Distance sensors

homesch00lkid

I need a distance sensor that has around the sensing capabilities of this:
http://www.sickusa.com/live/master/datasheet.asp?PN=1015850&FAM=Measurement&P=4182
but·is more affordable (less than $200 instead of over $5000). It's fine if I need to mount it on a servo to get a sweep. And I would actually prefer raw data instead of the sensor doing all of the calculations for me. Can anyone help?

KB3JJG

well I did some googling because I could use something similiar for one of my many current projects. Cheapest thing I came up with that had decent range and rs-232 was
http://www.opticsplanet.net/opti-logic-range-finder-rs100.html

but a little more than twice what you wanted to pay, about $500. I think that the solution here is to buy a lower end consumer device and see if you can hack it. I'l see what else I can come up with.

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homesch00lkid

I should have mentioned that I'm planning on using it indoors, so it needs to be short range and relatively high resolution. That's why I'm having so much trouble finding something. The one you linked to says it has a minimum range of 4 yards, which probably won't work.

In case it helps, here's what I'm trying to do: I need to get a robot to build a map of its environment to help a team of robots navigate. I would use ultrasonic sensors, like the PING))), but as far as I can tell those just see whatever is closest in a cone. I need the sensor to be able to distinguish between multiple points in a small area, because it's going to have very small objects that it needs to place on its map.

Paul Baker

Sounds like you need to use a laser rangefinder.

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Benjamin_baker

Does the team of robots just have to navigate around the objects? Do you need to find a single path for blind robots to follow? Can you paint the objects and use a CMUcam? Are there any overhangs?

<Embarrassed>didn't know about the things and stuff</embarrassed>

Post Edited (Benjamin_baker) : 11/15/2005 4:58:53 AM GMT