Radio receiver – LiftMaster 312HM

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Exit Wand Car Detector

1. Magnetometer: The core of an exit wand is a magnetometer. This device is highly sensitive to variations in magnetic fields.
2. Earth's Magnetic Field: The Earth naturally has a magnetic field surrounding it.
3. Vehicle Movement: When a large mass of ferrous metal, like a car, truck, or even a heavy piece of metal equipment, moves through this magnetic field, it creates a disturbance or distortion in the field. Think of it like a boat creating waves as it moves through water.
4. Detection: The exit wand's magnetometer picks up on these subtle "waves" or changes in the magnetic field as the vehicle passes by.
5. Signal to Gate Opener: Once the changes are detected and exceed a certain threshold (which is often adjustable for sensitivity), the exit wand sends a signal to the gate opener's control board.
6. Gate Activation: The gate opener, upon receiving this signal, then automatically opens the gate, allowing the vehicle to exit the property "hands-free" – without the need for a remote, keypad, or manual intervention.

• Motion-Activated: A crucial point is that exit wands primarily detect moving metal. If a car is stopped directly over the wand, it may lose detection.
• Buried Installation: Exit wands are typically buried underground, often alongside the driveway, making them discreet and protected from weather and accidental damage.
• Sensitivity Adjustment: Most exit wands have an adjustable sensitivity. This allows you to fine-tune how easily it triggers, helping to prevent false alarms from smaller metal objects like bicycles or lawnmowers, or to ensure it detects vehicles at a desired range.
• Wiring: Wired exit wands have a cable that connects the wand to the gate opener's control box. Wireless versions transmit the signal wirelessly to a receiver connected to the gate opener.
• Not for Safety Loops: While they are excellent for automatic exit, exit wands are generally not recommended for use as safety loops. Safety loops (which are different, typically inductive loops buried in the driveway itself) are designed to detect any presence of metal, moving or stationary, to prevent the gate from closing on a vehicle.
• Limitations: They can sometimes be triggered by very large or fast-moving metal objects even if they are not cars. Also, if they are placed too close to the gate, they might experience false triggers.