Vega VEGAPULS Air 23 User manual

Operating Instructions
Radar sensor for continuous level
measurement in plastic vessels
VEGAPULS Air 23
Autarkic device with measured value trans-
mission via radio technology
Document ID: 64314

2
Contents
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
Contents
1 About this document ............................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Function ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Target group ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Symbols used................................................................................................................... 4
2 For your safety ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 5
2.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 5
2.5 Lithium cells ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 Country of use - mobile network, LoRaWan ..................................................................... 6
2.7 Country of use - Radar signal........................................................................................... 6
3 Product description ................................................................................................................. 7
3.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Principle of operation........................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Adjustment ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Packaging, transport and storage................................................................................... 10
3.5 Accessories.................................................................................................................... 10
4 Mounting................................................................................................................................. 11
4.1 General instructions ....................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Mounting instructions ..................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Mounting preparations ................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Installation procedure..................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Transportation lock after mounting ................................................................................. 15
5 Setup - the most important steps......................................................................................... 16
6 Activate, device functions..................................................................................................... 18
6.1 Activate .......................................................................................................................... 18
6.2 Measurement function.................................................................................................... 21
6.3 Localization .................................................................................................................... 22
7 Transfer measured values and data to the cloud ............................................................... 23
7.1 Communication basics................................................................................................... 23
7.2 NB-IoT/LTE-M - VEGA Inventory System ....................................................................... 23
7.3 LoRa-WAN (Fall back) - VEGA Inventory System ........................................................... 24
7.4 NB-IoT/LTE-M - VEGA Cloud ......................................................................................... 24
7.5 LoRaWAN - private networks ......................................................................................... 25
8 Set up measuring point via the VEGA Inventory System app ........................................... 26
9 Operate device via VEGA Inventory System ....................................................................... 27
10 Diagnostics and servicing .................................................................................................... 28
10.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 28
10.2 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 28
10.3 Cell exchange ................................................................................................................ 29
10.4 How to proceed if a repair is necessary.......................................................................... 29
11 Removal with glue connection ............................................................................................. 30
11.1 Dismounting instructions................................................................................................ 30
11.2 Dismounting steps mounting ring ................................................................................... 30

3
Contents
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
11.3 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 31
12 Certicatesandapprovals.................................................................................................... 32
12.1 Radio licenses................................................................................................................ 32
12.2 Conformity...................................................................................................................... 32
12.3 Environment management system ................................................................................. 32
13 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 33
13.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 33
13.2 Radio networks LTE-M and NB-IoT ................................................................................ 37
13.3 Radio networks LoRaWAN - Data transmission ............................................................. 37
13.4 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 40
13.5 Industrial property rights................................................................................................. 41
13.6 Licensing information for open source software ............................................................. 41
13.7 Trademark ...................................................................................................................... 41
Safety instructions for Ex areas:
TakenoteoftheExspecicsafetyinstructionsforExapplications.
These instructions are attached as documents to each instrument
with Ex approval and are part of the operating instructions.
Editing status: 2023-06-05

4
1 About this document
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
1 About this document
1.1 Function
This instruction provides all the information you need for mounting,
connection and setup as well as important instructions for mainte-
nance,faultrectication,theexchangeofpartsandthesafetyofthe
user. Please read this information before putting the instrument into
operation and keep this manual accessible in the immediate vicinity
of the device.
1.2 Target group
This operating instructions manual is directed to trained personnel.
Thecontentsofthismanualmustbemadeavailabletothequalied
personnel and implemented.
1.3 Symbols used
Document ID
This symbol on the front page of this instruction refers to the Docu-
ment ID. By entering the Document ID on www.vega.com you will
reach the document download.
Information, note, tip: This symbol indicates helpful additional infor-
mation and tips for successful work.
Note: This symbol indicates notes to prevent failures, malfunctions,
damage to devices or plants.
Caution: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in personal injury.
Warning: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in serious or fatal personal injury.
Danger: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
results in serious or fatal personal injury.
Ex applications
This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.
• List
The dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.
1 Sequence of actions
Numbers set in front indicate successive steps in a procedure.
Disposal
This symbol indicates special instructions for disposal.

5
2 For your safety
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
2 For your safety
2.1 Authorised personnel
All operations described in this documentation must be carried out
onlybytrained,qualiedpersonnelauthorisedbytheplantoperator.
During work on and with the device, the required personal protective
equipment must always be worn.
2.2 Appropriate use
The VEGAPULS Air 23 is an autarkic sensor for continuous level
measurement in plastic vessels.
Youcannddetailedinformationabouttheareaofapplicationin
chapter " Product description".
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly
usedaccordingtothespecicationsintheoperatinginstructions
manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.
2.3 Warning about incorrect use
Inappropriate or incorrect use of this product can give rise to applica-
tion-specichazards,e.g.vesseloverllthroughincorrectmounting
or adjustment. Damage to property and persons or environmental
contamination can result. Also, the protective characteristics of the
instrument can be impaired.
2.4 General safety instructions
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing
regulations and directives.The instrument must only be operated in a
technicallyawlessandreliablecondition.Theoperatorisresponsi-
ble for the trouble-free operation of the instrument.When measuring
aggressive or corrosive media that can cause a dangerous situation
if the instrument malfunctions, the operator has to implement suitable
measures to make sure the instrument is functioning properly.
The safety instructions in this operating instructions manual, the na-
tional installation standards as well as the valid safety regulations and
accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device
beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be
carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbi-
traryconversionsormodicationsareexplicitlyforbidden.Forsafety
reasons,onlytheaccessoryspeciedbythemanufacturermustbe
used.
To avoid any danger, the safety approval markings and safety tips on
the device must also be observed.
The low transmitting power of the radar sensor as well as the inte-
grated LTE-NB1, LTE-CAT-M1 or LoRa radio module is far below
the internationally approved limits. No health impairments are to be
expected with intended use.The band range of the transmission
frequency can be found in chapter " Technical data".

6
2 For your safety
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
2.5 Lithium cells
The power supply of the device is provided by integrated lithium cells
in the housing. If the device is used as intended with the lid closed
withinthetemperaturesandpressuresspeciedinthetechnicaldata,
it is thus adequately protected.
Note:
Pleaseobservethespecicsafetyinstructionsinthescopeofdeliv-
ery of the device.
2.6 Country of use - mobile network, LoRaWan
Countryorregion-specicsettingsfortransmissionintothemobile
radionetworkorLoRaWanaredenedbyselectingthecountryof
use.Itisabsolutelyessentialtodothisduringthejob-specicdevice
conguration.
Caution:
Operation of the device with a false country or region of use selec-
tion can lead to malfunctions and constitutes a violation of the radio
licensing regulations of the respective country or region.
2.7 Country of use - Radar signal
The device may only be used in countries or regions where it has
radio approval.
Caution:
Operating the device in other countries or regions constitutes a viola-
tion of the regulations of the radio approvals of the respective country
or region.
Further information is available in the document " Radio licenses" on
our homepage.
The available radio approvals can also be found on our homepage.

7
3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
The scope of delivery encompasses:
• Radar sensor
• IntegratedidenticationcardforLTE(eSIM)(optional)
• Magnet for activation (activation via magnet is not possible with
the mounting version using magnets. Therefore, no magnet for
activation is enclosed with this version).
• Mounting ring with glued surface, cleaning cloth (version for glued
connection)
• Tensionbelt(forversionwithexiblechangeableholder)
• Information sheet " Documents and software" with:
– Instrument serial number
– QR code with link for direct scanning
• Information sheet " PINs and Codes" with:
– IdentierforLoRaWANnetwork(DeviceEUI,ApplicationEUI,
App Key)
The further scope of delivery encompasses:
• Documentation
– Safety instructions for lithium metal cell
– Ifnecessary,furthercerticates
Information:
Optional instrument features are also described in this operating
instructions manual.The respective scope of delivery results from the
orderspecication.
This operating instructions manual applies to the following instrument
versions:
• Hardware version from 1.0.0
• Software version from 1.3.0
Note:
Details of the hardware and software history can be found on our
homepage.
TheradarsensorVEGAPULSAir23isavailablewithdierentmount-
ing techniques:
• Adhesive joint (antenna side)
• Flexibly exchangeable holder
• Ceiling mounting with screws
• Ceiling mounting with magnets
Scope of delivery
Scope of this operating
instructions
Versions

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
4
5
2
3
1
Fig. 1: Components of the VEGAPULS Air 23 sensor (example version for
adhesive joint)
1 Radar antenna
2 Unscrewable mounting ring with glue surface
3 Eyelets for transport lock
4 Housing lid
5 Contact surface for activation by NFC or magnet
Thetypeplatecontainsthemostimportantdataforidenticationand
use of the device. It is located on the sensor housing.
Date:
www.vega.com
Made in Germany
D-77761 Schiltach
VEGAPULS Air 23
LTE-NB-IoT, LTE-Cat-M1, LoRa
B3 B8 B20
EU868
1,2m
IP66/68 (0,2 bar)/IP69
PVDF
Device EUI E8E8B7000040BA20
s/n 49663242AR - 222 22C
1 2 3 4 5
Fig. 2: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Order number
2 Wireless signal outputs, frequency bands
3 Device EUI LoRa
4 Technical data
5 QR code for device documentation
3.2 Principle of operation
VEGAPULS Air 23 is a radar sensor for continuous level measure-
ment of plastic vessels, e.g. IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Container).
The device is suitable for almost all liquids.
Depending on the version, it is mounted to the vessel or to the ceiling
by means of:
• Glue surface on the bottom side of the sensor (vessel mounting)
• Tension belt (vessel mounting)
• Mounting brackets on the housing (ceiling mounting)
• Magnets on the housing (ceiling mounting)
The measurement is made through the closed plastic ceiling of the
vessel.
The sensor emits a radar signal through the antenna.The emitted
signalisreectedbythemediumandreceivedasanechobythe
antenna.
The resulting level is converted into a respective output signal and
wirelessly transmitted.
Constituent parts
Type label
Application area

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
The measuring cycle is time-controlled via the integrated clock. Out-
side of the measuring cycle, the device is in a sleep mode.
Depending on the availability of the radio networks and version,
the device transmits its measured values wirelessly to an LTE-M
(LTE-CAT-M1) or NB-IoT (LTE-CAT-NB1) mobile radio or a plant-side
LoRaWAN network.
These versions are available:
• Cellular (LTE-M/NB-IoT) + LoRa
• Cellular (LTE-M/NB-IoT)
• LoRa
VEGA Inventory System
Fig. 3: Wireless measured value transmission via mobile radio
The transmission or evaluation is carried out via an Asset Manage-
ment System, e.g.VEGA Inventory System.
The device is supplied with energy by integrated primary cells.The
lithium cell used for this purpose is a compact storage device with
high cell voltage and capacity for a long service life.
Note:
The primary cells cannot be changed by the user. However, VEGA
oersareplacementserviceforthis,seechapter"Exchange cell".
3.3 Adjustment
The device is activated contactlessly from outside:
• By NFC technology via smartphone with VEGA Tools app
• Via magnet (activation via magnet is not possible with the mount-
ing version with magnets)
There are no additional adjustment options.
Measured value transmis-
sion
Voltage supply

10
3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
3.4 Packaging, transport and storage
Your instrument was protected by packaging during transport. Its
capacity to handle normal loads during transport is assured by a test
based on ISO 4180.
The packaging consists of environment-friendly, recyclable card-
board. For special versions, PE foam or PE foil is also used. Dispose
of the packaging material via specialised recycling companies.
Transport must be carried out in due consideration of the notes on the
transport packaging. Nonobservance of these instructions can cause
damage to the device.
The delivery must be checked for completeness and possible transit
damage immediately at receipt. Ascertained transit damage or con-
cealed defects must be appropriately dealt with.
Up to the time of installation, the packages must be left closed and
stored according to the orientation and storage markings on the
outside.
Unless otherwise indicated, the packages must be stored only under
the following conditions:
• Not in the open
• Dry and dust free
• Not exposed to corrosive media
• Protected against solar radiation
• Avoiding mechanical shock and vibration
• Storage and transport temperature see chapter " Supplement -
Technical data - Ambient conditions"
• Relative moisture 20 … 85 %
3.5 Accessories
The LoRa gateway receives via LoRaWAN the measurement and
diagnosisdataofappropriatelyconguredVEGALoRaWANsensors.
The gateway combines the received data and transmits them via
mobile network to the VEGA Inventory System.
The measured values and messages are transmitted via the mobile
network.
VEGA Inventory System is a web-based software for simple acquisi-
tion, presentation and further processing of measured values.
The measured values are transmitted to the central server via net-
work, internet or cellular radio.
Packaging
Transport
Transport inspection
Storage
Storage and transport
temperature
LoRa-Gateway
VEGA Inventory System

11
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
4 Mounting
4.1 General instructions
The instrument is suitable for standard and extended ambient condi-
tions acc. to DIN/EN/BS EN/IEC/ANSI/ISA/UL/CSA 61010-1. It can be
used indoors as well as outdoors.
Note:
For safety reasons, the instrument must only be operated within the
permissibleprocessconditions.Youcannddetailedinformationon
the process conditions in chapter " Technical data" of the operating
instructions or on the type label.
Hence make sure before mounting that all parts of the instrument ex-
posed to the process are suitable for the existing process conditions.
An activated device (see chapter " Activate device") also carries
out measurements in horizontal alignment.This also applies if it is
mounted on a mobile container and the container is transported in a
tilted state.
Note:
When mounting the device on a mobile container, ensure that it is
protected against damage throughout transport.
4.2 Mounting instructions
The containers can be commercially available combination IBC con-
tainers with a nominal volume of e.g. 1000 l. These typically consist of
an inner container made of HDPE, a metal outer cage and a pallet.
Fig. 4: IBC container - Example
Ambient conditions
Process conditions
Measurement function
and transport
Container requirements

12
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
The device can only be mounted on the top of an IBC container in one
of the areas shown below:
100 mm
(3.94")
50 mm
(1.97")
150 mm
(5.91")
480 mm
(18.90")
130 mm
(5.12")
300 mm
(11.82")
12 3 4 5
Fig. 5: Mounting position on the tank ceiling
1 Recommended mounting position
2 Permissible mounting range
3 Filling opening
4 Cross strut
5 Vessel edge
To avoid air bubbles in the area of the adhesive surface, the selected
mountingpositionshouldbeasataspossibleorslightlycurved
outwards.
Note:
Mounting positions or vessel ceilings with an inwardly curved surface
are not suitable for fastening.
4.3 Mounting preparations
The intended mounting position must be dry and free of dust, oil and
grease before mounting the sensor.
Note:
For this reason, clean the container ceiling with the isopropanol-
basedcleaningclothsupplied.Aftercleaningthesurface,rstallowit
toashowellsothatanyresidualsolventcanevaporate.
Warning:
The2-propanolcontainedinthecleaningclothishighlyammable
and harmful to health. Observe the hazard warnings on the packaging
and the safety data sheet on our homepage.
Installation position
Mounting preparation
adhesive joint

13
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
Caution:
The cleaning cloth supplied must not be used for chemical residues
on the surface. Ask the chemical manufacturer for cleaning options.
It is not possible to mount the sensor on a surface that has not been
cleaned.
4.4 Installation procedure
The device with adhesive bonding has a mounting ring with adhesive
surface on the lower side of the housing.
Proceed as follows:
1. Screw the sensor with the housing cover into the mounting ring
2. Remove the protective foil completely from the adhesive surface
3. Place the sensor on the cleaned mounting surface in one step
andpressrmlyforapprox.30seconds
4
3
2
1
Fig. 6: Mounting adhesive joint
1 Vessel top
2 Adhesive surface
3 Mounting ring
4 Housing lid
The glue surface bonds adhesively to the surface of the IBC container
andreachesitsnaladhesivestrengthafterapprox.72hours.Acor-
rection of the sensor position is no longer possible once the adhesive
tape has been pressed.
Note:
The adhesive strength is considerably reduced after removal. If the
sensor position is subsequently changed, a new adhesive tape must
be applied. Please contact your contact person at VEGA.
Danger:
Reattaching the sensor with adhesive tape that is not as good as
new means a risk of uncontrolled detachment of the device. This can
endanger or damage persons or property (especially during vessel
transport). Therefore, only use new adhesive tape.
Thedeviceversionwithexiblyexchangeableholderisattachedto
the vessel via the tension belt.
To prevent the device from slipping out of its mounting position, it has
a foam pad on the bottom side.
For mounting proceed as follows:
Glued connection
Flexibly exchangeable
holder

14
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
1. Loop the tension belt into the cross struts of the IBC container
2. Insert belt into guides on the housing cover, close click connec-
tion
2
3
1
Fig. 7: Mounting exible exchangeable bracket
1 Vessel top
2 Foam pad
3 Tension belt
3. Slide sensor into mounting position
4. Tightenbelt,checksensorforsecuret
Note:
For optimum measurement, ensure direct, permanent contact be-
tween the bottom of the sensor and the surface of the IBC container.
The device version for ceiling mounting has mounting brackets on the
housing cover. The mounting is carried out using suitable screws and
dowels provided by the customer.
Fig. 8: Ceiling mounting with screws
The device version for ceiling mounting with magnets has three
magnets on the housing lid. This allows the sensor to be attached to
ferromagnetic surfaces without drilling or screwing.
Fig. 9: Ceiling mounting with magnets
Ceiling mounting with
screws
Ceiling mounting with
magnets

15
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
Danger:
Magnets generate a strong attractive force when attached to metal
surfaces.Thiscanleadtongersoreventhewholehandbeing
crushed. Wear safety gloves when attaching and work with special
care.
4.5 Transportation lock after mounting
Theadhesivejointandtheexiblemountingofthedeviceareonly
designed for stationary operation of the vessel.
Danger:
During transport the vessel is exposed to vibrations and shocks.This
can cause the device to fall down with the risk of damage to property
or persons.To avoid this, the device must be additionally secured us-
ing the integrated safety eyelets on the vessel, e.g. with a metal wire.
Transportation lock

16
5 Setup - the most important steps
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
5 Setup - the most important steps
What? How?
Account in the VEGA Inventory Sys-
tem
Available from your VEGA contact
person
User role supervisor Is assigned by your VEGA Invento-
ry System administrator
VEGA Tools app, VEGA Invento-
ry System app
Download via Apple App Store, Goog-
le Play Store, Baidu Store
Via magnet Via smartphone (VEGA Tools app
or VEGA Inventory System app)
Move the supplied magnet along the
line towards the housing lid
ACTIVATION
Magnet
Call up NFC communication, hold the
smartphone close to the side of the
device with the lettering " VEGA"
Web portal VEGA Inventory System app
Menu item " Device networks - Add":
Enter serial number and device name
Menu item " Add device": Scan NFC
or QR code on device or enter serial
number manually
Prerequisites
Activate the sensor
Set up measuring point in
the VEGA Inventory Sys-
tem

17
5 Setup - the most important steps
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
Web portal VEGA Inventory System app
Menu item " Adjustment/lineariza-
tion" - Open assistant (measuring
range and transmission interval via
VEGA Tools app)
Complete assistant with Linearisation/
adjustment
Conguresensor

18
6 Activate, device functions
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
6 Activate, device functions
6.1 Activate
To activate the device from the deactivated state, the following options
are available:
• By smartphone with VEGA Tools app via NFC
• Via magnet (activation via magnet is not possible with the mount-
ing version with magnets)
It is not necessary to open the device for activation.
Note:
The device is deactivated in the VEGA Inventory System. A reactiva-
tion of the device in the VEGA Inventory System is not possible, but is
carried out on site via smartphone or magnet. Take this into account
before deactivation!
By smartphone
Proceed as follows for activation:
1. Activate NFC communication
2. Start VEGA Tools app
3. Select sensor activation
4. Hold the smartphone close to the top of the radar sensor above
the lettering " VEGA"
2
1
3
Fig. 10: Activate sensor - Smartphone
1 Radar sensor
2 Contact surface for NFC communication
3 Smartphone
5. Pull smartphone down slowly
Theappconrmsthesuccessfulactivationwiththemessage:
"The sensor was activated, serial no.: ………, device VEGAPULS Air
23"
Setup is now complete and the unit is ready for operation.
Overview
Activate device - glue
mounting

19
6 Activate, device functions
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
Via magnet
Proceed as follows for activation:
→ Hold the magnet close to the upper side of the instrument next to
the lettering " VEGA" and move it once around in a circle.
ACTIVATION
Magnet
3
2
1
Fig. 11: Activate sensor - Magnet
1 Radar sensor
2 Contact surface for magnet
3 Magnet
Setup is now complete and the unit is ready for operation.
Note:
Devices for ceiling mounting must be activated in advance of instal-
lation.
By smartphone
Proceed as follows for activation:
1. Activate NFC communication
2. Start VEGA Tools app
3. Select sensor activation
4. Hold the smartphone close to the top of the radar sensor above
the lettering " VEGA"
Activate device -
Ceiling mounting
with screws

20
6 Activate, device functions
VEGAPULS Air 23 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64314-EN-230606
2
1
3
Fig. 12: Activate sensor - Smartphone
1 Radar sensor
2 Contact surface for NFC communication
3 Smartphone
5. Pull smartphone down slowly
Theappconrmsthesuccessfulactivationwiththemessage:
"The sensor was activated, serial no.: ………, device VEGAPULS Air
23"
Setup is now complete and the unit is ready for operation.
Via magnet
Proceed as follows for activation:
→ Hold the magnet close to the upper side of the instrument next to
the lettering " VEGA" and move it once around in a circle.
ACTIVATION
Magnet
3
2
1
Fig. 13: Activate sensor - Magnet
1 Radar sensor
2 Contact surface for magnet
3 Magnet
Setup is now complete and the unit is ready for operation.