Using parallax Sonar sensor for Car backup sensor

eternalist

Ok, I was in 'The Shack' as they now call it. Rediculous, I know. I came across the parallax sonar sensor and an idea popped into my head for a simple project. I could use this sensor to build a circuit for avoiding objects behind my car while in reverse. I know someone with a newer Mercury Mountaineer and it has backup sensors that beep faster as you get closer to objects and its quite helpful. Now I know that my version might not be as good as the one that Mercury has installed but I'd to take a go at it just for fun. However, before I start I just wanted to make sure that this sensor is the right part for the job. I'm also open to any suggestions or schematics anyone can donate. Thanks everyone.

- Ben

BTW, how do those clowns at Radio Shack even get jobs there?? They know literally nothing about electronic components. I know that electronic components aren't selling like hotcakes but I do believe the employees should have some very basic knowledge of the parts. I know radiosschack is terrible and expensive but its terribly convenient and the only store in a thousand mile radius that sells the parts I need.

hover1

The PING would be a good pick for the job in question, except for one thing...it is not waterproof. If you were to put it in a water proof enclosure, it would not work, (the transmitted signal would never make it out of the box).·Parallax had a water resistant PING on the drawing board, but it sounds like it has been shelved for the time being.
A quick google search brought up one that could be used:
http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AU5550&keywords=ultrasonic&form=KEYWORD

Jim

eternalist said...
Ok, I was in 'The Shack' as they now call it. Rediculous, I know. I came across the parallax sonar sensor and an idea popped into my head for a simple project. I could use this sensor to build a circuit for avoiding objects behind my car while in reverse. I know someone with a newer Mercury Mountaineer and it has backup sensors that beep faster as you get closer to objects and its quite helpful. Now I know that my version might not be as good as the one that Mercury has installed but I'd to take a go at it just for fun. However, before I start I just wanted to make sure that this sensor is the right part for the job. I'm also open to any suggestions or schematics anyone can donate. Thanks everyone.

- Ben

BTW, how do those clowns at Radio Shack even get jobs there?? They know literally nothing about electronic components. I know that electronic components aren't selling like hotcakes but I do believe the employees should have some very basic knowledge of the parts. I know radiosschack is terrible and expensive but its terribly convenient and the only store in a thousand mile radius that sells the parts I need.

Post Edited (hover1) : 6/19/2010 4:31:25 PM GMT

Franklin

And this www.robotshop.com/maxbotix-lv-maxsonar-wr1-ultrasonic-range-finder-1.html

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- Stephen

eternalist

Thanks for the input guys! By the way, does anyone know of any schematics available online that I could use to reference from while brainstorming for this project?

= BEn

lonaea

eternalist wrote: »

Ok, I was in 'The Shack' as they now call it. Rediculous, I know. I came across the parallax sonar sensor and an idea popped into my head for a simple project. I could use this sensor to build a circuit for avoiding objects behind my car while in reverse. I know someone with a newer Mercury Mountaineer and it has backup sensors that beep faster as you get closer to objects and its quite helpful. Now I know that my version might not be as good as the one that Mercury has installed but I'd to take a go at it just for fun. However, before I start I just wanted to make sure that this sensor is the right part for the job. I'm also open to any suggestions or schematics anyone can donate. Thanks everyone.

- Ben

BTW, how do those clowns at Radio Shack even get jobs there?? They know literally nothing about electronic components. I know that electronic components aren't selling like hotcakes but I do believe the employees should have some very basic knowledge of the parts. I know radiosschack is terrible and expensive but its terribly convenient and the only store in a thousand mile radius that sells the parts I need.

I also have backup sensors installed on my BMW. I'm able to do a very close and tight parking when required.
As you come closer you can't see the rear bumper edges without a camera, though having a wide angle lens is normally fitted in the center. Secondly. if you observe, that all cars' front have a curved design with the bulge in the center tapering off to the sides. So, the camera enables you to see the front bulging part thus making a tight parking easier.

erco

Professional NY towtruck drivers need neither fancy cameras nor ultrasonic sensors to get the job done!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_localnyc/20101228/ts_yblog_localnyc/out-of-control-city-tow-truck-destroys-parked-suv-on-brooklyn-street-video-shows

PS: I believe the towtruck driver was late getting to his night job at Radio Shack...

New video at http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-892&p=ny+towtruck+driver&vid=416027443338&dt=1293565139&l=179&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fvideos%2Fthumbnail.aspx%3Fq%3D416027443338%26id%3D2f0abd855ddb2470eb01effc6a0b9f29%26bid%3D0xzPvuy4kpBk1Q%26bn%3DThumb%26url%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fvideo.msn.com%252fvideo.aspx%253fmkt%253des-us%2526vid%253da272c5ee-c36c-469e-bc56-865f2d189595&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.msn.com%2Fvideo.aspx%3Fmkt%3Des-us%26vid%3Da272c5ee-c36c-469e-bc56-865f2d189595&tit=NYC+Tow+Truck+Driver+Wrecks+Car&sigr=12ib0rhia&newfp=1

lardom

@Erco. I saw that outrageous video on Yahoo before it was taken down. You could hear people yelling at the driver to stop damaging that SUV.