A poximity sensor that works with IFI gear

[Validius]

Does anyone know of a 5 volt proc sensor that will work on the 5 volts that the robot controller supplies? I wanna detect steel.

[Matt Krass]

The hall effect gear tooth sensors could do that, but they're a bit tiny, if this is going to be external on the robot, you might want something a little more formidable.

And be careful not to barbecue the little sucker like we did.

[seanwitte]

The Sharp IR proximity sensors work great. The connectors and sensors are available at acroname.com. You can also buy them from digi-key, but I don't think they sell the JST connectors. Parts with 0-5V analog outputs:

1) GP2D120, range 1.5" - 12"
2) GP2Y0A02YK, range 8" - 60"

[Validius]

Originally Posted by seanwitte

The Sharp IR proximity sensors work great. The connectors and sensors are available at acroname.com. You can also buy them from digi-key, but I don't think they sell the JST connectors. Parts with 0-5V analog outputs:

1) GP2D120, range 1.5" - 12"
2) GP2Y0A02YK, range 8" - 60"

hmmm, i was hoping for digital but perhaps i can work it out

[Validius]

Originally Posted by seanwitte

The Sharp IR proximity sensors work great. The connectors and sensors are available at acroname.com. You can also buy them from digi-key, but I don't think they sell the JST connectors. Parts with 0-5V analog outputs:

1) GP2D120, range 1.5" - 12"
2) GP2Y0A02YK, range 8" - 60"

those wownt work. I need a sensor that can tell the differance between steel and renbord

[seanwitte]

Originally Posted by Validius

those wownt work. I need a sensor that can tell the differance between steel and renbord

Sorry, should have paid more attention to the question! What you want is an inductive proximity sensor. I've never used them, but I know they have a very short range (< 10mm). If you explain what you're trying to do maybe someone can help you come up with a suitable alternative.

[coreyjon]

Could you make a setup similar to a metal detector? On the front of your robot you could have a coil and send a pulsing current though it, when you get close to the steel, the induction of eddy currents can be detected using various methods, and you could set it up to go toward the source inducing the eddy currents..maybe. This is just an idea to help create others. I'm sure this can be done, just would take some experimenting. Good luck on your project.

[sven]

My team used a 12v prox sensor I think. We just choped up a pwm cable and spliced in some 12v power from the breaker planel.

[Validius]

OK, here is that i wanna do:

The winch on our but is made out of renboard (a plastic composite). We have no way of sensing its position. there is no way to do a pot, we already tried.

We have 2 options, both involve drilling 4 really small holes at 90 degree intervalls in the center of the winch (the cable never gets that far, the drum is threaded). Ofter that we either glue 4 magnets or screw in 4 screws. If we have screws we would have proximity sensors that cound every screw going by (4 counts=1 turn). If we used magnets then we would use reed switches to count.

I like the proc switches better then reed switches and we may be able to use the hall effect gear tooth sensors if we can find them.

[scitobor 617]

Originally Posted by Validius

OK, here is that i wanna do:

The winch on our but is made out of renboard (a plastic composite). We have no way of sensing its position. there is no way to do a pot, we already tried.

We have 2 options, both involve drilling 4 really small holes at 90 degree intervalls in the center of the winch (the cable never gets that far, the drum is threaded). Ofter that we either glue 4 magnets or screw in 4 screws. If we have screws we would have proximity sensors that cound every screw going by (4 counts=1 turn). If we used magnets then we would use reed switches to count.

I like the proc switches better then reed switches and we may be able to use the hall effect gear tooth sensors if we can find them.

May I suggest Banner sensors and black paint.

[seanwitte]

Originally Posted by Validius

I like the proc switches better then reed switches and we may be able to use the hall effect gear tooth sensors if we can find them.

I think the gear tooth sensors are the way to go based on what you've described. Read through the data sheets carefully because they do more than just detect a gear tooth.