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Ping sensor question — Parallax Forums

Ping sensor question

robomakerrobomaker Posts: 12
edited 2013-05-19 10:29 in General Discussion
I was recently working on a new platform design using 3 PING sensors. Not thinking, I wired the pings to a 9 volt supply point used to power the servos instead of it't recommended 5 volt supply. Thing is, it seems to work just fine. Could this damage or reduce the life of the PING's? If so I can run back to the BS-2 or install a 5 volt regular easily enough to supply the PINGs. What do you think, Rewire for 5V or is it safe to just let it run as is at 9V?. Maybe a silly question but I hate to "fix what don't need fixxin"
Any input would be appreciated,

Comments

  • GarethGareth Posts: 278
    edited 2013-05-19 05:45
    Which ping sensors are you using ? ....
    I am surprised they work, as most of the ones i have would die at 9V - the ultrasonic transducers would survive (i guess)...however the control circuits would be fried.
    .. if it was me i would Rewire to Regulated 5V .... it may work at 9V for a bit.....(maybe even better ;-) ...though long term prognosis, could be messy.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2013-05-19 05:49
    +1... regulate to 5V ASAP. May be damaged already. Every second at 9V may be injurious. Why fry an $80 Ping array?
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2013-05-19 08:13
    It just goes to show you how robust Parallax products are. They seem to survive all kinds of abuse. Unfortunately, significant excess supply voltage is one sure way to damage or destroy an integrated circuit and some of the capacitors on the PING and other devices have been known to explode (tiny explosion) with either significantly too high a supply voltage or reversed supply input ((-) to Vdd and (+) to Vss) which will also destroy integrated circuits sometimes instantly.
  • robomakerrobomaker Posts: 12
    edited 2013-05-19 10:29
    Thanks so much for all the advice. I quickly rerouted the Ping supply lines to the BS-2 VDD terminal to obtain 5 Volts. 3 Pings don't seem to overload it and actually the Pings are operating even more accurately than at a 9V. No apparent damage done. ( and seems to have eliminated a few quirks I was having also ) I learned my lesson to pay attention to each components requirements when hooking up in the first place.
    P.S. Mike. Yes this does show the forgiving nature of these Parallax Devices! and ERCO you have never steered me wrong. Thanks to all that responded Happy building!!!
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