What is the difference between a loop and a probe?

A loop uses inductive detection, which uses two elements to make up the inductive loop detector system:

• the inductive loop coil with lead-in cable
• the electronic module

An electronic module, connected to the loop, recognizes the presence of a vehicle in the detection zone. This is known as the "detector".

A probe uses a small cylindrical magnetometer sensor that is buried in the ground.

The area of detection provided by a Diablo Controls free exit probe is smaller than that provided by a 6 foot by 6 foot loop and may be considered a point detector. This characteristic allows separation of closely spaced vehicles, good resistance to detecting vehicles or other moving objects adjacent to the installed location, and total immunity to “crosstalk” problems.