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View Full Version : Ultra-sonic range finders

dpeterson3
07-12-2008, 13:22
Are we going to able to use ultra-sonic rangefinders this year? I keep seeing how the WPI code supports ultra-sonic, but I thought they were illegal because they robot was emitting some kind of energy. thanks
Andrew Schreiber
07-12-2008, 13:57
Wait until the rules come out. Until then we do not know.

In the PAST they have been allowed but nothing is set in stone.
whitetiger0990
07-12-2008, 15:04
They've been legal and I highly doubt that'll change. The rules mainly rule out interference with other bots and communication with things outside the field.
daltore
07-12-2008, 15:15
Ultrasonic rangefinders can cause interference, but only to other ultrasonic sensors. It comes with the territory, and it's a risk you assume when you use them, which is why they've been legal in the past. There's no way for them to interfere with any of the new control system parts either, so there shouldn't be a reason you can't use them. In coming years, possibly, to encourage pseudo stereo vision (camera ticking back and forth between two positions), but other than that, they'll probably remain legal.
kE7JLM
08-12-2008, 14:37
These work Great:
http://www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/ObjectDetection/tabid/176/ProductID/92/List/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName
jtdowney
08-12-2008, 15:09
We had purchased some Vex ultrasonic sensors last year but never got around to using them. I hope we will have more time to work them into our auto mode this year if they are allowed.
Jon236
08-12-2008, 16:03
The Maxbotixs sensors at http://www.maxbotix.com/MaxbotixHome.html
work nicely as well. They also have an analog signal option.
kE7JLM
08-12-2008, 17:32
Here is our 07 bot using the pings))).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xlb4IM_etDc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFhIpJYAV04&feature=related
GaryVoshol
08-12-2008, 19:13
Well of course you'll be able to use an ultrasonic range finder. How else will you be able to find the moonfish in the water tank behind the screen blocking the driver's view of the field? :yikes:
Dragonos
08-12-2008, 20:16
This one is da bomb!
(If you have the $$$)
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9009