensitivity is too low
Photoeye is not aligned with reflector
| Adjust the sensitivity clockwise according to STEP 6.
Realign the reflector according to STEP 7 under installation.
Photoeye activates but does not transmit signal to operator| Faulty connection
between photoeye and operator control input| Verify all wires and terminal
connections to operator.
Green LED not on when powered| DIP switch SW2 positions 3 and 4, not in the
correct position| Switch DIP switch SW2 positions 3 and 4 to “ON”.
Verify input power is between 6-40 VDC / 12-24 VAC and
wire per the wiring diagram.
Device will not align, No Red LED| No transmitter power| Turn DIP switch SW2 position 3 and 4 to ON
OR
Wire power to VTX
Warranty
- EMX Industries, Inc. products have a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from date of sale to our customer.
- EMX Industries, Inc. Document No. 10400104 Rev 1.1
- Tech support: 216-518-9889 technical@emxinc.com