Trouble with "Ping" demo

sticktrader

I seem to be having a problem with the distance my sonar can report.· I can get it to report about 2-3" inches or shorter but nothing beyond that distance.· I've made sure that the distance between it and any floor object that could cause interference are out of the way.· It was easy to do since I have it on a enlonged wiring set-up and can just move the sonar around by hand.· However, I still have the problem of getting this thing to report back the kinds of distance they claim it can receive (3.3 meters and below).·· Help!

Mike Green

Make sure you have entered the sample program correctly. If you're still having problems, call Parallax Tech Support. There have been a few cases of a defective PING. Most problems are still:

1) Reflections from table / desk / floor that stop the measurement process early

2) Programming error

Chris Savage

Limited Range problems can often be traced to having the ping mounted using screws with no nylon washer. If you tighten the screw down too much you can actually cut into a couple of traces shorting them. Is your PING))) Mounted via the mounting holes and screws?

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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering

sticktrader

I know it is not programming error since I have loaded it directly from "Ping" and also tested from a direct load from "Viewport".· I do however have one side of the mounting holes with metal nuts holding a bracket.· I'll take that off and see if it changes anything.

GeorgeCollins

The most common problem is the one already brought up, a parallel surface that reflects the sound. I read on some forum that someone had better luck with a Ping with a little piece of Styrofoam behind for the acoustics. I have no idea if, or why that would really work, but I do it.

Ping mounted robot: www.trailofdestruction.com