can we use ultrasonic sensors?

[GMKlenklen]

I'm thinking of a design that would use an ultrasonic range finder/ proximity sensor to determine where the spider leg is during autonomus scoring...
But I have no idea if they are legal this year? I think 71 & 1 used the vex model last year to sense weather there was a ball at a sertain part in their robot last year...

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by GMKlenklen

I'm thinking of a design that would use an ultrasonic range finder/ proximity sensor to determine where the spider leg is during autonomus scoring...
But I have no idea if they are legal this year? I think 71 & 1 used the vex model last year to sense weather there was a ball at a sertain part in their robot last year...

They are legal, provided they fit all criteria in the flow chart.

[Donut]

As long as they follow the flow chart, they'd be fine.

On a side note, you may want to look at possibly using IR range sensors as an alternative to the ultrasonics if they have characterstics you don't like. That looks like the route we're going, since we don't like the wide field of view of the ultrasonics.

[Kingofl337]

Yes, the VEX units are legal in FRC. They are excellent for detecting objects infront of your robot. You just need to change the connectors to female for the FRC controler. That or make a female-female cables so you don't have to modify the sensor. They are excellent for detecting metal 10" disks infront of your arm. There are drivers avalible for it in easyC and MPLAB.

[GMKlenklen]

What about third party sensors?

also, is it possible to detect the edges of the spider feet with this type of sensor?

or is it just goigng to read a distance off to the controller?

[Phalanx]

We also are considering using sonic range finders.

At the top of our list is this one:
http://www.maxbotix.com/

You may also wish to read this thread discusising some testing of it.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=46912

I've done mostly the same testing as the thread with similiar results.

[ttedrow]

Ultrasonic range finder/ proximity sensors may be use as long as they meet all other rule. Check the flow chart.

[Kingofl337]

The MaxSonar-EZ1 looks like a really nice sensor. It has an option to return analog voltages so it should be extreamly easy to use. Plus it doesn't eat precious interrupt ports. Looks like I might have to pick up a new toy to play with.

[JBotAlan]

I too would like a Maxbotix sensor..(drool)...but I'm a little leery about buying from a distributor I have never heard of.

Does anyone here know of a reputable distributor of this type of sensor, or an IR distance sensor? I am interested in getting one, but I don't know where to look. Parallax has one, but its range doesn't seem high enough for the application I have in mind.

Thanks,
JBot

[FreakyAntelope]

If it's any comfort, team 246 ordered a Maxbotix sonar sensor, and had no problems with the vendor. It's a very nifty sensor. It's pretty accurate, and very easy to set up.

Toby

[Netherlander]

This sensor looks good but I do have some qualms about using the ultrasonic sensor. First of all there are potentially way to many things that the signal could bounce off of and secondly if any other robot is using ultrasonic sensors they have a good chance of interfering with each other.

[Bharat Nain]

Those of you who purchased one, care to share any test results(preferably on the rack)?

[Dancing_Chuck]

So, lemme get this straight. We can use up to, but not including 900 mega hertz (or however you spell that, you get the drift). Does this include any camera? Can we use military-style cameras? Or is that out of the question?

[Spark Hawk]

If Chuck is right, that's insane

[Conor Ryan]

Yeah they should be legal, a few teams that saw last year bought some Vex Ultrasonic Sensors and used them without problems. The Vex sensors are great and if you don't use them on your FRC robot, you can use them on your Vex robot!