Your Global Automation Partner

EZ-track®
Q21 Series LDT
Manual
 Product Information
The Q21 Series is an accurate, programmable, auto-tuning, non-contact, linear displacement transducer in an economical,
low profile package. The transducer utilizes field proven magnetostrictive technology to give absolute position, repeatable to
.01% of the programmable sensing distance. The streamlined anodized aluminum extrusion houses the sensing element and
electronics. The magnet moves over the sensing element that determines the position and converts it to an analog output. It
can be ordered with a 0 to 10 V, -10 to 10 V, 0 to 5 V, - 5 to 5 V or 4 to 20 mA output.

The Q21 Series has a few truly unique features. The first one being the LDT’s auto-tuning capability, the ability to sense a
magnet other than the standard slide magnet and adjust its signal strength accordingly. Another feature is the analog output
is programmable over the entire active stroke length. The active stroke area of the LDT lies between the
Null and Dead zones.

There is a diagnostic LED located at the connector end of the probe that remains green while a good magnet signal is present
within the programmed stroke area. The LED turns yellow when the magnet is out of the programmed active range, but still
within the active stroke area. The LED turns red and the output goes to 0 volts on voltage output units, or 4 mA on current
output units when there is no magnet present or when the magnet is out of the
sensing area.
The unit can easily be changed in the field.
From To
0 to 10 V 10 to 0 V
4 to 20 mA 20 to 4 mA
-10 to 10 V 10 to -10 V
-5 to 5 V 5 to -5 V
0 to 5 V 5 to 0 V

NOTE 1:
The Q21 is FM approved for use in a class 1, Division 2, groups A, B, C, D applications when installed and wired per drawing
NI-1.003. See page 6 for a copy of this document

NOTE 2:
If your application does not require FM Class 1, Division 2 approval, wire the Q21 using a standard 4 pin eurofast® cordset
from Turck.

2 www.turck.com • Phone: 763-553-7300 • Application Support: 1-800-544-7769 • Fax: 763-553-0708 • TURCK Minneapolis, MN 55441
 Accessories Input Voltage 10-30 VDC
Current Draw Voltage Units Current Units
Item Part Number 80 mA max. @ 10 VDC 90 mA max. @ 10 VDC
Slide Magnet SM-Q21 35 mA max. @ 30 VDC 55 mA max. @ 30 VDC
Float Magnet FM-Q21 Output 0 to 10 V 4 to 20 mA
Mounting Foot MB-Q21 10 to 0 V 20 to 4 mA
2 Meter Cable, Straight Cordset RK 4.4T-2/S618 0 to 5 V
4 Meter Cable, Straight Cordset RK 4.4T-4/S618 5 to 0 V
2 Meter Cable, Right Angle Cordset WK 4.4T-2/S618 -5 to 5 V
4 Meter Cable, Right Angle Cordset WK 4.4T-4/S618 5 to -5 V
-10 to 10 V
10 to -10 V
Output Load
Current Output ≤ (Voltage in -4) ÷20mA (example: 10 V ≤300 Ω)

Voltage Output ≥1000 Ω (1.5k Ω for +/- 10V)

Linearity +/- 0.05% of stroke or +/- 0.028 inches,
whichever is greater
Accuracy +/- 0.1% of stroke or +/- 0.050 inches,
whichever is greater
Repeatability +/- 0.01% of full stroke or +/- 0.014 inches,
whichever is greater
Operating Temperature -40° to +70°C (-40° to 158°F)
SPAN Length 4 to 180 inches
Null Zone 3.00 inches
Dead Zone 1.50 inches
LED Green = Power is applied and magnet is present
in the programmed range
Red = Fault; magnet is in the Null Zone, Dead
Zone, or lost
Yellow = Magnet is out of the active programmed
range, but still within the active stroke area
Connector Standard, shielded 4-pin, M12x1 eurofast®
Agency Approvals CE Approved, FM Approved
Enclosure IP 67,IP68 optional
Shock 40 g, 11 ms
Vibration 20 Hz to 2 kHz at 10 g RMS
Update Time 1 mS (Stroke Length 4” to 50”)
2 mS (Stroke Length 51” to 100”)
3 mS (Stroke Length 101” to 150”)
4 mS (Stroke Length 151” to 180”)

www.turck.com • Phone: 763-553-7300 • Application Support: 1-800-544-7769 • Fax: 763-553-0708 • TURCK Minneapolis, MN 55441 3
Functional Overview
Mounting Instructions
The transducer can be mounted vertically or horizontally using MB-Q21 Mounting Brackets. The mounting brackets slide in
the grooves on the lower part of the extrusion and clamp down when tightened. It is recommended to use one mounting
bracket on each end and every three feet between. Ferro-magnetic material, (material readily magnetized) should be placed
no closer than .25 inches from the sensing surface of the LDT.
NOTE:
If using the floating magnet option, you must set the automatic gain control.

Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

The Automatic Gain Control feature is only used when sensing a magnet other than the standard SM-Q21 Slide Magnet. If
you are using the standard slide magnet skip to Setting ZERO and SPAN Position.
When using the Floating Magnet assembly FM-Q21, the magnet should be installed within .375 inches (9.53 mm) of the
sensing surface. The magnet assembly should also be installed in such a manner that it remains an even distance from the
aluminum extrusion throughout the entire stroke. Improperly installed magnets can result in output signal non-linearity.

NOTE:
The north pole of the magnet should be pointed towards the probe.

To set the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) level for the probe, follow these steps:
1. Place magnet assembly close to the dead zone (but within the active region) of the probe.
2. Power down the probe.
3. Short program pin (pin 2) to ground (pin 3).

NOTE:
When the probe is in AGC mode, the output will be either 0 volts or 4 mA, depending on the model that was ordered.

4. Apply power to probe:

a. The LED flashes RED indicating it is in the AGC mode.
b. The LED will change to flashing GREEN when it has determined the proper AGC level and has saved it to
non-volatile memory.
The AGC is now complete.

To place the probe back into the normal operating mode, follow these steps:
1. Power down the probe.
2. Remove short from program pin.
3. Apply power to the probe.

Setting ZERO and SPAN Position

The Q21 Series is programmable over the entire active stroke length of the LDT. Keep in mind, there is a 3 inch Null area at the
connector end of the LDT, and a 1.5 inch Dead area at the other end of the LDT where the magnet cannot be detected. The
diagnostic LED can aid you in the setup of the ZERO and SPAN. A green or yellow LED means that the LDT can be programmed
in this area, a red LED means that the LDT cannot be programmed in this area. To set the ZERO and SPAN position for the
probe, follow these steps:
1. Power up the probe in normal operating mode (i.e. program pin floating).
2. Place magnet assembly where ZERO is to be located but within the active region of the probe.
3. Momentarily short program pin (pin 2) to ground (pin 3).
4. Place magnet assembly where SPAN is to be located but within the active region of the probe.
5. Momentarily short program pin (pin 2) to V+ (pin 1).

NOTE:
A. AGC should be set first before setting the ZERO and SPAN positions when using a floating magnet
B. SPAN could also be set first, followed by setting the ZERO position
C. ZERO and SPAN can be adjusted individually without setting the other
D. ZERO = 0 V on 0 to 10 VDC units, -10 V on -10 to 10 VDC units, and 4 mA on 4 to 20 mA units

4 www.turck.com • Phone: 763-553-7300 • Application Support: 1-800-544-7769 • Fax: 763-553-0708 • TURCK Minneapolis, MN 55441
Functional Overview (continued)
LED Colors
Green: Magnet is present and within the active programmed range.
Red: Fault; The LDT has lost its signal from the magnet or the magnet has moved into the Null or Dead Band.
Yellow: The magnet is out of the programmed ZERO to SPAN range, but still within the active stroke area.

Wiring Diagrams
Q21 Wiring Connections
Once the LDT has been installed, wiring connections can be made. There are
two groups of connections you will need to make. They are as follows:
• Power Supply Connections (including ground and shield) 1 4

• LDT Input/Output Connections 2 3

Power Supply/Ground Connections

The Q21 standard cable is a 4 Pin, 12mm, eurofast® cordset. It has 4 Wiring Diagram
conductors of 22AWG, with an aluminum/ polyester foil shield with drain
wire. Cable O.D. is .21” (5.3mm). To reduce electrical noise, the shield must be properly used. Connect the cable’s shield to the
controller system GND.

NOTE:
Do Not Use Cordsets with LED’s

Always observe proper grounding techniques such as single point grounding and isolating high voltage (i.e. 120/240 VAC)
from low voltage (10-30 VDC cables). Whenever possible, this cable should be run in conduit by itself. The power supply
common, the cable shield and a good earth ground should be connected together at the location of the power supply
common.

WARNING:
Do not route the Q21 output cable near high voltage sources.

In order for the Q21 to operate properly, the LDT’s external power supply must provide a voltage between +10 to +30
VDC. The power supply must be rated at 100mA minimum. The power supply should provide less than 1% ripple and 10%
regulations. (The power supply should be dedicated to the LDT to prevent noise from external loads from affecting the Q21.)

Single Ended Input

Customer Supplied
Interface Device
Power + Customer Supplied Power (Brown) Q21 Position Output (Black)
+ Input
Supply LDT
Power Supply Common
-

Program Input
(White)

(Blue)
Common

NOTE:
Q21-LI is current sourcing, which allows the current to flow from the LDT into the user’s equipment.

www.turck.com • Phone: 763-553-7300 • Application Support: 1-800-544-7769 • Fax: 763-553-0708 • TURCK Minneapolis, MN 55441 5
Dimensions

A standard female swivel mounting arm is provided with the Slide

Magnet (SM-Q21) assembly. For extensions and other options contact
the factory.

Mounting Brackets (MB-Q21) slide in the grooves on the side of the

extruded housing. When tightened down with fastening hardware the
mounting brackets clamp the unit into place. It is recommended to use
one mounting bracket on each end and every three feet between.

A standard, shielded 4-pin, M12x1 eurofast® connector is used. Straight mating Floating Magnet (FM-Q21)
cables can be ordered in a 2 meter length (RK 4.4T-2/S618), or 4 meter length
(RK 4.4T-4/S618). If space is a consideration a right angle connector is also avail-
able, (WK 4.4T-2/S618 or WK 4.4T-4/S618).

6 www.turck.com • Phone: 763-553-7300 • Application Support: 1-800-544-7769 • Fax: 763-553-0708 • TURCK Minneapolis, MN 55441
FM Approved Linear Displacement Transducers
Installation in Class 1, DIvision 2

LT..-Q21-..-H1141
Linear Displacement
Transducer

! CIRCUIT IS LIVE

Drawing No.:
3000 Campus Drive
NI-1.003 Plymouth, MN 55441
Phone: (763) 553-7300
Title: LT..-Q21-..-H1141 Linear Displacement Transducers
Installation in Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations
A Release BVL BVL 5/7/04
Rev Description Drft Date Scale: NONE Sheet 1 of 1

www.turck.com • Phone: 763-553-7300 • Application Support: 1-800-544-7769 • Fax: 763-553-0708 • TURCK Minneapolis, MN 55441 7
 28 subsidiaries and over
60 representations worldwide!

Printed in USA

©2015 by Turck Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the

B1401 B 10/15 publication may be reproduced without written permission. www.turck.com