Using the Parallax Ultrasonic Sensor to measure liquids (Need to add protectio

Joe

Hi,

Only to know how can I cover the Parallax Ultrasonic Sensor.

I need to measure water inside a tank.

It is very important to protect the ultrasonic sensor
from the water.

The water is quiet but some littles drop could splash
the sensor.

I think that the electronics could be cover and the transmitter
and receiver could be without cover but I think that the
transmitter and receiver will receive some drops of water.

Do you know how can I protect this sensor ?
and
Do you know where can I buy the same sensor with cover?

Thanks, Joe

Chris Savage

Joe,

The only thing I can suggest is we did some testing by sealing the PING))) behind a panel using silicone (which was, by the way, holding the PING in place) and it didn’t affect the operation at all. Given that if some liquid hits the transducers it may not cause any permanent harm, especially if it’s just water. The transducers should almost dry themselves especially with the ultrasonic effect of the 40 kHz continuous pulse. We haven’t tried this but it stands to reason. Covering the PING))) just isn’t an option because that would affect the transducers and impact the range. I hope this helps. Take care.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

Tracy Allen

Ultrasound will pass through some thin materials and fabrics without much attenuation. For a project (unrelated to PING) we had occasion to test the attenuation of many different materials. You might try saran wrap,or a piece of space blanket (aluminized polyester, ~ 0.5 mil), or a Gortex membrane of the type that is used as backing in outdoor breathable fabrics. Gore company actually sells membranes that are meant for that purpose, to protect microphones and other audio transducers from rain & splashed water, albeit not ultrasonics. I don't know how it might affect the timing response of a PING))).

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Tracy Allen
www.emesystems.com

Franklin

You'd have to take a chance but the frequency is right www.futurlec.com/Ultrasonic_Sensors.shtml

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- Stephen

Joe

Stephen and Tracy Allen :

It seems that Tracy Allen idea is ok.

But do you know if can I replace the two transducers ( transducers only)
by the http://www.futurlec.com/Ultrasonic_Sensors.shtml transducers ?

At the end of that web page there are sealed transducers . My problem
is to know if I can replace them (same volts and freq.) or if I need a new circuit.

If a need a neew circuit, do you know where can I find a good one
becuase sometimes the circuits I found using Google are not goods.

Thanks, Joe
PS: Of course, always using Basic Stamps.

Joe

Hi again:


I have the one Ping module from Parallax and I replaced the two ultrasonic
sensors.

Then I bought the Waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor from Futurlec
( http://www.futurlec.com/Ultrasonic_Sensors.shtml )


But the Ping with the new sensors send erratic numbers.

Ultrasonic sensors from Futurlec are 40Khz too, and
I don't understand where is the problem.

could you help me please , Thanks, Joe

LilDi

Here is a couple of products you might be interested in.


http://www.controlcomponents.com.au/products/product_results.asp?PRODUCTS_TYPE_ID=20

http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/z1/view.asp?id=124250