How would you program the ultrasonic sensor in Java. The sensor is an analog sensor I believe, but the class says it takes a digital input.
The sensor has three outputs, one of which is analog and one of which is digital (serial, 9600 Baud 8N1).
Or just say it is some other Analog sensor and use it that way.
Is there a guide or some out there that we can use as a guide to show us how to solder the sensor
The ultrasonic sensor class is meant to be used with a different ultrasonic sensor that is not found in the Kit of Parts.
To use the analog voltage output on the sensor, just created an AnalogChannel object with the given channel, and call getVoltage(). You can then translate that voltage into distance as you want.
As for soldering… There might be one on their website. I know, it’s a pain.
Here is one option as to how you can solder it: http://www.adafruit.com/adablog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pt-2002.jpg
As for soldering tips – I prefer to apply the solder to the side opposite the wires. In that picture, you can see they threaded the stranded wire through, then applied the solder in between the board and the wire’s insulator. I prefer to apply the solder to the OTHER side of the board, so that there is less chance of me accidentally burning the insulator.
If you do not want to solder it directly to the board, you can always solder two PWM cables to it. In other words, take the PWM cables, put then through the holes, then solder the PWM leads to the board’s vias on the other side. From there, you might find the PWM leads on the other side more manageable.
Either way, connect the GND to ground, +5 to the +5 channel on your cRIO’s Analog Module, and AN to an analog channel on your analog module.
The sensors have multiple outputs, analog, digital (pulse width modulated) and serial. There are also other ultrasonics sensors out there.
Call MaxBotixs, there have some excellent support people there. Good to talk with.