Heschen Inductieve nabijheidssensor schakelaar M8, niet-schild type, LJ8A3-2-Z/AY-G-DC5V, detector 2mm, 5VDC 200mA, PNP normaal gesloten (NC), 3 draden

I built a gravity‑fed, four‑level soda dispenser using a Heschen LJ8A3‑2‑Z/AY‑G sensor mounted at the front of the bottom tier. As cans roll down into place, that one sensor reliably detects each can in turn—no extra sensors needed—so I can track every dispense with zero misses. With an ESP8266 logging counts and emailing refill alerts, it’s been flawless through multiple twelve‑pack tests.These M8 inductive sensors work by generating a high‑frequency magnetic field at the face; when metal enters the 2 mm zone, the field shifts and the built‑in PNP transistor flips its output. Because this is a Normally Closed unit, the line idles high and drops low precisely when metal’s detected, making wiring to a microcontroller a breeze (just add a 10 kΩ pull‑down).Beyond my soda project, I’ve used them as door‑and‑window alarms, CNC guard switches, and even to locate painted‑over nails. Versatile, fast‑responding, and rock‑steady—if you need reliable metal detection on a budget, this sensor is a 10/10. Highly recommend for makers and pros alike!

I requested a bunch of these just to have (M4, M5, M6, M8, M12, M18, M30) from the same manufacturer, all of my criticisms apply to all of them so I will copy and paste.Pros; They do technically work, and they are the right size physically.Cons; the specifications are kind of bogus as mentioned by other reviewers the minimum detection range is fairly close, the documentation is lacking, but I wouldn't trust it that much anyway, I don't have too identical units, but they don't seem right like they are built to a high enough standard to maintain repeatable. It's performance (one prox might pick up at one millimeter, and another example of the exact same model might pick up at two).For what you're getting (a no name brand generic product) you could get a two pack for the same money.I requested these as extras to keep for when I'm prototyping so I can just order more in place if I use one but they don't perform like the name brand ones in terms of pick up range and repeatability, additionally, it would be nice if the documentation was included on a little piece of paper or something. The chances of me looking up all of the documentation years down the road when I actually end up needing these again are pretty low. The entire product listing might be down by then.The best I could see doing with these is using them for demonstration to show new hires the various sizes.