automatic gates?  By  ramblinman (Read 1,945 times)

The Magnet Debate
There are a number of magnets on the market which claim to assist in triggering lights. These are usually neodynium or "rare earth" magnets that can be purchased for as much as $40. The problem with the magnet debate is that these may work, but not because they're magnets.

If you'll recall, induction loops detect metal, not other electromagnetic fields. The traffic light magnets are big, often heavy masses of metal that you affix to the bottom of your scooter. If they work at triggering lights, it has nothing to do with the fact that they're magnetized. Any similarly conductive mass of metal would have the same result.

There are a number of patent applications for devices to trigger inductive loops (links below). None of these use magnets as primary trigger. (Some use magnets or electromagnetism as part of a larger apparatus.)

So do magnets help trip lights? Not really.
Will placing a large mass of metal under your scooter help? Maybe.

It may be best to try some of the other solutions before going out and buying something that may or may not work. (Caveat: All this may differ with electromagnetic sensors, but those are rare in the US and have largely been replaced by inductive loops.)