Pantron Automation, Inc. - Sensors and Controls for Automated Applications

Frequently Asked Questions about Pantron Photoelectric Sensors and Amplifiers

Question	Answer
Can the transmitter and receiver cables be spliced?	Yes. Pantron eyes can be extended. A good rule of thumb is to limit the extension to 35 meters or 148 feet but do not exceed 10 OHMS. If you have the option of extending only one cable, extend the transmitter. Make a good electrical splice and solder the wires. Do not use wire connectors.
Does the length of the cable (50mm, 5m, 15m, 35m or 45m) effect the sensing range?	No. The transmitter and receiver have a through-beam range of 35m or 115 feet.
Can I run the transmitter and receiver cables through the same conduit?	Yes. The receiver cable is shielded. Do not place the photo eye cables in a conduit with wiring for lights or motor controls, though.
If I decide to extend the length of the existing cable, what type of cable should I use?	Although Pantron offers extra cable, it is not necessary to purchase Pantron cable. Use a good 22 gage, shielded cable and make a solid electrical splice, soldering the wires.
If I need to mount several sensors in the same general area, how close can they be mounted without experiencing cross talk?	Cross talk can occur when eyes are mounted too closely together. If only two sets of eyes are needed, allow two to three feet between the sensors and alternate the transmitters and receivers. Then select one of the amplifiers and turn the transmit frequency dip switch to the “on” position. You also have the option of using a multiplexer for the application. Two, four and eight channel multiplexers eliminate cross talk and provide the option of one relay output for each set of eyes or light curtain mode. The eight channel multiplexer is extremely useful for truck washes.
What is the field of view or opening angle?	Eight degrees.
There is vibration on the machine. Will I have a problem with the eyes being knocked out of alignment?	No. The Pantron eyes have a wide opening angle that allows the sensors to withstand vibration. Even with a wide opening angle, the eyes provide a tight, powerful beam.
I am mounting the sensors at the entrance of the wash. Will bright sunlight cause problems for the eyes?	No. Pantron eyes are rated to 60,000 LUX. Other eyes on the market are only rated to 40,000 LUX and require filters, shutters or hoods to protect against sunlight. Pantron eyes have been installed on ski slopes where snow and bright sunlight cause failures for competitor’s eyes.
There is a lot of fog in the car wash when the weather is cold. Will the eyes still operate?	Yes. Pantron eyes are manufactured with a filter on the front of the eye, not a lens. Therefore, the eyes are able to penetrate dust, dirt, steam, snow, fog, soap film, grease, etc.
How far away from the sensors can the amplifier be mounted?	Pantron eyes can be mounted 45 meters or 148 feet away, but don’t exceed 10 OHMS. The amplifier should be mounted in a watertight enclosure or in a control panel.
Should the amplifier be mounted in an enclosure?	Yes. The amplifiers are rated IP40 and should be installed in an enclosure or control panel. When mounting the amplifier in a control panel with other components, allow one-inch space between components.
Can the eyes be mounted in wet areas in a location where machinery is being washed down?	Yes. The eyes are rated IP67 and can be submersed under water.
How should I mount the eyes?	The M12 (nickel plated brass) is threaded and comes with two nuts so it is easy to drill a hold and mount the eyes just like you would insert a bolt into a piece of metal. The P10 (Polycarbonate or plastic) type is easy to mount using the ISH1 mounting block, ISH2 mounting clip or ISH10 strain relief.
In a car wash, how can I mount the sensors so I will be able to pick up all types of cars and trucks?	The eyes should be mounted on a stand at different heights. Install the transmitter approximately one foot off the floor on one side of the wash and the receiver at approximately two to five feet off the floor on the opposite side of the wash.
Can I use a reflector in my car wash application and mount the transmitter and receiver on the same side to eliminate wiring both sides?	No. The reflector will cause false signals when it is covered with fog.
Are the eyes sealed for use in harsh applications such as the car wash?	Yes. The eyes are rated to IP67. The patented color-coded strain relief on the transmitter (red) and receiver (black) eliminates the problem of water seepage into the back of the photoeye.
What makes up a Pantron system?	The amplified system consists of a transmitter, receiver, amplifier and socket.
Is it necessary to use the amplifier?	Yes. This is a closed loop system. If you can not wire to both sides and if the application is not too severe, you can mount the transmitter and receiver side by side in a prox mode. This type of mounting should never be used for a car wash application.
Is the Pantron system interchangeable with other competitive systems?	The Pantron system operates on the GaAIAs (880nm) wavelength. However, we do not recommend combining parts of a Pantron system with other systems.
If I want to replace a competitive system with Pantron, is it possible to cross the parts to the Pantron system?	Yes. In most cases.
Will I have to change the wiring?	In most cases, no. You will not have to make any wiring changes, but give us a call and we will email a complete wiring diagram to you.
What makes Pantron superior to other products on the market?	Pantron worked with the largest car wash manufacturers in Europe to design a system that would operate reliably in the car wash industry, which is one of the most difficult applications for sensors. The patented color-coded strain relief on the transmitter and receiver make it easy to recognize the transmitter from the receiver. The strain relief also eliminates the problem of water seepage into the back of the photoeye.
What is the maximum temperature the eyes can withstand?	150 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Centigrade without fiber optic cables.