SensMax DE Outdoor Infrared People Counting Sensor

SensMax DE is a bidirectional, battery-powered outdoor infrared people counting sensor for locations without electricity or internet. It works as a trail counting sensor for parks, trail entrances, gates, bridges and other narrow passage points and records separate IN and OUT counts. Counting data is stored in internal memory for up to 150 days and can be collected on-site with a handheld reader.

People Counting Technology

The SensMax DE uses multi-beam infrared people counting technology. A transmitter and receiver create three synchronized IR beams across the passage. Crossing patterns are used to detect direction and generate separate IN and OUT counts.

The sensor performs anonymous people counting: it does not use cameras and does not record images or video. No personal data is collected, which makes the solution suitable for GDPR-compliant deployments in public spaces.

Outdoor infrared people counting with IN/OUT movement detection and internal data storage.

How It Works

The SensMax DE system consists of a transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) installed opposite each other across a passage. When a pedestrian crosses the beam line, the sensor registers a count and determines direction (IN or OUT). Hourly statistics are stored in internal memory for up to 150 days.

To retrieve data, a handheld reader (SensMax SE/DE collector) downloads statistics via IrDA at up to 1 m range. The collected data is uploaded to SensMax EasyReport software to generate hourly, daily, weekly and monthly reports and to merge new results with historical datasets.

Mount across a narrow path and align beams for accurate outdoor IN/OUT counting.

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Installation

SensMax DE is installed at a narrow passage such as a gate, bridge entrance or trail choke point using two modules placed on opposite sides. The setup is fully off-grid and does not require cabling or network infrastructure.

• Mount the transmitter and receiver on opposite sides of the passage (wall, pole or custom pillar)
• Position both units facing each other across the walking path
• Align the three infrared beams across the passage at approximately 1.5 m height
• Secure the final position with the provided brackets and screws
• Insert standard AA batteries and verify stable detection

The sensor has an IP68-rated enclosure for outdoor use, designed to protect it from rain, dust, and other weather conditions.

Privacy and data protection

The SensMax DE performs anonymous outdoor people counting using infrared beams only. It does not capture images or video and does not identify individuals. Only count data is stored in the sensor memory and collected with the handheld reader, which supports GDPR-compliant people counting in parks and public spaces.

Key Technical Advantages

• Bidirectional detection — records IN and OUT pedestrian movements using three-beam infrared technology.
• Battery-powered operation — runs up to 1 year on standard AA batteries.
• 150-day internal memory — stores up to 150 days of hourly statistics for long periods without site visits.
• Off-grid installation — no electricity and no internet required at the counting location.
• IrDA handheld collection — download statistics on-site with the SensMax SE/DE collector at up to 1 m range.
• IP68 outdoor enclosure — designed for permanent outdoor installation in harsh weather conditions.

Use cases for parks and trails

• Parks and recreation areas — measure visitor activity to plan maintenance and justify budgets.
• Walking and hiking trails — monitor trail usage trends and plan improvements.
• Tourist attractions — track seasonal visitor flow at entrances and key access points.
• Outdoor toilets / washrooms — measure traffic to schedule cleaning and service visits based on real usage.
• Bridges and crossings — count pedestrians at bridges, tunnels and underpasses for planning and safety.

Outdoor battery-powered people counters for walking trails and parks.

Why it matters for municipalities and parks

By recording IN and OUT counts, SensMax DE provides reliable outdoor visitor statistics for planning staff schedules, cleaning and repairs based on real usage. Seasonal reports support funding requests and help prioritize infrastructure investments in parks and outdoor public spaces.

Because the sensor stores hourly data in internal memory, it is suitable for remote sites where continuous monitoring is needed but network infrastructure is not available.

Example in Action

A hiking trail authority installed SensMax DE people counting sensors at two trail entrances and a bridge crossing. After several months, the data showed that one entrance was used mostly for entry while the other was used mostly for exit. Based on these patterns, the authority improved signage and adjusted ranger patrol routes to reduce congestion during peak periods. The results also supported better planning for parking and transport connections during the high season.

FAQ – SensMax DE Outdoor Infrared People Counting Sensor

• What does the SensMax DE sensor count?
  It counts pedestrian crossings at narrow passages and provides separate IN and OUT totals.
• Does SensMax DE require electricity or internet?
  No. The sensor is battery-powered and stores data internally. Data collection is done on-site with a handheld reader.
• How is the data collected?
  A handheld reader (SensMax SE/DE collector) downloads statistics via IrDA at up to 1 m range and uploads them to SensMax EasyReport software.
• How long can the sensor store data?
  Internal memory stores up to 150 days of hourly statistics.
• Is the counting anonymous and GDPR compliant?
  Yes. The sensor uses infrared beams and does not record images or video. No personal data is collected.
• What is the recommended installation height?
  Recommended mounting height is approximately 1.5 m, with transmitter and receiver aligned across the passage.
• What passage widths are suitable?
  The sensor is best used on narrow passages such as gates, trail entrances and bridge access points.
• How often do batteries need to be replaced?
  Typical battery life is up to 1 year with standard AA batteries, depending on usage and conditions.
• Does it work in rain and snow?
  Yes. The IP68-rated enclosure is designed for outdoor weather exposure.
• What reporting is available?
  SensMax EasyReport generates hourly, daily, weekly and monthly reports and supports exporting results for further analysis.

Get Started

Want accurate bidirectional pedestrian counts for parks and trails without electricity or internet? Request a quote for the SensMax DE Outdoor Infrared People Counting Sensor today.

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SensMax DE Technical Details