Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!pt.cs.cmu.edu!andrew.cmu.edu!fk06+
From: fk06+@andrew.cmu.edu (Frank Vincent Koss)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Sensor circuits
Message-ID: <YafjN9u00WB98IyVwD@andrew.cmu.edu>
Date: 26 Jul 90 13:55:21 GMT
Organization: Class of '91, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Lines: 18


     I'm looking for information about inexpensive sensors that can be put
on a robot.  Top of the list right now is a proximity detector of some sort.
It should have a range of about 18-24 inches and only needs to detect the
presence of something (the distance to the object is not needed).  I've tried
a modulated IR LED/detector circuit, but its range is only about 3 inches (in
addition, ambient light is a problem.  Something I'm using as a filter cuts
the range too much.)  I have the plans for a circuit which uses ultrasonic
transducers, but I can't find the transducers.
     Any help would be appreciated, including but not limited to:  sources of
plans, parts suppliers (both distributors and manufacturers), hints, and
encouragement.  Thanks in advance for any help.  E-mail information to me and
I'll summarize to the net.

Frank Koss
fk06@andrew.cmu.edu
    or
koss@cs.cmu.edu