Wille the LV-MaxSonar-EZ1 range finder interfere with other sonar range finders?

[Sparks333]

I hate to disagree with you Al, but the simplest use of the sensors is to hook it to power and read the analog output - I think this is likely how most teams will use them. In this case, the sensors will come up and begin running in free-ranging mode, firing off several times a second with no inputs required from the robot. Turning them on and off mid-match is also dicey at best, since they run a short calibration routine upon startup, which, if the sensor is blocked, renders subsequent readings useless. In short, I think most if not all teams who use this sensor will leave it running all the time.

Sparks

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Dane,
I was trying to be suggestive to use the ability of the sensor to turn ranging on and off as a GP method of interaction with this sensor. From the sheet...

RX – This pin is internally pulled high. The EZ1™ will continually
measure range and output if the RX pin is left unconnected or held
high. If held low the EZ1™ will stop ranging. Bring high 20uS or
more for range reading.

[Sparks333]

Al,

I'm not disagreeing with you - in fact, that technique you outlined is the method by which you chain multiple rangers together. I'm simply pointing out that it's relatively unlikely that folks will implement any sort of control when an open-loop control technique is available, and all it takes is one free-firing sensor to muck up the field for everyone in the immediate vicinity. So, everyone who sees this post, please sacrifice one more digital io pin for ranger control - tell your friends.

Sparks

[ScottW of MaxBo]

Hello, this is Tom Bonar from MaxBotix Inc. If you view http://www.facebook.com/notes/maxbot...77662868954588 numbers 1 and 2; you can see the answer to your question. Please feel free to ask questions on our wall or on the notes thread i linked. As questions come in from the teams we will be rewording and posting the answers to that thread as well as giving the team the direct answer they are looking for.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Thanks Scott. We know from previous years that the diamond plate that covers the players station can produce significant reflections.