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PING sensor problem? — Parallax Forums

PING sensor problem?

tbenner1960tbenner1960 Posts: 5
edited 2011-05-24 12:53 in Accessories
I've connected my PING sensor to my BS2 and ran the Ping test.bs2 program. But I'm only getting a maximum number of 172(around 6cm). No matter how I point the PING sensor, that is the max reading I get. I also have the sensor elevated about the table by around 8 inches or so.
Would this indicate a faulty sensor? Is there something else I could be doing wrong?

Thanks

[Tim]

Comments

  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2011-05-06 16:00
    Welcome, Tim!

    I found my Ping))) to be really plug'n'play recently.
    Are you using it with a Stamp or what?
    Are you using the Parallax connector cable (white-red-black)?
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-05-06 16:16
    Does the LED on the PING flash? It should flash each time the PING is triggered to make an ultrasound pulse.

    If you have a bad cable or bad connection between the PING and the Stamp, you would probably get a maximum reading all the time.
    If the PING is connected to the wrong Stamp I/O pin, you would get a maximum reading all the time.
  • tbenner1960tbenner1960 Posts: 5
    edited 2011-05-06 16:59
    I am using a Basic Stamp(the BS2), and I'm connecting the PING module directly to the breadboard, no cable. The light on the PING is flashing. I've checked the wires and they are all going to the right places.

    [Tim]
  • FranklinFranklin Posts: 4,747
    edited 2011-05-06 18:27
    Could you attach your program to your next post? 
    Use code tags (#) in the advanced editing options
  • tbenner1960tbenner1960 Posts: 5
    edited 2011-05-09 05:56
    Here's the code:
    ' PingTest.bs2
' {$STAMP BS2}
' {$PBASIC 2.5}

time VAR Word

DO
  PULSOUT 15, 5
  PULSIN 15, 1, time
  DEBUG HOME, "time = ", DEC5 time
  PAUSE 100
LOOP
  • tbenner1960tbenner1960 Posts: 5
    edited 2011-05-09 10:34
    I've sort of found the problem. I've found if I tilt the pc board the ping is on forward a bit, I then get good readings. I have the ping board plugged directly into the breadboard, and I've checked the continuity and it is good on the three holes I have the ping board plugged into.
    Anyone else ever run into this?

    [Tim]
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2011-05-09 11:09
    Do you have a picture of your setup?
  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2011-05-09 19:04
    Well, you know,... it is intended that the transducers should be directed outward, unobstructed - if something is in the way then they'll detect it. The documentation makes that clear.
    If your breadboard is right on the tabletop or whatever, then that might be a problem.

    Other Notes -- The Ping))) that I bought from Parallax came with 2 standoffs, 2 screws and 2 nuts to mount it "remotely" and I supplied my own 3pin cable (but that's available from Parallax.) The Ping))) that I got from RadioShack was just the device itself and no "accessories". If you can fashion a post and a mounting bracket, to get things up in the air and away from other stuff, the device's performance will improve.

    http://forums.parallax.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80565&d=1303663383
    http://forums.parallax.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80570&d=1303663386
    http://forums.parallax.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80773&d=1304198239
  • drabdrab Posts: 1
    edited 2011-05-10 22:18
    is 4.38v enough to run this thing or does it have to have 5 full total
    minw is gettting 4.38 but im not sure if it is actually working because it wont talk to my chip
  • tbenner1960tbenner1960 Posts: 5
    edited 2011-05-23 06:13
    I bought a new PING sensor and this fixed the problem. So must be an intermittent in the old sensor.

    [Tim]
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-05-24 12:53
    You should call Parallax Tech Support. They may want the old sensor back to see what's wrong with it.
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