OL5038 - Detector IFM - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Diffuse reflection sensor
Model	OL5038
Brand	IFM
Range (r)	See device label (value on white paper 200 x 200 mm)
Supply	DC PNP, DC NPN, AC/DC relay (depending on variant)
Supply voltage	10-30 V DC (PNP/NPN) or 24-240 V AC/DC (relay)
Electrical connection	Disconnect power before connection. See page 13 or device label.
Fuse	Insert a miniature fuse according to the datasheet if specified
Mounting	Align towards the object and fix with a mounting bracket. Optimal range with precise alignment.
Adjustment functions	Switching threshold adjustment: dynamic mode (moving objects) and static mode (stationary objects)
Programming	Output function programming (light/dark switching) by 10-second long press
LED indicators	Green: device operational; Yellow: output switched; Red: error (incorrect setting, contamination); Yellow+Red flashing: short circuit (2 Hz) or internal error (1 Hz)
Maintenance	Clean plastic lenses without solvents or aggressive cleaning agents
Safety	Disconnect power before any intervention; check operation after a short circuit
Ambient conditions	Standard industrial environment

Frequently Asked Questions - OL5038 IFM

How to adjust the switching threshold for moving objects?

Press the button until the red LED flashes. Then the yellow and green LEDs flash alternately. Place the object in the beam and press once. The LEDs turn off for 1 second then flash again. Press once more: the green LED turns on, indicating operating mode.

How to adjust the threshold for stationary objects?

Put the device in programming mode (red LED flashing then yellow/green alternating). Place the object in the beam and press once. Remove the object and press again. The green LED indicates the end of adjustment. You can also reverse the order (measure without object then with).

What does a flashing red LED after adjustment mean?

This indicates that the threshold adjustment could not be performed (e.g., object and background signal too close). The device returns to operating mode without changing the existing threshold.

How to change the output function (light/dark switching)?

Press the programming button for about 10 seconds. After 2 s, the red LED flashes quickly. After an additional 8 s, all LEDs turn off: the function has changed. Repeat the operation to return to the initial state.

What does alternating flashing of yellow and red LEDs mean?

If they flash at 2 Hz, this indicates a short circuit at the output. If at 1 Hz, it is an internal error (the output is not switched). Check the wiring and the device condition.

How to clean the detector lenses?

Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Never use solvents or abrasive products that could damage the plastic lenses.

What is the maximum range of the detector?

The range depends on the exact model. It is indicated on the device label for a white paper of 200 x 200 mm. Refer to the label for the exact value.

Can I use this detector with an AC power supply?

Yes, some variants of the OL5038 are available with AC/DC relay, capable of operating from 24 to 240 V AC/DC. Check the model on the label.

What to do if the device no longer detects objects?

First check the cleanliness of the lenses. Then check the power supply and wiring. If the red LED is on, there is an error. Perform a new threshold adjustment.

How to set the maximum sensitivity?

Enter programming mode (step 1). Orient the sensor so that no light is reflected. Press the button twice (steps 2 and 3). The sensitivity will then be at maximum.

USER MANUAL OL5038 IFM

Functions and features

The diffuse reflection sensor detects objects and materials without contact and indicates their presence by a switched signal.

Range (r): see type label (value referred to white paper 200mm× 200mm )

Electrical connection

Isolate power, then connect unit (see page 13 or type label).

Note: insert a miniature fuse according to the technical data sheet, if specified. Recommendation: check the unit for reliable function after a short cirucit.

Installation

Align the photocell and fasten it to a mounting bracket. Maximum range is only possible with precise alignment.

Setting the switching threshold (dynamic operation)

• Moving objects in the detection area

The unit detects input signals of various intensity in any sequence and calculates the optimum switching threshold.

1

Press until the red LED flashes

Yellow and green LED's flash alternately (= unit is in the programming mode).

2

Allow the objects to pass through the detection area. Press once.

The yellow and green LED's go out for approx. 1 s, then flash again alternately.

3

Press once.

The yellow and green LED's go out for approx. 1s, then the green LED is on (= unit is in operating mode).

If the setting of the switching threshold is not possible (e.g. object signal and background signal are about the same), the red LED flashes after step 3. The unit then passes into the operating mode with the switching signal being unchanged.

If the programming button is not activated for 15 minutes during the programming process, the unit passes automatically into the operating mode with the switching threshold being unchanged.

Setting of the maximum sensitivity:

• Go into the programming mode (step 1).
• Align the unit so that no light is reflected.
• Press the setting button twice (see steps 2 and 3).

Setting the switching threshold (stationary operation)

- Stationary objects

The unit detects input signals of various intensity in any sequence and calculates the optimum switching threshold.

1

Press until the red LED flashes.

Yellow and green LED's flash alternately (= unit is in the programming mode).

2

Place the object into the detection area * Press once.

→

The yellow and green LED's go out for approx. 1 s, then flash again alternately.

3

Remove the object * Press once.

→

The yellow and green LED's go out for approx. 1s, then the green LED is on (= unit is in operating mode).

*You can also proceed in reverse order: first setting without the object, then with the object.

If the setting of the switching threshold is not possible (e.g. object signal and background signal are about the same), the red LED flashes after step 3. The unit then passes into the operating mode with the switching signal being unchanged.

If the programming button is not activated for 15 minutes during the programming process, the unit passes automatically into the operating mode with the switching threshold being unchanged.

Setting of the maximum sensitivity:

• Go into the programming mode (step 1).
• Align the unit so that no light is reflected.
• Press the setting button twice (see steps 2 and 3).

Programming the output function

1

Press for 10s.

→

The red LED starts to flash fast after 2 s. Then the yellow and green LED's flash alternately. After 8 s all LED's go off, the output function has changed from light-on mode to dark-on mode (or vice versa).

Operation

Check the safe functioning of the diffuse reflection sensor. Display by LED's.

LED green unit is ready for operation
LED yellow output is switched
LED red	error in object detection, e.g. maladjustment, soiling of the lenses
LED's yellow + red	flashing alternately, 2Hz: output short-circuited flashing alternately, 1Hz: internal malfunction (output is not switched)

Maintenance

Keep the plastic lenses of the sensor free from soiling.

For cleaning do not use any solvents or cleaning agents which could damage the plastic lenses.