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Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: robvoi on February 03, 2014, 07:00:00 AM

Title: Alternative for Sharp IR sensors
Post by: robvoi on February 03, 2014, 07:00:00 AM

Hi,

are there actually alternatives for he Sharp IR distance sensors? They are or, I just wonder if I have alternatives.
The functionality should be similar - so giving the distance to the object. No simple boolean response if an object is there or not.

Sonar works fine - but the beam is simply too wide for my application.

Thanks
Robert

Title: Re: Alternative for Sharp IR sensors
Post by: jwatte on February 03, 2014, 11:04:58 AM

If ultrasound is not acceptable, and you don't want to use the Sharp-style sensors, then you need a laser range finder.
Unfortunately, those are pretty expensive.
LightWare just posted that they have an open source range finder kit (that needs help from your MCU) you might want to try: http://lightware.co.za/shop/laser-sensors/24-oslrf-01.html (http://lightware.co.za/shop/laser-sensors/24-oslrf-01.html) ($100 + international shipping)

Title: Re: Alternative for Sharp IR sensors
Post by: bdeuell on February 03, 2014, 11:37:01 AM

You can build your own range finder using a camera and a laser. Here is a guide http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/ubr/ff03laser.php (http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/ubr/ff03laser.php). The parts used might be a little outdated and I'm not sure how difficult it is as I have not built one myself.

Title: Re: Alternative for Sharp IR sensors
Post by: robvoi on February 04, 2014, 06:52:09 AM

Thanks for the replies. To conclude: there is nothing available that compares in price and features with the Sharp sensors.

Regarding TOF sensors I found a nice one: https://www.dragoninnovation.com/projects/32-lidar-lite-by-pulsedlight (https://www.dragoninnovation.com/projects/32-lidar-lite-by-pulsedlight)
If they make it to release a working product ...